Tigers snatch Ryobi thriller

Ben Hilfenhaus proves to be the match-winner with the bat, not ball. Source: News Limited

TASMANIA completed a dramatic one-wicket win with a ball to spare against South Australia in their one-day cup match at Bankstown Oval on Saturday in a near carbon copy of their midweek encounter.

ODD - Bankstown Oval

12 October 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Tasmania 1st Innings

B. Hilfenhaus	7	5	1	0	140
A. Fekete	1	1	0	0	100
J. Mennie	6.5	1	26	1	3.80

With the final pair at the crease, Test fast bowler Ben Hilfenhaus struck a four wide of long-on from the penultimate delivery of the match as Tasmania successfully hauled in South Australia's tally of 210.

Tasmania were marginally behind the required run-rate for much of their innings but captain Tim Paine played a pivotal knock of 56 to top-score for the Tasmanians before being dismissed in the final over.

It was South Australia's third defeat on the trot and all but ended their title hopes, while Tasmania have recovered from two opening defeats to record successive wins.

Tasmania defeated the Redbacks on Wednesday, overcoming SA's season-high target of 269 by two wickets - also on the second last ball of the innings.

Peter George collected the best bowling figures for SA, knocking over Tasmania's three top-order batsmen to finish with 3-27 off ten overs.

Michael Klinger top scored for South Australia against Tasmania. Source: Getty Images

Earlier, South Australia failed to make the most of a bright opening and after reaching 2-157 in the 35th over, they suffered a steady loss of wickets to finish all out for 210 off the last ball of their allotted 50 overs.

Opener Michael Klinger once again top-scored for South Australia with 74 and was denied a second successive century - following his unbeaten 140 on Wednesday - after he was bowled by paceman Ben Laughlin (3-33).

Fellow quick Andrew Fekete was the pick of the bowlers collecting 4-38 off his ten overs and was named player of the match.

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Aussies advance to quarter finals

Sean McMahon scored one of Australia's three tries against Scotland. Source: Getty Images

THE young Aussie side redeemed themselves with an emphatic 22-7 victory over Argentina on Saturday afternoon and were then done a favour by their opponents, who gave them guaranteed passage beyond the pool games.

Argentina's pulsating 21-19 overthrow of Scotland sent the Aussies through to Sunday's Cup quarter-finals at the Gold Coast Sevens.

Argentina (3 points) and Scotland (1 point) are condemned to the bottom two positions in Pool D while the home side are into Sunday's elite competition regardless of their final pool clash result against Samoa.

But it was Australia's win over Argentine that set the wheels in motion.

Not claiming the kick-off and a missed Ed Jenkins tackle to concede the opening try inside 60 seconds was no ideal start following the lame 21-all draw against Scotland to open the day at Robina's Skilled Park.

From that moment, rookie back Tom Lucas, quicksilver Shannon Walker, hard-hitting forward Jesse Parahi and two-try factor Nick Malouf put Australia in total control with a vastly superior performance.

"We were really clinical and put them to the sword. That's exactly how we want to play," said Malouf, who has stepped up from the Queensland University backrow to a sevens career on the international stage.

"We got lazy against Scotland and it cost us."

A quick Walker tap, a good Lucas gallop and Sean McMahon's go-forward set up Malouf's first touchdown against Argentina to excite an alcohol-enriched crowd.

Walker casually dotted down with one hand to complete his try while a pirouette and flick pass shortly after were a hint of his game-breaking skills.

Two big left foot sidesteps set up Malouf's second try while two thundering Parahi tackles in the closing minutes showed the home side's intent.

The Aussies play Samoa in tonight's final Pool D clash. A win ensures their passage into Cup competition tomorrow while a close loss might also be enough to still go through ahead of Scotland.

Australia butchered a 21-0 lead over Scotland to squander the early momentum they desperately wanted from their opening match today.

The men in bright yellow jerseys were red-faced after giving up three converted tries in the closing five minutes to limp out of their Pool D clash with a tame 21-all draw.

