Rabbitohs rule the wild west

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Bryson Goodwin of the Rabbitohs runs with the ball to score a try. Source: Michael Dodge / Getty Images

THEY are four points clear at the top of the NRL table and on Sunday South Sydney again showed exactly why they are the most dominant force in this year's title race with a bruising come-from-behind victory over the Warriors.

5 Tries 2
Andrew Everingham 6'	Simon Mannering 27'
John Sutton 48'	Konrad Hurrell 35'
Bryson Goodwin 67'
Bryson Goodwin 75'
Chris McQueen 80'
5 Conversions 2
Adam Reynolds 8'	Shaun Johnson 29'
Adam Reynolds 50'	Shaun Johnson 37'
Adam Reynolds 69'
Adam Reynolds 76'
Adam Reynolds 80'
0 Field Goals 1
	Shaun Johnson 40'

In one of the games of the season, the Bunnies came charging back from 13-6 down at halftime to run away with a 30-13 win that would have made coach Michael Maguire extremely proud.

It was their fifth straight win and as always the big names were wonderful.

John Sutton, Adam Reynolds and Greg Inglis were tremendous while up front Sam Burgess, Issac Luke and Chris McQueen had blinders as the Rabbitohs juggernaut put an end to the Warriors' run.

The New Zealanders were courageous in defeat but in the end it was one of the Rabbitohs' working class heroes who inspired the comeback victory with Bryson Goodwin crossing twice in the second half before McQueen put the exclamation point on the win with a try in the final minute.

Played in front of a full house in Perth, two of the biggest and most skilful sides in the NRL treated the locals to an end-to-end spectacular in the first half that was as brutal as it was brilliant.

The Warriors went to the break ahead 13-6 but the entertainment value from both teams was the perfect advertisement for rugby league in the AFL-dominated state. 

The kick Reynolds came up with for the opening try bordered on freakish after a pass from dummy-half landed at his toes. Somehow Reynolds still managed to come up with an inch-perfect chip without even getting a hand to the ball as Andrew Everingham pounced.

That set the bar, and it went up and up and up from there.

Sam Burgess's bulldozing charge lay the platform for the first try - and when George Burgess hit the park Nathan Friend felt every bit of his frustration in the Englishman's return from a two-week disciplinary suspension.

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Inglis's work at fullback was wonderful as it always is but maybe for the first time this season GI's incredible athleticism was upstaged by the magic of Shaun Johnson.

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Johnson again showed blistering speed to chase down a flying Dylan Walker before the gifted halfback laid on a try for Simon Mannering with a deft pass that deceived the Rabbitohs' usually solid defence.

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Ben Matulino rocked Ben Lowe with one of the biggest hits of the year and then Konrad Hurrell showed his awesome power to put the Warriors on top.

Hurrell was denied one try in the 32nd minute after a desperate tackle from McQueen but minutes later the barnstorming centre powered past McQueen, Goodwin and then Inglis for his side's second try.

In the countdown to halftime Johnson potted a field goal to put the Warriors ahead 13-6.

Sam Burgess landed on report for a shot on Kevin Locke in the 41st minute - but when Locke failed to defuse a bomb in the 47th minute the Rabbitohs came charging on the back of repeat sets. 

George Burgess was narrowly denied before Luke was held up over the tryline.

But another pin-point last-tackle kick from Reynolds ended in a try to Sutton after McQueen tapped the ball away from Hurrell for Sutton to clean up and bring the margin back to one point at 13-12.

Reynolds copped a big knock while attempting a tackle on Ngani Laumape that again highlighted that the halfback is as tough as he is talented. 

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Rumour Mill: Rooney not for sale

Rumour Mill ... Moyes declares Rooney is not for sale. Source: Martin Rickett / AAP

IN today's Rumour Mill, Manchester United boss David Moyes declares star striker Wayne Rooney is not for sale, while The Sun reports Thiago Alcantara will join the Red Devils on a massive five-year deal.

ROONEY'S NOT FOR SALE: MOYES

Sydney-bound Manchester United manager David Moyes is insisting star striker Wayne Rooney will not be sold by the Premier League champions.

However, in his first press conference since taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson, Moyes admitted he was unable to say whether Rooney was happy to stay at Old Trafford.

Rooney has been linked with moves to Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris St-Germain, but Moyes said the England international was "not for sale".

"He's a Manchester United player, he will remain a Manchester United player," said Moyes, whose United side meets the A-League All-Stars at ANZ Stadium on July 20.

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ALCANTARA A RED DEVIL?
 
Pictures of  Thiago Alcantara wearing Barcelona's new home and away strips have been culled by the La Liga champions, suggesting the star Spanish midfielder is on his way to Manchester United, according to The Sun.

A five-year deal worth more than $A28.75 million is close to being finalised between United and the 22-year-old, who wants to play more often in a bid to be chosen in Spain's squad for next year's World Cup in Brazil.

The Sun is also reporting that Thiago's father Mazinho, a 1994 World Cup winner with Brazil, has put his Barcelona restaurant up for sale, further indicating that a move to England is just around the corner.

BENITEZ WANTS DZEKO
 
The Sun is also reporting that Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko is wanted by new Napoli boss Rafa Benitez as a replacement for ace Uruguay attacker Edinson Cavani.

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With Cavani set to move to Paris St-Germain, Benitez wants to strengthen his forward line as Napoli bid to end Juventus's reign at Serie A champions.

But with Juventus having already bought Carlos Tevez from Manchester City, the English giants may be reluctant to sell Dzeko.

That is, of course, unless new City manager Manuel Pellegrini can lure a big name to England.

Pellegrini also wanted Cavani, but is likely to settle for Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, whose $A32 million move to Manchester City is tipped to be completed this week, according to The Daily Mail.

GUNNERS PULL TRIGGER ON HIGUAIN
 
Arsenal's purchase of Gonzalo Higuain is almost complete, with The Daily Express reporting that the Argentine attacker has flown to London to sign a $A164,000-a-week, three-year deal.

Gunners manager Arsene Wenger was forced to up the ante in his bid to sign the 25-year-old Real Madrid forward and it seems to have paid off.

Juventus had also been interested in Higuain, but instead opted for fellow Argentine Tevez.

MOURINHO STILL CHASING DE ROSSI
 
Chelsea will have to pay Daniele De Rossi more than $9 million a year, after tax, if they want to prize the Italian star away from Roma, according to The Daily Mirror.

New Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho tried unsuccessfully to get De Rossi when he was in charge at Inter and Real Madrid, but this time seems more confident of snaring the 29-year-old midfielder.

The Mirror is also reporting that Mourinho wants to bring Real Madrid's German midfielder Sami Khedira to Stamford Bridge.

AMBROSINI JOINS FIORENTINA
 
De Rossi's fellow Italian midfielder Massimo Ambrosini has turned down the chance to move to England, with the former AC Milan star rejecting West Ham to stay in Italy to join Fiorentina.

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Penthouse and Outhouse

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The Kangaroos hopped into gear to snap the Tigers four-game winning streak. Source: Colleen Petch / News Limited

Fox Sports AFL expert Julian de Stoop reviews round 15, including the Kangaroos hopping into gear, some shady officiating and a Giant young star continues to shine.

IN THE PENTHOUSE

North Melbourne

The Kangaroos have been the most frustrating team of the season to date with a host of close losses testing the patience of everyone at Arden Street.

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But against the Tigers, Brad Scott's men put in their best performance of the season and for a rare time this year they got the balance between defence and attack spot on.

The Roos moved the ball with speed and when they didn't have it they tackled ferociously.

With Carlton and Port Adelaide stumbling, North Melbourne are suddenly back in the finals hunt.

Ben Reid forward

Collingwood's reliance on Travis Cloke was a hot topic during the week and he finally found some help up forward in the form of regular defender Ben Reid.

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The first quarter injury to Jarrad Waite allowed Buckley to swing Reid forward and his four goals played a pivotal role in the 'Pies big win.

But just as importantly he demanded Lachie Henderson's attention which allowed Cloke to go one on one with Michael Jamison. The result, a dominant 5 goal performance from the 'Pies' power forward.

Tom Bellchambers

Some have suggested Essendon should trade Bellchambers to GWS in a bid to secure the prized number one selection in the national draft.

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What a load of rubbish.

Firstly, if Bellchambers was let go, the Bombers would have just one genuine ruckman on their list in Paddy Ryder.

Secondly, Bellchambers is a serious talent whether in the ruck or up forward and at just 23 years of age he is one of the most promising young ruckman in the game.

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His 5 goal performance against Port Adelaide showed how valuable he is to the Bombers.

West Coast

The fire in the belly hasn't always been on show at West Coast this year but against Adelaide their commitment couldn't be questioned as they pinched an unlikely victory to keep their finals hopes alive.

The Eagles were missing a host of key players including Daniel Kerr, Luke Shuey, Scott Selwood and Shannon Hurn but somehow found a way to win despite trailing by 13 points late in the game.

The win sets up a huge derby against Fremantle this weekend.

Jeremy Cameron

The season ending injury to young Bulldog Jason Johannissen was unfortunate but the commitment of both he and Jeremy Cameron deserves the highest praise.

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Not only is Cameron an amazing talent, he has a physical presence which has been a hallmark of all the great key forwards.

Think Wayne Carey, Jonathan Brown and Dermott Brereton.

IN THE OUTHOUSE

Carlton

Insipid. That's the word that comes to mind to describe Carlton for the majority of Friday night's loss against a far from full strength Collingwood.

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Jarrad Waite's injury certainly didn't help but the Blues were smashed in the centre of the ground and they were beaten by a far more desperate opponent.

Mick Malthouse says the ladder is irrelevant which doesn't sit too comfortably with the majority of the Carlton faithful.

With their finals hopes looking slim this year, the heat will be at Visy Park in 2014.

Interchange Infringement

The incorrect interchange free kick paid against Geelong in the final term of Saturday night's clash against Hawthorn completely exposed a stupid rule.

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A free kick and a 50 metre penalty is far too harsh a penalty for an interchange infringement.

No one is trying to sneak extra players onto the ground. They're just simple mistakes when they are actually mistakes.

Can you imagine the outcry if Geelong had lost the game.

Deliberate Out of Bounds Against James Kelly

The Cats also didn't get the rub of the green in the third term either. The deliberate out of bounds paid against James Kelly was simply wrong.

A player can't be pinged for deliberate when they kick the ball 50 metres and then it bounces at right angles to cross the boundary.

Umpire Schmidt ... that was a you know what decision.

There was another one at Etihad on Sunday when Bomber Dyson Heppell was pinged for a deliberate rushed behind when, like Nick Malceski last week, he was clearly under pressure.

Harry O'Brien

There is no doubt Nathan Buckley and Harry O'Brien had a falling out last week and while the full details have yet to be established it seems some serious questions need to be asked of the Pies star.

Instead of relaxing in Port Douglas he should have been at the MCG with the rest of his injured teammates watching the 'Pies play the Blues.

Buckley must be getting sick of his players disrespecting his authority and if he is available following an ankle injury, O'Brien shouldn't be a walk up start to return this week.

Richmond

The Tigers banner said a win over North Melbourne would see the F word… finals on the agenda but their heroes certainly didn't play like a finals bound side.

This game against the Roos always shaped as a tricky one for a Tigers side coming off four straight wins and they failed the test miserably.

Next up it's the Gold Coast in Cairns. Given their zip two against the Suns at the venue there will be plenty of nervous Tiger fans this week.

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Queensland a state of NRL despair

Brisbane Broncos Sam Thaiday and North Queensland Cowboys Johnathan Thurston. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

THE strongest state in rugby league could face an NRL finals wipe-out with Queensland clubs Brisbane, Gold Coast and North Queensland feeling the strain of campaigns that are under the pump.

As Queensland's Origin team prepares to claim an eighth straight series win, the state's three NRL clubs are in disarray with heavy defeats, injuries and coaches fighting to save their jobs.

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If no Queensland team qualifies for the finals it would be the first time in NRL history that the sunshine state has been without a side in the top eight.

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When TattsBet open their markets today they will have the Titans at $2.10 to make the top eight, North Queensland at $2.75 and the Broncos drifting way out to $5 on reaching the finals.

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Gold Coast's fairy tale run for the top four hit a grinding halt with two emphatic losses and season-ending injury to Jamal Idris pushing the Titans to the brink of dropping outside the top eight.The Titans have conceded 86 points in a fortnight and return from a much needed bye to play high flyers Manly and South Sydney.

