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Apr 6 '19
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen this week did his best to pump up a deflated Wallabies outfit. Wholesale Air Max Plus Ireland .When announcing his Rugby Championship squad, Hansen emphasised how the Wallabies would have a considerably longer time than New Zealand to prepare for the first Bledisloe Cup match in Sydney on August 20.As four of the five Australian provinces were involved in early exits from the Super Rugby tournament, Hansen said they had four weeks to get ready to play a Test, compared to the All Blacks having just one week by the time we get everyone there.So thats an advantage. Theyve also brought some quality men back from overseas, and a quality coach coming in from New Zealand- Mick Byrne- and he will enhance them as well.There has been a lot of talk about how Australian and South African teams havent been going that good in the Super Rugby. I think it is farcical to think they wont turn up and create a tremendous competition in this Rugby Championship, Hansen said.Coaches love praising their opponents, as it gives them excuses when they lose. They also dont want any of their triumphs cheapened, especially if it is perceived that their rivals are second rate.Still what Hansen uttered were encouraging sentiments, even if nowhere near enough to convince understandably wary Australian rugby fans that the long running period of Bledisloe Cup doom and gloom is suddenly about to end.What brought it all back into perspective was the squad Hansen selected. It wasnt just who was in that emphasised the gap between the All Blacks and the Wallabies remains substantial, but as much who was left out.While Wallabies coach Michael Cheika the previous week named a 36-man train-on squad that included several who were there more on reputation than form, there was absolutely no slack in Hansens contingent. Here was a squad that boasted excellent options and poise in every position.It will also be match hardened, revolving around those who have either been playing semifinal or finals football, which is often a better option than a squad confined to a training paddock for weeks on end.Then there were those who missed the cut. Damian McKenzie, the effervescent Chiefs fullback, was one of the standout players of the Super Rugby tournament. He has for months provided compelling entertainment. You were drawn to that smile which is part of his unusual goal-kicking routine. You were constantly enthused that despite his relatively small frame he fearlessly tried anything and everything in attack, and usually succeeded. His unorthodox approach was a competition highlight.McKenzie is a flourishing talent, but he didnt make the All Blacks cut. Neither did Chiefs centre Seta Tamanivalu, Crusaders flanker Matt Todd and Blues utility forward Steve Luatua- all of whom would cruise into countless other international teams.Depth in numbers and talent has always been the All Blacks strength. Australian rugby has instead constantly had to make do with limited resources.Nonetheless all is not lost for the Wallabies. At least Cheika has been able to bring in the artillery- beckoning back from overseas four important players- Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau, Will Genia and Drew Mitchell. Ashley-Cooper, Giteau and Genia should cruise straight back into the Test line-up for the first All Blacks encounter, providing much required experience- something clearly missing during the three-Test England whitewash of Australia.Cheika is also using the extended time with his squad wisely, even this week opting for a cross codes opposed training session against the Sydney Roosters NRL side. The short hybrid game had the desired effect- something new revitalised his playing group.And Hansen has a point about his old mate- Mick Byrne. The Australian Rugby Union hasnt excelled itself with great appointments in recent times, but the recruitment of Byrne as their skills coach can only be applauded.Byrne spent a decade deep within the All Blacks environment, and was repeatedly praised for his involvement in keeping the worlds premier rugby team well ahead of their rivals.Australian rugby, which has often struggled due to skill deficiencies at all levels of the game, have for a long time needed someone of the calibre of Byrne to get it back on track.Although Hansen argues that Byrne will not pass on All Blacks secrets to the Wallabies, its doubtful the latest ARU employee will opt for the cone of silence when in the Australian dressing room before any Bledisloe Cup match. Important intelligence is bound to be passed on.In the next week, the Wallabies could also gain inspiration from a once unlikely source- womens rugby.For a long period, the ARU neglected womens rugby. But in recent years, it has been an ARU priority, and with it Australia has developed an exceptional national womens sevens team, now ranked No.1 in the world.Luring players from various sports, including basketball, touch football, hockey and athletics, the Australian team, renowned for its pace and verve, is favoured to win Olympic gold, ahead of New Zealand.If that is achieved, it will provide Australian rugby with its best feel good story in many months, as well as being a morale boost at a time when the local game is going through a serious slump. The Wallabies are bound to use any Rio success, particularly over their trans-Tasman rivals, as a motivational spur.Longer Test preparation, prime overseas players returning, cross code training sessions, Mick Byrne and anticipated womens rugby success... none of these suddenly transform the Wallabies into Bledisloe Cup favourites. Far from it.But it will at least remind them that there is always an abundance of good reasons to turn up. Cheap Air Max Plus Ireland . John Tavares, Thomas Vanek and Kyle Okposo were also being counted on to slow down sizzling Rangers forward Rick Nash. That plan didnt go so well early. Air Max Plus Ireland Sale .B. -- The Baie-Comeau Drakkar took over sole possession of first place atop the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League on Thursday with their sixth straight win. http://www.cheapairmaxplusireland.com/ . -- Charlie Graham stopped 67 shots as the Belleville Bulls edged the visiting Guelph Storm 6-5 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. NATAL, Brazil -- Brazil maintained its momentum in South Americas World Cup qualifiers by thrashing Bolivia 5-0 on Thursday, staying a point behind Uruguay which stayed top after defeating Venezuela.Elsewhere, Copa America champions Chile sank even lower after losing 3-0 to Ecuador, while Colombia managed to beat Paraguay away 1-0 with a goal in the dying minutes. An Argentina team missing star Lionel Messi managed a draw at Peru.---BRAZILOle, ole, ole, ole... Tite! Tite! It had been ages since a Brazil coach had the pleasure of being hailed as a hero by fans. But that happened on Thursday to Adenor Bacchi, universally known as Tite, only three games after getting the job and winning his third consecutive match for Brazil. Nearly all 30,000 supporters at the Arena das Dunas in sunny Natal, in the countrys Northeast, sounded excited about the 55-year-old from the beginning to the end of the hammering of the Bolivians.The goals were scored by Neymar (10), Philippe Coutinho (25), Filipe Luis (38), Gabriel Jesus (44) and Roberto Firmino (75). Brazils goalkeeper Alison barely touched the ball during the entire game.Asked about the reaction of fans in the post-match press conference, Tite held the tears and looked above as he repeated thank you.Before Tite took over, Brazil wasnt even among the top four positions in South Americas qualifying standings -- each of which is worth an automatic place at the World Cup in Russia. After victories over Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia, Brazil is second in the table with 18 points, one behind leaders Uruguay. Bolivia is 9th with seven points.If Tites side beats Venezuela away and Uruguay fails to win at Colombia next week, the now excited Brazilian supporters that had feared the humiliation of not even qualifying for the World Cup will instead see their team in number one position.We feel that the atmosphere here has changed for the better, right-back Dani Alves said at the end of the match, without mentioning Tites predecessor Dunga.Barcelona star Neymar delivered a great performance in the 65 minutes he was on the pitch before he left with a bleeding forehead caused by a Bolivian elbow. He scored the opening goal, repeatedly dribbled through Bolivias defense, irritated the opposition but also picked his third yellow card, which suspends him from Tuesdays clash against Venezuela, in Merida.That card, however, makes Neymar an almost sure presence in the derby against Argentina in Belo Horizonte on Nov.10.Neymars goal was the 300th of his career, according with the Brazilian Football Confederation. These figures include all those he scored for Brazil, Santos and Barcelona as a professional since 2009. He also surpassed midfielder Zico as the 4th top goalscorer in Brazils history. Now Neymar only trails Romario (56), Ronaldo (67) and Pele (95). The Barcelona star is 24 yearss-old. Air Max Plus Ireland Cheap. The easy win came after some initial difficulties for coach Tite, who lost Real Madrids left-winger Marcelo and midfielder Casemiro to injury and Guanghzhou Evergrandes midfielder Paulinho to suspension. He also took a risk in changing Chelsea winger Willian for Liverpools magician Coutinho, but the diminutive playmaker was one of the best on the pitch on Thursday.---ARGENTINANo Lionel Messi meant no party for Argentina at Peru. After leading twice, Argentina conceded a late goal to the hosts which resulted in a draw. New coach Edgardo Bauza struggled to make his midfield more fluent and Manchester Citys striker Sergio Aguero failed to lead the team in Messis absence. Argentinas goals were scored by Funes Mori (15) and Gonzalo Higuain (77). Peru initially equalized through Paolo Guerrero (58) and again with a penalty converted by Christian Cueva. Now Argentina is 5th in the standings with 16 points, the same number of Ecuador and Colombia. The Argentinians are behind in the amount of victories and goal difference. Peru is in 8th position with eight points.---URUGUAYSouth American qualifying leader Uruguay was not surprised by last-place Venezuela in Montevideo and won 3-0 in convincing fashion. Only weeks ago Venezuela nearly beat Argentina, but the Uruguayans didnt offer a chance and won with goals scored by Nicolas Lodeiro (28), Edinson Cavani (46 and 79). Uruguay has 19 points and Venezuela stays last with their two. Now Uruguay will try to hold on to their lead in Colombia next week.---CHILECopa America champions Chile had yet another embarrassing result losing 3-0 to Ecuador in Quito. It could have been much more if the hosts had their finishing right in the second half. Now Ecuador has 16 points in third place, five more than Chile, which is 7th. The Chileans are five points behind the spot that would allow them to be in a playoff for a World Cup placement. Antonio Valencia (18), Cristian Ramirez (23) and Felipe Caicedo (46) scored the Ecuadorian goals.Chile could well need the three points they are seeking from the 0-0 home draw with Bolivia in September. Chiles federation claimed that Bolivia fielded an ineligible player, defender Nelson Cabrera.The strangest incident of the evening was in Ecuadors Enner Valencia being removed in an ambulance after an apparent injury. Local media said police officials could have arrested the Everton player in the end of the match for not paying alimony.----COLOMBIAEdwin Cardona scored the 90th minute winner against Paraguay at the Defensores del Chaco stadium, in Asuncion. The result gives a breather to the Colombians, who now have 16 points in fourth place against 12 of the Paraguayans, who will stay in sixth place. ' ' '
