Rugby World Cup 2007

[Donnyboy]

RWC 2007 MATCH SCHEDULE

M Date Team 1 Team 2 Pool Venue KO (local French time)

1 07/09/2007 France Argentina D St Denis 21:00

2 08/09/2007 New Zealand Italy C Marseille 13:45

3 08/09/2007 Australia Japan B Lyon 15:45

4 08/09/2007 England USA A Lens 18:00

5 09/09/2007 Wales Canada B Nantes 14:00

6 09/09/2007 South Africa Samoa A Paris 16:00

7 09/09/2007 Scotland Portugal C St Etienne 18:00

8 09/09/2007 Ireland Namibia D Bordeaux 20:00

9 11/09/2007 Argentina Georgia D Lyon 20:00

10 12/09/2007 USA Tonga A Montpellier 14:00

11 12/09/2007 Japan Fiji B Toulouse 18:00

12 12/09/2007 Italy Romania C Marseille 20:00

13 14/09/2007 England South Africa A St Denis 21:00

14 15/09/2007 New Zealand Portugal C Lyon 13:00

15 15/09/2007 Wales Australia B Cardiff 15:00

16 15/09/2007 Ireland Georgia D Bordeaux 21:00

17 16/09/2007 Fiji Canada B Cardiff 14:00

18 16/09/2007 Samoa Tonga A Montpellier 16:00

19 16/09/2007 France Namibia D Toulouse 21:00

20 18/09/2007 Scotland Romania C Edinburgh 21:00

21 19/09/2007 Italy Portugal C Paris 20:00

22 20/09/2007 Wales Japan B Cardiff 21:00

23 21/09/2007 France Ireland D St Denis 21:00

24 22/09/2007 South Africa Tonga A Lens 14:00

25 22/09/2007 England Samoa A Nantes 16:00

26 22/09/2007 Argentina Namibia D Marseille 21:00

27 23/09/2007 Australia Fiji B Montpellier 14:30

28 23/09/2007 Scotland New Zealand C Edinburgh 17:00

29 25/09/2007 Canada Japan B Bordeaux 18:00

30 25/09/2007 Romania Portugal C Toulouse 20:00

31 26/09/2007 Georgia Namibia D Lens 18:00

32 26/09/2007 Samoa USA A St Etienne 20:00

33 28/09/2007 England Tonga A Paris 21:00

34 29/09/2007 New Zealand Romania C Toulouse 13:00

35 29/09/2007 Australia Canada B Bordeaux 15:00

36 29/09/2007 Wales Fiji B Nantes 17:00

37 29/09/2007 Scotland Italy C St Etienne 21:00

38 30/09/2007 France Georgia D Marseille 15:00

39 30/09/2007 Ireland Argentina D Paris 17:00

40 30/09/2007 South Africa USA A Montpellier 20:00

41 06/10/2007 W Pool B RU Pool A QF1 Marseille 15:00

42 06/10/2007 W Pool C RU Pool D QF2 Cardiff 21:00

43 07/10/2007 W Pool A RU Pool B QF3 Marseille 15:00

44 07/10/2007 W Pool D RU Pool C QF4 St Denis 21:00

45 13/10/2007 W QF1 W QF2 SF1 St Denis 21:00

46 14/10/2007 W QF3 W QF4 SF2 St Denis 21:00

47 19/10/2007 Bronze Paris 21:00

48 20/10/2007 Final St Denis 21:00

[Donnyboy]

New All Blacks jersey

All Blacks wow the high priests of fashion

Further evidence that rugby is going to the dogs emerged on Thursday as hard-as-nails Carl Hayman was forced to sashay down a cat-walk in New Zealand at the behest of the moneymen from adidas.

The Highlanders prop was joined by Nick Evans, Ma'a Nonu and Rodney So'oialo as the All Black jersey for Rugby World Cup 2007 was revealed to gasps of appreciation from the fashionistas of the sporting world.

But whilst Hayman wore a face of defiled dignity, Nonu - who sports highlights and slaps on the mascara on match days - luxuriated in the warm glow of the popping flashbulbs.

At first glance, the jersey resembles the sort of skin-tight purist's nightmare pioneered by England in 2003. But no: adidas have trumped Nike by producing "a three-dimensional garment". Eureka!

If that isn't impressive enough, the All Blacks will benefit from the very latest "bodymapping" and "ForMotion technology", "venting", "bonded seams" and "form-fitting fabric to reduce chafing and irritation".

The manufacturers, who spent 28 months "developing" the jersey, claim that the new collarless design is 45 per cent lighter than the last offering, which will be music to the ears of the like of Jerry Collins who would struggle under the weight of, well, an uprooted oak.

But the magic runs even deeper than that, as Greig Bramwell - CEO of adidas New Zealand - was only too happy to explain.

"During a rugby game, holding a ball, lifting, catching , passing, and setting up for a tackle, requires players to have their arms out in front of their body, rather than down by their sides," revealed Bramwell by moving his lips up and down in an equally revolutionary manner.

"So the jersey has been designed to support that body position - it is a three-dimensional garment."

Not even the sacred silver fern was spared an upgrade in the name of science.

The symbol that has been held close to New Zealand's bravest hearts for over a century will now also appear in their armpits in the shape of "black-on-black heat-reducing mesh inserts".

"We wanted to enhance the nationalistic look and feel of the jersey while remaining true to the clean black look - so we incorporated an embossed fern into the side panel," explained Bramwell.

Hayman's lugubrious twirl at the end of the runway (what does one call that move?) also revealed a new twist to the "TechFit undergarment" worn by the players - intersecting grey panels across the shoulder blades.

Was this an intra-bonding cross-mesh Gatofor? A power-enhancing Met®-Protoshphere? Interlocking FIT enablators©?

Unfortunately, no one could tell us. We were left to conclude that it was simply a sartorial hint towards the cross the All Blacks have had to bear since baggy-jerseyed David Kirk hoisted the Webb Ellis Trophy way back in 1987.

But the final word went to New Zealand captain Richie McCaw.

"It helps to look at the stands and see lots of black jerseys too," he said.

Yes, replica jerseys are available in men's, women's and children's sizes at sportswear stores across New Zealand from 1 May.

Extend your arms out in front of your body and hurry down to the shops.

By Andy Jackson 365 Digital

Edited April 29, 2007 by Donnyboy

[Donnyboy]

John O'Neill rules out return

Former Australian Rugby Union (ARU) chief John O'Neill on Friday ruled out a return to the code, which has been wracked by in-fighting and political disputes Down Under.

As the ARU board prepares to meet Saturday to select a new chairman, O'Neill moved to end speculation he could be the code's "white knight" and end the internal wrangling that has flared under outgoing chief executive Gary Flowers.

Former Wallabies captains Simon Poidevin, Nick Farr-Jones and John Eales have publicly urged O'Neill to return to the position he handed to Flowers in 2004.

O'Neill, who blamed rugby's turbulent politics for his departure, had previously said "never say never" to the speculation

he could return.

But as the crunch board meeting looms, O'Neill said it was time to clarify his intentions.

"I must emphasise that I have not been approached by anyone representing the ARU about any position, nor have I sought one," he said.

"After much consideration, I have decided that it is now an appropriate time to bring the speculation to an end.

