The Roar » Melissa Woods

Rebels want more from second rugby trial

Melissa Woods — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:33:01 +0000

After a performance injured skipper Stirling Mortlock described as tough watching, the Melbourne Rebels hope another week together on the training paddock yields a better performance in their second Super Rugby trial.

The Rebels will host the Blues at AAMI Park on Saturday night after being trounced 36-0 by the Chiefs in Geelong on Friday.

Star signing James O’Connor had only had two weeks training with his new outfit and fellow Wallaby Kurtley Beale a week longer and the lack of combinations across the Rebels backline was fully exposed.

The forwards were also outplayed by the Chiefs, who were missing both their captains Liam Messam, who injured himself in the warm-up, and Craig Clarke.

All Black Sonny Bill Williams also didn’t play because of his upcoming heavyweight title fight.

Skipper Mortlock missed the match because of an injured knee but tweeted a running commentary from the sidelines, at one stage declaring “I feel like not tweeting updates!”

Damien Hill, who has replaced Rod Macqueen as head coach, was disappointed but said the team, which finished with the wooden spoon in their debut season, would take a lot out of the match.

With the Chiefs using their maul to cross the tryline twice, and line-out turnovers proving costly, Hill said they were two areas they needed to work on.

“New combinations and trust is sometimes an issue,” he said.

“You can’t really overcome that other than playing together.

“It will be interesting to see how the boys bounce back.”

Hill was happy with the scrum, in its first outing since the retirement of All Blacks veteran Greg Somerville, and the showing of his Test duo O’Connor, who played at 10 and 12, and fullback Beale, who made a couple of classy breaks.

“I imagine they were quite frustrated but when they did get some space, they did look dangerous,” Hill said.

“They didn’t get that opportunity too many times.”

O’Connor wasn’t bothered by the scoreline: “A trial’s a trial,” he said.

“It was a bit ill-disciplined and we gave them some easy points but I was pretty happy.”

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Article link: Rebels want more from second rugby trial. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Rebels trounced by Chiefs in Super Rugby trial

Melissa Woods — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:01:20 +0000

Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale showed flashes of brilliance in an otherwise lacklustre performance by the Melbourne Rebels in their first Super Rugby trial against the Chiefs in Geelong on Friday night. The Waikato side cruised to a six-try 36-0 romp at Simonds Stadium, building on a 17-0 halftime lead with the match played over four [...]

Article link: Rebels trounced by Chiefs in Super Rugby trial. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Heart coach says resignation a positive

Melissa Woods — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:22:52 +0000

Melbourne Heart coach John van ‘t Schip believes that his resignation can only help his club’s push for an A-League finals berth. The former Dutch international told his fifth-placed team on Wednesday of his decision to return home to Europe at the end of the season for personal and professional reasons. Heart assistant Ante Milicic [...]

Article link: Heart coach says resignation a positive. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Rebels forwards ready to match backs

Melissa Woods — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:21:47 +0000

While the spotlight is on their star-studded backs, the Melbourne Rebels forwards will be auditioning for starting jerseys in their first Super Rugby trial on Friday night. Wallabies Kurtley Beale and James O’Connor have been hogging the headlines since their recruitment to Melbourne and both will get game time in their first pre-season match against [...]

Article link: Rebels forwards ready to match backs. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Chambers rejoins Storm in NRL

Melissa Woods — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:52:28 +0000

While his captain Cameron Smith predicts a smooth transition back into the NRL line-up, new Storm signing Will Chambers is banking on being in a “world of pain” before that happens. Chambers officially returned to the Melbourne fold on Monday after two years playing rugby union with the Queensland Reds and, most recently, Munster in [...]

Article link: Chambers rejoins Storm in NRL. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Wallaby Beale’s hamstring a concern

Melissa Woods — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:31:17 +0000

Star Rebels recruit Kurtley Beale is in danger of missing their trial matches with hamstring-related problems with his body unable to handle the increased training workload ahead of the Super Rugby season. Beale and fellow Wallaby James O’Connor were expected to turn out in Rebels colours for the first time next Friday night in their [...]

Article link: Wallaby Beale’s hamstring a concern. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

O’Conner happy to play 12 or 10 for Rebels

Melissa Woods — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:24:32 +0000

They may be vying to wear the Melbourne Rebels No.10 rugby jersey and the goal-kicking honours but new signing James O’Connor insists Danny Cipriani is his team-mate before he is his rival. O’Connor and Kurtley Beale were presented to the Rebels’ diehard fans after training in sweltering conditions in Melbourne on Tuesday, with Wallaby O’Connor [...]

Article link: O’Conner happy to play 12 or 10 for Rebels. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Judd ahead of schedule for AFL return

Melissa Woods — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:06:34 +0000

Carlton skipper Chris Judd is ahead of schedule following last month’s shoulder surgery and is set to lead the Blues during the pre-season AFL competition. As part of the main training group, Judd took part in all but contact training at Visy Park on Friday, allaying concerns his 2012 season could have been affected by [...]

