Sale 33 Worcester 27

Posted on December 29, 2012 by adminsports

Sale 33 Worcester 27: Cueto grabs record-equalling try to earn vital win for strugglers

UPDATED:

01:28 GMT, 29 December 2012

Danny Cipriani won the praise of arch-critic John Mitchell after he helped struggling Sale to a crucial Premiership win.

The much-criticised fly half kicked 18
points and helped fire Sale in a second-half which was capped by a
record-equalling Premiership try from Mark Cueto.

Cueto struck in the 58th minute to
round off a sweeping Sale move which put him level on tries at the top
of the Premiership charts alongside former Sale wing Steve Hanley.

Main man: Sale's Mark Cueto helped his side to a narrow but vital win

Cipriani converted the try and two late penalty goals helped him rebound from the criticism of Mitchell, the former All Blacks coach, following that trouncing at Toulon two weeks ago when he was vilified for his poor tackling.

Mitchell, Sale’s new consultant coach, dropped him for last week’s trip to his old club Wasps but had to pick him last night when Nick Macleod suffered a back injury.

And Cipriani did not let Sale down making a full contribution including a 100 per cent goal-kicking record by converting seven chances out of seven.

It left Mitchell commenting that Cipriani had shown the talent he was capable of. But he added it was only ‘one’ response and he is now expected to play a full part every week.

Mitchell said: ’Danny played well and defensively he showed some improvement. I would still like to see get his ‘shoulders’ on – I think everyone would.

‘But he stiffened up defensively which is what we have asked him to do. But we clearly need him at this level every week – not just one in three.’ Victory for bottom-placed Sale puts them a point behind 11th-placed London Irish who play champions Harlequins at Twickenham today.

But for the first part of last night Sale looked set to suffer another defeat. The conceded Worcester three easy penalty goals to Andy Goode and looked off the pace.

A try-saving tackle by full-back Rob Miller on Nikki Walker lifted Sale and they had fought back by half-time to be only 14-16 down, lock Richie Gray having scored a try to one by Worcester’s Neil Best.

Cipriani and Goode exchanged penalties in the second half before Sale found the winning edge when Cueto scooted over on the right for a try which his fly half converted.

That score put Sale 27-22 ahead and two late penalties by Cipriani kept Sale ahead despite Worcester’s grabbing a late try through flanker Matt Kvesic. Good failed to land the conversion in a final period when his usual accurate kicking boots let him down as he also missed two penalties.

Jonny Wilkinson might retire at the end of the season with eye on possible Lions swansong

Posted on December 19, 2012 by adminsports

Wilkinson could retire at the end of the season with eye on possible Lions swansong

UPDATED:

17:00 GMT, 19 December 2012

Former England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson may retire from rugby at the end of the season after admitting he will decide on his future in February.

The 33-year-old retired from international rugby after last year's World Cup having won 91 caps for England and the British and Irish Lions.

He has helped Toulon to first place in France's Top 14 this season but his current contract expires at the end of the season and he has today confessed he will only continue playing if it benefits the French side.

Enlarge

Jonny Wilkinson

Back in form: Wilko is playing some of the best rugby of his career with the French leaders

'I'm capable of carrying on, but it's a delicate balance,' Wilkinson said in an interview with sports daily L'Equipe.

'The question isn't what I would like to do, but what is best for my team. After I've asked myself that question, then I'll think about myself.'

Wilkinson is confident Toulon can win the Heineken Cup this season.
'Can we do the double I say, yes,' Wilkinson said. 'I'm never satisfied, but I'm happy with how we've played. We're heading in the right direction.'

Wilkinson thinks star-studded Toulon, which is packed with proven test players such as flyhalf Frederic Michalak, 91-test veteran Matt Giteau of Australia and former South Africa lock Bakkies Botha, is one of the best he's played in.

Jonny Wilkinson playing for the GB and Irish Lions

Lionheart: Wilkinson could be given the chance to finish his career playing with the Lions in Australia

'Everyone knows their role,” Wilkinson said. 'The most important thing is the rapport between the players, and that's where we're lucky.'

