Thanks for your company this evening. What a night it has been with thrilling wins for Collingwood, South Sydney and Argentina.
An incredible set of preliminary finals awaits next week with the top four all through in the NRL and four of the top five in the AFL.
Of course, we’ll be here to bring you all the action.
Goodnight!
Here’s the write-up from the MCG.
Now it’s on to Richmond vs. Collingwood in a preliminary final - woof!
Wallabies fans literally pushing and shoving with players here at Cbus. Unbelievable scenes #AUSvARG
— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) September 15, 2018
Rugby: If Leon Cameron starts to feel the heat this coming offseason he might be thankful he’s not Michael Cheika. A 23-19 defeat at home by Argentina is not the kind of result the under pressure Wallabies coach was looking for. Geoff Lemon is covering that story over here:
Updated
And for GWS? Another season goes begging for perhaps the most talented list in the competition. They’ve had their challenges this year but they’re at risk of failing to capitalise on the massive advantages bestowed upon them.
WE'RE INTO A PRELIMINARY FINAL. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! #FOREVER pic.twitter.com/8VuIyhQ1VM
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) September 15, 2018
Collingwood led the stats, finishing with +89 disposals, +11 inside-50s and +14 hit-outs. De Goey’s 3 goals and all-round performance was decisive, as was Pendlebury’s match-leading 11 tackles and Sidebottom’s team-high 31 disposals.
That was a funny old game. It swung one way then the other with goals hard to come by but arriving in exciting bursts. Collingwood deserve enormous credit for backing up from last week’s defeat to West Coast and then withstanding GWS’ attempts to drag the game into a slog during the second half. A defining moment for Nathan Buckley.
Full TIme: Collingwood 9.15 (69) to GWS 9.5 (59)
The Pies have done it. The preliminary finals are set: West Coast vs. Melbourne and now Richmond vs. Collingwood.
GOAL! Collingwood 9.15 (69) to GWS 9.5 (59)
01:00 remaining. Joffa’s got his gold jacket on but Tomlinson isn’t paying attention and he slams home a late consolation for GWS.
02:00 remaining. “Colllllllingwooooooooood” reverberates around the MCG. The Magpies know they’ve done enough now. Next week is going to be massive with a preliminary final against old enemy Richmond at the end of it.
04:00 remaining. Collingwood still with the 16 point advantage as time runs out for GWS.
AFL - 05:30 remaining. The Giants are continuing to press but they’re unable to find enough links in the chain when it counts. Another chance goes begging when Coniglio slices his Hail Mary and Cox secures another pressure releasing mark.
Updated
NRL: That does it for Souths. The top four in the NRL all make it through to the preliminary finals. What a finals series this is turning into.
NRL: Reynolds with another field goal for the Rabbitohs! In the 79th minute! What drama in the NRL.
Rugby: On a night full of tension there’s only one point in it in the rugby too - Argentina leading the Wallabies 20-19 with ten minutes remaining.
AFL - 09:30 remaining. Big moment for GWS and Cameron can’t step up to the plate when it counts. His lead created separation from his direct opponent but after securing the mark 40m out he couldn’t convert the goal. Is that it for the Giants?
NRL: Another Reynolds field goal has levelled the scores with two minutes left!
NRL: The Dragons lead by one with only a few minutes to go! Reynolds drop-kicked Souths in front with ten minutes to go but a Lomax penalty five minutes later restored the Dragons’ advantage. Nail-biting stuff in Sydney.
Updated
12:00 remaining. Almost back-t0-back from GWS but Himmelberg can’t convert from 45m out following a poor turnover in midfield from Collingwood. The Giants are well set to pin the Pies in their own territory but Mason Cox crashes through to take a superb relieving mark and from the resulting counter Josh Thomas should score but hooks his set shot badly wide.
GOAL! Collingwood 9.12 (66) to GWS 8.3 (51)
14:30 remaining. And right on cue, totally against the run of play the Giants somehow conjure a reply. De Boer it was collecting the ball front and square and kicking truly from 40m out.
