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Kyrgios earns Wimbledon wildcard

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 14 Juni 2014 | 20.47

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Nick Kyrgios has been awarded Wimbledon's final singles wildcard after clinching victory over compatriot Sam Groth in the Nottingham Challenger final.

The ACT teenager earned a main draw start next week by downing 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (9-7) over Groth.

It is the former world No. 1 junior's third Challenger title this season from four finals.

Kyrgious was contacted by All England Club officials immediately after the win with news of his wildcard invitation.

The strapping 19-year-old, rated Australia's best prospect in a decade, will jump 25 places to No 147 when the new rankings are released on Monday.

He is the youngest player in the top 150.

Groth will also move to a career-high ranking of No 122, vaulting 13 places in another excellent step for the Victorian.

Unless there is a slew of Wimbledon withdrawals, the world's heaviest server will have to sign on from qualifying at Roehampton on Monday.

The All England Club has given wildcards to both winners of the two Nottingham Challengers. Marcos Baghdatis claimed the first title in the series last week


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Panthers make it five on the trot

James Segeyaro was again in top form for the Panthers. Source: Mitch Cameron Photography.com.au / Supplied

THE revolution at the foot of the mountains is still a work in progress but there can be no question the NRL's sleeping giant, the Penrith Panthers, are fast developing into genuine premiership contenders.

The Panthers made it five wins in a row against an understrength St George Illawarra outfit, with last season's Red V outcast Jamie Soward once-again contributing strongly to this ever-evolving Penrith side.

Despite the Dragons having a mountain of possession, field position and a far superior completion rate, the Panthers simply found a way to win, like all the good teams do.

The halves combination of Peter Wallace and Soward is developing into one of the most well-balanced and complimentary pairings in the competition.

Brent Kite on the charge for the Panthers. Source: Supplied

In typical poker player fashion, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was holding his cards tight after the victory, particularly when asked about the Panthers sitting on top of the NRL ladder.

"We've got a lot to do yet. We've got some very hard games coming up. We've got 11 games consecutively after our bye next week, so that's a big tough run. There's much to do," Cleary said.

"But we also feel like we're making progress as well and tonight was another bit of progress. It wasn't all perfect by any stretch, we had some pressure on us and we managed to hold them off."

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Despite the closeness of the scoreline and the Dragons pressing for an upset in the final five minutes, the Panthers looked relatively in control for the majority of the match.

Anytime St George Illawarra started to ask harder questions, the Panthers repeatedly found the answers.

The only time the Dragons really had them under any genuine pressure was trailing 12-10 early in the second half, when Penrith's brilliant scrambling defence then turned into long-range attack and winger Josh Mansour completed a 55m movement with a try.

Local junior rookies Matt Moylan and Bryce Cartwright also showed flashes of brilliance in attack and defence, while 298-NRL game prop Brent Kite is like all good red wine, improving with age.

Josh Mansour crossed for the Panthers. Source: Supplied

Dragons captain Ben Creagh was in no doubt Penrith can be the real deal when it comes to September.

"Definitely. They're a quality side. They play disciplined footy, that's what you've got to do if you want to win premierships," Creagh said.

"They don't give away too many penalties and they don't make too many errors either. And they punish teams for giving them away. They're a quality team, they're playing as a team and they're playing for one another. They're a tough footy side."

St George Illawarra coach Paul McGreggor labelled it the Dragons best performance of the season, a big call considering the club has notched five victories.

Benji Marshall had an unhappy game. Source: Supplied

"Sometime you lose but you win. Half our salary cap's at home sitting on the lounge with rep duties and injuries," McGreggor said.

"That's the best game we've played this year and we had a couple of wins earlier in the year."

McGreggor was right. The Dragons were missing Josh Dugan, Trent Merrin, Brett Morris, Dan Hunt, Dylan Farrell and lost Tyson Frizzel for the match inside the opening 20 minutes.

Yet the Red V had a massive dig.

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The Panthers showcased it all, too. Short, long, set-piece, off-the-cuff, this team is so well balanced and composed.

A basket case three years ago prior to Phil Gould and then coach Cleary's arrival, the transformation is still a long way from being complete but the uprising to the top of the NRL ladder can no longer be ignored.

PENRITH 18 (D Whare 2 J Mansour tries J Soward 3 goals) bt ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA 14 (J Nightingale 2 C Runciman tries G Widdop goal) at Sportingbet Stadium. Referee: Ashley Klein, Adam Gee. Crowd: 13,768.


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Shedding tears and casting fear in 17

Footballer Jack Dyer playing football for Richmond. a/ Source: News Limited

JACK Dyer used to joke that he didn't mean to become a Richmond legend — it just turned out that way.

And in carving out a legend that will live forever, Dyer transformed the No. 17 jumper into one of the most feared and one of the most revered in the game.

Dyer, voted as the best player to have worn that number, carried No. 17 on his back in all of his 312 games with Richmond.

THE HISTORY, MYTH AND MYSTIQUE OF FOOTY'S MAGIC NUMBERS

LIFE BEGINS AT 44 FOR AN ELITE CLUB OF FOOTY STARS

VOTE: WHAT IS THE GREATEST JUMPER NUMBER AT CARLTON AND ADELAIDE?

SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE JUMPER NUMBER USING #FANSNUMBER TO HAVE CHANCE TO FEATURE IN HERALD SUN

GALLERY: GREATEST NUMBER SEVENTEENS

Fittingly, he was only 17 when he played his first game in 1931, and in keeping with the numerical connections, the Tigers registered 17 goals to North Melbourne's nil in the first half of that Round 2 game.

Footballer Jack Dyer playing football for Richmond. Source: News Limited

He would sit on the bench all day in what is still Richmond's greatest winning margin.

Speaking years later, Dyer would recall a rough and tumble start to his first season of VFL football — "I had a good set of teeth at that time, and that messed them right up."

"I was (knocked) down, I was crying just about. I was 17; you are allowed to cry when you are 17 because you are among men. Well, the tears came to my eyes"

Who is the greatest player to have worn No.17?

It wasn't long before the man who would become known as "Captain Blood" would be bringing fear — and more than a few tears — to the eyes of those he faced on the football field.

Dyer wore 17 across 19 seasons, and even when his knees could no longer carry him on the football field, the power of the number resonated long after he hung up his boots and knee brace.

Future Richmond players would also be seduced with the promise of wearing Dyer's number in the hope of coaxing them to the club.

Richmond's Jack Dyer sinks his boot into the ball in a match at the Punt Road Oval. Source: News Corp Australia

Even his son, Jack Jr., was handed the jumper by his father and managed to wear it in three senior games in 1960, saying years later: "I wish I could have been a better footballer."

One star who wore No. 17 with distinction through the late 1960s and early 1970s was Barry Richardson, and Dyer played a part in his signing on with the Tigers.

Richardson would never forget a visit the Tigers — and Dyer — made to his family's home in 1964, saying: "I was promised the No. 17 guernsey, and I guess I have bathed in some of the reflected glory of that honour since."

He wore it with distinction, though he joked that Dyer himself had been "a bit worried that he might have bestowed the curse of No. 17 when I badly injured a knee in my first season."

No. 17 was a prominent feature of Jack Dyer's funeral in 2003. Pic: COLIN MURTY Source: News Corp Australia

Maurice Rioli wore it to win a Norm Smith Medal in a losing side in 1982.

The importance of No. 17 at the club was never more evident than when Dyer passed away, aged 89, in August 2003.

The Tigers petitioned the AFL to allow each of their 22 players to wear the No. 17 on the front part of their jumper in the following match as a special tribute to a man who helped to shape the Richmond Football Club.

And the following year Wayne Campbell began a short-lived tradition of having the Richmond captain wear the No. 17, with Kane Johnson and Chris Newman later following suit.

Matthew Richardson with the Jack Dyer statue at the MCG. Source: News Corp Australia

That tradition ended last year when the Tigers' current skipper, Trent Cotchin, elected to keep his No. 9 instead of switching to No. 17.

Cotchin explained: "Obviously, I hold the club's history and traditions in high regard. Jack Dyer is a massive part of our proud history ... (but) I've always been really comfortable with No.9."

Dyer would understand that. He loved players making their own way in the game.

For the time being, the No. 17 is on hold at Punt Rd. But you can bet the next time a player pulls it across his shoulders and runs out to play, the spirit of 'Captain Blood' will be with them.


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Freo wall stands firm against valiant Tigers

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IT'S almost as if Ross Lyon and Moe Szyslak graduated from the same coaching school.

The low-life barman once took Homer Simpson one rung shy of ultimate boxing glory by absorbing blow after blow and then simply pushing his opponent over, cashing in on his supernatural defensive powers.

ANALYSIS: TIGERS TOUGH BUT MENTALLY FRAGILE

And it was the strategy that epitomised Fremantle's win against Richmond yesterday, mirroring the plot which played out against Western Bulldogs and Adelaide this month.

Lyon's side simply stood firm as a Tigers side with nothing to lose threw everything it had early and late at the MCG.

Troy Chaplin tries to spoil Matthew Pavlich, who booted three crucial second-half goals. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

Richmond laid 16 tackles in the first 10 minutes, while in the first term it enjoyed 25 more disposals and spent 67 per cent of time in its forward half.

The result? A solitary goal and a 10-point deficit as Michael Barlow strolled in to boot Fremantle's third major on the siren.

And for the Dockers, which entered yesterday with 14 losses from their past 17 matches at the home of football, it was an important victory.

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It might only be June, against a team 13th on the ladder and in front of the lowest crowd (22,074) between the teams in 15 years, but Fremantle also made good on Lyon's promise of more goals, breaking the 100-point barrier at the 'G for just the second time since 2008.

Brett Deledio goaled in the game's opening minute after outmarking tagger Ryan Crowley in the pocket, but for all the Tigers' effort that followed it would be their only major until the 12th-minute of the second term.

Stephen Hill collected 24 touches. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

In that time Jack Riewoldt and Dustin Martin hit the post and Aaron Edwards fluffed a set-shot as the Tigers yet again threw away easy chances.

Riewoldt destroyed Zac Dawson in the air but trudged off the ground with 1.5 from seven shots and marks inside 50, symptomatic of Richmond's afternoon.