Should Wilkinson decide to retire at the end of the season, his swansong could be with the Lions tour to Australia in June, if he's selected.

Wilkinson was recently offered encouragement in his bid to be called up after one of Warren Gatland's three assistants Rob Howley confirmed that the fly half was being seriously considered for a place in the Lions squad that will tour in 2013.

Saracens 28 Gloucester 23: match report

Posted on December 2, 2012 by adminsports

Saracens 28 Gloucester 23: Hodgson marks return by kicking hosts back into second

PUBLISHED:

17:21 GMT, 2 December 2012

UPDATED:

17:21 GMT, 2 December 2012

Fly-half Charlie Hodgson kicked 23 points as Saracens moved back into second place in the Aviva Premiership table with victory over Gloucester at Vicarage Road.

Hodgson, returning to the side after four weeks out with a fractured cheekbone, landed seven penalties and a conversion – with only one miss – to hand captain Steve Borthwick victory on his 100th appearance for the club.

But they were pushed all the way by Gloucester who competed superbly but were ultimately sunk by replacement Richard Wigglesworth's crucial second-half try for Sarries.

Kicking on: Charlie Hodgson marked his return to Saracens by scoring 23 points

Gloucester, who had two players sin-binned, replied with tries from prop Dan Murphy and flanker Akapusi Qera, with Billy Twelvetrees kicking their other 13 points.

Twelvetrees, switched from centre to fly-half with Freddie Burns on England duty as a replacement in the Twickenham triumph over New Zealand, kicked Gloucester into an early 6-0 lead with penalties in the second and seventh minutes.

Hodgson's second penalty levelled the scores at 6-6 in the 27th minute but, two minutes later, Gloucester scored the first try of the match after the former England fly-half's clearance kick was charged down.

Prop Murphy, who blocked the kick, produced a neat one-touch to control the ball with his boot and a clean pair of hands to collect it and drive over the line, with Twelvetrees converting.

But, three minutes later, Murphy became the villain when he was sin-binned by referee Sean Davey for killing the ball at a ruck.

Hodgson made partial amends for his earlier blunder by kicking the resulting penalty.

Crunched: Billy Twelvetrees of Gloucester runs into trouble

Coming together: John Smit (right) tries to power past Twelvetrees

Gloucester sent on Nick Wood as a temporary front-row replacement for Murphy but his first scrum was penalised on the halfway line and Hodgson made his fourth kick appear effortless from the halfway line to reduce the deficit to a single point four minutes before the interval.

Hodgson struck again to kick Saracens ahead three minutes into the second half after Gloucester were penalised for failing to roll away at the tackle.

But Gloucester responded with number eight Sione Kalamafoni making a surging run through the middle from the halfway line before their pack mounted a concerted series of forward drives.

They moved the ball wide before Qera crashed over in the left corner, with Twelvetrees adding the conversion from the touchline.

Saracens, stung into action, came storming back and when Kalamafoni blatantly killed the ball at a ruck he became the second visiting player to be yellow-carded.

Gloucester were forced to defend desperately as Sarries, attempting to capitalise on their second extra-man advantage, threw everything at them in a series of forward assaults.

Easily done: Richard Wigglesworth dives over the line to score a try

Gloucester somehow kept them out but they were conceding penalties and Hodgson landed his sixth in the 54th minute before suffering his first miss at the seventh attempt three minutes later as he tried to kick the home side ahead from long range.

But Saracens took the lead for the second time in the match when full-back Chris Wyles, back from international duty with the United States, split the Gloucester defence before releasing replacement scrum-half Wigglesworth who crossed in the corner for a real winger's try, converted by Hodgson.

Twelvetrees cut the gap to two points with his third penalty before Hodgson responded with his seventh.

Gloucester mounted a desperate late assault which saw Wigglesworth sin-binned but Saracens managed to soak up the pressure.