"Therefore, I confirm that I am not a candidate for any position at the ARU."

His statement appears to contradict comments he made in January saying he had been asked by rugby powerbrokers to take a high-profile role in reviving the game.

O'Neill took over as head of the ARU in 1995 and oversaw the code's conversion to a professional sport, the Wallabies' 1999 World Cup win and Australia's staging of the 2003 World Cup.

After moving on to football, he helped lay the groundwork for the Socceroos' impressive 2006 World Cup campaign and Australia's switch from the Oceania international football federation to the stronger Asian confederation.

He is currently working for a marketing firm and has no role in sports administration.

Sapa-AFP 365 Digital

[Donnyboy]

Springboks add World cup warm up matchesThe

Springboks will warm up for the World Cup with matches against Scotland, Namibia and the Irish province Connacht in August.

The lesser matches won't necessarily be Springbok matches and they will play under the banner of South Africa XV against the Namibians in Cape Town and against Connacht.

They will then go on tour to Ireland and meet Connacht in Galway and Scotland in Edinburgh a week later.

The Namibian and Connacht matches will be not be awarded full-cap status but the Scotland match will be an international.

This means that Jake White has 10 matches before the World Cup starts to prepare his team.

The World Cup starts on September 7 in France and South Africa's first match is on the 9th against Samoa. Their big crunch match for the pool is expected to be against England on the 14th.

[Donnyboy]

Rugby: Time almost up for hopefuls

NZ Herald Sunday April 29, 2007

By Gregor Paul

Some aspiring All Blacks must surely be cursing mankind for not yet having acquired some mechanism to hold time still.

Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu, among others, would dearly love a few more weeks in front of the All Black selectors.

Instead, they have one last chance in the Super 14 to produce something, anything, to keep their names fresh in the minds of those who will pick the 30-man All Black squad on May 20.

Exclusion will not be fatal to World Cup dreams but it will be grave. All Black coach Graham Henry says that, ideally, the 30 selected next month will be pretty much the squad for France.

As he says: "We have been at this for four years. We should have a good handle on the players by now."

Injuries will disrupt Henry's ideal world and some allowances will be made for individual workloads.

Those who have bashed away for most of the Super 14 might be afforded a short reconditioning window before the first tests against France and Canada, while others in the 30 might be posted out to the Junior All Blacks if the coaching panel feel they need game time and aren't getting it with the senior crew.

In the case of Greg Somerville, who hasn't played since August, the door will stay open until the World Cup squad announcement on July 22.

"He's a player we want to give every opportunity to," says Henry. "He needs to play and that means he might even be involved in the Air New Zealand Cup to give him that chance.

"That would be the exception rather than the rule, though. Our basic objective is that we would like to select the same 30."

Nervous times loom for players such as Smith and Nonu, who have meandered through the last 11 weeks without making a peep. Adding to their angst will be the knowledge that Henry and his chums place a big emphasis on knock-out football.

So while Smith and Nonu are left to ponder why their powder never went boom, midfield contenders Isaia Toeava and Casey Laulala will monopolise the attentions of the men who matter in the games that matter.

The two Hurricanes men needn't fall into despair. There is hope. Both have played tests in every year of the Henry reign and their previous deeds will not be forgotten.

The last two years of experimentation and rotation were designed to ensure the All Black selectors got to 2007 knowing who they rated and who they didn't.

Smith and Nonu are players they rate. The former brings a unique dimension. He is a link player, clever with his hands and astute in defensive positioning. When Smith plays, the All Black back three become the strike point. The ball goes through the hands more and there is licence to counter-attack from deep.

Nonu is a power runner who can bust big holes in the middle of the park. In a game of collisions, he almost always wins and the selectors were hooked on that ability on the 2006 end of year tour.

Back in November, Nonu was operating at a ratio of two-parts hero one-part villain with his ability to break the line - only then to suffer sporadic malfunctions in his post-break execution.

At that 2:1 ratio he was an asset. Unfortunately the mix has been diluted in the Super 14, with some unwelcome habits resurfacing.

Having spent so many hours working on Nonu's tackling technique, it won't have pleased the panel he was yellow-carded for not using his arms.

Neither Smith nor Nonu can claim to be in form which puts all the pressure on the selectors. How much weighting do they place on the last 12 weeks?

While Nonu and Smith have spluttered along, young buck Toeava has sliced his way through every backline. Laulala, too, has grown in confidence and is making telling contributions.

Toeava and Laulala are the men in form. The men who look the goods. But both have had their test chances and gone all stunned-mullet.

This is a tough nut for the selectors. They know they have Aaron Mauger, Luke McAlister and Mils Muliaina safely in their midfield mix.

But who joins them - the men in form or the men with longer pedigree? Smith, Nonu, Toeava and Laulala can't all squeeze into the 30.

At least one, maybe two, will miss the cut come May 19.

Having missed most of last season with a broken leg, Smith returned to test duty on the back of limited game time to combine effectively with McAlister in November.

The selectors probably won't have any reservations about selecting him on the back of patchy form again as they know he brings to the table a cool head which allows him to rise to the big occasion.

Toeava had special project status for most of 2006 until his confidence collapsed towards the end of the Tri Nations.

He has every skill a centre needs and with his confidence now rebuilt thanks to some compelling work, the selectors will be seriously tempted to give him another crack in the test arena to see if he can handle the pressure.

They know Toeava can play - they just don't know whether he can hold it toge-ther at international level.

For that reason there is little value in putting Toeava into the Junior All Blacks.

He needs to jump back in at the deep end and see if he can swim.

Nonu, on the other hand, may benefit from some time with the Juniors.

He needs to play to build his confidence and a stint in a less intense environment where he is likely to see significant action might just be the ticket to rework him into a more appetising concoction.

Laulala, too, would be well served by consistent game time in a black jersey where there is lesspressure.

Right now, Smith and Toeava could be the survivors come May 19.

But if Nonu can deliver before July 22, it might be the selectors who are left cursing mankind's inability to hold time still.

[Donnyboy]

Ashton confirms absence of big guns

England coach Brian Ashton has confirmed that he will not consider players from Leicester, Wasps and Bath for selection in next month's two-Test tour of South Africa.

All three clubs are involved in European finals the weekend before England tackle South Africa in Bloemfontein on 26 May.

Leicester and Wasps clash in the first all-English Heineken Cup final on May 20, while Bath meet European Challenge Cup opponents Clermont Auvergne the previous evening.

England will duly head for their base camp in Johannesburg on May 15 without established names such as Phil Vickery, Martin Corry, Joe Worsley, Julian White, Steve Borthwick, Lewis Moody, Harry Ellis, Josh Lewsey and Danny Grewcock, while there is also now no immediate prospect of Wasps skipper Lawrence Dallaglio gaining an international recall.

Including injured players like Mike Tindall, Tim Payne and Olly Morgan, it means Ashton being without more than 30 internationals for the two-week tour.

Ashton could have flown out some of the first Test absentees for the second Test - in Pretoria on June 2 - but he has decided against it.

England's situation is bound to evoke memories of their 1998 so-called 'tour from hel_l' when they played seven games in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

England, minus numerous leading players who were either rested or injured, lost every fixture, which included a 76-0 drubbing against the Wallabies in Brisbane.

