England vs. New Zealand: Preview

England face New Zealand in Saturdays final Autumn International, knowing that after their defeat to Australia, top tier seeding for the 2015 World Cup is beyond their reach.

Following a poor showing in the series, Stuart Lancaster’s men could be drawn against the likes of France, Australia and New Zealand in the group stages of the World Cup.

Less humble beginnings than in previous tournaments, however teams such as France may arguably find the fixture a true test of their metal.

The All Blacks are unbeaten in twenty tests, prior to Saturdays two thirty kick off at Twickenham. This doesn’t bode well for an England side still reeling from defeats at the hands of Australia and South Africa respectively.

Nevertheless, after only a solitary victory over Fiji during the series, England will be looking to make a statement against the world’s top international rugby union side.

Huddersfield Town vs. Blackburn Rovers

nPower Championship
6th October 2012
K.O: 19:45, John Smiths Stadium, Huddersfield
Att: 14,597

In Huddersfield manager Simon Grayson’s programme notes, he welcomed back former frontman Jordan Rhodes claiming; ‘he did brilliantly for this football club and although we collectively hope he has a 90 minute goal drought tonight, we all wish him luck for the future as he was a joy to work with’.

That hope was short lived however, but not before Lee Novak put the home side ahead on sixteen minutes despite early pressure from Rovers; midfielders Ruben Rochina and Mauro Formica having long range efforts blocked.

Possession was evenly shared thereafter, Blackburn continuing to have the better of the chances, albeit it from distance, the returning Rhodes kept quiet.

Rhodes wouldn’t stay dormant for long, pouncing on a perfectly weighted ball into the box from wide left, with plenty of work still to do; Rhodes controlled and fired home right footed through keeper Alex Smithies’ legs, leaving the net bulging and the home fans in dismay a couple of minutes shy of half time. Ruthless and clinical from the £8million man.

The second half was a much more open affair, Blackburn taking the impetus, from 12 yards no less, a dubious penalty decision awarded on fifty three minutes.

Veteran Danny Murphy calmly stepped up to convert the spot kick, sending keeper Smithies the wrong way in the process.

Changes for Huddersfield added drive and vigour, Alan Lee using his big frame and strength to hold up play ala’ Andy Carroll, teeing up fellow substitute Danny Ward and the pacey Sean Scannell to run at the Blackburn backline.

With four minutes added time remaining, Huddersfield still in search of an equaliser, the ball sent over from the left headed on by Lee, Jordan Rhodes former strike partner Lee Novak was first to the loose ball, controlling poorly but wouldn’t be denied as he bundled the ball past Paul Robinson for his and Towns second.

Proving to be the last kick of the game, home fans were in raptures, Blackburn should’ve been out of sight after Murphy’s penalty, the home side rallied though and were worthy of their point.

Huddersfield 8 - 38 Hull Ionians

RFU National - SSE Nat League 2 North Fixture,

Saturday, October 13th, 

K.O: 15:00, Lockwood Park, Huddersfield

Hull Ionians Will Heylings summed up where the game was won and lost on an overcast and dreary day in what proved to be a relatively one sided affair at Lockwood Park, Huddersfield.

‘It was the best thirty minutes of rugby we’ve played this season’ the player enthused, as one of the outstanding performances of the day helping himself to two tries, as the home side Huddersfield went down eight points to Hulls thirty eight.

Huddersfield started well, kicking from right to left, gaining early yardage on the visitors, winning the ensuing line out; Thomas Owen converted the penalty kick to take an almost immediate lead.

The pendulum began to swing in Hull’s favour pressing with drive and purpose, Huddersfield initially strong in defence could not withstand the consistent pressure and subsequent scrummage, Joe Sanders going over to score the try, and Hull’s James Ferguson converting the kick.

Hull, second in the National League Two North only bested in position by early pace setters Stourbridge never looked back as they began to dominant possession, not allowing the home side to breathe.

It didn't take long for the away side’s evident superiority in possession to gain purchase once more, Richard Fletcher running with conviction, propelling his side forward resulting in a try from Joseph Martin after working the ball right to left, showing great cohesion as a team, Huddersfield out-muscled  Hull playing with pace, power and strength.

With the visitors beginning to turn the screw and open up a sizable points advantage over the hosts, Will Heylings provided the catalyst with ruthless try, splitting the Huddersfield defence.

Ionians were stronger in the tackle, so too in the scrum, showing more impetus in possession, the home side looking shell shocked  good handling from Hull’s Richard Fletcher again got the visitors on their way.

