Australia defeat France to sweep test series

Monday, 23 June 2014 00:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

REUTERS: Australia defeated France 39-13 in Sydney on Saturday to clean sweep the three-test series, dominating possession and territory and displaying an expansive game. Criticised after their ugly, try-less 6-0 win in the second test at Docklands stadium, the Wallabies ran in five tries to one, with test debutant lock Will Skelton scoring the first within minutes.

The victory in front of a record 43,188 fans at the Sydney Football Stadium marked the Wallabies’ seventh successive win, their best run since the World Cup-winning days under Rod Macqueen in 1999. “We dominated possession and territory and while we didn’t make the most of every opportunity, I was pretty happy with the intent,” said Australian coach Ewen McKenzie. Skelton’s 135 kg frame and speed sparked attack in the Wallabies backline, with Captain Michael Hooper and fullback Israel Folau always threatening. Australia promised an expansive game and threw the ball from one side of the ground to the other, with a heavier forward pack frequently barging through the French defence. The visitors were unable to penetrate and had to settle for a try late in the game. French frustration was reflected when prop Rabah Slimani was yellow carded for tackling Hooper without the ball. Adding salt to the wound, Folau with an outstretched arm scored in the corner minutes later and with a conversion by Bernard Foley, Australia were 20-6 at the break.

All Blacks beat England to equal test wins record

REUTERS: Julian Savea scored a hat-trick of tries as New Zealand produced a clinical, high-paced first half performance to set up a 36-13 win over England and seal a record-equalling 17th successive test victory at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday. Scrumhalf Aaron Smith scored two tries as the All Blacks produced a first half that Coach Steve Hansen called ‘as good as you can get’.

Flyhalf Aaron Cruden kicked nine points and his replacement Beauden Barrett added a late conversion as the hosts clinched the three-test series 3-0. Flyhalf Freddie Burns slotted two first half penalties and converted Marland Yarde’s second half try for the visitors who impressed on their tour with their combativeness and willingness to play a wide game. The victory ensured Steve Hansen’s side equalled the record amongst Tier One Nations jointly held by the 1965-69 All Blacks and the 1997-98 South African teams. The team had been on the cusp of equalling the mark twice in the past four years only to be held to a 18-18 draw by Australia in 2012, ending a 16-game winning streak, while the Wallabies also ended a 15-game winning run in 2010 with a 26-24 victory. They have the opportunity to eclipse the record, coincidentally against Australia in Sydney on 16 August in their opening Rugby Championship match.

Penalty tries help South Africa deny unlucky Wales

NELSPRUIT, South Africa (Reuters): A second penalty try for South Africa two minutes from time secured a nail-biting 31-30 victory over an unlucky Wales side who had looked set for a first away win over the Springboks on Saturday. The tourists were the more physical and clinical team and forced South Africa into a host of soft errors in the second test. Wales, who at one stage were down to 13 men, scored three tries through centre Jamie Roberts, wing Alex Cuthbert and hooker Ken Owens. Flyhalf Dan Biggar converted those and added three penalties. South Africa’s points came through the two penalty tries and further scores from wing Cornall Hendricks and Willie Le Roux. Flyhalf Morne Steyn booted four conversions and a penalty. Biggar opened the scoring with a penalty before Wales extended their advantage to 10 points when Roberts dived under the posts after Cuthbert had surged into a gap in the defence. Three minutes later and the lead was stretched to 17-0 as Wales bulldozed close and Cuthbert finished off the move. South Africa used their driving maul to good effect in the 38-16 first-test win in Durban and when they finally got into the Wales 22 just past the half-hour mark it proved a potent weapon again because they notched a penalty try.

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