In summary
And I’m spent.
Well that was another rip-roaring day of sport - there were thrills and spills in the rain, milestone moments for Luke Hodge and Matt Hodgson and, most importantly, the Swans won to keep my dream of winning $2000 alive. That’s enough to retire on, right? If it is, I promise my final Sportwatch will be full of bitter, expletive-ridden diatribes aimed at settling old scores with people I think have slighted me in some way. You know who you are. *Shakes fist at cloud*
Well that’s all from yours truly tonight. It’s been a pleasure as always. Catch you next time.
Cycling: Then again, there’s always the Tour de France
Tennis: Or even the Wimbledon women’s final. You’re spoiled for choice really.
Cricket: Well it’s not long before I sign off but for those of you with more stamina than me, why not follow the women’s cricket. Australia have set South Africa 270 to win - a very defendable total.
Super Rugby: Full-time - Force 40-11 Waratahs
AAP: The Western Force bid farewell to retiring flanker Matt Hodgson in grand style, thumping the NSW Waratahs 40-11 in Saturday night’s clash in Perth. The Force ran in five tries to one in the bonus-point blitz, with Hodgson joining in on the fun with a 44th-minute try.
Hodgson put the icing on the cake by kicking a penalty on the final siren to send the 10,384 crowd into raptures. NSW simply had no answers to an emotion-charged Force in the wet conditions. The result was a sad end to the career of Waratahs lock Dean Mumm, who made a low-key exit to little fanfare in the 55th minute.
But it was party time for the Force and their favourite son Hodgson, who ended his 140-game Super Rugby career on a high. Hodgson broke into tears as he addressed the crowd after the match. The result meant the Force finished second in the Australian conference with a 6-9 record. For the Waratahs, 2017 will be remembered as one of their worst ever seasons, with the franchise finishing with a woeful 4-11 record.
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NRL: Full-time - Titans 30-10 Sharks
From AAP - Gold Coast halfback Ash Taylor orchestrated a 30-10 victory over defending NRL premiers Cronulla, mastering atrociously wet conditions at CBus Super Stadium. The 22-year-old crossed twice and laid on two more tries in Saturday night’s rout of the second-placed Sharks, making light of the conditions while others around him struggled to adapt.
Heavy rain fell all afternoon on the Gold Coast and continued as the game began, creating large pools of water that made conventional rugby league near-impossible. But Taylor rose above it, grubbering with composure for Konrad Hurrell to score in the ninth minute.
The Sharks looked to respond but were twice held up over the line and denied for a third time as players splashed for a loose ball between the uprights. Taylor brought the score to 8-0 six minutes before the break, slicing through the defence almost untouched from a scrum to the delight of 14,333 rain-soaked fans.
The puddles had disappeared in the second half, but the drier conditions only served to tighten Taylor’s grip on the game.
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AFL: Full-time - Melbourne (70) Crows (116)
A great day for the Crows who cement their place at the top of the ladder with a win that was never really in doubt from the end of the first quarter. They took their foot off the gas towards the end of the 3rd quarter but, frankly, they could afford to.
And as a bonus for fans, Taylor Walker gave away free tickets to the gun show...
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AFL: Full-time Giants (83) Swans (96)
That’s it, the Swans have done it. A big, big win that shakes up the ladder yet again. How long can they keep up this run, and how high can they rise? They were the better side tonight against one of the best in the competition.
AFL: Q4 Giants (83) Swans (96) - 0:30 remaining
This is a huge result for the Swans and sends a message to the rest of the competition. They’re back. Smith pulls one back for the Giants but it’s too little too late. They’ve lacked a little composure if not class.
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AFL: Q4 Giants (77) Swans (96) - 1:40 remaining
That’s it surely! Papley with a simple kick after being put clean through by Franklin. The Giants are up against it now.
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AFL: Q4 Giants (77) Swans (90) - 4:20 remaining
The Swans chewing up time, hoping to frustrate the Giants who are close but not close enough. It’s turning into a melee around the ball, desperate players diving everywhere.
AFL: Q4 Giants (77) Swans (90) - 5:40 remaining
Big call as the Giants get a kick in front of goal, possibly for a block. The Swans are seething. The kick is good and the Giants cling on. Is there enough time for them to turn this around?
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Football: Full-time - Arsenal 3-1 Wanderers
And there we go, a convincing win for Arsenal and an entertaining night for the Wanderers at a packed out ANZ Stadium. Mission accomplished for all concerned.