Greater strength in depth should avoid a similar outcome, yet the tourists are unlikely to strike any psychological blows against South Africa ahead of their crucial Rugby World Cup pool meeting in Paris on September 14.

And the two-Test trip could hardly be further removed from England's summer overseas mission in 2003, when victories over New Zealand and Australia set them up to conquer the rugby world five months later.

"I have reached the decision based on three principles," said Ashton.

"Firstly, the players will not have time to prepare and acclimatise for the first Test match.

"Secondly, after their massive efforts spent in reaching the Heineken and European Challenge Cup finals, it gives this group of players the opportunity to recharge their batteries before meeting up again for the World Cup warm-up camps, which start on June 25.

"Finally, I also feel very strongly that the players I will select for the touring squad must be trusted and respected to fulfil the two fixtures against South Africa."

England's problems have been exacerbated by a global squeezing of fixtures due to the World Cup's September start.

And the main selection troubles will be up front, where Ashton finds himself without the entire pack that started England's Six Nations championship finale against Wales in Cardiff five weeks ago.

Hookers George Chuter and Lee Mears will not travel, for instance, while Northampton's Dylan Hartley has an appeal hearing against a 26-week ban imposed for gouging in London next Thursday.

The hooking crisis could result in 35-year-old Bristol forward Mark Regan coming out of international retirement and straight into the Test team at Bloemfontein.

And Saracens prop Kevin Yates, whose two England caps were collected in Argentina a decade ago, is another experienced campaigner Ashton could consider given the absence of Yates' fellow front-row forwards Vickery, White, Matt Stevens and an injured Tim Payne.

Uncapped players who will be eagerly awaiting the squad announcement should include Gloucester prop Nick Wood, London Irish lock Nick Kennedy, Bristol second-row Roy Winters and possibly Newcastle hooker Matt Thompson.

Behind the scrum though, England should not encounter too many problems, given the probable presence of Mark Cueto, David Strettle, Mathew Tait, Jason Robinson, Andy Farrell, Jonny Wilkinson, Toby Flood, Shane Geraghty and Shaun Perry.

In the absence of Vickery, who was appointed England captain before the Six Nations campaign, London Irish centre Mike Catt is favourite to continue as skipper for the tour of the country of his birth.

Catt, 35, took over leadership duties from an injured Vickery for the final Six Nations fixtures against France and Wales, although injury means he has not played for more than a month.

England, meanwhile, will reconvene three weeks after returning from South Africa for a fortnight's training camp in Portugal, then base their pre-World Cup training at Bath University before heading to France on September 3, five days ahead of their World Cup opener against the USA in Lens.

And the Rugby Football Union (RFU) are still in dialogue with the International Rugby Board (IRB) about extending the date of England's 30-man World Cup squad from August 14 until after their final warm-up game against France in Marseille on August 18.

England's tour squad will be announced at Twickenham next Tuesday.

365 Digital

[Pink Mist]

bout time we won another world cup

[Donnyboy]

Catt adds to England's woes

Mike Catt says he could miss England's tour of South Africa because of a back injury, which only adds another selection headache for coach Brian Ashton.

Ashton has to do without 29 players involved in European (Heineken Cup) finals and his stand in Captain Catt is likely to miss out on the tour meaning that he will be forced to pick an entirely new Captain.

"I haven't been able to play for five or six weeks because of my back and I will speak to Brian about the right thing to do," said the 35-year-old.

"A few decisions have to be made and I need to see where I am physically." "From a purely selfish point of view, the chance to captain England in South Africa would be brilliant," he added.

"The Tests are going to be a massive challenge and they are a huge opportunity for those players who are chosen to tour

Catt captained England in their final two Six Nations games against France and Wales when Phil Vickery was injured will miss London Irish's final Premiership game of the season against Northampton on Saturday.

The England squad to play two Tests against the Springboks, in Bloemfontein on 26 May and Pretoria on 2 June, will be named on Tuesday, leave for South Africa on 15 May.

[Pink Mist]

farrel cant take his wheel chair into the scrums

[Donnyboy]

bout time we won another world cup

c'mon dont be greedy now.

congratulations on the epic cricket win last night, even thou the lighting/rain put a dampner on things.

[Donnyboy]

farrel cant take his wheel chair into the scrums

The English are going to be smashed and bashed by the Springboks on this tour by the look of things, and the English coach knows it.

[Pink Mist]

we are patient

[Donnyboy]

State of the Nation - France

Crowned as the 2007 Six Nations Champions courtesy of a dramatic late try by Elvis Vermeulen France were worthy winners. They did however let the chance of a Grand Slam slip away with a disastrous day at Twickenham.

Although a Grand Slam in World Cup year would have been a nice fillip for the French the fact they did not achieve it does not detract from a huge amount of other positives they took from the championship.

Having struggled during the November tests fro a recognised fly-half France finally seem to have found their man, or should we say men. David Skrela settled into the number ten jersey throughout the tournament and showed Bernard Laporte just how much you need a specialist in that position.

After experimenting with Damien Traille in two test defeats to New Zealand Laporte finally put his trust in Skrela and how it paid off. On top of that young Lionel Beauxis proved he has what it takes to run this highly skilled French side.

Limited to cameo appearances from the bench until the final weekend Beauxis was handed the chance to start against Scotland with Skrela out injured. He looked at home in all honesty and the one big advantage he gives France is his kicking game, both from hand and for goal.

A recognised fly-half gave France direction and purpose to their game, as well as the ability to get the best out of their dangerous back-line. The likes of Christophe Dominici and Vincent Clerc suddenly found themselves with ball in hand and room to attack, often with deadly results.

The biggest success story however has to come in the forwards, and two men plying their trade in England. Raphaël Ibanez of Wasps and Sebastian Chabal of Sale were colossus's in the blue of France. Ibanez, who assumed the captains armband from the injured Fabien Pelous, was an inspirational leader and his work rate was second to none.

As for Chabal he finally came of age on the international scene. Having struggled in the past to recreate his domestic form on the biggest stage he finally laid that ghost to rest. His opening day performance against Italy was nothing short of titanic.

There was also the reemergence of the Serge Betsen, the Biarritz Bomber, who it had seemed would drift off the international scene. But any suggestions of that were banished with five top draw displays showing he still has the game for this level.

What will concern France, as was the case with England in 2003, is the age of their side. They may have some promising youngsters coming through but their pack is hardly full of spring chickens. One can see them encountering the same problems as England suffered post World Cup glory. Their old heads will be there until then but could well be gone after.

So while all is well in the French camp for now they should be warned that all good things come to an end. The question is can they come to an end with the winning of the World Cup? For that ladies and gentlemen we will have to instill the virtue of patience.

Star Man: With Laporte making use of forty players in just five games there were plenty of options here. Chabal and Ibañez were huge in the forwards. Skrela and Mignoni were sublime in the backs but for us this has to go to Serge Betsen. The Biarritz Bomber as he has become known was back to his best during the Six Nations. With Laporte rotating his squad each week Betsen was one of only a few to start every week, a testament to his form and ability.

By Marcus Leach 365 Digital

[Donnyboy]

State of the Nation - Ireland

Ireland will be riding a long wave of emotion since the tense Six Nations championship came to an end on Saturday with France taking the European crown for the second year running.