Coach Michael O'Connor was stony faced as he led his players into a huddle under the grandstand to dissect the flat finish which is likely to sentence the Aussies to a Cup quarter-final showdown with hotshots New Zealand tomorrow.

Tries to Sean McMahon, Nick Malouf and Con Foley had the Aussies in command today in front of an enthusiastic crowd flecked with Kiwi-loving smurfs in blue body paint, a population explosion of Fred Flintstones and any number of other supporters in fancy dress costumes.

O'Connor may rue make two substitutions with the Aussies 21-7 ahead. The Scots rallied with winger James Fleming racing away, off a costly Australian turnover, to score under the posts after the full-time whistle.

A missed ruck base tackle by James Stannard in the build-up increased the hurt.

In early matches, world series champions New Zealand enjoyed an 38-0 win over the United States followed by a 26-0 romp against Tonga.

Gold Coast Sevens Champions Fiji opened with a 20-10 result over Canada and a 38-0 thrashing of Portugal.

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McLaughlin to lead Volvo charge

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THE man dubbed the "next Craig Lowndes" wants to make a name for himself in 2014 with new V8 Supercars manufacturer Volvo.

But Kiwi rookie Scott McLaughlin may yet be the name on everyone's lips at the Bathurst 1000 on Sunday.

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The Holden young gun was on Saturday officially confirmed as Volvo's lead driver for next season after a debut season to remember.

He has easily been the find of 2013 with two race wins for Garry Rogers Motorsport (GRM), including a breakthrough Auckland triumph in his native New Zealand in April.

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It has created a buzz on the mountain similar to that surrounding another 20-year-old in 1994, some bloke by the name of Lowndes.

Nineteen years ago Lowndes made the leap from unknown to budding star with an audacious outside move on veteran John Bowe to snatch the Bathurst 1000 lead on debut — albeit briefly.

But it proved a taste of things to come.

Three-time touring car champion Lowndes will be aiming for his sixth Bathurst crown when he lines up for his 20th start at Mount Panorama on Sunday.

However, many would not be surprised if history repeats and veteran Lowndes is upstaged by upstart McLaughlin this weekend. Five-time V8 champ Mark Skaife has already seen enough from McLaughlin to compare him with Lowndes.

However, McLaughlin said he was determined not to live in anyone's shadow as the 50-year-old GRM team prepared to make an historic switch to Volvo next year.

Scott McLaughlin flies around Mount Panorama on Saturday. Source: News Limited

"I thought if I got a top 15 finish this year I would be stoked but a couple of wins have made my goals go up," McLaughlin told AAP.

"At the same time it is pretty awesome to be compared with Craig Lowndes.

"But I want to be Scott McLaughlin."

McLaughlin admitted it was daunting starting in Volvo's first touring car entry since 1986 especially after watching Mercedes and Nissan endure a roller-coaster V8 return in 2013.

"But at the same time one thing I know for sure is that we have good cars," McLaughlin said of the Volvo team.

"Nissan and Mercedes had to build their cars, gear box coolers all that stuff to get it running.

"All we are doing is focusing 100 per cent on the engines and aero (aerodynamics).

"I think we are in a better position now than they were a year ago.

"The year 2014 can't come quick enough."\

He may be his own man but when asked about his 2014 goals for Volvo, McLaughlin seemed to channel the Lowndes of old.

"I want to win," he said.

"You have to be realistic but you never know.

"Nissan have already won their first race this year (at Winton in August) — it can happen."

Meanwhile, GRM are yet to confirm McLaughlin's co-driver for 2014.

But Will Davison is not believed to be in the mix with the championship contender expected to either stay with Ford Performance Racing or consider a Mercedes move.

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Sydney sign Socceroo Thompson

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Sydney FC has signed former Heart and Jets star Matt Thompson as an injury replacement contract for youngster Peter Triantis.