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Football: Arsenal 3-1 Wanderers - 90+1mins
Arsenal put on a late flurry of attacks, Walcott having a shot tipped around the post, another shot cracking the upright. The Wanderers just starting to tire.
Football: Arsenal 3-1 Wanderers - 88 mins
There’s a slight feeling of going through the motions now... although you could possibly argue that Arsenal have been doing that since kick-off, such is their languid style. The fans at ANZ can’t say they haven’t been entertained though.
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AFL: Q4 Giants (64) Swans (82) - 13:30 remaining
The Swans are starting to turn the screw, another goal just edging them further ahead and demoralising the Giants - who seem to be losing their cool a little. That’s been the difference between the sides tonight - experience. The Swans have used every bit they have to get into this position. There’s still just enough time, and the Giants have the talent to turn things around. The clock’s ticking though.
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Football: Arsenal 3-1 Wanderers - 80 mins
Cornthwaite seems to have hurt his head while challenging for a corner - and it looks like Janjetovic was the guilty party, flying out to claim a corner and clocking his teammate on the bonce. He’s up and running after a few moments though. Arsenal just getting on top again, a few more openings being created.
Football: Arsenal 3-1 Wanderers - 77 mins
The game has turned a little scrappy, which in a backhanded way is praise for the Wanderers who have managed to upset Arsenal’s rhythm. There have been far fewer flowing passing moves around the Wanderers’ box and far more direct runs towards goal by the Wanderers attack.
Football: Arsenal 3-1 Wanderers - 74 mins
Hats off to the Wanderers, they’ve made a real fist of it in this half. The gulf in class is obvious but they’ve worked harder than the Gunners to stay in touch. Walcott shows a couple of brilliant little touches to get away from three markers - but his final ball lets him down.
AFL: Q3T Giants (55) Swans (69)
That’s it for the quarter and the Swans still have their noses in front, pulling out every bit of experience and skill they have to keep the talented Giants at arm’s length. Can they do it for one last quarter though? No idea - but it’ll be fun finding out.
AFL: Q3 Giants (55) Swans (69) - 1:55 remaining
What a kick from Johnson; the tightest of angles with the Giants under pressure and he conjures a goal from nowhere. They’re still in with a shout but the Swans are in the driving seat as we head towards the final break.
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Football: Arsenal 3-1 Wanderers - 61 mins
Arsenal guilty of switching off a little, clearly getting too comfortable as the Wanderers try and hit on the break after a soft pass from Arsenal in midfield is pounced on. Fair play to the Wanderers, they haven’t let their heads drop and are determined to make a game of it - and in the last few minutes, Arsenal have allowed them to.
Football: Arsenal 3-1 Wanderers - 57 mins
Lustica pulls one back for the Wanderers, firing a free-kick from six yards out (it was for a pass-back) into the wall, then driving the rebound into the roof of the net. A little glimmer for the hosts.
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Football: Arsenal 3-0 Wanderers - 54 mins
Unless Arsene Wenger makes some major changes and substitutions in the next few minutes, it’s only a matter of time before Arsenal grab another goal. That said, the Wanderers have had their first real chance - Clisby striking the crossbar from close-range.
And is it me or does it look like Xhaka is having his nipple tweaked in that photo?
Football: Arsenal 3-0 Wanderers - 50 mins
The Gunners pick up where they left off, Elneny clearly buoyed by his “goal” cracks one off the crossbar that somehow stays out. Giroud puts the rebound wide.
AFL: Q3 Giants (43) Swans (62) - 11:45 remaining
Hanneberry puts it through the posts to boost the Swans’ buffer again. It must be frustrating for the Giants, every time they get within touching distance the Swans eek out another goal. Great to watch though, two different styles clashing head to head.
AFL: Q3 Giants (43) Swans (56) - 13:01 remaining
I was about to say it’s been intense without being dirty so far - although a little kick by Newman on Patton looked, for a moment, like a line had been crossed. Replays suggest it was accidental though. Either way, it seems to distract the Giants player enough to skew his kick wide. He gets another shot moments later though and nails it.
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AFL: Q3 Giants (36) Swans (56) - 16:00 remaining
It’s a real scrap out there, neither side giving an inch. How different is this Swans side from the team that lost to the Giants earlier in the season? It’s all about confidence. The Swans kick another one to extend the lead - they’ve come out fired up.
AFL: Halftime - Melbourne (33) Crows (72)
The Crows continue to march on at the top of the ladder. It’ll take something remarkable for this one to turn around.
Time for a quick catch-up on the rest of the games in progress at the minute.
NRL: Titans 26-0 Sharks - 60 mins
The Sharks’ flawless away record is in serious danger at Cbus Super Stadium - Roberts the latest to go over the try line for the hosts.
Super Rugby: Force 31-6 Waratahs - 53 mins
A pretty convincing home win on the cards for the Force too. Hard to see the Tahs coming back from this one. It’s been a miserable campaign for Folau and company.
Football: Half-time - Arsenal 3-0 Wanderers
And that’s it, Arsenal on cruise control as they walk off the pitch having barely broken a sweat.
Football: Arsenal 3-0 Wanderers - 44mins
A deflection off Hamill from an Elneny shot and Arsenal are three goals to the good. Unfortunate for the hosts - Janjetovic had no chance - but probably a fair reflection of just how dominant Arsenal have been.
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Football: Arsenal 2-0 Wanderers - 43 mins
It’s pretty subdued around Spotless, if not exactly quiet - more like the fans are trying to entertain themselves. Giroud with a sharp turn and shot that’s turned away by the keeper.
Football: Arsenal 2-0 Wanderers - 39 mins
Ramsey doubles the Gunners’ lead with a lob and this has all the hallmarks of a cakewalk for Arsene Wenger’s men. The Wanderers are energetic enough but the difference in class is too much, even with Arsenal playing at 80 per cent.
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AFL: Q2T Giants (36) Swans (47)
A damaging last few minutes for the Swans, and a couple of priceless goals for the Giants as we head into the main break.
Football: Arsenal 1-0 Wanderers - 36 mins
Clisby with a good cross into the box that’s defended well by Arsenal. It had to be though, it was a dangerous ball. Good response from the Wanderers although they’ve still barely had a sniff of goal.
Football: Arsenal 1-0 Wanderers - 31 mins
Giroud comes up with a fantastic finish to put Arsenal ahead. It was always coming, just not in any particular rush.
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AFL: Q2 Giants (36) Swans (47) - 0:30 remaining
Shows what I know. The Swans throw themselves a little too far forward in the hunt for more goals and they get hit on the break, Scully with a confident kick to bring the Giants back into it. A couple of minutes later and Kelly kicks from the sideline to bring the difference back to 11.
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AFL: Q2 Giants (24) Swans (47) - 2:30 remaining
Buddy with a kick to extend the Swans’ lead to 23. The visitors are asking all the questions at the minute. The first signs of nerves from the Giants and the Swans smell blood. They want to make the most of this, the Giants are too good to be on the backfoot for long.
Football: Arsenal 0-0 Wanderers - 26 mins
Giroud with a free header from a cross six yards out ... but it goes straight to the keeper. The linesman had his flag up anyway.
Football: Arsenal 0-0 Wanderers - 23 mins
The Wanderers are sitting very far back, Arsenal content to play it around and wait for some space to appear. Baccus tries to spring a counter-attack but it comes to nothing. It’s Majok next with some possession around the Arsenal box, but the ball never gets past the first man. It’s the first suggestion of danger for Arsenal but the Gunners deal with it very comfortably.
Football: Arsenal 0-0 Wanderers - 19 mins
Still that patient passing play from Arsenal that can be as mesmerising as it is frustrating. They don’t seem in any rush to score. Fair play, it’s hardly a crucial tie. No need to strain something. Ramsay with a cross into the box but Janjetovic flings himself at it to cut out the danger.
AFL: Q2 - Giants (23) Swans (34) - 10:30 remaining
Egads it’s fierce out there - it’s energy-sapping just watching it. Despite some impressive stats for the Giants, the Swans are the side in front. They’ve been shrewd with their possession and tough in defence.
AFL: Q2 - Giants (23) Swans (28) 12:10 remaining
It’s taken a while but we have our first goal of the second quarter, the Giants kicking a long one to get within five points. The goals might not be there but the intensity is. There’s a crackle in the air at Spotless.
Football: Arsenal 0-0 Wanderers - 11mins
A scything tackle and Arsenal get a free-kick on the left of the box. It’s swung in and cleared easily enough, but the pressure continues until Giroud skews one wide under pressure and with the ball behind him. Not sure what he was trying to achieve with that. Neither does he by the sheepish look on his face.
Football: Arsenal 0-0 Wanderers - 8mins
There’s no real urgency from Arsenal, just patient build-up play - but you sense they’re just one cutting move away from opening the scoring. The Wanderers are much more direct with their few rare forays forward, nothing the Arsenal defence can’t handle.
Football: Arsenal 0-0 Wanderers - 3mins
Early chance for Lacazette but Janjetovic is equal to it, diving low to keep the shot out. Some good forward play for Arsenal, creating space and passing well, although they’re still in second gear.
Football: Over to Sydney where Arsenal are preparing to take on the Wanderers. Lacazette makes his first start for the Gunners.
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AFL: Q1T Giants (16) Swans (28)
The Giants get one last shot at goal - but Shiel takes it too far to the left. After withstanding that early assault, the Swans have bounced back to take a healthy lead into the break.
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AFL: Q1 Giants (15) Swans (28) - 1:58 remaining
And the Swans are in front. Great kick by Kennedy as the Swans take the lead for the first time. The Giants are getting a bit of battering, physically speaking at least, with de Boer the latest player to take a bashing. He hobbles off just as the Swans boot another one to go further ahead.
AFL: Q1 Giants (15) Swans (15) - 3:10 remaining
Not only have the Swans soaked up that pressure, they’ve struck back to go level. Frustrating for the Giants but battling stuff from the Swans. Both sides playing well and we could be in for a cracker if this intensity continues.
AFL: Q1 Giants (14) Swans (8) - 6:50 remaining
Despite the Giants’ dominance so far there’s still only six points in it, earlier in the season they would have run over the Swans but the visitors biding their time and soaking up the pressure, waiting for a chance to hit back. You’d still prefer to be in the Giants’ shoes though, they’re looking strong.
I suddenly have a hankering for a chocolate orange.
AFL: Q1 Giants (8) Swans (0) 15:20 remaining
Solid start from the Giants who are making all the early running. My dreams of early retirement are starting to fade already ($20 at 101-1 odds is $2million in winnings right?) Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. The Swans struggling to get out of their own end at the moment.
OK people, it’s almost time for the Sydney derby. It’s a game of huge significance – not just because it pits one of the competition favourites against a side in red-hot form in a fierce derby rivalry (although there is that), but because in a fit of madness earlier in the season I bet $20 on the Swans to make the top four after they lost their first six games. The odds? 101-1… and they’re so close now I can almost taste it. Alas, this clash marks the start of a very tough run-in - which is why I’m making this shameless plug about my predictive powers while I still can.
NRL: Full-time - Knights 22-34 Broncos
It’s all over in the Hunter too. That Broncos blitz at the start of the second half was decisive in the end, the Knights paying the price for a sloppy 10 minutes - but that’s all it takes at this level.
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AFL: Full-time - Gold Coast (88) Collingwood (103)
That’s all she wrote. A late flurry from the Pies has relieved some of the pressure on Nathan Buckley after four defeats. It was tight right up until the last 15 minutes. The weather didn’t help matters for either side. It looks atrocious out there.
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NRL: 75 mins - Knights 22-30 Broncos
Time running out for the Knights. They need something fast but the Broncos are looking in stingy mood.
That reminds me. Can’t wait for the new season of Bojack Horseman.
AFL: Q4 Gold Coast (82) Collingwood (97) - 4:04 remaining
We may have a winner in sight. There’s finally some daylight (no pun intended) between the Suns and the Magpies, and with Gold Coast down a couple of players, it’s a big ask for them to come back again. Another goal from Collingwood seems more likely than a comeback by the Suns.
NRL: 66 mins - Knights 22-24 Broncos
We’ve got a game on our hands now. Hats off (again) to the Knights, they’re battling for everything out there - although they’re still two points behind purely because of that sluggish start to the half. The Broncos are up for the fight too, some big hits going in from both sides as we head towards end-game.
NRL: 60 mins - Knights 18-24 Broncos
Newcastle not out of this, a much-needed try stopping the rot and they’re battling for every inch out there. They may be eyeing up the wooden spoon but it’s not due to a lack of effort - just silly spells where they seem to switch off.
AFL: Q4 Gold Coast (76) Collingwood (83) - 12:20 remaining
Still tight at Metricon with both teams making mistakes as they look to build a decisive bit of momentum. Kicks being fluffed, catches being fumbled, although the weather is more to blame than the pressure.
NRL: 52 mins - Knights 12-24 Broncos
And the Broncos are in again. A terrible spell for the Knights, ruthless stuff from the Broncos. It’s Milford this time, and this is getting out of hand fast for the side from the Hunter. A blistering start to the second half from Brisbane.
NRL: 48 mins - Knights 12-18 Broncos
Moga in the corner and, just like that, the Broncos are back in front. They’ve caught the Knights cold at the start of this half - not the first time that’s happened to Newcastle. Someone needs to wake the Knights up.
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NRL: 44 mins - Knights 12-12 Broncos
Different code, similar story at Newcastle - with things as tight as possible. As expected the Broncos have come out for the second half fired up and have already squared the scoreboard. I wonder what Wayne Bennett said to them at the break. Probably unprintable here.
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AFL: 3QT - Gold Coast (68) Collingwood (69)
Players slipping and sliding all over the place, it’s really chucking it down out there. And that’s it for the quarter, with only one point in it. You’d have to be brave to call this one - braver than me anyway (insert joke here).
AFL: Q3 Gold Coast (61) Collingwood (62) - 6:30 remaining
Someone grab an oil can because the hinges on this see-saw match are getting a thorough workout. Collingwood in front now when just 10 minutes ago it was the Suns who had all the momentum.
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NRL: Half-time - Knights 12-6 Broncos
Thar she blows. The Knights head into the sheds in the lead... although they’ve done that a few times this season only to blow it after the break. The Knights fans are lapping this up, quite rightly cheering off the players. Can they keep it up for another 40 minutes? I suspect the Broncos will get an earful off Wayne Bennett. Expect them to step it up a notch.
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NRL: 37mins - Knights 12-6 Broncos
Fair play to the Knights. After the season they’ve had they could have crumbled mentally but they’ve hit back with aplomb - two tries shooting them into the lead in response to the Broncos’ opener.
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AFL: Q3 Gold Coast (53) Collingwood (47) 16:30 remaining
We’re under way again at Metricon Stadium and the Suns have picked up where they left off, with a goal from their skipper to put them back in front. As we’ve already seen, though, the momentum in this game can swing in a moment. The hosts looking good though. For now.
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NRL: 28 mins - Knights 0-6 Broncos
Jordan Kahu with a beauty of a catch from a kick into the corner to dive over the line. The conversion is good too. Terrific stuff to open the scoring. Hard on the Knights but something had to give.
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NRL: 24 mins - Knights 0-0 Broncos
The Knights start to build a bit of pressure of their own, but the Broncos escape with a tight offside call - just when it looked like they’d knocked on from their own 10m line. The Knights fans are in fine voice, and well they might be. They’re frustrating the Broncos and just starting to show signs of attacking football themselves.
NRL: 20mins - Knights 0-0 Broncos
Still nothing on the scoreboard, although Brisbane have been pushing hard. The Knights have held up well - so far - but they won’t be able to hold them off forever. Credit where credit’s due though, they’ve defended bravely, holding them up on the line and scurrying back to collect kicks in danger areas. They just need a bit of a breather.
Cricket: From AAP. Australian cricket’s pay stoush will continue on Monday, with a marathon round of talks unable to break the revenue-sharing deadlock.
Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association are attempting to thrash out a new Memorandum of Understanding. The previous MoU expired at the end of the financial year on June 30, leaving 230 players unemployed and prompting the cancellation of this month’s Australia A tour to South Africa.
There has been progress this week, with CA chief executive James Sutherland injecting himself into negotiations in an attempt to end the saga. Friday’s session wrapped up at approximately 7.30pm, and the discussion resumed on Saturday morning, then ended shortly after lunch.
The governing body and players’ union are expected to meet again on Monday. “The increased involvement of CA CEO James Sutherland has been pleasing,” ACA chief executive Alistair Nicholson said. “A better understanding has been established on both parties’ positions.”
AFL: Q2 Gold Coast (47) Collingwood (47)
All level at half-time - although lord knows how. The Suns were very close to going into the main break in the lead after looking down the barrel about 15 minutes earlier. Still, it sets up an intriguing clash when they come back out. Pressure on both teams to get a result - who will crack first?
AFL: Q2 Gold Coast (47) Collingwood (46) - 2:40 remaining
My, my, my how the tables have turned. Well it’s been a hell of response from the Gold Coast. After looking shot about five minutes into this quarter, they’re now - remarkably - ahead. The Magpies are struggling for answers in the rain. Jekyll and Hyde doesn’t even begin to describe it. For both sides.
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NRL: 4 mins - Knights 0-0 Broncos
And we’re under way in Newcastle. Man it must be tough to be a sports fan in Newcastle these days, whether it’s football or rugby league, it’s slim pickings. Can the Knights spring a surprise here? They’ve made a decent start to be fair, pinning Brisbane back in their own half. Early days yet though.
AFL: Q2 Gold Coast (34) Collingwood (46) - 8:06 remaining
You turn away for two seconds and this is what happens. Gold Coast have shot back into contention, blitzing the Pies to get back within six points after a flurry of goals. Collingwood stop the rot with a goal of their own but it’s game on again.
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NRL: Some overdue housekeeping from last night’s games. This from AAP.
Compensating for the likely injury-enforced absence of Warriors star Shaun Johnson is a near-impossible task, his halves partner has admitted.
Kieran Foran could only watch on in horror as Johnson, with his side up 22-18 in the 62nd minute of Friday’s NRL clash with Penrith, buckled over chasing an Isaac Luke chip-kick and visibly grimaced in pain. He limped off and the Warriors slumped to a 34-22 defeat.
As both the Warriors and Kiwis playmaker-in-chief, hearts will be in mouths up and down New Zealand until Johnson’s condition is made clear. The 26-year-old will undergo knee scans on Saturday, with an announcement from the club expected at some point on Sunday or Monday.
Should Johnson’s worst fears be confirmed, his 2017 campaign - including the World Cup - could be over. “You can’t replace a guy like that,” Foran said. “It’s going to come down to the leadership group, everyone stepping up a notch and collectively, everyone will (also) just have to play that little bit better.”
AFL: Q2 Gold Coast (13) Collingwood (40) - 16:05 remaining
Collingwood have picked up where they left off at the end of the first quarter. It’s been one-way traffic since after the first five minutes. The Suns just need a spark before this game runs away from them, they look pretty miserable in the rain.
Super Rugby: Full-time - Chiefs 28-10 Brumbies
And that’s all she wrote. The Brumbies showed plenty of grit but they were just outclassed by the better side, who could’ve won by more if they’d been a bit more clinical. No bonus point for you. Finals ahoy.
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AFL: Q1 Gold Coast (13) Collingwood (34) - 2:49 remaining
Well it’s gone downhill fast for the Suns since we last checked in on them. Collingwood are, dare I cliche it, eclipsing the Suns on the Gold Coast, racing out to to a 20-point lead as we close in on the end of the first quarter. Lyons, who opened the scoring, has hobbled back onto the field after some time off with a knock. Maybe that will boost the hosts.
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Super Rugby: 74 mins - Chiefs 28-10 Brumbies
Michael Leitch scores in the corner to bump the Chiefs further ahead, and McKenzie kicks the conversion. The Brumbies have never been in this but they’ve battled hard throughout. It’d be a shame if they went down to a big score. Just another six minutes to go.
AFL: Full-time - Port Adelaide (127) North Melbourne (57)
Well the final whistle has blown but this game was over some time ago. Brutal stuff from Port Adelaide.
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NRL: Before I go any further, time to tip the hat to a NSW Blues star who has called time on his representative career. This from AAP...
NSW State of Origin winger Brett Morris has announced his retirement from representative football, effective immediately. Morris, who has played 14 games for NSW, took to Instagram to confirm his retirement on Saturday. The decision will mean the 30-year-old won’t feature for the Kangaroos in Australia’s end-of-year World Cup campaign.
“It was an absolute honour to wear the Blues jersey for one last time,” Morris wrote. “I’m so proud to have been able to represent my state and my family in the toughest arena of all and have now made the decision to retire from rep football.”
Morris made his debut for the Blues in 2010, and played a key role in winning the opening game of their victorious 2014 series win, before he was ruled out of the next two games with injury. He played all three games of this year’s series, and made a classic try-saving tackle on Queensland Cooper Cronk in the early stages of the Blues’ loss in Wednesday’s decider.