Article link: Judd ahead of schedule for AFL return. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

GWS forward Patton’s AFL debut on ice

Melissa Woods — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:39:24 +0000

Hopeful a long AFL career lays ahead of him, injured Greater Western Sydney No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton doesn’t mind his debut has been put on ice. The 18-year-old key forward will fly into minus temperature conditions in Sweden for a January 25 appointment with a leading specialist, who will probe his troublesome knee. He [...]

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Quade can be covered at Reds: McKenzie

Melissa Woods — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:23:03 +0000

While the loss of injured Wallabies playmaker Quade Cooper might seem a problem for Super Rugby champions Queensland, coach Ewen McKenzie only sees it as an exciting challenge. Apart from the Wallabies who played on the two-match UK tour late last year, Cooper was the only Red who didn’t return to full training on Monday [...]

Article link: Quade can be covered at Reds: McKenzie. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Cipriani no sure thing for Rebels No.10

Melissa Woods — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 18:16:55 +0000

Danny Cipriani may be eyeing the England No.10 jersey but he’s no certainty to even play five-eighth for the Melbourne Rebels. The former England playmaker stated after his appearance for the Barbarians on the weekend that he was going to be the No.10 for the Rebels in the 2012 Super Rugby season. He declared he [...]

Article link: Cipriani no sure thing for Rebels No.10. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Tough schedule for British & Irish Lions

Melissa Woods — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:28:57 +0000

The British and Irish Lions face a torrid preparation as they attempt to avenge their last series loss to Australia when they tour in 2013, facing four Super Rugby sides before their opening Test. The Lions, featuring players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, suffered a 2-1 series loss to the Wallabies when they last [...]

Article link: Tough schedule for British & Irish Lions. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Cooper says Wallaby O’Connor impressive

Melissa Woods — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 19:25:32 +0000

Wallabies five-eighth Quade Cooper is happy to continue to give his teammate James O’Connor tips about wearing the No.10 jersey but doesn’t think he needs them. With Cooper sidelined until midway through the Super Rugby season following a knee reconstruction, O’Connor impressed in his first start as the Australian five-eighth against the Barbarians in London [...]

Article link: Cooper says Wallaby O’Connor impressive. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Hawks say no to signing Fevola

Melissa Woods — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:56:45 +0000

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson believes outcast forward Brendan Fevola may no longer be suited to the modern game, in a blow to his hopes of restarting his AFL career with this week’s draft. Clarkson said Fevola wasn’t an option for Hawthorn at Thursday’s draft in Sydney, but not because of his previous wayward off-field behaviour. [...]

Article link: Hawks say no to signing Fevola. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Thompson wants more Victory goals

Melissa Woods — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 18:04:18 +0000

Melbourne Victory’s Archie Thompson has challenged his high-profile teammates to get the monkey off their back and start scoring goals. The Victory host Perth Glory at Etihad Stadium in A-League action on Sunday afternoon, hoping to improve on a frustrating run of four draws in six matches. Striker Thompson has rediscovered some of his best [...]

Article link: Thompson wants more Victory goals. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Mundine trying to lure world champ Trout

Melissa Woods — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 19:03:02 +0000

Anthony Mundine doesn’t see anything from world super welterweight champion Austin Trout that would trouble him despite the American pounding another Australian Frank LoPorto on the weekend. “No Doubt” Trout completely outclassed Melbourne wharfie LoPorto, with the referee stopping the fight in Texas late in the sixth round to give the undefeated American a technical [...]

Article link: Mundine trying to lure world champ Trout. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Mortlock fit to fend off Rebels rivals

Melissa Woods — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:14:49 +0000

Melbourne Rebels skipper Stirling Mortlock feels in better shape than he has in years. The 34-year-old on Thursday described his physical condition now compared to 12 months ago as chalk and cheese. “Personally I feel a lot better than last year,” said Mortlock, who last season returned after serious back surgery. “As a group we’re [...]

Article link: Mortlock fit to fend off Rebels rivals. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Quade must change Wallabies mindset

Melissa Woods — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:07:38 +0000

Wallaby great Tim Horan believes Quade Cooper should use his injury-enforced lay-off to reflect on his disappointing World Cup performance and try to understand how to play Test rugby. Cooper, who is sidelined for six months after surgery following a knee injury during the recent tournament in New Zealand, was a star of Queensland’s triumphant [...]

Article link: Quade must change Wallabies mindset. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Australian netballers ‘must lift’ to beat New Zealand

Melissa Woods — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 20:05:56 +0000

Australian goal shooter Caitlin Bassett says the Diamonds can’t afford another lacklustre performance if they want to beat arch-rivals New Zealand in their opening netball Test in Perth on Sunday. The Australians completed a three-game series sweep against England on Sunday, but only won the final match by four goals. Bassett was Australia’s world championship [...]