It is just the start of a landmine lined run home as the Gold Coast play just three of their last eight games at Skilled Park and also confront the top three teams with Sydney Roosters and Melbourne to close out their regular season.

The stockpile of wins to start the year is no consolation as skipper Nate Myles implores his men to turn their recent form around.

"We don't want to be just hanging on or scraping in the top out when it comes finals time," Myles said.

"We want to be improving and the last two weeks we just have not felt or looked like the side that we were.

"It's just going to take a little bit of work for us.

"Brisbane and North Queensland sit two wins outside the top eight, but need to win at least six of their last eight games to climb into the playoffs.

Based on their round 17 form a major turnaround is required as they now face form football teams minus their Origin stars.

The Broncos host Cronulla on Friday night, the Sharks powering into the top four this week and proving back in round 11 when they upset South Sydney that they can fire without their rep heroes.

North Queensland host Manly on Monday night where at least both teams are without their dominant playmaker with Johnathan Thurston to be joined in Maroons camp by Daly Cherry-Evans.

The Broncos and Cowboys have their bye after Origin III and their respective draws from that point look provide at least some glimmer of hope.

Brisbane has lost five of their past six games with last Friday's 32-0 drubbing from Melbourne was the second scoreless defeat of their season.

They still have five home games to come, but also face form teams like Cronulla, Newcastle (twice), Penrith and Canterbury in the run to the finals.

Club legend Gorden Tallis believes Brisbane can still save their season, if they're good enough.

"They don't play a Melbourne Storm or any side like that," Tallis said.

"They do have sides where you think they can win.

"It's a good draw isn't it ... they're all winnable.

"They've got eight weeks to really rip in.

"The Cowboys have perhaps the best finish to the season of all Queensland clubs, with six home games in Townsville, but like the Broncos need to win six of eight to figure in the finals.

With the Titans two games clear of Brisbane and North Queensland they are rightly flying the flag for the state at this stage and coach John Cartwright has vowed they will fight til the bitter end.

"It's been a pretty ordinary two weeks, we will be through the Origin by the time we play Manly and we will attack those last eight games like our lives depend on it," Cartwright said.

An entire state of league fans may be dependent upon it too. 

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'I don't deserve to play for NSW'

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NSW Blues State Of Origin player James Tamou. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

A RESSURRECTED James Tamou says he doesn't deserve to play for NSW in the Origin decider.

In a stunning admission by the rugged North Queenslander, Tamou says he should never have been granted a return to the Blues pack following his Origin II suspension, for going DUI, and subsequent form.

Yet despite his frank assessment, the 113kg enforcer has vowed to "do everything I can" to make amends to his adopted State, who last night named a 20-man squad for the decider at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday week. 

"I'm ready to roll my sleeves up and do everything I can for NSW," Tamou said. 

"But since returning from my suspension I've been average. Ordinary.

"After missing out on that second Origin game, I knew I'd have to go well to retain my spot. But I haven't done that. I don't think I've done enough.

"You look at how well Andrew Fifita and Aaron Woods played on Friday night. They were both great and I haven't come anywhere near that. To be honest, I don't think I should even be looked at from the performance I've put up."

Tamou's confession came on a day of surprises for NSW, who were forced to name a 20-man squad for Origin III to cover for injuries to three stars players Paul Gallen, Jarryd Hayne and Greg Bird.

Blues coach Laurie Daley sprung the shock by naming Sydney Roosters forward Boyd Cordner, Newcastle winger James McManus and Wests Tigers prop Aaron Woods as back-up for the Origin decider.

Cordner is on standby for Bird (ankle), McManus will cover for Hayne (hamstring) while Woods will come in if skipper Paul Gallen (left foot) is ruled out.

Souths winger Nathan Merritt has been dumped.

Tamou was solid in North Queensland's loss to Canberra yesterday, but made 69 metres less than fellow Cowboy and Queenslander Matt Scott.

Despite being suspended from Origin II and effectively fined $50,000 for both DUI and unlicensed driving convictions, he said the pain of sitting at home, alone, and watching Queensland towel up the Blues was far worse. 

When asked if he now owed Daley and the players, a forthright Tamou continued: "A hundred per cent I do.

"When I got suspended, I sent a text out to the whole team, apologising for my actions and what had happened. Watching the game at home, was really hard too. 