Updated
15:00 remaining. So so close to four in a row. De Goey has been outstanding tonight and he almost bagged his fourth goal but his set shot after a thrilling mark drifts wide. 85% of this quarter has been played in Collingwood’s attacking territory.
GOAL! Collingwood 9.12 (66) to GWS 7.3 (45)
17:00 remaining. Three in a row! Is that the game for the Pies? Another centre clearance, another efficient entry and another goal. This time De Goey takes the honours, the recipient of a free-kick for holding after he tried to push off against his marker in the goal square.
GOAL! Collingwood 8.12 (60) to GWS 7.3 (45)
18:00 remaining. Two in a minute for the Pies and the G is rocking! Collingwood won the centre clearance, the ball’s smuggled forward and it ends in the arms of Hoskin-Elliott who marks adjacent to the behind post. The set shot was never in doubt, snapping across his body with power and through the big sticks.
GOAL! Collingwood 7.12 (54) to GWS 7.3 (45)
19:00 remaining. First blood Collingwood! Some outstanding defensive work created an unlikely breakaway that De Goey turned into something exciting that Varcoe honoured with six points, slotting the goal on the run.
Back at the MCG, the final quarter is underway between Collingwood and GWS.
Rugby: And Argentina have extended their lead over the Wallabies to 20-14 early in the second half. Remember Geoff Lemon is all over that one.
NRL: 15 minutes left in the NRL semi-final and the Rabbitohs have dragged the scores level at 10-apiece with the Dragons. Adam Reynolds with a try and three goals for Souths.
Three-quarter time: Collingwood 6.12 (48) to GWS 7.3 (45)
If the opening quarter was all Collingwood and the second all GWS, this was nip and tuck with both sides threatening to establish dominance but neither kicking away. A blockbuster final term coming up!
Updated
3rd quarter, 00:30 remaining. Big moment in the quarter. Collingwood slip the least on the left wing. With nobody else for miles near them Stephenson and Reid go head to head. Reid goes to ground, Stephenson pins the ball to the defender and Collingwood win the free-kick. Can the Magpies kick away again in the shadows of the final break? No. Three points in it.
3rd quarter, 03:00 remaining. Both sides are making errors in possession and it’s descending into a scrappy old contest but one with phenomenal attack on the ball. Ooooooh, Jeremy Howe is inches away from yet another mark of the year contender but despite not holding on to the grab he does enough to stymy a promising GWS attack.
3rd quarter, 04:30 remaining. Suddenly it’s all GWS again. Repeat entries inside-50 test the Collingwood defence but weight of numbers does the job for the Magpies for now.
In the NRL semi-final the Dragons are still 8-2 up against the Rabbitohs with 52 minutes gone.
GOAL! Collingwood 6.11 (47) to GWS 7.3 (45)
3rd quarter, 06:00 remaining. Tumbling kick inside 50 and Zac Langdon plucks it out of the sky for GWS. He launches a huuuuuuuuuuge bomb from 50m and against the run of play the Giants are back within two points.
3rd quarter, 07:30 remaining. Eight inside-50s in a row to Collingwood but GWS fight off the ropes to clear their lines. The pressure increasing by the minute and the skill errors are creeping in. This will be a nervy final half-hour or so.
3rd quarter, 10:30 remaining. The last few minutes have been open end-to-end footy, which is just what Collingwood want and they exploit the expanses of the MCG once again with Varcoe and Phillips to the fore. Eventually James Aish misses horribly from 30m out on a slight angle. This game has ebbed and flowed all night with each side looking dominant in different phases. Right now it’s on Collingwood’s terms, can they capitalise?