It was predicted to be Ireland's turn this year - heaven ordained that they should hoist the Six Nations trophy. But instead they could only settle for the Triple Crown after seeing off Wales, choking to France, thrashing England, surviving against Scotland and eventually whipping Italy.

As it turns out, the cracking of that whip against the Azzurri just wasn't hard enough to guarantee them the spoils. Instead, it was France's demolishing of Scotland and an injury-time try that allowed Les Bleus to retaining the silverware and dash the Emerald Isle's dream - once again.

The stout was no doubt flowing in massive quantities all over Ireland that weekend, yet it would have eventually been imbibed out of sorrow rather than celebration.

That elusive title was there for the taking for arguably the better side in the competition, yet the men in green proved that even they can have a bad day at the office.

That bad day would be the last-minute defeat to the French at Croke Park, a venue now burdened with the moniker of 'Choke Park' after Ireland failed to hang on to their lead with just two minutes remaining.

France wing Vincent Clerc will be at the very centre of every dartboards in Ireland, yet it really was a lapse in local concentration that cost the Irish dear.

Hats off to the French for their never-say-die attitude - an attitude that they took right up to that fateful final whistle was blown in Paris in face of the brave Scots.

Of course, four wins out of five is not a complete disaster for the Ireland crew. Yet skipper Brian O'Driscoll and his troops had set themselves a more lofty goal - that elusive Grand Slam. It would have been the country's first since 1948!

Ireland have won over many admirers since their memorable wins over South Africa and Australia on consecutive weekends last year.

The victories over northern and southern hemisphere rivals led coach Eddie O'Sullivan and his squad to be considered as serious contenders not only for the Six Nations but for this year's Rugby World Cup.

So are Ireland still regarded as a serious threat come proceedings in France?

They certainly didn't disappoint against a charged-up Wales outfit in the opening round of Six Nations action in Cardiff. Ireland managed to run three unanswered tries past the Welsh that day. A good result for Ireland as a win at the Millennium Stadium is never an easy feat.

France brought the Irish back down to earth with their last-minute victory in the second round of the tournament. However, the preceding 78 minutes of play saw the Irish produce moments of brilliance. Who can forget Ronan O'Gara punching the air thanks to a glorious try set up by star flank David Wallace?

O'Gara contributed all the points for his team that day, but ultimately it wasn't enough.

With Ireland's Grand Slam hopes dashed, they showed a great deal of character to lift themselves up from the disappointing loss. Perhaps it was exactly what they needed - sometimes it helps to find out that your not invincible.

What followed was an annihilation of England, a performance that outclassed, outwitted and outshone the reigning world champions. In three words, Ireland were outstanding.

Scotland proved to be another small hiccup in Ireland's quest for Six Nations glory. Even though the game was won, it took a solitary point to make it so, and raised a few questions about Ireland's consistency in the performance manual.

How is it that the same side that crushed a team by 30 points in the previous round could only manage to sneak through by one point the next?

But no disrespect to Scotland, who picked themselves up quite admirably after their shock 37-17 loss to Italy a fortnight before.

Did Ireland underestimate their opponents, or were they perhaps still on a high from their demolition job on England?

Either way, it was a game that could have spelt the end for Ireland's Triple Crown aspirations. On the contrary, the Irish retained the trophy and escaped another choke in their Six Nations campaign. Poor Ronan O'Gara wasn't as fortunate.

Italy kept Ireland at bay for the first 40 minutes in Rome the following week. In the end, the Irish gladiators were soon to leave the Azzurri blushing after notching up eight tries to Italy's late brace. But it was the Irish that would be left red in the face - firstly for not scoring enough tries, and secondly, allowing Italy to have the last laugh with a seven pointer on full-time.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Even though Ireland had to settle for second place, they can still give themselves a pat on the back for a job well done. It wasn't so much as a roller-coaster ride of a performance, but perhaps maybe that of a ferris wheel. Their wheels kept on turning throughout the tournament, except that the ride came to a holt on its second revolution. But there was never a moment to panic, and while some would have left the ride feeling a bit disappointed, everyone got off in one piece.

So Ireland still have the talent to put up a good challenge at the forthcoming Rugby World Cup in France. The players put up their hands and showed the world why they are so highly rated. And with Ireland making the least amount of errors in the tournament, you have to wonder what else these guys have got to do to finally hoist that Six Nations crown.

Their time will come, it should have been this year, but perhaps something better might come their way in the immediate future.

Star player: With a forward pack dominant in all aspects of play, and a backline oozing with class, one wouldn't wish this sort of pick on a worst enemy. The usual names stand out head and shoulders above the rest, with lock Paul O'Connell quite literally doing just that. David Wallace was superb in the number seven jersey, a man who could have been confused with one of Ireland's illustrious runners. Speaking of the backs, Brian O'Driscoll was again his usual self, while full-back Girvan Dempsey and wing Denis Hickie made life hel_l for their opponents. But it was O'Driscoll partner in crime that really turned heads. Gordon D'Arcy tops the list with most carries of the ball as well as the highest amount of off-loads. Although only touching down once for his country, D'Arcy stood out like a lighthouse in the Ireland backline as he guided his team-mates into plenty of gaps. His defence was rock-solid and his hard hits were a major contribution to Ireland conceding the least amount of tries in the competition. D'Arcy is fast becoming one of the most feared midfielders in the game - just ask his opposition.

By Dave Morris 365 Digital

[Donnyboy]

State of the Nation - Wales

But for a masterful display from James Hook in the final round of the championship, Wales would have been lumbered with the Wooden Spoon, just two years after winning the Grand Slam in such magnificent style.

However, that solitary victory over arch-rivals England does little to hide the cracks that are emerging in the Welsh squad. Although the final day performance may well hold some answers as to which direction Gareth Jenkins needs to sail his ship in.

As it is, the battle is done and we are left to reflect on the casualties of war, laud the returning heroes and assess the damage as Wales look forward to a tour of Australia, three warm-up Tests and then the Rugby World Cup in September.

Heading into the Six Nations there was great hope for Wales, their squad had a meaningful look - an interesting mix of youthful vigour and enthusiasm combined with the gnarled faces of experience and knowledge. The fans were confident of an improved showing from the season before.

Yet the confidence was soon to be drained from both players and fans, week by week, defeat by painful defeat.

Such was the mood in the camp that Stephen Jones acquired the catchy, if somewhat unwanted, nickname of 'Captain Crap', something we assume he will still have, as he was absent from the one game Wales won. Jones will feel hard done by to an extent, he will look back and think Wales generally were not at the races for three games.

The opening round of the Championship, a sold out Millennium Stadium and the Irish were in town. The streets of Cardiff were awash with colour and alive with song as the fans united as Celts readied themselves for the opening dance of the tournament.

It was hardly a flamboyant samba but Wales managed to match Ireland step for step until the final moments when they stumbled on their feet and let the Irish waltz off with a priceless away win. The tone was thus set for a sombre period in Wales, and the tapshoes were replace with the clumsy clogs.

The defeat in Scotland will rankle as one of the worst in recent years for Wales, a cumbersome pack was shunted around like a pile of old rubble, and the backs were little more than spectators for the most. Credit to Scotland for the way in which they strangled the life out of a weak Welsh outfit, but questions began to surface concerning the personnel and management.

