England Women crowned London IRB Challenge Cup Sevens champions

Posted on May 14, 2012 in England Sevens, England Women

England’s Women secured their second consecutive IRB Challenge Cup Sevens crown on Sunday, defeating the Netherlands 34-7 in impressive style, in the final at Twickenham Stadium.

Worcester’s Joanne Watmore (pictured), who also scored two tries in the final of the Hong Kong leg of this tournament in March, was in fine form and touched down for a hat-trick of tries. Katherine Merchant and Alice Richardson also got on the score-sheet to help secure the victory over a Netherlands side who had been causing upsets all tournament, with wins over world champions Australia and Canada.

England Head Coach Barry Maddocks said: “This has been a great tournament and what a way to end it, winning here in front of thousands of rugby fans and in one of rugby’s greatest stadiums.

“Our performance in the final was excellent. It was a controlled and slick performance and the players worked really hard for this victory. Every one of them played a part. Matches like this, in front of these sorts of crowds and live on television is massive for the development of this sport and we are all thrilled to be a part of it.”

England started the final on the back foot with the Netherlands showing some good support work to break through England’s defence and score. Lorraine Laros converted Annemarije van Rossum try to take a 7-0 lead after just two minutes.

However, some good work by England’s Kay Wilson, Alice Richardson and Emily Scarratt turned the tables and England took a quick tap penalty which set Watmore loose on the left wing to score her first.

Two minutes later and Watmore was on the scoreboard again to the delight of the vociferous Twickenham crowd. This time Richardson and Scarratt created the space for Watmore to run in with ease to take the lead to 10-7.

Just before half-time and England eased their way to a comfortable 17-7 lead when Richardson took a quick penalty deep in the Netherlands’ 22 and inflicted one of her trademark breaks to run in unopposed. Richardson then converted her own try.

Watmore was back in the thick of the action after the restart, causing the Netherlands even more problems. England kept creating the space and Watmore broke and evaded two players to dive over the try-line.

Bristol’s Wilson came close to scoring England’s fifth, but she took a bad knock near the try-line and replacement Merchant came on. Merchant, a prolific try scorer in the XVs game, made an immediate impact scoring nearly on her first touch of the ball. She didn’t quite get over the line but did moments later with a great break out-wide which left the Netherlands with no way to respond.

Merchant then finished off England’s rout when she cut a great line from the back of an England scrum to carve her way through the midfield and score. Richardson kicked the conversion to make the final score 34-7.

England booked their place in the final after a thrilling victory in the semi-finals. England were forced to go to extra time when Canada held them at 12-12. Scarratt, making her England Sevens debut this weekend, touched down for the crucial try after cutting a great line from the back of a scrum.

Maddocks added: “To win two back-to-back Challenge Cups is a massive achievement but this season is by no means over for us. We have got to qualify for the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens next month at the European Championships so winning here today is invaluable preparation for that.”

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England Women beat Australia to lift Hong Kong Sevens title

Posted on Mar 26, 2012 in England, England Sevens, England Women, English Rugby

England lifted the IRB Women’s Challenge Cup at the Hong Kong Sevens after Jo Watmore’s two tries clinched a dramatic 15-10 victory over World Cup Sevens winners Australia.

They looked out on their feet when Rebecca Tavo levelled the scores three minutes from time but clung on until Watmore struck from long range with the final play of the game.

The Worcester centre had opened the scoring after Alice Richardson created the chance in a non-stop opening period before Bristol wing Kay Wilson struck from 75 metres just after the break.

They spent long spells on the back foot defending –Worcester forward Heather Fisher’s power at the breakdown disrupting the world champions – before Watmore was roared home by the 40,000 So Kon Po crowd.

England had been beaten in the Dubai Sevens final by Canada and by Australia at the 2009 World Cup Sevens. But they overwhelmed Canada 22-12 in the Hong Kong semi and completing the job in the final was a landmark moment according to co-captain Michaela Staniford.

“We have been thinking about it for a long time and it has been a long awaited tournament,” said Staniford. “To come away and take the cup is amazing, it feels great, absolutely brilliant.

“It was about talent and a few old cool heads, who know the game, how to play in finals and how to play under pressure. Those split decisions that are key in sevens and they were the difference between Dubai and now. Having those younger players as well, we are only going to learn from that and move on as a team.

