Leicester 21-11 Bath
Leicester Tigers made it four victories from their opening five 2015-16 Aviva Premiership encounters thanks to a 21-11 win over Bath at Welford Road this afternoon. It was actually a more evenly-contested fixture - the 188th between the two sides - than the scoreline suggests, with just three points splitting them until the final eight minutes.
Bath's Anthony Watson got the visitors off to a positive start in just the sixth minute when he crossed over for a try. However, two Tommy Bell penalties and a try from Telusa Veainu, for which he had to run 80m to score, handed the home side an 11-5 advantage at the break. The boot of George Ford got Bath back level after the restart, but Bell was again accurate in the 65th minute to put the Tigers 14-11 to the good.
The outcome was then sealed in the 72nd minute as the Tigers managed to barge over the line after some sustained pressure courtesy of England international Dan Cole, who had not scored a try in his last 77 club games - a run that dated back six years. Bell made the conversion to add some further gloss to the scoreline.
Sunday, 29 November 2015
Saturday, 28 November 2015
Aviva Premiership Sat 28th Nov
Sale Sharks 15-15 Newcastle Falcons
Newcastle Falcons scored a late try to secure a 15-15 draw with Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership this afternoon. Danny Cipriani kicked the home side into an early lead, opening the scores with a second-minute penalty before splitting the uprights again midway through the first half.
Newcastle were ahead soon after though as Rob Vickers powered through the Sale line to score the only try of the first half, but the windy conditions prevented the visitors from adding the conversion. Cirprini restored the Sharks' lead just before the interval with another kick, before adding his fifth penalty of the game early in the second half.
Newcastle were level inside the final 10 minutes though as Jon Welsh powered over the line for their second try, leaving Tom Catterick to tie it up with the conversion. Sale had a chance to secure the win in the final minute of the game, forcing a penalty advantage, but Cipriani's effort was wide, forcing the home side to settle for the draw.
Newcastle Falcons scored a late try to secure a 15-15 draw with Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership this afternoon. Danny Cipriani kicked the home side into an early lead, opening the scores with a second-minute penalty before splitting the uprights again midway through the first half.
Newcastle were ahead soon after though as Rob Vickers powered through the Sale line to score the only try of the first half, but the windy conditions prevented the visitors from adding the conversion. Cirprini restored the Sharks' lead just before the interval with another kick, before adding his fifth penalty of the game early in the second half.
Newcastle were level inside the final 10 minutes though as Jon Welsh powered over the line for their second try, leaving Tom Catterick to tie it up with the conversion. Sale had a chance to secure the win in the final minute of the game, forcing a penalty advantage, but Cipriani's effort was wide, forcing the home side to settle for the draw.
Exeter Chiefs 26-25 Harlequins
Exeter Chiefs have made it four wins from five matches at the start of the Aviva Premiership season with a narrow 26-25 win over Harlequins at Sandy Park. The visitors had the advantage early on as they were awarded a penalty try following a series a scrums, before Danny Care chipped the ball forward to set Nick Evans up for a try shortly after.
Gareth Steenson kept the home side in contention though, adding four first-half penalties for Exeter as try-scoring chances remained scarce. Quins continued to find space down the other end though, leaving Charlie Walker to add a third, but James Short made the most of a swift counter from the Chiefs to score their opening try just before the interval.
Exeter extended their lead in the second half when Steenson added their second try of the game, but the visitors were handed a lifeline when Elvis Taione was sent to the sin bin. Tim Visser quickly made the most of the man advantage for Harlequins, adding another try to secure a bonus point, but a missed conversion from Evans left them a point adrift. Exeter stay second in the table as a result, while Harlequins sit third.
Exeter Chiefs have made it four wins from five matches at the start of the Aviva Premiership season with a narrow 26-25 win over Harlequins at Sandy Park. The visitors had the advantage early on as they were awarded a penalty try following a series a scrums, before Danny Care chipped the ball forward to set Nick Evans up for a try shortly after.
Gareth Steenson kept the home side in contention though, adding four first-half penalties for Exeter as try-scoring chances remained scarce. Quins continued to find space down the other end though, leaving Charlie Walker to add a third, but James Short made the most of a swift counter from the Chiefs to score their opening try just before the interval.
Exeter extended their lead in the second half when Steenson added their second try of the game, but the visitors were handed a lifeline when Elvis Taione was sent to the sin bin. Tim Visser quickly made the most of the man advantage for Harlequins, adding another try to secure a bonus point, but a missed conversion from Evans left them a point adrift. Exeter stay second in the table as a result, while Harlequins sit third.
Saracens 48-18 Worcester Warriors
Saracens have extended their unbeaten start to the 2015-16 Aviva Premiership season with a 48-18 win over Worcester Warriors.
The home side dominated the first 20 minutes of the match, resulting in early tries for Chris Ashton and Ben Spencer, while Charlie Hodgson, who has announced that he will retire at the end of this season, added a couple of first-half penalties.
Tom Heathcote got the visitors off the mark before the interval, kicking two penalties, but Saracens continued to get forward with ease at the start of the second half, resulting in a second try for Ashton, while Schalk Brits and Jackson Wray also went over.
Ben Ransom added a sixth for the home side inside the final 20 minutes, before Worcester added a couple of late consolation tries through Joe Rees and GJ van Velze. The result keeps Saracens at the top of the table, three points clear of Exeter, while Worcester sit eighth.
Saracens have extended their unbeaten start to the 2015-16 Aviva Premiership season with a 48-18 win over Worcester Warriors.
The home side dominated the first 20 minutes of the match, resulting in early tries for Chris Ashton and Ben Spencer, while Charlie Hodgson, who has announced that he will retire at the end of this season, added a couple of first-half penalties.
Tom Heathcote got the visitors off the mark before the interval, kicking two penalties, but Saracens continued to get forward with ease at the start of the second half, resulting in a second try for Ashton, while Schalk Brits and Jackson Wray also went over.
Ben Ransom added a sixth for the home side inside the final 20 minutes, before Worcester added a couple of late consolation tries through Joe Rees and GJ van Velze. The result keeps Saracens at the top of the table, three points clear of Exeter, while Worcester sit eighth.
London Irish 15-33 Wasps
Wasps beat bottom side London Irish 33-15 at Twickenham to move into the playoff places in the Aviva Premiership.
Wasps started the brightest and earned themselves a penalty after the Irish were caught offside, with Ruaridh Jackson converting the kick for three points. Chris Noakes then leveled the scores moments later as he slotted home the penalty kick for the home side but Jackson had the chance to put Wasps back in front after another offside, but he missed his kick. Jackson made up for his mistake with another three points before Frank Halai went over in the corner for the opening try of the game, but Jackson failed to hit the conversion.
However, London Irish pulled five points back on the stroke of half time after Alex Lewington made a good break before he was stopped and after Blair Cowan was denied, Johnny Williams crossed the line to score but Nokes missed the following conversion attempt.
After the break, Elliot Daly took a Ben Jacobs pass to the house to strengthen the visitor's lead and Jackson this time nailed the extra two points. The Exciles pulled themselves back into the contest again moments later as Aesali Tikoirotuma lobbed the ball up and Williams was there to pick it off and cross the line to make it a seven-point game.
Wasps sealed their win late on as a rolling maul assisted Thomas Young, who forced his way across the line with nine minutes remaining. Halai then earned his side a bonus point with his second try of the game after some good work from Daly found its way to the New Zealand international and he slid over the line.
The win moves Wasps into fourth in the Aviva Premiership table with Leicester Tigers playing tomorrow, while London Irish remain rooted to the foot of the table.
Wasps beat bottom side London Irish 33-15 at Twickenham to move into the playoff places in the Aviva Premiership.
Wasps started the brightest and earned themselves a penalty after the Irish were caught offside, with Ruaridh Jackson converting the kick for three points. Chris Noakes then leveled the scores moments later as he slotted home the penalty kick for the home side but Jackson had the chance to put Wasps back in front after another offside, but he missed his kick. Jackson made up for his mistake with another three points before Frank Halai went over in the corner for the opening try of the game, but Jackson failed to hit the conversion.
However, London Irish pulled five points back on the stroke of half time after Alex Lewington made a good break before he was stopped and after Blair Cowan was denied, Johnny Williams crossed the line to score but Nokes missed the following conversion attempt.
After the break, Elliot Daly took a Ben Jacobs pass to the house to strengthen the visitor's lead and Jackson this time nailed the extra two points. The Exciles pulled themselves back into the contest again moments later as Aesali Tikoirotuma lobbed the ball up and Williams was there to pick it off and cross the line to make it a seven-point game.
Wasps sealed their win late on as a rolling maul assisted Thomas Young, who forced his way across the line with nine minutes remaining. Halai then earned his side a bonus point with his second try of the game after some good work from Daly found its way to the New Zealand international and he slid over the line.
The win moves Wasps into fourth in the Aviva Premiership table with Leicester Tigers playing tomorrow, while London Irish remain rooted to the foot of the table.
Friday, 27 November 2015
Aviva Premiership Northampton Saints 15-3 Gloucester 27th Nov
Northampton Saints secured their second win of the Aviva Premiership season with a 15-3 victory over Gloucester, with all the points coming from penalties. The home side opened up a lead over the first 20 minutes as Stephen Myler added three penalties, making the most of a string of errors from Gloucester.
The visitors were handed a chance to get back into the game before half time as Tom Wood was sent to the sin bin for collapsing the maul, allowing Billy Twelvetrees to get them on the board with a penalty.
The wet conditions at Franklin Gardens continued to make it difficult for both sides to create try-scoring opportunities after the break, but Myler maintained his accuracy with the boot, kicking a further six points to leave Northampton 12 points up inside the final 15 minutes.
The visitors finished the match a player short as Yann Thomas was judged to have deliberately knocked on while trying to clear a kick forward from Saints, earning himself a yellow card.
The visitors were handed a chance to get back into the game before half time as Tom Wood was sent to the sin bin for collapsing the maul, allowing Billy Twelvetrees to get them on the board with a penalty.
The wet conditions at Franklin Gardens continued to make it difficult for both sides to create try-scoring opportunities after the break, but Myler maintained his accuracy with the boot, kicking a further six points to leave Northampton 12 points up inside the final 15 minutes.
The visitors finished the match a player short as Yann Thomas was judged to have deliberately knocked on while trying to clear a kick forward from Saints, earning himself a yellow card.
Sunday, 22 November 2015
European Rugby 22nd Nov
European Champions Cup
Wasps 32-6 Toulon
Wasp clinched a bonus point in a comfortable 32-6 triumph over Toulon in the second game of their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign. Jonathan Pelissie missed an early penalty and they were made to pay as Wasps went ahead after eight minutes, with some good pressure leading to Nathan Hughes powering over for the try.
The home side went further ahead just a minute later as Ruaridh Jackson chipped the ball over the Toulon defence, Joe Simpson picked it up and played it to Joe Launchbury, who found Jackson again and he raced clear for the Wasps second try. Pelissie put up three points for the French side after a penalty from a power scrum but Elliot Day hit a kick from half-way to extend their lead back to 14 points.
Day could have put his side further ahead but missed his kick before Jackson added another penalty with 10 minutes of the first half remaining, but Pelissie cut the deficit back down just before the break.
In the second half, an excellent run by Charles Piutau splits the Toulon resistance before passing the ball to Frank Halai to sprint clear for another Wasps score. Hughes ran in the Premiership side's bonus point try after a rolling maul allowed the flanker to stretch over and add more to the Wasps' dominant lead but Jackson missed the following conversion.