GOAL! Collingwood 6.10 (46) to GWS 6.3 (39)
3rd quarter, 12:30 remaining. It’s raining goals at the MCG and Collingwood have answered the challenge of GWS with two quickfire majors of their own. Turnover in midfield and the Pies take full advantage, smashing the ball forward for Mihocek to snap with the outside of his right boot. GWS were adamant that was touched off the boot and replays suggest Phil Davis had a case - but the goal stands.
It’s half-time in the Rugby Championship and Argentina have snuck in front 17-14 over the Wallabies.
GOAL! Collingwood 5.10 (40) to GWS 6.3 (39)
3rd quarter, 14:30 remaining. Collingwood do their best to counterpunch down the left wing, feeding De Goey on the lead, but his long range effort is palmed behind. GWS can’t clear their lines though and the Pies recycle from halfway, setting up that man De Goey again, and he doesn’t miss a second time. Goal for goal at the G!
GOAL! Collingwood 4.9 (33) to GWS 6.3 (39)
3rd quarter, 16:30 remaining. Two in the blink of an eye and GWS hit the front for the first time tonight! The ball gets hoisted into the mixer and Cameron is the first to react after it’s brought to ground, holding off Sidebottom to snap a right-footed finish across his body. What have Collingwood got in response?
GOAL! Collingwood 4.9 (33) to GWS 5.3 (33)
3rd quarter, 17:30 remaining. GWS have started brightly, making sure the game is once again played in close and on their terms. A couple of entries inside-50 result in a single behind but the pressure is relentless and eventually it tells on Jack Crisp who coughs up a cheap turnover to Coniglio. The preeminent player of the match threads the needle from deep in the pocket to kick his side level.
3rd quarter, 19:30 remaining. Back underway at the MCG. The third quarter beginning with a series of stoppages in the centre square.
Leon Cameron speaking to Cameron Ling at half-time explained his delighted at making the game “dour” in the second term after getting “blown away” early.
Back to the AFL, and it will be interesting to see if the MRP finds anything of note from that all-in just before half-time. Clearly Richmond will be hoping for a rash of suspensions.
On behalf of all Tigers supporters, let me say that this horrible violence is turning kids away from the game and must be penalised with massive suspensions #AFLPiesGiants #AFLFinals @IntegrityUnit pic.twitter.com/F7WPxaY4im
— Ares Mars (@AresMarsFlack) September 15, 2018
NRL: While up in Sydney an upset could be brewing with the Dragons holding an 8-2 advantage on the Rabbitohs at half-time. Ben Hunt with a converted try for the visitors.
Rugby: In other news, the Wallabies have their noses in front of the Pumas 14-10 approaching half-time in their Rugby Championship clash. You can follow that live with Geoff Lemon, his blog including details of that rarest of things, an All Blacks defeat.
Collingwood have the better of the stats sheet with +30 disposals and +12 inside-50s. But from those 34 entires they’ve produced just six marks and four goals.
Individually, Coniglio is the leading ball-winner and Thomas is the only multiple goal-kicker.
Interestingly, despite Grundy getting the jump early on Lobb the Giant has evened things up in their duel and has that second-quarter goal to his credit.
Updated
De Goey kicks a goal on the siren and then a fight breaks out!!
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 15, 2018
Don't miss #AFLPiesGiants halftime show on 7. pic.twitter.com/sAa3eJlS5Z
Half-time: Collingwood 4.9 (33) to GWS 4.2 (26)
Collingwood deserve to be ahead on the strength of their opening quarter dominance but GWS took the ascendancy in the second and will be furious they didn’t make it to the siren just one point behind. That almost-brawl after De Goey’s goal suggests the second-half could be pretty tasty.
Updated
GOAL! Collingwood 4.9 (33) to GWS 4.2 (26)
2nd quarter, 00:00 remaining. Bosh! As the siren sounds De Goey hacks one off the ground to restore Collingwood’s seven-point lead. It sparks a massive melee with players hurtling into each other from all angles. Half-time can wait a few seconds while this gets sorted out. Tempers flaring in that second quarter.
