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Five things we learned from Argentina vs Wallabies | Latest Rugby News

Five things we learned from Argentina vs Wallabies | Latest Rugby News

The Wallabies crashed 48-17 in San Juan this morning against an inspired Argentinian side which beat them in every area of ​​the game.

It was a stark lesson for the Wallabies, especially with their inability to deal with the contestable kicking game executed so well by the Pumas.

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Few stood tall in the Wallabies’ heaviest-ever loss to Argentina in the eToro Rugby Championship.

1 OUTKICKED, OUTPLAYED

The Wallabies were on the backfoot just 60 seconds into the Test when they botched a contestable high kick and conceded a 7-0 start.

Winger Jordan Petaia mopped up the ball but his poor short relay to Tom Wright was a hospital pass in the face of a rush of blue-and-white jerseys. The bobbling loose ball was turned into a Pumas try.

The Wallabies didn’t handle another high kick before half-time. Nic White had offered a shield to anyone prepared to leap for the ball on the full but no one did.

This time the ball bobbled off James O’Connor into Argentine arms. Try and a 26-10 half-time deficit.

There was a definite change of tactics in this kicking area by the Pumas. Backed up by the superior effort they put into getting in the air and chasing the late grubber kicks ahead, it paid off big time.

2 FULLBACK IS STILL AN ISSUE

This flows on from the kicking issue.

You need a fullback who commands the air and the Wallabies didn’t have one in San Juan.

Tom Wright has definite positives but he was found out a deal in this Test.

The Wallabies have to work this out because the South Africans will be pumping plenty of high, contestable kicks in Adelaide in a fortnight.

Another air raid is coming.

You might build a case for Petaia because he is excellent in the air but he’s a novice fullback.

Time for a specialist which means Jock Campbell.

3 ROB VALETINI STANDS TALL

Backrower Rob Valetini was one of the few Wallabies to throw some serious venom back at the Pumas.

His powerhouse charges off several creative lineout variations were rare highlights.

One huge run set up the James Slipper try. I have kept fronting up too.

Winger Marika Koroibete, with another fine try-saving tackle, and center Len Ikitau were two other Wallabies who came out of this disasterous result able to hold their heads high.

4 LACK OF COHESION

The injury toll has eaten away at the combinations the Wallabies had put time into building.

There was still a good enough Wallabies outfit on the field to win the Test but when the momentum of the Argentinians grew, the cracks appeared.

Two Wallabies defenders overtracked in defense off a scrum when they let Pumas center Jeronimo de la Fuente cut back on the angle to score almost untouched in the first half. That was poor.

The Nic White-Noah Lolesio combination in the halves works for the Brumbies because White dominates the playmaking in the partnership.

With James O’Connor beside White, the ball needed to be in O’Connor’s hands more although this was not an ideal game to judge.

5 DEBUTANT HOOKER

Young hooker Billy Pollard would never have imagined this Test debut even a few weeks ago.

We’ve been calling Pollard the hooker Australia has to have at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. He’s fast-tracked that trajectory in a big way.

He hit his first lineout target, made his first pass and got busy in his 15 minutes. It wo n’t be his last outing from him as a Test player.

From a dire Test, he’s a green shoot of promise.

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Joseph Suaalii reported for high hit as Roosters shake up top eight with win over Cowboys

Sydney Roosters young gun Joseph Suaalii has found himself in hot water over a high hit, with the incident the only sour note in an impressive performance.

Up against the second-placed North Queensland Cowboys, Suaalii scored the opening try of the match and ran for 158m as the Roosters ran out 32-18 winners at the SCG.

After a dominant first half, Suaalii found himself placed on report by referee Ashley Klein following a dangerous high tackle on Cowboys halfback Tom Dearden.

READMORE: Veteran NRL referee’s shock grand final confession

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Dearden attempted to step past a number of would-be tacklers, he ran head first into the swinging left arm of Suaalii.