When on top in the first quarter Bachar Houli had the easy chance to put a second major through, but fumbled a simple overhead mark directly in front of goal as Deledio cleverly took his opponent out of the contest.

Ricky Petter kicked a ripping goal from the boundary in the fourth term. Source: News Corp Australia

To start the second term, Houli overcooked a handball to Nick Vlastuin, who dropped it and let Hayden Ballantyne gleefully seize the footy and snap truly from the pocket.

It was the first of three second-quarter goals — and six for the match — for the pint-sized pest who beat Steve Morris five days after beating suspension at the tribunal.

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Ballantyne's second killed a brutal second-wind from the Tigers in a 15-minute patch which put them in front despite four easy misses from Edwards and Riewoldt.

And again, their momentum was washed away with a fundamental error.

Jack Riewoldt desperate in defence. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: News Corp Australia

Ricky Petterd dropped an uncontested mark at centre half-forward, forcing the Tigers back to the wing where a Brandon Ellis chip was intercepted by Lachie Neale.

The pocket rocket handballed to Ballantyne who broke Richmond hearts and restored Fremantle's lead before a dull afternoon morphed into the Nat Fyfe show.

The out-of-contract star provided the game's highlight, flying over two Tigers to take a monster grab and sending Fremantle 39 points clear as Wayne Carey declared Fyfe was worth every bit of $800,000.

Anthony Miles played his best game for the Tigers, kicking a goal from 30 touches. Picture: Alex Coppel. Source: News Corp Australia

That capped a six-goal third quarter sparked by Matthew Pavlich, who booted the first two, to perhaps rub salt in Richmond recruiter's wounds for the last time after the Tigers infamously chose Aaron Fiora over the six-time All-Australian 15 years ago.

Unlike Homer, this was the counter knockout blow Lyon's side can now deliver.

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The storyline was also a repeat for the Tigers, who fizzled catastrophically in the third quarter against North Melbourne last week.

Deledio remained muzzled, Martin faded and Anthony Miles again impressed as the ultra-efficient Dockers wore one final Ellis-inspired onslaught.

But as Fyfe spotted Pavlich for the sealer it was another four points in the bank despite a stats sheet showing Richmond wins in inside 50s, contested ball, tackles and clearances.


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New-look halves have nice balance

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 13 Juni 2014 | 20.47

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ONLY 18 months ago, no one would have imagined a Nic White-Bernard Foley-Matt Toomua formation as the playmaking core of the Wallabies backline.

The Wallabies looked impressively cohesive in thought and action in last weekend's first Test in Brisbane and rose way above a lazy French side that played with pride for about 30 minutes.

The new 9-10-12 combo showed the way for the Wallabies.

White is a passing and kicking halfback, Foley is a running and passing flyhalf and Toomua is a kicking and running inside centre, so there is good balance there.

The Wallabies can show off that variety in attack again tonight in Melbourne.

The only missing component is the ability to attack off the halfback. Will Genia is a world class half who gives the Wallabies greater attacking options but the Reds' poor attacking form has destroyed his game. He will be back.

At the moment the Wallabies do not have great ball-carriers in the forwards and the strength of the attack is definitely wider, where Israel Folau is devastating.

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He reminds me of a much bigger version of another league convert, Jason Robinson, who would hover behind the front line of attack looking for the off-load or mismatch to exploit.

Robinson was instrumental in the Poms winning the 2003 World Cup.

Folau has elevated the Wallabies to another level with his ability to find the tryline. No wonder Toulon will pay him 1 million to ply his trade in the south of France.

Toulon have a yearly budget of approximately $A25 million compare to the $5 million of the NSW Waratahs, so Izzy's allegiance will be tested post-World Cup.

Historically, when there is a player revolt the French team finds cohesion and clarity. It was so at the 1999 and 2011 World Cups when the coaches were largely sidelined and the players led the charge by finding energy in division.

There are no signs of that in this French touring squad despite the mass changes to the line-up so I'm tipping a big Wallabies win tonight.

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The All Blacks, who stumbled to a win over the improving English a week ago, boasted more than 900 Test caps.

It's an indication of experience but also that a few of the great All Blacks are perhaps past their peak.

Great players like Richie McCaw will still play well but will lack that high quality consistency that the All Blacks have had.

I expect the All Blacks to retain their world No.1 ranking but defeats will become frequent over the next two seasons, culminating in a semi-final exit at next year's World Cup.

The Aussies are on the rise, the Kiwis on the wane and England are buzzing with discipline and endeavour but minus top-level attacking edge.

England will test the All Blacks more today in Dunedin than the French will the Wallabies.


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Blues give fans reason to smile

Dale Thomas celebrates a third-quarter goal. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: Michael Klein / News Corp Australia

CARLTON fans have shaken their heads often this season.

Mostly in frustration. Sometimes disbelief.

But for a few beautiful moments last night the navy Blues' faithful finally got to feel the rush again.

It was the joy of seeing Chris Judd dig so deep into what we thought was an empty gas tank that you wished he would go on again next season.

It was the exhilaration of watching Levis Casboult not only launch spectacularly from four deep in a pack, but also finish accurately on goal from decent distance with each of his first three kicks.

Dale Thomas celebrates a goals in the third quarter, when Carlton led briefly. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

And the encouragement of key defender Sam Rowe standing his ground in a marking contest against Jarryd Roughead and cradling a one-handed mark like he was Stephen Silvagni.

When the official teams dropped before the bounce announcing crucial big men Michael Jamison and Lachie Henderson as late outs for the Blues, you sensed a drubbing coming at the MCG.

Matthew Watson's nerve-wrecking start, playing a hand in almost every one of the Hawks first five goals, did little to ease the knots from Carlton stomachs.

Levi Casboult kicked four goals. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

But as key forward Casboult shoved out Matt Spangher to clunk another strong grab and then drill his third major from 50m, that barren forward line that has been the source of so much worry over the years found new life.

To be fair, every ounce of Malthouse's patience would have been tested by Casboult's woeful set shot goal kicking technique, which has the longest ball drop in the country.

You could understand if the Blues had already decided to cut him loose, it looks so flawed.

But if he can find some much-needed fluency, perhaps the Blues won't have to sell the farm to get a ready-made key forward to accelerate the list "regeneration", because the 24-year-old can mark it like John Nicholls.

Chris Judd made a successful return with 26 possessions. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

When he charged into the goal square to boot his fourth early in the third term, and Jarrad Waite followed up to put the Blues up by seven points, Mick's busted-up premiership clock suddenly didn't seem so bad.

They had found something, the Blues. The confidence to run the ball quickly. To kick long into the forward line. And the grit, as far as Waite was concerned, to run 30-odd metres to chase down Matthew Suckling.

Maybe Juddy's comeback game lifted them. He was immense at the start of this one, rekindling memories of the way he single-handedly dragged the Blues over the line against Richmond in last year's elimination final. If he was massively underdone, as you would expect after such a horror run with injury this year, or coming to the finish line of a champion career, you wouldn't know watching him last night.

Mitch Robinson celebrates Carlton's opening goal. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

Or maybe Malthouse's 700th coaching appearance meant something to his troops. Or the club's 150th year celebrations tonight needed an effort like this.

Whatever the case, the Blues looked like they turned a bit of a corner last night, despite the late fade-out that made the game look more one-sided than it really was.

Finally, in a season to forget so far, the navy Blue army had some things to cheer about. Importantly, it involved an on-fire key forward.


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Hawks down brave Blues, Rioli booked

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HAWTHORN somehow found a way to be the party poopers.

It was built on persistence, remaining true to the game plan to put their dampener on Carlton's 150 years celebrations over the weekend.

Surrendering the lead late in the third quarter, the still understrength Hawks swung the momentum back their way with seven of the last nine goals at the MCG.

Carlton threatened to let the party begin with a long, direct approach to the tall forward targets unnerving the patched-up Hawks backline in the second and third terms.

Jarryd Roughead kicked three goals. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

But the Hawks response was emphatic when the game was in the balance heading into the final term. Five of the first six goals put the contest out of reach with their admirable spread of goalkickers, this time 12 of them kicked their way onto the scoresheet in the 28 points victory.

Even in defeat, it was a triumph for two of the Blues most experienced servants. Coach Mick Malthouse, just the second man to coach 700 games in AFL-VFL history, was able to restore order and fight from his players after a dismal opening term to at least get a glimpse of a historic win. And dual Brownlow Medallist illustrated his class to collect 26 possessions in his first full game and with just six minutes of previous AFL action this season.

Brad Sewell had 29 touches. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

While Carlton always looked dangerous in the air, particularly the tall marking forwards Levi Casboult and Jarrad Waite, Hawthorn dominated the ground level contests.

Cyril Rioli was unstoppable in the first half, but seemed to lose concentration after being booked for high contact just after half-time. But Bradley Hill took over with a superb second half to help ensure it was the Hawks doing the celebrating into the early hours.

Carlton's long and direct style, coupled with frenzied pressure on the ball-carrier, paid handsome dividends early in the pivotal third quarter.

The Blues banged on five of the first six goals after the second half restart, grabbing the lead after a long Waite set shot from another telling mark inside the attacking 50 at 21 minutes.

But the Hawks kept their composure amid the unusual number of clangers and turnovers. Goals in time-on from Brad Sewell and a freakish left foot snap shot by Issac Smith enabled them to take the five-points lead into the final quarter.

Chris Judd remonstrates with Cyril Rioli after he was reported. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

Rioli will attract rare AFL match review panel scrutiny after he was reported for rough conduct from high contact to Blue Zac Tuohy early in the third quarter.

And Carlton backman Dennis Armfield will be happy for the distractions of the celebrations to take his mind off a nervous wait.

If Armfield escapes a dangerous push that propelled Hawk Grant Birchall into the boundary fence in the second quarter, he mightn't be so lucky after a camera caught his left hook that thudded into his aggrieved opponent's face during the expected remonstration behind play.

Isaac Smith kicked a miraculous goal in the third quarter. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

Hawthorn players' precise ball movement was a stunning opening quarter show as they made the absolute most of the opportunities — five straight goals from the first seven inside 50 entries.