GOAL! Collingwood 3.9 (27) to GWS 4.2 (26)
2nd quarter, 01:00 remaining. De Goey works incredibly hard to fashion a scoring opportunity from just on 50m but he misses everything with his set shot. From the resulting free-kick GWS go all the way down the other end, hugging the right boundary line, until Rory Lobb splits a pack with a massive grab. The big ruckman calmly goes back and brings his side within a point!
2nd quarter, 03:00 remaining. More pressure from the Giants. This is beginning to resemble last week’s contest in Sydney with GWS starting to grind Collingwood down as the number of stoppages increase. Coniglio, Whitfield and Deledio are all seeing plenty of the footy.
2nd quarter, 05:00 remaining. Collingwood absorbing all sorts of pressure now with the Giants’ tails up. Shiel is starting to make an impact and his Judd-like burst from midfield sets up another phase of attacking play. Neither side is operating efficiently in their forward lines though and the Pies retain their slender lead.
GOAL! Collingwood 3.9 (27) to GWS 3.2 (20)
2nd quarter, 07:00 remaining. Phil Davis is back out on the ground for GWS and he’s able to witness the third Giants goal in a row! It wasn’t a thing of beauty. A string of stoppages just outside Collingwood’s 50 ends with Griffen hacking the ball forward for Himmelberg to mark smartly on the outside of his direct opponent, spin and run into an open goal.
2nd quarter, 10:00 remaining. The intensity has stepped up this quarter and it’s now much more like a finals contest. Collingwood still have the upper hand but it’s much more even around the ground. Grundy is really asserting himself in the ruck, it’s a huge advantage for the Pies. If they can figure out their forward set-up they should still win this with something to spare but some of the butter-fingers and rushed final passes leaves plenty to be desired.
Another Howe hanger for the collection! 🙌#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/kGsqMIBmn6
— AFL (@AFL) September 15, 2018
2nd quarter, 12:00 remaining. Plenty of chuntering around and about regarding the umpires.
These umps keen for an early mad Monday at this rate #AFLPiesGIANTS #mare
— Adam Cooney (@Adamcooney17) September 15, 2018
2nd quarter, 14:00 remaining. Collingwood continue to make a meal of things around the 50m arc and unlike in the opening quarter GWS are defending much more confidently and rebounding with greater purpose. They will be happy with that, they won’t be happy with Phil Davis jogging into the rooms clutching his left shoulder.
GOAL! Collingwood 3.6 (24) to GWS 2.2 (14)
2nd quarter, 16:30 remaining. Two in a row for the Giants! A promising Collingwood attack comes to nought, the Giants rebound down the left wing and Himmelberg feeds Coniglio who finishes confidently.
2nd quarter, 17:00 remaining. Much better so far this quarter for the Giants, dragging the game from an open canter for the Magpies to an arm-wrestle in close. One issue with that for GWS is that approach plays into the hands of Brodie Grundy who has an enormous advantage over Rory Lobb in the ruck.
GOAL! Collingwood 3.6 (24) to GWS 1.2 (8)
2nd quarter, 19:00 remaining. The Giants begin the comeback immediately after quarter-time. A free-kick at the centre bounce sparks an attack that ends with a scruffy passage inside-50 concluding with Griffen hacking the ball through off the ground.
Rugby: The Wallabies are about to kick-off against Argentina in the Rugby Championship. Follow all that action with Geoff Lemon here:
NRL: The Rabbitohs v Dragons semi-final has just got underway in Sydney. The score there is still 0-0.
Quarter-time: Collingwood 3.6 (24) to GWS 0.2 (2)
That was one-way traffic. Can the Giants get out of first gear? Will the Pies regret not piling on the points when the game was on their terms?
Updated
GOAL! Collingwood 3.6 (24) to GWS 0.2 (2)
1st quarter, 0:10 remaining. With the siren about to sound Collingwood finally add some respectability to the scoreboard. From their 21st inside-50 Hoskin-Elliot wins a free-kick at the top of the goalsquare and nails the six points.
1st quarter, 2:00 remaining. Better from the Giants with a couple of minutes of forward pressure. This is accompanied by a much slower tempo to the game and a flurry of stoppages. Collingwood’s defence holds firm though and a free-kick releases the pressure on halfback.
@CollingwoodFC #AFLPiesGiants cannot have started any better with effort and attack on the game..
— Gavin Crosisca (@crosisca28) September 15, 2018
1st quarter, 3:30 remaining. GWS are starting to gain something resembling a foothold in this contest but it remains a very lopsided semi-final. There is no facet of the game that is not in Collingwood’s favour, and for all that they lead only by 16 points (2.6 v 0.2).
Updated
Running hot:
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) September 15, 2018
- Treloar has 8 disposals
- Steele + Sier have 6
- Grundy is everywhere#FOREVER
1st quarter, 5:30 remaining. 17-5 inside-50s in favour of the home side but still the scoreboard doesn’t advance in a fashion commensurate with Collingwood’s dominance. GWS travelling at 60% efficiency by foot. “This game should be over already” Cameron Ling says on TV. It is a remarkably open game so far, hardly any stoppages.
1st quarter, 07:30 remaining. Good news for Collingwood with De Goey back up and running. More good news with Cameron wasting a decent shooting chance after the Pies failed to clear their lines.
1st quarter, 08:30 remaining. The Giants are finally on the board with a behind to Cameron but they are getting absolutely smashed around the ground. Collingwood’s forward pressure is exceptional, denying GWS any attacking territory.
1st quarter, 11:00 remaining. Collingwood are the only team in this. When they get the Sherrin it moves at pace among teammates, when the Giants get it it’s hurriedly butchered forward. Despite the dominance the Magpies haven’t made it hurt too badly on the scoreboard - Cox and Sier the latest to falter in front of goal. It might not be all good news for the Pies though with De Goey hobbling down the race. I’ll update you on that when more news is to hand.
GOAL! Collingwood 2.3 (15) to GWS 0.0 (0)
1st quarter, 13:00 remaining. Relentless from Collingwood, attacking by foot off halfback with precision, slicing the GWS midfield open and creating a shooting opportunity for De Goey but his very kickable set shot drifts wide. Oh no! The resulting kick-out is a shocker from Williams, Thomas sharks it without moving, snaffles the mark and nails the set shot. Collingwood roaring at the G.
1st quarter, 15:00 remaining.The teams to score first in all finals so far this year have lost, according to Matthew Richardson. Collingwood don’t look like adding to that streak though as they continue to dominate early. All the play is in GWS territory and when they break the Magpie defence is well organised and slick by foot. Wave after wave of Collingwood attack crashes on the Giants’ defence but they can’t add to that opening goal. 27-8 disposals in favour of Collingwood.
GOAL! Collingwood 1.2 (8) to GWS 0.0 (0)
1st quarter, 19:00 remaining. Red hot Pies from the opening bounce! After an early free-kick to Pendlebury, Cox brings the ball to ground and from the second effort Thomas slots the opening goal. Ripping start for Collingwood.
Here we go!
The teams are huddling ahead of the siren. Collingwood are in their traditional black and white garb with black extras, GWS in orange and charcoal with white shorts and orange socks.
Updated
Anthem time at the MCG. Both sides locking arms, standing tall and proud (no repeat of Adelaide’s face-off from last year). The wintry breeze is whipping Ryan Griffen’s hair, there’ll be some cold fingers and toes before the opening bounce.
Just minutes away.#NeverSurrender #AFLPiesGIANTS #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/T8uwJxcQXC
— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) September 15, 2018
This is the first time these sides have met in a final. It’s actually the first time they’ve ever met twice in the same season. They last took the field together way back in round two when the Giants ran out 16 point winners at the MCG. The bookies do not fancy the visitors to repeat the trick tonight, but I do. Their ability to grind out a result on a wet SCG last week revealed a steely determination we’ve not seen often from them in the past and with the Pies returning from Perth and dealing with so many absentees I fancy GWS in a close one.
