truebluefan

Starts it's season on Feb 15.

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UFC 86: JACKSON vs. GRIFFIN July 5
Wimbledon Women's Tennis
Wimbledon Men's Tennis
Many PGA tourneys this week, starting Thursday
Ricardo Torres vs Kendal Holt July 5
Free agency begins in NHL July 1
Tri Nations Rugby begins July 6-Sept 15
ILF U-19 World Championship July 3-12

truebluefan

The Crusaders beat the Hurricanes 55-33 in a Super 14 pre-season rugby union match in Motueka on Friday night.

In front of 10,000 crowd, the Hurricanes led 21-12 at half-time before the Crusaders staged a late comeback in the game played under the new experimental law variations over 25-minute quarters.

truebluefan

Wallabies speed machine Drew Mitchell's record-breaking World Cup has triggered his switch from fullback to the wing for the 2008 Super 14 season.

Mitchell has swapped with good mate Cameron Shepherd in the Western Force backline and is hoping the move continues his try-spree and helps cement a Test berth.

The 23-year-old crossed seven times in four pool matches as a winger in the World Cup in France, breaking David Campese's 16-year Wallabies record, in a performance that changed his mind about the position.

Previously a reluctant winger after playing all his junior and club rugby at fullback, Mitchell said he now felt at home out wide and would savour the extra attacking chances.

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truebluefan

FORMER rugby league star and Waratahs recruit Timana Tahu is relishing the chance to test himself against a Brumbies side he hopes will be brimming with Wallabies in their Super 14 trial on Friday evening.

Tahu feels he is up to the challenge after scoring a try during his long-awaited debut for NSW, against Queensland at Campbelltown on Saturday. Tahu crossed eight minutes into his second-half appearance.

NSW won 26-10.

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truebluefan

ALL BLACKS great Todd Blackadder has labelled Laurie Fisher insecure after the Brumbies mentor was quick to dismiss Robbie Deans' plan to use the Australian Super 14 coaches as Wallabies squad selectors.

Blackadder, who played with and under Deans and worked with him as an assistant at the Crusaders, believes Fisher's unwillingness to liaise with the new Wallabies coach could prevent his players getting vital feedback.

"He is a man of respect and loyalty," Blackadder said of Deans, branding Fisher's remarks "a sign of insecurity".

"Why not embrace and learn from someone who has done that [won four Super titles]? I am sure his Brumbies players would like to have some input about their future as well."

Complete article

truebluefan

New recruit Timana Tahu scored with his second touch of the ball at Campbelltown Sports Stadium, as the HSBC Waratahs kicked off their 2008 Super 14 campaign with a 26-10 victory over the Queensland Reds.

Coach Ewen McKenzie used 27 players in the four-quarter match, with the Waratahs dominating possession and territory throughout to score four tries to two in an emphatic result over their arch rivals.

The Waratahs had the opportunity to take an early lead, however fly half Daniel Halangahu failed to convert a difficult 40m penalty attempt in the third minute of play. They were again denied chance for first points when Josh Valentine was brought down inches short in the 13th minute, before captain Ben Mowen was held up on the ensuing pick-and-drive.

Referee Ian Smith however brought play back for an earlier infringement, with Ben Batger taking over kicking duties and delivering a 21m penalty to give the home side a 3-0 lead, which they took into the quarter time break.

Complete article