Clermont Auvergne 34-29 Ospreys
Clermont Auvergne have survived a second-half comeback from Ospreys to secure a 34-29 win in the European Rugby Champions Cup.
The French side were dealt a blow early on when Alexandre Lapandry was sent to the sin bin with just 12 minutes gone, but the hosts were able to hold the Welsh team to just three points during his absence. Once Clermont were back up to 15 men they started to dominate, resulting in tries for David Strettle and Aurelien Rougerie before half time, putting the home side in a comfortable position at the break.
Ospreys were on the front foot at the start of the second half though as Justin Tipuric powered over for the visiting side's first try of the match, while Eli Walker went over moments later, allowing Dan Biggar to cut the gap to three points with the conversion.
Clermont responded with another dominant spell, resulting in a second try of the afternoon for Strettle before Wesley Fofana sprinted through, securing the bonus point for the hosts. Despite trailing by 17 points with five minutes remaining, Ospreys finished with a flourish, Sam Parry and Tom Habberfield both caught the hosts out with a couple of weaving runs late on, but there was not enough time for the Welsh side to complete the comeback.
Despite the loss, Ospreys remain top in Pool 2, having picked up a bonus point in both of their matches so far, while Clermont sit third.
Clermont Auvergne have survived a second-half comeback from Ospreys to secure a 34-29 win in the European Rugby Champions Cup.
The French side were dealt a blow early on when Alexandre Lapandry was sent to the sin bin with just 12 minutes gone, but the hosts were able to hold the Welsh team to just three points during his absence. Once Clermont were back up to 15 men they started to dominate, resulting in tries for David Strettle and Aurelien Rougerie before half time, putting the home side in a comfortable position at the break.
Ospreys were on the front foot at the start of the second half though as Justin Tipuric powered over for the visiting side's first try of the match, while Eli Walker went over moments later, allowing Dan Biggar to cut the gap to three points with the conversion.
Clermont responded with another dominant spell, resulting in a second try of the afternoon for Strettle before Wesley Fofana sprinted through, securing the bonus point for the hosts. Despite trailing by 17 points with five minutes remaining, Ospreys finished with a flourish, Sam Parry and Tom Habberfield both caught the hosts out with a couple of weaving runs late on, but there was not enough time for the Welsh side to complete the comeback.
Despite the loss, Ospreys remain top in Pool 2, having picked up a bonus point in both of their matches so far, while Clermont sit third.
Stade Francais P-P Munster (due to Paris attacks)
Wasps 32-6 Toulon
Wasp clinched a bonus point in a comfortable 32-6 triumph over Toulon in the second game of their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign. Jonathan Pelissie missed an early penalty and they were made to pay as Wasps went ahead after eight minutes, with some good pressure leading to Nathan Hughes powering over for the try.
The home side went further ahead just a minute later as Ruaridh Jackson chipped the ball over the Toulon defence, Joe Simpson picked it up and played it to Joe Launchbury, who found Jackson again and he raced clear for the Wasps second try. Pelissie put up three points for the French side after a penalty from a power scrum but Elliot Day hit a kick from half-way to extend their lead back to 14 points.
Day could have put his side further ahead but missed his kick before Jackson added another penalty with 10 minutes of the first half remaining, but Pelissie cut the deficit back down just before the break.
In the second half, an excellent run by Charles Piutau splits the Toulon resistance before passing the ball to Frank Halai to sprint clear for another Wasps score. Hughes ran in the Premiership side's bonus point try after a rolling maul allowed the flanker to stretch over and add more to the Wasps' dominant lead but Jackson missed the following conversion.
European Challenge Cup
Newcastle Falcons 55-7 Enisei-STM
Newcastle Falcons have secured their first European Challenge Cup win of the season after a comprehensive 55-7 win over Enisei-STM Krasnoyarsk at Kingston Park.
The hosts took the lead after just six minutes when a kick through from Tom Catterick flew to Zach Kibirige, who grounded the ball for his side's first points. Enisei were no match for Falcons as they conceded a further four tries, with a Mark Wilson hat-trick and an additional try from Marcus Watson helping to establish a 29-7 lead by the break, despite a reply from Denis Simplikevich.
Watson and Kibirige then crossed over a further three times between them in the second half as the Russian outfit were run ragged by their more experienced opponents and succumbed to a heavy defeat.
Newcastle Falcons have secured their first European Challenge Cup win of the season after a comprehensive 55-7 win over Enisei-STM Krasnoyarsk at Kingston Park.
The hosts took the lead after just six minutes when a kick through from Tom Catterick flew to Zach Kibirige, who grounded the ball for his side's first points. Enisei were no match for Falcons as they conceded a further four tries, with a Mark Wilson hat-trick and an additional try from Marcus Watson helping to establish a 29-7 lead by the break, despite a reply from Denis Simplikevich.
Watson and Kibirige then crossed over a further three times between them in the second half as the Russian outfit were run ragged by their more experienced opponents and succumbed to a heavy defeat.
Saturday, 21 November 2015
European Rugby 21st Nov
European Champions Cup
Benetton Treviso 3-36 Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers have moved to the top of their pool after scoring five tries to beat Benetton Treviso in the European Rugby Champions Cup. After James Ambrosini failed to land a drop-goal attempt for the Pro 12 side, Thomas Bell kicked an early penalty to give the Tigers the lead in Italy.
The hosts then suffered a setback when Rupert Harden was given a yellow card as Leicester tried to dominate up front. Leicester were subsequently awarded a penalty try after their maul was brought down before the line. Richard Cockerill's side continued to impose themselves on proceedings, but could not get their second try until five minutes before the interval as Telusa Veainu bundled over the whitewash.
The Tigers looked to be out of sight on the stroke of half time when Peter Betham also got on the scoresheet for the English giants as they built a 22-3 lead. Jean-Francois Montauriol then saw yellow for taking out Sam Harrison off the ball and, although Leicester were unable to make the one-man advantage count, they did extend their lead later in the second half with another Veainu try.
The visitors capped off the comfortable victory when Greg Bateman scored in the last minute as Leicester made it two wins from two pool games.
Leicester Tigers have moved to the top of their pool after scoring five tries to beat Benetton Treviso in the European Rugby Champions Cup. After James Ambrosini failed to land a drop-goal attempt for the Pro 12 side, Thomas Bell kicked an early penalty to give the Tigers the lead in Italy.
The hosts then suffered a setback when Rupert Harden was given a yellow card as Leicester tried to dominate up front. Leicester were subsequently awarded a penalty try after their maul was brought down before the line. Richard Cockerill's side continued to impose themselves on proceedings, but could not get their second try until five minutes before the interval as Telusa Veainu bundled over the whitewash.
The Tigers looked to be out of sight on the stroke of half time when Peter Betham also got on the scoresheet for the English giants as they built a 22-3 lead. Jean-Francois Montauriol then saw yellow for taking out Sam Harrison off the ball and, although Leicester were unable to make the one-man advantage count, they did extend their lead later in the second half with another Veainu try.
The visitors capped off the comfortable victory when Greg Bateman scored in the last minute as Leicester made it two wins from two pool games.
Bath 19-16 Leinster
Bath dented Leinster's European hopes after defeating the Irish side 19-16 in a dogged game at the Rec this afternoon. It was a strong defensive effort from both teams with only two tries being scored, and it came down to a George Ford penalty with three minutes to go to secure the win for Bath.
Johnny Sexton got Leinster's first points after 10 minutes with a penalty, before Ford replied with a penalty and a drop goal to put Bath in the lead after 20 minutes.
Bath thought they had scored off Matt Banahan's break but Stuart Hooper was deemed to have knocked on over the line. Ford and Sexton traded a penalty each after half-time, before Sexton leveled the scores after 56 minutes with a penalty.
Bath finally got the first try of the afternoon on the hour mark after the English pack put Leinster in trouble, and the referee awarded a penalty try after the scrum was hauled down illegally. Substitute Josh van der Flier found a gap and bulldozed over to grab a try back for Leinster with 10 minutes to go, with Sexton nailing the conversion to bring the scores level.
Sexton had the chance to put Leinster in front but his penalty fell just short, before Ford showed the Irishman how it was done with the match-winning penalty. Leinster are now bottom of Pool 5 in what is their worst start to a European Campaign since 2006.
Bath dented Leinster's European hopes after defeating the Irish side 19-16 in a dogged game at the Rec this afternoon. It was a strong defensive effort from both teams with only two tries being scored, and it came down to a George Ford penalty with three minutes to go to secure the win for Bath.
Johnny Sexton got Leinster's first points after 10 minutes with a penalty, before Ford replied with a penalty and a drop goal to put Bath in the lead after 20 minutes.
Bath thought they had scored off Matt Banahan's break but Stuart Hooper was deemed to have knocked on over the line. Ford and Sexton traded a penalty each after half-time, before Sexton leveled the scores after 56 minutes with a penalty.
Bath finally got the first try of the afternoon on the hour mark after the English pack put Leinster in trouble, and the referee awarded a penalty try after the scrum was hauled down illegally. Substitute Josh van der Flier found a gap and bulldozed over to grab a try back for Leinster with 10 minutes to go, with Sexton nailing the conversion to bring the scores level.
Sexton had the chance to put Leinster in front but his penalty fell just short, before Ford showed the Irishman how it was done with the match-winning penalty. Leinster are now bottom of Pool 5 in what is their worst start to a European Campaign since 2006.
Toulouse 24-18 Oyonnax
Toulouse overcame fellow French team Oyonnax 24-18 to get their first win in this season's European Champions Cup this afternoon.
Regis Lespinas kicked two early penalties for Oyonnax, but Luke McAlister replied with one of his own to keep the home side within range at half-time. The wind and rain then increased and forced the game into a forward's match, but Timoci Matanavou crossed after the break to give Toulouse a try.
Maxime Medard got Toulouse's second on the hour mark, before Oyonnax got one for themselves after Vincent Martin crossed with 10 minutes left to play. Centre Gael Fickou scored a third for his side, but Fabien Cibray went over just one minute later to give Oyonnax a slim chance of victory. Nicky Robinson converted to keep his side within six points, but the visitors could not get through the black and red defence again and Toulouse came away with the win.
Toulouse overcame fellow French team Oyonnax 24-18 to get their first win in this season's European Champions Cup this afternoon.
Regis Lespinas kicked two early penalties for Oyonnax, but Luke McAlister replied with one of his own to keep the home side within range at half-time. The wind and rain then increased and forced the game into a forward's match, but Timoci Matanavou crossed after the break to give Toulouse a try.
Maxime Medard got Toulouse's second on the hour mark, before Oyonnax got one for themselves after Vincent Martin crossed with 10 minutes left to play. Centre Gael Fickou scored a third for his side, but Fabien Cibray went over just one minute later to give Oyonnax a slim chance of victory. Nicky Robinson converted to keep his side within six points, but the visitors could not get through the black and red defence again and Toulouse came away with the win.
Glasgow Warriors 15-26 Saints
Northampton Saints have secured their second win of their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign by defeating Glasgow Warriors 26-15 this evening.
Finn Russell kicked a long-range penalty to put Glasgow in front, but a high kick from Stephen Myler caused huge problems and the ball bounced into the grateful George Pisi's arms to cross over. Myler converted before adding a penalty from a collapsed Glasgow scrum.