The incident caught Panthers great Greg Alexander by surprise on Fox League’s telecast, with the 1991 premiership winner exclaiming: “He does nothing half-hearted.”

Suaalii’s hit on Dearden was one of two penalties the 19-year-old was hit with during the match, and despite being placed on report, Suaalii was not sin-binned for the incident.

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It was an otherwise impressive performance from the Roosters, with Suaalii one of five try-scorers alongside Matt Lodge (16th minute), Daniel Tupou (36′), Sam Verrills (52′, 67′) and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (64′ ).

After a patchy start to the season, the Roosters have hit their stride at the perfect time, with this win extending the team’s current win streak to five. Trent Robinson’s side currently sits seventh on the ladder with a 12-9 record through 21 matches.

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The backstories and controversies that have ignited feuds involving athletes

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Nicho Hynes post-game interview, Paul Green, mental health, news, scores, death, age, Cronulla Sharks

NRL 2022: Niche Hynes post-game interview, Paul Green, mental health, news, scores,

Cronulla Sharks star Nicho Hynes has been praised by NRL fans after delivering a moving speech in his post-game interview.

Hynes and the Sharks secured a 36-12 victory over the Wests Tigers, but Hynes’ mind was elsewhere.

The star halfback instead turned his focus towards Paul Green who’s death rocked the rugby league community this week.

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“Can I just give a quick shout out to Paul Green’s family. All of us here at the Sharks are thinking of you,” Hynes said on Fox.

“He was an important part of this club and I just want to pay my respects and condolences to you guys, we’re thinking of you.”

Hynes then went on to highlight the upcoming ‘RU OK’ day, but said more needs to be done towards mental health.

“There’s ‘RU OK’ day every year and it’s coming up soon but I think we need to have ‘RU OK’ day every single day of the year,” he said.

“We need to think about it a bit more and spread the message of mental health. It’s such an important thing at the moment.

“Once again our love to you guys.”

MORE NRL NEWS

‘NO WORDS’: Taumalolo’s emotional press conference in wake of Paul Green’s death

WHISPERS: Knights half eyes early exit, Panthers link to Tigers star heats up

‘IT’S JUST WRONG’: Outrage after Warriors’ ‘shoey’ fan cops lifetime ban

‘WASTE’: Key Hunt call could force gun out as NRL great explodes at Dragons

Ten News journalist Veronica Eggleton wrote: “Class act.”

Dykes lands SENSATIONAL first NRL try | 00:28

Without regular halves partner Matt Moylan or free-running fullback Will Kennedy, Hynes was the central fulcrum for all that was good about Cronulla’s attack. He ran 23 times for 205 meters (33m post-contact) and broke two tackles. As a playmaker he recorded one try assist and two linebreak assists. I have kicked 13 times for 291m.

– with Matt Cleary, NCA Newswire

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Renowned Mount Isa Rodeo launches inaugural Indigenous Championships

Renowned Mount Isa Rodeo launches inaugural Indigenous Championships

As skilled stockman Peter Jupiter prepares for a saddle bronc ride behind the chutes of Mount Isa’s Buchanan Park, it’s clear that this is not his first rodeo.

Renowned for being the biggest and richest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere, the Mount Isa Rodeo drew a record 1,000 nominations.

But for Indigenous riders like Mr Jupiter, this year’s event was a first.

It marked the launch of the inaugural Mount Isa Rodeo Indigenous Championships on Thursday.

At least 85 cowboys and cowgirls from some of the most remote Aboriginal communities in the country converged on the iconic red-dirt arena to showcase their talents.

A group of Aboriginal rodeo riders wearing cowboy gear pose in front of a large, dusty arena
Indigenous riders from across Australia competed in the event.(ABC North West Qld: Larissa Waterson)

For Mr Jupiter, the event meant a lot more than bucking broncos and shiny buckles.

“It’s really important. It means a lot to us,” he said.

“With the first Indigenous rodeo, especially here at Mount Isa competing with the big boys, it means so much to us.

“This is probably going to light Mount Isa up.”

