The first Aussie Super Rugby title
Owen Finegan reflects on the first Super Rugby title won by an Aussie franchise, won by his team without him in it.
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The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
'30-love': Crusaders end Reds' season with amazing stat
The colossal Crusaders have enhanced one of world sport's most remarkable records to ruthlessly end the Queensland Reds' Super Rugby Pacific season. Surpassing tennis's 30-love scoreline, the Crusaders improved their perfect record in home finals to 30-0 with a 32-12 victory over the Reds at their Christchurch fortress on Friday night. Needing to become the first Australian side in three decades to win a play-off match in New Zealand to make the semi-finals, the writing was on the wall for the Reds well before they kicked off at Apollo Projects Stadium. Adding to the odds stacked against Les Kiss's side, the Reds had lost 13 of their previous 14 games against the 12-times Super Rugby kings, while the Crusaders were also riding a 16-match winning streak in finals stretching back to 2016. Queensland had at least been the only Australian team in 21 trips across the Tasman to upset the Crusaders. But the Reds' class of 2025 proved their own worst enemies, conceding the first five penalties of the match on Friday night. The Crusaders, typically, made the ill-disciplined visitors pay with the only two tries of the first half - to injured prop Tamaiti Williams before he hobbled off, and his All Blacks captain Scott Barrett - to take a 12-0 lead into the break. The deficit could have been greater if former Reds and Wallabies playmaker James O'Connor hadn't blundered with an errant kick for touch as the Crusaders threatened to post a third try in the shadows of halftime. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt may have taken note, but O'Connor's unforced error mattered little to the Crusaders, who resisted an early second-half challenge to put the Reds to the sword. If the Crusaders' third try, to livewire halfback Noah Hotham in the 55th minute, didn't all but end the contest, a penalty goal to Rivez Reihana most certainly put the Reds out of reach, trailing 27-0 and running out of time. The Reds' exit from the finals leaves the ACT Brumbies as Australia's last team standing. After finishing third in the minor premiership, the Brumbies host the fourth-placed Brumbies in the third and last quarter-finals on Saturday night. The colossal Crusaders have enhanced one of world sport's most remarkable records to ruthlessly end the Queensland Reds' Super Rugby Pacific season. Surpassing tennis's 30-love scoreline, the Crusaders improved their perfect record in home finals to 30-0 with a 32-12 victory over the Reds at their Christchurch fortress on Friday night. Needing to become the first Australian side in three decades to win a play-off match in New Zealand to make the semi-finals, the writing was on the wall for the Reds well before they kicked off at Apollo Projects Stadium. Adding to the odds stacked against Les Kiss's side, the Reds had lost 13 of their previous 14 games against the 12-times Super Rugby kings, while the Crusaders were also riding a 16-match winning streak in finals stretching back to 2016. Queensland had at least been the only Australian team in 21 trips across the Tasman to upset the Crusaders. But the Reds' class of 2025 proved their own worst enemies, conceding the first five penalties of the match on Friday night. The Crusaders, typically, made the ill-disciplined visitors pay with the only two tries of the first half - to injured prop Tamaiti Williams before he hobbled off, and his All Blacks captain Scott Barrett - to take a 12-0 lead into the break. The deficit could have been greater if former Reds and Wallabies playmaker James O'Connor hadn't blundered with an errant kick for touch as the Crusaders threatened to post a third try in the shadows of halftime. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt may have taken note, but O'Connor's unforced error mattered little to the Crusaders, who resisted an early second-half challenge to put the Reds to the sword. If the Crusaders' third try, to livewire halfback Noah Hotham in the 55th minute, didn't all but end the contest, a penalty goal to Rivez Reihana most certainly put the Reds out of reach, trailing 27-0 and running out of time. The Reds' exit from the finals leaves the ACT Brumbies as Australia's last team standing. After finishing third in the minor premiership, the Brumbies host the fourth-placed Brumbies in the third and last quarter-finals on Saturday night. The colossal Crusaders have enhanced one of world sport's most remarkable records to ruthlessly end the Queensland Reds' Super Rugby Pacific