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Brumbies sink Bulls after the siren

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 30 Maret 2013 | 20.47

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Nerves of steel ... Christian Lealiifano nails a penalty goal after the siren to defeat the Bulls. Source: Kym Smith / News Limited

An after-the-siren 45-metre penalty goal to inside centre Christian Lealiifano snatched the Brumbies a dramatic 23-20 Super Rugby win over the Bulls in Canberra on Saturday night.

The Bulls locked the scores up with one minute to go when outside centre Johannes Engelbrecht scored in the corner from a turnover and Morne Steyn converted.

1

Tries

2

Robbie Coleman 40' Jurgen Visser 49'
JJ Engelbrecht 79'

0

Conversions

2

Morne Steyn 50'
Morne Steyn 80'

6

Penalties

2

Christian Lealiifano 19' Morne Steyn 21'
Christian Lealiifano 33' Morne Steyn 54'
Christian Lealiifano 37'
Christian Lealiifano 70'
Christian Lealiifano 74'
Christian Lealiifano 80'

But the South Africans pushed for the win after the hooter and were penalised directly in front of their own posts.

Lealiifano, who had only missed one shot at goal in six attempts all night, stepped up and nailed it in front of 13,735 fans.

Lealiifano said some teammates tried not to look him in the eye before the match-winning kick.

"It was a bit patchy where it was, and I tried to move it forward and do all those kinds of things to sneak it in," he said.

"But it was one of those things where I've kicked it during the week and just hoped I'd hit it right on the night and luckily enough it went over."

Australia Conference W L D PD BP Pts
1 Brumbies 5 1 0 73 3 27
2 Reds 5 2 0 5 2 22
3 Waratahs 2 3 0 -30 1 13
4 Western Force 1 4 0 -31 1 9
5 Melbourne Rebels 1 4 0 -82 1 9
New Zealand Conference W L D PD BP Pts
1 Chiefs 5 1 0 84 5 25
2 Hurricanes 3 2 0 1 2 18
3 Blues 2 3 0 16 5 17
4 Crusaders 2 2 0 37 4 16
5 Highlanders 0 5 0 -48 2 6
South Africa Conference W L D PD BP Pts
1 Sharks 4 1 0 60 1 21
2 Bulls 3 3 0 -5 3 15
3 Stormers 2 2 0 1 2 14
4 Cheetahs 3 2 0 -22 1 13
5 Southern Kings 1 4 0 -59 0 8

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke questioned the last play turnover from Brumbies replacement Colby Faingaa, saying he believed the Brumbies defensive line were offside at the time.

"Clearly offside, definitely, we just looked at it," he said.

"I've just seen those guys going before the ball is out, to charge Morne (Steyn) down, they knew Morne was going to kick.

"But you know that's the game, it would have given us another point, but that's life.

"We don't want to give it energy, the whole season is ahead of us, it was a great effort and we're going to go with that."

White said it was just one call that could have gone either way in a tough encounter.


Re-live all the action from the Brumbies' last-gasp win over the Bulls, with video of the dying stages, at our Super Rugby Match Centre.


"The margins are so small in this competition that those sort of calls, if they go for you that's fantastic," White said.

The Bulls finished strong for the second week running, working back an 11-point halftime deficit, but once again fell just short of snatching a last-minute Super Rugby result.

The Brumbies scrum dominated the Bulls throughout the match, culminating in a yellow card to loosehead prop Morne Mellet in the 65th minute for repeated scrum infringements.

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With the Bulls scrum one man down, the Brumbies pressed home their advantage and nine minutes later Lealiifano kicked his fifth penalty goal of the night after another scrum infringement.

Both sides began the match playing a very conservative style of rugby, choosing to minimise the risk of being penalised in their own half by kicking it immediately rather than running.

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A 9-3 lead to the Brumbies late in the first half gave them the confidence to run the ball more, retaining possession for over a dozen phases before fullback Robbie Coleman scrambled over the tryline after the halftime siren.

A rejuvenated Bulls declined a penalty shot directly after halftime and after several phases winger Lionel Mapoe crashed over the line only to lose the ball in a last ditch tackle by Brumbies winger Henry Speight.

However fellow winger Petrus Visser made amends in the 49th minute when he finished off a well worked passage of play from the Bulls.


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Video: livid Aloisi slams referees

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Fuming ... John Aloisi was livid with what he deemed another poor refereeing performance. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

John Aloisi has let fly at A-League officials after what he deemed another sub-par performance from the men in the middle in Melbourne Heart's loss to Central Coast Mariners.

Goals to golden boot contender Daniel McBreen and youngster Mitchell Duke helped the Mariners on their way at Bluetongue Stadium, but the home side were helped by a dubious decision in the first half that saw them open the scoring from the penalty spot.

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Heart defender Patrick Gerhardt was harshly sent off for a deliberate handball in the box, and Aloisi soon found himself sitting next to his player in the stands after voicing his disapproval to referee Jarred Gillett during the half-time interval.

Rookie coach Aloisi wasn't pulling the punches when he spoke with Fox Sports' Matchday Saturday team after the Mariners game.

"Most of the people in the stadium saw it wasn't a handball. How did he get it completely wrong," a livid Aloisi asked.

"Clearly he didn't handball it and it changed the game."

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Aloisi - whose side now face the prospect of the dreaded A-League wooden spoon - says it wasn't an isolated incident in a disappointing season for the Heart.

"Every week we're getting decisions against us," he said.

"I feel that referees are not up to standard.

"When you get opposition players thinking the referee made a bad decision, then you know something's wrong."


Watch John Aloisi's blow-up at the performance of A-League referees in our video at the top of this page.


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Gillett also took charge last week and awarded Brisbane Roar a contentious penalty in their win over the Heart, a result that ended Aloisi's hopes of making the A-League finals.

A passionate Aloisi said he held no regrets over the confrontation with Gillett about Gerhardt's send-off that saw him sent to the stands.

"If my players see me accept a decision like that they would be upset. It probably fired them up a bit," Aloisi said.

"He (Gillett) didn't give me an explanation.

"It changes the game. How can I be happy? I'm not going to be happy about it."


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Video: Ablett leads Suns past Saints

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Stunner ... four goals from Gary Ablett inspired the Suns to a round one upset over the Saints. Source: DAVE HUNT / AAP

A Gary Ablett masterclass on Saturday night secured Gold Coast a 13-point win over St Kilda in their AFL season opener at Metricon Stadium.

The Suns' captain kicked four goals, including three in the final term, to guide the home team to a shock 13.12 (90) to 10.17 (77) win.

3.6 (24) Q1 1.7 (13)
3.8 (26) Q2 6.9 (45)
6.11 (47) Q3 7.14 (56)
13.12 (90) Q4 10.17 (77)

Gary Ablett

4

Terry Milera

3

Charlie Dixon

2

Nick Riewoldt

2

Luke Russell

2

David Armitage

1

Harley Bennell

1

Beau Maister

1

Sam Day

1

Stephen Milne

1

Aaron Hall

1

Arryn Siposs

1

Jaeger O'Meara

1

Jack Steven

1

Matt Shaw

1

Ablett sent the home fans into raptures when his second goal of the quarter put the Suns ahead but his best was yet to come.

The dual-premiership player stepped and fended his way through the Saints' defence, before sending a right-foot snap curling through the goal for his fourth major and a game-defining moment.

It was part of a remarkable best-on-ground display by the midfielder, who picked up a game-high 34 disposals; the 77th time he has eclipsed 30 disposals in his illustrious career.

Suns coach Guy McKenna said Ablett's confidence in his younger teammates allowed him to have a greater impact on the scoreboard.

"Gary's humble enough to say his old man is better than he is, I would beg to differ,'' McKenna said.

"What we're seeing in Gary too is his leadership of understanding that he doesn't need to be in the middle now.

"That he has got the confidence and trust (of his teammates) ... his four goals clearly were telling.''

Charlie Dixon and Luke Russell were the other multiple goal-kickers for the Suns, with Russell's second late in the fourth quarter a crucial settler after Steven Milne had closed the margin for St Kilda.

The Suns' victory, their third in as many matches at their home ground after defeating Greater Western Sydney and Carlton at the end of last season, was secured through a gutsy second-half display as they made the most of a scrappy performance by an undermanned St Kilda line-up.