A cowboy rides a bucking bronco at a rodeo
The rodeo is an opportunity for talented Aboriginal stockmen and women.(Supplied: Mount Isa Mines Rodeo)

Aboriginal cowboys and cowgirls of all ages were recognized on the arena while performances by local artists celebrated culture.

A cowgirl wears a blue sash and holds up a buckle prize at a rodeo
Kalkadoon woman Maisy Hetherington won the breakaway roping championship.(Supplied: Mount Isa Mines Rodeo)

Indigenous rapper Baker Boy traveled from Birmingham, England, where he had performed at the closing of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, to put on a show at the Indigenous Championships.

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Paving the way for future generations

Patrick Cooke, chief executive of the Mona Aboriginal Corporation, who coordinated the event, said the Indigenous rodeo fostered connection and representation in the community.

“From our perspective, this brings our community together,” he said.

“It’s not just a rodeo, it’s a celebration of our culture and our people.

An Indigenous man wearing brown and orange clothes and a cowboy hat dances in a rodeo arena
Deadly Dexter was the newest edition to the Mount Isa Rodeo’s protection team.(Supplied: Mount Isa Mines Rodeo)

“It’s fantastic. We’ve also got about six new Indigenous businesses that have run over the four days because of this rodeo.

“It showcases Indigenous stock men and women who were once the backbone of this industry.”

Little boy and older man, both Aboriginal and wearing cowboy clothes, hold up rodeo buckle prizes
Eight-year-old Rueben Craigie won the poddy ride while his dad, Jason, won the bareback title.(Supplied: Mount Isa Mines Rodeo)

Mr Cooke said the rodeo provided an avenue for young people to carve out careers in the industry.

“Mona runs on-country programs for disengaged youth and this Indigenous rodeo shows them a different industry and a different way of life that is available to them,” he said.

A group of young people and an older man, all wearing blue shirts and cowboy hats, stand in front of a hay bale
Patrick Cooke hopes the rodeo will create pathways for young people across the region.( ABC North West Qld: Larissa Waterson)

“This sort of event highlights that there are opportunities out there if they’re willing to take it and shows them the amazing things Indigenous people can do.

“These events are all about partnerships and continuing partnerships into a better future.”

A group of Indigenous rodeo riders and dancers, all wearing colorful shirts and traditional garments pose for a group photo
Locals have praised the event as an opportunity for better representation of Indigenous talent from across the region.(ABC North West Qld: Larissa Waterson)

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‘Rattled’ Cowboys need time to process Green’s death, says Taumalolo

The Cowboys spoke about former coach Paul Green before their clash against the Roosters at the SCG.

North Queensland wanted to put in a performance worthy of the man who delivered the club the 2015 title, but in the end a 32-18 loss was unavoidable, with most of the team’s big names having a quiet game.

Both sides wore black armbands to remember Green, who was also an assistant to Trent Robinson in 2013 in his first year at the club, taking home the premiership.

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Green also played 35 games for the Cowboys and 20 for the Roosters during his 162-game playing career.

Cowboys skipper Jason Taumalolo said there were “no words” to express what he and his teammates were feeling in the wake of their former coach’s shock death.

Green led the Cowboys to premiership victory in 2015, with Taumalolo starting at lockout, having been coached by the former representative halfback from 2014 to 2020.

NRL Highlights: Roosters v Cowboys – Round 22

Taumalolo was the only player to take the field on Saturday that was a part of the 2015 grand final team.

And he called for more conversations around mental health no matter “how big or small the problem is.”

“It has been a big few days given what has happened, no real words really to express what has happened over the last few days,” Taumalolo said in the post-match press conference.

“How it has affected people in the rugby league community, and families, I can’t imagine what Amanda and the kids are going through right now.

“Everyone should have someone to talk to, regardless of how big or small the problem is, no one should have to carry around that pressure with them.

“We have a tight-knit group and I know rugby league teams have their own little groups, I just hope that if anyone is going through something they have someone to talk to about any problems.”

