Desperate Dan Saves All Blacks

A Dan Carter drop-goal with 60 seconds left on the clock gave 14-man New Zealand a dramatic 22-19 win over Ireland after a gripping encounter in the second Test in Christchurch.

The Irish led 10-9 at half-time, but an Aaron Smith try just after the break edged the All Blacks ahead.

Jonathan Sexton kept his side in touch with solid goal-kicking but Carter, a proud Crusaders player, had the last word.

The record books will state that Ireland have now lost 25 out of 26 fixtures against New Zealand. However, with Israel Dagg sin-binned for a bad tackle on Rob Kearney, they never had a better chance to get that much-needed victory.

The world champions defied ireland's man advantage in the closing eight minutes though, and after one failed attempt Carter slotted a scruffy drop that broke the tourists' hearts.

Ireland ahead

Ireland went ahead when Cian Healy and Kevin McLaughlin had darts at the All Black line before Murray picked from the base of a ruck and backed himself to touch down from two metres out.

Sexton added the extras and Ireland hit the front. It was just reward for a brave decision to kick for the line-out rather than go for three points.

New Zealand, through Conrad Smith and Zac Guildford, pushed forward but Ireland's defence was ferocious. Brian O'Driscoll hacked clear and Sean O'Brien caused trouble inside the All Black half, leading for a penalty concession. Sexton's kick from 35 metres sailed over.

Carter recorded the world champions' first points of the match when referee Nigel Owens suspected the Irish of placing illegal hands in the ruck.

The Crusaders man was not badly shaken after a big hit and made it 10-6 three minutes later after Dan Tuohy was penalised for not rolling away from a tackle on Richie McCaw.

Irish loosehead Mike Ross was the next guilty man at the ruck as he needlessly entered from the side. It gifted Carter a third simple penalty and his kick sneaked in by the left-hand post.

The All Blacks thundered into the Irish as the second half got under way and O'Driscoll was guilty of missing a tackle on Sonny Bill Williams on the right wing. A ruck ensued but Smith dived through a huddle of bodies for his first international try.

Carter added the conversion, but Ireland were awarded a penalty less than 60 seconds later as Thomson was adjudged offside. Sexton had the simple task of slotting a 20-metre penalty over.

McCaw was then lucky not to receive a yellow card after a short, destructive burst from the captain left O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy on the turf. D'Arcy limped off soon after, to be replaced by Ronan O'Gara, and Sexton moved to inside centre.

Penalties were swapped and Ireland continued to pile the pressure and frustrate the home side, before Dagg was yellow carded for a late, head-high hit on Kearney with just nine minutes left on the clock.

Ireland sniffed victory, but Sexton's penalty attempt from the halfway line dropped short, before a harshly adjudged knock-on call against Mike Ross gave the home side the chance to clear.

The All Blacks were not content with getting a draw and they piled forward to give Carter a chance to kick a drop goal to clinch the game. Carter's first effort was wide after he received a poor snap-pass, but the All Blacks remained composed and he made no mistake with his second effort sealing a memorable win.

TMO Trials and Crouch, Touch, Set

Rugby union bosses are to trial the use of Television Match Officials (TMO) ruling on incidents within the field of play, including foul play.

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has approved the global trials of amendments to five laws.

The trials extend the powers of the TMO to rule on incidents within the field of play leading to the scoring of a try and foul play on the pitch.

Previously the TMO could only be called upon to rule on the act of scoring.

The changes will be tested at an elite level and could become standard by the time of the November internationals.

The trial will also see teams restricted to five seconds to use the ball at the back of a ruck after being instructed to do so by the referee.

Players will be able to take a quick throw-in from anywhere off the pitch between the line of touch and their own goal-line, while a knock-on into touch will allow a side to choose a line-out rather than a standard scrum.

Conversions must also be taken within 90 seconds of a try and sides can have a further line-out on their own throw if there has been a technical offence at a line-out.

IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "The next step is a global trial with full buy-in and which has been approved by council on the basis that the amendments can have a positive effect on the playing of the game.

"The global trials are not fait accompli. It is essential at the end of the global trial process that decisions made are in the best interest of rugby worldwide."

The November Test window will also see international sides allowed to select eight replacements, bringing them in line with domestic competition where an extra front-row substitute is named on the bench.

A further amendment, regarding the problem area of the scrum, has been referred to the specialist Scrum Steering Group.

The current 'crouch, touch, pause, engage' sequence has come in for criticism, and the group will consider a change to a 'crouch, touch, set' sequence.

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Williams Scores in Farewell Game

Shane Williams scored a dramatic late try and conversion on what was billed as his farewell game for the Ospreys before retirement.

But the 34-year-old's try may lead to the Ospreys hosting a home game in the Pro12 play-offs.

The Dragons were in the game until the 78th minute when the Ospreys were awarded a second penalty try.

And Williams prised open the Dragons's stubborn defence before converting the injury-time score.

Williams' effort echoed his final Wales appearance , when he went over after 80 minutes had passed in a 24-18 defeat by Australia in December.

But on this occasion, Williams' try brought the reward of the bonus point that could prove so crucial as they head into the league's final round on Saturday, 5 May when they travel to Italian strugglers Aironi.

The Dragons' preparations were hit by a sickness bug among the squad in the build-up and skipper Luke Charteris' late withdrawal because of a shoulder injury.

But the visitors showed little sign of the troubles that preceded the kick-off.

The Dragons lived up to the Ospreys' expectations by putting up a better show than Cardiff Blues mustered in the hosts' previous outing.

Despite dominating the opening 10 minutes and creating clean line breaks for wing Hanno Dirksen, flanker Ryan Jones, lock Ian Evans, the Ospreys fell behind to Robling's first penalty.

Amid the Ospreys early lack of a killer instinct, the Dragons could point to Toby Faletau's try-saving tackle on Hibbard.

Biggar and Robling exchanged penalties before Ryan Jones stole over from a close-range ruck in the 20th minute for the first try and the Ospreys' fly-half converted.

Dragons wing Aled Brew brought Dirksen down by launching his body at the his opponent's legs to again deny the hosts.

But the Ospreys' pressure at series of close-range scrums told as first Nathan Buck was sin-binned before referee Nigel Owens' patience wore so thin he awarded a penalty try.

Biggar converted, but the hosts were unable to profit from Buck's absence either side of the break and it fell to Robling to again frustrate the Ospreys with two more penalties that left the outcome finely balanced.

Home fly-half Biggar was next to the sin-bin after he was judged to have illegally halted Brew's attempt at a tap penalty.

And before any more scores, replacement Dragons prop Dan Way was also yellow-carded.

In Way's absence, the Ospreys claimed another penalty try from a scrum.

Then Williams broke free to the delight of the biggest rugby crowd at the Liberty Stadium this season, 14,478.

Ospreys: Ross Jones, Hanno Dirksen, Tom Isaacs, Andrew Bishop, Shane Williams, Dan Biggar, Rhys Webb; Ryan Bevington, Richard Hibbard, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones (Capt), Ian Evans, Ryan Jones, Joe Bearman, Justin Tipuric.

Replacements: Ashley Beck for Isaacs (60), Kahn Fotuali'i for Webb (41), Paul James for Bevington (63), Tom Smith for Evans (60).

Not Used: Baldwin, Rees, King, M Morgan.

Sin Bin: Biggar (50).

Dragons: Hallam Amos; Tonderai Chavhanga, Adam Hughes, Ashley Smith (capt), Aled Brew; Lewis Robling, Wayne Evans; Nathan Williams, Steve Jones, Nathan Buck, Robert Sidoli, Jevon Groves, Danny Lydiate, Toby Faletau, Lewis Evans.

Replacements: Martyn Thomas for Chavhanga (48), Joe Bedford for W Evans (63), Phil Price for N Williams (63), Sam Parry for S Jones (56), Dan Way for N Buck (56).

Not Used: Coombs, Brown, Leach.

Sin Bin: Buck (34), Way (69).

Att: 14,478

Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)

Assistant referees: Neil Hennessy, Wayne Davies (WRU)

Citing commissioner: Gwyn Bowden (WRU)

TMO: Gareth Simmonds (WRU)

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Hartley Handed Eight Week Ban

England hooker Dylan Hartley has been handed an eight-week ban for biting the finger of Ireland's Stephen Ferris.

The Northampton skipper will not be able to play until 14 May, meaning he is free to take part in England's June tour to South Africa if selected.

Ireland flanker Ferris drew attention to the incident during England's 30-9 Six Nations victory on 17 March, but it was not spotted by referee Nigel Owens.

"I am disappointed by the result," said Hartley, who may decide to appeal.

"I will wait for the written judgment as to how the panel came to their conclusion.

"I now have to put it behind me and focus on supporting Saints in training and off the field."

Hartley has been ruled out of the rest of the regular domestic season but he could return if Saints reach the Premiership final on 26 May.

The lowest suspension for biting is 12 weeks, with a maximum sanction of four years.

But an independent Six Nations disciplinary committee decided Hartley's case was worthy of a lesser punishment after Tuesday's hearing.

"The offence merited a low entry point in the International Rugby Board's table of sanctions and allowed mitigation of four weeks," said a statement released by the committee.

The panel listened to evidence from both Hartley and Ferris, who spoke via videolink, while England forwards coach Graham Rowntree and Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder also represented their player.

Rowntree said: "It is unfortunate for Dylan and Northampton, especially as he was in good form during the Six Nations, and he has developed as a player and a leader.

"However, we are looking forward to him being available for the tour to South Africa."

Mallinder added: "We are disappointed that Dylan has been suspended, especially at a crucial part of the season."

It is the second time Hartley has received a lengthy suspension from the game. He received a six-month ban for eye gouging while playing for Northampton against Wasps in 2007.

England v Ireland - Preview

Whatever the outcome of the final game of the 2012 Six Nations and whatever the outcome of his bid to become England coach, Stuart Lancaster has got the English fans singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot with gusto again.

Something of a miracle considering just six months ago the squad were involved in tossing dwarves, having to apologise to hotel workers and jumping off ferries.

England need a big win, a crushing defeat for Wales and an unlikely 38 point swing if they are to retain their title. It may be mission impossible, but few even gave them a chance of being in this position six weeks ago.

To the frustration of the players, whether Lancaster has done enough to secure the job long term is still very much unknown.

The Rugby Football Union will make a straight choice it seems between him and Nick Mallet, but the clamour for Lancaster to get it would reach fever pitch with a victory over the Irish. RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie accepts Lancaster is doing a "fantastic job" but even in the face of intensive quizzing by the media he always stops short of promising him the job full time.

The brilliant victory in Paris meant England won all three of their away games, a feat they had never managed before in the Six Nations. More importantly they regained fourth spot in the world rankings, a position that, if they can hold on to it, would mean they will avoid New Zealand, Australia and South Africa in the group stages of the 2015 World Cup.

Ireland's Six Nations hopes hit the buffers at the first stop with that heart-breaking opening round defeat by Wales.

If it had not been for that last-gasp loss and the missed opportunity in Paris they could be heading to Twickenham chasing a Grand Slam. But the positives have outweighed the negatives, especially considering the legendary and intimidating names of Brian O'Driscoll and latterly Paul O'Connell have been absent from their team-sheet.

The 13 tries they have scored is one more than they managed in the whole of their Grand Slam triumph in 2009 and there has been much to admire from a rapier-like back three and fearsome back row.

They could yet end up second, and beating England in the Six Nations has become a habit for Ireland.

According to their players nothing gives them greater pleasure and there has been much pot stirring this week with Stephen Ferris labelling the English "bad losers" and Rob Kearney saying that "there's something about England fixtures that just spices things up". No greater inspiration then for England to leave the Irish choking on their Guinness on St Patrick's Day.

England : 15-Ben Foden, 14-Chris Ashton, 13-Manu Tuilagi, 12-Brad Barritt, 11-David Strettle, 10-Owen Farrell, 9-Lee Dickson; 1-Alex Corbisiero, 2-Dylan Hartley, 3-Dan Cole, 4-Mouritz Botha, 5-Geoff Parling, 6-Tom Croft, 7-Chris Robshaw (captain), 8-Ben Morgan

Replacements: 16-Lee Mears, 17-Matt Stevens, 18-Tom Palmer, 19-Phil Dowson, 20-Ben Youngs, 21-Charlie Hodgson, 22-Mike Brown.

Ireland : 15-Rob Kearney, 14-Tommy Bowe, 13-Keith Earls, 12-Gordon D'Arcy, 11-Andrew Trimble, 10-Jonathan Sexton, 9-Eoin Reddan; 1-Cian Healy, 2-Rory Best (captain), 3-Mike Ross, 4-Donncha O'Callaghan, 5-Donnacha Ryan, 6-Stephen Ferris, 7-Sean O'Brien, 8-Jamie Heaslip

Replacements: 16-Sean Cronin, 17-Tom Court, 18-Mike McCarthy, 19-Peter O'Mahony, 20-Tomas O'Leary, 21-Ronan O'Gara, 22-Fergus McFadden.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee : Nigel Owens (Wal)

Touch judges : Jerome Garces (Fra) & Neil Paterson (Sco)

TV : Jim Yuille (Sco)

Priestland Backs Tweeting Owens

Wales and Scarlets fly-half Rhys Priestland says referee Nigel Owens should continue to interact with players on Twitter.

Ospreys director of coaching Scott Johnson has criticised the international referee's use of the social networking site.

Owens will be in charge of the west Wales derby between Scarlets and Ospreys in Llanelli on Boxing Day.

"I think people make too much fuss over it," said Priestland.

"Personally I don't think there's too much wrong with what he's done."

During a media conference earlier in the week Johnson had said of Owens: "He is on social networks talking to opposition players.

"He posted the last time we played them apologising to the Scarlets supporters for forward passes. When you start that, you open up a can of worms."

"That can have unfair accusations labelled against people. The sport can do without it."

Owens has decided not to respond to Johnson's criticism, but Scarlets fly-half Priestland has defended the referee, who officiated at the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups.

"Everyone gets on well with him," said the 24-year-old, who also has his own Twitter account.

"When he's on the field it doesn't matter if he gets on well will that player on or off the field, that doesn't let him cloud his judgement.

"He's been in a bit of controversy out in New Zealand [over Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu] and to be honest I don't think that really affected him and I don't think this will affect him.

"He hasn't got to where he is now in the world as probably one of the best referees by letting little things like this bother him.

"He's spoken to a few of our players and spoken to players from every other region.

"It's such a small close knit thing rugby in Wales [that] it's going to be pretty hard for him not to speak to everyone.

"It's good for the game in Wales that the players are on there [on Twitter]. It gives the public the chance to interact with players.

"If you want to follow the players you can speak to them and have a bit of banter on there."