Poor ball retention proved to be Huddersfield’s undoing as they never looked a real threat in contrast to Hull’s dominance.

The second half performance showed signs of improvement for the Home side who hadn't won in their last six league games. Good endeavor was telling, as the home side instilled some pride before the end of proceedings with Jack Moon scoring the try.

However the damage was done and the gap proved too great.
A succession of tries from the visitors through, Stephen Johnson, Michael Bateman and a second for Will Heylings including four out of six conversions from resident number 10 James Ferguson come the finish proved the difference.

Weekend Goal Glut, Andy Little, Sandy Jardine.

Rangers stay top of the SFL Third Division, opening up a five-point cushion on the chasing pack after inflicting a comprehensive 6-2 away win at East Stirlingshire over the weekend.

Due credit to the hosts however, as they twice came from behind to level things up, nevertheless a rampant Rangers side would not be denied a second league away win on the bounce.

With goals from Lee McCulloch, Andy Little, Lee Wallace, Kevin Kyle, Kal Naismith and a second despatched by captain McCulloch from the penalty spot concluded the goal glut.

Amongst the goals for the first time in almost three months was striker Andy Little.

Returning to the first team in the last few games, after a lengthy lay off with a foot injury, the Northern Ireland international was delighted the wait was over to add to his seasons goal tally.

Speaking to the clubs official website, the 23 year old said; “I missed a good few games which was disappointing and I’ve been a little bit annoyed I’ve not got on the scoresheet in the last few games.

“From that point of view, I was just relieved to find the net and hopefully I can kick on again now.

“As I’ve said from the start of the season is I want to play as much as I can and get 30 or 40 games under my belt.

“But it’s good to get a few goals as well and that was a good thing today. My foot has been a bit of an issue for me but I wore a padded sock in the game, which helped.

“I’ve had a few scans and although my foot isn’t completely okay, the bad injury we feared might be there isn’t and I’m able to play on so hopefully I’ll get stronger.”

Finally, in the last couple of days it has been revealed that former Ger’s right back Sandy Jardine is being treated for cancer.

Jardine, made over 500 appearances for the light blues, whilst also amassing 38 caps for Scotland. Sandy currently works for the club after playing and then managing Hearts.

In an official club statement, the 63 year old said; "I would like to thank everyone for their best wishes and kind support,"

"As you can appreciate this is a difficult time for me and my family and I ask that you respect our privacy."

The Rangers footballing community have stated they will support Jardine and his family through the treatment process.

"There is little doubt he will fight this disease in the same way he fought bravely in every match he featured as a player and our thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time," the club stated.

I’m sure everyone, not just Rangers supporters will wish Sandy Jardine a speedy recovery.

Captain Fantastic nets 17th of season as Ger’s stay top

Rangers Captain Lee McCulloch helped his side on their way with the first of two goals without reply at home to Peterhead, Lee Wallace adding a second on sixty-six minutes in front of a 48,000 strong Ibrox crowd.

Speaking to the clubs official website, Manager Ally McCoist was pleased with the victory;

“Outwith a scare in the first couple of minutes, I thought we were fairly solid and with the greatest of respect, I would have settled for everything we’ve got today.

“We gave an efficient, solid performance, scored a couple of well-worked goals and got a wee break or two as well.

“With the way things have been going, including our two centre-halves hobbling off the pitch at training yesterday, I have to say I’m absolutely delighted with our day’s work.

With solid performances from the academy players that could be observed again by spectators, McCoist added; “It really is great the supporters are getting to see some of the youths coming through from Murray Park.

 “But it’s only good if we continue to win and get promoted. That’s the target and that is what we have to do. I did say beforehand that one of the positives to come from our negative situation is we’d get to see some of the younger lads who have come from the academy.’’

“Even guys like Kal Naismith, who I thought did very well when he came on today during the short time he was on, are gaining experience. That’s a big, big plus for us.

“We’ve got an unbelievably young team and they’re playing again guys, especially this afternoon, who have a bit of experience at a higher level but they’re doing well.”

The result consolidates the Ger’s atop the SFL Third tier, with a two point cushion and a far superior goal difference to that of closest challengers Elgin City who have amassed nineteen points, however playing a game more.

Next up for the light blues is an away trip to second from bottom East Stirlingshire, who back in August were on the wrong end of a 5-1 score line at Ibrox on the opening day of the season, which included an Andy Little hat trick.