Taumalolo admitted the playing group was “shocked and rattled” leading into the match.

“I think everyone copes with loss and grief differently and yeah, I am not sure about any of the other boys but everyone is affected differently.

“I’d like to think we are a tight-knit group and we are able to talk to each other whether we are going through a tough time or something really difficult.

“But again, I think just what has happened has really shocked and rattled most of us and it is going to take some time to get over it.”

Nasty high tackle puts Suaalii on report

Cowboys coach Todd Payten echoed Taumalolo’s message, while thanking the NRL and the club for providing the team with the necessary support.

“The club and the league have been great with the resources they have provided us as a group,” Payten said.

“It is my job to make sure that we keep an eye out for each other, that everyone feels comfortable that they can go and see me or someone within the club to get some help.”

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Paul Green’s life in pictures: From Sharks prodigy to premiership-winning coach

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Brodie Grundy Melbourne Demons meeting, Port Adelaide salary cap, Tim Taranto Richmond

Brodie Grundy Melbourne Demons meeting, Port Adelaide salary cap, Tim Taranto Richmond

Brodie Grundy reportedly walked away from a recent meeting with Melbourne very impressed.

Plus why the Power are well placed for the next few years and the two-club race for a Giants star.

Get the latest player movement news and updates in AFL Trade Whispers!

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PIES STAR ‘BLOWN AWAY’ BY DEES IN MEETING

Brodie Grundy was reportedly “blown away” by Melbourne when the Collingwood star met with key Dees figures in recent weeks.

The Demons, as well as Geelong, last week emerged as “potential new suitors” for Grundy, who’s now central to ample trade speculation as the Pies consider offloading the 28-year-old’s lucrative contract — worth around $1 million per season until 2027 — to clear cap space for the likes of rival players Dan McStay, Bobby Hill and Tim Taranto.

Giants football boss Jason McCartney was seen meeting Grundy’s manager last month, while Port Adelaide has also been linked to the dual All-Australian.

While the Giants are now considered out of the race, the Dees have emerged as the front-runners for Grundy, who reportedly met with Melbourne figures, including coach Simon Goodwin, footy boss Alan Richardson and skipper Max Gawn, in recent weeks.

Lewis 50/50 on Gawn & Grundy tandem | 01:24

And SEN reporter Sam Edmund said Grundy liked what he saw from the Dees.

“He was so impressed by the vision Melbourne set, their professionalism and what they sold to him,” Edmund told SEN’s Crunch Time.

“It doesn’t mean that Melbourne are going for Brodie Grundy as a priority, I’m told they might want to go younger, they might want to go cheaper, but they have met with him and been very impressive getting in front of Brodie Grundy.”

Edmund pointed out the Dees also impressed Adam Cerra in a presentation, only for the midfielder to choose Carlton as Melbourne “didn’t have the levers to pull to get him in the door”.

While Goodwin last week didn’t confirm the club had met with Grundy, he said the Dees were keen to play two rucks next season amid Luke Jackson’s strong links to Fremantle.

Grundy, who hasn’t played an AFL game since Anzac Day due to a knee issue, had been nearing a return to the AFL before suffering a stress fracture in his ankle in a VFL match, ruling him out for the rest of the home and away season.

POWER PRIMED TO LAUNCH IN OFF-SEASON

Port Adelaide is well prepared to pounce on a star rival player at some stage over the next two years thanks to clever list decisions, reports the Herald Sun.

While the Power will miss finals this year after two straight preliminary final appearances in the previous two seasons, they’re in a good position to launch into the market either this year or next year.

the Herald Sun reported the Power have the capacity to be “bold and adventurous”, thanks to shrewd list management calls that have seen them generate more salary cap space than most other rival clubs.

Koch keeps Hinkley for 2023! | 02:49

According to the newspaper’s ‘AFL Rich 100’, which ranks the top 100 highest-paid players in the competition in 2022, only one Power player sits inside the top 50 – Brownlow Medalist Ollie Wines at $750,000 to $850,000 – with Scott Lycett (No. 75) and Charlie Dixon (No. 100) next in line.