“To come and play a final like that, in front of this many people, that is televised, changes peoples’ thoughts on the women’s game, and will hopefully increase the number of followers we have.”

Fisher only returned to action on Friday after a long lay-off recovering from two fractured vertebrae that put her in a cast for three months last year.

She said: “We lost to Australia in 2009 and we wanted to go out and go ‘Right, we’re back and we’re going to do some damage’.

“They put up a great fight but we kept going and kept going and didn’t give up. It’s a massive step forward as a team and something to go forward from. It’s fantastic.

“This is one of the occasions you work for. Behind the scenes, when nobody’s watching, you’ve got the hard sessions, get up early and do a session, come back from work and do another session. Then you get to play in front of all these thousands of people.”

Watmore added: “The first eight minutes it was just non-stop rugby, no stoppage in play, and it was tiring but it was our belief inside.

“We’re quite strong-minded as a team to bring it in and even though we were knackered we were able to dig that little bit deeper because we wanted to improve on Dubai, take it to the next level and put ourselves up there on the world stage. It’s our first major trophy and hopefully we can take that forward.”

Earlier Staniford’s two first-half tries and further scores from Richmond centre Rachael Burford and fly half Richardson saw them home against Canada.

England Results:
England 31 China 7
Tries: Fisher, Burford, Richardson, Green, Noel-Smith. Conversions: Richardson (3)
England 38 Japan 0
Tries: Wilson (2), Staniford, Chamberlain, Riley, Richardson. Conversions: Richardson (4)
England 22 Canada 12
Tries: Staniford (2), Burford, Richardson. Conversion: Richardson
England 15 Australia 10
Tries: Watmore (2), Wilson

All Blacks team to play Canada

Posted on Sep 30, 2011 in NZ, rugby, Rugby World Cup

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry and his Assistant Coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have today announced the All Blacks team for their final Pool match of the 2011 Rugby World Cup against Canada at Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, on Sunday October 1.

Starting XV:

1.         Tony Woodcock (79)

2.         Andrew Hore (58)

3.         Owen Franks (26)

4.         Samuel Whitelock (21)

5.         Ali Williams (69)

6.         Jerome Kaino (44)

7.         Richie McCaw – captain (100)

8.         Kieran Read (32)

9.         Jimmy Cowan (49)

10.       Daniel Carter (84)

11.       Zac Guildford (7)

12.       Sonny Bill Williams (10)

13.       Conrad Smith (51)

14.       Israel Dagg (9)

15.       Mils Muliaina (99)

Reserves:

16.       Keven Mealamu (88)

17.       Ben Franks (13)

18.       Brad Thorn (55)

19.      Anthony Boric (23)

20.       Piri Weepu (52)

21.       Colin Slade (8)

22.       Isaia Toeava (34)

Number of Test caps in brackets

The starting XV features the return of Mils Muliaina at fullback in his 99th Test, Israel Dagg moves to the right wing, Sonny Bill Williams comes into second five–eighth for his fifth Test start, while halfback Jimmy Cowan gets the starting halfback jersey in what will be his 50th Test match.

In the forwards, Kieran Read returns to the starting XV for his first start in the Rugby World Cup after recovering from his ankle sprain; Andrew Hore has been named at hooker with Ali Williams at lock.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry said: “We are looking to improve each week during the Rugby World Cup, with an increase in intensity and execution, and we will be looking to do that again this week.  Having said that, the Canadians have shown in this Rugby World Cup just what they are capable of, including a good win over Tonga and the hard–fought draw against Japan, so we are expecting a passionate contest.”

As well as the 50–Test milestone for Cowan, Henry, Hansen and Smith will celebrate their 100th All Blacks Test together as a coaching trio.  Meanwhile, Daniel Carter will play his 85th Test, Tony Woodcock his 80th and Ali Williams his 70th.

The All Blacks have played Canada four times, including twice at Rugby World Cup: in 1991 in the Quarterfinal and in 2003 in Pool Play.

England crowned Nations Cup champions

Posted on Aug 15, 2011 in England, English Rugby, Women's Rugby

England Women were crowned Nations Cup champions on Saturday night after a 41-19 victory over Canada in Ontario, handing the Red Roses a second title this season after their RBS 6 Nations championship win in March.