The free agent has been without a club since leaving Melbourne Heart at the end of last season and goes straight into the squad for tonight's game against the Newcastle Jets.

"I couldn't be happier," said the 31 year old midfielder.  "I'm a Sydney boy so it's fantastic to be coming home and playing in front of my home crowd."

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Head Coach Frank Farina said he was happy to be adding Thompson's experience to the squad:  "Matt has proven quality in this league and his signing is a boost to Sydney FC.  We've completed the paperwork so he is a chance to make his debut in tonight's season opener."

Thompson has the record for making the most appearances in the Hyundai A-League after a five year spell with the Newcastle Jets followed by three years with the Heart.

"To get the chance to face my former club in my first game as a Sydney FC player is very special for me," he said.

"I'm looking forward to it immensely."

Matt Thompson has made 203 Hyundai A-League appearances, scoring 26 goals. He has also represented the Socceroos on four occasions.

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Whincup sets Great Race pace

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THE welcome mat may have been thrown out for Mercedes and Nissan but this year's Bathurst 1000 again looks set to add another chapter to the great Holden-Ford rivalry judging by Friday's qualifying.

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Defending V8 Supercars champion Jamie Whincup of Holden defied damage caused by clipping the wall to claim provisional pole (two minutes, 8.00 seconds) ahead of Ford threat Mark Winterbottom (2:08.06) and Holden's Jason Bright (2:08.22).

The top 10 grid spots for Sunday's Great Race will be determined from 5pm (EDT) on Saturday.

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Mount Panorama fans have embraced Mercedes - back for the first time since 1994 - and Nissan, not sighted since claiming back-to-back wins in 1992, this week.

But it seems they won't have much to cheer about after Lee Holdsworth (12th) was Mercedes' leading driver at qualifying while Nissan's four-car charge was led by Michael Caruso (17th).

Rather than toast Mercedes' success, fans were drowning their sorrows after lead driver Tim Slade did not even appear in qualifying after a horror practice crash on Thursday.

Ford's Chaz Mostert was another frustrated observer after ricocheting off the wall twice during final practice on Friday.

Both are hopeful of lining up for Sunday's Great Race.

History ... Chaz Mostert's Ford is carried back to the pits. Source: News Limited

In contrast series leader Whincup was counting his lucky stars after recovering from a potentially disastrous mistake to top qualifying ahead of Saturday's top 10 shootout.

"In qualifying you are always trying to find that extra bit and that brought out a couple of errors,'' four-time Bathurst champ Whincup said.

"I just rubbed the wall, nothing crazy.

"Thankfully it was not the suspension (damaged) which would have written qualifying off.''

Four-time V8 champ Whincup even had the luxury of sitting out the final 10 minutes of the 40 minute qualifying session and still top the timesheets.

Mercedes and Nissan were supposed to spice up racing this season but defending Bathurst champion Whincup's ominous form has rivals fearing there will be more of the same on the mountain this weekend.

Four-time Bathurst winner Whincup is enjoying a resurgence after snapping a horror run of one win in 10 starts with victory at the traditional Great Race warm-up, the recent Sandown 500.

James Courtney throws his Holden around Mt Panorama. Source: News Limited

The Ford charge on the mountain looks set to be led by Winterbottom, who sits fourth in the drivers' standings.

Second fastest in both practice sessions he contested on Thursday, the driver dubbed Frosty was again in red hot form during qualifying.

Despite witnessing the carnage of the last 24 hours, Winterbottom has adopted a new relaxed approach on the demanding circuit and it appears to be paying off.

"You have to enjoy Bathurst for what it is. We are lucky to be racing here. It is a lot of fun,'' he said.

Ahead of his 20th Bathurst start, five-time champion Lowndes - who trails Whincup by just 96 championship points - was sixth fastest on Friday.

Ford's Will Davison - third in the drivers' standings - was seventh quickest.

Meanwhile, Whincup was not concerned with the relatively slower lap times on a hot, windy circuit on Friday, saying it may take years for teams to come to grips with the new Car of the Future design at Bathurst.