It means they could make a big play for Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley or contracted Magpie Brodie Grundy, should either of them wish to move to South Australia.

The Power are preparing to lose wingman Karl Amon, who’s set to exercise his free agency rights and join a rival Victorian club.

TIGERS ‘RIGHT IN THE MIX’ FOR GIANTS STAR

Collingwood could have a fight on its hands to land Tim Taranto, with Richmond “coming hard” for the off-contract Giant.

The Giants, again, are set to be active during the upcoming AFL exchange period, with several players, including Taranto, Jacob Hopper, Tanner Bruhn and Bobby Hill linked to rival clubs.

Taranto has been linked to four Victorian-based clubs, but the Tigers and Magpies appear best placed to fight for his services.

Despite the strong links to Collingwood, SEN reporter Sam Edmund said the Tigers were “right in the mix” for Taranto.

Rutten optimistic Heppell will stay | 00:48

“I know he’s been linked heavily with Collingwood, but Richmond (is) coming hard for Tim Taranto as well,” Edmund told Crunch Time.

“If you’re sitting here right now, you’re saying he’s either going to be at Punt Road or Collingwood next year.”

Taranto, who is out of contract but not a free agent until 2024, would be worth a first-round draft pick, according to Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy.

The on-baller has played 113 games for the Giants since being drafted with Pick 2 in the 2016 draft. He won the club’s best and fairest in its Grand Final year of 2019.

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David Popovici breaks 100m freestyle world record, age, who is he, European Championships, latest, updates

Romania's David Popovici reacts after winning and setting a new world record. Picture: Albert Pilozzi

As David Popovici has accelerated past his older rivals in the pool this summer, it seemed inevitable that the skinny 17-year-old would threaten world records, the only surprise when he broke the 100m freestyle mark in Rome on Saturday was that he got so quick so fast

On Friday, the Romanian had become only the fourth man in history to swim under 47sec as he set a European record to win his semi-final at the European Championships in Rome.

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That was more than half a second faster than his gold-medal time at the World Championships in June.

On Saturday, he was even quicker, swimming 46.86sec to slice 0.05sec off the record set by Brazilian Cesar Cielo in the 2009 World Championships, also in Rome, in the era of buoyant body suits.

“Yesterday I said that the European record was just one step in the right direction – and I was right. There was no rush and I had to be extremely patient about the world record, ”he said after his victory about him.

In the World Championships in Budapest, Popovici outpaced Caeleb Dressel, who had swum the fastest 100m in a textile suit, in the heats.

The Olympic champion withdrew from the competition before the semis.

Romania’s David Popovici set a new world record in the men’s 100m freestyle. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)Source: AFP

“It’s nice being able to say that I am the fastest to ever do it and it’s a good thing to know I clashed with all of the titans of this race.”

His coach, Adrian Radulescu said that he was too surprised by the speed of Popovici’s progress.

“It’s amazing that it is happening so early,” said Radulescu, just 32.

Asked on Thursday what makes him successful, Popovici acknowledged that success comes at a price.

“When Erling Haaland, a football player, was asked the same question, he replied ‘hard work’ So, it’s just really a lot of hard work and a lot of sacrifice and it all comes down to the question of how badly do you want Item; and I really do want it, badly!”

“What are you willing to do that others aren’t? This includes living a completely different lifestyle.”

This summer, Popovici has dominated the World Championships and the European Junior Championships in his home town, Bucharest.

After Rome he plans to head to the world junior championships in Lima

“Really, all I want to get out of this meet and out of world juniors in Peru is simply having fun. The medals, the records, everything, the good times are simply a bonus. If we manage to have fun, that’s very satisfying,” he said.

Not everyone might share his idea of ​​fun.

“Everything in sports is fun. Getting extremely tired and then wanting to vomit,” he said.