Article link: Australian netballers ‘must lift’ to beat New Zealand. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Cats’ smooth ride no AFL grand final edge

Melissa Woods — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:10:09 +0000

Geelong key forward James Podsiadly says the Cats don’t have an advantage over their AFL grand final opponents Collingwood despite their contrasting preliminary final victories. While the Cats cruised to a 48-point win over West Coast, the Magpies came from behind and scrambled to a last-ditch three-point victory over Hawthorn in an epic encounter. But [...]

Article link: Cats’ smooth ride no AFL grand final edge. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Warriors into grand final as Storm bow out

Melissa Woods — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 22:08:48 +0000

Coach Craig Bellamy may finally believe the Warriors are Melbourne’s bogey side after the visitors ended the Storm’s season a game short of the NRL grand final. Melbourne hoped to cap a miracle season – coming after last year’s salary cap saga – with a premiership but the Warriors ended that fairy-tale with a gripping [...]

Article link: Warriors into grand final as Storm bow out. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Which Warriors will turn up asks Bellamy

Melissa Woods — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 22:24:52 +0000

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy isn’t sure which Warriors will turn up for Saturday night’s NRL preliminary final. Will it be the courageous team that rallied in the final minutes to overcome Wests Tigers, or the error-prone side that was thrashed by Brisbane in their qualifying final? With an NRL grand final berth at stake at [...]

Article link: Which Warriors will turn up asks Bellamy. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Champion hopes to end Storm stint on high

Melissa Woods — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 18:02:29 +0000

Melbourne centre Beau Champion hopes his rollercoaster ride at the Storm ends on a high. Champion joins NRL wooden-spooners Gold Coast next season, but before then he wants to play in his first ever NRL grand final, with Melbourne just one win away as they host the preliminary final on Saturday. It’s been a bumpy [...]

Article link: Champion hopes to end Storm stint on high. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Kewell warms to Victory and A-League

Melissa Woods — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 06:17:30 +0000

Far from thinking about retirement, Harry Kewell sees the A-League as his pathway to his third football World Cup. Melbourne Victory’s glamour recruit arrived in his new home town to a rock star welcome on Monday but said there was still plenty of substance behind the style. Kewell declared he was fit and ready to [...]

Article link: Kewell warms to Victory and A-League. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Stone hopes for another NRL coach gig

Melissa Woods — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:40:53 +0000

Newcastle coach Rick Stone believes his side deserves a pass mark for their year and he hopes it’s enough for him to continue as a NRL coach. The Knights’ 18-8 qualifying final loss to the Storm was his last game in charge of the NRL club, with super-coach Wayne Bennett taking over for 2012. The [...]

Article link: Stone hopes for another NRL coach gig. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Back to work for Dally M medallist Billy Slater

Melissa Woods — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:29:34 +0000

The NRL’s best player Billy Slater wasn’t even rewarded with a sleep-in after scooping the Dally M medal. Slater and his Storm troops cleaned up at the annual rugby league awards night in Sydney, winning seven awards on offer. With hand luggage bulging – particularly that of captain Cameron Smith, who brought home hooker, rep [...]

Article link: Back to work for Dally M medallist Billy Slater. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Storm inflict more pain on Dragons

Melissa Woods — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:18:56 +0000

Melbourne inflicted another brutal blow to St George Illawarra’s NRL premiership defence as they clawed their way to a 8-6 win at AAMI Park on Friday night. The Dragons’ free-fall down the NRL ladder continued, with their fifth successive loss while the Storm celebrated a club record 12th straight victory. Clear competition leaders Melbourne now [...]

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Rivals to woo axed ‘Dogs AFL coach Eade

Melissa Woods — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 21:19:16 +0000

Rodney Eade will end his tenure as Western Bulldogs coach while being wooed by two other AFL clubs. A self-described career coach, Eade emerged as a prime target of Melbourne and Adelaide when sacked as Western Bulldogs coach on Wednesday. Eade said he was “bitterly disappointed” to not be offered a new contract by the [...]

Article link: Rivals to woo axed ‘Dogs AFL coach Eade. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

New netball coach wants to keep Australia on top

Melissa Woods — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:03:53 +0000

New national coach Lisa Alexander promises to keep Australia at the top of the world netball tree, and to keep niggling the New Zealanders. Alexander has inherited a side from long-time Australian coach Norma Plummer that recently won back-to-back world titles, and reclaimed the No.1 ranking – taking both from their arch-rivals, the Silver Ferns. [...]

Article link: New netball coach wants to keep Australia on top. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Chris Judd tips Marc Murphy for Brownlow Medal

Melissa Woods — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:03:08 +0000

Carlton captain Chris Judd believes teammate Marc Murphy is a better Brownlow Medal bet than him. Last year’s Brownlow winner, Judd is the raging favourite to take home a record-equalling third medal in 2011, with one bookmaker already paying out on the win. But Judd believes gun midfielder Murphy is a worthy recipient this season [...]

Article link: Chris Judd tips Marc Murphy for Brownlow Medal. Written by Melissa Woods, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion