Ruaidhri Higgins: I want to prove that Coleraine were right to bring me in by inspiring Euro joy
The former Derry City chief replaced Dean Shiels just over a week ago, but he couldn't have wished for a better start as he helped the Bannsiders negotiate a midweek European Play-Off Semi-Final against Crusaders, when an early goal from striker Declan McManus was enough to get Higgins' boys over the line.
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Reuters
3 hours ago
- Reuters
Blues surge into Super Rugby semi-final grudge match with Crusaders
June 12 (Reuters) - The Auckland Blues threw a huge spanner into the works of the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs last week and on Friday will be out to do what no team has done in three decades of the competition as they battle for a spot in the final. The defending champion Blues scraped into the playoffs with only six wins from 14 regular season games but hit their powerful stride last week to pip the top-seeded Waikato Chiefs by a point in Hamilton. That earned them a trip to Christchurch to face the 12-times champion Crusaders, who last week extended their perfect home playoff record to 30 games with a convincing victory over the Queensland Reds. The Crusaders are now the top seeds and will host the final if they can get past Vern Cotter's side in the latest edition of New Zealand's biggest grudge match, a fierce provincial rivalry that long precedes Super Rugby. "There's been a Crusaders-Blues rivalry since Super began, but I think what's really etched into that, and runs right through that, is the Canterbury-Auckland rivalry," Crusaders assistant Brad Mooar said on Thursday. "The icons of the game have had moments in those games and now it's this group's opportunity to be in the sun. The eyes are shining, lump in the throat." Crusaders coach Rob Penney has made one enforced change for the clash with injured loosehead prop Tamaiti Williams replaced by fellow All Black George Bower. The Blues also made one change, Zarn Sullivan replacing Corey Evans at fullback. "We're putting things together at the right time of the year," said Cotter. "The guys know how to win big games and that's our goal again on Friday night." The Chiefs, runners-up for the last two years, are still alive in the competition as "lucky losers" and they host the ACT Brumbies at Waikato Stadium in Saturday's second semi-final. The Brumbies, as with all Australian teams, have never won a playoff match in New Zealand but feel their win over the Wellington Hurricanes last week shows they have the stuff to break their run of three consecutive semi-final losses. "There's full belief that if we come out on Saturday and deliver our game, we're able to put in a good performance," Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa said on Thursday. "(It'll be) a physical game, for sure. It's going to be one on small margins, the physicality around the breakdown, and your carry intent. It's going to be a good battle." The Brumbies have named an unchanged team studded with Wallabies as they look for their first win over the Chiefs in three years. Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan has captain Luke Jacobson back at flanker after injury and was able to name Quinn Tupaea in his side after the All Blacks centre recovered from a nasty gash to his eye and concussion. "They're hardened, well-drilled and know how to close out a tight contest," McMillan said of the Brumbies. "Their performance against the Hurricanes shows they can be clinical and composed under pressure."
Leader Live
18 hours ago
- Leader Live
Josh is using his knowledge to help North Wales Crusaders
Eaves has been a key part of the set-up this season at Crusaders, helping the side to occupy a lofty position in the League One standings with half of the season now completed. He has formed a strong bond with club colleague Joe Baldwin and Eaves is imparting all the knowledge he has picked up over the course of his career to date. Eaves told CruCast: 'Obviously, Baldy's only a young lad. I've been in similar positions to Baldy. 'I've been privileged and lucky enough to learn off the best hooker for five years when I was at Saints in James Roby and I had Keiron Cunningham as a coach for a year. 'I've played at Leigh on dual-reg with Mickey Higham. So, I've had experience with probably three of the best hookers there's been, but I've also played with other hookers. 'So, I've been like a sponge in my early career. Obviously, I am getting on now, coming up for 28 in a few months, but just it's about passing that experience, that knowledge, that understanding of the game down to Joe and what can I say about Baldy? 'Obviously, he's probably not happy with the minutes he's getting. But, what I can tell you, he trains the absolute house down. 'He's probably one of the best trainers and when he comes on, he does his job. He doesn't overplay. 'He just does his job. So, he's been really good.' Baldwin began his playing career at Orrell St James as a junior, before he was signed by Wigan Warriors in 2019. He gained valuable experience with the Super League champions, prior to making the move to North Wales in 2024. Making an impact within Carl Forster's side, Baldwin became a key figure towards the back end of last season, picking up the young player of the year accolade at the club's end of season awards. While Eaves is helping Baldwin on his journey, the opposite is also the case. Eaves added: 'Obviously, pre-season, guiding him if you want to say. But, also he pushes me, obviously, because I used to be that young, fit lad running about the field, winning every concession. 'But, now he's there, I'm trying to keep up with him and that. It's a good little competition, but we also have a good relationship off the field. 'We're quite close off the field. He's always sitting next to me on the bus, robs my sweets and that! 'But, we do have a close relationship.' Anther big weekend is in the offing for North Wales Crusaders in League One. Crusaders are leading the way in the standings and they play host to second-placed Midlands Hurricanes on Sunday.
Belfast Telegraph
a day ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Northern Ireland ace on League One side's radar after departure from Millwall
Midfielder George Saville has been released by Millwall and has been linked with Luton Town who have been relegated back to League One. Saville's international team-mate Ethan Galbraith has caught the eye of Swansea and Sheffield United. The Leyton Orient midfielder is entering the final year of his current deal. Rangers winger Ross McCausland could also be set for a new challenge with Cardiff City, English League one sides Cardiff and Plymouth Argyle and MLS club FC Cincinnati monitoring developments. Belgian side OH Leuven and Swiss outfit Basel also have McCausland on their radar. The Northern Ireland ace still has two years left to run on his Ibrox contract. Former St Johnstone assistant and Glentoran striker Andy Kirk has replaced Colin Cameron as Barry Robson's assistant at Raith Rovers. In the Irish League, goalkeeper Gareth Deane has left Glenavon and joined Premiership new boys Bangor. The Lisburn man, who celebrates his 31st birthday on Saturday, has agreed a one-year deal with the Seasiders. Crusaders have signed Gambian international goalkeeper Musa Dibaga from Inverness. Dibaga, who hails from Zaragoza, Spain, enjoyed a breakout year with Caley in Scottish League One, keeping 14 clean sheets in 32 appearances which earned him a slot in the division's Team of the Season in 2024/25. 'We're thrilled to bring Musa to Crusaders,' said Caddell. 'He had a fantastic season with Inverness and comes highly recommended. 'After speaking with him, it was clear that this is the right club for him to continue progressing and achieve his ambitions of playing at the highest level. 'We look forward to seeing him in action next season and have no doubt he'll be a big success and an instant fan favourite.'