Gary Street’s side, who have remained unbeaten this season, powered to the victory thanks to a brace of tries from vice-captain Margaret Alphonsi and touch downs from Sarah Hunter, Alice Richardson, Claire Allan and Katherine Merchant.  Katy McLean and Emily Scarratt also added 11 points from the boot to secure the win.

Head Coach Street said: “This tournament victory sums up exactly why we come to play in tournaments like the Nations Cup. The standard and intensity of the rugby this year has meant we have had to perform to world class level and that is vital as we build towards our autumn international programme.

“The win against Canada showed why it is vital to work on core elements of rugby skills because although Canada was very athletic and powerful, our ability to produce skills under pressure and play winning rugby was paramount. I am delighted that we have won the Nations Cup and so are all the players and staff. This is a great start to what is going to be a challenging but very exciting new season.”

The victory also saw England hooker Amy Garnett reach a significant milestone in her career and England Rugby history, with the 35-year-old becoming the first ever female player to win 100 caps whilst playing for England.

Garnett said: “To win 100 caps is just tremendous. I have had a fantastic rugby career with so many memorable moments and playing with some world class athletes. To reach this milestone and cap it with another win in the Nations Cup is fantastic.”

England had to work hard for the victory with the second half proving decisive as the tourists racked up 24 points to secure the tournament victory.

England put the first points on the board with Lichfield full back Scarratt adding a sixth minute penalty but Canada’s Laura Russell had worked hard to break England’s defence early on but couldn’t make the final move to touch down. Canada, nevertheless, fought back hard and Andrea Burk added an eight minute penalty to draw the scores level.

16 minutes in and a scrum to Canada was broken down twice before England were given the reign. Captain McLean made a good break and Margaret Alphonsi, placed in an open position and in support, ran through the Canadian defence to get the first try. Scarratt easily stroked over the conversion to give England a 10-3 lead.

Merchant then eased England into a 3-15 lead when McLean made another great break from a scrum. With Merchant in support the flying wing outpaced three Canadians to score in the corner. Scarratt had a tricky kick to convert in the corner but she did handing England a 3-17 lead.

Canada returned the fire with some brilliant footwork, as Jen Kish bypassed several defenders to score their first try. That wasn’t converted but the hosts managed to reduce England’s lead to 11-17 with a 40^th minute penalty.

After the break England underlined why they are ranked second in the world as they overwhelmed Canada, showing real strength all over the park. Again Merchant made a good break, and Alphonsi was in support to take the pass. The flanker was taken down in the tackle but England retained possession and recycled the ball out to Richardson who broke through the middle of Canada’s defence to score down the wing and in the corner. Scarratt was unable to add the conversion but England still had an 11 point advantage.

Canada hit back with their second penalty with Phillips adding the points, but England maintained their momentum and were duly rewarded with No. 8 Hunter powering over the try line from a good England scrum. Scarratt again converted.

On 68 minutes Allan added England’s fifth try as England turned over Canada in the scrum. England recycled the ball well through to Allan in the midfield and executing a great side-step the Richmond centre touched down to score. Scarratt couldn’t add the conversion this time but England were firmly in control with a 14-34 lead.

Canada’s spirits never dampen though and a valiant effort from their backline saw inside centre Mandy Marchak bag a last minute try, though it was England who had the final say with Alphonsi securing her brace of tries on the stroke of full-time as she stole the ball from a Canadian line-out and burst through to score. With McLean this time adding the conversion England secured the 41-19 victory and the Nations Cup crown for a fourth successive tournament.

In the Nations Cup third and fourth place play-off the USA were victorious defeating South Africa 29-9.

England

15        Emily  Scarratt (Lichfield), 14         Katherine Merchant (Worcester), 13 Claire Allan (            Richmond), 12 Alice            Richardson (Richmond), 11 Kay  Wilson (Richmond), 10       Katy            McLean (C) (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 9         La Toya          Mason (Wasps), 1    Claire             Purdy (Wasps), 2     Amy    Garnett (Saracens), 3 Sophie Hemming (Bristol), 4 Tamara    Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), 5 Rowena   Burnfield (Richmond), 6     Rebecca        Essex (Richmond), 7 Margaret Alphonsi (VC) (Saracens), 8 Sarah Hunter (Lichfield). Replacements: 16            Vicky Fleetwood (Lichfield), 17     Rochelle        Clark (Worcester), 18 Jenny Brightmore (Worcester), 19         MarliePacker (Bristol), 20  Natasha         Hunt   (Lichfield), 21 Sarah            McKenna (Old Albanians Saints), 22Michaela        Staniford (Wasps)

Tries: Alphonsi (2), Merchant, Richardson, Hunter, Allan

Conversions: Scarratt (3), McLean

Penalties: Scarratt

Substitutions: Clark for Purdy (48), Staniford for Wilson (54), Packer for Burnfield (60), Fleetwood for Garnett (60), Hunt for Mason (60), Brightmore for Hunter (66), McKenna for Richardson (68).