Blue Matthew Watson reflected Carlton's stuttering demeanour. He had nowhere to hide in his second game of the season as errors, a spoil inboard and a bungled left-foot pass, gifted goals to Liam Shiels and Rioli.

Luke Hodge kicks the Hawks into attack. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

Little wonder Malthouse summoned the group to him immediately after the quarter-time siren and spent almost the entire break instructing a team that had laid just eight tackles in that dismal first term.

The Blues responded to their coach's demands and hit back hard to claw back into the contest with their intensity that panicked the Hawks several times to cough up the ball themselves.

Quicker ball movement through the midfield allowed Carlton's tall targets Levi Casboult, Jarrad Waite and Mitch Robinson to contest one-out with their often undersized Hawk opponents.

Levi Casboult kicked four goals. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

Casboult lit the way, this time complementing his iron-grip marking with booming set shots to bag three goals from Carlton's nine contested marks inside the forward 50 in the second quarter.

While Casboult hogged the spotlight, Waite was no less effective with his tackling and harassing that several times contributed to a telling turnover that tipped the engrossing contest almost back on an even terms heading into the second half.

Paul Puopolo manages a handball clear as he is tackled by Bryce Gibbs. Pic: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

BRUCE MATTHEWS' BEST

Hawthorn: Hill, Rioli, Hodge, Sewell, Birchall, Breust.

Carlton: Gibbs, Rowe, Casboult, Murphy, Carrazzo, Judd.

VOTES

3. Bradley Hill (Hawthorn)

2. Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn)

1. Bryce Gibbs (Carlton)


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Burgess muscle leads Souths to glory

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This is the inspiration the Burgess brothers bring to South Sydney.

There was a moment just before kick off on Friday night when the doctors told Michael Maguire that Sam Burgess was out of the game.

The leader of the Rabbitohs pack had been forced back into the rooms during warm up suffering back spasms.

The Rabbitohs celebrate a try. Source: Getty Images

"It was a fairly inspirational effort that Sammy put out there," Maguire said in the aftermath of the 32-10 win over the Wests Tigers.

"He came in off the warm up and the doctor and physios sort of said: 'I don't think he is going to be playing tonight'.

"And Sammy just said: 'I will be out there'.

"Right down to one minute before running out Sammy was trying to get himself right."

South Sydney's Kyle Turner scores a try. Source: News Corp Australia

And so out he went, and he led from the front all night.

With his three brothers George, Tom and Luke by his side, he never stopped charging.

And by the end of the night these boys from the tiny town of Dewsbury in the north of England had wrote another chapter in their phenomenal rugby league story.

It was just the second time all four had played in an NRL game together and didn't they make their presence felt in the six tries to two demolition.

Pat Richards of the Tigers drops the ball close to the try line. Source: Getty Images

Sam finished with a game high 165 metres and 16 tackles and even though George left the field midway through the second half with syndesmosis, by that stage he had already bulldozed through 134 metres from 16 runs.

Tom made 110m, Luke 62m.

It must have felt like a bad dream for the Tigers as they ran one after the other, all night.

Fe, Fi, Fo, Fum you could call them, living proof size does matter in this game.

George Burgess of the Rabbitohs fumbles the ball. Source: Getty Images

And while George will now go for scans to determine the extent of his syndesmosis, Maguire said next week's bye couldn't have come at a better time for Souths who went into the game without Dylan Walker, Bryson Goodwin and Greg Inglis who limped off to Origin camp in a moon boot.

And that was the most pleasing aspect for Maguire on Friday night, the way they worked so hard for each other.

Not just the Burgess boys, but the whole team.

Kirisome Auva'a of the Rabbitohs congratulates team mate Kyle Turner after he scored. Source: Getty Images

"They (the Burgess boys) see themselves as a big part of this team and we are all part of the team," Maguire said.

"The character that we built from last week and I guess we have been building for a while.

"We just have to keep at it."

On Friday night they finished six tries to two winners.

Young back rower Kyle Turner bagged a double, as did excitement machine Alex Johnston.

What a player.

South Sydney's Sam Burgess is tackled. Source: News Corp Australia

For his second try he went to dummy half for a settler and 65 metres later Souths were celebrating the match-turning play.

The Tigers had gone to the break down 12-0 but an early second half try to Blake Austin gave them a whiff of hope.

But from nothing, Johnston went bang, like a rocket.

"We were right back in the hunt, six points adrift," Mick Potter said.

"That just breaks your heart."

Kirisome Auva'a of the Rabbitohs is taken into touch. Source: Getty Images

Penalties, cheap turnovers, players tackled into touch on the first play on several occasions, it all took its toll on the Tigers last night.

"You just cannot do that against a quality team," Potter added.

"I know they had a few wounded but they've still got some big people in the middle of the field, they have still got some key players to get them around the park and they showed what a quality team they are.

"I thought the score was a reflection of how the game went. No disrespect to our team, we tried as hard as we possibly could but you can't hand over possession like we did."

SOUTH SYDNEY 32 (A Johnston 2 K Turner 2 N Merritt tries A Reynolds 6 goals) bt WESTS TIGERS 10 (B Austin J Tedesco tries P Richards goal) at ANZ Stadium. Referee: Gerard Sutton, Gavin Morris. Crowd: 20,721.

Re-live the action in our blog below:


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Roy and HG had ball boy Jones pegged

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 12 Juni 2014 | 20.47

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FINE judges that they are, Roy and HG had Luke Jones pegged from the start.

The year was 2002 and courtesy of his dad winning a competition, 11-year-old Jones ran the match ball for a Bledisloe Cup Test onto Telstra Stadium.

The ground announcers, Roy and HG, commentated the moment and in a classic YouTube video that was played at Jones' 21st, Nelson declares: "You just have to squint halfway and, gee, he reminds me of Ealesy so much."

Saturday night in Melbourne, 12 years on, Jones will run onto the Test arena again in a real Wallabies jersey, and go some small way to proving HG Nelson right.

The 23-year-old will be one of three potential Wallabies debutants on the bench against the French, alongside Rebels teammate Laurie Weeks and Force hooker Nathan Charles.

Jones said the chance to debut in front of a hometown crowd was "very, very special", and probably edged the excitement factor – just – of his childhood encounter with the Wallabies.

"My old man won a radio competition, I think 2GB. It was to run the ball out for the 2002 Bledisloe," Jones said.

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"They had Roy and HG doing the commentary over the top.

"I couldn't wipe the smile off my face, I had a signed jersey on. I was over the moon."

When looking for ways to end Australia's Bledisloe Cup drought, Jones could well be the Wallabies' lucky charm. He delivered the match-ball for the last game in which Australia won the prized urn, and shared the party in the dressing rooms afterwards.

He may have brushed past the only other active survivor from that party, then assistant coach Ewen McKenzie.

"They had the big Cup there. Everyone was celebrating and drinking from it, and I was trying to go around getting my jersey signed. It was pretty incredible," Jones said.

Just eight years later, an 18-year-old Jones made his Super Rugby debut for the Force alongside one of those Wallabies – Nathan Sharpe – and after becoming a foundation Rebels player in 2011, has long been touted as a future Test player himself.

Rebels Luke Jones (L), Scott Higginbotham (C) and Laurie Weeks are all on the bench this week. Source: News Corp Australia

Jones turned to his childhood mate and new Wallabies captain Michael Hooper for advice on how to handle the step up.

"We went to school from year six together," Jones said. "He said there is a reason why you have been picked. They are picking you for your style. Just play to your full ability."

Weeks is also bursting with pride after winning a Test debut four years after first being called into a Wallabies camp by Robbie Deans.

The tighthead prop said he feared his chances had passed in subsequent years, but the arrival of Tony McGahan at the Rebels turned it around.

"He really got stuck into me and made me realise I wasn't working to my full potential, and wasn't training as hard as I thought I was," Weeks said.

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"He made it clear to get to the next level you have to raise everything you do to the next level."

Sitting alongside Weeks and Jones on the pine will be a more experienced Rebels teammate, Scott Higginbotham, who is making his return to Wallabies for the first time since 2012.

The Melbourne skipper missed the 2013 Test season after needing shoulder surgery.

"It's a tough road back but I had a good pre-season, and enjoyed Super Rugby and the captaincy this year," Higginbotham said, adding he had faith his Rebels teammates could handle Test rugby.

"They'll be fine. They're mature. Weeksy I think is older than me and Jonesy is mature for a young age … he has got his opportunity from hard work.


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Underachieving Mexico face scoring issues

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MERCURIAL Mexico host a troubled Cameroon in their World Cup Group A opener in Natal on Saturday (EST) looking to take the first step towards an eventual first appearance in the quarter-finals in nearly 30 years.

Now coached by colourful Miguel Herrera, who missed out on playing for Mexico at USA '94 after being dropped for punching a photographer, Mexico have in recent editions failed to live up to expectations.

In the past five tournaments the Aztecs have failed to get to the 'fifth game' and make the quarter-finals they last reached as hosts in 1986 when they bowed out 4-1 on penalties to West Germany.

Cameroon's German coach Volker Finke and Mexico's head coach Miguel Herrera. Source: AFP

Critics would argue Mexico should feel lucky to be in Brazil at all. After a tortuous qualifying campaign, Herrera was parachuted in for a two-legged play-off against New Zealand, which the central Americans won 9-3 on aggregate.

But despite that result, Mexico have hardly lit up the world footballing stage of late, losing their last two friendlies 1-0 to Bosnia and Portugal.

In the latter encounter, Mexico spurned a host of chances and when they took their eye off the ball late on Bruno Alves struck the winner for Portugal in the 93rd minute.

"We haven't been that convincing when facing goal, so we have to work on it," said Herrera.

"We have to work on keeping focus all the way to the finish. We can't be losing games in the last 30 seconds."

Mexico, noted for their 5-3-2 formation which focuses heavily on the running of the wingbacks, will however look to capitalise on the internal strife that has simmered within the Cameroon camp.

Samuel Eto'o is still feared among international defenders. Source: AFP

Four years after becoming the first African side to leave the 2010 tournament, with zero points from three games, Volker Finke's squad recently threatened to refuse to board the plane to Brazil due to a row over bonuses.