The Saints, led by captain Nick Riewoldt's two goals, had looked to have settled when they booted five-goals to none in the second-quarter to turn an 11-point first-quarter deficit into a  19-point halftime lead.

But the Suns bounced back with Ablett, Matt Shaw and teenage debutant Jaeger O'Meara kicking three third-term goals to move within two kicks of the lead at the last change.

From there the home team took control of the match through Ablett's inspiration and some St Kilda ill-discipline, the visitors conceding three 50m penalties and handing the Suns' their first two goals of the final term through free-kicks.

Late goals by Milne and Terry Milera gave the Saints hope of snatching a win but Aaron Hall's late breakaway major sealed the win and sparked celebrations.

A disappointed St Kilda coach Scott Watters said his player's execution at key moments had proved the difference.

"From our point of view the effort was strong from the players, the efficiency was poor,'' Watters said.

"You need both. You have to work extremely hard when you're not efficient.

"The players will be stung by that and they'll work hard to rectify it but obviously you lose a game on the back of it and that hurts.''

Click here to re-live the action in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.


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Glory denied but finals bound

All square ... Jacob Burns tries to run down Fabio Ferreira. Source: Justin Benson-Cooper / News Limited

Perth Glory beat out Sydney FC for the last place in the A-League finals with a 1-1 draw against Adelaide United at nib Stadium on Saturday night.

The Glory entered the match needing only a draw to leapfrog Sydney into sixth spot on goal difference.

Adrian Zahra's 58th-minute goal eased the tension, but the Glory were given a fright when Adelaide midfielder Jake Barker-Daish pegged one back in the 91st minute.

And the Reds almost snatched victory with the final play of the match, only for Perth goalkeeper Danny Vukovic to pull off a sharp diving save to deny Dario Vidosic's long-range free kick.

The result capped a remarkable turnaround for Perth, who were dead last on the ladder when Alistair Edwards took over as coach last month.

Under Edwards, Perth won four and drew one of their seven games to secure a fairytale finals berth.

But the work of previous coach Ian Ferguson shouldn't be forgotten.

A string of heartbreaking one-goal losses brought about Ferguson's undoing.

But the close nature of those results meant Perth's goal difference never suffered terribly.

And in the end, it was their superior goal difference compared to Sydney that decided the race for sixth spot.

Sydney's finals chances were hanging by a thread following a 3-1 loss to Brisbane on Thursday night.

The Sky Blues needed both Newcastle and Perth to lose their matches.


Re-live the thrilling final minutes between Perth Glory and Adelaide United in our A-League Match Centre, featuring video highlights.


Western Sydney's 3-0 win over the Jets completed the first part of the equation, but Perth became the ultimate party poopers in front of their biggest ever home crowd of 16,707 in the A-League.

Perth dominated play against Adelaide in the opening half but couldn't find the back of the net despite creating a series of good chances.

Ryo Nagai should have put the home side ahead when he was taken down by Cameron Watson in the box.

But his scuffed penalty was deflected onto the post by a diving Eugene Galekovic, with Glory players unable to capitalise on the rebound.

Adelaide's defence finally cracked in the 58th minute when Steve McGarry's dangerous cross was met by Zahra.

Although Adelaide goalkeeper Galekovic got a palm to Zahra's strike, the ball bounced in off the crossbar, with Zahra celebrating his third career goal with an acrobatic backflip routine.

Glory midfielder Steve McGarry should have made the result safe in the 84th minute, but sprayed his close-range shot wide of the target.


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Former NRL star Wicks out of jail

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 29 Maret 2013 | 20.47

Free man ... Former NRL star Danny Wicks is out of prison after 18 months. Source: News Limited

Catching up with family and friends and getting a job are the priorities of former NRL star Danny Wicks who was released from jail this morning.

Wicks played 69 NRL games before he was arrested and charged with eight drug related offences, including six counts of supplying a prohibited drug and two counts of possessing a prohibited drug.

Now 20 kilograms lighter than the heavyweight enforcer he was for the Knights and the Dragons, Wicks said he hadn't even considered whether he would play footy again.

"I'm fitter now than I've ever been because I trained hard every day while inside. It kept me focused and helped me get through the days," Wicks said.

"But I'm certainly not about to put up my hand and say I want to play again. There are so many more important things awaiting me like catching up with my family and friends, getting a job and kick-starting my life."


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Cowan's county stint causes a stir

Cowan ... will play County cricket leading in to the Ashes. Source: Greg Wood / AFP

English county side Nottinghamshire has defended its decision to sign Australian Test batsman Ed Cowan in the lead-up to the Ashes.

Cowan, 30, will link up with Nottinghamshire next month to play in their first seven County Championship matches and eight limited-overs games.

The stint should allow the Test opener valuable time to acclimatise to English conditions before the Ashes starts at Trent Bridge, Nottinghamshire's home ground, on July 10.

Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell admitted Cowan's recruitment may not be ideal from England's perspective but said the batsman would likely have toured with Australia A in June anyway.

"I can totally understand if they are not that thrilled about it but my point of view was that I was looking for a good quality opening batsman, the IPL is on and a lot of good quality opening batsmen are in the IPL," Newell told the UK's Daily Telegraph.


Former England captain Michael Vaughan will join Fox Sports for our coverage of the Ashes. Watch the whole series, starting with the first Test on July 10, LIVE and in HIGH DEFINITION on Fox Sports.


"... Although I understand why England would be unhappy with a bloke getting some pre-Ashes warm-up, I just pick the right bloke for Notts and he's a good bloke and he wants to play.

"I'm not sure playing for Notts against Middlesex on April 10 will be anything like playing for England on (July 10).

"You would think it wouldn't do him any harm but Australia A are coming over in mid-June for three matches anyway, so if he wasn't playing for Notts he would be playing for Australia A."

Cowan averages 32.90 across 17 Tests and scored 265 runs at 33.12 in the recent Test series in India.


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Storm hold off brave Broncos

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Billy Slater ... dives over to score a try during the NRL match between Brisbane and Melbourne at Suncorp Stadium. Source: Darren England / News Limited

Melbourne have maintained their undefeated streak, holding off a Brisbane fight back to steal victory 32-26 in their Good Friday clash at Suncorp Stadium.

Rumours that Brisbane centre Justin Hodges would be a last minute withdrawal against the Storm proved correct.

But speculation that the Broncos are a spent force in 2013 appear premature after they went down by six points to the reigning premiers in front of 40,071 fans.

The Broncos suffered a major blow when Hodges (hamstring) was a last minute withdrawal, gifting Jordan Kahu an NRL debut.

Hodges had been seen as the key to reigniting the Broncos' trademark flair following a dour last round 8-0 loss to the Sydney Roosters.

But someone forgot to tell Brisbane.

Trailing 14-0 after 15 minutes and 20-6 at halftime, Brisbane fought back to lead 22-20 by the 53rd thanks to winger Josh Hoffman's hat-trick to ensure a barnstorming finish.

"I don't know what was said at halftime but we came out with a different attitude and ready to play," Broncos captain Sam Thaiday said.

"We got a jump on them but we just couldn't go on with it."

In the end, Billy Slater grabbed three tries of his own as Melbourne stormed home to seal their 13th straight win and remain unbeaten since last July.

But the Broncos will gain much needed heart after being written off before kick-off.

It was easy to see why.

Melbourne had won six of their past seven games at Suncorp Stadium and Brisbane just two of their past 13 against the Storm at all venues.

Still, even diehard Melbourne fans would have been surprised by the Storm's whirlwind start.

Hulking centre Junior Sa'u drew first blood in the fourth minute before Slater got into the act.

The flying fullback pounced on an inside pass - and gaping hole - and raced over to score in the ninth minute despite Broncos captain Sam Thaiday's complaints that he had been held up in the preceding scrum.

Six minutes later Slater pounced on a Cameron Smith grubber.

Brisbane counterpunched through Hoffman in the 27th minute despite Cooper Cronk and Will Chambers' best efforts to hold the winger up.

However, Melbourne went into halftime up 20-6 after Slater ran onto a clever Cronk chip, spun the ball right and winger Matt Duffie did the rest in the 35th minute.

Whatever Broncos coach Anthony Griffin said at halftime worked as the Broncos came out swinging after the break.

Hoffman and centre Jack Reed terrorised the Storm's left edge, combining to score a total of three tries in 11 minutes and suddenly the Broncos led 22-20.