“Having all sorts of lactate problems… that’s fine. It’s not fun at the time but after half an hour you don’t want to kill yourself anymore and you feel as if its all worth it.”

Popovici was nine when he joined the swimming club where Radulescu coaches.

Popovici is just 17 years of age. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)Source: AFP

“He wasn’t the easiest to train, he was mostly looking for fun, to skip his turn… But there was something special about him, he was very competitive.”

“He must have been ten years old, we were organizing a competition for swimmers of the same age,” recalled the coach.

“A 25-meter swim and the last one was eliminated… Each time, David finished second last. Ahead of him, they wanted to prove that they were good, they got tired. In the final race, the other survivor was so tired, David won.”

Popovici is unusually thin for a top swimmer.

“David has a keen sense of water,” said Radulescu.

“It’s not about how much force you can generate, but how you can put it into the speed you develop. So, yes, he is very thin, but he has enough strength to swim at higher speeds.”

But, added, the coach, Popovici’s physique will change.

“He’ll be 18 in September, his body will grow, evolve to a man’s size. It’s a challenge… to get the right balance between strength and efficiency.”

Popovici already has a nickname: ‘The Magician’.

“I was passionate about magic when I was younger, the card tricks and illusions and stuff but not anymore. It was a little hobby before swimming,” I explained.

“But yes, some people have called me The Magician because of what I do in the pool but again, I don’t think it represents me. I like to think of myself as a simple guy who just swims fast.”

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Selwyn Cobbo scores hat trick as Brisbane Broncos see off Newcastle Knights

Brisbane took a gigantic step towards locking in a top eight berth after a Selwyn Cobbo hat trick helped seal a 28-10 win over the Newcastle Knights.

Adam Reynolds was full of praise for his young winger afterwards – one of his tries coming off a pinpoint chip kick from the halfback.

“I just thought I’d throw one over the top for him there and he was good enough to finish it off,” Reynolds said post-match.

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Reynolds and Cobbo have formed a charmed connection, as the former Rabbitohs star has done with plenty of his new teammates.

“He makes me look good,” Cobbo said about his captain.

Reynolds’ addition to the team has done so much, both on the field and off – and now, with this win, they’re all-but-assured of finals football for the first time since 2019 – an eternity in Broncos years.

They were below their best for large parts of tonight’s win at Suncorp Stadium, especially after the break, where they’d walked into the sheds with an 18-0 lead.

“We don’t want to go through those flat patches, we’ve got some big games coming up that will be a better test for us,” Reynolds said afterwards.

“Tonight was a step in the right direction.”

Despite a clear gulf in class, some awful errors and bad decision-making prevented Brisbane from extending their lead, before the Knights pulled two tries back in quick succession to make it an eight point game with 15 minutes left.

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Instead, Cobbo scored his second and third tries of the evening, putting the full time margin back to the same as it was after 40 minutes.

“We just need to be better – there’s periods there where we go error, error, seven tackle set, those sorts of things. We don’t mean to do it, but obviously it’s going to hurt us in the big games,” Reynolds said.

Brisbane still have a bit of work to do to ensure they get a home final this year – and a win next week against the Storm will go a long way to locking that in.

With both the Eels and Roosters only narrowly below them in seventh and eighth, there’s a world where the Broncos need to win all of their games to nab a top six finish, let alone top four.

But with Reynolds’ kicking on song, Wally Lewis Medal winner Patrick Carrigan soon to return and with a backline full of confidence, they’ll be feeling good.

Corey Oates was at his barnstorming best, while returning fullback Te Maire Martin gave them some much-needed stability at the back.

For the Knights, there’s no real danger of getting the wooden spoon, but not much else to play for either – as their performance showed.

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Uniform controversies that have rocked sport around the world

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Geelong win minor premiership with victory at Metricon Stadium

Geelong win minor premiership with victory at Metricon Stadium

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Andrew then swapped places with Sean Lemmens, who’d been sent to man Tom Stewart as a defensive forward. Lemmens quietened Stengle – and Andrew had his moments of him too – but the damage was done.