England Nations Cup playing schedule:

August 2^nd USA v England KO 1130pm, WON 15-11

August 5^th South Africa v England KO 1030pm, WON 46-8

August 9^th Canada v England KO 1130pm, WON 22-10

August 13^th Nations Cup Final, Canada v England, WON 19-41

Garnett wins 100th cap as England name team to face Canada in Nations Cup Final

Posted on Aug 15, 2011 in England, Women's Rugby

England and Saracens hooker Amy Garnett will win her 100^th cap on Saturday when England Women take on Canada in the Nations Cup final, kick off 9pm BST, at Appleby College in Ontario, Canada.

Garnett became England’s most capped player of all time during last year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup. Helen Clayton previously held the record with 88 caps but Garnett surpassed that record playing in the final pool game of the tournament against the USA. Since then the 35-year-old has gone on to feature in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final, the 2011 RBS 6 Nations and all of England’s Nations Cup games this season.

Garnett is one of 12 changes, five of which are positional, to the starting line-up that defeated Canada 22-10 in the final round robin match of the tournament on Tuesday evening. Garnett teams up with a new look front row for this clash with Claire Purdy and Sophie Hemming at tight head and loose head prop. England captain and vice-captain Katy McLean and Margaret Alphonsi are back in the starting line-up while Kay Wilson and Katherine Merchant are the new faces in the backline for this match.

England Head Coach Gary Street, whose side are looking to defend their Nations Cup crown as well as add to their RBS 6 Nations title this season, said: “This game will mark a milestone in England Women’s rugby history as Amy Garnett becomes the first ever player to win 100 caps. This accolade is a testament to her strength, courage and ability to have had such a long career, and her competitiveness certainly is as fierce today as it was on her first cap.”

England booked their place in the final of the Nations Cup after a 15-11 win over the USA in the tournament opener, a 46-8 victory over South Africa and then the 22-10 win over Canada. Hosts Canada also defeated the USA and South Africa before losing to England in the last round.

Street added: “This has been a hugely rewarding tournament due to its highly competitive edge and the steep learning curve for some of our younger players. We are relishing another chance to play Canada and have picked a strong and experienced side with our talented youngsters likely to be coming off the bench. As a warm up to our autumn internationals, we have had an invaluable training and playing experience.”

Nations Cup match action is available athttp://www.ustream.tv/channel/live-rugby

England

• 15 Emily Scarratt Lichfield
  
• 14 Katherine Merchant Worcester
  
• 13 ClaireAllan Richmond
  
• 12 Alice Richardson Richmond
  
• 11 Kay Wilson Richmond
  
• 10 Katy McLean (C) Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
  
• 9 La Toya Mason Wasps
  
• 1 Claire Purdy Wasps
  
• 2 Amy Garnett Saracens
  
• 3 Sophie Hemming Bristol
  
• 4 Tamara Taylor Darlington Mowden Park Sharks
  
• 5 Rowena Burnfield Richmond
  
• 6 Rebecca Essex Richmond
  
• 7 Margaret Alphonsi (VC)Saracens
  
• 8 SarahHunter Lichfield
  

Replacements:

• 16 Vicky Fleetwood Lichfield
  
• 17 Rochelle Clark Worcester
  
• 18 JennyBrightmore Worcester
  
• 19 MarliePacker Bristol
  
• 20 Natasha Hunt Lichfield
  
• 21 SarahMcKenna Old Albanians Saints
  
• 22 Michaela Staniford Wasps
  

England Nations Cup playing schedule:

August 2^nd USA v England KO 1130pm, WON 15-11

August 5^th South Africa v England KO 1030pm, WON 46-8

August 9^th Canada v England KO 1130pm, WON 22-10

August 13^th Nations Cup Final, Canada v England, KO 9pm BST