However, Slater grabbed a hat-trick of his own off a Cronk bomb (62nd) before winger Duffie (67th) crashed over after the ball went through six sets of hands.

Storm coach Craig Bellamy said he could see the Broncos fightback coming.

"They are a very proud club. We knew it was going to be a dog fight," he said.

"Still, we are not used to having 26 points scored against us. It was a bit disappointing to lose our grip on the game like we did.

"I never felt comfortable at halftime. Some things we weren't doing in defence and it snowballed in the second half."

Melbourne captain Cameron Smith added: "We came up against a team out to prove a point."

The Broncos lost Hoffman and David Stagg to injury late in the second half but still kept Melbourne honest when their left edge was again sliced up, this time by backrower Alex Glenn (72nd).


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Inu could face ban over Inglis spear

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South Sydney ... star Greg Inglis is spear tackled by Krisnan Inu. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Canterbury coach Des Hasler is expecting Krisnan Inu to find himself in hot water following his spear tackle on South Sydney fullback Greg Inglis.

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However, referee Shayne Hayne opted to place the Kiwi centre on report.

No player has been sent from the field for a spear tackle since Peter O'Driscoll received his marching orders for Souths in 1995.

Hasler refused to defend his player but said it was out of character for the enigmatic centre to deliberately try and hurt an opponent.

"It went wrong that tackle. Let's not kid ourselves," Hasler said.

"It didn't look too good. Krisnan's got an impeccable record.

"He's not that kind of player. We'll wait and see just how it's graded.

"The way the gradings are going we might get off lightly."

Inglis was suffering from a sore neck after the game and was checked out by doctors, but is not expected to miss any games.

That is unlikely to be the case for Inu, whose challenge was labelled "one of the worst I've seen for some time," by commentator and former Penrith halfback Greg Alexander.

Inu's teammate Tony Williams was hit with a seven-game following a similar incident on Cronulla Isaac De Gois when he was playing for Manly last year.

Williams was slugged with a grade four charge and was facing potentially 10 games on the sidelines before taking the early guilty plea.

Souths coach Michael Maguire said he couldn't discuss the incident because it had been put on report.

Asked what was going through his mind when the incident occurred, Maguire said: "Greggy get up. Do your job."

"We can't really comment. At the end of the day, it's sorted out over the next couple of days."

Souths prop Roy Asotasi admitted he was concerned for Inglis' when he saw the Queensland superstar land on the back of his neck.

"It was a pretty bad-looking tackle," Asotasi said.

"It is probably the worst way to land. It was pretty much head first and he still had his arms.

"I am sure it will get sorted out. The welfare of players is the most important thing in the game."


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Richmond survive scare

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 28 Maret 2013 | 20.47

Party Time ... Dustin martni celebrates a wonder-goal as the Tigers start with a win. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

Richmond's dream AFL season start almost became their worst nightmare, as they barely held on to post their first win over Carlton in five years at the MCG on Thursday night.

The Tigers downed the fast-finishing Blues 14.22 (106) to 14.17 (101) in front of 80,971 fans, only surviving thanks to three missed Carlton shots for goal in the dying minutes.

3.3 (21) Q1 2.9 (21)
4.6 (30) Q2 9.14 (68)
9.12 (66) Q3 14.18 (102)
14.17 (101) Q4 14.22 (106)

Eddie Betts

2

Brett Deledio

3

Jefferey Garlett

2

Tyrone Vickery

3

Bryce Gibbs

2

Jake King

2

Chris Judd

2

Luke McGuane

2

Matthew Kreuzer

2

Reece Conca

1

Marc Murphy

2

Bachar Houli

1

Shaun Hampson

1

Daniel Jackson

1

Chris Yarran

1

Dustin Martin

1

Luke McGuane made himself an unlikely hero, producing a ferocious tackle on Carlton youngster Josh Bootsma to win a free kick and seal the game - fittingly by booting a behind - as the siren sounded.

Richmond had earlier dominated the first half to lead by 38 points at the main break and still led by 36 points at the last change, despite a Carlton third-term surge.

But the Blues refused to give in, kicking the only five goals of the last quarter to close within seven points in time-on, after Jeff Garlett booted his second in succession.

But ruckman Matthew Kreuzer, who had kicked his second earlier in the term, missed a difficult set shot from a tight angle.

And Chris Yarran missed two simpler chances, the first from a close-range shot and the second from about 40m on the run to narrow the gap to four points with about a minute to go.

New captain Trent Cotchin was excellent for the Tigers, as was Shane Tuck and fellow midfielder Brett Deledio, who kicked three goals, while key forward Ty Vickery booted three majors in the first half.

For the Blues, Chris Judd and Bryce Gibbs were stand-outs along with Kreuzer.

Carlton's woes extend beyond the loss with Chris Yarran on report for striking and a concussion that forced Mitch Robinson out of the game.

Click here to view all of the stats and scores in the FOX FOOTY Match Centre.


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Thurston v Sterlo: a champ tells all

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North Queensland ... Cowboys skipper Johnathan Thurston in action. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

North Queensland skipper Johnathan Thurston has revealed some of the deepest secrets that have made him arguably the best player in the NRL right now.

In a wide-ranging interview with Sterlo host, Peter Sterling, Thurston explained how he looks for dents in opposition defensive lines, what he does to prepare for a game and reveals in which game he's most felt 'in the zone".

We give you a taste of the interview, with Thurston's take on:

Pre-game prep: Pretty relaxed, calm. I've been around for a while now, so I know how to prepare for a game and get my body right and get my mind right mentally and physically.

Superstitions: Playing for the Cowboys I always have to have my socks the one colour. I've been doing that since I was at the Bulldogs, and I've just followed that through, so that's probably about it.

Targeting opposition defenders: Obviously as a team we do plenty of video on the opposition's defence and we look out for the weaknesses there and we target them.

The Cowboys' gameplan: Most of it's structured, but I've always been a player who likes to play what's in front of me. If I see something that's not to the structure we're playing, I'm certainly going to play that. I always have my eyes forward, I'm always scanning across the line to make sure I know if there's any holes across the defence, you know, if someone's lagging behind or a little bit injured. And I just try to expose them.

The show and go: If there's a big man in front of me, I try to expose them a little bit. Probably the show and go is my strength. It's about standing up the big man in front of me, exposing him a little bit on his inside shoulder or his outside shoulder. If he's not square. If his hips or his shoulders are turned out a little bit, well then I know I've got him.

Exposing the Storm on the edges, setting up two tries in their round two encounter: The first one was a turnover. Bowen passed the ball to me and we had a bit of an overlap. I could see their winger, his shoulders were turned in and he came straight in for our centre. So that made my job easier. I could see Tones (Antonio Winterstein) there on the wing, so I hit him there and put him through and I think Kane (Linnett) scored on that one. And the second one we just had a block shape off me and I could see the centre, Will Chambers, and the winger Matt Duffie, turned in on Mango (Matt Bowen). And I could see Antonio on the wing by himself. So both times I hit him on the chest, which is alright.

Goal kicking: I make sure I'm comfortable. I'll wear a headgear and a shoulder brace and do my routine: I take my steps back and my steps to the side and I focus on a target on the ball. I count my steps in when I'm going in to kick and I just imagine that. I need to aim a fair bit right (of the posts) on both sides. I can take it if I miss to the right of the posts but I can't stand missing to the left because that means I haven't given enough room for my hook.

Being in 'the zone': Probably game three of State of Origin last year. I can remember being camped down, I think they put a good kick in and we were battling to get off our line. I went from the left side over to the right and told Sammy T (Thaiday) to run a block off Cooper (Cronk) and that got Mitchell Pearce in a little bit. I threw a dummy and he fell for that and I ran 40m and handed the ball inside to Brent Tate and I think two or three plays later I ended up scoring beside the sticks.
 


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Sandhu wins Steve Waugh medal

Rising star ... Gurinder Sandhu caps off a remarkable season. Source: Mark Graham / AAP

Gurinder Sandhu has announced himself as a star of the future by taking out the Steve Waugh Medal for NSW cricketer of the year, despite playing just two Sheffield Shield and four one-day matches this season.

At a ceremony in Sydney on Thursday night, Sandhu became the first rookie player to win the award, pipping the favourite former Test wicketkeeper Brad Haddin by three votes.

The Steve Waugh Medal is decided through a 3-2-1 vote by players at the end of each Shield and one-day interstate cup match - tallied together to determine the winner.

The 19-year-old Sandhu took 5-31 in 11 overs on his Shield debut against Victoria and, from his two four-day games, he took 14 wickets at 11.85.

In a bumper breakout year for Sandhu, he also made his debut for the Sydney Thunder, Chairman's XI and Australia A.

Sandhu was also named NSW's Ryobi Cup Player of the year.

In the other award categories, Australian women's World Cup star Alex Blackwell took out the Belinda Clark Medal and Trent Copeland won the Sheffield Shield player of the year.

Luke Feldman was the Sydney Sixers player of the year and Dirk Nannes voted the Sydney Thunder's best.

Cricket NSW acting chief executive Michael Dalton congratulated Sandhu and Blackwell on their Awards.

"Gurinder and Alex have both had fantastic seasons for NSW," said Dalton.

"Gurinder has become the first rookie to win the award and it is amazing to think that he only played two out of 10 Shield matches and half the Ryobi Cup season.

"He is an impressive young man who has been a great addition to our squad and has shown that he has the ability and temperament to perform in all three forms of the game.

"Alex also had a superb season. She is a great role model and sets a tremendous example as captain of the Breakers. To lead the side to victory in all competitions this season and be part of a World Cup-winning side is a very special achievement. She deserves all the praise she gets."

The late Amy Hudson and Norm O'Neill, as well as former Test spinner Greg Matthews were inducted into the Cricket NSW Hall of Fame.


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Tiger fans breathe easy

Tigers Flying ... Jake King reacts quickest to kick a goal ahead of Aaron Joseph. Source: JOE CASTRO / AAP

They're not called long-suffering Tigers fans for nothing.

For five years they've been waiting to get one over their bitter enemy Carlton.

3.3 (21) Q1 2.9 (21)
4.6 (30) Q2 9.14 (68)
9.12 (66) Q3 14.18 (102)
14.17 (101) Q4 14.22 (106)

Eddie Betts

2

Brett Deledio

3

Jefferey Garlett

2

Tyrone Vickery

3

Bryce Gibbs

2

Jake King

2

Chris Judd

2

Luke McGuane

2

Matthew Kreuzer

2

Reece Conca

1

Marc Murphy

2

Bachar Houli

1

Shaun Hampson

1

Daniel Jackson

1

Chris Yarran

1

Dustin Martin

1

For 12 months they've watched as their team has found any number of ways to lose close matches.

For 12 years they've fronted up in round one full of hope and optimism only to watch it gradually evaporate at various stages before September.

All of those ghosts from seasons past looked to have been banished midway through the third quarter when the Tigers were dominating, full of energy and run as Brett Deledio kicked consecutive goals to stretch the lead to a seemingly insurmountable 42 points.

Particularly when their coach Damien Hardwick had spoken in the pre-season  about how their primary focus over summer was the defensive structure and the defensive aspects of the players all over the ground.

Yet the Tiger nerves started jangling when Chris Judd produced a two-minute purple patch late in the third quarter, managing three shots - two of them goals - to reduce the margin to 21 points.

Those same nerves were soothed, though, when new skipper Trent Cotchin stamped his authority on the match.

Cotchin, who had never experienced victory in his previous seven matches against the Blues, looked determined to break his duck. In one particularly brilliant passage of play, he gathered a floating ball, produced a Robert Harvey-like body swerve to wrong foot an approaching Blues defender, and drilled a precise pass to Luke McGuane for a goal.

By the final change the margin had been restored to 36 points and all looked well in the yellow-and-black camp.

But the Tiger nerves were fraying again when Carlton kicked the first three goals of the final quarter to reduce the difference to 19 points. They were numb as they watched their boys simply stop running, tighten up and make poor decisions, leaving the door ajar for the unthinkable.

Tigers fans were contemplating a whole new brand of suffering when Jeff Garlett slotted home two goals to get the Blues to within seven points 23 minutes into the final term.

They couldn't watch when Matthew Kreuzer pulled in a mark moments later, when Chris Yarran first snapped and then streamed into an open goal. But thankfully for them all of these shots missed. With a minute to play and just four points the difference, it was anyone's game.

Surely a moment of class or luck or umpiring would decide this match now.

As it turned out, it may actually have been that long-suffering yoke that made the difference. 

Only five of Richmond's starting 22 had ever played in a Tigers win over Carlton: Chris Newman, Brett Deledio, Shane Tuck, Jake King and Daniel Jackson. In fact, going into the match, the Tigers team had played a combined 131 matches for Richmond against Carlton, for a grand total of 13 wins.

One of the 17 was Luke McGuane, who had trudged from the field on the previous six occasions to the tune of "We are the Navy Blues''.

With about 35 seconds remaining, and the ball in the hands of Carlton defender Josh Bootsma, a desperate McGuane launched himself into a fierce tackle that earned him a free-kick and bought enough time to ensure victory.

His point sealed the five-point win.

In truth it had been set up over the first three terms. 

Cotchin was superb, with 16 of his 33 possessions contested. He also influenced the play numerous times when he didn't have the ball, most notably in the second quarter when he chased down and tackled Andrew Carazzo to set up a Tyrone Vickery goal.

Brett Deledio was the architect early, with clean hands and crisp skills when the ball was hot in the first half.

Ivan Maric produced a typically bullocking display in the ruck, while Alex Rance and Steve Morris stuck at their roles of quelling Carlton's main goal threats.

Judd and Bryce Gibbs tried hard throughout, and Michael Jamison kept Jack Riewoldt out of the match.

In the end, though, the difference was that more Richmond players seemed to want it more.


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Fa'aoso charge downgraded

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 27 Maret 2013 | 20.47

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Escape ... Richie Fa'aoso will miss just one week for his hit on Ash Harrison. Source: COLIN WHELAN / AAP

Manly coach Geoff Toovey has called for an overhaul of the NRL judiciary's grading system after Richie Fa'aoso's grade three dangerous contact charge was reduced on Wednesday.

The former Melbourne and Newcastle forward was facing a four-game ban if he lost his appeal following his challenge on Gold Coast back-rower Ashley Harrison last Sunday.

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Fa'aoso caught Harrison with his shoulder, but the Queensland State of Origin star was knocked out following a clash of heads between the pair after contact had been made.

The 28-year-old is the latest in a long line of players who have secured a victory at the judiciary after fighting the grading of a dangerous contact charge, including Ben Te'o and Greg Inglis last year.

It prompted Toovey to call for more transparency from the match review committee when grading offences.

"I said last year that the grading system needs an overhaul," he said.

"I think that we need to protect the players and we have laws about contact to players' heads.

"You can ban the tackle altogether if you really want. That is the way to get around it.

"We accept the decision by the people that make the rules. Any contact to the head is unacceptable.

"But there needs to be a better system. But we think the panel did a great job, and we got a very fair hearing."

Fa'aoso's counsel, Nicholas Ghabar, conceded the hit on Harrison was illegal but successfully argued it was comparable to an incident involving Billy Slater in round two, and he'll now only miss Thursday's clash with the Wests Tigers.

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Storm star Slater was slugged with a grade one charge when he raced crossfield and used his shoulder to knock over North Queensland winger Antonio Winterstein in the lead up to a try for the Cowboys but escaped a ban by taking an early guilty plea.

NRL prosecutor Peter Kite argued that Fa'aoso made a deliberate choice to instigate the illegal action and by doing so created the possibility of a head clash.

Kite also claimed the incident wasn't comparable to Slater's as the fullback was coming across the field to chase down an opponent and Fa'aoso raced out of the line and had time to pull out of the challenge.

Toovey said the challenge was worthwhile but acknowledged the welfare of players was the most important thing in the game.

"Richie made the tackle now which is illegal and we accept that," Toovey said.

"We hope Ashley Harrison is OK to play this weekend. Players' welfare is at the forefront of everyone's mind.

"Richie was very remorseful during and after the game and worried about his fellow player."

The three-man panel of Don McKinnon, Michael Vella and Sean Garlick took 20 minutes to make the decision.

Fa'aoso will be free to return for the match against Canterbury next Friday at ANZ Stadium.


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I can still play with Beale: Delve

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Gareth Delve ... says he can still play alongside Beale despite the punch. Source: David Crosling / AAP

Melbourne Rebels skipper Gareth Delve says he would have no trouble playing alongside wayward Wallaby Kurtley Beale despite being punched by his teammate while on tour.

Beale's future at the Super Rugby franchise is in doubt after he and Test winger Cooper Vuna were sent home from South Africa in disgrace.

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Following their 64-7 loss to the Sharks in Durban and a team outing to a nightclub, Beale punched captain Gareth Delve and when Vuna intervened they traded blows.

Vuna then tweeted about the incident, calling Beale a "grub" in another breach of team protocol.

The Rebels announced on Wednesday night after a hearing that Vuna would be available for their game against the Western Force in 10 days time, taking into account his previous good behaviour and community work.

Vuna has been banned from using social media.

The club and Australian Rugby Union inquiry into Beale's actions is continuing with a resolution likely on Thursday.

He may face a lengthy suspension or even have his contract terminated.

After the hearing, Vuna apologised for the embarrassment he caused the club.

"During my time with the Melbourne Rebels I have turned my life around," he said in a statement.

"The outcome of this incident in Durban is not consistent with the values of my family, my church and my football club."

Vuna, a father of two, has been on a self-imposed alcohol ban for the last six months and dropped 10kg in the process.

The rugby league convert is trying to add to his two Test caps earned last year.

Meanwhile, Delve says he would have no trouble playing alongside wayward Wallaby star Beale despite the punch.

"I'm a professional rugby player. For the most part, my relationship with Kurtley has been excellent," Delve said.

"It's not something I can't get past.''

Beale and Vuna apologised for their antics before starting their trip back to Australia.

The Rebels are attempting to put the crisis behind them as they prepare to face the in-form Cheetahs in Bloemfontein this weekend.

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The Cheetahs are returning from their most successful Australasian tour after victories over the NSW Waratahs, Highlanders and Western Force.

Delve said the players would be out to try to repair some of the damage from both the crashing defeat and the brawl.

He said they needed to make it up to the coaching staff and Melbourne fans.

"We've got a great opportunity to come out this week to turn things around and to put things right," Delve said.

"We owe everyone a big performance this week."

Coach Damien Hill is set to ring the changes following the Durban game, where the Rebels finished with the sorry tally of 19 turnovers and 31 missed tackles.

Richard Kingi is set to start on the wing in place of Vuna while prop Paul Alo-Emile will start ahead of Laurie Weeks.

Rookie flanker Jordy Reid will also get his first start replacing Scott Fuglistaller.

Wallabies back-rower Scott Higginbotham has been cleared of any shoulder damage while centre Mitch Inman is on the mend after a stomach bug.

Hill said the players were aware of the importance of the game.

"Everyone was embarrassed and angry post-game but they've had a good look at themselves and, as a result, the team's even more focused.

"I've been pleased with the way they've stuck together."


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Maguire backs shoulder charge

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Greg Inglis' ... infamous shoulder charge on former St George Illawarra Dragon Dean Young. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

South Sydney coach Michael Maguire has backed the reinstatement of the shoulder charge to the game of Rugby League.

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Despite being rubbed out of the game, the controversial tackle is back dividing opinion.

On NRL 360 on Wednesday night, Maguire said he believes there should be strict penalties for those players who make contact with a player's head with the current system too hard to police. 

"I think it's going to still continually create controversy on what is and what isn't a shoulder charge," Maguire said on NRL360. 

"As a rugby league lover I love those clashes.

"I would say if it got contact with the head then obviously ramifications have got to come.

"To watch last year when Greg Inglis picks up the ball on a kick return and Chrissy Sandow comes down and bounces off him, we all probably had a chuckle. It was actually great contact, you miss those sorts of parts of the game."

However Australian coach Tim Sheens disagreed, stating the modern game has no room for such risky practice. 

"Old scrums are gone and getting stomped on the ground is gone and getting hit behind the ear is gone," Sheens said. 

"Today the game is about a certain amount of safety and the shoulder charge it's alright to say (penalise him) if he hits him in the head but if he does (hit his head) it can kill him."

On Wednesday night, Manly forward Richie Fa'aoso was successful in downgrading a dangerous contact charge which threatened to wipe him out for four matches.

Instead he will miss one as a result of an off-the-ball tackle which concussed Gold Coast back-rower Ashley Harrison and forced him from the field in a neck brace.

The NRL's crackdown is seemingly struggling to get through to many players, Sheens and Maguire agreeing that it is an instinct for players to use the shoulder in certain situations.

"It's actually a very ineffective tackle," Maguire said. 

"They get a quick play the ball out of it. No coach is going out there and saying we're doing it. It's just a reaction.

Sheens added; "Sonny Bill Williams who everybody was waiting for the shoulder charge. He's gone to Rugby for a period a time when you weren't allowed to do it, he's come back and not missed a tackle and I don't think anyone has missed seeing Sonny do a shoulder charge. He's playing good football with just good defence." 


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Thurston reveals his secrets

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North Queensland ... Cowboys skipper Johnathan Thurston in action. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

North Queensland skipper Johnathan Thurston has revealed the secret behind when he chooses to deploy his patented 'show and go'.

In an exclusive one-on-one interview with Peter Sterling to be broadcast on Sterlo this Thursday, the Kangaroos five-eighth has opened up on when a defender is likely to fall for his dummy.

"If he's not square," Thurston said is a defender's tell-tale sign.

"If his hips or shoulders are turned out a little and then I know I've got him." 

In an interview that any aspiring superstar must see, Thurston exposes his secrets on when he decides to attack the opposition line head on.

"If there's a big man in front of me I try and expose them a little bit," he said. 

"The show and go is my strength and that's about standing the big man up in front of me, exposing him a little bit and getting to his outside shoulder or inside shoulder."


Catch the entire one-on-one interview on Sterlo, Thursday 6.30pm on Fox Sports 1HD.


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Socceroos' hopes shaky after draw

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 26 Maret 2013 | 20.47

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Crucial ... The Socceroos can only manage a draw against a spirited Oman side. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

The Socceroos' World Cup hopes hang in the balance after being held to a 2-2 draw by Oman in their qualifying match at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday.

Staring down the barrel of a 2-0 loss after the first 50 minutes, deadly aerialist Tim Cahill brought the game to life for Australia with his goal in the 51st minute while a Brett Holman missile levelled the score in the 85th.

The 105-ranked Oman stunned the Socceroos early with a goal through Abdul Aziz seven minutes in, while disaster struck right after the break with Mile Jedinak netting an own goal.

The world No.37 Australia remain in second spot in their group but level on points with Oman and seven points behind runaway leaders Japan, with only the top two teams securing an automatic berth to next year's showpiece.

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With three matches left on the road to Brazil, including an away clash against runway group leaders Japan, Australia can ill afford to draw another match.

The Socceroos had a sloppy start to the game, not creating many chances and being too easily dispossessed, perhaps missing the leadership and vocal presence of suspended skipper Lucas Neill.

In contrast it was a well organised Oman side who took to the field not letting the Australians make any real inroads with their wayward crosses doing them no favours.

Aziz broke the deadlock early, outpacing Michael Thwaite to put his strike into the back of the net in the seventh minute, silencing the 34,600-strong crowd.

Holman had one of the few opportunities of the half and looked like levelling just before the break, forcing a save from Oman's Wigan 'keeper Ali Al Habsi after Cahill headed the ball back to him for the shot.

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Jedinak continued his woeful night in the second half, sticking his foot out to stop a strike from Omani midfielder Raed Saleh only to send it into the net just after the break.

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Cahill got one back for the hosts, heading home off a Wilkshire corner, seemingly sparking the Socceroos into action.
Cahill struck again with a header moments later, drawing a superb save from Al Habsi.

Group B P W D L GD Pts
1 Japan 5 4 1 0 11 13
2 Australia 5 1 3 1 0 6
3 Oman 6 1 3 2 -3 6
4 Iraq 5 1 2 2 -1 5
5 Jordan 5 1 1 3 -7 4

Wlkshire continued the assault on Oman's goal and looked like levelling in the 59th minute with his long range strike.

But it deflected off a defender to hit the crossbar then the post with Cahill just unable to direct the ball into the net.

Cahill threatened yet again with another header in the dying minutes but despite peppering the Omani goal with several dangerous headers it was Holman who found the equaliser with a sensational shot from about 25 yards out.


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Cahill Socceroos' saviour again

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The man for a big occasion ... Tim Cahill rose to drag the Socceroos back against Oman. Source: Craig Greenhill / News Limited

Tim Cahill is in a class of his own - world class

His aerial power is breath-taking. The first man to score a World Cup finals goal for Australia, in Germany seven years ago, is still the man most likely. Who cares if he is 33 years old?

Who cares if he no longer plies his trade in England's mighty Premier League, but across the pond in the US?

Take him out of the Socceroos, and the national team can start to look very ordinary indeed.

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He was the inspiration behind Australia's CPR (cardio-pulminary resuscitation) job against Oman, spurring his side to a draw from two goals down. Cahill nodded home his team's first from a corner and was extremely unlucky not to head himself onto the scoresheet on three further occasions.

His leaping ability is phenomenal, and he generates enormous power from his headers. He forced two superb saves from Oman's goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi.

Cahill and Al-Habsi turned this qualifier, in many respects, into a two-man show. At the end, honours were probably even.

Group B P W D L GD Pts
1 Japan 5 4 1 0 11 13
2 Australia 5 1 3 1 0 6
3 Oman 6 1 3 2 -3 6
4 Iraq 5 1 2 2 -1 5
5 Jordan 5 1 1 3 -7 4

"We were unable to compete in the air with Cahill," admitted Oman coach Paul Le Guen.

"He is one of the best players in the world in the air. He has a good jump and is very difficult to control.''

Australian coach Holger Osieck agreed, praising Cahill's jumping ability and timing, and describing him as a "permanent threat".

Osieck has many problems to solve if the Socceroos are to get over the qualification line for Brazil 2014 in their final three matches in June. The most pressing is in the centre of defence, where Robert Cornthwaite and Michael Thwaite were tried for the first time together.

The sooner Lucas Neill - suspended for this match - returns, the better. Without him, the central defensive cupboard is bare. Australia can also be thankful for the spanking right boot of Brett Holman.

Despite being out of favour with his club side Aston Villa, and short of game time, he plugged away all night until he found the space to ram home Australia's equaliser.

It was similar, if not off quite as long a run, as the cracker he scored against Serbia in South Africa's 2010 World Cup. Cream always seems to rise to the top in World Cup matches. But no-one rises quite like Tim Cahill.


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As it happened: Socceroos v Oman

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As it happened ... Re-live all the drama with our blog of the Socceroo's match against Oman. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

Re-live all the action from what could be a costly draw for the Socceroos against Oman in Tuesday's World Cup qualifier.


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Ratings: Socceroos' report card

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Downtrodden ... not many Socceroos will be happy with their performances against Oman. Source: Paul Miller / AAP

The 35,000 fans at ANZ Stadium on Tuesday night weren't happy with the Socceroos' display against Oman in the 2-2 draw in the FIFA World Cup qualifier.

And neither was Holger Osieck, perplexed by a performance that he said bore no resemblance to what he saw at training during the week.

"It was definitely not what we expected," Osieck said after the match.

"We had different hopes going into the game. Unfortunately the first half did not go according to plan."

When asked what went wrong, Osieck said: "you can work on stuff, but the transferral (onto the pitch) is another issue. That was not what I wanted to see."

Oman's dream start, capitalising on some leaden-footed defending from Michael Thwaite, allowed them to sit back and absorb Australia's attack, while frustrating them with a little gamesmanship as well.

Add to that tactical stand-off a tepid first half display by the home side, lacking tempo and incisiveness, prompting Osieck to bemoan the lack of technique, accuracy and concentration of his players.

While all the usual platitudes about fighting spirit are true, as the side salvaged the woeful prospect of dropping three points at home to come back from two goals down and salvage a point, the opening-half performance will have Osieck scratching his head as to what went wrong.

Indeed, it's fitting that after Fox Sports spent the week picking Australia's most important footballers, Tim Cahill almost carried the country on his shoulders. The New York Red Bulls man had a number of headers saved in an exceptional display by Omani goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi.

So where did it go wrong? We run the rule over the Socceroos' display. Let us know what you think.


DEFENCE - 4/10

We entered the game debating how a new-look centre-back pairing would go, and we got a pretty grim answer straight away.

The simple ball played in behind Thwaite shocked everyone and rattled the side, and the home side looked vulnerable whenever the Omanis were running at them on the break.

To be fair to the pair, they scrambled well at times in the second period, but overall, didn't look comfortable.

"It's always a problem (throwing two new guys in)," Osieck said. "They've never played together in a competition like this.

"They need a bit more time. They just had recently playing time in friendlies but this is a different ball game.

"It's my responsibility because I thought they were the right players for that position."

Matt McKay and Luke Wilkshire tried to offer width going forward, but a lot of the balls aimed at Cahill had him under pressure and not close enough to the six yard box.

Group B P W D L GD Pts
1 Japan 5 4 1 0 11 13
2 Australia 5 1 3 1 0 6
3 Oman 6 1 3 2 -3 6
4 Iraq 5 1 2 2 -1 5
5 Jordan 5 1 1 3 -7 4

MIDFIELD - 5/10

A really disappointing part of Australia's performance. Mile Jedinak had a rare off night: his passing radar was off, he couldn't dictate the tempo, struggled to organise the side and looked a shadow of his normal self. At one point, Osieck rose from his seat to castigate the Crystal Palace skipper.

While Osieck was okay with the shape of the side, he - like a lot of fans and media - was bemused by the midfield's inability to turn plenty of possession into meaningful passages of play.

A lot of times, be it through the heart or on the flanks, excellent Omani structure and shape forced the home side backwards. The ball into the centre wasn't quick enough, the side lacked penetration because of that and it prompted Osieck to urge his troops to be far more positive in the second period.

James Holland couldn't assert himself either, and admitted after the match he tried to force the issue at times when it might not have been on.

The choice of Holland and Jedinak together backfired, but in a blow for Osieck, Mark Bresciano only lasted a few minutes before succumbing to injury as the coach rolled the dice to change the game.

Out wide, Alex Brosque and Robbie Kruse tried, and had better luck bursting to the byline in the second half, but for the most part were well contained by Paul Le Guen's side. Combination play down the flanks with their left and right backs was not effective, either.

GROUP A:

Korea Republic

Iran

Uzbekistan

Qatar

Lebanon 

GROUP B:

Australia

Iraq

Jordan

Oman

Japan

Socceroos' schedule:

June 8, 2012: Oman 0 Australia 0 (away)
June 12, 2012: Australia 1 Japan 1 (home)
September 11, 2012: Jordan 2 Australia 1 (away)
October 16, 2012: Iraq 1 Australia 2 (away)
March 26, 2013: Oman (home)
June 4, 2013: Japan (away)
June 11, 2013: Jordan (home)
June 18, 2013: Iraq (home)

UP FRONT 6/10

Two big names delivered two vital goals, but overall, it was a struggle finding that incisiveness, movement and penetration you'd ideally like to see at home.

Brett Holman was chosen centrally and although he put  himself about, he couldn't quite find space, shrug defenders or drop between the lines like we're used to.

But boy did he deliver when the pressure was on. His long-range drive brought back memories of Serbia in Nelspruit. A clutch shot, if there ever was one.

Cahill was a huge force, but had to furrow it alone with individual brilliance, shrugging off Oman defenders to pepper Al Habsi's goal. But he shouldn't have had to do it alone.

After the match, he noted that he was having to header from so deep, an impossible task when hassled by a number of cheeky Oman defenders. He also rued that the side's games plan resorted to using him as a battering ram, adding that he wants the side to play football - something that will only come in time.

Cahill was often seen dropping exceptionally deep to kick start a movement - symptomatic of the struggles the midfield were enduring against a stubborn Omani defence, who only tired late in the second half.

OVERALL

The second half spirit is a redeeming factor, but that is countered by a game at home, against a team ranked 105th in the world, with so much on the line.

It's not acceptable for the national side to only perform once the chips are down, especially in front of expectant home fans. It's becoming an ugly,  but familiar trait.

Picking two defensive central midfielders didn't work, the central defensive pair struggled and the combination play amongst the side's four offensive players wasn't fluent.

Holger Osieck couldn't hide his disappointment, but as Tim Cahill offered - there needs to be patience around this team.

But there's not that much more room for error. An away game against Japan is followed by home games against Jordan and Iraq.

Tonight is a warning shot, but if Australia is not good enough to in those two home games, they don't deserve to go to Brazil. And Osieck promises the side not die wandering in Japan, either.

After a week spent debating Australia's best on foxsports.com.au, two familiar faces vindicated their rankings. But what of the others?

There's a lot of work to be done.


Agree with our take on the performance? Let us know by joining the conversation by leaving a comment below.


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Sheedy urges Giants to buy Buddy

Written By Unknown on Senin, 25 Maret 2013 | 20.47

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Go get him ... Sheedy wants Franklin to turn orange. Source: Chris Scott / News Limited

Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy has urged the Giants to up the ante in their pursuit of Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin in a bid to boost the fledgling club and AFL in the region.

Franklin has put off contract negotiations until the end of the year, leaving the door ajar for the cashed-up Giants to make a huge play for the brilliant forward.

Hawthorn have publicly stated that they expect to retain Franklin, but there is an expectation that either the 26-year-old or a couple of key teammates will be squeezed out.

Sheedy, speaking on AFL 360, has told the Giants to be ready to pounce if Franklin looks to continue his career elsewhere.

"I would think it would be a great opportunity if Franklin is thinking of leaving Hawthorn," Sheedy said.

"It would be enormous, absolutely enormous."

Asked by AFL 360 co-host Mark Robinson if Franklin commanded $1.2-$1.3 million per season, Sheedy said: "If that's what it takes to get him to Sydney I believe this team would blossom with another great player in it."

Sheedy was excited by the prospect of possibly adding Franklin to a forward line containing young guns Jonathon Patton and Jeremy Cameron.

The salary cap space cleared by Israel Folau's defection to Super Rugby will be spent, Sheedy declared, and Franklin would be the top ticket item.

"If it was my advice and it was on the table, I would say go after him.

"He's kicked over 500 (529) goals in about a 150-160-game (161) career.

"Kurt Tippett has played just over 100 (104) games and kicked maybe 180 (188) goals.

"I think Franklin is a better player than Tippett.

"Therefore, if you've got a package of money there left after (Israel) Folau then you get it right and you might have a (Tony) Lockett.

"And that injection into Sydney would be fantastic."


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Ablett pours cold water on Cats return

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Open and honest ... Gary Ablett chats with Mike Sheahan. Source:FOX SPORTS

Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett has downplayed speculation that he will seek a return to Geelong when his lucrative Suns contract expires at the end of 2015.

Cats fans - and some former teammates - hold out hope that the brilliant midfielder will pull on the blue and white hoops again before his stellar AFL career ends.

"It's hard to say because I don't know where I'll be," Ablett told Open Mike on FOX FOOTY.

"I'm loving it at the Gold Coast at the moment and I really want to win a premiership up there."

Ablett, 28, was relaxed and refreshing in his 30-minute chat with Mike Sheahan.

He went into detail about his father's career - and battle with depression - and said he gave up footy as a teenager due to the pressure of carrying the famous Ablett name.

Ablett confirmed reports that after the 2006 season senior Geelong players, led by Cameron Ling, sat the Brownlow medallist down and had a frank discussion about his lack of training intensity.

He admitted "it was hard to take", but reflected on the moment as a turning point.

"When I first got to the club I just used to go through the motions a bit," he said.

"I didn't realise how hard you had to train to make it. I thought I was going to make it off the talent I had and I kind of went along like that for three or four years."

The Cats' leaders told Ablett: "Look mate, you're not training hard enough, you're not working hard enough, it's just not acceptable."

One year later Ablett led the Cats to a drought-breaking flag, won his first of four AFLPA MVP awards, and the first of four club best-and-fairests.

In the interview, Ablett also:

-Admitted he was homesick for his first year at the Gold Coast, but adamant he made the right decision to walk away from Geelong.

-Tried to talk brother Nathan Ablett out of quitting Geelong.

-Rated his father as the best to ever play the game.

-Revealed he had enjoyed a laugh with Mark Thompson since their feud in 2010.


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Boss admits regret on 'phys-edders'

Dropped the ball ... Demetriou says AFL should have acted earlier. Source: George Salpigtidis / News Limited

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou admits the league should have acted much earlier on concerns about the growing influence of sports scientists at some clubs.

Demetriou said that was one issue he was referring to at last week's season launch when he confessed to "some recent errors of judgment".

"One specific example, definitely ... (was) talking about the influence sports scientists were having at football clubs," he told FOX FOOTY's On The Couch.

"We should have intervened a lot earlier.

"When I came out and talked about that, there was outrage from some quarters about sports scientists (having) a place.

"They may well have a place and there are some very fine ones.

"But there were certain things going on, certain practices, particularly with marginalising our club doctors, which was unacceptable."

A year ago, Demetriou said the league would issue heavy fines if it could prove club medical staff were being overruled on player health.

"Phys-edders don't overrule doctors," was Demetriou's blunt warning at the time.

Sports science is now a massive issue not only in the AFL, but Australian sport in general.

Essendon are now under a joint Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and AFL investigation for supplement use last season.

The Bombers have also commissioned an independent investigation to look into "irregular practices" at the club.

The Australian Crime Commission has released a report expressing concerns about performance enhancing drugs and organised crime in sport.

Meanwhile, Demetriou also said on Monday night that he could understand why the league's findings against Melbourne Demons had confused fans.

The league suspended Dean Bailey and Chris Connolly, as well as hitting the Demons with a $500,000 fine, but cleared the club of tanking.

"I can give you lots and lots of cases where there's insufficient evidence and insufficient proof, people do get frustrated by the outcome," Demetriou said.

"All I will say to you is based on the evidence that could be sustained ... that was all that could be supported.

"I tell you what, if you don't have evidence, then you don't go down that track and pinging guilt on people.

"You know where you'll end up? You'll end up in the High Court or somewhere else."


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'Flanno's return sparks Sharks'

Sparkling form ... Gordie says Tyrone Roberts could keep Kurt Gidley out of the Knights team. Source: News Limited

In his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts and predictions on round three of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.

Storm vs Bulldogs, AAMI Park

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The grand final replay certainly didn't disappoint. I expected Melbourne to win comfortably but Canterbury were gritty and brought a game plan that caused Melbourne plenty of defensive issues. The battle of the halves was an entertaining one. Josh Reynolds continues to be the Bulldogs back bone. He is creating plays and steering the side around while Cooper Cronk was brilliant once again. His kicking game was pin-point and the way he targeted Tony Williams with set plays were executed with precision. 

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It was a terrible opening 25 minutes by Parramatta. With the competition as tight as it is this year, you cannot afford to make as many errors as they did early. The Tigers looked like a more controlled side. They had a game plan which saw Chris Lawrence work toward Chris Sandow as often as they could, with the ploy working a treat. The Eels did their best to make a game of it in the second half but it was their mistakes and poor defensive reads which ultimately hurt them. 

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The Gold Coast beat Manly at their own game. It was a physical battle filled with tight defence. This Titans side is a massive unit and if they can get even possession of the ball they will challenge any side. Their halves combination is coming along nicely, not only in attack but in defence, Albert Kelly made some strong defensive plays. It was a gutsy win to back up an easy win over the Raiders last week.

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What an effort to keep Brisbane scoreless. Roosters coach Trent Robinson should take a bow. The Broncos had ample opportunity to trouble the Roosters but they were not able to trouble them. Mitchell Pearce's kicking game was strong while Sonny Bill Williams continues to improve each week as he builds match fitness. Their attack will only get better as their combinations grow. The Broncos will need to turn things around very quickly. They face Melbourne this week and will need to find a way to score points.

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It was another emotional match for the Sharks in Shane Flanagan's return. The Sharks were on a mission which was led by Andrew Fifita and backed up by his skipper Paul Gallen. Todd Carney was at his brilliant best. He was able to pick and choose his plays and did so with precision. They only leaked four points which is a credit to their mental strength to not switch off with the game all but wrapped up at half time. Michael Gordon has been a revelation for the Sharks at fullback. Hopefully things begin to right themselves at the Shire club. The Warriors need to address their defensive issues before they can move forward. 