Glasgow prop Ryan Grant was then shown a yellow after 20 minutes for collapsing another scrum, before Myler added another three. Ahsee Tuala slipped Stuart Hogg's tackle out wide to get Northampton's second, before Peter Horne finally scored for Warriors after hitting a hard line off Josh Strauss' carry.
Russell added the extra two from distance, but Myler was to put the Saints 11 points ahead at the break as he added a kick between the posts following a penalty from the home side. In the second half, Tuala added his second try of the match when he collected a handoff and powered over the line in the corner, but Myler was to miss the resulting conversion.
Luther Burrell was sent to the sin bin for the visitors, which allowed the Warriors to get back into the match when Strauss capitalised on his team's numerical advantage to cross the tryline. However, the Saints proved to be determined in their defence to hold out for the victory, their second of the campaign.
Northampton Saints have secured their second win of their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign by defeating Glasgow Warriors 26-15 this evening.
Finn Russell kicked a long-range penalty to put Glasgow in front, but a high kick from Stephen Myler caused huge problems and the ball bounced into the grateful George Pisi's arms to cross over. Myler converted before adding a penalty from a collapsed Glasgow scrum.
Glasgow prop Ryan Grant was then shown a yellow after 20 minutes for collapsing another scrum, before Myler added another three. Ahsee Tuala slipped Stuart Hogg's tackle out wide to get Northampton's second, before Peter Horne finally scored for Warriors after hitting a hard line off Josh Strauss' carry.
Russell added the extra two from distance, but Myler was to put the Saints 11 points ahead at the break as he added a kick between the posts following a penalty from the home side. In the second half, Tuala added his second try of the match when he collected a handoff and powered over the line in the corner, but Myler was to miss the resulting conversion.
Luther Burrell was sent to the sin bin for the visitors, which allowed the Warriors to get back into the match when Strauss capitalised on his team's numerical advantage to cross the tryline. However, the Saints proved to be determined in their defence to hold out for the victory, their second of the campaign.
Scarlets 16-29 Racing 92
Racing 92 kicked off their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign with a resounding 29-12 win over Scarlets, securing the bonus point in their emphatic victory.
The French side were playing their first match of the campaign after their match against the Glasgow Warriors was cancelled last week due to the terror attacks on Paris last week. Maxime Machenaud got the Parisian's first try after seven minutes, before Joe Rokocoko doubled the lead after crashing over out wide. Machenaud added the conversion to put his side 12-0 ahead and in control of the match in the early stages.
Chris Masoe compounded the visitors' dominance in the contest when he bounded over the line in the 28th minute, and Machenaud held his composure to add the two-point conversion. Marc Andreu extended Racing's lead just before the break when he raided down the flank and finished a flowing move to cross the line to hand his side the bonus point, and Machenaud was once again accurate with the resulting conversion. In the second half, the visitors were reduced to 14 men for the rest of the match when Bernard Le Roux was given his marching orders in the 43rd minute to give Scarlets hope of an unlikely comeback.
Aled Thomas got the Welsh side on the board when he crashed over in the corner in the 57th minute, although the fly-half was to miss his kick for the extra two points. Scarlets notched their second try in the 66th minute through Lewis Rawlins and this time Thomas sent his kick through the posts, but there was to be no comeback from the home side as the visitors held out for the win.
Racing 92 kicked off their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign with a resounding 29-12 win over Scarlets, securing the bonus point in their emphatic victory.
The French side were playing their first match of the campaign after their match against the Glasgow Warriors was cancelled last week due to the terror attacks on Paris last week. Maxime Machenaud got the Parisian's first try after seven minutes, before Joe Rokocoko doubled the lead after crashing over out wide. Machenaud added the conversion to put his side 12-0 ahead and in control of the match in the early stages.
Chris Masoe compounded the visitors' dominance in the contest when he bounded over the line in the 28th minute, and Machenaud held his composure to add the two-point conversion. Marc Andreu extended Racing's lead just before the break when he raided down the flank and finished a flowing move to cross the line to hand his side the bonus point, and Machenaud was once again accurate with the resulting conversion. In the second half, the visitors were reduced to 14 men for the rest of the match when Bernard Le Roux was given his marching orders in the 43rd minute to give Scarlets hope of an unlikely comeback.
Aled Thomas got the Welsh side on the board when he crashed over in the corner in the 57th minute, although the fly-half was to miss his kick for the extra two points. Scarlets notched their second try in the 66th minute through Lewis Rawlins and this time Thomas sent his kick through the posts, but there was to be no comeback from the home side as the visitors held out for the win.
Exeter Chiefs 34-19 Bordeaux Begles
Exeter Chiefs secured a bonus point on the way to beating Bordeaux Begles 34-19 for their first win in this season's European Rugby Champions Cup. Henry Slade started the scoring with a penalty early on, before the first try arrived moments later when Tom Johnson and Jack Nowell combined to find Olly Woodburn, who slid over in the corner before Slade struck the post with the conversion attempt.
Bordeaux responded well with a converted try in their first extended spell of possession as they shifted the ball out wide at pace, which allowed Nans Ducuing to cross over close to the touchline. However, Exeter soon extended their advantage with a powerful driving move which ended with Moray Low scoring the try, before Slade sent over the conversion. Space further up the field was harder to find as the first half progressed, but Slade continued his productive evening with two penalties to move Exeter 21-7 ahead at the break.
A vital third Exeter try arrived early in the second half when a patient charge up the field resulted in Ian Whitten evading a tackle for the try, but Slade was unable to add the conversion. The door was back open to Bordeaux when Julien Rey burst through the line to bounce off a couple of tackles on the way to a try, before the conversion was missed by Lionel Beauxis.
Bordeaux showed their resilience once again as they responded to a second try from Woodburn by reducing the deficit through Yann Lesgourgues, who slide under the posts to complete a fine move from the French side. The converted try reduced the deficit to 12, but Slade hammered another nail in the coffin with a penalty late on as Exeter claimed the win.
Exeter Chiefs secured a bonus point on the way to beating Bordeaux Begles 34-19 for their first win in this season's European Rugby Champions Cup. Henry Slade started the scoring with a penalty early on, before the first try arrived moments later when Tom Johnson and Jack Nowell combined to find Olly Woodburn, who slid over in the corner before Slade struck the post with the conversion attempt.
Bordeaux responded well with a converted try in their first extended spell of possession as they shifted the ball out wide at pace, which allowed Nans Ducuing to cross over close to the touchline. However, Exeter soon extended their advantage with a powerful driving move which ended with Moray Low scoring the try, before Slade sent over the conversion. Space further up the field was harder to find as the first half progressed, but Slade continued his productive evening with two penalties to move Exeter 21-7 ahead at the break.
A vital third Exeter try arrived early in the second half when a patient charge up the field resulted in Ian Whitten evading a tackle for the try, but Slade was unable to add the conversion. The door was back open to Bordeaux when Julien Rey burst through the line to bounce off a couple of tackles on the way to a try, before the conversion was missed by Lionel Beauxis.
Bordeaux showed their resilience once again as they responded to a second try from Woodburn by reducing the deficit through Yann Lesgourgues, who slide under the posts to complete a fine move from the French side. The converted try reduced the deficit to 12, but Slade hammered another nail in the coffin with a penalty late on as Exeter claimed the win.
European Challenge Cup
Zebre 27-8 Worcester Warriors
Seventeen points from the boot of Carlo Canna helped Pro12 side Zebre defeat the Aviva Premiership's Worcester Warriors 27-8 in the European Challenge Cup this afternoon. Marcello Violi got the Italian club off to a flyer straight from the kickoff, Andrea Manici bursting through the Worcester defence before offloading to the scrum half to score.
Canna kicked the conversion before adding a penalty five minutes later. Tommaso Boni added the second after good hands found him alone out on the wing, before Canna kicked a drop goal after failing with the conversion attempt.
Ryan Lamb got Worcester's first points on the board with a penalty after 22 minutes, but the Premiership team found themselves down to 14 men when Sam Betty was penalised for collapsing a maul. Canna added another penalty after the break before the wind and the rain started to break the game down, with both teams struggling with handling in the poor conditions.
Canna added three again before Dean Hammond went over two minutes from time to give Worcester a consolation try. The result means that Zebre move into second in Pool 3, while Warriors drop down to third.
Seventeen points from the boot of Carlo Canna helped Pro12 side Zebre defeat the Aviva Premiership's Worcester Warriors 27-8 in the European Challenge Cup this afternoon. Marcello Violi got the Italian club off to a flyer straight from the kickoff, Andrea Manici bursting through the Worcester defence before offloading to the scrum half to score.
Canna kicked the conversion before adding a penalty five minutes later. Tommaso Boni added the second after good hands found him alone out on the wing, before Canna kicked a drop goal after failing with the conversion attempt.
Ryan Lamb got Worcester's first points on the board with a penalty after 22 minutes, but the Premiership team found themselves down to 14 men when Sam Betty was penalised for collapsing a maul. Canna added another penalty after the break before the wind and the rain started to break the game down, with both teams struggling with handling in the poor conditions.
Canna added three again before Dean Hammond went over two minutes from time to give Worcester a consolation try. The result means that Zebre move into second in Pool 3, while Warriors drop down to third.
Sale Sharks 29-20 Pau
Sale Sharks squeezed past the challenge of newly-promoted French side Section Paloise in the European Challenge Cup this afternoon. Tries from Brian Mujati, Mark Jennings, Viliami Fihaki and Sam James helped Sale win 24-20 in a back-and-forth game at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Prop Mujati bulldozed over the line for Sale after just three minutes with Joe Ford adding the conversion, before Thibault Daubagna pulled a penalty back for the French team. Quentin Lespiaucq crossed under the posts after 20 minutes to get a score back for Pau, with Daubagna adding the conversion to give the visitors a three point lead.
Sharks quickly retook the lead though after Jennings crashed through the Pau defence, before Daubagna pulled Pau back with a penalty just before half-time. Ford added another penalty after the break, but Lespiaucq rumbled over from a driving maul for his second and Duabagna added the conversion to give Pau the lead again. James hit back though for Sale after patient work from the forwards, before Mills secured the bonus point three minutes from time.
Sale Sharks squeezed past the challenge of newly-promoted French side Section Paloise in the European Challenge Cup this afternoon. Tries from Brian Mujati, Mark Jennings, Viliami Fihaki and Sam James helped Sale win 24-20 in a back-and-forth game at the AJ Bell Stadium.
Prop Mujati bulldozed over the line for Sale after just three minutes with Joe Ford adding the conversion, before Thibault Daubagna pulled a penalty back for the French team. Quentin Lespiaucq crossed under the posts after 20 minutes to get a score back for Pau, with Daubagna adding the conversion to give the visitors a three point lead.
Sharks quickly retook the lead though after Jennings crashed through the Pau defence, before Daubagna pulled Pau back with a penalty just before half-time. Ford added another penalty after the break, but Lespiaucq rumbled over from a driving maul for his second and Duabagna added the conversion to give Pau the lead again. James hit back though for Sale after patient work from the forwards, before Mills secured the bonus point three minutes from time.
Castres 32-29 Newport Gwent Dragons
Castres narrowly beat Newport Gwent Dragons 32-29 in an entertaining game at Stade Pierre-Antoine in the European Challenge Cup this afternoon. The match started off slowly but fly half Daniel Kirkpatrick found space in the Dragons defence and went over the first try of the afternoon. Geoffrey Palis converted but Dragons replied soon after with a penalty from Dorian Jones.