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F1 reserve driver dead in hotel

Maria de Villota's death has shocked the F1 community. Source: AFP

FORMULA 1 reserve racing driver Maria De Villota has been mysteriously found dead in a hotel room in Spain.

De Villota, who lost her right eye in a crash while testing for the Marussia team last year, was reportedly in Seville to launch her autobiography.

De Villota, daughter of former Formula 1 driver Emilio De Villota, suffered severe head and facial injuries after colliding with a lorry.

F1 teams and drivers have expressed their shock at the news.

Caterham reserve Alexander Rossi, an occasional analyst for BBC Sport, said: "Absolutely stunned and heartbroken to hear Maria De Villota has passed away. My thoughts and prayers go out. We will never ever forget you."

Mercedes added: "Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Maria de Villota following the tragic news of her passing."

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Wallabies all about here and now

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THEY'VE slipped into world rugby's middle ground - well behind the mighty All Blacks and rejuvenated Springboks - but the Wallabies aren't about to settle for being cruiserweights.

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Nor bide their time and focus on building to the next Rugby World Cup in two years.

The intent among Ewen McKenzie's men remains to be world-beaters, starting with a drought-breaking upset in New Zealand against the red-hot hosts on Saturday week.

"Ewen has never mentioned the words 'two-year plan' or 'planning for the World Cup'," skipper James Horwill told AAP.

"We're planning to win the Bledisloe Cup match on Saturday week and then the next challenge is (world No.3) England at Twickenham next month and we'll go from there.

"You can't afford to look too far ahead because you lose sight of what's directly in front of you."

What's directly in front of the Wallabies is an enormously difficult chance to save face against the All Blacks with their first Bledisloe Test win across the Tasman since 2001.

Australia are coming off a much-needed 54-17 rout of Argentina in Rosario on the weekend when they produced the attacking rugby frustrated fans have long been crying out for.

The seven tries in 80 sparkling minutes against the Pumas was just one less than they had scored in the previous eight Tests this year.

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But Horwill knows his world No.4-ranked team must play significantly better to beat Richie McCaw's men in Dunedin - especially after witnessing the world champions' epic 38-27 triumph over the Boks in Johannesburg.

"One hundred per cent," he said. "Argentina are a good side but the All Blacks are another level again.

"By no means did we play the so-called perfect game. There's still plenty of room for improvement in the game and we're going to need that against New Zealand.

"Last week was a stepping stone for us.

"Any time you play the All Blacks it's a big game and there's extra motivation of not winning over there for a while and we're obviously playing for pride as well."

Australia's last Bledisloe victory on NZ soil was also in Dunedin, 23-15 at Carisbrook, but 14 losses have followed since.

It's also a dead-rubber following 47-29 and 27-16 losses in August however Horwill feels Australia are better positioned now after six Tests under new coach McKenzie.

"We didn't have a lot of time together to get things right (in the first two Tests)," the Queensland lock said.

"Guys have an understanding of where they're at now but we definitely don't think we're at the peak of where we can be."

Horwill stressed the Wallabies needed to be far more clinical at taking their chances. Basically, emulating the ruthless All Blacks when opportunities present.

"That's the ability they have ... they turn a half a chance into a full-blown chance."

The Wallabies reassemble in Sydney on Sunday but will take a left-field approach to preparations by spending two days in Queenstown before travelling to Dunedin on Friday.

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Hird won't return in 2014

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STAND-in Essendon coach Mark Thompson has declared James Hird will have no input into how the team is coached next season.

Thompson will replace Hird for the duration of 2014 and says the Bombers will comply with the AFL's strict suspension rules.

"I'm the coach for a year," Thompson said.

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"We're not going to break any rules here, we're going to play by the rules, and James is OK with that.

"We're allowed to be friends but he won't have any active involvement in how the team is going."

Under the terms of Hird's 12-month suspension from the AFL he is not permitted to be involved in any coaching activity, including player preparation, tactics, planning or sports science.