"I was sitting at my house, in the corner. But I'm not going to sit around kicking stones. If 'Loz' wants me in the side then I'm going to give it my best."

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Furner calls for Ferguson return

Canberra Raiders star Blake Ferguson takes a run. Source: Mark Evans / News Limited

CANBERRA coach David Furner is pushing to have suspended NSW Origin star Blake Ferguson back for their next game - describing it as "essential" to keep the troubled centre in footy.

While the Raiders took their unbeaten home run to 11 games against North Queensland yesterday, the real talking point continues to be Ferguson, who will contest indecent assault charges in Waverley Local Court on July 16.

Speaking with The Daily Telegraph on Sunday night, Furner revealed that, should his troubled centre be cleared by the courts, he will push to have the 23-year-old named in his side to play Parramatta following the bye. 

"Initially, the NRL said Blake would be out four weeks and after the bye it will be four weeks," Furner said.

"Obviously we have to go through the right channels, but I'll certainly be asking about things to see where we're at.

"So, yes, I'd like to have Blake back for our next game because he needs to be playing. I'll say right now that he still has a long way to go (with his rehabilitation) but an essential part of that is to have him back in a footballing environment.

"I've spoken with both Anthony Mundine, who has been helping Blake, and with the NRL; they all agree Blake needs to be back in football. So right now, it's a matter of having a look at what happens and then sorting through things with the right people."

Should Ferguson return, the Canberra Raiders will head into the back half of the season boasting a side that, on the form of players like Queensland young gun and yesterday's man of the match Josh Papalii, can take it to any side.

Running for 136 metres, Papalii also scored an outstanding solo try which included a brilliant fend on Johnathan Thurston.

Indeed, while the Raiders were strong at home, the story of the afternoon was the surprisingly unhappy performance of Thurston.

Charged-down for the Raiders' first try, then brushed off for the second, JT endured a tough afternoon that also saw him knock on a pass, throw one over the sideline and generally see more of 110kg Papalii than is medically advisable.

Asked afterwards about targeting his fellow Maroon, the hulking Canberra backrower grinned awkwardly and said: "I guess our focus was the halves and when I looked up, Jonno was there.

"I seen him in front of me and ... ah, tried to run over him, I guess." 

Played in front of 10,515 fans, the match was also an outstanding one for stand-in Canberra fullback Anthony Milford who, in his first run-on appearance, was unshakable under countless Thurston bombs and then scored a decisive try with six minutes left on the clock.

"I was certainly cheering him home," conceded Furner, whose side had led 18-0 before North Queensland reduced the deficit to eight.

"Tony at fullback certainly was dangerous for us. He handled those high balls well."

The Raiders now have the bye before hosting the Eels.

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Froome keeps yellow, Porte struggles

Irishman Daniel Martin crosses the Stage 9 finish line after a spectacular breakaway. Source: AFP

RICHIE Porte's Tour de France podium ambitions have suffered a deadly blow as Cadel Evans returned to form and Movistar unsuccessfully attempted to ride Chris Froome into the ground on an eventful stage 9 of the centenary tour.

Porte tumbled from second overall to 33rd after losing 17min,59sec on the 168km trek over five categorised climbs from Saint-Girons as Sky team-mate Froome doggedly retained the yellow jersey.

Spain's Alejandro Valverde moved into second place ahead of Dutchman Bauke Mollema as Evans banished stage 8 misery with a typically tenacious and clever display.

The Victorian rose seven places in the general classification to be 16th overall, 4min,36 behind behind Froome, after finishing sixth to on the stage won by Ireland's Dan Martin (Garmin-Sharp).

Dane Jakob Fuglsang (Astana) and Pole Michal Kwiatkowski (OPQS) filled the minor placings as the Porte plummeted out of contention.

Froome retains a 1min,25sec lead over Valverde (Movistar) with Belkin pair Mollema (1:44) and Lauren Den Tams ((1.50) and Saxo-Tinkoff's Alberto Contador (1:51) next. 

Porte finished 60th on the stage, only a day after rising to second iwith a career-best showing in Ax-3-Domaines.

But he was unable to recover from those exertions as Evans rebounded.

"A little bit better, a much better day," Evans said.

"It was a bit of a dramatic start.

"Certainly keeps your hopes alive. Quitting is definitely not an option right now."