Palis crossed for a try of his own, before Jones added three quick penalties after Palis converted his own try. Jones' direct kicking kept Dragons within touching distance and they came out of the second half firing. Carl Meyer grabbed a try back before Elliot Dee gave the Welsh side the lead. Jones converted both tries but Thomas Combezou crossed for Castres, with Palis converting and then adding a further penalty to put the French team back in front.
Alex Tulou then scored to give Castres a bonus point, before Meyer added a consolation penalty late on for Newport. The Dragons remain top of Pool 2 in the Challenge Cup, while Castres move up into second.
Castres narrowly beat Newport Gwent Dragons 32-29 in an entertaining game at Stade Pierre-Antoine in the European Challenge Cup this afternoon. The match started off slowly but fly half Daniel Kirkpatrick found space in the Dragons defence and went over the first try of the afternoon. Geoffrey Palis converted but Dragons replied soon after with a penalty from Dorian Jones.
Palis crossed for a try of his own, before Jones added three quick penalties after Palis converted his own try. Jones' direct kicking kept Dragons within touching distance and they came out of the second half firing. Carl Meyer grabbed a try back before Elliot Dee gave the Welsh side the lead. Jones converted both tries but Thomas Combezou crossed for Castres, with Palis converting and then adding a further penalty to put the French team back in front.
Alex Tulou then scored to give Castres a bonus point, before Meyer added a consolation penalty late on for Newport. The Dragons remain top of Pool 2 in the Challenge Cup, while Castres move up into second.
Connacht 21-17 Brive
Connacht have held on to secure a 21-17 victory over CA Brive and keep up their 100% record in this season's European Rugby Challenge Cup. Connacht were a point ahead of their French opponents at the top of the group after the first round of fixtures and they just about edged the play in a first half characterised by possession turnovers.
After Brive had missed a straightforward penalty chance to take the lead, it was they who did get themselves on the scoreboard first when Connacht fumbled a lineout and were shoved into touch and the French side took advantage for Thomas Acquier to maul over for the opening score. Jack Carty kicked a penalty to cut the lead to two, and the Irish side turned the game on its head in the closing moments of the first half when the fly-half's cross-field kick resulted in Rory Parata going over for his second try of the tournament.
Carty's second three-pointer gave Connacht an 11-5 half-time lead, before a flurry of tries in a frantic first 10 minutes of the second period saw both sides add to their score. First, Ben Marshall went over in the corner after the home side enjoyed a long spell in their opponents' 22, and after Benito Masilevu had replied instantly for Brive, a fine team move ended in Kieran Marmion extending the advantage again to give Connacht a 21-10 lead.
Brive mauled over from a five-metre lineout to set up a nervy finish, but the home side held on to make it two wins out of two.
Connacht have held on to secure a 21-17 victory over CA Brive and keep up their 100% record in this season's European Rugby Challenge Cup. Connacht were a point ahead of their French opponents at the top of the group after the first round of fixtures and they just about edged the play in a first half characterised by possession turnovers.
After Brive had missed a straightforward penalty chance to take the lead, it was they who did get themselves on the scoreboard first when Connacht fumbled a lineout and were shoved into touch and the French side took advantage for Thomas Acquier to maul over for the opening score. Jack Carty kicked a penalty to cut the lead to two, and the Irish side turned the game on its head in the closing moments of the first half when the fly-half's cross-field kick resulted in Rory Parata going over for his second try of the tournament.
Carty's second three-pointer gave Connacht an 11-5 half-time lead, before a flurry of tries in a frantic first 10 minutes of the second period saw both sides add to their score. First, Ben Marshall went over in the corner after the home side enjoyed a long spell in their opponents' 22, and after Benito Masilevu had replied instantly for Brive, a fine team move ended in Kieran Marmion extending the advantage again to give Connacht a 21-10 lead.
Brive mauled over from a five-metre lineout to set up a nervy finish, but the home side held on to make it two wins out of two.
Grenoble 27-20 London Irish
London Irish came from 17 points behind before losing 27-20 to Grenoble in Pool 5 of the European Rugby Challenge Cup. The visitors briefly led by three points early in the second half, but a try from Clement Gelin in the final phase of play sparked celebrations in the stands as Grenoble snatched the win.
It took Grenoble just six minutes to make a breakthrough as Gio Aplon sprinted beyond a couple of challenges before offloading to Arnaud Heguy, who stormed over the line for the try which was converted by Gilles Bosch. The pace of Grenoble's moves quickly saw them pull further clear of the visitors as a patient approach ended with Fabien Alexandre diving over to give Bosch the job of converting a second try.
Irish's response was swift thanks to Johnny Williams, whose power proved to be too much as he charged through a tackle to make the path clear for a try, with Chris Noakes converting. Bosch hit back with a penalty to make it 17-7, and Grenoble would continue to ask questions of their opponents with long spells in their territory.
However, the momentum shifted before the half-time interval when impressive work by the forwards was followed by Jebb Sinclair sprinting clear for the try, and a conversion from Theo Brophy-Clews reduced the deficit to just three points. Brophy-Clews added two penalties earlier in the second half to edge the visitors ahead, before Bosch hit back with one of his own to pull Grenoble level.
A defensive showing of the highest class followed from both sides as neither team managed to break the stalemate over the next half hour, but there was a twist in the final minute as Gelin raced clear of his tiring rivals to score the crucial try and Christophe Loustalot added the conversion to bring a dramatic night to an end.
London Irish came from 17 points behind before losing 27-20 to Grenoble in Pool 5 of the European Rugby Challenge Cup. The visitors briefly led by three points early in the second half, but a try from Clement Gelin in the final phase of play sparked celebrations in the stands as Grenoble snatched the win.
It took Grenoble just six minutes to make a breakthrough as Gio Aplon sprinted beyond a couple of challenges before offloading to Arnaud Heguy, who stormed over the line for the try which was converted by Gilles Bosch. The pace of Grenoble's moves quickly saw them pull further clear of the visitors as a patient approach ended with Fabien Alexandre diving over to give Bosch the job of converting a second try.
Irish's response was swift thanks to Johnny Williams, whose power proved to be too much as he charged through a tackle to make the path clear for a try, with Chris Noakes converting. Bosch hit back with a penalty to make it 17-7, and Grenoble would continue to ask questions of their opponents with long spells in their territory.
However, the momentum shifted before the half-time interval when impressive work by the forwards was followed by Jebb Sinclair sprinting clear for the try, and a conversion from Theo Brophy-Clews reduced the deficit to just three points. Brophy-Clews added two penalties earlier in the second half to edge the visitors ahead, before Bosch hit back with one of his own to pull Grenoble level.
A defensive showing of the highest class followed from both sides as neither team managed to break the stalemate over the next half hour, but there was a twist in the final minute as Gelin raced clear of his tiring rivals to score the crucial try and Christophe Loustalot added the conversion to bring a dramatic night to an end.
Friday, 20 November 2015
European Rugby 20th Nov
European Champions Cup
Ulster 9-27 Saracens
Saracens came from behind to claim a bonus-point victory by defeating Ulster 27-9 in their European Rugby Champions Cup clash at Kingspan Park this evening.
The visitors were reduced to 14 men in the third minute when Michael Rhodes was sent to the sin bin, allowing Ruan Pienaar a kick at the posts, but the South African spurned his chance.
Owen Farrell could have handed Saracens the lead, but he also sent his kick from distance wide of the uprights.
Ulster went ahead when Paddy Jackson showed accuracy with his boot to kick the home side ahead in the 15th minute, while he then extended their advantage with a drop goal.
The boot of Jackson proved to be deadly for hosts again when he fired a penalty through the posts to hand the home side a nine-point cushion.
However, Chris Wyles continued his strong start to the campaign by bringing Saracens back into the match when he crashed over in the corner for the first try of the match, although Farrell sent his conversion wide of the posts.
Farrell missed another kick before the break to leave the visitors trailing by four, but Wyles and Chris Ashton almost combined at the start of the second half to hand Richard Wigglesworth a try-scoring chance, but the winger's grubber kick went inches out of the scrum-half's reach.
Billy Vunipola became the second Saracens player to enter the sin bin during the contest for colliding with a player, but the visitors were able to take the lead through good play from Duncan Taylor as he released Alex Goode to touch down on the line, while Farrell added the extras.
Taylor notched Saracens third try of the match after he finished a flowing move following good work from Farrell to create space for the centre to find the line, but the fly-half missed the conversion.
Farrell added a penalty to all-but secure the win, and the visitors notched their fourth try to bring up the bonus point as Vunipola bounded over the line following his return to the pitch to claim an emphatic victory.
European Challenge Cup
Agen 6-27 Edinburgh
Edinburgh have maintained their unbeaten start to the European Rugby Challenge Cup pool stage with a 27-6 win over Agen. The French side made it difficult for the visitors in the opening 20 minutes, but Greg Tonks kicked a couple of penalties to put Edinburgh ahead, before a penalty try following an error in the scrum allowed the Scottish side to extend their advantage just before the break.
John Hardie set up Edinburgh's second try of the night at the start of the second half, offloading to Cornell Du Preez, who broke clear down the sideline before leaping over. The rain began to fall as the match progressed, resulting in a knock on from Edinburgh to let Agen get their first points on the board, with Clement Darbo kicking twice in five minutes. Hardie made sure the home side did not get back into the tie though, grounding the ball from a driving maul, before the visitors survived a series of late lineouts from Agen to prevent the French club getting across the line.
Montpellier 64-0 Calvisano
Montpellier scored 10 tries in an emphatic 64-0 win over Rugby Calvisano in their European Rugby Challenge Cup pool match this evening. The home side were ahead early on when Marvin O'Connor charged across for the opening try of the night, before Beniot Paillaugue followed inside the opening 15 minutes. Montepellier added two more tries before the interval as they continued to dominate the possession and territory, as well as being awarded a penalty try on the cusp of half time.
The home side did not ease off after the break, with Ben Mowen sprinting clear before Anthony Tuitavake added a seventh for the team. Calvisano started to see more of the ball inside the final 15 minutes as they tried to slow their opponents' scoring, but Robert Ebersohn and Yvan Reilhac both crossed the line in the final five minutes to ensure that the home side finished with a flourish.
Ulster 9-27 Saracens
Saracens came from behind to claim a bonus-point victory by defeating Ulster 27-9 in their European Rugby Champions Cup clash at Kingspan Park this evening.
The visitors were reduced to 14 men in the third minute when Michael Rhodes was sent to the sin bin, allowing Ruan Pienaar a kick at the posts, but the South African spurned his chance.
Owen Farrell could have handed Saracens the lead, but he also sent his kick from distance wide of the uprights.
Ulster went ahead when Paddy Jackson showed accuracy with his boot to kick the home side ahead in the 15th minute, while he then extended their advantage with a drop goal.
The boot of Jackson proved to be deadly for hosts again when he fired a penalty through the posts to hand the home side a nine-point cushion.
However, Chris Wyles continued his strong start to the campaign by bringing Saracens back into the match when he crashed over in the corner for the first try of the match, although Farrell sent his conversion wide of the posts.
Farrell missed another kick before the break to leave the visitors trailing by four, but Wyles and Chris Ashton almost combined at the start of the second half to hand Richard Wigglesworth a try-scoring chance, but the winger's grubber kick went inches out of the scrum-half's reach.
Billy Vunipola became the second Saracens player to enter the sin bin during the contest for colliding with a player, but the visitors were able to take the lead through good play from Duncan Taylor as he released Alex Goode to touch down on the line, while Farrell added the extras.
Taylor notched Saracens third try of the match after he finished a flowing move following good work from Farrell to create space for the centre to find the line, but the fly-half missed the conversion.
Farrell added a penalty to all-but secure the win, and the visitors notched their fourth try to bring up the bonus point as Vunipola bounded over the line following his return to the pitch to claim an emphatic victory.
European Challenge Cup
Agen 6-27 Edinburgh
Edinburgh have maintained their unbeaten start to the European Rugby Challenge Cup pool stage with a 27-6 win over Agen. The French side made it difficult for the visitors in the opening 20 minutes, but Greg Tonks kicked a couple of penalties to put Edinburgh ahead, before a penalty try following an error in the scrum allowed the Scottish side to extend their advantage just before the break.
John Hardie set up Edinburgh's second try of the night at the start of the second half, offloading to Cornell Du Preez, who broke clear down the sideline before leaping over. The rain began to fall as the match progressed, resulting in a knock on from Edinburgh to let Agen get their first points on the board, with Clement Darbo kicking twice in five minutes. Hardie made sure the home side did not get back into the tie though, grounding the ball from a driving maul, before the visitors survived a series of late lineouts from Agen to prevent the French club getting across the line.
Montpellier 64-0 Calvisano
Montpellier scored 10 tries in an emphatic 64-0 win over Rugby Calvisano in their European Rugby Challenge Cup pool match this evening. The home side were ahead early on when Marvin O'Connor charged across for the opening try of the night, before Beniot Paillaugue followed inside the opening 15 minutes. Montepellier added two more tries before the interval as they continued to dominate the possession and territory, as well as being awarded a penalty try on the cusp of half time.
The home side did not ease off after the break, with Ben Mowen sprinting clear before Anthony Tuitavake added a seventh for the team. Calvisano started to see more of the ball inside the final 15 minutes as they tried to slow their opponents' scoring, but Robert Ebersohn and Yvan Reilhac both crossed the line in the final five minutes to ensure that the home side finished with a flourish.
Thursday, 19 November 2015
European Challenge Cup Thurs 19th Nov
Cardiff Blues 20-32 Harlequins
Harlequins have come from behind to record an ultimately straightforward 32-20 win over Cardiff Blues in Thursday night's European Challenge Cup clash at the Cardiff Arms Park.
A tense first half saw just nine points shared out between the two competitors, Rhys Patchell and Ben Botica scoring two and one penalties respectively to put Blues 6-3 up at the break.
The action picked up after the restart, however, as tries from Tim Visser, Ollie Lindsay-Hague and Charlie Walker helped the visitors to a seemingly insurmountable lead after 65 minutes played. A penalty try for the hosts in the 69th minute appeared to bring about the chance of a comeback, but with time running out, a straight red card for Matthew Rees gave Quins the edge.
Sam Hobbs crossed over in the 79th minute to make for a nervy finish, but Danny Care notched up a try of his own moments later to give his side an ultimately comfortable win.
Stade Rochelais 20-33 Gloucester
Gloucester Rugby withstood a spirited Stade Rochelais performance to secure a 33-20 victory in Thursday night's European Challenge Cup clash at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre. The visitors were quick off the mark as Greig Laidlaw slotted a penalty after just two minutes, but the French side countered with a kick of their own two minutes later.
Gloucester then crossed over through Ben Morgan, but again La Rochelle remained hot on their heels when Julien Audy notched up a try in the ninth minute. Laurie Fisher's charges ended the first half 19-13 up after lack of discipline from the hosts allowed Laidlaw to score a further three penalties, but they were to fall behind when Jason Eaton crossed over just after the restart and Fabien Fortassin converted.
Nevertheless Glos were able to get back in front and ultimately ended the game 11 points clear after Steve McColl and Charlie Sharples ran in two more tries.
Harlequins have come from behind to record an ultimately straightforward 32-20 win over Cardiff Blues in Thursday night's European Challenge Cup clash at the Cardiff Arms Park.
A tense first half saw just nine points shared out between the two competitors, Rhys Patchell and Ben Botica scoring two and one penalties respectively to put Blues 6-3 up at the break.
The action picked up after the restart, however, as tries from Tim Visser, Ollie Lindsay-Hague and Charlie Walker helped the visitors to a seemingly insurmountable lead after 65 minutes played. A penalty try for the hosts in the 69th minute appeared to bring about the chance of a comeback, but with time running out, a straight red card for Matthew Rees gave Quins the edge.
Sam Hobbs crossed over in the 79th minute to make for a nervy finish, but Danny Care notched up a try of his own moments later to give his side an ultimately comfortable win.
Stade Rochelais 20-33 Gloucester
Gloucester Rugby withstood a spirited Stade Rochelais performance to secure a 33-20 victory in Thursday night's European Challenge Cup clash at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre. The visitors were quick off the mark as Greig Laidlaw slotted a penalty after just two minutes, but the French side countered with a kick of their own two minutes later.
Gloucester then crossed over through Ben Morgan, but again La Rochelle remained hot on their heels when Julien Audy notched up a try in the ninth minute. Laurie Fisher's charges ended the first half 19-13 up after lack of discipline from the hosts allowed Laidlaw to score a further three penalties, but they were to fall behind when Jason Eaton crossed over just after the restart and Fabien Fortassin converted.
Nevertheless Glos were able to get back in front and ultimately ended the game 11 points clear after Steve McColl and Charlie Sharples ran in two more tries.
Sunday, 15 November 2015
Sunday's European Rugby (games in France P-P due to Paris attacks)
European Champions Cup
Leinster 6-33 Wasps
Wasps secured a convincing victory away to three-time winners Leinster in the European Champions Cup.
After an early exchange of penalties from Ruaridh Jackson and returning Leinster fly-half Johnny Sexton, two-time champions Wasps took charge.
Christian Wade went over before the break and Joe Simpson crossed under the posts to give them a 17-point lead.
Wasps kept their Irish opponents at bay in the second half and scored a late third try through Charles Piutau.
It gave the English side victory in the only Pool Five fixture played on the competition's opening weekend. Holders Toulon's group opener against Bath was postponed after the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday.
Wasps had failed to beat Leinster when they met in the group stages of the competition last season, but were in control this time round as their Dublin-based opponents suffered their heaviest European home defeat.
Jackson and Sexton were both fighting a strong cross-wind as they scored twice each from the tee to make it 6-6, and it fell to England prospect Elliot Daly to land a penalty from 50 metres out to give Wasps a narrow advantage.
The visitors then scored the first of their three tries when Simpson's speculative cross-field kick bounced awkwardly beyond Dave Kearney, and Wade was on hand to collect and pounce.
Having lost both Richardt Strauss and Sean O'Brien to concussion, Leinster fell further behind as Simpson broke the defence and sprinted under the posts, having been sent on his way thanks to a bulldozing run from Frank Halai.
Jackson, who converted both tries, added another penalty to make it 26-6 and while the Irish province attempted to find a way back, Wasps' defence held strong.
And the Coventry-based side grabbed a third try at the finish when Piutau touched down over team-mate Sailosi Tagicakibau, who had been halted just short of the line.
Bordeaux Begles P-P Clermont Auvergne (due to Paris attacks)
Toulon P-P Bath (due to Paris attacks)
Ospreys 25-13 Exeter Chiefs
Josh Matavesi's late interception try ensured Ospreys started their European Champions Cup campaign with a win against Exeter Chiefs in Swansea.
Exeter had led 10-6 at half-time at the Liberty Stadium thanks to James Short's try and the kicking of Gareth Steenson.
Dan Biggar missed more kicks at goal then he converted in the first half, but after the break the Ospreys fly-half was simply superb.
But Exeter matched them blow for blow until Matavesi's piece of opportunism.
Ospreys have had a poor start to their Pro12 league campaign, winning only twice, while Exeter arrived full of confidence as currently the second best side in the English Premiership.
Ospreys edged it on the scoreboard early in the game with Biggar kicking two penalties to Steenson's one.
Exeter should have been ahead but Luke Cowan-Dickie knocked on as he dived for the line under pressure from Paul James.
The visitors did capitalise on one of their opportunities though, when Will Chudley fielded Biggar's clearance and dummied Eli Walker to go through the gaping hole his sleight of hand had created.
The scrum-half fed Short at pace and the winger ran past two poor attempted tackles by James King and Biggar to score.
Biggar's form then dipped as the fly-half, usually so accurate, missed two late penalty kicks to leave Ospreys trailing 10-6 at half-time.
The Wales star came out for the second half determined to make amends and the high kick and gather - his trademark during the World Cup - set Ospreys on the front foot, leading to a penalty that Biggar this time converted.
Although his next attempt hit the post, Ospreys continued to pile on the pressure to earn Biggar another pot at goal and the fly-half this time kicked the home side into the lead.
That lasted 10 minutes as Exeter worked their way back into the game, with Steenson kicking his second penalty when Dan Lydiate and Justin Tipuric were caught going off their feet at a ruck.
The lead continued to exchange hands as Biggar struck a drop-goal - having missed two earlier attempts - after his forwards rumbled him into position.
The Ospreys fly-half seemed to have overcome his blip in the nick of time for the home side, providing proof when he kicked a 40m penalty after Exeter collapsed a scrum.
A game that had been so tight then turned on a mistake, as Steenson hurled a long pass on the edge of Ospreys' 22 that was read by Matavesi.
The centre raced away and had just enough pace and presence of mind to hold off Jack Nowell and slide over the line for a converted try.
With the game between French clubs Bordeaux-Begles and Clermont Auvergne postponed due to the terrorist attacks in Paris, Ospreys have the early lead in Pool 2.
European Challenge Cup
Newport Gwent Dragons 30-12 Sale Sharks
Newport Gwent Dragons were forced to withstand a second-half fightback as they won their opening Challenge Cup game against a much-changed Sale Sharks at Rodney Parade. Steve Diamond, who made 14 changes from the team which was narrowly beaten by Harlequins last weekend, saw his side fall behind inside five minutes as young flanker Ollie Griffiths marauded through the Sharks defence before bouncing over the whitewash.
The Dragons, minus Welsh international back-rower Toby Faletau, continued to make the most of their scoring opportunities as Rynard Landman touched down for the hosts midway through the first half. Newport almost bagged their third try in strange circumstances when Elliot Dee missed his target from a lineout, but the loose ball needed to be cleared by Sam Bedlow in Sale's in-goal area.
Lyn Jones's men looked to have sealed victory before half time as Adam Hughes broke through the gain line and gave the Dragons a 17-0 lead at the interval. Sale hit back after the restart, however, when James Mitchell crossed over for the visitors and their hopes of a fightback were boosted after Phil Jones was yellow-carded.
The Sharks made the most of their one-man advantage as Jon Mills scored after Sale to bring the away side within eight points. However, Newport were able to hold on and secured a winning bonus point thanks to Matthew Screech's late try
Leinster 6-33 Wasps
Wasps secured a convincing victory away to three-time winners Leinster in the European Champions Cup.
After an early exchange of penalties from Ruaridh Jackson and returning Leinster fly-half Johnny Sexton, two-time champions Wasps took charge.