He is allowed to attend games and speak to Essendon players and coaches.

Essendon chairman Paul Little yesterday revealed Hird would not be reinstalled as senior coach next season even if the Bombers made the finals.

His suspension runs out on August 25.

DEPARTMENT OF TRADES

Little said Hird had indicated early in the coaching selection process that it would be "unwise" for him to come back so late in the season.

He said Hird was not involved in the process that saw Thompson appointed.

"While James is now taking his holiday he will not be in a formal role for the club during the season of 2014 — I want to make that clear," Little said.

"Bomber (Thompson) is clearly the best person for the job and he's been through a very competitive process ... that's why he's been appointed."

Former Adelaide and Melbourne coach Neil Craig will support Thompson in the new role of head of coaching development and strategy.

Simon Goodwin, who missed out on the top job, will be senior assistant.

Thompson, 49, was fined $30,000 for his role in the supplements saga and has been angry and frustrated by the aspects of the AFL investigation.

He admitted yesterday that he struggled with deciding if he was motivated enough to take the job, but resolved to do it in recent weeks.

"I was flat after the year, like any season, but a bit more so this time," Thompson said.

"In freshening up it's a natural part of the process ... but you get asked a million times and I wasn't in the frame of mind to make the decision, and a couple of weeks later, well, I thought about the football club and how I was looking and I'm happy to be part of it."

But he said he wasn't taking the job as a selfless gesture.

"I wouldn't do it if it was just for the club," he said.

Asked about the prospect of Hird missing out on coaching in the finals next year, Thompson said: "Well, I am going to be coaching. I am really excited.

"And if we make the finals and win the grand final, well we have spoken to James and if I do make the finals I will be there, and James will be there too, but I will be senior coach."

Little said 2014 would not be "a gap year" for Essendon, despite the upheaval over the club's 2012 supplements program.

The Bombers will shift permanently to the club's new headquarters at Melbourne Airport next month.

Hird anointed Thompson as the man to replace him the day after his 12-month suspension was handed down by the AFL in August.

"We'd all like to see Mark Thompson do it," Hird said.

"He's the obvious choice but that will be a decision for the club and for Mark."

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Dogs pay for altitude camp

Will Minson could travel to Colarado for the camp. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

A GROUP of Western Bulldogs' big men have dipped into their own pockets to help pay for a gruelling altitude camp next month.

Twelve mostly key position players will complete two weeks of altitude training in Denver, Colorado to help close the fitness gap on rivals from November 6.

Joining the likes of Collingwood and Carlton in the altitude race, the Dogs will climb and hike up mountains in freezing conditions amid regular skills and weight lifting sessions at up to 3000m above sea level.

The club confirmed it had AFL approval for more experienced players to sacrifice some prescribed holiday time to join the tour, provided they make up the leave later in the summer.

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Development coach Ashley Hansen said the club's younger players drove the concept, mainly aimed at developing the aerobic capacity of its key forwards and defenders.

"To put a sports scientist hat on, there's no other game in the world where you are asking 100kg athletes to cover 14kms in a game," Hansen said.

"To develop that (running endurance) part of your physiology is really tough, especially when you are putting on size and strength like we are with the guys too, and then also make them quick and agile.

"That (fitness) is only one aspect of your performance, but by taking them away and living at altitude for 14 nights, we think they can really benefit from that."

It is planned the players will regularly utilise the altitude facilities at Victoria University over the course of the year to help maximise their gains.

Hansen said the club would derive other non-physical benefits from training in the extreme conditions, such as enhancing players' leadership qualities throughout one of the AFL's youngest playing squads.

"It's going to put them in a challenging environment," he said.

"It's going to be cold, we'll be up the side of a mountain, it's going to be tough, so it's also developing the mental toughness as well.

"They'll build a relationship together that will hopefully be pretty strong for the coming years when we start to have success."

The Dogs enjoyed a strong finish to the season, winning four of their last six games.