Isolated when Porte cracked and Peter Kennaugh crashed, Froome was remarkable in the face of an unrelenting onslaught from Valverde's well drilled squad.

The Spaniard's henchmen repeatedly attacked the Briton, particularly on the final climb to La Hourqette d'Ancizan where Colombian Nairo Quintana tested Froome with four sharp attacks.

Froome responded to all of Movistar's moves, but the expected impact - and with the conspicuous absence of Sky lieutenants today - has suddenly invigorated the centenary Tour.

Hoping to wound Froome, Movistar attempted to strip away Sky's aura of invincibility, succeeding on most fronts, apart from dislodging Froome at the top of the general classification.

Evans was solid throughout the stage after briefly losing contact after enduring bike issues early.

The 2011 champion was among a high-class group of general classification riders who sparred all day.

A flurry of attacks came as soon as the starter's flag dropped.

Arnold Jeannesson (FDJ) claimed the first of five categorised climbs at Col de Portet-d'Aspet after a manic opening hour before a dangerous cluster of five riders broke away.

Giro champion Ryder Hesjedal (Garmin), Pierre Rolland (Europcar), Igor Anton (Euskatel) and Yury Trofimov (Katusha) trailed Thomas Danielson (Garmin) over category 1 Col de Mente as the race exploded behind them.

Porte and Evans lost contact as Contador and Valverde attacked, compelling Froome to counter.

Forced to change bikes, Evans fell off the pace again before a super solo counter-attack on the descent from de Mente enabled the Australian to catch Froome's group after 55km.

There was only a brief respite before Valverde and Movistar team-mate Ruben Plaza attacked again, leaving Froome with no choice but to respond on the long haul to Col de Peyresourde.

After 20km of high-stakes skirmishing, Valverde called a truce allowing Evans, Contador and Froome to reunite in a 20-rider group as change continued at the head of the race.

Porte's struggles continued as Thomas De Gendt won the intermediate sprint in Bagneres-de-Luchon. 

Orica-GreenEDGE's Simon Clarke launched out of the chasing peloton along the saw-toothed Peyresourde, riding away from Froome, Contador and Evans.

De Gendt took the king of the mountain points after slugging 13km to the Peyresourde summit before tackling the long, dangerous descent to Louderveille as Clarke made contact.

The Victorian launched near the feed zone in Armenteule, with 75km to go, and quickly surged away as the terrain swept upwards to category 1 Col de Val Louron-Azet.

Winner of the Vuelta mountain's jersey last season, Clarke duly claimed honours at the second last climb as Porte briefly raised hopes of a revival.

When Clarke began the descent to Guchan, he held a 20sec lead over Rolland, Romaine Bardet and Bart de Clerq with Froome, Contador and Evans at 1min,15sec.

Clarke's escape ended soon after and he was then caught by the peloton, which then reeled in Bardet on La Hourqette d'Ancizan.

With Porte badly hurt, Movistar turned on Froome on the final climb of the stage.

Quintana repeatedly jumped the race favourite in an orchestrated move as Martin (Garmin) and Fuglsang (Astana) swept over d'Ancizan before rocketing down the rapid descent to the finish.

Earlier, South Australian Rohan Dennis and Swiss Michael Schar failed to start.

Garmin-Sharp said the plan had always been for Dennis to abandon the Tour after nine stages, but the Olympic silver medallist suffered a minor calf injury.

"We wanted to get him through the first rest day and we're only a day short of that," Garmin-Sharp said in a statement.

"He did a fantastic job here and we're proud of how he rode for the team.

"Now he'll go home, rest, recover, and focus on the rest of his season with the benefit of having ridden his first Tour de France."

Dennis was thrilled to have been given the chance to contest the Tour.

"Having the opportunity to ride my first Tour at my age was incredible and a huge honour," Dennis said. 

"I would have liked to make it a little longer in the race but now it's time to go home and rest and recover.

"I'm very thankful for the support of my team and I know the guys will continue to do a great race."

BMC's Schar could not continue after failing to recover from a fall last week.

Two other competitors - Movistar's Jose Ivan Guittierez and Saxo-Tinkoff's Benjamin Noval - also dropped out.

