So the year is winding down and we can reflect on what were the highlights of 2012? Well we won the cup against Northampton, which was a pretty good way to chalk up our 18th major honour and tie with Bath on that score. We went on a record run of bonus point wins to secure a home semi-final, which we duly won, but came up short against Quins at Twickenham where we missed Toby Flood. After the summer we came back with a bang, extending our record for regular season matches won with a bonus point by two more, but then looked poor against Saracens, Quins and Toulouse. Ten crazy minutes against the Ospreys will live long in the memory as will staring down the Haka and being the first side to defeat the Maori for 5 years.
But which matches make it on to our short list and which one will you choose to make our performance of the year?
Tigers 36 Gloucester 3, 4th March
It was pissing down with rain and the terrace was sodden. But Ben Youngs and Toby Flood shone through the rain and guided Tigers to 5 try romp. They came from Mulipola, Mafi, Ben Youngs, Smith and Alex Tuilagi. Easily the most memorable was Super Steve's effort, he claimed a lineout on the 22 turning to set it back and form a maul; but sensing no pressure on him as Gloucester flooded past he took flight and raced away to the line side stepping the despairing Matt Tindall on the line.
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London Irish 32 Tigers 41, 25th March
Losing 32-31 with just 2 minutes to go the Tigers pulled it out of the fire as Toby Flood landed a penalty to gain the lead before Tom Croft steamed in from 40 yards to secure the win and with it the bonus point. Flood grabbed 26 points and one of the other highlights was watching Manu Tuilagi poleaxe Dan Bowden with a trademark tackle.
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Harlequins 33 Tigers 43, 21st April
On 34 minutes Quins were leading 26-13 but Steve Mafi led the fight back with a cheeky try after reaching back into the ruck to pick up the ball then waltzing in for the score. Alesana Tuilagi scored a cracking try after a Anthony Allen break and the bonus point, the come back and the win was sealed with a Waldrom try in the final ten minutes.
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Tigers 39 Ospreys 22, 21st October
3 tries in the final ten minutes secured the 4 try bonus point but more than that reignited our hopes of winning the pool after a disastrous game in Toulouse the week before. Manu Tuilagi scored the 4th try after his off load had set up the previous ruck, earlier Steve Mafi had put Ben Youngs away down the left touchline and Toby Flood had sparked the rampage with an interception try.
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Tigers 32 Maori 24, 13th November
One of those magical Welford Road nights under the lights. The Maori came to play but didn't count on the spirit of the Tigers. First half tries from Morris and Adam Thompstone gave Tigers a 26-7 lead which they defended stoutly to be the first team to topple the Maori since 2007.
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Showing posts with label New Zealand Maori. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Zealand Maori. Show all posts
Saturday, 1 December 2012
NEW POLL: Best performance of 2012
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Balmian Train Derails Maori Tour
It was another momentous night at Welford Road as Tigers ended the Maori's five year 8 game unbeaten run, which has included wins against both England and Ireland to go along with their win against the British Lions in 2005. The last game they lost? England A 2007 at Twickenham when a certain Tom Croft romped over from the halfway line. Obviously Maoris don't like Tigers!
This was a performance built on the granite foundations of Boris "the finger" Stankovitch and debutant Fraser "gonna shock and amaze yer" Balmain. 20 years old. Debut. Beast. Louis Deacon was a mighty oak in the second row and his back of steel surely helped Balmian to such an impressive scrummaging performance. Freed from his duties in the scrum Ed Slater was channeling John Wells in the "F" shirt. He was everywhere; physical and abrasive, a huge tackle here and a bit of niggle there.
George Ford kicked all but one of his goals and this cool focus under pressure was the difference between the sides. Ford is probably the best front runner in the game, and once Tigers got their lead he made sure they rarely looked like losing it. His tactical kicking was superb throughout as was that of Pat Phibbs, the experienced Australian making his first start for Tigers was a constant thorn in the New Zealanders' side.
Tigers pulled ahead thanks to a brutally physical first half performance that garnered two tries. Tigers conceded an early try after hooker Hika Elliot freed the rampaging former All Black Jason Eaton who weaved his way through the Tigers defence before putting scrum half Frae Wilson in for an easy try.
But a couple cynical penalties from the Maori allowed Tigers back in it straightaway. Tigers gained the lead they would never relinquish on 12 minutes after some quick thinking and some Maori thuggery. Ford spotted Niall Morris in acres of space down the Crumbie touchline and quickly kicked the penalty his direction; Morris rounded the winger with a hard hand off and chipped full back Andre Taylor. As the Irishman raced for the line Taylor hit him with a late no arms tackle for which he was rewarded with a yellow card.
