Yardbarker: Rugby

The Worlds Best Websites.

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:17:23 -0500

and there the are the worlds best websites

Sonny Bill Williams Scores on Debut

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:02:18 -0500

Coming off the bench, controversial Toulon signing Sonny Bill Williams scored on his debut in the Top 14 as Tana Umaga's newcomers recovered from a half-time deficit to beat Clermont 22-16 last night. Williams hadn't been on for more than a few minutes, so his first touch of the ball in the French championship was a good one. It was the first of three tries on the night for Toulon, as the home side went on to record a famous win, after not being in the top flight for two years. They couldn't have asked for a better start to their 2008/2009 campaign, and with coach Umaga, All Black veteran Jerry Collins, young gun league superstar Sonny Bill Williams, and a whole host of home-grown and foreign talent, they'll be looking to integrate experience with youth as they march on towards what they're hoping will be a successful season. Their nightmare first half last night changed with Williams' try, as he got the ball rolling towards an impressive victory. The try itself was fairly soft, but Williams showed good pace to get away, with it being a a pretty big moment for Toulon, Sonny Bill, and of course those in the NRL, who were no doubt watching on with interest. The off-field issues with Williams have now been settled, with him supposedly having paid out a fixed amount as part of the settlement. He is also not allowed to play for another NRL club until the end of the 2012 season, when his contract was originally meant to end. Well try our best to bring you other Top 14 action as the season gets into full swing. If the first night is anything to go by, we're in for a cracking few months

Justin Murphy flips over advertising boards!

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:20:35 -0500

Speedster Justin Murphy has an unfortunate collision with the advertising boards in this Rugby League match between Wigan and the Dragons. Murphy unbelievably comes out of this unscathed and takes to the field straight away. He's lucky he wasn't knocked out with broken legs... or worse! Incredible. Note: anyone with more info about this incident please give me a shout

Jano Vermaak spears Fabian Juries - Yellow or Red

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:19:18 -0500

The Cheetahs went to the top of the table in the Currie Cup this weekend, as they overcame the Lions away from home, winning 38-28 last Friday night in Johannesburg. Young up-and-coming Lions scrum half Jano Vermaak spent ten mins of the game in the bin though, after this bad spear tackle on Sevens star Fabian Juries was adjudged to be a yellow card. Juries, who is one of the top players on the IRB World Series Sevens circuit, is seeing more and more game time in the fifteens code. So far he hasn't had enough space to light up the Currie Cup, but given an inch, he'll take it and is one to watch for the rest of the season. Feisty Vermaak however, was lucky to get away with only a yellow, as the discussion between the ref and assistant ref (the artist formerly known as touch judge) sounded like it was heading in the direction of red. The Cheetahs scored a valuable ten points with Vermaak off, and would have had a significant advantage in the second half had the call given him a more permanent seat on the sidelines. Should these type of tackles be straight reds, or is yellow sufficient

Currie Cup Action

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:16:27 -0500

for all our fans out there who will you follow in the currie cup send us a message to Rosmanowar@Hotmail.com/ good look!

Friday Funnies - League ref takes a tumble, twice.

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:41:57 -0500

Growing up, most of us are used to having referees as these old, grey haired guys who puff and pant all around the park. It's rapidly changing though, as more and more young refs are coming in and making it to the highest level of rugby out there.

As rugby speeds up, so do the refs, as they need to be fit, agile, and by the looks of this clip - able to take a knock or two!

We've had a few ref clips here on RD, most of which show the ref tripping like an idiot or getting sandwiched and injured for getting too close to the action.

League referee Gavin Badger looks to be in the new breed of ref though. Young, in shape, and pretty supple by the look of it, Badger took two big knocks recently, but managed to roll back onto his feet with no problem at all.

It's a pretty rare site, but just goes to show that you can 'accidentally' knock into some refs as hard as you like, but there's a few out there that are better equipped to deal with it than you'd think.

Have a good weekend all.

Sonny Bill Williams scores on Top-- debut

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:50:47 -0500

Coming off the bench, controversial Toulon signing Sonny Bill Williams scored on his debut in the Top 14 as Tana Umaga's newcomers recovered from a half-time deficit to beat Clermont 22-16 last night.

Williams hadn't been on for more than a few minutes, so his first touch of the ball in the French championship was a good one. It was the first of three tries on the night for Toulon, as the home side went on to record a famous win, after not being in the top flight for two years.

They couldn't have asked for a better start to their 2008/2009 campaign, and with coach Umaga, All Black veteran Jerry Collins, young gun league superstar Sonny Bill Williams, and a whole host of home-grown and foreign talent, they'll be looking to integrate experience with youth as they march on towards what they're hoping will be a successful season.

Their nightmare first half last night changed with Williams' try, as he got the ball rolling towards an impressive victory. The try itself was fairly soft, but Williams showed good pace to get away, with it being a a pretty big moment for Toulon, Sonny Bill, and of course those in the NRL, who were no doubt watching on with interest.

The off-field issues with Williams have now been settled, with him supposedly having paid out a fixed amount as part of the settlement. He is also not allowed to play for another NRL club until the end of the 2012 season, when his contract was originally meant to end.

Well try our best to bring you other Top 14 action as the season gets into full swing. If the first night is anything to go by, we're in for a cracking few months.

Time: 02:03

Leinster vs Reds

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:52:21 -0500

Irish Side Leinster Rugby host Australia's Queensland Reds in Donnybrook. On the 30 of August this year a classic match without doubt.Leinster will get the chance to play Isa Nacewa,Rocky Elsom and CJ Van Der Linde. Other whise the Reds with Walter Sailor its going to be great. Good look from the durthurt team to all players on both sides.

IRB Campaign to get Rugby In the Olympics

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:05:31 -0500

While everyone's eyes were on beijing on durthurt we started a campaign to get rugby in the olympics now it has been followed on to other websites such as rugbydump and rugbyzone but we were truely the founders now we have many contributors to are project it's great on the true story is are homepage click on it to see are contributions and our videos good look!

Anton Leonard gets stiffarmed

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:00:15 -0500

The Bulls veteran strongman Anton Leonard gets a stiffarm from his opposite number, Esra Taylor of the Highlanders, to bring him down after he bumps off a defender. It certainly worked, as Leonard dropped right away. Very well spotted by the ref. This type of 'accidental' stiffarm is becoming more and more prevalent in rugby. It can be as effective as a punch, but it's easier to hide so more guys get away with it. Not this time though.

Jimmy Gopperth's Amazing solo effort

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:58:52 -0500

Some great skills shown here as the Hurricanes' Jimmy Gopperth chips, then basically dribbles the ball all the way to the line. Great skill and speed shown. A nice comeback try for him after being out of the number one spot for parts of the season.

Doug Howlett stamps on Adi Jacobs

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:56:49 -0500

This is taken from the first semi-final of the 2007 Super 14, played on Saturday. The Blues, from NZ, took a visit to the Durban 'Shark Tank' in South Africa to face the Sharks. Doug Howlett's boot unintentionally caught Adi Jacobs in the face, splitting him right open. Gory to say the least.

Ma'a Nonu absolutely slaughters Ben Blair

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:55:40 -0500

The 2004 Super 12 game between the Hurricanes and the Highlanders produced one of the biggest hits ever to be seen on a rugby field. It looked like man against child when Ma'a Nonu lined up Ben Blair and smashed him into next week. Blair took a while to get up after being flipped onto his back like a rag doll. You'd too after having the wind knocked out of you with a hit like that. I think commentator Murray Mexted describes it best when watching the replay - 'Would Mr & Mrs Blair please turn the television set off...' SIDENOTE: We managed to dig this one out of the vaults thanks too it being listed in the Requests section here on the durt, so if you think of any other classics please list them there. Also, thanks to the guy who asked for it. Enjoy watching it again. I know I certainly did.

SA(c)bastien Chabal hammers Chris Masoe

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:54:13 -0500

From this weekends match between France and New Zealand, a massive hit by the big French number eight against leave Chris Masoe a little dazed to say the least. Huge impact on the All Black players head as he hits the ground. Best thing about this massive hit was that it was 100% legal. Lined him up beautifully and nailed him.

Rupeni Caucaunibuca In His Prime

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:52:53 -0500

Some examples of the absolute brilliance of Rupeni Caucau in action for the Blues at his peak in 2003. I'll never forget watching that last try live and being blown away by the sheer skill level and blistering speed. Most people will hate me for saying this, but I almost wish that he'd been legible to play for the All Blacks, for the simple reason that then this great player would get the exposure he deserves.

Ali Williams Cracked Jaw.

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:50:24 -0500

From the Westpac Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand...France's big number8 has a go at Ali Williams. Williams broke his jaw in several places while attempting to make this tackle. Williams was operated on yesterday and is expected to miss the Tri-Nations. This means that the All Blacks lock supply is running low. Both Eaton and Ryan out with severe knee problems. Keith Robinson hurt his calf in the warm-up of this game. And now Ali and his jaw. Ross Filipo and Greg Rawlinson have been called up.

Julien Arias's Great Try vs Cardiff

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:48:53 -0500

An absolutely cracking try scored by Stade Francais right wing Julien Arias against Cardiff in the Heineken Cup in 2004. Running the length of the field and beating at least 5 players on his way to the try line. Some great handoffs, and possibly suspect tackling, but a brilliant individual effort nonetheless.

Takudzwa"Zee"Ngwenya's Great Try For USA Sevens

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:47:25 -0500

Takudzwa 'Zee' Ngwenya was probably the most talked about player at the recent Rugby World Cup 2007. His try against the Springboks when he ran around Bryan Habana created a huge amount of hype, and was later named IRB Try Of The Tournament. Ngwenya was inundated with phonecalls, interviews and received overs from a few clubs in Europe. He later chose to sign with French Top 14 team Biaritz and if all goes well, his star will continue to rise. I watched him play for them on the weekend, and there's no doubt that he has electric feet. Whenever he got the ball there was a buzz and he managed to normally step past the first defender. I do feel he still needs to work on other aspects of his game though - his hands being one of them. But that will come with time and experience. Before heading to Biaritz though he managed to travel with his country's Sevens team to the George leg of the IRB Sevens last month. Against Canada, in the same game that we saw this huge hit, Ngwenya came on fresh off the bench. With literally his first touch of the ball he scored. The large crowd who were keen to see him in action weren't disappointed, and with his little inside out, he's shown that he's no one try wonder

The French Leagues Best Players Last Season

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:45:43 -0500

A little over seven weeks since Toulouse were victorious against Clermont in the final, it's time for the Top 14 to take centre stage yet again, as France's top domestic rugby competition kicks off this Tuesday. With the world sitting up and taking notice after a few surprise signings, this Top 14 season will have some of the biggest names in rugby on display and it is their progress that will capture the attention of fans the world over. We take a look at a few of the big name players who will be plying their trade in France this year. From Marshall to Masoe, Goode to Gasnier, the Top 14 is starting to look akin to soccer's English Premier League, with most of the top teams splattered with international talent and star quality. Possibly the biggest talk has been centred around newly promoted big spenders Toulon, who secured the services of Jerry Collins not too long ago, and then more recently can boast rugby league star Sonny Bill Williams on their teamsheet. Those two players alone will create a huge deal of hype and have all eyes on Toulon this season. Daniel Carter surprised all when he chose Perpignan over Tana Umaga coached Toulon, but has been forthright about his reasons for spending his sabbatical with the catalan side, citing playing in the Heineken Cup as his main motivation. Chris Cusiter of Scotland, and Henry Tuilagi of Samoa will be there by his side as he makes the transition into European rugby. In terms of the title, Toulouse will be favourites once again, and with Frederic Michalak returning from South Africa, as well as David Skrela moving over from Stade Francais, perhaps their biggest challenge will be finding their starting fifteen in a side that has talent in abundance. Last season's finalists Clermont, with all the running power of Rougerie and Nalaga on the wings, will be looking to have another strong season, and will be as determined as ever to get over that final hurdle this time around. Argentinean class will be on display at Stade Francais, as Hernandez, Corleto, and now Leguizamon, will be aiming to get the team from Paris up to the top once again. Throw in league star Mark Gasnier, and the side now coached by Australian Ewen McKenzie will be one to watch yet again. A few other notable mentions are Chris Masoe who has gone to Castres, Justin Marshall who left Ospreys to play at Montpelier, former Leicester pivot Andy Goode who will be at Brive, and Wallaby Rodney Blake who will be scrumming down with Bayonne. There's a smattering of South Africans spread right the way across France, but since John Smit has left Clermont and Victor Matfield has left Toulon, there aren't any household names that come to mind. There are of course other top players who we may have missed mentioning, particularly the locals, but this video is simply to give you an idea of what's coming up in the Top 14, and why we'll be doing what we can to bring you coverage of all the stars in action throughout the season, starting this Tuesday.

