England Sevens captain Ollie Phillips was named IRB Sevens Player of the Year. Phillips led England to seven events in this year's IRB Sevens World Series and was inspirational in their two Cup successes, a first ever in Wellington and a first for five years at their home London Sevens at Twickenham last weekend. "It's been a fantastic year personally and collectively for our team and to captain any England side is a huge honour," said Phillips to Planet Rugby. "I was surprised to be on the shortlist of nominees for the award, so to win it is really very special.

Long-serving winger Lote Tuqiri has been dropped from the Wallabies for their 2009 season-opening match against the Barbarians on Saturday. The side will be led by veteran Stirling Mortlock. Lachie Turner and Drew Mitchell were on Tuesday handed the wing spots in coach Robbie Deans' team for the Sydney Football Stadium match, with Tuqiri not even on the bench. Western Force loose forward Matt Hodgson gets his first match for the Wallabies after being selected at blindside flanker.

Blue Bulls flanker Dewald Potgieter was named captain of the Emerging Springboks team that will face the British & Irish Lions at Newlands in Cape Town on Tuesday, June 23. No player who has appeared for the Springboks in a Test was considered for this team. Springbok assistant coach Dick Muir will coach the team alongside assistants Jerome Paarwater and Stanley Raubenheimer. Emerging Springboks: Forwards: Jacques Botes (Sharks), Jean Deysel (Sharks), Wian du Preez (Cheetahs), Werner Kruger (Bulls), Patrick Cilliers (Sharks), Tiaan Liebenberg (Stormers), Bandisa Maku (Bulls), Dewald Potgieter (Bulls, captain), Wilhelm Steenkamp (Bulls), Steven Sykes (Sharks), Franco van der Merwe (Lions), Duane Vermeulen (Stormers). Backs: Heini Adams (Bulls), Bjorn Basson (Griquas), Burton Francis (Bulls), Zane Kirchner (Bulls), Louis Ludik (Lions), Morgan Newman (Stormers), Earl Rose (Lions), Deon van Rensburg (Leopards), Jano Vermaak (Lions), Luzuko Vulindlu (Sharks).

Bulls flyhalf Morné Steyn is the only newcomer in the 28-man Springbok squad that Peter de Villiers named on Monday, to face the British and Irish Lions in a three-Test series later this month. Steyn deserved his Bok call-up after his standout performances in the Super 14 for the Bulls. But there will be many questions about the omission of Heinrich Brussow and Zane Kirchner, and the inclusion of Earl Rose and Ricky January. Sharks prop Deon Carstens and Bulls centre Wynand Olivier return to the squad after having last played for the Boks in 2007.

New Golden Lions coach Hans Coetzee, who replaced Eugene Eloff in controversial fashion last week, chose Louis Ludik as his fullback and Springbok André Pretorius at flyhalf in the starting XV for their midweek match with the British and Irish Lions in Johannesburg on Wednesday. Springbok hopeful Earl Rose has been benched by the Golden Lions. Scrumhalf Jano Vermaak will partner Pretorius at halfback. The biggest changes are at lock, where the Golden Lions will be without Anton van Zyl and veteran Jannes Labuschagne, who is injured. Golden Lions: 15 Louis Ludik, 14 Michael Killian, 13 Jannie Boshoff, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Dusty Noble, 10 André Pretorius, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Willem Alberts, 7 Franco van der Merwe, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar (captain), 5 Willem Stoltz, 4 Brad Mockford, 3 Gert Muller, 2 Willie Wepener, 1 Lawrence Sephaka. Replacements: 16 Ethienne Reyneke, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18 Ernst Joubert, 19 Todd Clever, 20 Chris Jonck, 21 Walter Venter, 22 Earl Rose.

Ireland and Leinster star Brian O'Driscoll has been named as captain of the British & Irish Lions team for Wednesday's midweek tour match with the Golden Lions in Johannesburg. Just three players from Saturday's starting XV against the Royal XV retained their places, namely David Wallace, Tommy Bowe and Jamie Roberts. Tour Manager Gerald Davies said that it was fantastic for the Lions to be able to call on someone as experienced as O'Driscoll to lead the team and that he was very excited that another 11 players would have the chance to make their debuts for the Lions.