---

JERSEYS - STAGE 9

YELLOW

Christopher Froome was forced to defend the yellow jersey without any of his Sky teammates and he answered every challenge Movistar and Saxo-Tinkoff could throw at him to keep the race lead.

GREEN

Another tough day for the sprinters including the man in green, Peter Sagan, who will welcome tomorrow's rest day before a few flat stages ahead.

POLKADOT

Pierre Rolland takes the polkadot jersey outright by moving to 49 points, ahead of Chris Froome on 33 and Richie Porte on 28.

WHITE

Nairo Quintana remains the best young rider on general classification after several attempts to get away from Froome on the final climb of the day.

CADEL WATCH

A much better day for Evans who remained with Froome and the other GC contenders right to the finish and didn't concede any further time. Sits sixth overall.

THE AUSSIES

Richie Porte had a tough day at the office and slipped outside the top 10, as did Michael Rogers while Simon Clarke featured in an early breakaway for Orica-GreenEDGE.

Re-live the Stage 9 drama with Reece Homfray's live chat in the window below.

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Loose Webber wheel injures man

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The Red Bull team push Mark Webber's car after he lost a tyre leaving the pits. Source:AFP

A CAMERAMAN is recovering in hospital after being hit by a wheel that came off Australian Mark Webber's Red Bull car at the German Grand Prix.

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The wheel flew off the right rear axle of Webber's car during a pit stop after eight laps of the grand prix, won by the Aussie's German teammate Sebastian Vettel.

It bounced through two garages and hit the cameraman, Paul Allen, in the back.

He was treated immediately by medical staff in the pit lane before being moved to the circuit medical centre.

The sport's governing body, the FIA, says the British cameraman was then taken to Koblenz Hospital by helicopter, where he'll stay under observation.

Webber, who had been racing in second place, eventually rejoined the race at the back of the field.

The race was then slowed behind the safety car after 24 laps when a car, without a driver in the cockpit, rolled backwards down the track in front of the oncoming racing field.

The car was the Marussia of Frenchman Jules Bianchi who had jumped out when the backmarkers' machine had suffered an engine failure.

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Track staff failed to control it and it slowly rolled, out of control, backwards from its parked position and across the track before stopping after hitting an advertising hoarding.

Later Vettel finally won a race on home soil after surviving spells of intense pressure to steer his Red Bull to victory.

The 26-year-old German, who also had never won a race in the month of July, came home narrowly ahead of fast-closing Finn Kimi Raikkonen and his Lotus team-mate Romain Grosjean of France.

Vettel's win was his fourth this year and the 30th of his career and it lifted him 36 points clear of nearest rival, Spaniard Fernando Alonso of Ferrari, in the drivers championship.

Alonso came home fourth ahead of Britons Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes and Jenson Button of McLaren with Webber seventh in the second Red Bull.

Mexican Sergio Perez finished eighth for McLaren ahead of Germans Nico Rosberg in the second Mercedes and Nico Hulkenberg of Sauber.

Vettel became the first German to win a German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring in the history of the Formula One world championship.

German Grand Prix results

1. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull) 1hr 41min 14.711sec

2. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN/Lotus) at 1.008

3. Romain Grosjean (FRA/Lotus) 5.830

4. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Ferrari) 7.721

5. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes) 26.927

6. Jenson Button (GBR/McLaren Mercedes) 27.996

7. Mark Webber (AUS/Red Bull) 37.562

8. Sergio Perez (MEX/McLaren Mercedes) 38.306

9. Nico Rosberg (GER/Mercedes) 46.821

10. Nico Hlkenberg (GER/Sauber) 49.892

11. Paul di Resta (GBR/Force India) 53.771

12. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Scuderia Toro Rosso) 56.975

13. Adrian Sutil (GER/Force India) 57.738

14. Esteban Gutierrez (MEX/Sauber) 1:00.160

15. Pastor Maldonado (VEN/Williams) 1:01.929

16. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Williams) at 1 lap

17. Charles Pic (FRA/Caterham) 1 lap

18. Giedo van der Garde (NED/Caterham) 1 lap

19. Max Chilton (GBR/Marussia) 1 lap.

Only 19 finished.

Retired: Felipe Massa (BRA/Ferrari): 4th lap; Jules Bianchi (FRA/Marussia): 22th lap; Jean-Eric Vergne (FRA/Toro Rosso): 23th lap

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