5 minutes later was the decisive act. A midfield penalty led to a Tigers lineout in the 22; a quick ball released Ford with good ball to attack with. The tourists midfield was manipulated masterfully by Thompstone, Allen and Tait who freed Niall Morris on the outside to race away sending the Leicester crowd into raptures.
Tigers had their tails up now and Anthony Allen made a classic outside break from his own half, spotting the half gap and vigorously surging through it. Matt Smith looked for all the world as if he was going in at the corner but was held up short. Ed Slater, ignoring the perhaps better options outside him, again went close and Tigers drew yet another cynical penalty from the visitors. This time Kiwi ref Andrew Small left his yellow card in his pocket. Ford bisected the uprights to give the crucial converted try cushion.
The Maori were still keen to play ball in hand and force risky off loads. The Tigers defence was immense, intense and never took a backwards step. Smash and grab was a pretty apt description of Tigers 2nd try. The Maori was attacking deep in Tigers 22 when a thumping tackle forced the ball loose. Matt Smith's right boot was first to the ball and he gave it an almighty smack. The race was on. Maori wing Kurt Baker looked the early favourite but steaming in from the outside was Adam Thompstone, after evading Baker's disparing lunge Thompstone gathered and finished off with a fabulous swallow dive as the crowd of 17,206 went wild.
Ford converted for a 26-7 lead and the shock win was not only on the cards but starting to look the favourite result.
But the Maori don't posses their fearsome reputation for nothing; after a Ripia penalty reduced the lead to 16 points there was more controversy from Kiwi ref Andrew Small. After time expired a scrum wheeled round 90 degrees as the Maori finally derailed the Balmain train. Now by law 20.11 a wheeled scrum is not "re-set" but "new", so by law 5.7 (e) he should have blown for half time. But he didn't. Instead he let the Maori have the prime attacking ball from which they duly worked inside centre Tim Bateman over for the try.
Ford edged the Tigers further ahead early in the second half and it was a good job too as the Maori came pouring back. A yellow card for a clumsy high tackle by, half time substitute, Dan Bowden gave the Maori a man advantage and they immediately made it count. Tapping the penalty they pulled the Tigers to and fro before working hulking outside centre Charlie Ngatai over in the same corner as Niall Morris scored earlier to reduce the arrears to only 5 points.
This was bum squeaking territory. This team had dispatched many an international side and were well in with a sniff of victory.
But fortune favours the brave. Jordan Crane received the ball on his own 10 meter line from a booming clearance. He took it back up the blindside beating a handful of men before finding winger Adam Thompstone on his outside. A fantastic chip and catch had Tigers motoring into the Maori 22 and the penalty was inevitable. Ford focused and drove the ball through the posts to restore the converted try lead at 32-24.
The Tigers defended for their lives, showing the spirit that earned their fore bearers the nickname "The Death or Glory Boys". Well they laid their lives on the line and were rewarded with glory as Maori attack after Maori attack game to nought. The final thrust came down the Maori right wing but Niall Morris bundled the attack into touch, as the clock counted down to zero Tigers secured the lineout and Sam Harrison booted the ball out of the ground to seal another famous win against an international touring team.
This was a performance built on the granite foundations of Boris "the finger" Stankovitch and debutant Fraser "gonna shock and amaze yer" Balmain. 20 years old. Debut. Beast. Louis Deacon was a mighty oak in the second row and his back of steel surely helped Balmian to such an impressive scrummaging performance. Freed from his duties in the scrum Ed Slater was channeling John Wells in the "F" shirt. He was everywhere; physical and abrasive, a huge tackle here and a bit of niggle there.
George Ford kicked all but one of his goals and this cool focus under pressure was the difference between the sides. Ford is probably the best front runner in the game, and once Tigers got their lead he made sure they rarely looked like losing it. His tactical kicking was superb throughout as was that of Pat Phibbs, the experienced Australian making his first start for Tigers was a constant thorn in the New Zealanders' side.
Tigers pulled ahead thanks to a brutally physical first half performance that garnered two tries. Tigers conceded an early try after hooker Hika Elliot freed the rampaging former All Black Jason Eaton who weaved his way through the Tigers defence before putting scrum half Frae Wilson in for an easy try.
But a couple cynical penalties from the Maori allowed Tigers back in it straightaway. Tigers gained the lead they would never relinquish on 12 minutes after some quick thinking and some Maori thuggery. Ford spotted Niall Morris in acres of space down the Crumbie touchline and quickly kicked the penalty his direction; Morris rounded the winger with a hard hand off and chipped full back Andre Taylor. As the Irishman raced for the line Taylor hit him with a late no arms tackle for which he was rewarded with a yellow card.
5 minutes later was the decisive act. A midfield penalty led to a Tigers lineout in the 22; a quick ball released Ford with good ball to attack with. The tourists midfield was manipulated masterfully by Thompstone, Allen and Tait who freed Niall Morris on the outside to race away sending the Leicester crowd into raptures.
Tigers had their tails up now and Anthony Allen made a classic outside break from his own half, spotting the half gap and vigorously surging through it. Matt Smith looked for all the world as if he was going in at the corner but was held up short. Ed Slater, ignoring the perhaps better options outside him, again went close and Tigers drew yet another cynical penalty from the visitors. This time Kiwi ref Andrew Small left his yellow card in his pocket. Ford bisected the uprights to give the crucial converted try cushion.
The Maori were still keen to play ball in hand and force risky off loads. The Tigers defence was immense, intense and never took a backwards step. Smash and grab was a pretty apt description of Tigers 2nd try. The Maori was attacking deep in Tigers 22 when a thumping tackle forced the ball loose. Matt Smith's right boot was first to the ball and he gave it an almighty smack. The race was on. Maori wing Kurt Baker looked the early favourite but steaming in from the outside was Adam Thompstone, after evading Baker's disparing lunge Thompstone gathered and finished off with a fabulous swallow dive as the crowd of 17,206 went wild.
Ford converted for a 26-7 lead and the shock win was not only on the cards but starting to look the favourite result.
But the Maori don't posses their fearsome reputation for nothing; after a Ripia penalty reduced the lead to 16 points there was more controversy from Kiwi ref Andrew Small. After time expired a scrum wheeled round 90 degrees as the Maori finally derailed the Balmain train. Now by law 20.11 a wheeled scrum is not "re-set" but "new", so by law 5.7 (e) he should have blown for half time. But he didn't. Instead he let the Maori have the prime attacking ball from which they duly worked inside centre Tim Bateman over for the try.
Ford edged the Tigers further ahead early in the second half and it was a good job too as the Maori came pouring back. A yellow card for a clumsy high tackle by, half time substitute, Dan Bowden gave the Maori a man advantage and they immediately made it count. Tapping the penalty they pulled the Tigers to and fro before working hulking outside centre Charlie Ngatai over in the same corner as Niall Morris scored earlier to reduce the arrears to only 5 points.
This was bum squeaking territory. This team had dispatched many an international side and were well in with a sniff of victory.
But fortune favours the brave. Jordan Crane received the ball on his own 10 meter line from a booming clearance. He took it back up the blindside beating a handful of men before finding winger Adam Thompstone on his outside. A fantastic chip and catch had Tigers motoring into the Maori 22 and the penalty was inevitable. Ford focused and drove the ball through the posts to restore the converted try lead at 32-24.
The Tigers defended for their lives, showing the spirit that earned their fore bearers the nickname "The Death or Glory Boys". Well they laid their lives on the line and were rewarded with glory as Maori attack after Maori attack game to nought. The final thrust came down the Maori right wing but Niall Morris bundled the attack into touch, as the clock counted down to zero Tigers secured the lineout and Sam Harrison booted the ball out of the ground to seal another famous win against an international touring team.
Monday, 12 November 2012
3 Ex-Tigers named in Championship Squad for Maori Challenge
Bedford coach Mike Rayer has named his combined Championship squad to face the New Zealand Maori in Doncaster this Saturday. The three former Tigers named in the squad are Dante Mama, Ben Pienaar and Callum Green. Green and Pienaar are no strangers to touring matches having both started in Tigers momentous "Glory Day" victory over the World Champion Springboks back in 2009.
Backs
Luke Baldwin (Bedford Blues)
Josh Bassett (Bedford Blues)
Gavin Cattle (Cornish Pirates)
Rhys Crane (Nottingham Rugby)
Charlie Hayter (Moseley Rugby)
Dante Mama (Doncaster Knights)
Tristian Roberts (Bristol Rugby)
Jake Sharp (Bedford Blues)
Tim Streather (Nottingham Rugby)
Jack Tovey (Bristol Rugby)
Backs
Luke Baldwin (Bedford Blues)
Josh Bassett (Bedford Blues)
Gavin Cattle (Cornish Pirates)
Rhys Crane (Nottingham Rugby)
Charlie Hayter (Moseley Rugby)
Dante Mama (Doncaster Knights)
Tristian Roberts (Bristol Rugby)
Jake Sharp (Bedford Blues)
Tim Streather (Nottingham Rugby)
Jack Tovey (Bristol Rugby)
Forwards
Dan Baines (Rotherham Titans)
Phil Burgess (Cornish Pirates)
Tom Davies (Doncaster Knights)
Calum Green (Leeds Carnegie)
Nathan Hannay (Jersey RFC)
Mark Irish (London Scottish)
Richard Mayhew (Newcastle Falcons)
Alan Paver (Cornish Pirates)
Ben Pienaar (Moseley Rugby)
Nic Rouse (Nottingham Rugby)
Jacob Rowan (Leeds Carnegie)
Oliver Tomaszczyk (Newcastle Falcons)
Jon Vickers (Plymouth Albion)
Dan Baines (Rotherham Titans)
Phil Burgess (Cornish Pirates)
Tom Davies (Doncaster Knights)
Calum Green (Leeds Carnegie)
Nathan Hannay (Jersey RFC)
Mark Irish (London Scottish)
Richard Mayhew (Newcastle Falcons)
Alan Paver (Cornish Pirates)
Ben Pienaar (Moseley Rugby)
Nic Rouse (Nottingham Rugby)
Jacob Rowan (Leeds Carnegie)
Oliver Tomaszczyk (Newcastle Falcons)
Jon Vickers (Plymouth Albion)
Tait starts versus Maori
Matthew Tait will start his first game for over 13 months tomorrow as Tigers take on the NZ Maori in front of bumper 17,000 crowd. Louis Deacon captains the strong side from the second row beside Graham Kitchener as Ed Slater shifts into the backrow wearing the fabled "F" shirt. Geordie prop Fraser Balmain gets his first start for the club 3 days before his 21st birthday. Quite a treat to face the Maori front row weighing in at a combined 60 stones! Pat Phibbs will also make his first start for the club at scrum half after getting the nod ahead of Sam Harrison.
Dan Bowden returns from his wedding in New Zealand to take his customary place on the bench, he will surely be looking to add to his solitary appearance so far.
Tigers will be looking to add the Maori to their list of scalps, most famously last added to 3 years ago as World Champions South Africa succumbed to Lucas Amorosino's try as the CAT stand was formally opened.
Let's hope for another wonderful occasion and more importantly a Tigers win!
Tigers:
0 Mathew Tait
N Niall Morris
M Matt Smith
L Anthony Allen
K Adam Thompstone
J George Ford
I Patrick Phibbs
A Boris Stankovich
B George Chuter
C Fraser Balmain
D Louis Deacon (c)
E Graham Kitchener
F Ed Slater
H Julian Salvi
G Jordan Crane
Replacements
P Jonny Harris
Q Jimmy Stevens
R Kieran Brookes
S Michael Noone
T Richard Thorpe
U Sam Harrison
V Dan Bowden
W Geordan Murphy
Dan Bowden returns from his wedding in New Zealand to take his customary place on the bench, he will surely be looking to add to his solitary appearance so far.
Tigers will be looking to add the Maori to their list of scalps, most famously last added to 3 years ago as World Champions South Africa succumbed to Lucas Amorosino's try as the CAT stand was formally opened.
Let's hope for another wonderful occasion and more importantly a Tigers win!
Tigers:
0 Mathew Tait
N Niall Morris
M Matt Smith
L Anthony Allen
K Adam Thompstone
J George Ford
I Patrick Phibbs
A Boris Stankovich
B George Chuter
C Fraser Balmain
D Louis Deacon (c)
E Graham Kitchener
F Ed Slater
H Julian Salvi
G Jordan Crane
Replacements
P Jonny Harris
Q Jimmy Stevens
R Kieran Brookes
S Michael Noone
T Richard Thorpe
U Sam Harrison
V Dan Bowden
W Geordan Murphy
Sunday, 11 November 2012
Visting Maori name side for tour opener
The New Zealand Maori have named their XV for their visit to Welford Road this Tuesday.
Controversial fly half Willie Ripia makes his first class come back after leaving the Western Force in January in disgrace. Ripia was accused of stealing from teammates to fund a crippling gambling addiction. He has only played 8 games for Bay of Plenty's development side since and his inclusion in the tour has hit the headlines in his native New Zealand.
6 players are making their Maori debuts whilst a further 5 could do so from the bench. The starters are Shane Christie, Elliot Dixon, Frae Wilson, Kade Poki, Charlie Ngatai and Kurt Baker. Andre Taylor, Quentin MacDonald, Nick Crosswell, Jamison Gibson-Park, and Declan O'Donnell are all on the bench and waiting for their first taste of Maori action.
The bulk of the team is from the Highlanders (7), Hurricanes (6) and Cheifs (6) with only the Auckland based Blues having no representation after their poor Super Rugby Season. Flanker Shane Christie and Jamison Gibson-Park have both been drafted for next years Super Rugby by the Crusaders and the Blues respectively.
Maori team:
1. Ben May (Hurricanes)
2. Hika Elliot* (Chiefs)
3. Ben Afeaki (Chiefs)
4. Jarrad Hoeata* (Highlanders)
5. Jason Eaton* (Hurricanes)
6. Shane Christie (Tasman/No Super Rugby)
7. Tanerau Latimer* (c) (Chiefs)
8. Elliot Dixon (Highlanders)
9. Frae Wilson (Hurricanes)
10. Willie Ripia (Bay of Plenty)
11. Kade Poki (Highlanders)
12. Tim Bateman (Hurricanes)
13. Charlie Ngatai (Hurricanes)
14. Kurt Baker (Highlanders)
15. Andre Taylor (Hurricanes)
Reserves:
16. Quentin MacDonald (Crusaders)
17. Jacob Ellison (Highlanders)
18. Bronson Murray (Highlanders)
19. Romana Graham (Chiefs)
20. Nick Crosswell (Highlanders)
21. Jamison Gibson-Park (Taranaki/No Super Rugby)
22. Jackson Willison (Chiefs)
23. Declan O'Donnell (Chiefs)
*Indicates capped for New Zealand All Blacks at test level
Controversial fly half Willie Ripia makes his first class come back after leaving the Western Force in January in disgrace. Ripia was accused of stealing from teammates to fund a crippling gambling addiction. He has only played 8 games for Bay of Plenty's development side since and his inclusion in the tour has hit the headlines in his native New Zealand.
6 players are making their Maori debuts whilst a further 5 could do so from the bench. The starters are Shane Christie, Elliot Dixon, Frae Wilson, Kade Poki, Charlie Ngatai and Kurt Baker. Andre Taylor, Quentin MacDonald, Nick Crosswell, Jamison Gibson-Park, and Declan O'Donnell are all on the bench and waiting for their first taste of Maori action.
The bulk of the team is from the Highlanders (7), Hurricanes (6) and Cheifs (6) with only the Auckland based Blues having no representation after their poor Super Rugby Season. Flanker Shane Christie and Jamison Gibson-Park have both been drafted for next years Super Rugby by the Crusaders and the Blues respectively.
Maori team:
1. Ben May (Hurricanes)
2. Hika Elliot* (Chiefs)
3. Ben Afeaki (Chiefs)
4. Jarrad Hoeata* (Highlanders)
5. Jason Eaton* (Hurricanes)
6. Shane Christie (Tasman/No Super Rugby)
7. Tanerau Latimer* (c) (Chiefs)
8. Elliot Dixon (Highlanders)
9. Frae Wilson (Hurricanes)
10. Willie Ripia (Bay of Plenty)
11. Kade Poki (Highlanders)
12. Tim Bateman (Hurricanes)
13. Charlie Ngatai (Hurricanes)
14. Kurt Baker (Highlanders)
15. Andre Taylor (Hurricanes)
Reserves:
16. Quentin MacDonald (Crusaders)
17. Jacob Ellison (Highlanders)
18. Bronson Murray (Highlanders)
19. Romana Graham (Chiefs)
20. Nick Crosswell (Highlanders)
21. Jamison Gibson-Park (Taranaki/No Super Rugby)
22. Jackson Willison (Chiefs)
23. Declan O'Donnell (Chiefs)
*Indicates capped for New Zealand All Blacks at test level
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
EXCLUSIVE: Tigers to face NZ Maori!
EXCLUSIVE: NZ Maori will kick off their European Tour with a match against Leicester Tigers on Tuesday November 13th with a kick off of 7:30.
This is a fantastic coup for the Tigers to go along with the previous games against South Africa and Australia.
The Maori will also play against a Championship XV at Doncaster on Saturday the 17th and will play Canada at Oxford University sports grounds on Friday November 23rd.
This is a fantastic coup for the Tigers to go along with the previous games against South Africa and Australia.
The Maori will also play against a Championship XV at Doncaster on Saturday the 17th and will play Canada at Oxford University sports grounds on Friday November 23rd.
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