British & Irish Lions Tour Manager, Gerald Davies, and Head Coach Ian McGeechan, on Thursday announced the Lions’ team for the second Test of the Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series against the Springboks. The selected team will play at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday June 27th and will be led by Ireland’s Paul O’Connell. Davies said, “The players know they came desperately close to winning the first Test in Durban. They have put that disappointment behind them as we head to Pretoria for one of the toughest challenges a team can face - playing South Africa at home at Loftus Versfeld. Buoyed by remaining unbeaten in the provincial matches the Lions are definitely ready for the challenge.” Commenting on the team selection, McGeechan said, “As a squad the Lions still have everything to play for. The players know that the outcome of the Test series comes down to Saturday and they are determined to take the series to a decider in Johannesburg. “There were many positives to come out of the First Test which we have built upon this week. “We have made five changes to the starting XV but it will not change the way we want to play. Both teams will be better for the run last weekend and we know we will have to step up our performance to ensure that we again take the game to the opposition and are more accurate in taking our opportunities. “The starting XV is an interesting one in that we have an all Welsh front row for an official Lions Test match for the first time since 1955*. We also have an all-Irish back three. I am also delighted for Simon Shaw who will play in first Lions Test after three tours and 16 matches in the famous red shirt,” added McGeechan. * Graham Price, Bobby Windsor, Charlie Faulkner played for Lions against Fiji in 1977. British & Irish Lions versus South Africa on Saturday 27th June: 15. Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland) 14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland) 13. Brian O’Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland) 12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales) 11. Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster/Ireland) 10. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales) 9. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales) 8. Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland) 7. David Wallace (Munster/Ireland) 6. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England) 5. Paul O’Connell (Munster/Ireland) – Captain 4. Simon Shaw (London Wasps/England) 3. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales) 2. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales) 1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales) Replacements: 16. Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland) 17. Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks/England) 18. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales) 19. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales) 20. Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England) 21. Ronan O’Gara (Munster/Ireland) 22. Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales Issued by SA Rugby Communications on behalf of the British & Irish Lions

Springbok players Schalk Burger and Bakkies Botha were suspended following disciplinary hearings by Judicial Officer Alan Hudson of Canada that concluded in Johannesburg on Monday morning. The pair was cited by Steve Hinds of New Zealand for foul play during Saturday’s second Test of the Castle South Africa 2009 Lions Series at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. South Africa won the match 28-25.

Schalk Burger
Burger was found guilty of committing an act contrary to good sportsmanship – Law 10.4 (l) – by making contact with the face in the eye area of Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald in the first minute of the Test.

Burger was yellow carded for the offence by referee Christophe Berdos of France. The player was suspended for eight weeks and will only be able to return to rugby on until midnight on August 22..

Bakkies Botha
Botha was found guilty of transgressing Law 10.4 (j) by dangerously charging into a ruck without binding on a player. The incident took place in the fourth minute of the second half and resulted in Lions prop Adam Jones leaving the field with a shoulder injury.

He was suspended for two weeks, effective until midnight on Saturday, July 11.

Both players were represented by attorney Gerrie Swart.

Issued by SA Rugby

The All Blacks looks set to welcome back some heavy cavalry when a 30-man Tri-Nations squad is named on Saturday, none more so than superstar flank and regular skipper Richie McCaw.

The All Blacks head into the Tri-Nations on the back of a string of poor performances and they will be low on confidence and the reinforcements can't arrive soon enough.

Veteran No 8 Rodney So'oialo is also due back after a month's rest, while speedster Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder) hooker Andrew Hore (ribs) and centre Conrad Smith (hamstring) are all expected to return to the squad.

"That's over a third of your side and it's a lot of test caps," All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen told the NZPA.

"Not too many countries could lose the people we lost and still win test matches and still feel disappointed with the way they played.

"We know we played poorly but we also know that we are exposing a lot of new people to test rugby and the experience. They will be better for it."

The All Blacks will head into an intensive two-day next week but it doesn't seem enough to prepare for an Australian side who suffocated France 22-6 in Sydney on Saturday.

"We don't have a choice do we?" Hansen said.

"We have to get up and we have been in this situation before, so the world has not come to an end.

"If you look at the three-match series, Kieran Read really put his hand up as an international No 8, JK [flank Jerome Kaino] has come back and performed really well and [lock] Isaac Ross has shown us he can perform at test level. He's still got some maturing and growing to do but he's don e some good things."

The loose forwards selection will be the biggest squeeze but Liam Messam may pay for his mixed outing in the first French test, with Tanerau Latimer retained as openside cover for the restored McCaw while lock Jason Eaton may provide utility value as the sixth loose forward cover.

"We just think that aerially he's not a world-class test player but he's still quite a handy person to have on that bench where he can play those two roles," Hansen said of Eaton.