Christian Wade went over before the break and Joe Simpson crossed under the posts to give them a 17-point lead.
Wasps kept their Irish opponents at bay in the second half and scored a late third try through Charles Piutau.
It gave the English side victory in the only Pool Five fixture played on the competition's opening weekend. Holders Toulon's group opener against Bath was postponed after the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday.
Wasps had failed to beat Leinster when they met in the group stages of the competition last season, but were in control this time round as their Dublin-based opponents suffered their heaviest European home defeat.
Jackson and Sexton were both fighting a strong cross-wind as they scored twice each from the tee to make it 6-6, and it fell to England prospect Elliot Daly to land a penalty from 50 metres out to give Wasps a narrow advantage.
The visitors then scored the first of their three tries when Simpson's speculative cross-field kick bounced awkwardly beyond Dave Kearney, and Wade was on hand to collect and pounce.
Having lost both Richardt Strauss and Sean O'Brien to concussion, Leinster fell further behind as Simpson broke the defence and sprinted under the posts, having been sent on his way thanks to a bulldozing run from Frank Halai.
Jackson, who converted both tries, added another penalty to make it 26-6 and while the Irish province attempted to find a way back, Wasps' defence held strong.
And the Coventry-based side grabbed a third try at the finish when Piutau touched down over team-mate Sailosi Tagicakibau, who had been halted just short of the line.
Bordeaux Begles P-P Clermont Auvergne (due to Paris attacks)
Toulon P-P Bath (due to Paris attacks)
Ospreys 25-13 Exeter Chiefs
Josh Matavesi's late interception try ensured Ospreys started their European Champions Cup campaign with a win against Exeter Chiefs in Swansea.
Exeter had led 10-6 at half-time at the Liberty Stadium thanks to James Short's try and the kicking of Gareth Steenson.
Dan Biggar missed more kicks at goal then he converted in the first half, but after the break the Ospreys fly-half was simply superb.
But Exeter matched them blow for blow until Matavesi's piece of opportunism.
Ospreys have had a poor start to their Pro12 league campaign, winning only twice, while Exeter arrived full of confidence as currently the second best side in the English Premiership.
Ospreys edged it on the scoreboard early in the game with Biggar kicking two penalties to Steenson's one.
Exeter should have been ahead but Luke Cowan-Dickie knocked on as he dived for the line under pressure from Paul James.
The visitors did capitalise on one of their opportunities though, when Will Chudley fielded Biggar's clearance and dummied Eli Walker to go through the gaping hole his sleight of hand had created.
The scrum-half fed Short at pace and the winger ran past two poor attempted tackles by James King and Biggar to score.
Biggar's form then dipped as the fly-half, usually so accurate, missed two late penalty kicks to leave Ospreys trailing 10-6 at half-time.
The Wales star came out for the second half determined to make amends and the high kick and gather - his trademark during the World Cup - set Ospreys on the front foot, leading to a penalty that Biggar this time converted.
Although his next attempt hit the post, Ospreys continued to pile on the pressure to earn Biggar another pot at goal and the fly-half this time kicked the home side into the lead.
That lasted 10 minutes as Exeter worked their way back into the game, with Steenson kicking his second penalty when Dan Lydiate and Justin Tipuric were caught going off their feet at a ruck.
The lead continued to exchange hands as Biggar struck a drop-goal - having missed two earlier attempts - after his forwards rumbled him into position.
The Ospreys fly-half seemed to have overcome his blip in the nick of time for the home side, providing proof when he kicked a 40m penalty after Exeter collapsed a scrum.
A game that had been so tight then turned on a mistake, as Steenson hurled a long pass on the edge of Ospreys' 22 that was read by Matavesi.
The centre raced away and had just enough pace and presence of mind to hold off Jack Nowell and slide over the line for a converted try.
With the game between French clubs Bordeaux-Begles and Clermont Auvergne postponed due to the terrorist attacks in Paris, Ospreys have the early lead in Pool 2.
European Challenge Cup
Newport Gwent Dragons 30-12 Sale Sharks
Newport Gwent Dragons were forced to withstand a second-half fightback as they won their opening Challenge Cup game against a much-changed Sale Sharks at Rodney Parade. Steve Diamond, who made 14 changes from the team which was narrowly beaten by Harlequins last weekend, saw his side fall behind inside five minutes as young flanker Ollie Griffiths marauded through the Sharks defence before bouncing over the whitewash.
The Dragons, minus Welsh international back-rower Toby Faletau, continued to make the most of their scoring opportunities as Rynard Landman touched down for the hosts midway through the first half. Newport almost bagged their third try in strange circumstances when Elliot Dee missed his target from a lineout, but the loose ball needed to be cleared by Sam Bedlow in Sale's in-goal area.
Lyn Jones's men looked to have sealed victory before half time as Adam Hughes broke through the gain line and gave the Dragons a 17-0 lead at the interval. Sale hit back after the restart, however, when James Mitchell crossed over for the visitors and their hopes of a fightback were boosted after Phil Jones was yellow-carded.
The Sharks made the most of their one-man advantage as Jon Mills scored after Sale to bring the away side within eight points. However, Newport were able to hold on and secured a winning bonus point thanks to Matthew Screech's late try
Saturday, 14 November 2015
European Rugby (all games in France P-P this weekend)
European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has announced that all Champions Cup and Challenge Cup games taking place in France this weekend have been postponed after the Paris terror attacks on Friday night. Almost 130 people were killed in a co-ordinated attack on six locations in the French capital last night, one of which was close to the Stade de France where France and Germany were playing an international friendly.
It was confirmed earlier today that the Champions Cup match due to take place in Paris between Racing 92 and Glasgow Warriors had been cancelled and now EPCR has called off four other matches. In the Champions Cup, Oyonnax vs. Ulster, which was due to take place today, and tomorrow's matches between Bordeaux Begles and Clermont Auvergne and Toulon and Bath have been postponed.
This evening's Challenge Cup fixture between Pau and Castres will also have to be rescheduled. A statement read: "EPCR extends its sincerest sympathies to everyone affected by the Paris attacks and as a mark of respect, all clubs competing in this weekend's remaining Champions Cup and Challenge Cup fixtures in other territories have been asked to observe a minute's silence before the games kickoff."
European Champions Cup
Oyonnax P-P Ulster - due to French attacks overnight
Racing 92 P-P Glasgow Warriors - due to French attacks overnight
Munster 32-7 Benetton Treviso
Munster have began their European Champions Cup campaign with a resounding 32-7 victory over Benetton Treviso in their European Rugby Champions Cup opener at Thomond Park this evening.
Munster failed to progress from their pool for only the second time in 17 seasons last year and they appeared determined to enure that they avoided a repeat of that disappointment this year, as it took them just four minutes to open the scoring through BJ Botha. The South African prop could have doubled his and his side's tally just minutes later when he crashed over again only to see his try ruled out after the referee consulted with TMO, and against the run of play the lead was wiped out after a quarter of an hour.
Treviso blocked a Munster attack, kicked and charged upfield and when Braam Steyn dived on the ball, a quick check with TMO confirmed a legal try, with Jayden Hayward converting to level the scores. Ian Keatley kicked the hosts back into a narrow lead as both sides struggled to settle in the rain after the frantic opening and things remained evenly poised as the half-time whistle blew. However, Munster seized the iniative in the second period and after Keatley added another penalty, captain CJ Stander bulldozed his way over to end a patient attack after another confirmation from TMO.
The Irish side finally found some breathing space with 12 minutes to go when they controlled the lineout after Keatley's kick to the corner and Duncan Casey bundled over and the back of the driving maul to extend the advantage. The hosts went searching for the fourth try which would hand them a valuable bonus point in their first pool match, and they were rewarded when Simon Zebo found space to crash over the line in the 75th minute, while Keatley added the conversion to secure the comfortable win.
Saracens 32-7 Toulouse
Owen Farrell has scored 22 points to guide Saracens to 32-7 victory over Toulouse in his side's European Rugby Champions Cup opener this evening.
The home side put the French outfit under pressure in the early stages of the match, which yielded two penalties in kicking distance. The England fly-half showed his ability by sending both kicks through the posts to put his team ahead.
Saracens extended their advantage when Mako Vunipola completed a team move by powering over the tryline for a score from close range, with Farrell adding the extras in the 15th minute. Three further penalties from the 23-year-old put the hosts in control of the contest before Chris Wyles was able to dive in at the left corner after Farrell, Brad Barritt and Alex Goode had created the opening.
However, on this occasion the kick was missed by the fly-half, but Saracens still took a 27-0 lead into the break. In the second half, Farrell put the match beyond doubt when he crossed the line himself by collecting a pass and bursting through a tackle to dive in for the score, although he did miss his the resulting conversion.
The visitors got on the board in the 49th minute when Christopher Tolofua managed to find space in the home side's defensive line to dive for the tryline from close range to notch the score, and Nicolas Bezy sent his kick through the posts. Both sides pushed to add to the scoreline, but neither could find a further score allowing the home side to ease to victory.
Saints 15-11 Scarlets
Northampton Saints have kicked off their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign with a hard-fought 15-11 victory over Scarlets this evening. The home side took the lead in the sixth minute when Ken Pisi crashed over the line from close range, while JJ Hanrahan added the extras.
Steven Shingler got the visitors on the board with a penalty, but the Saints looked to have extended their lead when Luther Burrell capitalised on a turnover to score, only to see his effort ruled out as George North was sent to the sin bin for a foul. Shingler brought his team within a point just before the break as he held his composure to send another kick from distance through the posts.
In the second half, Scarlets took the lead when Gareth Davies finished a flowing move to find the tryline, although the resulting conversion was missed by Shingler. Northampton responded immediately to regain the advantage as they produced a driving maul towards the line and Alex Waller found his way through the bodies to touch down for the score, but Hanrahan missed the conversion.
Jamie Gibson became the second Saints' player to be sent to the sin bin in the 64th minute, but it not affect his side as they extended their lead through a penalty kick from Hanrahan. Scarlets spurned the chance to pull back within a point as Aled Thomas saw his kick clatter off the post. The Welsh side put the pressure on late in the match, but the Saints held out to secure the win.
European Challenge Cup
Enisei-STM 14-31 Connacht
Connacht have secured victory and five points from their first European Rugby Challenge Cup Pool match of the season with a 31-14 victory over Enisei-STM in harsh conditions in Siberia.
In a testing first half at a snowy Central Stadium in Krasnoyarsk characterised by handling mistakes and struggles for possession in a temperature of below -20 degrees celsius, only two penalties from AJ MacGinty on his first Connacht start separated the sides at half time.
The fly-half kicked a third penalty shortly after the restart to extend the lead to nine, and the first try of the match arrived minutes later when, after another MacGinty kick had struck the post, the Irish side turned over possession from an Enisei five-metre scrum and Niyi Adeolokun went over in the corner.
As Connacht finally began to wear down their stubborn opposition they found a second try just two minutes later, as captain John Muldoon found the corner after a swift break from man-of-the-match Bundee Aki to give the visitors breathing space. Shortly after the hour mark Darragh Leader added a third after yet more good work from Aki and a powerful carry from replacement Sean O'Brien, but the first Russian side to qualify for the challenge cup responded seven minutes from time when replacement prop Andrei Polivalov powered over.
Connacht came forward again in search of a bonus point, however, and they secured it when MacGinty's crossfield kick found Rory Parata on the right to score, and though Polivalov added a second for the home side in the final minute, the visitors took a winning start and five points back to Ireland.