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Sometimes when teams face the Rabbitohs they are content with competing with them but this was not the case from Ivan Cleary's men who dug deep in a back and forth style match. It was an end to end game but the extra class that South Sydney has ultimately won them the game. Sam Burgess returned from suspension, Greg Inglis had some brilliant touches and Nathan Merritt bagged a hat trick of tries. I think Maguire will be pleased with the win and their ability to score points but will be disappointed by how many points his team did leak.

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The hoodoo continued in a low scoring first half. It was a great defensive effort from both sides in the opening 40 minutes. Both sides were asked to defend some great attacking plays. This win eases some pressure on the Raiders. As an assistant coach it was great to get our first win and while there wasn't a massive crowd in attendance they were very vocal and I think that helped get us home. Reece Robinson was brilliant in attack while Brett White lead by example as did Glenn Buttriss in terms of leadership. There is now plenty of pressure on the Dragons to get a result against Cronulla in Saturday night's local derby.

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It was the best Newcastle Knights we've seen in a couple of seasons, says Gordon Tallis. Man of the Match Jarrod Mullen was outstanding for the Knights. His short and long passing game precise and his kicking was pin-point. The halves have been problematic for Knights recently, but these two could keep Kurt Gidley on bench. I think Gidley is the best 14 in the competition. The Cowboys looked frustrated. Everything they did lacked direction.
Their forwards looked pedestrian and the hooker and halves aren't combining well at all.


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Atletico coach hints at Torres return

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 24 Maret 2013 | 20.47

Under the spotlight ... will Fernando Torres return home? Source: Darren Walsh / AAP

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has seemingly opened the door for a possible return of Fernando Torres.

Torres has endured a torrid stay at Stamford Bridge since joining from Liverpool in January 2011 for £50million.

In 74 league games he has scored just 14 times, which is a shadow of his Liverpool form where he hit 65 goals in 102 Premier League appearances.

The 29-year-old began his career with Atletico Madrid and is still revered by their fans, and now Simeone has refused to rule out a possible return.

"Fernando Torres is currently playing for another team. We have to wait for the season to finish and decide which of the available players could come here and do a good job," Simeone told Onda Cero. 

"Fernando knows about the club's history, what it means to play here and I don't need to speak about his ability.

"We were team-mates. I know how important he can be."

Simeone admits he does not know if a deal could be struck, adding: "It's complicated. I wouldn't like to say yes or no. He's a player who always performs and we have to respect his choice."

With Chelsea being strongly linked with Atletico's Radamel Falcao - a player-swap plus cash deal has long been mooted. 

Simeone was also quizzed about the future of the Colombian, and said: "I'm not Falcao and I'm not his agent. I'm the manager and have the utmost respect for him, because he gave me so much at River Plate and has done the same here.

"He always gives his all and I really respect players who do that. But everyone makes their own decisions in life. Every person is different, and we have to respect each other. Those who stay are always going to be the best."

Read more: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8592305/Diego-Simeone-has-refused-to-rule-out-a-bid-for-Fernando-Torres


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'Flanno's return sparks Sharks'

Flanno's return ... Sharks players and staff celebrate their win. Source: Phil Hillyard / News Limited

In his weekly column, Fox Sports expert and Canberra assistant coach Brett Kimmorley offers his thoughts and predictions on round three of the 2013 NRL Premiership season.

Storm vs Bulldogs, AAMI Park

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The grand final replay certainly didn't disappoint. I expected Melbourne to win comfortably but Canterbury were gritty and brought a game plan that caused Melbourne plenty of defensive issues. The battle of the halves was an entertaining one. Josh Reynolds continues to be the Bulldogs back bone. He is creating plays and steering the side around while Cooper Cronk was brilliant once again. His kicking game was pin-point and the way he targeted Tony Williams with set plays were executed with precision. 

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

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It was a terrible opening 25 minutes by Parramatta. With the competition as tight as it is this year, you cannot afford to make as many errors as they did early. The Tigers looked like a more controlled side. They had a game plan which saw Chris Lawrence work toward Chris Sandow as often as they could, with the ploy working a treat. The Eels did their best to make a game of it in the second half but it was their mistakes and poor defensive reads which ultimately hurt them. 

Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.

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The Gold Coast beat Manly at their own game. It was a physical battle filled with tight defence. This Titans side is a massive unit and if they can get even possession of the ball they will challenge any side. Their halves combination is coming along nicely, not only in attack but in defence, Albert Kelly made some strong defensive plays. It was a gutsy win to back up an easy win over the Raiders last week.

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What an effort to keep Brisbane scoreless. Roosters coach Trent Robinson should take a bow. The Broncos had ample opportunity to trouble the Roosters but they were not able to trouble them. Mitchell Pearce's kicking game was strong while Sonny Bill Williams continues to improve each week as he builds match fitness. Their attack will only get better as their combinations grow. The Broncos will need to turn things around very quickly. They face Melbourne this week and will need to find a way to score points.

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It was another emotional match for the Sharks in Shane Flanagan's return. The Sharks were on a mission which was led by Andrew Fifita and backed up by his skipper Paul Gallen. Todd Carney was at his brilliant best. He was able to pick and choose his plays and did so with precision. They only leaked four points which is a credit to their mental strength to not switch off with the game all but wrapped up at half time. Michael Gordon has been a revelation for the Sharks at fullback. Hopefully things begin to right themselves at the Shire club. The Warriors need to address their defensive issues before they can move forward. 

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Sometimes when teams face the Rabbitohs they are content with competing with them but this was not the case from Ivan Cleary's men who dug deep in a back and forth style match. It was an end to end game but the extra class that South Sydney has ultimately won them the game. Sam Burgess returned from suspension, Greg Inglis had some brilliant touches and Nathan Merritt bagged a hat trick of tries. I think Maguire will be pleased with the win and their ability to score points but will be disappointed by how many points his team did leak.

The hoodoo continues in a low scoring first half. It was a great defensive effort from both sides in the opening 40 minutes. Both sides were asked to defend some great attacking plays. This win eases some pressure on the Raiders. As an assistant coach it was great to get our first win and while there wasn't a massive crowd in attendance they were very vocal and I think that helped get us home. Reece Robinson was brilliant in attack while Brett White lead by example as did Glenn Buttriss in terms of leadership. There is now plenty of pressure on the Dragons to get a result against Cronulla in Saturday night's local derby.


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Broich brilliant, but bitter

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Better, but still not there ... Thomas Broich was not happy post game. Source: Dave Hunt / AAP

When the stakes rise, so too do great players.

Entrants must be 18 or over and hold a current full Australian driver's licence.

The competition commences on, 27 January 2013 at 8:30pm AEDT and closes on 5 April 2013 at 5:00pm AEDT and is divided into 10 weekly periods.

Each weekly period opens on Sunday at 8:30pm AEDT and closes on the following Friday at 5:00pm AEDT.

One entry per weekly entry period.

This competition is authorised under NSW Permit No. LTPS/13/00440, ACT TP13/00141, Victorian Permit No. 13/117 & SA Licence No. T13/61.

Thomas Broich's glorious goal against Melbourne Heart is one of the goals of the season, but after the match, Brisbane Roar's talisman vented his disgust at the way his teammates clocked off in the final moments of the game. 

"I think we were quite ill-disciplined and selfish and I'm disappointed with some of the boys," Berisha told Fox Sports after the match. 

"Very complacent, lazy … overshadows the great first-half."

Coach Mike Mulvey agreed with his captain, declaring much improvement was needed ahead of next round's do-or-die blockbuster against Sydney FC at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night. 

Read about the thrilling final-round equation here.

"If we're serious about achieving anything this season … then if we play the way we did in the second-half we'll be giving opposition chances," Mulvey said. 

It was a stark contract to passages in the first period, which prompted Fox Sports commentator Robbie Slater to declare: "the champions turned up today". 

Despite opening the scoring via a dubious penalty, which earned the wrath of Melbourne Heart coach John Aloisi, the Roar should have been a couple up on the back of some of their first-half football. 

Broich's goal is a genuine contender for the goal of the season – but so too are the two other nominees for this week's astoundingly good goal of the week. 

Perth's display against Melbourne Victory was full of top-class highlights; Danny Vukovic's save kept them in the game, but Chris Harold and Josh Risdon's goals are ready-made for the highlights reels for years to come. 

Check them out in the video at the top of the page and then follow the prompts below to enter the Goal of the Week competition. 

To enter, simply visit our competition page here each week to vote for your favourite goal and submit your details below.


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