REPORT BY RUGBY365

All Blacks legends Sir Colin Meads and Waka Nathan have waded into the debate over the national team's lacklustre singing of the national anthem before tests.

The All Blacks were criticised in the wake of the two tests against France after many of the squad did not sing 'God Defend New Zealand'.

Meads, who played 133 matches including 55 tests, said the All Blacks should just sing the English version of the anthem.

"I don't think we should have two versions," he told Sunday News.

"We only ever sung one version. We didn't sing in two languages. It makes it a bit more awkward."

Nathan, one of New Zealand's greatest Maori players, added: "I would have to go along with that.

"If they have the anthem in just the one [language], that would be fine by me. I personally wouldn't worry too much if there wasn't the Maori version, if we didn't do that and just did the haka."

Until 1999, the All Blacks had sung God Defend New Zealand only in English but prominent Maori performer Hinewehi Mohi, stunned the rugby community when she sang the anthem solely in Maori during the 1999 World Cup.

A Government-backed campaign soon saw the singing of God Defend New Zealand in both languages before national sporting events.

Mohi described the recent All Blacks anthem efforts as "meek".

"I'll be happy to offer lessons in the anthem to the ABs if they're struggling with it. I would offer my services as a tutor. I would be really sad to see us revert back to just the English version again," Mohi said.

"There has been lots of discussion about it but for the most part the feedback for me has been one of quite a breakthrough for our nation and acceptance of two official languages of the country.

"I would like to think we should do a better job at building up a statement at showing pride and not being so coy with our outward patriotism. We seem to be quite meek when it comes to showing pride in our country."

Earlier this week, All Blacks captain Mils Muliaina said players were aware of public criticism which he put down to Kiwi conservatism.

"But we are making a conscious effort," he said.

The Springbok team management has emphatically denied allegations that players staged a “silent protest” by not covering any of the emblems on their jerseys whilst singing the National Anthem at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. “We refute this allegation in the strongest possible terms,” said Team Manager, Arthob Petersen. “The Springbok players and management support both National emblems – the Protea and the Springbok – which have been acclaimed and approved by government. “As a mark of respect for both emblems, the players took it upon themselves not to cover any of the emblems during the anthem singing and decided to rather interlock their arms. Their decision to do so was fully endorsed by team management. “To suggest that this was some form of protest is totally untrue. The players feel strongly that the two National emblems must be given equal prominence and they should therefore be commended for their actions,” Petersen said. Issued by Springbok Management

All Blacks coach Graham Henry was gracious in defeat, after his side went down 19-28 to the Springboks in a Tri-Nations Test in Bloemfontein on Saturday. However, he also bemoaned his team's "lack of discipline", which he felt contributed to their downfall. "I first of all want to congratulate South Africa on their victory," Henry said at the post-match media conference. "They were the better team and deserved to win," he added.

SA Rugby have called for an urgent workshop to discuss the rate of transformation in the country, Afrikaans Sunday newspaper Sondag reported. The decision was made at the rugby body’s Management Committee meeting on Friday after the item was put onto the agenda and a hefty debate ensued. The newspaper reported that there are growing worries about the rate of transformation within rugby structures and the fact that so many talented young black and coloured rugby players don’t seem to make it through to the senior ranks of the game.

The South African Rugby Union's ticketing woes may count against the organisation when the International Rugby Board announces its host countries for the 2015 and 2019 World Cups. According to Afrikaans Sunday newspaper Sondag the fact that the recent British and Irish Lions tour was played in front of half empty stadiums and last week's unsold tickets for the Tri-Nations encounter between the Springboks and the All Blacks may negatively influence the country's bid. SARU and its commercial arm, SA Rugby, launched an investigation last week into the slow sales of tickets for the Tri-Nations and the IRB may see this as a negative aspect when they vote to determine who should get hosting rights for 2015 and 2019.

The PRA said it was stunned by the ERC's decision to ban Harlequins player Tom Williams for 12 months for fabricating an injury. PRA CEO Damian Hopley said: "In recent weeks we have seen players found guilty of eye-gouging receiving bans of between 8 and 12 weeks, and another player found guilty of misconduct receive an 8 month ban. "For Tom Williams to be singled out and handed a 12 month ban is both excessive and entirely disproportionate. It is an extraordinary decision.