Despite a brief flurry of hope in Paris, the questions were sounded a little louder as France booted their way to a comfortable victory. Yet Wales and their management continued to put a positive spin on life in their camp. Soon, even that stopped.

Italy were buoyed by their first away win in the tournament when Wales arrived in Rome. For Welshman the world over the game seemed to hinge on the last minute confusion that reigned, yet it was the previous seventy-nine minutes that had led to Wales's fourth consecutive defeat.

By this stage what had been whispered questions and criticism were becoming full-blown cries for change and immediate action. Yet as if he was in his own blissful world where all was right and the Welsh were winning, Gareth Jenkins went with the same twenty-two for the crunch game with England, a game that could well have left Wales with the wooden spoon.

Then in the days leading up to the game, the under-fire Stephen Jones was withdrawn from the side due to a broken wrist. It was as if his body had heard the cries for change and responded, paving the way for Gareth Thomas to return to the side as captain, and James Hook to slot in at ten. The rest, as they say, is history.

Wales, on their day, are a fiercely competitive and able side, yet one day out of five is hardly a success story. Granted they were unlucky against Ireland and victims of mass confusion in Rome. But when all is said and done, for the most part they were poor.

Gareth Jenkins talks of a new squad coming to terms with a new pattern of play, yet the reality is the bulk of this squad has been together for some time now. So that leaves us with the question of 'what went wrong then?' This is a question a lot of the players were asking too, and they still might be.

Star man: James Hook

England were blitzed in the opening stanza and then controlled out of the game having staged a valiant comeback that had the Welsh public fearing the worse. But the mercurial James Hook stepped up and kicked his side on to a famous victory, and in the process equalling Neil Jenkins's points record for a single game against England. Hook showed he is the answer for many of Wales's problems. Not only does he offer them shape and structure to their game but he has a special ability to do something out of the ordinary, the little bit of magic you need to win games.

365 Digital

[Donnyboy]

Boks won't focus on Tri-Nations

The Springboks will not focus on winning the Tri-Nations, but solely upon claiming the World Cup this year.

That is what Andy Marinos, Manager of National Teams for the SA Rugby - the commercial arm of the South African Rugby Union, said on Thursday.

With this in mind the Bok management have decided to select a 45-man squad to be used on a rotational basis to play in the seven scheduled Tests before the Boks take on Samoa in their opening game of the World Cup on September 9.

The Boks international season kicks off with a two Test home series against England on May 26, a solitary match against Samoa in Johannesburg and culminated in the four Tri-Nations fixtures.

The problem for the Bok selectors is that they are unable to name a date for the announcement of the squad and camp due to the success of the Bulls and the Sharks in the Super 14 series.

"Because there is a good possibility that the Sharks and the Bulls could reach the semi-finals of the Super 14 we cannot give a date for the announcement of the squad," said Marinos.

"With a large proportion of the squad coming from those two

teams and the semis scheduled for May 11 and 12 all we can say is that the announcement will be sometime in May."

What Marinos could confirm was that the Springbok World Cup squad would be announced on July 21.

365 Digital

[Donnyboy]

Boks to miss World Cup?

The South African rugby team may have their passports confiscated if the make-up of the side does not meet government's transformation requirements.

This is according to Butana Komphela, the chairperson of South Africa's parliamentary committee on sport.

"My fear is that the Boks will not be at the World Cup," he told Die Burger.

"We will try to convince the minister of home affairs to cancel the passports if the team is not representative.

"I'm sketching the worst case scenario and we don't want it to happen. We are well-mannered but deadly serious about it.

But strangely enough, if six out of the World Cup squad of 30 are players of colour that may be enough to avoid disaster.

"We will not be happy with six players, but would regard it as a good start," said Komphela.

"We would like to see that SA Rugby considers all the talent that is available when choosing the squad.

"Six out of 30 is not representative, but it's a good start. If good reasons are provided, we will take it into consideration and change our approach. Nobody has control over things like injuries.

"In principle we won't allow a team that is not representative of the South African picture to represent the country."

Andy Marinos, Manager of South African National Teams, was taken aback when informed of Komphela's comments by this website.

"This has come completely out of left field.

"Our Managing Director (Jonathan Stones) and our Chief Executive (Johan Prinsloo) have been in talks with Komphela and Deputy Minister of Sport Gert Oosthuizen since their appointments.

"But this is completely surprising.

"I don't know what line of authority Komphela has if he would choose to undertake such action."

Oregan Hoskins, the President of the South African Rugby Union said Komphela's comments would be regarded in a "serious light".

"We have not nearly finalised the group of players. We want to co-operate with the government and will talk to them often," he told Die Burger.

365 Digital

[Donnyboy]

State of the Nation - Italy

All of a sudden people are proud to be Italian rugby fans, and all it took was a slight up turn in their fortunes. Back to back wins and a first ever away win in the Championship were the rewards for the efforts not just of this current squad but all those who have gone before.

For seven years Italy have fought tooth and nail to win an away game, and they have come mighty close before, but ultimately their efforts were futile. That was until a memorable day in Edinburgh during the 2007 Six Nations.

It may go down as a memorable and historic day in Italian rugby's history but in fact it only really took them a little shy of seven minutes from kick off to effectively wrap up the game. Some will argue it was Scotland who gifted Italy twenty-one points, yet it was a result of Italian pressure.

The signs did not look good for the Azzurri, a comfortable lose to France on the opening day followed by a defeat to England at Twickenham. Although the performance against England was a marked improvement from the previous week it still resulted in a lose.

Then came the back-to-back victories, Scotland away and then Wales in Rome, the victories that sparked the belief in people over the world that Italy are good enough to be in the Six Nations and they are finally settling into the championship.

In the opening two games there were obvious weaknesses but credit where credits due, Pierre Berbizier took the decision to make changes in key areas. The most notable of these was recalling veteran scrum-half Alessandro Troncon, who was inspired to say the least.

Two man of the match performances and a wealth of experience brought back to a side who needed that little bit of extra guidance. No disrespect to Paul Griffin but he just doesn't have the experience to draw upon when it is needed most. Troncon guided his pack, often helping them do the hard work, he provided superb service and above all was an extra leader in the side.

The Italian pack seems to go from strength to strength and doesn't seem to have a weak link, until their star flanker Mauro Bergamasco earns himself a ban for a wreckless punch. Those little actions are what can cost a side like Italy a game.

As for their scrummaging power and line-out skills they are up there with the best in the world, its just a shame their back-line is left lacking. When they can find a back line who can compete at the highest level Italy may start to push for a first Six Nations title. You may snigger but don't bet against it happening sooner rather than later.

Star Man: There is no doubt that without Alessandro Troncon Italy would not have reached the heights that they did this season. He may be coming towards the end of his career but he brings something special to this Italian squad. He knows how to boss the game and ease the pressure on those around him by doing so. If in the time before he retires he can nurture and develop Paul Griffin then the future may just be a little brighter for Italy.

365 Digital

[Donnyboy]

Henry wary of Boks

The Sharks performance against the Blues has stirred many pundits in New Zealand. The Blues are a flagship New Zealand side, and the Sharks showed exactly how their brand of rugby can be nullified.

There are no doubts whatsoever that Jake White would have taken careful notice of how exactly the Sharks put paid to the most potent attacking force of Super rugby.

Venomous defence, well-aimed kicking and an ability to strike from small opportunities were the three prongs of the Sharks game.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry, who is well aware that his side will carry the hopes of a nation starved of World Cup glory for twenty years, noted that effective strategy.

"The way the Sharks played at the weekend is an indication of that. They played particularly well. They out-thought the Blues on that particular night, they played with a huge amount of physical presence and they showed some of the tactical things that I'd expect the South Africans to use in a couple of months time.

"The South Africans are particularly strong and they have some new players who have come through the woodwork. They are going to be a major challenge," warned Henry, speaking to YahooXtra, leaving the rugby world in no doubt as to who he saw as chief opposition to his mighty All Blacks.

"There will be a number of teams who will be quality and they (South Africa) will be one of them. We have a huge amount of respect for them and that hasn't changed. In fact, it's heightened," he declared.

Henry also refuses to write off the Wallabies' hopes.

"They have had a few injuries to key players. But if you look at Australian rugby they have always come up with 20-odd players who can play. They are good upstairs mentally, they can handle pressure and they are composed rugby players.

"They will be good come Tri Nations time. We would underestimate them at our peril. They will be up there and they will be highly competitive again

"We have to think about ourselves and look to get back to the levels we were at last year. And then for the Tri Nations we go up a couple of notches and we need to because they are going to be very strong sides."

365 Digital

[Donnyboy]

Wallabies warm to Huxley at No. 15

Greg Growden, Chief Rugby Correspondent

Monday, April 30, 2007

Julian Huxley has suddenly become a prime contender to be the Test fullback against Wales in Sydney on May 26.

Although it seemed that Huxley's chances of making the Wallabies had passed him by, the selectors, in particular coach John Connolly, have been impressed by his recent performances for the Brumbies at fullback, and he seems certain to make the 30-man squad to be announced on May 20.

Helping Huxley is the lack of candidates for the No.15 spot. With injured Chris Latham unavailable until the second Bledisloe Cup match in July and Connolly's apparent reluctance to play Western Force's Drew Mitchell or Queensland's Clinton Schifcofske at fullback, Huxley is virtually the last man standing.

There are concerns about Huxley's unpredictability, a tendency to overplay his hand and haphazard defence, but selectors note he has been a prime reason for the Brumbies' success this season.

The uncapped Huxley has one of the better midfield kicking games, and his willingness to trust himself in attack has often led to line breaks. Such initiative will work in favour of the 27-year-old, who moved to the Brumbies this year from the Reds after Queensland coach Eddie Jones showed only lukewarm interest in him.

If Connolly selects Huxley for the opening domestic Tests he cannot be criticised for picking on reputation rather than form. Two Tests against Wales before one against Fiji in Perth on June 9, give him the chance to experiment before the more important Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup fixtures.

Another left-field selection may well occur on the wing, with the Western Force's Digby Ioane in contention. While Lote Tuqiri will be on one wing, the other is expected to be between Ioane, Scott Staniforth, Mitchell and Mark Gerrard.

Ioane would address some of Connolly's concerns about a lack of pace in Australia's attack, as he proved in his standout game on Friday against the Cheetahs.

NSW rookie Lachlan Turner is another speedster, but the Test selectors are expected to bring him on slowly in Australia A fixtures.

The centre combination is also a confusion of names, and will be dependent on where Matt Giteau plays. There is still a concerted push for Giteau to play at halfback, with George Gregan his back-up, which could result in an ACT midfield combination of Adam Ashley-Cooper and Stirling Mortlock. Staniforth and Junior Pelesasa are two other No.12 options, while Ryan Cross is likely to be Mortlock's outside-centre back-up.

The Western Force's slim chance of making the final four has also ended any plans the Wallabies team management had of resting Giteau and Nathan Sharpe for the last-round match against the Blues in Perth on Friday night.

The Force will be attempting to thrash the Blues in the hope of sneaking in. It seems near impossible, especially as the Force's for-and-against points is low. If either the Bulls, Chiefs or Brumbies win, the Force are finished.

A Force victory would help the Brumbies, who must win for the first time in Dunedin on Saturday night, when they play the Highlanders, to be able to sneak into the finals.

But they are also relying on the Bulls, Blues and Chiefs faltering.

[Donnyboy]

New Zealand locks stocks in crisis as Eaton joins casualties

Jim Kayes

Monday, April 30, 2007

And then there was one. Graham Henry's World Cup plans have taken another hit, with only one of the five locks taken to Europe last November fit - and starting - in the Super 14.

The curse of the All Blacks' World Cup conditioning programme is largely to blame, with Jason Eaton the fifth of those 22 players to be sidelined by injury.

Eaton joined James Ryan on the "out for the year" list when he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee five minutes into the Hurricanes' 22-21 win against the Highlanders on Friday night.

Eaton, Chris Jack and Ali Williams missed the first half of the Super 14 because of the World Cup conditioning programme.

But Jack hasn't played since he hurt his knee playing the Waratahs on March 31 and Williams can't secure a starting place in the Blues - though that might change after their 40-19 loss to the Bulls on Saturday.

Chiefs lock Keith Robinson is the only lock from the European tour who is fit and guaranteed to start this weekend's final round of the Super 14.

Henry was not available for comment yesterday, as the extent of Eaton's injury was apparently not known.

However, a Hurricanes statement said Eaton, 24, was out of rugby for six months, and quoted Eaton saying he was disappointed his World Cup dream was over.

"I'm seeing a surgeon next week and we will take things from there," Eaton said.

"My focus will be on getting through the rehab work so that I'm in good shape for the start of the 2008 Super 14."

Hurricanes coach Colin Cooper said Eaton's injury was "devastating for him because the goal was obviously the World Cup, devastating for the Hurricanes and devastating for the All Blacks".

"We had wanted to see how he operated at six to give us options and to give the All Blacks options."

There is some good news, however, as fullback Mils Muliaina made a successful return from a broken foot in the Chiefs' 28-23 win against the Waratahs on Friday night.

Muliaina hurt his foot in a practice game that also saw Blues wing Joe Rokocoko sprain his ankle as both prepared to return to the Super 14.

Rokocoko is fit again, but like Williams he has failed to convince Blues coach David Nucifora he deserves to start, with Rudi Wulf preferred ahead of him in Pretoria.

Hurricanes flanker Jerry Collins is expected to be available to play the Waratahs on Saturday after he missed the Highlanders match with the neck injury suffered a week earlier against the Crusaders.

Among the locks, Troy Flavell, who missed the All Blacks' European tour through injury, has come back into contention with some strong performances for the Blues and Jack may be only a week or two away from playing again.

Jack was told he would be out for six weeks, which ends during next week's semifinals, so he might make it on to the field if the Crusaders reach the final. Even if they don't Jack should be fit to play France at Eden Park on June 2.

The Dominion Post

Edited April 30, 2007 by Donnyboy

[Donnyboy]

Rassie's Boks job breakdown is hands-on

Hendrik Cronje

Friday, April 27, 2007

Rassie Erasmus will be more than a technical adviser to the Springbok rugby team.

The Cheetahs coach already has been asked by Jake White, coach of the national team, to draw up plans to improve the technique of players at breakdown points.

"I have told Rassie he has free reign regarding our play at breakdown points," said White on Thursday.

"Renewal is important to retain the interest of the players. That is why, since my appointment, I have involved experts such as Henning Gericke (sports psychologist) and Sherylle Calder (visual ability).

"My management team will remain unchanged this year, but I have given SA Rugby a list of experts whom I would like to involve as consultants from time to time," said White.

He did not name anyone specific, but it is well known that White and former England coach Clive Woodward are good friends. It will be no surprise if Woodward's name is on the list.

Calder also served in the triumphant 2003 England coaching team before joining White's group of experts.

She will have an important role in helping SA goal kickers such as Andre Pretorius, Percy Montgomery and Frans Steyn.

Calder advised England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson, who goalled the match-winning drop-goal in the 2003 World Cup final against Australia.

There were also rumours after last year's Springbok tour of Ireland and England that Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer would be drawn into White's coaching team.

White's decision to make use of more than Erasmus's services as technical analyst to point out the opposition's strong and weak points makes sense.

Erasmus is a former Springbok loose forward with a sound knowledge of the finer art of loose-forward play.

He also knows all strengths and weaknesses of Springboks loose forwards such as Schalk Burger, Juan Smith, Pierre Spies and Danie Rossouw.

His knowledge of the tight phases also enabled the Cheetahs to win the Currie Cup in 2005 and play in the 2006 final.

White also has confirmed that he will help the Namibian side with their World Cup preparations.

"I have already started helping them," he said on Thursday. "I have also told them that I'd be willing to make my experts available to them."

Derick Coetzee (chief of conditioning) has already helped the Namibians with their fitness.

News24.com

[Donnyboy]

Spreadbury the first to blow his World Cup whistle

Friday, April 27, 2007

English referee Tony Spreadbury will take charge of the Rugby World Cup's prestige opening game between France and Argentina in Paris on September 7, tournament organisers said.

The full list of 12 referees and 13 specialist touch judges was released on Thursday.

Seven nations are represented within the referees' panel with three men - Wayne Barnes (England), Nigel Owens (Wales) and Marius Jonker (South Africa) - making their rugby World Cup debut in France.

Stuart Dickinson (Australia), Paul Honiss (New Zealand), Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa), Steve Walsh (New Zealand) and Chris White (England) will be attending their third World Cup.

All 10 Tier One nations are represented within the selection of touch judges. From the quarter-finals onwards the referees will act as both referees and touch judges.

Referee panel: Wayne Barnes (England), Stuart Dickinson (Australia), Paul Honiss (New Zealand), Marius Jonker (South Africa), Joel Jutge (France), Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa), Alan Lewis (Ireland), Nigel Owens (Wales), Alain Rolland (Ireland), Tony Spreadbury (England), Steve Walsh (New Zealand), Chris White (England).

Touch judges: Christophe Berdos (France), Lyndon Bray (New Zealand), Malcolm Changleng (Scotland), Federico Cuesta (Argentina), Carlo Damasco (Italy), Kelvin Deaker (New Zealand), Craig Joubert (South Africa), Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand), Mark Lawrence (South Africa), Paul Marks (Australia), Simon McDowell (Ireland), Dave Pearson (England), Hugh Watkins Reuters

[Donnyboy]

England stars hooked from SA tour

Friday, April 27, 2007

England rugby coach Brian Ashton confirmed on Thursday that players involved for their clubs in Europe will not be considered for either of England's two Tests for their tour to South Africa.

The Heineken Cup final is held on May 20, a day after the European Challenge Cup final.

England play the Springboks on May 26 in Bloemfontein and on June 2 in Pretoria, and Ashton said: "I've reached the decision based on three principles.

"Firstly, the players will not have time to prepare and acclimatise for the first Test match.

"Secondly, after their massive efforts spent in reaching the Heineken and European Challenge Cup finals it gives this group of players the opportunity to recharge their batteries before meeting up again for the RWC (Rugby World Cup) warm up camps, which start on June 25.

"Finally, I also feel very strongly that the players I will select for the touring squad must be trusted and respected to fulfil the two fixtures against South Africa."

The 32 man England squad to tour South Africa will be announced next Tuesday.

[Donnyboy]

Injured duo in line for Tests

Greg Growden, Chief Rugby Correspondent

Friday, April 27, 2007

PHIL Waugh and Dan Vickerman have hardly been sighted in the Waratahs colours this season, but that will not affect their chances of regaining their Wallabies jerseys during the early domestic Tests.

If fit, they will be among the first picked in the 30-man Wallabies squad to be announced on May 20.

Australia play Wales in two Tests, on May 26 and June 2.

Wallabies coach John Connolly yesterday said he had been closely monitoring the progress of Waugh and Vickerman, who have both been sidelined for extensive periods through injury.

Waugh has been unavailable since late February after damaging his ankle against the Cheetahs in South Africa.

Vickerman has missed all of the Super 14 tournament after having to leave the end-of-season Wallabies tour of Europe to undergo shoulder surgery.

Both Connolly and the Waratahs are hopeful that Waugh will return in the NSW's final-round match against the Hurricanes in Wellington on May 5.

For a day or two, Waugh found himself being considered for tonight's match against the Chiefs in Sydney, until NSW coach Ewen McKenzie decided it was too early to call him back.

When Vickerman will return remains uncertain. He has been training with the Waratahs squad for several weeks, as well as being one of the team's runners during matches.

"With Dan, we really have to wait and see, and I'm not sure exactly when he will again be available for Test football," Connolly said. "We may bring him back through either club football or Australia A games."

Connolly has a high respect for both Waratahs, realising that Waugh could easily be one of the strong contenders to take over the Test captaincy for the domestic season and the World Cup in September-October.

The Wallabies coach also realises that without Vickerman, one of Australia's most dynamic and aggressive forwards, the Test team lacks a considerable edge.

Connolly's biggest selection problems revolve around choosing his inner-backs combination, and who exactly will be his fullback - prompting revived calls for Matthew Burke to be recalled from the English club ranks.

Meanwhile, Western Force coach John Mitchell hopes a two-year extension to his contract will be finalised next week.

Mitchell, who has another year to run on his contract, said he would "like to get it all tied up by the end of next week so the players are settled and my family are settled".

[Donnyboy]

Wallabies wary of Wales

Australia will not under-estimate a depleted Wales team in two home tests starting in Sydney on May 26, the Australian Rugby Union said on Tuesday. Wales named an inexperienced 28-man squad on Monday, with 18 players left at home to rest and prepare for this year's World Cup in France.

"Welsh rugby has greatly increased in depth in recent years and the team they are bringing out is brimming with international experience and are highly suited to test rugby,"

Wallabies assistant coach Scott Johnson said in an ARU statement.

Johnson coached Wales in 2005 and believes experienced players like forwards Colin Charvis and Michael Owen, fullback Gareth Thomas and centre Gavin Henson will provide a formidable challenge for Australia in Sydney and in Brisbane on June 2.

"Based on the number of changes I think the Welsh coaching staff will use these matches to draw out their best 30 and will be testing as many players as they can before the World Cup," Johnson said.

"Six of this squad has played with the British & Irish Lions and they will be chomping at the bit to have a crack at the Wallabies," he said.

"They know a good tour in Australia will put them into a strong position to be in the squad in France."