But Hansen said coach Brendan McCartney had continually reminded the group they still had to bridge a gap on the finals sides, having finished 15th on the ladder.

"We can't be under any illusions we have got a lot of work to do," Hansen said.

"We want the guys to have the belief they are good enough to perform at the level, but that's not good enough.

"They've still got to buy into program, push each other, get better.

"We've got to jump up a few rungs on the ladder to play finals.''

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Sonny sorry over Tohu situation

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SONNY Bill Williams has apologised over his World Cup backflip that forced promising Melbourne Storm forward Tohu Harris out of the squad to make way for the Roosters star.

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Harris became the unfortunate victim after Williams declared his intention to play in the World Cup after the 24-man squad had been named.

On Wednesday night, Williams apologised for the "Tohu situation" saying it was "never my intention".

In a statement released by the New Zealand Rugby League on Wednesday afternoon it said Williams' inclusion in the squad had been approved by World Cup organisers.

Coach Steve Kearney, who on Tuesday fronted a press conference and announced Williams would not be playing in the World Cup said it had been a difficult 24 hours.

"It's been a tough situation, but Sonny brings things to the group that we couldn't ignore," Kearney said.

"He has had time since his NRL grand final win to clear his head and he wants to represent the Kiwis on the world stage.

"He missed our 2008 World Cup win and his inclusion will be a great asset in trying to repeat that success this year.

"It's not only his footballing ability, but also what he brings off the field which will benefit the team."

Earlier on Tuesday New Zealand selector Richie Barnett accused Williams of "disrespecting" the Kiwi team by nominating late for the squad.

In a statement issued by the Melbourne Storm Harris said he was bitterly disappointed to miss out on being part of the eight week tournament.

"As you would expect, I'm very disappointed not to be heading to the World Cup to represent my country, New Zealand,' Harris said.

"I was very much looking forward to going, however I understand the decision that has been made and hope I get another opportunity to play for the Kiwis in the future."

"My focus will now be on returning to training with Storm in November for pre-season and looking forward to an exciting 2014," Harris said.

New Zealand tried to soften the blow to Harris by taking him on the tour in a development role and play him in pre-tournament matches.

But Harris and the Storm have decided it would be better for him to remain in Melbourne for minor surgery.

Young gun Harris produced a brilliant debut season at the Storm this year, nominated for the Dally M Rookie of the Year award alongside George Burgess, Anthony Milford and David Nofouluma, with Burgess eventually taking the title. 

In April, Harris was promoted to the New Zealand side after just six NRL games, debuting in the Anzac Test against Australia following injuries to Simon Mannering and Jeremy Smith.

Harris played all but one NRL game in his rookie year, crossing for two tries.

"Tohu handled the situation as well as anyone could," Kearney said.

"It was a conversation no coach would like to have, but he's a terrific young man and I'm sure he'll have many more opportunities to pull on the black jersey.

"It's been a unique set of circumstances for all involved, but for now our focus is getting set to defend the World Cup with the team we have."

New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Phil Holden told a media conference said the senior leadership group gave unanimous support to Williams' inclusion.

"We want to win the World Cup, we want to take the best team," he said.

"He (Williams) is clearly an undeniable talent, but we recognise it's a polarising decision."

Only time will tell if Williams can be the difference in retaining the trophy - "But I think our chances have increase significantly - you can't deny that," Holden said.

He believed the NZRL had acted with integrity and respect in the way they conveyed the news to Harris.

He also said whatever decision was made would have its supporters and detractors.

Holden said Williams was "hugely excited" about his inclusion in the squad.

"I think he felt that, in 2008, when he missed the last World Cup, that he missed an opportunity,'' he said.

"He didn't want to miss this one and he had had time to reflect on that."

Holden added that Williams was aware of the difficulty he had created for the NZRL and for Kearney, and the personal impact on Harris.

Below are Williams' reasons for changing his mind which he sent to his followers on Twitter on Wednesday.

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