Calvisano 9-50 Cardiff Blues
A dominant display has seen Cardiff Blues seal a bonus-point 50-9 victory over Calvisano in their European Rugby Challenge Cup Pool 3 opener.
Blues have won just one of their first seven Pro 12 matches to start the current season and they fell behind in Italy to an early Filippo Buscema penalty despite starting well and twice threatening to break downfield. After an opening quarter of an hour of heavy forward battles, edged up the field through a series of penalties and took advantage when last season's Challenge Cup top scorer Lloyd Williams marked his 100th game for Blues by going over in the corner.
That breakthrough saw a marked improvement in the Welsh side's flow, and a second score arrived when a slick backs move and Gavin Evans' penetrating run allowed Tom James to slide in and extend the advantage. The sides traded penalties before the break but the visitors came out flying in the second half and added two more tries inside the first 10 minutes as Gethin Jenkins drove the pack over the line in the corner before winger Dan Fish secured a bonus point by adding a fourth.
A third Buscema penalty briefly reduced the arrears for the Eccellenza champions but Fish's replacement Blaine Scully capped a superb team move by scoring his first try for Blues after he was fed by Ellis Jenkins as his side increased their advantage. Gavin Evans burst through to score a sixth and add some gloss to the scoreline and Cardiff brought up the half-century in the final minute through a penalty try as the 2010 winners made a flying start to their European campaign.
Worcester Warriors 19-3 Stade Rochelais
Ben Howard's late try has secured a 19-3 victory for Worcester Warriors over Satde Rochelais to start their European Rugby Challenge Cup campaign at Sixways Stadium. Ryan Lamb slotted an early penalty as the RFU Championship holders took a slim lead in a competitive opening, and the fly-half added a second with 10 minutes gone as the home side had the better of the play in the opening stages.
However, Howard was penalised at the breakdown just moments later and the French side took their opportunity to halve the deficit as Charles Bouldoire converted to get Rochelais on the scoreboard in a lively opening. In a match devoid of clear try-scoring chances, the hosts failed to take a good opportunity when they could not capitalise on a lineout 5 metres from the tryline, although Lamb did get the chance to kick a third penalty and extend the lead to 9-3.
However, they were then pinned back by a good spell of pressure from the French side as the game remained tight, but Bouldoire could only strike the post from his second penalty attempt. Lamb extended the lead with another kick seconds before the half-time whistle to complete an error-strewn half, and Bouldoire missed anoother opportunity as the game continued to be dominated by kicking chances in the second period.
Ben Sowrey was hauled down on the 22 after racing away with a loose ball as Warriors searched for an opening to score, before they then turned over possession on their own five-metre line as Rochelais wasted a penalty.
The visitors then wasted a golden chance when they knocked on five metres from the line, and Warriors returned the favour shortly afterwards as errors cost both sides key opportunities. The only try of the match finally arrived three minutes from time to seal victory for the hosts, Howard linking up well with Ravai Fatiaki and cutting between defenders to go over and get Warriors' campaign off to a good start.
London Irish 48-10 Agen
London Irish have run in eight tries to comprehensively beat French side Agen 48-10 in their opening European Rugby Challenge Cup pool match at Madejski Stadium. The defiant visiting fans broke the minute silence held before the game to mark Friday's tragic events in Paris to sing the French national anthem, and their side responded by taking an early lead through a Francois Bouvier penalty.
However, Irish were heavy favourites on their home ground against the competition's lowest-ranked side and it took them just 10 minutes to find a way through for the first try as Johnny Williams crashed over after good work from Darren Allinson to mark his debut for the club in style. The visitors responded well initially, pinning the home side back and forcing some fine defensive work to prevent them breaking through, but they found themselves with a mountain to climb with 23 minutes gone when hooker Gerard Ellis burst through a gap to drive home from 20 metres and extend the lead.
Joe Trayfoot added a debut try of his own after half an hour as the Exiles began to move through the gears and Ellis went over for his second to secure the bonus point before half time as the hosts went into the break in control at 24-3. Just two minutes after the restart Alex Lewington latched on to Chris Noakes's chip to improve the scoreline further, and when Rob McCusker strolled over unchallenged and Sean Maitland scored his first for the club, it seemed to be a matter of how many Irish would score.
However, Agen enjoyed their best spell of the game and finally found a reward for their perseverance when Felicien Vergnon squeezed over for a consolation. There was still time for Lewington to add Irish's eighth and final try with his second of the afternoon as the Aviva Premiership strugglers recorded an emphatic start to their European campaign.
Gloucester 23-10 Zebre
Gloucester Rugby made the perfect start to their European Challenge Cup campaign with a 23-10 victory over Zebre in Pool 4.
The hosts made a quick start to the match, and opened the scoring after just eight minutes as Ross Moriarty set up Henry Purdy to run over for the game's first try in the corner. Billy Burns was unable to add the extra two points with a kick from touch, but a second Gloucester try five minutes later from Moriarty doubled the side's advantage. Burns converted, and the defending champions had an early 12-0 lead.
Burns added six more points with two penalty kicks before the half-hour mark, and a Steve McColl try on the stroke of half time following some good handling work from the Gloucester backs seemed to end the game as a contest. Gloucester struggled after the break, and went down to 14 men when Lewis Ludlow was shown a yellow card.
Zebre made their opponents pay for their ill discipline moments later, when they were awarded a penalty try on 52 minutes. Edoardo Padovani converted, and added three more points with a penalty on the hour mark. With Ludlow back on the field, the hosts saw out the second half to secure a 23-10 victory.
Pau P-P Castres - due to French attacks overnight
It was confirmed earlier today that the Champions Cup match due to take place in Paris between Racing 92 and Glasgow Warriors had been cancelled and now EPCR has called off four other matches. In the Champions Cup, Oyonnax vs. Ulster, which was due to take place today, and tomorrow's matches between Bordeaux Begles and Clermont Auvergne and Toulon and Bath have been postponed.
This evening's Challenge Cup fixture between Pau and Castres will also have to be rescheduled. A statement read: "EPCR extends its sincerest sympathies to everyone affected by the Paris attacks and as a mark of respect, all clubs competing in this weekend's remaining Champions Cup and Challenge Cup fixtures in other territories have been asked to observe a minute's silence before the games kickoff."
European Champions Cup
Oyonnax P-P Ulster - due to French attacks overnight
Racing 92 P-P Glasgow Warriors - due to French attacks overnight
Munster 32-7 Benetton Treviso
Munster have began their European Champions Cup campaign with a resounding 32-7 victory over Benetton Treviso in their European Rugby Champions Cup opener at Thomond Park this evening.
Munster failed to progress from their pool for only the second time in 17 seasons last year and they appeared determined to enure that they avoided a repeat of that disappointment this year, as it took them just four minutes to open the scoring through BJ Botha. The South African prop could have doubled his and his side's tally just minutes later when he crashed over again only to see his try ruled out after the referee consulted with TMO, and against the run of play the lead was wiped out after a quarter of an hour.
Treviso blocked a Munster attack, kicked and charged upfield and when Braam Steyn dived on the ball, a quick check with TMO confirmed a legal try, with Jayden Hayward converting to level the scores. Ian Keatley kicked the hosts back into a narrow lead as both sides struggled to settle in the rain after the frantic opening and things remained evenly poised as the half-time whistle blew. However, Munster seized the iniative in the second period and after Keatley added another penalty, captain CJ Stander bulldozed his way over to end a patient attack after another confirmation from TMO.
The Irish side finally found some breathing space with 12 minutes to go when they controlled the lineout after Keatley's kick to the corner and Duncan Casey bundled over and the back of the driving maul to extend the advantage. The hosts went searching for the fourth try which would hand them a valuable bonus point in their first pool match, and they were rewarded when Simon Zebo found space to crash over the line in the 75th minute, while Keatley added the conversion to secure the comfortable win.
Saracens 32-7 Toulouse
Owen Farrell has scored 22 points to guide Saracens to 32-7 victory over Toulouse in his side's European Rugby Champions Cup opener this evening.
The home side put the French outfit under pressure in the early stages of the match, which yielded two penalties in kicking distance. The England fly-half showed his ability by sending both kicks through the posts to put his team ahead.
Saracens extended their advantage when Mako Vunipola completed a team move by powering over the tryline for a score from close range, with Farrell adding the extras in the 15th minute. Three further penalties from the 23-year-old put the hosts in control of the contest before Chris Wyles was able to dive in at the left corner after Farrell, Brad Barritt and Alex Goode had created the opening.
However, on this occasion the kick was missed by the fly-half, but Saracens still took a 27-0 lead into the break. In the second half, Farrell put the match beyond doubt when he crossed the line himself by collecting a pass and bursting through a tackle to dive in for the score, although he did miss his the resulting conversion.
The visitors got on the board in the 49th minute when Christopher Tolofua managed to find space in the home side's defensive line to dive for the tryline from close range to notch the score, and Nicolas Bezy sent his kick through the posts. Both sides pushed to add to the scoreline, but neither could find a further score allowing the home side to ease to victory.
Saints 15-11 Scarlets
Northampton Saints have kicked off their European Rugby Champions Cup campaign with a hard-fought 15-11 victory over Scarlets this evening. The home side took the lead in the sixth minute when Ken Pisi crashed over the line from close range, while JJ Hanrahan added the extras.
Steven Shingler got the visitors on the board with a penalty, but the Saints looked to have extended their lead when Luther Burrell capitalised on a turnover to score, only to see his effort ruled out as George North was sent to the sin bin for a foul. Shingler brought his team within a point just before the break as he held his composure to send another kick from distance through the posts.
In the second half, Scarlets took the lead when Gareth Davies finished a flowing move to find the tryline, although the resulting conversion was missed by Shingler. Northampton responded immediately to regain the advantage as they produced a driving maul towards the line and Alex Waller found his way through the bodies to touch down for the score, but Hanrahan missed the conversion.
Jamie Gibson became the second Saints' player to be sent to the sin bin in the 64th minute, but it not affect his side as they extended their lead through a penalty kick from Hanrahan. Scarlets spurned the chance to pull back within a point as Aled Thomas saw his kick clatter off the post. The Welsh side put the pressure on late in the match, but the Saints held out to secure the win.
European Challenge Cup
Enisei-STM 14-31 Connacht
Connacht have secured victory and five points from their first European Rugby Challenge Cup Pool match of the season with a 31-14 victory over Enisei-STM in harsh conditions in Siberia.
In a testing first half at a snowy Central Stadium in Krasnoyarsk characterised by handling mistakes and struggles for possession in a temperature of below -20 degrees celsius, only two penalties from AJ MacGinty on his first Connacht start separated the sides at half time.
The fly-half kicked a third penalty shortly after the restart to extend the lead to nine, and the first try of the match arrived minutes later when, after another MacGinty kick had struck the post, the Irish side turned over possession from an Enisei five-metre scrum and Niyi Adeolokun went over in the corner.
As Connacht finally began to wear down their stubborn opposition they found a second try just two minutes later, as captain John Muldoon found the corner after a swift break from man-of-the-match Bundee Aki to give the visitors breathing space. Shortly after the hour mark Darragh Leader added a third after yet more good work from Aki and a powerful carry from replacement Sean O'Brien, but the first Russian side to qualify for the challenge cup responded seven minutes from time when replacement prop Andrei Polivalov powered over.