Reuters - - - 01/05/2007 08:26

[Donnyboy]

Henson to tour down under

Gavin Henson has been named in the squad for Wales' two-Test tour of Australia next month, allowing the Ospreys' centre the chance to stake a claim for a World Cup spot.

Henson has been sidelined since January with a knee problem and missed the whole of Wales' disappointing Six Nations campaign.

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has chosen to rest most of his senior players for the trip down under, though there are enough experienced internationals in the squad to put out a strong side against the Wallabies.

Henson had already been omitted from Jenkins' Six Nations squad before his injury occurred, but now the 25-year-old now has a chance to win back a place for the World Cup in France later this year.

"I was shocked but delighted to get the phone call this morning but I"m determined to give 10 per cent during this tour," said Henson, who hopes to start his comeback in a Celtic League match against Border Reivers on May 9.

"I've been out of rugby for four or five months but I've been working hard on my rehab. It's been a difficult year for me on the rugby field but this news has given me a real boost.

"I'm just pleased to get back into the squad environment and to be given the chance to play international rugby again."

The squad is captained by former skipper Gareth Thomas, and there are also recalls for number eight Michael Owen and veterans wing Daffyd James, back-row Colin Charvis and hooker Mefin Davies.

Jenkins has left behind a group of 18 senior players for a summer training camp and will shave his squad down to 38-40 players following the tour, before announcing his final 30 for the World Cup.

"There are some players who have not had the opportunity to show us their talents," said Jenkins. "We finished the Six Nations strongly and were able to maintain consistency of selection during that campaign, but we also have an open mind and this tour will help us gain clarity of thought certain areas of selection.

"When we return from Australia we"ll come up with a training squad of around 47 players who will continue to be put through their paces in the lead up to our (friendly) matches at the Millennium Stadium against France and Argentina.

"Then, as the tournament approaches, we will trim down again to 30 players and everybody involved with us at the moment has a contribution to make to this squad. It's fair to say they all have a chance of making the cut.

"It will be one of the toughest decisions of my coaching career when it comes down to it and I know every one of these players will be doing their utmost to make it even tougher – and that's exactly the kind of elite sport environment we are looking to create."

Wales face the Wallabies in Sydney on May 26 and in Brisbane on June 2.

Backs: Lee Byrne (Ospreys), Chris Czekaj (Cardiff Blues), Hal Luscombe (Harlequins), Dafydd James (Llanelli Scarlets), Jamie Robinson (Cardiff Blues), Gareth Thomas (Toulouse, capt), Gavin Henson (Ospreys), Aled Brew (Newport Gwent Dragons), Ceri Sweeney (Newport Gwent Dragons), James Hook (Ospreys), Gareth Cooper (Newport Gwent Dragons), Mike Phillips (Cardiff Blues), Andy Williams (Bath).

Forwards: Ceri Jones (Harlequins), Iestyn Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets), Rhys Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Huw Bennett (Ospreys), Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Mefin Davies (Gloucester), Brent Cockbain (Ospreys), Robert Sidoli (Cardiff Blues), Scott Morgan (Cardiff Blues), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Gavin Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets), Colin Charvis (Newport Gwent Dragons), Michael Owen (Newport Gwent Dragons), Robin Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff Blues).

[Pink Mist]

our next world cup

[Donnyboy]

Scots court US tycoon's 'billions'

May 01 2007

Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) chief executive Gordon McKie has confirmed that negotiations with a consortium looking to set up a professional rugby franchise in Stirling are at an advanced stage.

Aberdeen businessman Graham Burgess has made no secret of his interest in investing in Scottish rugby in the past, but previous approaches have been dismissed by the SRU, who have publicly questioned the viability of the business model he has proposed.

However, it seems the public fall-out which has followed the recent announcement that the Border Reivers will be closed at the end of the season has prompted McKie to reassess the merits of brokering a deal with a consortium which is understood to include a number of exceptionally wealthy individuals, including the American tycoon Roy Carver.

"Discussions did take place with Graham Burgess last week and I anticipate that further discussions will take place this week," said McKie.

"I can't really say any more than that because it's covered by a confidentiality agreement, but the board is happy to consider any viable investment in a competitive pro team.

"The initial outline is quite different to the one that was there 12 months ago.

"It would make sense for the process to be as short as possible. Otherwise players still remaining [under contract at the Reivers until the end of the season] will go elsewhere. You can't put a deadline on these things, but we appreciate the need to move quickly if it makes sense and it's viable."

Previously McKie has been skeptical about the level of investment Burgess and his associates would be willing to make in the side if they were awarded a franchise, but it seems he has now been persuaded they have the necessary financial muscle to make such a venture work.

"Roy Carver is alleged to have billions and I understand that two of the other investors being associated with this bid - although I can't verify this - are allegedly extremely well off," said McKie.

"If they have significant capital then they have that money to put into a pro team. But I'm not 100 per cent sure who is in this yet."

A major bone of contention in recent weeks has related to the amount of Magners League and Heineken Cup appearance money the SRU are willing to distribute amongst the franchised teams that compete in those competitions.

McKie remains resolute in his belief that he is under no obligation to share that money out. However, he says the Union are willing to contribute towards a newly-franchised side as long as he could be certain that it is going to be truly competitive.

"Legally, the money belongs to the Union, and it's the same in England," he said.

"They choose to share some, if not most of that with the clubs, but the money belongs to the Union. If this proposal makes sense, is properly funded and is competitive, then the Board may consider the potential for a subsidy.

"If the [total] pot of money is untouched by virtue of going from three teams to two teams, then that money will be used primarily to strengthen Glasgow as opposed to funding a development team. That was a board decision.

"We want to make Glasgow fit for purpose, and if there is some left over we would like to invest it in growing the game and improving strength, fitness and conditioning."

[Donnyboy]

Corporates score at Rugby World Cup

April 30 2007

Rugby fans look set to miss out on the forthcoming Rugby World Cup after it was confirmed that almost a third of all tickets have been allocated to the corporate sector.

Major sporting events normally allocate around 20 per cent of tickets to commercial market, but the BBC has revealed that organisers of RWC 2007 have opted to set aside 30 per cent of all tickets - around 600,000 in all - to the corporates.

But the doesn't mean that regular tickets will come at a subsidised price.

Genuine fans can expect to pay up to E317 ($432) for the privilege of attending the opening game - France's clash with Argentina at Stade de France on 7 September.

The group stage's other big games don't come much cheaper.

A purple ticket ("best seats at venue") for England's clash with South Africa in Paris will set you back E253 ($344), whilst a lowly green ticket ("seats in the curves of the venues, with a great atmosphere") will cost E58 ($79).

By comparison, the top-priced ticket for pool stage matches at the 2004 FIFA World Cup was E103 ($140); a ticket for the men's final at Wimbledon costs E127 ($174).

But organisers of RWC 2007 stand by their ticketing policies, saying that they have the interests of the global game at heart.

RWC 2003 in Australia generated £81m for the International Rugby Board (IRB), part of which was used to fund the game worldwide, and larger profits are expected from this year's event.

"From the money generated we will get a share and we will put that back into the game," Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Roger Lewis told the BBC.

"So the people who are prepared to pay those prices are subsidising rugby."

Edited May 1, 2007 by Donnyboy