On the subject of the weather, it has been a typical Melbourne day; think glorious spring sunshine interspersed with apocalyptic hailstorms. It is now bitterly cold and wet underfoot. Conditions will be challenging.
The trials and tribulations of being the biggest ticket in town. Hopefully a defeat tonight wouldn’t release the hounds on Buckley after the successes of this season under considerable duress.
The incomparable Craig Little has cast his eye over this contest and the culture change the Giants appear to have gone through this season.
While the tissue of LinkedInisms that are now the common tongue of athletes makes this sound like a palimpsest of a dozen corporate retreat brochures, the apercu is “galvanising as a group”. This more than anything is what defines the current day culture at the Giants, and it is exactly what will help them win consecutive road games to reach the club’s first grand final.
Ok, over to the Pies v Giants…
Let’s start with some line-ups. No late changes so both teams go in as listed on Thursday.
Collingwood are unchanged from their narrow loss away to West Coast last week. It remains a 22 someway short of optimal for Nathan Buckley with the Pies suffering a catastrophic run of injuries this season.
B: Brayden Maynard, Tom Langdon, Jack Crisp
HB: Jeremy Howe, Tyson Goldsack, Travis Varcoe
C: Adam Treloar, Scott Pendlebury, Tom Phillips
HF: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Brody Mihocek, Jordan De Goey
F: Josh Thomas, Mason Cox, Jaidyn Stephenson
FOL: Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Steele Sidebottom
I/C: Brayden Sier, James Aish, Chris Mayne, Levi Greenwood
GWS make two changes to the 22 that defeated Sydney last week with Ryan Griffen and Lachlan Keefe replacing Harry Perryman and Josh Kelly. The Giants too have suffered their share of injury issues this term with Kelly the latest to endure a spell on the sidelines, joining the likes of Heath Shaw, Tom Scully and Jonathon Patton.
B: Zac Williams, Phil Davis, Adam Kennedy
HB: Nick Haynes, Adam Tomlinson, Matt Buntine
C: Sam J. Reid, Callan Ward, Matt de Boer
HF: Dylan Shiel, Harry Himmelberg, Brett Deledio
F: Tim Taranto, Jeremy Cameron, Toby Greene
FOL: Rory Lobb, Stephen Coniglio, Jacob Hopper
I/C: Ryan Griffen, Lachlan Keeffe, Lachie Whitfield, Zac Langdon
If there is anything else you think should be brought to a wider audience or you want to contribute in some way, please feel free to email me at jonathan.howcroft.freelance@guardian.co.uk or tweet me @JPHowcroft. I’ll also do my best to check the comments section and pick out any highlights.
This evening:
My attention will be focussed primarily on Collingwood vs. GWS from 7.25pm. This is the second AFL semi-final of the weekend with the winner proceeding to a preliminary final with Richmond next week.
I shall also be updating you on Rabbitohs vs. Dragons from 7.40pm. This is the second NRL semi-final with the winner taking on the Roosters for the right to participate in the grand final.
Meanwhile from 8pm over on its own dedicated blog, Geoff Lemon will navigate Wallabies fans through Australia vs. Argentina in the Rugby Championship.
Quality 😂 @CollingwoodFC pic.twitter.com/pjxH5yAA8u
— Damien Ractliffe (@DamienRactliffe) September 15, 2018
Thank you Alana! That was a sterling afternoon’s Sportwatching and an excellent build up to an evening of wall-to-wall footy. So much footy, in fact, that we’ve had to syphon some of it off into its own special micro-blog.
More on that in a second, but first, something to cleanse the palate before another unhealthy serving of full fat sport.
I’m sure you’ve all voted in the magnificent Songs of Brisbane feature that’s been running on Guardian Australia for a while now, but if you haven’t, make sure you check it out and register your preference before Tuesday.