Karl Lowe Scores a high try-Air NZ Cup

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:43:37 -0500

As the Air New Zealand Cup 2008 continues to produce exciting, competitive rugby week in a week out, we take a look back at a great try from round three when Hawke's Bay hosted Southland in Napier. The tight encounter ended 20-16 to the visitors Southland after a nail biting finish which saw them soak up the clock to secure the win. The moment of the match though was surely the fantastic effort from flanker Karl Lowe, who after receiving a well timed short ball from New Zealand u19 star Zac Guildford, took off, beating no less than four defenders before getting the ball down for a superb individual try. Fast, strong, and a well balanced runner, Lowe caught the eye with this effort, showing what he can do with little space to work in. One or two of the tackles were indeed questionable, but you can only do so much when a guy shoves a big paw in your face. We like to commend great tries, rather than criticise bad defence. This 60m classic, from a forward nonetheless, deserves to be noted as one of the tries of the season so far.

Vincent Clerc's Freak Try

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:55:34 -0500

Today Toulouse played Worcester today in a friendly Toulouse had the ball on their own 22 and ellisalde kicked as it bounced it bounced back toulouses way and then over Worcester Chris Latham dived and missed the ball then was stuck in the mud and Clerc picked it up and ran the whole way great toulouse try beleive you me.

Leicester buy and sell one fly-half

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:20:30 -0500

Andy Goode has shocked his club as the great fly-half leaves for Beizerz but it was'nt so bad because the tigers brought in a shocker the worlds best juan hernandez. The Leicester Tigers will resume training on thursday. And Beizerz on friday in Beizerz.

Wellington Rock The Air New Zealand Cup

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:12:47 -0500

since being new zealands main competition this year the mighty wellington have one the cup. Who Possessed players such as Christian Cullen,Tana Umaga,Ma'a Nonu,Jimmy Gopperth and Jon Mitchell this year they lost 1 Game. There Sucsess was mega.You can view some of the videos were working on a video of their campaign so the origianal story wont work yet.

durthurt banner

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:00:59 -0500

Since durthurt became the worlds 10 best website this month we have a banner its the image just below!

Most Cool Word In Rugby

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:19:38 -0500

Try Killin Ghostbuster of a mega try scorin Monster

Felipe Contepomi

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:14:35 -0500

Felipe Contepomi RWC 2007

Doug Howletts Super-- Record.

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:11:39 -0500

In 2005 the Blues beat the Johannesburg Lions and that day Doug Howlett overtook the super 14's most tries record set by Joe Roff.Where his team won by 6 tries 2 from Dougie,1 for Ben Atiga Nacewa,Lavea and Rudi Wulf the others.

Scott Gibbs punch-Lions Tour

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:54:09 -0500

just before half time in 1997 Lions vs Wallibies Scott Gibbs from no where boxed Joe Roff in the face. Video can be viewed on our site.

Luke Watsons 100m try vs the griquas.

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:48:48 -0500

Amazignly 3 years ago Lock Luke Watson ran the whole pitch and it was crazy for a man that is 6'8! The Griquas were right at the western province line as Riaan Viljoen grubbered in. And Peter Grant picked up the ball ran it his own goal line as Luke Watson Received the pass with one griqua left he offloaded to Greef as Greef offloaded it back and watson finished it.

CJ van der linde dirty play causing made with Sam Cordingly.

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:31:48 -0500

Leinster and Springbok prop cj van der linde went into this years tri-nations eager to win. CJs match against the wallibies was dirty. In the opening 33 minutes he was penalized for 3 different reasons. In the opening 60 it got worse. As Walliby Scrum-Half Sam Cordingley won the ball cj flumg himself over the ruck to head-butt Cordingley. To that expense the world champions were beaten. Live video on durthurt. If you liked our article Inform people about our site. Or Email your best mate about the article.