A deal was finally reached, but the episode has enhanced the general feeling that the 'Indomitable Lions' will whimper and not roar their way through a group which includes Croatia and hosts Brazil.

Like Mexico, Cameroon endured a tough qualifying campaign that again underlined the central African country's reputation for internal strife.

Much of that in recent years has revolved around superstar Samuel Eto'o, whom the Cameroon federation once issued with a lengthy ban.

Enoh Eyong takes on the Germany defence in a rercent friendly. Source: AP

Although Cameroon possess class midfielders in the shape of Alex Song and Enoh Eyong, all eyes will likely be glued on Chelsea striker Eto'o - a four-time African Player of the Year who will be appearing in his fourth finals.

"He is an experienced player and a handful to deal with," said Brazil skipper Thiago Silva.

"In the Champions League he wasn't 100 percent but he made his presence felt. He has impressive technical abilities and is lethal in the box.

"He is the striker who most worries me."

Finke, who spent 16 years in charge of German over-achievers Freiburg, will be hoping there is still something to play for by the time they meet Brazil on June 23 in Brasilia.


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Culture clubs — Port creed meets Bloods’ belief

Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak is in a similar position to former Sydney leader Stuart Maxfield. Picture: Simon Cross. Source: Simon Cross / News Corp Australia

PORT Adelaide is rediscovering itself. And on Saturday, at the SCG, its players, coaches and staff will look at the Swans as the prototype of everything the Power can be on and off the field.

And the critical footnote is how it takes "outsiders" to dust down the answers that already exist in a football club.

At Sydney it was Stuart Maxfield. After six seasons and 89 games at Richmond, Maxfield was cut at Punt Road at the end of the 1995 season and given a lifeline back to the AFL as an uncontracted pick for Sydney in the 1996 pre-season draft.

Maxfield built "The Bloods", the inspiring and lasting culture — derived from the club's history as South Melbourne — that since 1996 has created the AFL's most competitive and consistent football team.

The record of finals in every season but three (2000, 2002 and 2009), four grand finals and two premierships defines Maxfield's legacy to the Swans.

At Port Adelaide it is Travis Boak. After six seasons and 103 games at Alberton, Boak could have set up an auction between Geelong, North Melbourne and possibly Carlton ... or, as the Power's new captain, opted to rebuild a culture that been Port Adelaide's lifeblood for generations.

The comparisons are extraordinary.

When Maxfield arrived at Sydney, the Swans had not played in finals for eight years, was a "basket case" off the field and, after consuming coaches, had prompted Ron Barassi to leave the 3AW radio commentary box in fear Australian football was about to die in Sydney.

The Swans played in the AFL grand final in Maxfield's first season in 1996 with a rookie coach, Rodney Eade.

Sydney captain Brett Kirk, left, and Stuart Maxfield after the 2005 grand final.

When Boak decided to stay at Alberton, the Power had not played in finals for five seasons, was a confirmed "basket case" off the field and, after tormenting coaches, started a new era with rookie mentor Ken Hinkley, the first "outsider" to take charge of Port Adelaide's most senior team since 1950.

The Power's revival has begun … and how much it mirrors Sydney depends on the culture Boak builds.

"Culture … what is culture?" asks former Sydney defender Matthew Nicks who started his AFL career in 1996 as Maxfield began "The Bloods".

"It is an expectation – what is expected of you when you arrive at an organisation. There is nothing up on the wall at Sydney that says, 'This is The Bloods'.

"But you learn what is expected of you from your team-mates – they lead by example. Ask a young player at Sydney what is required and he will not give you a piece of paper that says, 'This is how we do it.'

"Rather he will just point to (captain) Jarrad McVeigh and know they have to do as he does."

Nicks is now at the Power as an assistant coach, developing the club's defenders.

"We have some really good leaders (at Port) who are replicating what the Swans have been through.

"We're just a number of years behind them."

Maxfield arrived at Sydney to show respect for the club's South Melbourne "Bloods" heritage - and noting the need to create from within the critical self-analysis not generated by a rugby league-driven media not caring for the Swans.

"It was developing a culture of everyone having the same ideals; everyone being on the same page and going in the same direction," Nicks said.

"In Sydney there is nowhere near the media backlash you get in Victoria or SA, so you can cruise along.

"So there has to be momentum from within, players driving players. And Stuart Maxfield was a beast, a competitive beast. He was the hard-working engine behind 'The Bloods'.

"He delivered that message that you have to work harder to become better.

"But he was not alone. Brett Kirk did the same. And when Paul Roos became coach (in 2002) he pushed everyone getting on board.

"That is important because a coach has the experiences a player is still to find. A coach knows what you have to do ... but you need players on board, pushing that culture.

"We had a small group who did that - and then it snowballed by weight of numbers. Now it has continued on for year."

Maxfield retired during the 2005 season as Sydney ended its 72-year premiership drought and fulfilled the spirit of "The Bloods".

"And the (culture) has continued on for year," Nicks said.

"Jude Bolton has passed it on to Dan Hannebery who has passed it on to Kieran Jack. It is just expected now."

Boak can wish he can start the same at Alberton - or, rather, rediscover what made Fos Williams pass the Port Adelaide culture to Geof Motley who passed it to John Cahill ....

"Travis is not the only one, just as Stuart Maxfield was not the only one at Sydney," Nicks said. "Boak is the head figure here as captain. When he speaks, everyone listens. But he also has massive support.

"He has Jay Schulz who is more than on board. There is definitely that similar story to Sydney."

Stuart Maxfield, the man who built "The Bloods" theme at Sydney. Source: News Corp Australia

LIKE THE BLOODS, POWER BUYS INTO THE CREED

SYDNEY has "The Bloods" culture. Port Adelaide has "The Creed".

Sydney captain Stuart Maxfield (2003-5) built "The Bloods" theme from within the changerooms. The Creed was written by legendary Port Adelaide coach Fos Williams at home in the early 1960s to serve as a legacy for those who inherited the club's heritage.

"The Bloods" became an admired concept that has driven a leadership-building empire outside of the Sydney Football Club and a book (The Rise of the Swans by Martin Blake).

The Creed was adopted by the Power's marketing department before the club had a team to live the concept – and was, not surprisingly, lampooned by the critics.

But in 2014, when the Power players are living up to Williams' vision, The Creed is difficult to dismiss at Alberton.

"Very much so," former Sydney player and current Power assistant coach Matthew Nicks says. "The Creed basically puts the club's culture into words. It is about the way you should act and that is what we have here now.

"But putting a bit of paper with The Creed in front of someone is different to leading by example or understanding what is expected of anyone at the Port Adelaide Football Club.

"There is no official creed at Sydney, but if they had to, the Swans would be able to write down a number of points on how they are expected to behave.

"The Creed is up in our rooms at Port Adelaide. It is there for our players to look at all the time – and it does mean a lot."

Building a team culture – and having it survive to new generations – is the biggest challenge of Maxfield's vision at Sydney and Williams' legacy at Alberton.

At Sydney, there was the "no dickheads" policy. At Alberton, as young defender Jack Hombsch noted to The Advertiser last week, there is the "no idiots" theme.

"Very much so," Nicks said.

"That is the big one – character. It begins with the recruiting staff asking, 'What are we getting here? Can we coach this player?'

"The head coach will make the final call, but there also will be player involvement. Definitely from (captain) Travis Boak and the leadership is spoken to on big decisions.

"Take Chad Wingard who was a super, super talent. But the question mark was would he be hard and tough enough for this culture.

"Chad would be the first to admit it wasn't when he first got here, but he has developed that by understanding what is required to be part of this group.

"Now we have a player who loves the contest.

"He might not look forward to pre-season training, but he now knows what is required and why he has to do it."


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Spanish wary of revenge-seeking Dutch

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JAVI Martinez believes stopping the Netherlands' experienced front three, including Bayern Munich teammate Arjen Robben, will be the key when his side open the defence of the World Cup in a rematch of the 2010 final in Salvador on Saturday (EST).

"The greatest danger from the Netherlands comes from the three players up front; Robben, (Robin) Van Persie and (Wesley) Sneijder," Martinez said.

"Not only with the national team, but at Bayern as well Robben is very strong on the counter-attack. He moves very well into space and we will have to control him."

Andres Iniesta facing up to Arjen Robbenwill be an intriguing contest. Source: AFP

Robben was denied by two crucial saves from Spanish captain Iker Casillas with the score still at 0-0 in the final four years ago before Andres Iniesta went on to score the winner in extra time to hand Spain their first ever World Cup.

"We have spoken about it during our two years as teammates," said Martinez.

"It was a big blow for the Netherlands and for him, we have spoken a lot about those chances and Iker's saves.

"I said to him before the Champions League final in 2013 that if he got the chance again he wouldn't fail and he didn't."

No confusion, Robin, you are one of the Dutch dangermen. Source: AFP

Captain Van Persie, Robben, Sneijder, Nigel De Jong and Dirk Kuyt are the five survivors from the 2010 final in the current squad and the Dutch have made no secret of their desire for revenge.

"It was a big chance for us to win the World Cup and we were really close," said Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar.

"It should always burn inside to make something right. To play against them now in the first game is a great challenge."

Veteran midfielder Sneijder, who will win his 100th cap in the match, said the wounds of that defeat were still raw.

"It's like a scar that hasn't yet healed. It always gets me down when I think about it."

Van Persie is expected to be fit, despite arriving in Brazil as an injury concern after sustaining a groin problem in last week's 2-0 friendly win over Wales in Amsterdam.

Coach Louis van Gaal has experimented with a 5-3-2 formation designed to close down Spain's potent attack and counter-attack hard.

But the future Manchester United manager used a 4-4-2 formation against the Welsh to keep the Spanish guessing which system he will use in Salvador.

Cesc Fabregas will likely start up front for the Spanish. Source: AFP

The ever-loyal Vincente Del Bosque is expected to make just one change for Spain from the side which started and won thecesc fabregas Euro 2012 final with Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta coming in for Alvaro Arbeloa at right-back.