Naturally the hosts will be looking for a different result, whilst Rangers will be hoping to add to their first league away win invoked at the hands of Clyde at the end of October.

The Ger’s will face second placed Elgin City on the road the following weekend.

Which places additional emphasis on taking all three points at Ochilview Park, to continue the momentum and the Ranger’s juggernaut moving forward.

Distancing themselves from other potential promotion candidates will be top priority going into the December run in.

This includes a Scottish Cup fourth round tie at home to Elgin City and five league fixtures.

Manager McCoist will be hoping for more of the same from his relatively young side, as the end of the year is not too far away.

   

Ger’s top after first away win of the season

After a comprehensive ‘back to winning ways’ performance the weekend prior to last, with a two nil home defeat of Queen’s Park spearheaded by captain fantastic Lee McCulloch, the Ger’s followed up with an impressive first league away win of the season over Clyde.

Having struggled on the road so far this term, following the embarrassing defeat to Stirling Albion preceded by a string of uninspiring draws at Peterhead, Berwick Rangers and Annan Athletic, goals from Dean Shiels and stoic captain McCulloch insured a change in fortunes.

Banishing the unwanted away record against ten-man Clyde, Chris Hegarty believes the pressure that had built over the ensuing weeks and months has eased on the players.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Hegarty proclaimed; "There was a lot of pressure put on us by the media,"

"It's definitely a big positive for all the lads getting our first away win.When we don't perform, the lads get annoyed."

Leaving a defeated Clyde team in their wake, Ranger’s reap the rewards by standing tall at the top of the Scottish Third Division table, with a two point cushion exercised over second placed Elgin with a game in hand.

The 19 year old defender goes on; "We just had to go out there and put on a really good performance. I think we showed that."

"The full squad knows that we've got to get right into people's faces because that's what this league is all about.

"We're getting smashed all over the place and we need to do that to teams, be a wee bit more aggressive but try to play football as well and pass them off the park and keep the ball moving." said Hegarty.

The Northern Ireland Under-21 captain is looking ahead to Wednesday's Scottish Communities League Cup tie against Inverness CT, with the hope of retaining his place after a good performance.

"I knew I had to put in a good performance and try to keep myself there for Wednesday night,"

McCulloch: Defeat tough to take

With the international break now in force, and the national side preparing for a home nation clash under the World Cup qualification umbrella against Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, on Friday, this is a perfect opportunity for the Gers to take stock.

Rangers suffered their first league defeat of the season last time out – where they were unable to overturn a 1-0 away deficit to Scotland’s lowest ranked team at the beginning of play last weekend Stirling Albion – and thus missed out on the chance to take the initiative at the summit of the Scottish Third Division.

This, despite affording themselves a sizable amount of possession throughout, the Light Blues couldn’t turn that superiority into goals, to the dismay of manager Ally McCoist.

Captain Lee McCulloch, who has assisted his team with four league goals so far this term, is stoic, focused and diligent in his role as club captain, insisting he can lead from the front and pick things up, maintaining the seasons objectives can be achieved.

Speaking to the clubs official website he said: “It’s certainly the most disappointing result of my Rangers career. It’s tough to take.

“I thought we weren’t good enough in the first half. I played up front myself and I can’t remember having a chance. We defended very poorly at the goal too.

“In the second we were the much better team but we couldn’t put the ball in the net. We created a couple of half chances but that was it.

“The heads are way down and it’s not a nice dressing room we’ve got just now. The boys just need to get on with it and try to put the result to the back of their minds.”

The skipper continued: “I wish there was a game tomorrow for us to put things right in and it’s a long time now to our next match.

“We need to roll our sleeves up, stay positive and remember how bad a feeling that was coming off the pitch today.

“This is a reality check and we know we owe the fans after this. We’ve given them a few ups like the win over Motherwell but this is a big downer.

“If the fans can keep a happy medium like the players are trying to do, we will deliver for them.

“We’ve all got to keep encouraging these boys and not let the lads at 17, 18 and 19 go back in their shells again.

“It’s important for me, the other experienced players in the group and the fans to get behind them and help them.”

A rallying cry to his fellow teammates and fans alike, not to lose faith, instead, get behind the team and help them kick on.

Undoubtedly improvements need to be made ahead of the SFL Third Division home tie against current table toppers Queen’s Park on Saturday October 20.

Striker and top scorer Andy Little is tipped to return for the Gers after injury, in a game where improvement is key if Rangers are to achieve what’s required.