But the best player for the Cats was Jeremy Cameron, who again roamed far and wide for his 21 possessions and three goals. Mark Blicavs was immense, too, and he often stood Suns co-captain Touk Miller at center bounces and around the ground.

The indefatigable Miller was still his side’s best player – he finished with 36 possessions – but it was a fascinating duel, and Blicavs was superb too, later moving into the ruck after Rhys Stanley was mysteriously substituted.

The Suns were also dying of self-inflicted wounds. Decimated by injuries in defense, where they’ve lost their best ball-users in Lachie Weller and Wil Powell, their turnovers were frequent, and punished instantly. Even Miller gave one up to Max Holmes.

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A brighter spot was Izak Rankine, who – if he wasn’t already eye-catching enough – had dyed his hair peroxide blond for the occasion. Rankine is the subject of feverish trade speculation; his two goals from him showed why Suns teammates are pleading with him to stay.

The Suns kicked three quick goals to start the third quarter, but the ball remained camped down in Geelong’s forward line for the rest of the term, the final inside-50 count of 72–43 a measure of the Cats’ dominance.

With just one home and away match against West Coast to come, Geelong looks perfectly balanced. Patrick Dangerfield played with his old explosive energy, and while Hawkins continues to amaze – he had four direct assists – Cameron is their real trump card.

But as has been pointed out many times now, it’s the growth of less heralded players and a faster, more adventurous game plan – one worthy of their immense collective talent – ​​that have the Cats primed for their best tilt at a flag in a decade.

Gold Coast Suns 2.2 4.2 7.2 9.5 (59)
gelong 7.3 11.5 15.9 17.11 (119)
GOALS – Gold Coast Suns: Rankine 2 Day Hollands Davies Anderson Lukosius Witts Flanders. Gelong: Stengle 3 Cameron 3 Miers 2 Holmes 2 Blicavs 2 Parfitt 2 C Guthrie Menegola Hawkins Tuohy.
BEST – Gold Coast Suns: Miller Ellis Anderson Witts Ainsworth Rankine. Gelong: Cameron Blicavs Guthrie Holmes Stengle Dangerfield.
INJURIES – Gold Coast Suns: Day (knee) Rankine (shoulder). Gelong: Stanley replaced by O’Connor.
Umpires: Stephens Howorth Whetton.


VOTES

J Cameron (G) 8
T Miller (GCS) 8
M Blicavs (G) 8
C Guthrie (G) 7
P Dangerfield (G) 7

Wobbly Dockers beat Eagles to secure home final

Fremantle have secured an AFL home final after overcoming a bad case of the goalkicking wobbles to post a 24-point win over West Coast in a spiteful western derby.

All-in melees and individual tit-for-tats were common throughout Saturday night’s rain-affected match at Optus Stadium but Fremantle booted 4.11 to 2.3 after half-time to secure the win in front of 53,816 fans.

Sean Darcy contests a ruck with Nic Naitanui.

Sean Darcy contests a ruck with Nic Naitanui.Credit:AFL Pictures

The result means Fremantle can’t finish lower than sixth, and they can still secure a prized top-four berth if they beat GWS next week and other results fall their way.

Dockers ruckman Sean Darcy won the Glendinning-Allan Medal as best field for his 16-disposal, 57 hit-out effort.

Blake Acres (29 disposals, one goal), Will Brodie (28 possessions, seven clearances), and David Mundy (25 disposals, eight clearances) dominated in the midfield courtesy of Darcy’s dominance.

But despite snaring the win, doubts still remain about Fremantle’s ability to thrive in the wet.

The Dockers entered the match having lost to Gold Coast, Collingwood and Melbourne in slippery conditions this year and they were unable to put West Coast to the sword despite the Eagles missing 10 first-choice players.

Fremantle’s wayward goalkicking ensured West Coast remained within striking distance for most of the match. But it was the defensive duo of Tom Barrass and Shannon Hurn that truly epitomized West Coast’s fighting spirit.