season. Surpassing tennis's 30-love scoreline, the Crusaders improved their perfect record in home finals to 30-0 with a 32-12 victory over the Reds at their Christchurch fortress on Friday night. Needing to become the first Australian side in three decades to win a play-off match in New Zealand to make the semi-finals, the writing was on the wall for the Reds well before they kicked off at Apollo Projects Stadium. Adding to the odds stacked against Les Kiss's side, the Reds had lost 13 of their previous 14 games against the 12-times Super Rugby kings, while the Crusaders were also riding a 16-match winning streak in finals stretching back to 2016. Queensland had at least been the only Australian team in 21 trips across the Tasman to upset the Crusaders. But the Reds' class of 2025 proved their own worst enemies, conceding the first five penalties of the match on Friday night. The Crusaders, typically, made the ill-disciplined visitors pay with the only two tries of the first half - to injured prop Tamaiti Williams before he hobbled off, and his All Blacks captain Scott Barrett - to take a 12-0 lead into the break. The deficit could have been greater if former Reds and Wallabies playmaker James O'Connor hadn't blundered with an errant kick for touch as the Crusaders threatened to post a third try in the shadows of halftime. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt may have taken note, but O'Connor's unforced error mattered little to the Crusaders, who resisted an early second-half challenge to put the Reds to the sword. If the Crusaders' third try, to livewire halfback Noah Hotham in the 55th minute, didn't all but end the contest, a penalty goal to Rivez Reihana most certainly put the Reds out of reach, trailing 27-0 and running out of time. The Reds' exit from the finals leaves the ACT Brumbies as Australia's last team standing. After finishing third in the minor premiership, the Brumbies host the fourth-placed Brumbies in the third and last quarter-finals on Saturday night.
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
Reds' Super Rugby finals hopes end in quarter finals again as Crusaders make Queensland pay
The Reds have failed to progress past the first week of the Super Rugby Pacific finals series for a fourth year in succession, with Queensland completely outclassed by the clinical Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday night. The Queenslanders were never in the contest, with the Crusaders dominating all over the park in slippery conditions to win 32-12. It was perhaps even a scoreline that flattered the visitors, who were trailing 27-0 in the 70th minute before scoring back-to-back consolation tries through replacement hooker Josh Nasser and star flanker Fraser McReight – both when the Crusaders only had 14 men on the field following flanker Ethan Blackadder being yellow carded for a swinging arm. Fittingly, it was the Crusaders who scored the final try of the game, with replacement halfback Kyle Preston crossing over out wide to send Queensland packing again. The Reds also lost at the same stage of the finals against Kiwi teams in New Zealand in 2022, 2023 and last year. 'Again we've fallen over at the quarter-finals (week one),' disappointed Queensland skipper Tate McDermott said. 'We'll continue to work out what we need to do to go forward.' The Hurricanes led 12-0 at half-time, and the margin could have been greater such was the Reds' failure to value possession and a lack of discipline. Poor handling from McReight led to the Hurricanes' first try in the 17th minute. The Reds had won a lineout near their tryline, but McReight couldn't hold the ball, allowing Crusaders lock Scott Barrett to scoop it up and force his way over the line for a five-pointer. The visitors continued to cough up possession and were again punished just before the half-hour mark when Crusaders prop Tamaiti Williams proved too strong close to the line to extend his side's lead. By half-time, the Queenslanders had already conceded six penalties compared to Crusaders' one. The Reds were also hit with an injury blow, with flyhalf Tom Lynagh forced off in the 35th after suffering another head knock and subsequently failing his concussion test. With no replacement No.10 on the bench, fullback Jock Campbell moved to flyhalf and replacement Tim Ryan, usually a winger, assumed the custodian role. The procession continued after half-time with Crusaders half-back Noah Hotham and flyhalf Rivez Reihana each scoring tries to put the game to bed. 'You've got to give credit to the Crusaders. They were all over us at the breakdown and collision area and we just couldn't get into our cycle,' McDermott said. 'They're really good at disrupting your ball and slowing you down, and they did a good job at that.'