Me? I’ve cast my ballot for The Grates. Why? They supported The Go! Team in a formative gig years and years ago and I remain indebted to their ability to make joyous music in an era where anything cool is synonymous with sombre introspection. So, let your hair down to Science is Golden and I’ll be back shortly to set us up for the rest of the night.
Thanks everyone for joining me, I’ll be signing off for the night but you will have the fine company of Jonathan Howcroft to bring you updates throughout the evening.
NRL: The NRL semi-final between the Dragons and Rabbitohs in Sydney at 7.40pm. The Dragons narrowly go into this match as favourites, having firmed up their performances throughout the season, as opposed to the Rabbitohs, who need to make up for a wobbly second half.
Updated
AFL: Now that the NRLW is finished for today, the focus now shifts to the AFL, where the Magpies are set to take on the Giants in a sudden death final. The Magpies performed spectacularly last week, despite their 16 point defeat at the hands of the Eagles. However, if Collingwood can keep that momentum going, they have a shot at taking down the Giants, who also played strongly last week.
Full time: Dragons 22-10 Warriors
It’s all over, with the Dragons surprising everyone, including themselves, by dominating their round two match against the Warriors. The Dragons announced their intentions early by scoring at the three minute mark, followed by the seventh minute. The Warriors in turn have been playing catch up for the entire game, although they went out in style by scoring the final try in the last few minutes, thanks to Sarina Clark.
The Dragons’ Jessica Sergis was the star of this show, putting her body on the line to keep the Warriors under her thumb. This win was necessary for the Dragons to keep their hopes of playing in the final alive. The Warriors will be left to lick their wounds and wonder how their game plan went so wrong.
Updated
55 min: We’re entering the final few minutes and it’s clear that the Dragons have turned around their form to deliver a formidable performance against the Warriors, the favourites going into this match. The Dragons are playing more cohesively, creating a wall around the ball that the Warriors have been unable to penetrate.
Time was paused after Dragons’ Hannah Southwell had her arms pinned and took a nasty hit. She was given a few minutes with the team doctors but she’s up again and appears to be okay.
49 min: Dragons’ Honey Hireme narrowly avoids grabbing a try and the Warriors finally get control of the ball, for a brief period, but it’s the Dragons’ who are writing what appears to be a fairytale with it tonight. Jessica Sergis is tackled by multiple player but she’s nimble and she squeezes the ball to the line to score a try. It’s followed by a conversion by Shakiah Tungai. This second half is showcasing the team’s flexibility, converting their long-reach tries to shorter grabs and taking opportunities with the ball.
The Dragons are still leading 22 to the Warriors’ 6.
Updated
43 min: The Dragons’ Rikeya Horne is having a great game and she grabs the ball in a classy move only metres from the line and scores herself a beautiful try in almost effortless style.
It’s matched within a few minutes by the Warriors, who clumsily score their first try of the match. Raquel Anderson-Pitman rolls with the ball to get four points on the board, which is quickly followed by a conversion by April Nicholls. Dragons 18 to Warriors 6.
38 mins: This is what the Warriors see every time they try to get the ball
NRLW: We’re now in the second half of the Dragons vs Warriors, with the Dragons still in the winning position of 12 to 0. The Warriors will be desperate to reproduce their stunning performance last week but so far their defence has failed to pull out the magic needed to tame a rejuvenated Dragons.
Davis Cup: Australia have had a disappoint start to their campaign against Austria, having lost the first two matches. On Friday evening, young Aussie Alex de Minaur suffered a shock loss to Dennis Nova, and Jordan Thompson was thoroughly beaten by Dominic Thiem. Day two kicks off - bounces off? - later tonight.
The Best Fifa Women’s Player: Later tonight the winner will be announced from between nominees Brazilian Marta, a five-time award winner, Ada Hegerberg from Norway and Hungarian Dzsenifer Marozsán.