Cesc Fabregas should start up front for Spain with Brazil-born Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa expected to make a second-half appearance from the bench.

"We don't have any fear. But we do have respect," said del Bosque.

"Holland are a well-organised team, well-coached, and I am sure they will make things difficult for us."


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Hewitt beaten by Lopez at Queen’s

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 11 Juni 2014 | 20.47

Lleyton Hewitt's renowned returning ability was no match for Feliciano Lopez's accurate serve. Source: Jan Kruger / Getty Images

LLEYTON Hewitt's quest for an unprecedented fifth AEGON Championships title is over.

The former world No 1 fell 6-3 6-4 to Spanish 10th seed Feliciano Lopez, ending hopes of the South Australian's first triumph at Queen's Club since 2006.

A semi-finalist here last season, Hewitt was ambushed by Lopez's stunning serving and will now use a combination of exhibition matches and practice next week to prepare for Wimbledon.

Unbeaten in four previous matches against the left-handed Lopez, Hewitt was powerless to combat the southpaw's phenomenal serving.

Lopez thundered 10 aces and allowed Hewitt — still a premier returner- a meagre 12 points against his serve for the match.

Lopez's searing first serve was consistently unplayable and he allowed Hewitt only four points against it in 10 service games.

Hewitt's first lapse on serve — it came with two double faults in the second game of the match — was a sufficient buffer for the smooth Spaniard to gain an important lead.

Hewitt uncharacteristically lost his footing twice, tumbling heavily but unhurt onto a lush surface.

Unforced errors in the seventh game of the second set sealed Hewitt's fate as Lopez continued to serve up a storm.

Lopez will next play either French Open semi-finalist Ernests Gulbis or big-serving Frenchman Kenny de Schepper.


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France revamps team for second Test

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FRENCH coach Phillipe Saint-Andre has responded to the Brisbane thumping by making a staggering 10 changes to his run-on side for the second Test against the Wallabies.

Which, in the mind of Australian centre Adam Ashley-Cooper, makes Les Bleus an extremely dangerous proposition leading into the Melbourne clash.

"They're one team who can make a lot of changes and go out and perform they better than they did the week before. We are certainly aware of that," Ashley-Cooper said on Wednesday.

"There's a lot of changes but they'll be better for it.

Nicolas Mas (L) has paid the price for the heavy loss, losing his tighthead prop berth to be benched. Source: Getty Images

A lot of changes seems an understatement after Saint-Andre reinserted his heavyweight cavalry into a run-on XV containing just five survivors from the 50-23 first test result — hooker Guilhem Guirado, lock Yoann Maestri, No.8 Damien Chouly, centre Wesley Fofana and winger Yoann Huget.

Big names like skipper Thierry Dusatoir, Yannick Nyanga, Morgan Parra, Maxime Medard, Remi Tales, Brice Dulin and Mathieu Bastareaud are among the men called up, but in a surprise move, highly-regarded tight head Nicolas Mas paid for a points loss to James Slipper by being benched.

Experienced back rower Louis Picamoles was also left on the bench, alongside the demoted backs Freddie Michalak and Gael Fickou.

The Wallabies were expecting a raft of changes, and have been at pains to emphasis the result of game one is forgotten and irrelevant.

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"We are certainly aware the French can come out and be a totally different team to the week before. That's the unpredictability of the French, and that's why they're dangerous," Ashley-Cooper said.

The Wallabies veteran said lessons about not writing off opponents prematurely could be taken from the England-New Zealand battles across the Tasman, where optimistic English scribes are penning obituaries for the All Blacks' aura after a tight New Zealand victory last weekend.

Yes, victory.

"It's too early to be making those sort of assumptions. It was obviously a tight game with England and the All Blacks, but to me and the team I am involved with, we see the All Blacks as the world No.1," Ashley-Cooper said.


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Link making short work of Robbie’s record

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AFTER just 13 Tests at the Wallabies' helm, Ewen McKenzie can this weekend notch a milestone Robbie Deans could not pull off in 74 - six straight victories.

Defeating France in the second Test in Melbourne would not only secure a piece of silverware for the Wallabies, it would have the added boost of an Australian side piecing together half-a-dozen Test wins for the first time since 2005.

Deans won his first five Tests with the Wallabies in 2008 but then, sitting in the front seat of the win-loss roller coaster, never steered the team past three straight wins again in six years.

McKenzie's men have the opportunity to do it less than a year into the post-Deans era, and though some may interpret the ticking of such boxes as misapplied focus, the new coach believes history can be a valuable motivational tool.

"In teams I have been involved with I have always kept them focused on small goals; it's not just about winning, if there some historical relevance or an opportunity to grab some history along the way, then we'll try and do that," McKenzie said.

"You have get the context right for the team, and the context of what they're playing for. It's not just another game.

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"Five in a row has some context in terms of making the team feeling a little bit more special ... that they're doing something that's not done easily. It's all part of the progress. You can't find little goals on and off the field to demonstrate to the team they're actually making progress. It all helps."

Under Eddie Jones, the Wallabies won six straight until the 2003 World Cup final, and then again in 2004-05, although the sequence was immediately followed by a seven-game losing streak that ultimately cost Jones his job.

To break the next target - ten straight wins in 1999-2000 - McKenzie's Wallabies would have to emulate that golden-era side and win the Bledisloe Cup this year.

After arriving in Melbourne on Wednesday, Wallabies centre Adam Ashley-Cooper said the French series was an important platform to do just that.

"We are using the French campaign as a stepping block to start off a new era in Australian rugby, and to reach our first Bledisloe," he said.

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"It is important to share moments like that (five straight wins in Brisbane), it boosts the motivation to turn up for the weekend. It gives you food for thought. There are little achievements like that that are up for grabs."

After a wobbly opening period, McKenzie's recent record as coach is all the more impressive given the revitalised attacking style that's achieved it.

In the last eight Tests, the Wallabies have scored an average of 35 points - and 4.5 tries - per Test.

Foxsports Stats show the last ten Tests under McKenzie have seen the Wallabies (31) double their points output from Deans' last ten Tests (15.5), which ended against the Lions last July.

Long forgotten, it seems, is the one-try per Test malaise of the Wallabies during 2012.

The French were blown off the park in Brisbane by the Wallabies' high-tempo attack, and though they expect a stifling strategy by Les Bleus on Saturday, Ashley-Cooper said the Australians would not get bogged down in a dour arm-wrestle.

"We have to be more physical and more determined. They will look at our attack and know that a lot of our shape is built off momentum, and off the mainline," Ashley-Cooper said.

"They will certainly be a nuisance at the breakdown and look to slow our ball down. For us it is about stepping up physically and matching that. We want to play with the tempo we did last week, and play that expansive game."


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Ten greatest games in World Cup history

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THEY captured the imagination, set the pulses racing and live long, long in the memory. It's the 10 greatest games in World Cup history.

From one of the biggest shocks of all time through to a clash of the titans and numerous penalty dramas, we cover a broad spectrum of tension-filled outcomes. They are in no particular order.

Cultured Algeria pulled off one of the all-time great Cup shocks in 1982. Source: AAP

1982 - Algeria 2 v West Germany 1 - group stages

As upsets go, this was huge. It was also wonderful entertainment and gave all so-called minnows the encouragement to take the game to the big guns and not be intimidated by reputations.

And they didn't come any bigger than beating West Germany 32 years ago. The defending European champions had Karl-Heinz Rumminigge, former Sydney FC coach Pierre Littbarski and Paul Breitner in their line-up.

It was the opening game of the group and expected to be a stroll for the Germans. But the Algerians gave as good as they got in the opening 45 minutes and went into the break level.

Nine minutes into the second half and their swift, counter-attacking style was rewarded with the opening goal as Rabah Madjer pounced on a deflected shot.

Rumminigge restored parity on 67 minutes before Algeria broke the game open just 60 seconds later when national hero Lakhdar Belloumi latched on to a cross after some brilliant lead-up work.

The final 30 minutes were intriguing as the pragmatic Germans abandoned the game plan in search for some salvation while Algeria threatened to score even more.

Unfortunately it all ended in tears for Algeria who were denied a spot in the next round when West Germany and Austria played out the now-infamous "Nichtangriffspakt von Gijón" to ensure they both went through.

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1966 - Portugal 5 v North Korea 3, quarter final

After stunning the world by beating Italy in the group stages, North Korea then looked set to grab another high-profile European scalp - Portugal - in the quarter-finals at Goodison Park.

Incredibly, they raced out to a 3-0 lead in the opening 25 minutes before the Portuguese woke up.

The next 65 minutes then belonged to the brilliant Eusebio, who embarked on a personal crusade to get his side into the final four.

He reduced the arrears in the 27th minute and got Portugal back to 3-2 with his first penalty on the stroke of halftime.

The Koreans still offered resistance in the second half and it took a good 20 minutes before they were finally subdued.

Eusebio added two more, including another penalty conceded by the increasingly reckless Koreans, before Jose Augusto completed the amazing comeback with the fifth.

Paolo Rossi's goals sunk Brazil back in 1982. Source: AAP

1982 - Brazil 2 Italy 3, second round

This was widely considered the best Brazilian team of all time. Even better than 1970! With stars like Zico, Socrates, Falcao and Junior, they weren't just tipped to win the whole thing 32 years ago, it was a world-wide expectation.

But they had major deficiencies as well, particularly in defence and the lack of a renowned goalscorer, and Italy exposed them in ruthless fashion.

The Azzurri came to Spain haunted by domestic scandal and actually only scrapped into the second round after an unconvincing draw against Cameroon.

But they found their form against Brazil as striker Paolo Rossi, coming off two years of national team exclusion, banged in a hat-trick.

It was full-on attack as Rossi scored on five minutes before Socrates equalised seven minutes later. Brazil had little time to celebrate before Rossi scored again.

What followed for the next 40 minutes was total Brazilian domination without being able to break down the stubborn Italians.

Falcao finally restored parity on 69 minutes but the Italians weren't done and master poacher Rossi snuck in to grab the winner on 74 minutes.

Future Sydney FC captain Alessandro del Piero gets a run in our top 10 list. Source: AAP

2006 - Germany 0 Italy 2 (AET) - semi-final

This showed that goals are not necessarily needed for a game to be considered a classic as for 118 minutes neither side could convert.

It was indeed remarkable how a goal was not scored until Fabio Grosso's effort in the 119th minute as there were so many chances.

The hosts just couldn't find a way past Gianluigi Buffon, who pulled off two particularly notable saves from Lukas Podolski and Bernd Schneider.

Italy, for their part, hit the post twice early in extra time through Alberto Gilardino and Gianluca Zambrotta and penalties, which seemed to be a common theme in 2006, looked inevitable.

But Grosso, yes, he of the infamous diving incident against Australia two rounds earlier, floated in a superb strike before future Sydney FC captain Aleesandro del Piero hit the second.

1998 - England 2 Argentina 2 - Argentina won 4-3 on penalties - second round

Eight years after the heartbreak of Turin, came another England World Cup exit courtesy of their inability to meet the pressure of penalties.

This game had everything - a nasty undercurrent dating back to Diego Maradona's 1986 'Hand of God' goal, the precocious talent of Michael Owen, a David Beckham sending off, some impressive counter-attacking play and another England collapse.

In truth, it was a game England should have really won.

Gabriel Batistuta opened the scoring for Argentina on six minutes from the penalty spot before Alan Shearer responded in kind four minutes later.

Michael Owen then scored the goal of the tournament on 12 minutes but Javier Zanetti got Argentina back in the match right on halftime.

Beckham got his marching orders early in the second half for kicking Diego Simeone but his early exit only seemed to galvanise England and they missed some golden chances to win it.

When the game went to penalties there was almost a feeling of inevitability about the result.

And it came as no surprise when Paul Ince and David Batty both missed.

Becks gets his marching orders. Source: AAP

1986 - Belguim 4 Soviet Union 3 (AET), round of 16

There is much talk about the current golden generation of Belgium players and the impact they could have in Brazil. But 28 years ago in Mexico they had a pretty decent side as well and featured in this amazing round of 16 clash with the Soviet Union.

Led by 20-year-old protégée Enzo Scifo, who appeared in four World Cups over a 15-year career for his country, Belgium pulled off a shock win over a team that had scored nine goals in their previous three matches.

Certainly Belgium had given no indication previously that a performance of this stature was coming, but once Soviet Union striker Igor Belanov opened the scoring in the 27th minute they responded impressively.

Scifo equalised early in the second half before things heated up in the last 20 minutes. A mistake let Belanov in for his second on 69 minutes but Jan Ceulemans got Belgium back on level terms on 75 minutes.

Belgium took control in extra time as. Stephane De Mol put Belgium ahead before Nico Claesen, who would earn a transfer to Tottenham on the back of his tournament performances, added a fourth.

Belgium sprung another surprise over Spain in the quarter-finals before bowing out to Argentina in the semi-finals.

England captain Bobby Moore with Pele after their 1970 classic. Source: AAP

1970 - England 0 Brazil 1, group game

Many have lamented that this game was played so early in the tournament. It was certainly worthy of a final such were the breathtaking levels of skill on show.

England were seen as an even better than the one that won the tournament four years earlier, built on rock-solid defence and an intuitive counter-attacking style. And of course, the Brazilian team has been roundly rated as the greatest ever.

The attacking was ceaseless, the defence immaculate and goalkeeping superb. The game featured a bit of everything, including what is widely agreed upon as the greatest save of all time as Gordon Banks touched Pele's goal-bound header around the post.

Ultimately it was decided by a solitary Brazilian goal from flying winger Jairzinho in the 59th minute but England had their chance to force the equaliser and were actually the better team, which is really saying something.

Brazil went on to win the tournament while England were knocked out in the quarter-finals by West Germany in a match they led 2-0 and could have also entered this top 10 list.

1990 - West Germany v England, semi-final

The origins of England's nightmare with penalties can be traced back to this fateful game in Turin.

After dominating the previous 120 minutes and only being rewarded with a 1-1 draw, England famously self destructed as first Stuart Pearce and then Chris Waddle went down in spot kick infamy.

Pearce blasted his penalty into the legs of Bodo Ilgner before Waddle skied his attempt well over the bar.

Waddle's misfortune and subsequent reaction wasn't the only unforgettable image of the match.

Earlier, Paul Gascoigne was left in tears after he realised he would be ineligible for the final after being booked.

Gazza breaks down as England go out in 1990. Source: AAP

1994 - Romania 3 Argentina 2, round of 16

Most countries can lay claim to at least one golden generation of talent. In Romania's case, they had the talent to build around one of the most gifted playmakers in the game's history - Gheorghe Hagi - 20 years ago.

The Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielder was at his undisputed peak in 1994 - and the Diego Maradona-less Argentina were on the receiving end.

Maradona had been thrown out of the tournament just days earlier for a positive drug test - and with fellow frontman Claudio Canniggia also out, Argentina were rattled.

In the steaming cauldron of the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, the two teams turned on an exhilarating display of counter-attacking football as defence became somewhat of an afterthought.

Ultimately, it was Hagi and former Tottenham striker Ilie Dumitrescu who decided the match.

Dumitrescu opened the scoring with a curling free-kick the goalkeeper really should have done better with before Batistuta equalized five minutes later from the penalty spot.

Two minutes later and Romania were back in front through Dumitrescu, with help from Hagi, and Argentina were forced to chase the game.

Romania's beautiful ball movement and the inexhaustible energy proved too much for Argentina and Hagi put the game beyond doubt in the 58th minute - although Abel Balbo put a few hearts in Romanian mouths with a consolation goal 10 minutes from time.

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2002 - South Korea 2 Italy 1 - golden goal extra time, round of 16

Ah, the days of truncated extra time when the golden goal ruled and penalties were a last, last, last resort. There was no playing for spot kicks. It was full-blooded action all the way.

Back in 1966, Italy had been on the receiving end of one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history - a 1-0 loss to North Korea . Fast forward 36 years they facedand the Korean peninsula came back to haunt them.

Led by the inimitable Guus Hiddink and backed by an adoring, passionate fan-base, South Korea knocked them out as the much-maligned Ahn Jung-hwan went villain to hero with an extra time winner.

And it wasn't as if Italy were under-strength in any way. With the likes of Del Piero, Buffon, Maldini, Totti and Inzaghe, they almost had an embarrassment of riches.

Korea missed a golden chance to open the scoring on five minutes when Buffon beat away Ahn's spot-kick and were punished 13 minutes later when Christian Vieri opened the scoring with a near-post header.

South Korea pushed for an equaliser and were finally rewarded on 88 minutes through Seol Ki-hyeon - days. Totti was then sent off for simulation, when a penalty should have been awarded, before Ahn flicked in a far post header to seal the game for the hosts.

In an amazing aftermath to the match, Perugia owner Luciano Gaucci cancelled Ahn's club contract and was quoted as saying, "I have no intention of paying a salary to someone who has ruined Italian football."


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Hooper is our Captain Indestructible

Written By Unknown on Senin, 09 Juni 2014 | 20.47

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WHEN he was 18 years old, Michael Hooper suffered an ankle injury that prevented him playing for the Australian under-20s side in Argentina.

He has never missed a minute of rugby through injury since.

Given the heavy involvement that typifies Hooper's performances in Super Rugby and at Test level, and the physical demands on his body, it is an extraordinary run.

At the risk of jinxing the 22-year-old, if anyone can defy the curse of the Wallabies captaincy it is Hooper.

James Horwill, David Pocock, Will Genia and now Stephen Moore have all succumbed to serious injuries while holding the title in the past two years.

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But Hooper has become Mr Indestructible since he became a regular starter for the Brumbies in 2011, and teammates marvel at his capacity to play to exhaustion in matches and then bounce into the next training session as though he's returned from holiday.

If the Wallabies are to finally mount successful Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Championship and World Cup campaigns, they need stability at the top.

It has been lacking in recent years due to the carousel of captains taking charge after the unfortunate series of injuries.

It would be a seriously dire situation for Australia if Hooper was to also suffer injury this year.

Hooper is younger and has only two more starts than new Wallabies vice-captain James Slipper, but has won the Wallabies' rookie of the year and John Eales medal in successive seasons since his debut.

Michael Hooper dives over to score a try during the first Test against France at Suncorp Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Slipper played his 50th Test last weekend and is smart and capable, but Test captaincy would lump enormous pressure and responsibility on a player who has only solidified his position as Australia's best loosehead in the past 12 months.

Slipper has enough on his plate trying to convince international referees that the Wallabies' scrum is not inferior in big games.

The team's other vice-captain, Adam Ashley-Cooper, is a brilliant communicator and has seen it all in his 92-Test career but there is a reason why wingers don't captain international teams.

Ashley-Cooper has been named by Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie as a back-three option and with Tevita Kuridrani continually improving at outside centre, it appears he will remain on the wing through to the World Cup.

So much weighs on the young shoulders of Hooper.

Hooper pops a pass to reserve scrumhalf Nick Phipps as he rides the tackle of winger Yoann Huget. Source: AP

But since he had one of those shoulders fixed back when he was in Year 12 at Chatswood's St Pius X, Hooper has handled that weight with unassuming ease.

Hooper could have opted against the surgery in 2009 — his only other serious injury — and played for the Schoolboys team before undergoing the operation at the end of the year.

But the Brumbies had already indicated they wanted him on board the next season, in a largely developing role.

Hooper calculated that he was better off taking the year off, and played no rugby in his final year of school.

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He had a two-day schoolies weekend before joining the Brumbies in pre-season training, learning from their greatest ever No.7, George Smith.

It is ironic that Hooper made his Super Rugby debut after Smith was forced to miss a game through injury. It was the first time Smith had missed a match in 60 starts, and he only missed two in his illustrious Brumbies career.

Perhaps Smith's resilience rubbed off on Hooper, who is now in his fourth year at the top level and despite clocking up some of the busiest statistics in that time, has been immune to injury.

McKenzie and the rest of the Australian rugby fraternity will be hoping that resistance continues, so Hooper's leadership skills can develop in line with his playing ability.


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Amelie chasing a slam dunk for Murray

PLAYING for Grand Slam titles, not playing the gender card, is what excites Amelie Maursemo about coaching defending Wimbledon champion Andy Murray.