Connacht came forward again in search of a bonus point, however, and they secured it when MacGinty's crossfield kick found Rory Parata on the right to score, and though Polivalov added a second for the home side in the final minute, the visitors took a winning start and five points back to Ireland.
Calvisano 9-50 Cardiff Blues
A dominant display has seen Cardiff Blues seal a bonus-point 50-9 victory over Calvisano in their European Rugby Challenge Cup Pool 3 opener.
Blues have won just one of their first seven Pro 12 matches to start the current season and they fell behind in Italy to an early Filippo Buscema penalty despite starting well and twice threatening to break downfield. After an opening quarter of an hour of heavy forward battles, edged up the field through a series of penalties and took advantage when last season's Challenge Cup top scorer Lloyd Williams marked his 100th game for Blues by going over in the corner.
That breakthrough saw a marked improvement in the Welsh side's flow, and a second score arrived when a slick backs move and Gavin Evans' penetrating run allowed Tom James to slide in and extend the advantage. The sides traded penalties before the break but the visitors came out flying in the second half and added two more tries inside the first 10 minutes as Gethin Jenkins drove the pack over the line in the corner before winger Dan Fish secured a bonus point by adding a fourth.
A third Buscema penalty briefly reduced the arrears for the Eccellenza champions but Fish's replacement Blaine Scully capped a superb team move by scoring his first try for Blues after he was fed by Ellis Jenkins as his side increased their advantage. Gavin Evans burst through to score a sixth and add some gloss to the scoreline and Cardiff brought up the half-century in the final minute through a penalty try as the 2010 winners made a flying start to their European campaign.
Worcester Warriors 19-3 Stade Rochelais
Ben Howard's late try has secured a 19-3 victory for Worcester Warriors over Satde Rochelais to start their European Rugby Challenge Cup campaign at Sixways Stadium. Ryan Lamb slotted an early penalty as the RFU Championship holders took a slim lead in a competitive opening, and the fly-half added a second with 10 minutes gone as the home side had the better of the play in the opening stages.
However, Howard was penalised at the breakdown just moments later and the French side took their opportunity to halve the deficit as Charles Bouldoire converted to get Rochelais on the scoreboard in a lively opening. In a match devoid of clear try-scoring chances, the hosts failed to take a good opportunity when they could not capitalise on a lineout 5 metres from the tryline, although Lamb did get the chance to kick a third penalty and extend the lead to 9-3.
However, they were then pinned back by a good spell of pressure from the French side as the game remained tight, but Bouldoire could only strike the post from his second penalty attempt. Lamb extended the lead with another kick seconds before the half-time whistle to complete an error-strewn half, and Bouldoire missed anoother opportunity as the game continued to be dominated by kicking chances in the second period.
Ben Sowrey was hauled down on the 22 after racing away with a loose ball as Warriors searched for an opening to score, before they then turned over possession on their own five-metre line as Rochelais wasted a penalty.
The visitors then wasted a golden chance when they knocked on five metres from the line, and Warriors returned the favour shortly afterwards as errors cost both sides key opportunities. The only try of the match finally arrived three minutes from time to seal victory for the hosts, Howard linking up well with Ravai Fatiaki and cutting between defenders to go over and get Warriors' campaign off to a good start.
London Irish 48-10 Agen
London Irish have run in eight tries to comprehensively beat French side Agen 48-10 in their opening European Rugby Challenge Cup pool match at Madejski Stadium. The defiant visiting fans broke the minute silence held before the game to mark Friday's tragic events in Paris to sing the French national anthem, and their side responded by taking an early lead through a Francois Bouvier penalty.
However, Irish were heavy favourites on their home ground against the competition's lowest-ranked side and it took them just 10 minutes to find a way through for the first try as Johnny Williams crashed over after good work from Darren Allinson to mark his debut for the club in style. The visitors responded well initially, pinning the home side back and forcing some fine defensive work to prevent them breaking through, but they found themselves with a mountain to climb with 23 minutes gone when hooker Gerard Ellis burst through a gap to drive home from 20 metres and extend the lead.
Joe Trayfoot added a debut try of his own after half an hour as the Exiles began to move through the gears and Ellis went over for his second to secure the bonus point before half time as the hosts went into the break in control at 24-3. Just two minutes after the restart Alex Lewington latched on to Chris Noakes's chip to improve the scoreline further, and when Rob McCusker strolled over unchallenged and Sean Maitland scored his first for the club, it seemed to be a matter of how many Irish would score.
However, Agen enjoyed their best spell of the game and finally found a reward for their perseverance when Felicien Vergnon squeezed over for a consolation. There was still time for Lewington to add Irish's eighth and final try with his second of the afternoon as the Aviva Premiership strugglers recorded an emphatic start to their European campaign.
Gloucester 23-10 Zebre
Gloucester Rugby made the perfect start to their European Challenge Cup campaign with a 23-10 victory over Zebre in Pool 4.
The hosts made a quick start to the match, and opened the scoring after just eight minutes as Ross Moriarty set up Henry Purdy to run over for the game's first try in the corner. Billy Burns was unable to add the extra two points with a kick from touch, but a second Gloucester try five minutes later from Moriarty doubled the side's advantage. Burns converted, and the defending champions had an early 12-0 lead.
Burns added six more points with two penalty kicks before the half-hour mark, and a Steve McColl try on the stroke of half time following some good handling work from the Gloucester backs seemed to end the game as a contest. Gloucester struggled after the break, and went down to 14 men when Lewis Ludlow was shown a yellow card.
Zebre made their opponents pay for their ill discipline moments later, when they were awarded a penalty try on 52 minutes. Edoardo Padovani converted, and added three more points with a penalty on the hour mark. With Ludlow back on the field, the hosts saw out the second half to secure a 23-10 victory.
Pau P-P Castres - due to French attacks overnight
Friday, 13 November 2015
European Champions Cup & European Challenge Cup 13th Nov
European Champions Cup
Leicester Tigers 33-20 Stade Francais
Leicester Tigers have beaten Stade Francais 33-20 in the opening match of the European Rugby Champions Cup. The Aviva Premiership side thought they had taken the lead after 14 minutes when Peter Betham crossed the line, but the try was ruled out after a blocking foul in the build up.
Stade took the lead on the half-hour mark when Julien Tomas crossed the line after pressure on the Leicester try line. The conversion was missed but Morne Steyn made up for the error three minutes alter by placing a kick through the posts.
The score was pulled back by the Tigers in the 34th minute when Vereniki Goneva scored and Owen Williams added the conversion. Leicester took a 12-8 lead into half time when Matt Smith finished in the corner.
Brendon O'Connor scored a debut try from the restart and Owen Williams added a penalty kick shortly after as Leicester stretched their lead. Paul Williams pulled a try back shortly after, but that was cancelled out immediately when Ben Youngs crossed to confirm the bonus point for Leicester. Owen Williams added another penalty but a Stade try took the score to 30-20 when Julien Arias's try was confirmed by the TMO. Seremaia Bai added three more for Leicester in the final minutes to confirm the victory for the English side.
European Challenge Cup
Brive 13-9 Newcastle Falcons
CA Brive's dominant first-half display has given them a 13-9 victory against Newcastle Falcons in their opening match of the European Challenge Cup.
Elia Radikedike gave Brive the lead after just five minutes when he crossed over, and Nicolas Bezy added two extra points from the conversion. Tom Catterick missed the chance to pull three points back in the 22nd minute, and Bezy stretched Brive's lead to 10 shortly after.
The Newcastle fly-half found his range before half time, but a third kick through the posts from Bezy gave Brive a 10-point half-time lead. The Aviva Premiership side defended well in the second half as two Catterick strikes brought the score to 13-9 with 20 minutes remaining. Falcons continued to push for a try and failed to take an opportunity from a scrum on the Brive five-yard line as the Top 14 team held on to take the points.
Edinburgh 28-10 Grenoble
Sam Hidalgo-Clyne starred as Edinburgh defeated Grenoble 28-10 at Murrayfield. Cornell Du Preez gave Edinburgh the lead when he crossed after five minutes.
Hidalgo-Clyne missed the conversion but made no mistake when given another chance with his boot after 23 minutes. The fly-half added three more points to put Edinburgh into the driving seat before half time.
James Hart got Grenoble's first points on the board with the boot in the 50th minute, before Hidalgo-Clyne added three more at the other end with a 43m kick. Edinburgh were awarded a penalty try with 20 minutes remaining after an infringement at the scrum. Grenoble scored their only try of the game when Daniel Kilioni intercepted Damien Hoyland's pass.
Du Preez added Edinburgh's final try with two minutes remaining to cap off a successful night for the Scottish capital club.
Leicester Tigers 33-20 Stade Francais
Leicester Tigers have beaten Stade Francais 33-20 in the opening match of the European Rugby Champions Cup. The Aviva Premiership side thought they had taken the lead after 14 minutes when Peter Betham crossed the line, but the try was ruled out after a blocking foul in the build up.
Stade took the lead on the half-hour mark when Julien Tomas crossed the line after pressure on the Leicester try line. The conversion was missed but Morne Steyn made up for the error three minutes alter by placing a kick through the posts.
The score was pulled back by the Tigers in the 34th minute when Vereniki Goneva scored and Owen Williams added the conversion. Leicester took a 12-8 lead into half time when Matt Smith finished in the corner.
Brendon O'Connor scored a debut try from the restart and Owen Williams added a penalty kick shortly after as Leicester stretched their lead. Paul Williams pulled a try back shortly after, but that was cancelled out immediately when Ben Youngs crossed to confirm the bonus point for Leicester. Owen Williams added another penalty but a Stade try took the score to 30-20 when Julien Arias's try was confirmed by the TMO. Seremaia Bai added three more for Leicester in the final minutes to confirm the victory for the English side.
European Challenge Cup
Brive 13-9 Newcastle Falcons
CA Brive's dominant first-half display has given them a 13-9 victory against Newcastle Falcons in their opening match of the European Challenge Cup.
Elia Radikedike gave Brive the lead after just five minutes when he crossed over, and Nicolas Bezy added two extra points from the conversion. Tom Catterick missed the chance to pull three points back in the 22nd minute, and Bezy stretched Brive's lead to 10 shortly after.
The Newcastle fly-half found his range before half time, but a third kick through the posts from Bezy gave Brive a 10-point half-time lead. The Aviva Premiership side defended well in the second half as two Catterick strikes brought the score to 13-9 with 20 minutes remaining. Falcons continued to push for a try and failed to take an opportunity from a scrum on the Brive five-yard line as the Top 14 team held on to take the points.
Edinburgh 28-10 Grenoble
Sam Hidalgo-Clyne starred as Edinburgh defeated Grenoble 28-10 at Murrayfield. Cornell Du Preez gave Edinburgh the lead when he crossed after five minutes.
Hidalgo-Clyne missed the conversion but made no mistake when given another chance with his boot after 23 minutes. The fly-half added three more points to put Edinburgh into the driving seat before half time.
James Hart got Grenoble's first points on the board with the boot in the 50th minute, before Hidalgo-Clyne added three more at the other end with a 43m kick. Edinburgh were awarded a penalty try with 20 minutes remaining after an infringement at the scrum. Grenoble scored their only try of the game when Daniel Kilioni intercepted Damien Hoyland's pass.
Du Preez added Edinburgh's final try with two minutes remaining to cap off a successful night for the Scottish capital club.
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