Australian Sam Kerr made the top-10 longlist but failed to make the shortlist.
Updated
Half-time: Dragons 12-0 Warriors
The Dragons are dominating this game, leading two tries to zip. The warm Sydney weather - it’s about 30 degrees at the moment - might have something to do with the Warrior’s apparent lack of energy to get the ball. The New Zealand team have had three opportunities to score some points but have let those hopeful moments slip away. They’ve also failed to take advantage of the fact that the Dragons were down one player for 10 minutes after Keeley Davis was sin binned about halfway through the first half.
Updated
23 mins: The Warriors power tackles are kicking in and are doing a sufficient job in controlling movement of the ball, however the Dragons have done a great job already in tiring them out already. Will the early fatigue help the Dragons to victory? It’s possible.
Davis rejoins the game, although the Dragons have powered on despite being a woman down for 10 minutes.
Updated
15 mins: The Dragons are dominating the ball and not giving an inch for the Warriors. The Dragons’ Jessica Sergis scores an impressive try-saver but teammate Keeley Davis has been sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes. For a game that has two 30 minute halves, it’s a considerable chunk of the game to be missing. Back to the Warriors, they just can’t get the ball into their pocket to try and score any points.
Updated
7 mins: The Dragons are making a statement early in this game, showing their determination to grab themselves a win and keep their hopes of a spot in the grand final alive. Honey Hirem has grabbed a long-reach try to double the Dragon’s lead, now by 12 points. The Warriors are still searching for their first points of the game, but don’t forget that their power is in their defence and we’re still early in the first half.
Updated
Kick off in the NRLW: The Dragons have won the coin toss and are playing from left to right. Dragons’ Shakiah Tungai has scored a runaway try, running the field completely untouchable to put the first numbers on the board for this game. The Dragons are six points up.
Updated
NRLW: The Warriors go into the match as favourites, following their convincing win against the Roosters last week, 10 to 4. The New Zealand side have travelled once again across the Tasman to play and look like they may need to do so another two times this month. On the brighter side, frequent flyer points!
The Warriors have a superior defence and if they manage another win, they will have locked in an appearance in the final against the Brisbane Broncos.
Some late changes to the Dragons’ side – skipper Sam Bremner is now out with a toe injury and will be replaced by Honey Hireme. Kate Haren will make her debut and Hannah Southwell has been moved to the centre.
Updated
In netball news, the Australian Diamonds “shook off five months of rust” to thoroughly trash South Africa in the opening match of the Quad Series in Auckland.It was the Diamonds first match since their disappointing loss to England in the Commonwealth Games final, back in April, and they won in impressive style, 61-44.
NRLW: Round two of the Holden Women’s Premiership NRL competition, between the in-form Warrirors and the St George Illawarra Dragons, who are in search of their first win of the season. The game kicks off at 5.10pm AEST.
Randwick: In second place was Le Romain, and in third, Egg Tart, who appears to have been named after a breakfast dish. Rumours abound that her cousin, Custard Tart, is jealous of her success.
Updated
Randwick: The seven-year-old joins living legend Black Caviar to have now won an eighth consecutive Group 1 race. But despite her convincing win, Winx didn’t have it locked down until the last 200m, when she bolted for the finish line for a heart-in-your-mouth finish.
Updated
Earlier today: At Randwick, superstar racehorse Winx made history, yet again, by notching up her 27th consecutive win. She and jockey Hugh Bowman blew the competition away in the Group 1 Colgate Optic White George Main Stakes at Royal Randwick. The $500,000 in prize money will be added to her already impressive wins of approximately $20m.
Updated
Preamble
Hello to everyone, for what has been and will continue to be a rather big day for sports. I’m Alana Schetzer and I’ll be taking you through all the big matches, races and announcements.
Updated
Collingwood victory will mean vindication for Buckley (and McGuire).
A loss will mean the hounds of the media will be released once again.