Murray on Monday appointed the French former world No.1 as coach for his grass-court season, which starts at Queen's this week.

"It's not really interesting for me, this part of the story, to be honest," Mauresmo told reporters in Paris when asked about the dynamics of a woman coaching a top-10 men's player.

"All I'm interested in is to be able to help him in his goals. He wants to win more Grand Slams."

Mauresmo, who admitted she was surprised when Murray approached her, said they would reassess the arrangement after Wimbledon, but she was reluctant to travel with him full-time.

"If it's half-time, half a year, that's not bad," Mauresmo said.

"Yes, it will change a little bit my life and my retirement. But I'm passionate. I'm passionate about this sport. I love challenges.

Andy Murray will join forces with Amelie Mauresmo for the start of the grass-court season. Source: AFP

"I guess I like to put myself on the line at some point and see what I can do."

Murray said during the French Open, where he lost in the semi-finals to eventual champion Rafael Nadal, he had no qualms about appointing a woman as coach.

"I don't really care whether some of the other male players like it or not," he said last week.

"I was coached by my mum for a long time. I have had her around at tournaments for a long time.

"There has been ex-players and stuff that have said, 'oh, your mum shouldn't be around or she shouldn't come and support you or come to watch'.

"It's silly. Everyone is entitled to have the team around them that they want.

"Some men might not work well with a female. Some men might work well with a female coach. It's just whatever your preference is and whatever your needs are."


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Hunt celebrates as Broncos roll Raiders

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MALIGNED halfback Ben Hunt has celebrated his stunning rise to Queensland's Origin ranks, steering the Broncos to a 28-4 thumping of the Raiders in Canberra.

If there is tangible evidence of Brisbane's growth over the past year, it is Hunt, who just 12 months ago was stuck behind Peter Wallace on the interchange bench.

RATE THE BRONCOS

But tomorrow, Hunt, 24, will join four of his Broncos teammates at his maiden Origin camp after guiding Brisbane to their fifth consecutive road triumph.

Broncos backrower Sam Thaiday in action. Source: News Corp Australia

The last time the Broncos achieved that, they won the premiership in 2006. And by next weekend, after receiving a bye, the Broncos, currently sixth, could be sitting pretty at the top on percentages.

But the real triumph is Hunt. While only an extended member of Queensland's 22-man squad, it is sweet reward for a man who once wondered if he would ever get a crack at his beloved halfback spot.

Glen Buttriss of the Raiders is tackled. Source: Getty Images

Hunt was initially picked as cover for Maroons halfback Daly Cherry-Evans (knee), but Josh Papalii's ankle injury could see him claim a bench spot for Origin II.

CLICK HERE FOR THE MATCH CENTRE

"I'm just over the moon," Hunt said after Brisbane's clinical win.

"I never expected this to happen so I'll give it everything I've got.

"I'm just going to go into camp and try and learn as much I can off the great players.

"I'll prepare like I am going to play and if I get put in there, I will do my best for the team."

Corey Parker of the Broncos is tackled. Source: Getty Images

Since replacing Wallace this season, Hunt has been a revelation, giving Brisbane's attack shape, creativity and the ability to score points.

Broncos coach Anthony Griffin lauded Hunt's emergence as a bona fide NRL playmaker on a night where Brisbane were ruthlessly clinical and defensively stoic.

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"He's benefited from a lot of hard work and put himself in the picture for Queensland, which is great news," Griffin said.

"We made a decision in round 20 last year to change course and all the credit has to go to Ben, he's stuck with us.

"I told him we would give him a go and he's worked his backside off, he's earned everything he's got.

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"It's always a tough task coming down here, but we stuck at it, it got messy, but it was great reward for the boys after that effort.

"It's just nice to win, if you are going to get some momentum you have to get your wins on the road and we've done that."

Dale Copley of the Broncos is congratulated after scoring. Source: Getty Images

Buoyed by a Dale Copley double, the Broncos bolted to a 12-0 half-time lead and went on with the job against a Canberra side as flat as a punctured tyre.

The only downside was prop Josh McGuire being placed on report twice for separate tackles on Paul Vaughan (43rd minute) and Anthony Milford (67th).

For Milford, facing his future club, it was a bitter-sweet night. Like Hunt, the Broncos-bound custodian received the nod for the injury-hit Maroons, but he struggled to find his mojo and was outpointed by Ben Barba.

Broncos winger Daniel Vidot. Source: News Corp Australia

To ice the cake, Barba made his first clean line break of the season, slicing through eight minutes from time to post his second try of the season.

Canberra had as many gears as a six-year-old's toy scooter. Brisbane kept rolling through the middle and when McGuire dummied his way through, looking more like Wally Lewis than a 106kg prop, the Green Machine hit neutral.

BRISBANE 28 (D Copley 2 B Barba A Glenn J McGuire tries B Hunt 3 C Parker goals) bt CANBERRA 4 (S Fensom try) at GIO Stadium. Referee: Adam Devcich, Adam Gee. Crowd: 8,094.

Re-live the action in our blog:


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Boat comes in for Ferris twin sisters

Queensland identical twins Miller and Tyler Ferris have been selected to row for Australia. Source: Jeff Camden / News Corp Australia

MILLER and Tyler Ferris are twin sisters sharing a common dream.

The pair have recently been selected in the Australian squad to represent Australia at the World Championships in Germany and the Youth Olympic Games in China.

"It's been an idea in our head, but now it's a reality it's crazy," Miller, the older of the two by just a few minutes said.

"We've been training for states and nationals and now we're training to be the best in the world, it's surreal."

The 17 year olds will be rowing in the women's under 19's coxless four at the World Championships and the pair's event at the Youth Olympics.

The twins decided to take a gap year after they finished year 12 at St Margaret's in Brisbane last year where they were the first to ever win three consecutive First VIII Head of the River schoolgirl titles.

Unsure what to do after school, the duo decided to focus on their rowing and Tyler says they are starting to see the fruits of their labour.

"It's a reward for the past four months since we finished school because that is when we really started to step it up," Tyler said.

"We we're training hard at school and doing well there but we've stepped it up since that."

Miller had already been rowing for a year in high school before she convinced her sister to take up the sport.

Since that moment the two have rowed together in every boat.

"We've never really had to row in another pair, so neither of us knows what it is even like to row with someone else," Miller said.

"We have rowed for so long together, we have the same rhythm and we're in synch. I think being twins definitely helps that," Tyler said.

While the two admit they have the odd argument mid race, they compare themselves to Alisa and Lysandra from the reality show; The Block.

"We will yell at each other and then we'll be over it in 10 seconds." Miller said.

The duo row an incredible 20km a morning, six days a week, then find themselves in the gym for their afternoon session on most days.

"We're sticking to our normal training because our main focus is the coxless fours at the World Championships because it is a longer race," Miller said.

"We're then doing some extra sessions in our pair once or twice a week.

"It's good because the other people we are in the four with also do pairs so we can battle it out with them in the pairs at training."

The pair joke that not only do they share the same physical features, but often the same thought process.

"There are moments where we'll do something funny, like the exact same thing and then we just start laughing at each other," Tyler said.


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Roos blitz best Scott has seen

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 08 Juni 2014 | 20.47

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NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott says last night's devastating third-quarter has removed his lid of expectations as the Kangaroos put a frustrating Richmond to the sword was "possibly" the best 30 minutes in his 100 matches at the helm.

But Scott said while "a big spray was on the tip of my tongue", he remained calm at half-time as the Roos erased their 35-point deficit in 10 scintillating minutes sparked by key forward Drew Petrie.

MATCH REPORT: ROOS COMEBACK LEAVES TIGERS DEVASTATED

It came after Scott substituted out Majak Daw and the avalanche of goals set up back-to-back North Melbourne victories for the first time since Rounds 2 through 4.

North will enter Saturday's roadtrip to Adelaide 7-4 and effectively two games safe inside the top eight after the 17.14 (116) to 13.10 (88) win at Etihad Stadium.

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"I won't be putting any ceiling on what we can do in a quarter of footy anymore,' Scott said last night.

"We were hoping to be back somewhere near level pegging at three-quarter time and I think we erased the margin pretty quickly.

"It's mixed emotions I suppose. Relief is one emotion that comes to mind. I thought it showed unbelievably resolve and character of our group.

"To be outplayed for most of the first half and to be able to respond and for your leaders to stand up and take control of the game, they exceeded my expectations in the third quarter."

Brent Harvey shares a laugh with Steven Morris. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

The Roos piled on the first 51 points of the third term and scored 8.1 from their first 11 entries, slicing the Tigers apart through total possession domination and deadly efficiency.

Scott heaped praise on former Tiger Robin Nahas who booted two goals and star midfielder Levi Greenwood.

The tagger started on Trent Cotchin and was then moved to first-half hero Dustin Martin as well as collecting 29 disposals.

Scott said Lindsay Thomas, a late withdrawal with hamstring tightness, was expected to return to face the Crows and star playmaker Daniel Wells was on track for a Round 15 return.

Full-back Scott Thompson could come under match-review panel scrutiny for a late hit on Jack Riewoldt and was suspended earlier this year for striking Travis Cloke.


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Your A-Z Guide to the World Cup

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LET the final countdown begin.

The FIFA World Cup kicks off on Friday and that means that sports fans, curious onlookers and everyone in between joins football fans in anticipation for the tournament, which kicks off on Friday.

So, here's how you'll sound smarter than your mates with your A-Z guide to the tournament.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS

QUIZ, FEATURES, GALLERIES: OUR CUP COUNTDOWN CONTENT

SOCCEROOS SELECTOR: PICK YOUR FIRST XI

CHECK OUT OUR WORLD CUP INTERACTIVE – YOUR PORTAL TO MATCH REPORTS, VIDEO, LIVE COVERAGE AND STATS

WORLD CUP FANTASY

Brazilians paint a section of the Santa Marta shantytown, or 'favela', in Brazilian colors. Source: Getty Images

A is for… Alcides Ghiggia

Ghiggia scored the winning goal for Uruguay against a heavily favoured Brazil in the 1950 final (the Brazil players were given gold watches inscribed "For the World Champions" before the final was played). The defeat sent the host nation into mourning and the scars of 'the Maracanãzo' are still felt to this day. And guess who Brazil could face in the quarter-finals this year? Yep, Uruguay.