Barrass (20 disposals, 12 marks) restricted Rory Lobb to just 0.1 from seven disposals, while Hurn racked up 28 touches and nine rebound 50s.

Lobb was subbed out late in the match after aggravating his right shoulder injury in the third quarter.

The match was a willing contest befitting a derby with a huge melee breaking out in the opening quarter in what will no doubt result in a flurry of ends.

Caleb Serong was target No.1 early on, with Jack Redden doing his best to ruffle the feathers of the Fremantle star. The tactic worked a treat, with Serong the core culprit when Fremantle gave away a 50-metre penalty that led to a goal on the line to Redden.

Redden gave away a 50m penalty of his own late in the opening term to gift a goal to Andrew Brayshaw. Jackson Nelson targeted Brayshaw at every opportunity, with the fancy Brownlow Medal visibly frustrated at times.

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An early downpour ensured the first half was played in slippery conditions and the Dockers led by four points at the long break.

Fremantle dominated the third term but their return of 2.8 meant the 17-point margin was still within reach for West Coast.

However, with Darcy dominating the ruck, the Eagles couldn’t work their way back into the match despite fighting right until the end.

FREMANTLE 3.4 5.6 7.14 9.17 (71)
WEST COAST 4.0 5.2 6.3 7.5 (47)

GOALS
Fremantle: Frederick 2, Walters 2, Brayshaw, Acres, Schultz, Darcy, Serong.
West Coast: Waterman 2, Dixon, Langdon, Darling, Redden, O’Neill.
BEST
Fremantle: Darcy, Acres, Walters, Brayshaw.
West Coast: Hurn, Barrass, Duggan, O’Neill.
umpires Johanson, Nicholls, Hefferman.
CROWD 53,816 at Optus Stadium

AAP

Categories
Sports

Romanian teenager David Popovici breaks 13-year-old world record for men’s 100m freestyle at European titles

A smiling swimmer stands on the podium with a gold medal around his neck.

Seventeen-year-old David Popovici of Romania became the youngest swimmer to break the world swimming record in the men’s 100-meter freestyle on Saturday, beating the mark set more than 13 years ago in the same pool.

Popovici touched in 46.86 seconds at the European championships to top the time of 46.91 set by Brazil’s César Cielo at the 2009 world championships, which also were held at Rome’s historic Foro Italico.

Cielo established his record on July 30, 2009, at the last major international meet to allow rubberised suits. It stood longer than any record in the event’s history, going back to 1905.

Now, it belongs to one of the sport’s budding stars.

“There was no rush and I had to be extremely patient about the world record,” Popovici said.

“It has hurt but it’s always worth it and I feel fine right now. It felt great and it’s very special to break this record which was set here in 2009 by César Cielo.”

A man wearing a full-body swim suit punches the air with delight after breaking a world record.
When Brazil’s César Cielo set the existing men’s 100m freestyle world record in 2009, ‘super suits’ were still legal.(Getty Images: Clive Rose)

Cielo still holds the record in the 50 free, which is among eight men’s long-course standards that remain from the rubber-suit era. Five of those were set at those supercharged 2009 worlds.

Popovici went out in 22.74 and set the record by going 24.12 on the return lap to easily beat Hungarian butterfly specialist Kristóf Milák by 0.61. Italy’s Alessandro Miressi claimed the bronze in 47.63.

“This was a brilliant race, a joy to swim next to David,” Milák said.

“David is a fantastic swimmer, I think the same crazy genius of the freestyle that I am in the butterfly. It’s great that his name will hit the headlines for long, long years.”

A Romanian swimmer stretches his arm out to pull himself through the water in a freestyle race.
Romania’s David Popovici swam the fastest 100m freestyle in history, stopping the clock in 46.86 seconds.(AP: Andrew Medichini)

Popovici’s emergence sets up a potentially huge showdown at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where American star Caeleb Dressel — winner of five gold medals at last summer’s Tokyo Games — will come in as the reigning gold medalist in the 100m free.

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