Herald Sun
2 hours ago
- Herald Sun
David Beckham to be awarded knighthood after string of near misses for more than a decade, football news
Don't miss out on the headlines from Football. Followed categories will be added to My News. David Beckham is to finally be awarded a knighthood, The Sun can reveal. The footie legend, 50, will become a 'Sir' in the King's Birthday Honours list next week. His Spice Girl wife Victoria will be known as Lady Beckham. Ex-England and Man United star Becks has longed for a knighthood for years, according to The Sun. The news will also bring some joy to the Beckham household amid a rift with their eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz. Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. Politicians and fellow sports stars have spent years calling for the man known as 'Golden Balls' to receive a knighthood. The father of four — who played 115 times for England and has made major contributions to charity — has struck up a firm friendship with King Charles. And the monarch dropped a potential hint last month that his wait was coming to an end. Countryside-loving Becks, who is an ambassador of The King's Foundation, was seen greeting Charles and Queen Camilla at the Chelsea Flower Show. David Beckham will be knighted. Image: Getty Coveted honour He shares a passion for horticulture with Charles and sported the King's rose in his lapel. Charles asked him: 'You got it, didn't you?' Becks replied: 'It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.' Letters inviting recipients to accept honours are sent out weeks in advance – and one may have already landed on David's mat at the time of their chat. He was first put forward for a knighthood in 2011 after helping to secure the London 2012 Olympics. But he was blocked from getting the title by the Honours Committee after becoming caught up in a tax avoidance scheme, along with many other stars. Becks retired from playing in 2013, and his finances were cleared by the taxman at least four years ago – paving the way for him to finally get the coveted honour. Many thought it would finally come in 2022, after he spent 13 hours queuing with the public to pay his respects at Queen Elizabeth's coffin, which lay in state in Westminster. But he was again left waiting for the honour. The Sun understands he narrowly missed out on a knighthood in the New Year Honours List published in December last year. David Beckham wearing a David Austin Roses "King's Rose" speaks with King Charles III at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. (Photo by Paul Grover –) Former England football manager Gareth Southgate got the award. David had been given an OBE in 2003 for services to football. He received it from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, watched by proud Victoria, sons Brooklyn and Romeo, and his grandparents. David and his wife — who shot to fame with the Spice Girls before becoming a successful fashion designer — have an estimated combined net worth of more than $1 million. David also has a long history of charitable work, which will have been considered by officials on the Honours Committee. Last year, he was formally made a charity ambassador by the King, and beekeeper Becks was buzzing with excitement at teaming up with him. Charles invited Beckham to Highgrove to learn more about the charity, which focuses on 'creating better communities where people, places and the planet can coexist in harmony'. Tours of the grounds help to fund workshops and courses in traditional skills and crafts, and the former footie star met woodworking and embroidery students. Becks said at the time: 'I'm excited to be working with The King's Foundation and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity's work. 'I've always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons and I'm particularly looking forward to supporting the Foundation's education programs and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature. David Beckham is one of the all-time footballing greats. (Photo by) 'Having developed a love for the countryside I'm also on a personal mission to learn more about rural skills which is so central to the Foundation's work. 'It was inspiring to hear from The King about the work of His Majesty's Foundation during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens — and compare beekeeping tips.' In 2020, he teamed up with the Chelsea Pensioners as he backed The Sun's campaign to save the Poppy Appeal amid the devastating Covid lockdown. He said he was 'in awe' of the veterans as he delivered poppies to their London HQ. David added: 'With another lockdown coming it is more important than ever that we support our veterans.' Becks, also dad to son Cruz and daughter Harper, has carried out lots of charity work focusing on children, and was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador 20 years ago. To mark his 50th birthday last month he appealed for donations for the charity. The Beckham family from far left, Romeo, Cruz, Victoria, Harper, David and Brooklyn. Picture: Instagram He was also a founding member of the leadership council of charity Malaria No More in 2009, helping to eradicate the disease, even visiting No 10 to highlight the issue. In 2023, he delighted the Brentford Penguins – a football team for children with Down's syndrome — with a visit to celebrate them winning one of The Sun's Who Cares Wins awards. He took footballing son Romeo with him to lead a surprise training session. David celebrated his 50th last month with a string of parties, though Brooklyn stayed away. The honours will be formally announced later this month. The government does not comment on them beforehand. This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission. Originally published as David Beckham to be awarded knighthood after string of near misses