THE CURSE THAT STILL HAUNTS BRAZIL DESPITE FIVE TROPHIES

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B is for… Bern

For such an unassuming place, the Swiss city of Bern has played host to two of the most iconic World Cup matches in tournament history. During the 1954 finals, the "Battle of Bern" saw Brazil and Hungary carry on the fight after the final whistle and into the dressing rooms, while the "Miracle of Bern" saw Germany beat the seemingly unbeatable Hungarians in the final.

C is for… Conspiracy

The World Cup is fertile ground for conspiracy theories, from Mussolini's fiddling with referees in the 1930s to accusations of the Germans being doped to the gills against Hungary in the 1954 final. The most recent? Some alleged dodgy handiwork during the 2014 draw to place the USA, England and Australia – FIFA's most vocal critics of the 2018 and 2022 hosting process – into the hardest groups.

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D is for… Dogs

Man's best friend has had a chequered history in the finals. An unnamed mutt ran riot on the pitch during England vs Brazil in 1962 (even peeing on England's Jimmy Greaves when caught), while Pickles became the hero of a nation when he found the stolen Jules Rimet trophy hidden in a South London hedge.

E is for… Exit, A Quick

Unfortunately for the Socceroos, this looks like the most likely outcome after being drawn in the 'Group of Death' for the 2014 finals. A match against dark horses Chile hardly eases them into clashes against European powerhouses (and 2010 finalists), Holland and Spain. Australia have nothing to lose, so expect Ange Postecoglou's men to take some chances in pursuit of an upset.

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F is for… Fontaine, Just

France's Just Fontaine holds the record for the most number of goals scored in a tournament, finding the net 13 times in 1958. The feat was all the more impressive considering he completed it in a pair of his teammate Stéphane Bruey's boots as he didn't have the money to buy a replacement pair in host nation Sweden.

French Soccer player Just Fontaine. Source: Supplied

G is for… GBH

The finals has seen its fair share of thuggery disguised as football. Lowlights include neck-high kicks and roundhouses in 1962's Battle of Santiago, Claudio Caniggia being kicked out of his boot by Cameroon's Benjamin Massing in 1990 and Nigel De Jong leaving his studs in Xabi Alonso's chest during the 2010 final. And I think there was a head butt somewhere, too…

One of sport's most infamous pictures. Source: Supplied

H is for… The Hand of God

Diego Maradona's moment of infamy came in the 1986 semi-final against England, when he leapt high above Peter Shilton and scored the opener with "a little of the hand of God and little of the head of Maradona". After the 'goal' the Argentinian can be seen urging his teammates to run after him and celebrate for fear of the goal being disallowed by the referee. Scoring the greatest goal in the history of the tournament just moments later didn't stop the English from branding him a cheat. And they still do to this day…

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I is for… India

There have been some good excuses for teams not playing in the World Cup but few can top India's reason for pulling out of the 1950 finals: they didn't want to wear boots. The bare-footed Indians played brilliantly in the 1948 Olympics but the killjoys at FIFA stated all teams must wear boots and the Indians protested by leaving the tournament, despite being allocated a group in the Brazilian finals.

J is for… Jairzinho

'The Hurricane of 1970' wrote himself into World Cup folklore by scoring in every game of the 1970 tournament, the best of which was a brilliant individual effort in the final against Italy. He wasn't a bad judge of talent either, discovering a young Ronaldo in the early '90s and helping him get his first contract with Cruzerio.

West Germany captain, Franz Beckenbauer, holds up the 1974 World Cup trophy. Source: AP

K is for… Kaiser, Der

Few nicknames are more fitting than Franz Beckenbauer's monicker "The King". As Germany's most influential and classy player he came first, second and third in the three tournaments he played in, and also guided 'die Mannschaft' to two finals (and one victory) as coach, becoming the first man to win the trophy as both player and boss.

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L is for… Lionel Messi

He might be the greatest player of his generation but the little Argentinian will never be seen as an equal to Pele or Maradona unless he wins a World Cup. In 2010 he took a backseat to El Diego's sideline histrionics, but 2014 will see Messi front and centre in a quest to guide the albiceleste to a mouthwatering, all-South American final against deadly rivals Brazil.

M is for… Mwepu Ilunga

One of the World Cup's Benny Hill moments came courtesy of the Zaire defender Mwepu Ilunga, who suddenly burst out of the wall and blasted the ball upfield as the Brazilians were lining up for a free-kick. Everyone had a good laugh until it emerged sinister Zairean dictator President Mobutu had threatened the families of the players if they lost the game by more than four goals. Suddenly the joke doesn't seem so funny…

N is for… North Korea

North Korea weren't welcome in England for the 1966 finals, dumped in the North East and ignored at official functions. However the Sunderland locals took them to their hearts and were rewarded with one of the all-time shock results when Pak Doo-Ik's strike knocked two-time winners Italy out at the group stage. While Roker Park is no more, there is still a plaque placed on the spot the North Korean shocked the world.

O is for… Orsi

Italy striker Raimundo Orsi scored a spectacular winning goal in the 1934 final against Czechoslovakia but when the press claimed the outside of the boot shot was a fluke, he invited them to a training pitch the next day to prove them wrong. He missed all 20 attempts to score a carbon copy goal…

Pele is synonymous with the World Cup. Source: AP

P is for… Pele

Three-time World Cup winner. Politician. Ambassador. Part-time viagra salesman. Terrible pundit. Pele is known for many things but none more than being the greatest footballer of all-time. A force of nature from the moment he took the World Cup stage as a 17 year-old to his crowning glory as leader of the 1970 winners, 'O Rei' was Messi, Ronaldo and Aguero rolled into one. YouTube him, kids…

Q is for… Queen of England

HRH was said to have been given the finger by Argentinian Antonio Rattin after he was sent off in the 1966 quarter-final at Wembley. The albiceleste captain was reported to have been so incensed at being shown a red card, he planted himself on the red carpet in protest and raised a one-finger salute to the Queen.

R is for… Ronaldo

He may have been derided for his ever-expanding waistline and dodgy haircuts, but after Germany's Gerd Muller there isn't a better World Cup striker than Brazil's Ronaldo. The tournament's all-time leading goalscorer and two-time champion, his finest moment came in a Man of the Match performance in the 2002 final, where he scored twice in the victory over Germany.

Ronaldo of Brazil celebrates scoring the first goal past goalkeeper Oliver Kahn in 2002. Source: AP

S is for… shoot-out

The penalty shoot-out is the most exhilarating/depressing (delete where appropriate) way to win/lose a World Cup game. While penalties can be a lottery, there are two exceptions: face the Germans and you might as well go home (they have a 100% record in four shoot-outs), but get the English and you'll be laughing all the way to the next round (three shoot-outs, three losses).

T is for… Turn, The Cruyff

The Dutch legend Johan Cruyff may have only played in one tournament but he will always be remembered for what happened during a relatively non-descript 0-0 draw with Sweden in the 1974 group stages. It was here the 'Cruyff turn' was executed in a game for the first time, the Dutch master faking one way and then dragging the ball behind him with his instep to completely bamboozle defender Jan Olsson. (Don't worry, Jan – you might have been the first but you weren't the last to be beaten by that brilliant move.)

U is for… Upsets

The World Cup finals has had it fair share of upsets over the years: the USA beating the mighty England 1-0 in 1950, West Germany triumphing over the Magical Magyars in the 1954 final, North Korea seeing off Italy 1-0 in 1966… The opening match has a history of turning the form book on its head (Cameroon beating Argentina in 1990 and Senegal seeing off France in 2002) so don't bet against Croatia pulling a fast one on hosts Brazil this time around.

Rudi Voeller left heads the ball over Belgian defender Rudi Smits. Source: AP

V is for… Voeller, Rudi

The German striker's archetypal '90s mullet was the unfortunate recipient of not one, but two, balls of coughed-up gob from Dutch midfielder Frank Rijkaard during a tense second round match in 1990. The Dutchman took umbrage to the German's tumbling antics and twice launched a mouthful of flob at the astounded German, the second of which was caught beautifully by the TV cameras. Luckily there was no HD back then…

W is for… Wave, The Mexican

The annoying stadium phenomena was first spotted by observers during the match between hosts Mexico and Belgium at the Azteca Stadium in 1986. However, there has been some debate as to who invented the wave, with American hockey and college football also laying claim. While ownership can never be proven, if you look at how waves are usually started – by bored people with limited attention spans and no real interest in the subtleties of the game in front of them – it does seem more than likely to be an American invention.

A book for World Cup fans. Source: Supplied

X is for… X-Ray

Frenchman Patrick Battiston was in need of one of those see-through machines after a heinous assault by German keeper Harald Schumacher during the 1982 semi-final. Through on goal with just the keeper to beat, Battiston was met head-high by Schumacher's knee, leaving him with a cracked vertebrae and two fewer teeth than he started the game with. To add insult to injury, the goalkeeper didn't even receive a yellow card and went on to save two spot-kicks in the penalty shoot-out to send Germany to the final.

Y is for… Yellow and Red Cards

Cards, and sending offs, can play a big part in a team having a successful tournament; just ask the Socceroos how hard it was playing with ten men for more than a third of their 2010 tournament. Squad depth is vitally important in the modern-day World Cup, not just in dealing with going a man down but how the pack is shuffled with subsequent suspensions.

Z is for… Zinedine Zidane

One of the greatest players of modern times will always be remembered for what he did with his head at the World Cup. In 1998, he scored two almost identical headed goals from corners to steer Les Bleus to victory over Brazil in the final; in the 2006 final he was rather more unorthodox with his bonce, launching it into Italy's Marco Materazzi's chest and earning himself the most famous red card in to

Paul Hansford is the author of The World Cup. Heroes, hoodlums, high-kicks and head-butts published by Hardie Grant Books and onsale in Australia now for RRP $24.95.

I

Available in all good bookstores and online from Booktopia.


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