He bows out with the incredible strike rate of 23 tries in 18 Tests for Australia since his debut in 2009, having also played a role in their 2013 World Cup success.
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AFL: Gold Coast (6) Collingwood (0) - 17:46 remaining
The Suns have got things under way on the Gold Coast - with Jarryd Lyons kicking a corker for the game’s opening goal. Here come the Suns...
Super Rugby: 58mins - Chiefs 21-10 Brumbies
Well they were within touching distance for a long while but the Brumbies are just starting to slip further behind against the Chiefs. Hardly unexpected - and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if the score blows out to a big one. Chins up Brumbies, chins up.
AFL: Q4 Port Adelaide (111) North Melbourne (55) - 13:08 remaining
Well that’s a hell of a way to start a shift. Well done to the Cats, commiserations to the Hawks. Can Port Adelaide and North Melbourne replicate that same amount of drama? The short answer is no. Port Adelaide are cruising to victory. As expected.
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AFL: Full-time - Geelong (88) Hawthorn (85)
My word. Well the Cats made it in the end but it was so much tighter than they would have liked. After pulling it back to within four points with 20 seconds to go, the Hawks had a chance right at the death but just skewed the final kick wide. And that’s it. The Cats take home the chocolates.
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AFL: Geelong (88) Hawthorn (78) 01:10 remaining
It’s straight to Geelong where time is running out for the Hawks who are giving the Cats a big scare. Things were neck and neck heading into the final quarter but it looks like Geelong are juuuust starting to pull away at the death... although they’ve just missed a sitter that would have killed the game.
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Preamble
Afternoon everyone, I hope you’ve powered up your devices with a Tesla battery because we’re in for a long, long night of sport. There’s more juicy stuff rammed in tonight than a Trump Jnr email, and with a Sydney derby thrown into the mix it could be just as explosive. Here’s a rundown of all the action.
AFL: With a quintet of clashes, it’s all about AFL today. The Geelong and Hawthorn match is already in the final quarter (and is proving tighter than expected). The Port v North Melbourne game isn’t far behind – but is going much more predictably. More on those two clashes in a couple of minutes. There are another 30 minutes or so before the Suns versus Collingwood clash kicks off, then it’s off to Sydney for the big derby – the Swans v Giants, which promises to be a belter. I’m already salivating, although apparently that’s a glandular issue. I’ll be blogging throughout that match. Riding on its coattails is the intriguing clash between Melbourne and the all-conquering Crows.
Super Rugby: The lame horse that has been the Australian Super Rugby regular season is put out of its misery this weekend with a final round of fixtures. With grim predictability, both the Reds and Rebels lost last night – and the Brumbies are currently battling valiantly with the Chiefs. But at least one Australian team will be celebrating victory this weekend (probably) as the Force and the Waratahs clash at nib Stadium this evening. Damn it, who put those straws just out of reach?
NRL: It’s an Nsync kind of weekend in the NRL – as its Bye, Bye, Byes all round (I’ll get me coat). Yes, cry me a river because Origin shenanigans means it’s a bye week for four teams. The hapless Knights host the Broncos in just over an hour, then it’s up to the Gold Coast for the Titans v Sharkies.
Football: Arsenal in Sydney - The Sequel takes centre stage this evening with the Gunners heading to ANZ Stadium to face the Western Sydney Wanderers. As someone who made the trip from the UK to Sydney a few days ago, I expect Arsenal will be much sharper than they were against Sydney FC on Thursday after two more nights rest. On a related note, if something like “sgsfgsergdgggg345sdsddfgdfs” appears on one of my posts, please call the Guardian office as it means the jet lag has kicked in and I’ve fallen asleep on my laptop.
Cricket: We’ll be running a dedicated live blog on the women’s Cricket World Cup clash between Australia and South Africa. That kicks off at 7.30pm. I’ll plug the link when it’s up and running.
Later on in the night we’ll also have action from Wimbledon, the British GP and the Tour de France, although as that’ll be getting close to my bedtime I’ll just post some links instead then keel over.
That’s about it for now. Feel free to stick around, leave your coat at the door and tuck into the cocktails sausages and Doritos. They’re on the house. Get in touch if you feel the need, either below the line or via email (richard.gadsby.casual@theguardian.com)
Updated
Richard will be here shortly. In the meantime, what to do about the sorry state of Australian Super Rugby? Here’s an idea:
