Sevens star Alafoti Faosiliva has been included in the Samoan training squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup, as well as their once off game against Scotland. In the London Sevens final the big man made a huge tackle, and later scored a powerful try.

If you've watched any of the IRB Sevens World Series in the last year or so the name, and thighs, of Faosiliva should be quite familiar to you. He's been one of Samoa's top try scorers on the circuit, and is the proverbial human wrecking ball.

Built like a tank and with the speed of a back, you don't want to get in his way.

Unfortunately for some of the Fijians in London, they did, and they were smashed. Fiji won the final but two moments stood out from Faosiliva, namely a huge tackle in the second half, and later the try which gave Nigel Starmer Smith a new catchphrase in 'Boom. Crash. Try'.

Faosiliva has been selected in the Samoan fifteens squad as a loose forward, so will be one to watch in the Pacific Nations Cup, which kicks off on 5 June when Samoa play Tonga.

There were a few controversial non-selections in the squad, with Rugby World Cup 2011 captain, and Chiefs hooker, Mahonri Schwalger being overlooked, as well as outspoken midfielder, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu. Schwalger openly criticised the behaviour of the Samoan management at the World Cup, and Fuimaono-Sapolu is viewed as unmanagable by new coach Stephen Betham.

Also worth watching, Seven of the Best tries from the London Sevens

Manu Samoa training squad:
James Sooialo, Lolo Lui Moataa, David Lemi, Ken Pisi, Paul Perez, Paul Williams, Fautua Otto, Isaia Tuifua, Faatoina Autagavaia, George Pisi, Male Sau, Ki Anufe, Tusi Pisi, Patrick Faapale, Kahn Fotualii, Jeremy Su'a, Nalu Tuigamala, Ofisa Treviranus, Chris Lowrey, Richard Muagututia, Maurie Faasavalu, Afa Aiono, Taiasina Tuifua, Alafoti Faosiliva, Kane Thompson , Maselino Paulino, Joe Tekori, Census Johnston, Logovii Mulipola, Sakaria Taulafo, James Johnston, Tuu Paulo, Ole Avei, Steve Fuala, Patrick Leafa.

Posted at 17:10 pm | 1 comments

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The Stormers and the Cheetahs got into an almighty tangle at Newlands last weekend, resulting in two players receiving off-field yellow cards after the whole thing was put on a white card. There were some requests to have it featured, so here you go.

Ashley Johnson, who is off to London Wasps soon, and Stormers hooker Deon Fourie were both issued off-field yellow cards for their part in starting an ugly scrap that at one stage appeared to involve most players from either side.

While the punches weren't clear to see in the footage, both players were found guilty of starting the chaos, contravening Law 10.4(m): Acts contrary to good sportsmanship.

If you're still unsure, the off-field yellow card is issued for foul-play incidents that are very close to, but not quite, red card offences. It doesn't affect the next game at all (teams don't start with 14..), but it does go on their disciplinary record, as a normal yellow card would.

In this instance referee Steve Walsh consulted with assistant ref Jonathan Kaplan, who fell back on the white card for everyone, rather than picking out any players in particular. He did however mention an earlier incident, resulting in a yellow card, and a rather unhappy Stormers captain.

It's an intesting bit of footage as Walsh in action is always entertaining, as is the way Jean De Villiers basically said that a white card is a cop out. There's also a nice hit by Bryan Habana at the beginning of the clip.

The Stormers won the game 16-14, and you can view full highlights of the match here

Posted at 08:38 am | 13 comments

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Leicester Tigers and Harlequins will contest the Aviva Premiership Final on May 26th following their semi-final victories over the weekend. The Tigers are favourites for many, but Harlequins don't see it that way.

A late try from Harlequins prop Joe Marler sealed a 25-23 win over Northampton Saints at The Stoop on Saturday, setting them up for an eighth consecutive Premiership final appearance.

Marler, whose 77th-minute try was converted by Nick Evans, says that despite Leicester's powerful forwards and incredible record, Quins will take it to them up front.

"People expect us to the throw the ball about, it is what Harlequins have been known for over the years. We like to think we can still do that but we want an all-round game," he said. 

"The scrum is a big area we have worked on this year and so is the maul. That showed out there. We’ve played in big games and we are starting to mature. We will back ourselves against anyone.

"And in the set-piece, that’s where it starts. If you don’t get that right then you are going to struggle all day. We are just buzzing for Twickenham now. The final will be massive. We have had great games against Leicester. We will front up."

The Tigers beat Saracens 24-15 thanks to a great display from young flyhalf George Ford, and tries from Alesana Tuilagi and Steve Mafi. You can catch a quick summary of what took place via the official wrap-up video below.

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Posted at 15:13 pm | 9 comments

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The Reds ended the Chiefs' nine-game winning streak with a 42-27 victory in Brisbane on Sunday. The win keeps their title defence hopes alive, and has helped build momentum in time for the return of star flyhalf, Quade Cooper.

The Queensland outfit are ninth on the overall Super Rugby table, but with the conference system, they sit in second place in the Australian section, so still have a good chance of making the playoffs.

They came from 22-8 down against the table topping Chiefs, scoring four tries in 10 minutes, including a brilliant 60 metre solo effort from halfback Will Genia. He'll be buoyed by the return of flyhalf Cooper, who makes his comeback this weekend against the bottom of the table Lions.

Cooper has been out of action with a damaged ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament in the knee) since the Rugby World Cup in October 2011. He says he's prepared well and is ready to get out there.

"Everything which could be done has been done and the rest is now out of my hands," said Cooper.

"It has been a long six-plus months on the sideline and I know I've done everything I can to tick all the boxes during my rehab and have been as diligent as possible to ensure I am ready to return

"I'll be going out on Saturday knowing I've done everything within my power to be prepared both physically and mentally and it's now about going out and doing the best that I can for the team.

"It has been special to see all the support I've had from fans while I've been injured and all their well-wishes just make you more determined to get back out there.  They've been a real motivator during my rehab and I hope to see them all out at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night."

The Chiefs scored some excellent tries too, hence featuring these highlights on the homepage, but remember you can view all other Super Rugby Highlights in our archived section too.

Posted at 08:20 am | 15 comments

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Today we complete the School of Hard Knocks with the final two episodes, as well as some updates, and a chat to one of the participants. It was a fantastic eight week-long project, and has yet again made genuine changes to the lives of those involved.

If you haven't watched the show yet, go ahead and watch the two parts below, but be sure to come back and read more as we've caught up with one of the standout leaders, Michael Finnegan, to find out what he and some of the other guys are up to lately.

He told us that the experience has made a 'real and lasting difference in my life'.

"We trained with World Cup winners and had Shaun Edwards as our defensive coach for the day. The whole experience has been amazing and I've made some friends for life from it all," he said.

"Myself, Colin, Bruno, Hames, Lee and Jack Cannon, Pedro, Louis, Demitrius, and Daniel are meeting up at the end of the month for a few beers in Central London.

"Over the last couple of weeks I have been working with Saracens and Hitz Rugby as a community coach. I'm currently looking for full-time employment and I continue to play rugby wherever a prop is needed," Michael said. 

He also explained that the charity he was working on (as mentioned at the end of the show) isn't going ahead unfortunately, as the setup costs are too steep at this stage.

Some recent updates on a few of the guys:

Pedro: Studying for an HND in IT at London School of Science and Technology. He is hoping to get CISCO qualified as well and is seeking sponsorship and an internship to help him achieve these goals. He continues to play rugby Haringey Rhinos.

Bruno: Is currently playing for Southend RFC but Lyn Jones is keen to get him involved in the London Welsh set up, providing that his basic skill sets improve. Southend play in the 4th tier of English Rugby. He is working closely with Michael Henderson, and wants to get a professional qualification in the fitness industry.

Colin: Just got a job in recruitment and starts in June. He continues to perform in Comedy clubs across London, and is playing rugby for Haringey Rhinos.

Louis: Continues to play rugby for Haringey Rhinos after the course finished. He works as a DJ regularly but is available for full-time work opportunities.

Anthony: Is currently working for Paddy Power and plays for Shooters Hill RFC.

James: Plays Rugby for Edinburgh Northern RFC and has just finished his internship with Grant Thornton. He wants to train as a teacher and is working towards his coaching badges.

Many of the participants are still looking for full-time employment, so if you can help out in any way, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Ken Cowan at [email protected].

As always, thanks to Sky Sports for a brilliant production, and everyone else involved. Both parts below are over 45 minutes long, but extrememly inspirational, enjoyable, and well worth watching. 

Posted at 09:05 am | 12 comments

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Fiji took the London Sevens title in convincing style as they beat rivals Samoa 38-15 in the Cup final on Sunday, but it was New Zealand who captured the overall series title, their 10th in 13th years. Below are highlights from both day's play at Twickenham.

New Zealand's 36-0 demolition of South Africa in the quarter-finals was enough to clinch them the overall title, so when they lost 37-7 to Fiji in the semi-finals, it didn't bother them too much. They ended top of the table and as you can see below, finishing just marginally ahead of Fiji.

"It's pretty special, we worked extremely hard to get this one and I think everyone knows how competitive the Sevens Series is now. We came here with an 11-point lead but still with an opportunity of blowing it," said New Zealand's inspirational captain, DJ Forbes

"The quarter-final win was probably our only complete game of rugby this weekend, but there was a lot of passion, a lot behind it to make sure we wrapped up the series. At the end of the day it comes down to consistency and that's where we were probably a little bit ahead, but taking nothing away from Fiji, they've done extremely well to win here," he added.

Fiji captain Setefano Cakau said his team were delighted with the result, and had excelled all season, achieving the goals they set out. "We came from fifth last season to second which is a big improvement for us,'' he said. 

Australia beat England 14-12 in the Plate final, Wales won the Bowl final, and France beat the USA to win the Shield final. Below are official highlights from Saturday and Sunday, including the final.

Posted at 15:35 pm | 5 comments

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On a day that determined who progresses in the Top 14 play off race, two red cards and a yellow were brandished in a heated game between Toulouse and Montpellier. Both players are likely to face suspensions, ruling them out of the next round.

Toulouse won the match 20-13 and in doing so ended top of the table on 87 points, alongside Clermont, both of whom have securred semi-final places. The next two spots will be contested when Toulon play Racing Metro, and Castres play Montpellier.

Winger Timoci Matanavou scored three tries, but one of the more significant talking points in the game occured in the first half, when referee Frank Marciello sent three players from the field.

A quick tap from Luke McAlister led to a scuffle between a few players, before Mamuka Gorgodze flew in with a punch, to which Yoann Maestri retaliated.

Agustin Creevy was sin-binned, while Gorgodze and Maestri got red cards, a decision that Montpellier's Fulgence Ouedraogo said irritated him in light of the upcoming games. Both players will face a Ligue Nationale de Rugby disciplinary hearing and face a possible 20 day suspension. 

"Maciello told me he had more punches than the opponent. This is not a sufficient reason. We do not count the punches in a brawl," said Ouedraogo, before saying that Gorgodze is viewed as a violent player, but in reality he is not worse than any others. He added that his potential loss, ahead of their game against Castres, is a huge shame. 

Gorgodze, who joined Montpellier very early on in his rugby career, was featured on Total Rugby recently. You can view that interview, which includes highlights of Georgia vs Russia, here.

Posted at 07:19 am | 38 comments

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