Leicester 17 Bath 12: Mass brawl mars Tigers" win as THREE are sent off in five minutes

Posted on December 1, 2012 by adminsports

Leicester 17 Bath 12: Mass brawl mars Tigers' win as THREE are sent off in five minutes of mayhem

UPDATED:

15:40 GMT, 1 December 2012

Three players were sent off in five minutes of mayhem as Leicester bounced back from last week's defeat at Wasps to beat Bath in the Aviva Premiership at Welford Road.

Bath duo Francois Louw and Matt Banahan and Leicester's Brett Deacon were all shown red cards for foul play between the 60th and 65th minutes.

The dismissals proved a turning point in the game because Bath, who had just lost Simon Taylor to the sin-bin, saw their 12-6 lead – gained through tries from Stephen Donald and Tom Biggs – eroded as the hosts scored 11 points in five minutes.

Aggro: Tempers fray as Tigers' Anthony Allen is treated in the foreground

Adam Thompstone crossed for Leicester's try, with the rest of the Tigers' points coming from the boot of George Ford.

It was a much-needed win for Leicester after last week's defeat at Wasps, while Bath, who beat leaders Harlequins last week, will be kicking themselves for their indiscipline.

Both teams were boosted by the return of some of their internationals, Leicester able to recall props Marcos Ayerza and Martin Castrogiovanni, with Horacio Agulla, Paul James and Louw back for Bath.

It was an emotional return to Welford Road for Argentina back Agulla, who joined Bath last summer, and there was added spice to the match for Leicester fly-half George Ford, whose father Mike is the Bath defence coach.

Last season Ford got the better of his father, who was then at Newcastle, in a one-sided game, but Bath were a much tougher proposition and they led 5-0 at half-time thanks to a fine solo try from their New Zealand fly-half Donald.

Off you go: Francis Louw (left) is sent off by ref Tim Wigglesworth

They were good value for it, too, for they ran hard and were adventurous when attacking and defended resolutely in their own 22.

Leicester created chances but were far too wasteful and Ford turned down several kickable penalties after missing attempts in the ninth and 15th minutes.

Donald missed a long-range penalty in the third minute and then Bath threw everything but the kitchen sink at Leicester, whose defence was rock solid.

But Bath drew first blood in the 13th minute after a fine break by full-back Nick Abendanon. From the ruck, Donald threw a couple of dummies before running straight over full-back Mathew Tait for a terrific try, which he failed to convert.

Ford missed penalties either side of the Bath try before putting Leicester in a great attacking position with a fine touch kick, but they wasted the chance with the referee penalising them for crossing when surging to the line from the line-out.

They passed up another chance to score from a line-out two minutes later and their lack of precision told again when they had a try chalked off for a forward pass.

It came after a brilliant counter-attack which twice involved Tait and winger Thompstone down the left, and when Leicester switched the attack to the right lock Graham Kitchener put Niall Morris over with a long floated pass only to see the video referee adjudge it to have gone forward.

Up above: Graham Kitchener claims the ball in a lineout at Welford Road

After last week's defeat at Wasps, Leicester boss Richard Cockerill slammed his side, saying not one player deserved to wear the shirt. He demanded an improvement and, while there was commitment in spades, Leicester paid the price for poor basic skills, another chance going begging in the 34th minute when Anthony Allen threw a long pass to Thompstone that ended up in touch.

Whatever the Leicester coaches said at the break had an effect because they started the second half at a gallop and, when they won a penalty 40 metres out, Ford made no mistake.

Bath found themselves down to 14 men when number eight Taylor was sin-binned for obstruction on Tait in the 50th minute, and five minutes later Ford put Leicester ahead for the first time at 6-5 with a tremendous penalty from 46 metres.

The lead, however, lasted just two minutes because Bath hit back with their second try, winger Biggs cantering over after great work by Donald and Banahan.

Donald added the conversion to put Bath 12-6 ahead but there was another twist moments later when Bath flanker Louw was sent off for use of the elbow.

Leicester took advantage immediately, Thompstone scoring after Leicester had driven to the line from a line-out. Ford missed the conversion.

Worse followed when Michael Claassens conceded a needless penalty, pushing Allen in the back during a Leicester counter-attack and allowing Ford to kick an easy penalty.

And then Banahan was also sent off for a high tackle on Allen. Allen was left prostrate on the ground for several minutes while the medics attended to him before being carried off on a stretcher. Leicester flanker Deacon was also sent off after the incident for appearing to throw a punch.

The madness continued when Donald was sin-binned for also appearing to throw a punch, before Ford put Leicester 17-12 up with his fourth penalty 12 minutes from time.

Dan Carter can rock England for New Zealand

Posted on November 28, 2012 by adminsports

Dan can Paint It Black: Stones fan Carter set to rock HQ and make it 10 on the trot for Kiwis

UPDATED:

23:34 GMT, 27 November 2012

It says a lot for Dan Carter’s status in New Zealand that when the All
Black fly-half announced that his wife, Honor, is expecting their first
child, the country’s Prime Minister was quick to publicly pass on his
congratulations.

What John Key and all Kiwis recognise is that their record-breaking No
10 is a national treasure, not to mention the world’s all-time leading
points scorer and — by common consent — the finest fly-half in the
history of Test rugby.

The 30-year-old is revered in his homeland and respected around the
globe. He has been the poster-boy for the sport for several years,
having long since reluctantly acquired the mantle which once sat
uncomfortably on Jonny Wilkinson’s shoulders.

Respected: Dan Carter (centre) is a key player for New Zealand

Stones fan: Carter went to watch the legendary rock band

Carter is a figurehead for the game but when he is abroad, in countries
where rugby is not king, he is able to enjoy the rare delights of a
lower profile. He can blend into a crowd, which is exactly what he did
on Sunday. Just hours after arriving in London from Cardiff, he paid a
visit to the O2 Arena to watch The Rolling Stones. ‘It was awesome,’ he
said. ‘It was amazing. I was rocking out!’

Having relished the role of the excited fan, he is now in business mode,
which spells trouble for England. Carter missed the All Blacks’
victories over Italy and Wales while recovering from an injury to his
achilles-calf area, but expects to be fit for the tour finale,
Saturday’s QBE International at Twickenham.

Stuart Lancaster has enough on his plate without having to tackle the
omens which Carter will bring to HQ. Rewind to June 2003 and the
fresh-faced prospect from rural Canterbury was an unused replacement as
the England of Martin Johnson and Wilkinson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Phil
Vickery and all came to Wellington and beat the All Blacks en route to
World Cup glory.

Since then, since Carter has become a points machine,
it has been Kiwi dominance all the way in this fixture. Nine games, nine
New Zealand wins.

Pricey: Tickets to see Mick Jagger and Co cost top dollar

Surprise: Carter believes England should have kicked on after their 2003 triumph

Dan Carter

‘I’m surprised England haven’t done more since 2003,’ said Carter.
‘They’ve shown the strength of their side only in patches since then.
Maybe consistency is what’s been lacking. They’ve got the players, so
talent’s not an issue.’

Recalling the night in Wellington when Sir Clive Woodward’s team
conquered his compatriots while he sat on the bench, Carter added: ‘It
was in 2003 that I got the All Black jersey for the first time, though
unfortunately I didn’t get on. England were in their prime and had a
successful year. We have real pride in not losing at home but they
taught us a lesson that night.’

Since then, his star has risen rapidly while England’s fortunes have
declined. Carter quickly asserted his credentials as a fly-half with the
full tool box — kicking precision and robust defence, mental fortitude
and vision, quick hands and nimble feet.

He reached the bar which had been set by Wilkinson and soared past it,
with the proof of his claim to be the world’s leading playmaker
delivered one night back in Wellington’s ‘Cake Tin’ in 2005, when he led
the Lions a merry dance in a complete display of the No 10 arts.

That, and so many other performances of the highest class, have helped
New Zealand regain their pre-eminence in the global game. Sadly, when
they finally claimed their Holy Grail by winning a home World Cup last
year, Carter missed the sharp end of the tournament through injury.

To see the Kiwi response to his demise at first hand was to understand
his role as a focal point of so much hope and expectation. Negative
bulletins about Carter prompt nationwide panic. It is a small-scale
version of the phenomenon in India, where public morale is intrinsically
linked to the health and batting exploits of Sachin Tendulkar.

So when Carter revealed on Twitter yesterday that Honor, a former New
Zealand hockey captain, is 21 weeks pregnant, the announcement made
waves. He was typically bashful about all the fuss. After admitting to
being ‘very excited’, he was asked if he hoped his child would be
sporting. Stuttering for an appropriate answer, he eventually came up
with: ‘Yeah . . . reasonable genes there, so who knows…!’

More comfortable territory was any talk of Saturday’s Test. While Carter
diplomatically suggested England can ‘beat any team on their day’, it
was somewhat more revealing when he described the hosts as
‘well-structured’. In direct opposition to him at Twickenham will be
21-year-old Owen Farrell of Saracens, who has eight caps to the Kiwi’s
93. It will be a classic case of master versus pupil.

This may be the last game in a gruelling season, but for the All Blacks
and their icon, there can be no easing off now. Steve Hansen’s side have
a 20-match unbeaten run to protect and Carter is adamant there is no
danger of complacency despite their nine-year hold on this fixture. For
his own part, the fire still burns.

‘Every time you get to pull on the black jersey you’re wanting to
perform,’ he said. ‘The drive is still there, which is important. The
hunger and desire to play the best I can every week is still there,
which is a good sign.’

It is a particularly bad sign for England. Carter has had his fun
watching the Stones. Now he is on his way back to Twickenham, ready to
paint it black once more.

DAN CARTER'S TWITTER COMPETITION

Carter with rugby tickets

After sampling the most expensive tickets in town at the Rolling Stones concert, New Zealand star Dan Carter is offering his Twitter followers some freebies.

The fly-half is giving away two pairs of tickets (pictured right) for England’s crunch game against the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday. The catch Entrants have to submit a ‘creative’ film explaining why they deserve the tickets, performed in front of a London landmark.

Carter will announce the winner at midday on Friday.

Tweets from @DanCarter

‘Last leg of the tour and I think we should do something crazy and creative for #EnglandDCHookup’

‘In order to win double pass to the England game, you need to send me a #creative video on why you want those tickets.’

‘The video needs to include a well known London landmark in the background. Remember you have to be able to attend the game in person.’

‘Shy & don’t want to be in the video that’s fine as long the video is creative, includes a London landmark and why you want those tickets’

Dan Carter misses Wales v New Zealand with leg injury

Posted on November 23, 2012 by adminsports

Carter forced out of All Blacks team for Wales showdown after suffering leg injury

UPDATED:

17:34 GMT, 23 November 2012

Superstar: All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter

Dan Carter has been ruled out of the New Zealand team for tomorrow’s Test match against Wales in Cardiff.

The fly-half Carter will be replaced by Aaron Cruden, with Beauden Barrett joining the replacements’ bench.

Carter, who has won 93 caps, suffered a leg injury during All Blacks training at the University of Glamorgan yesterday.

In nine appearances against Wales he has scored 162 points and never been on the losing side.

There has so far been no official confirmation from the All Blacks camp surrounding his withdrawal.

Carter, though, has Tweeted a picture of All Blacks training inside the Millennium Stadium this afternoon. In the same post, he said: 'Gutted not to be playing with these boys in this stadium tomorrow'.

Saracens 29 Wasps 24

Posted on November 5, 2012 by adminsports

Saracens 29 Wasps 24: Hodgson to the rescue as Sarries edge to victory

UPDATED:

17:10 GMT, 4 November 2012

Former England fly-half Charlie Hodgson kicked a magnificent seven penalties from seven attempts but it was not quite enough to enable Saracens to depose Harlequins at the top of the Aviva Premiership.

Hodgson's only kicking miss was a conversion attempt from the touchline after lock Alistair Hargreaves scored Sarries' only try.

South African Hargreaves had an afternoon of mixed fortunes, grabbing his charge-down try and being sin-binned before being carried off on a stretcher following a controversial challenge by James Haskell.

Main man: Charlie Hodgson kicked Saracens to victory

Saracens' other three points came from a Nils Mordt penalty while Hodgson was off the pitch receiving treatment for a cut.

But Wasps pushed them all the way, with tries from winger Tom Varndell and scrum-half Charlie Davies, three penalties and a drop goal from Nick Robinson and a conversion by his replacement Tommy Bell not quite enough to stop their four-match winning run in all competitions from coming to an end.

Saracens, who needed to win by seven points to go top, were without Owen Farrell, Brad Barritt, Chris Ashton, Mouritz Botha, Alex Goode and Mako Vunipola through England call-ups while Wales prop Rhys Gill was ruled out by injury.

Former England winger David Strettle served early notice on Wasps, slicing through their defence before opposite number Christian Wade produced a try-saving tackle.

But Wasps conceded a penalty, allowing Hodgson to kick Sarries ahead after only four minutes.

The visitors took only two minutes to hit back with the opening try.

Diving over: Saracens' Alistair Hargreaves scores a try against Wasps

Wade found full-back Hugo Southwell, whose well-timed pass provided Varndell – this season's leading Premiership tryscorer – with the space to outpace Richard Wigglesworth on the outside and touch down in the corner for his seventh of the campaign.

Robinson missed the conversion and a long-range penalty before landing a calmly-struck 30-metre drop goal in the 20th minute.

But two penalties in the following three minutes from Hodgson edged the home side 9-8 ahead.

Hargreaves, showing remarkable agility for a big man, scored Saracens' sole try in the 28th minute.

The giant South African second row made the most of his 6ft 7in frame to charge down an attempted clearance kick by Davies from the base of a Wasps scrum and then won the chase to dive on the ball and claim the try, but Hodgson was off-target with the difficult conversion.

Centre Elliot Daly was narrowly wide with a long-range penalty shot for Wasps before Robinson landed one from closer in.

Robinson struck again to level the scores in the final minute of the first half after tryscorer Hargreaves was yellow-carded by referee JP Doyle for going over the top at a ruck.

Over and out: Hargreaves was taken off with neck injury

Two minutes into the second half Hodgson went off with a blood injury after Saracens were awarded a penalty and Mordt came on to kick the goal and put the home side back in front.

Six minutes later Robinson levelled the scores with his third penalty.

England back-row forward Haskell incurred the wrath of the home crowd with a huge hit on Hargreaves, who received treatment on the pitch for several minutes before being carried off.

But the only sanction from referee Doyle was a penalty, which Hodgson struck from 40 metres to put his side back in front at 20-17.

Two more penalties from Hodgson in a three-minute spell stretched Sarries' lead to nine points.

Robinson's replacement Bell was just short with a penalty from inside his own half before Hodgson struck his seventh from two metres inside the Wasps half.

But Wasps battled to the end and they were rewarded with a losing bonus point when Davies squeezed over for a last-gasp try, converted by Bell.

Exeter 33 Worcester 9: Chiefs take charge with commanding win over Warriors

Posted on November 3, 2012 by adminsports

Exeter 33 Worcester 9: Chiefs take charge with commanding win over Warriors

PUBLISHED:

17:59 GMT, 3 November 2012

UPDATED:

18:16 GMT, 3 November 2012

Late tries from Haydn Thomas and
Chris Budgen put the seal on a convincing victory for Exeter Chiefs who
remain unbeaten at Sandy Park in the Aviva Premiership this season.

Exeter went into the break 19-3 ahead through a try from Gonzalo Camacho which Gareth Steenson converted, and the Irishman followed that up with three penalties with Andy Goode replying with a late penalty.

The former England fly-half added two more after the break before the game petered out until the final 10 minutes when the Chiefs scored tries from Haydn Thomas and Chris Budgen.

Down and out: Worcester Warriors players react to conceding a try

Exeter approached the game on the back of three straight defeats, to Leinster and Clermont Auvergne in the Heineken Cup and away to Bath in the Premiership last weekend.

They made four changes, with Fijian Sireli Naqelevuki starting at outside centre, Chris Whitehead at hooker, and skipper Tom Hayes linking up with Aly Muldowney in the second row, meaning Dean Mumm switched to the back row.

Worcester also made changes, with hooker Ed Shervington and prop Ceri Jones making their first Premiership starts of the season.

Quick hands: Worcester scrum-half Paul Hodgson gets a move started

Lock Dean Schofield returned to lead the side, Chris Jones came in at number eight, while Josh Drauniniu returned on the wing.

The visitors had won their last three games across all competitions but were forced to make a late change when Samoan international wing David Lemi withdrew due to a tight hamstring.

Andy Short was drafted in for his first Premiership start. Exeter took the lead after full-back Luke Arscott put a grubber kick through and wing Camacho hacked on and won the chase for the try line.

Fly-half Steenson added the extras. Exeter's smooth start continued as Steenson, who had seen an early attempt hit the upright, took advantage of the wind at his back by adding three penalties to give the home side a 16-0 midway through the half.

Round the outside: Exter's Sireli Naqelevuki beats his man

Worcester full-back Chris Pennell was then forced to race back and touch down behind his own line after the Chiefs mounted another attack down the right.

The visitors continued to test the patience of referee David Rose as they conceded another penalty at the scrum and Steenson again found the target to stretch the lead to 19 points.

With time almost up in the first half, the Warriors again kicked a couple of penalties to the corner to set-up catch and drives.

They came to nothing but then home centre Phil Dollman was penalised for a high tackle and Andy Goode reduced the arrears to 19-3 at the break.

Goode work: Andy Goode of Worcester in action

Worcester started the second period with a lot more energy but Exeter's defence stood firm for almost 10 minutes until they were penalised for hands in the ruck and Goode made it two successful kicks from two attempts.

The visitors had a try from replacement Ravai Fatiaki ruled out for a forward pass, and from the resultant scrum Exeter were able to clear their line.

Worcester tried to capitalise on Exeter errors to creep their way into the opposition half and the penalty count continued as Goode landed his third penalty with 10 minutes remaining.

Up for it: Worcester players organise a lineout

But the Chiefs sealed the game as breaks from Arscott and Rich Baxter pressed them towards the line.

Scrum-half Thomas picked up at the back of the ruck and dummied before diving over the line with Steenson adding the conversion.

With five minutes remaining, Worcester's former Cornish Pirates flanker Sam Betty was sent to the sin-bin for taking out Arscott.

Dave Ewers went close to crossing the try-line but was stopped short and his fellow replacement Chris Budgen went over, with Ignacio Mieres adding the extras.

Nick Evans signs new contract at Harlequins

Posted on November 1, 2012 by adminsports

Former All Black Evans commits to Harlequins for another three years

UPDATED:

13:46 GMT, 1 November 2012

New deal: Evans

Nick Evans has ended speculation about his playing future by a signing a new three-year contract with Aviva Premiership champions Harlequins.

The New Zealand international fly half had been a subject of intense speculation linking him with a move overseas.

But Quins on Thursday announced the 32-year-old has agreed terms that will keep him at the Twickenham Stoop until 2016.

Evans, regarded as one of the most successful foreign signings made by any Premiership club, joined Quins from Otago four years ago.

He has now scored almost 1,200 points for Quins and was named the Rugby Players' Association player of the season last term.

'There is not a player, supporter or coach in the game in England, let alone Harlequins, who will not be delighted that Nick Evans has agreed to stay with us for another three years,' Quins rugby director Conor O'Shea said.

'The Aviva Premiership wants the best players playing in it, and Nick is one of the very best.

'He contributes so much to this club both on and off the field, and he is the perfect role model for all young players.

Key man: Evans helped Quins to win the Premiership last season

'While I know one of the main reasons he is staying with us revolves around his family, ultimately it is about his ambition to achieve things with this club.

'We have started something here and Nick wants to see it through. His decision to stay is a great early Christmas present for all Harlequins supporters.'

Evans added: 'Myself and my family are happy to have the opportunity to stay at Harlequins. I'm looking forward to continuing to play with a great bunch of lads and to working with a special coaching staff.

'There is no limit to what this team can achieve, and I am excited to have an influence both on and off the field.

Former All Black: Evans appeared 16 times for New Zealand between 2004 and 2007

'My decision was made easy by the ambition of this great club, the success we have had and the hunger to want more.

'The support I have had from the supporters has been amazing, and I will do my best to help the club stay one of the major forces in English and European rugby.'

Quins are currently top of the Premiership, while they launched their Heineken Cup campaign last month with successive victories over Biarritz and Connacht.

Evans went off injured during the Biarritz game almost three weeks ago, but it is thought a return to playing action is imminent.

Gloucester 27 Leicester 21: Freddie Burns sends message to Stuart Lancaster

Posted on October 28, 2012 by adminsports

Gloucester 27 Leicester 21: Burns sends message to Lancaster with virtuoso display

UPDATED:

20:14 GMT, 27 October 2012

Freddie Burns emerged as an England contender worthy of Stuart Lancaster’s immediate attention as Gloucester increased their run of unbeaten matches to eight against Leicester on Saturday.

The form fly-half of the season completely upstaged the man in possession of the England No 10 jersey, Toby Flood, who is favourite to start at fly-half in the autumn internationals.

Class apart: Burns was outstanding for Gloucester

Burns is not in Lancaster’s 32-man Elite
Player Squad which will meet up at Burton this week but he scored a try
of international class and cheated difficult windy conditions to give
Gloucester a deserved victory as Tigers lost ground on Saracens at the
top of the Aviva Premiership.

It would be a bold move to call up the 22-year-old now, but Burns will
surely be the first cab off the rank should an England back suffer an
injury between now and the opening game against Fiji on November 10.

High hopes: Louis Deacon rises to collect a lineout ball

Gloucester built a six-point half-time lead, upstaging a side brimming with England players.

Their momentum was established from the second minute when Charlie
Sharples surged on to Burns’ tap ahead to go over in the corner. Burns’
conversion swerved viciously in a high wind before splitting the
uprights.

Flood reduced the deficit from a penalty before Burns replicated the England player’s accuracy from a penalty.

Outshone: England fly-half Toby Flood

Tigers relieved the pressure when Scott Hamilton tore on to Manu
Tuilagi’s pass for a disputed try.

The video referee showed Ben Morgan
had not blocked Hamilton’s stretch for a touchdown for Tigers to close
the gap.

Burns thrilled the crowd with Gloucester’s second try in the 20th minute.

Star attraction: Leicester and England centre Manu Tuilagi

Receiving a pass from scrum-half Jimmy Cowan, Burns chip kicked to
himself to take out a Leicester player and raced over the line before
converting his own touchdown.

A Flood penalty made it 17-11 at the break but the match was settled
midway through the second-half when James Simpson-Daniel burned off the
Tigers defence and send Akapusi Qera over for a Gloucester try. Burns
made it three conversions out of three.

But referee John Doyle’s decision to show Cowan and Rob Cook yellow
cards for infringements when Gloucester were absorbing heavy Tigers
pressure reduced the home team’s numerical strength dramatically.

Winner: Akapusi Qera goes over for Gloucester

No sooner had the culprits left the pitch than the referee awarded
Leicester a penalty try, converted by Flood, which reduced the arrears
to 27-21.

But the Tigers wasted their numerical advantage to suffer their second Aviva Premiership defeat of the season.

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