The Sharks scrumhalf Rory Kockott has been cited for an act contrary to good sportsmanship during his side’s 19-13 victory over the Vodacom Blue Bulls in Durban on Friday night. Citing officer Andrew Prior cited Kockott for an offence of grinding/ rubbing/ applying his knees to the face of the Vodacom Blue Bulls lock Wilhelm Steenkamp in the 50th minute of the Absa Currie Cup match. The Sharks scrumhalf, Kockott, will appear before a Judicial Hearing at the offices of the Kwazulu Natal Rugby Union in Durban on Tuesday, July 28, at 16h00. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

SA Rugby wishes to state categorically that reports in weekend papers that Springbok wing Bryan Habana transgressed team protocol by staying out late is devoid of any truth. A Sunday newspaper reported that Habana allegedly broke the team’s curfew by staying out until 1:00am on the morning of the Vodacom Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks in Bloemfontein. However, following a proper investigation into the matter by the Springbok Management and SA Rugby, the conclusion was made that Habana did not transgress any team rules.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers, with an abundance of riches, will face a couple of tricky backline choices for Saturday's second Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks at Absa Stadium. De Villiers could have a full squad available – apart, of course, from the suspended Schalk Burger – with Jean de Villiers, Adi Jacobs, Andries Bekker and perhaps even Ruan Pienaar available for selection. Centre Jacobs and lock Bekker, who were unavailable for the Bloemfontein Test, have recovered and are fit to play, Springbok doctor Craig Roberts said on Monday. De Villiers, who limped from the field during Saturday's Test with what appeared to be a knee injury, was only suffering from cramp and he has been cleared while Pienaar, replaced at half-time has a slight ankle strain.

Ma'a Nonu could be a surprise casualty from last weekend's 28-19 loss to the Springboks as the All Blacks coaches contemplate changing their midfield for Sunday morning's test at Absa Stadium. Although the All Blacks did not run their starting team during a light-hearted training at Durban's Glenwood High School overnight (NZ time), there is an inkling Nonu may be replaced by Luke McAlister as the coaches look to pair him with Conrad Smith in the midfield when they release their team tonight. (NZ time) Second five-eighth Nonu was unable to get his trademark bullocking runs going against the aggressive defence in the Bloemfontein test last weekend and starting McAlister will add another kicking option in general play and he also has the ability beat to an opponent with nifty footwork.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers made three changes to the match 22 that beat the All Blacks in Bloemfontein last weekend, one in the starting XV and two on the bench, for Saturday’s second Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand in Durban. Morné Steyn starts at No.10 ahead of Ruan Pienaar, who is injured. Lock Andries Bekker returns in the place of loose forward Ryan Kankowski on the bench, while fit-again centre Adi Jacobs takes Morné Steyn’s place on the bench. Springbok wing Bryan Habana and centre Jean de Villiers will both earn their 50th Test caps for South Africa, while captain John Smit will become the record-holder for the most experienced Test captain ever.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has made two changes to his team to face the Springboks in their second Tri-Nations clash in Durban on Saturday. Jimmy Cowan and young tighthead prop Owen Franks return to the starting line-up. The starting XV see two changes from the team which started the first Test last weekend with Franks coming in for tighthead prop Neemia Tialata - who sprained his right knee on the weekend - and Cowan replacing Brendon Leonard at scrumhalf. John Afoa comes onto the bench.

The GWK Griquas continued their impressive, undefeated run in the Absa Currie Cup Premier Division on Friday night, following their stunning 23-19 victory over the Xerox Lions in Johannesburg. The Kimberley team were in rampant mood at the Coca-Cola Park stadium and boasted a commanding 20-7 half time lead. Flyhalf Naas Olivier scored the opening try of the match in the seventh minute of play. The GWK Griquas pivot, who was in top form in Johannesburg, converted his try and also kicked a penalty in the first 15 minutes and ensured that the visitors boasted an early 10-0 lead. The Xerox Lions though fought back and were rewarded with their first try of the match when centre Alwyn Hollenbach crossed the try line. Herkie Kruger added the conversion to reduce the score line to 10-7. However the GWK Griquas hit back before the break and were leading the match at 20-7 when centre Barry Geel ran in to score the visitors’ second try of the match which was converted by Oliver, who also kicked his second penalty before half time. In the second half, Xerox Lions pivot Kruger kicked four penalties as the hosts fought their way back into the match despite the Kimberley team only scoring three points thanks to a penalty by fullback Riaan Viljoen. However an excellent defensive effort by the GWK Griquas late in the match kept the hosts at bay and ensured that visitors ended round four as the only team undefeated in the 2009 Absa Currie Cup. “It's a really big win for us,” said the July winner of the Absa Currie Cup Coach of the Month Dawie Theron after the match. “Many people felt our opening win against the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein was something of a fluke and that we got up for that game because of the local derby aspect. But we then followed that up with two further wins. “While we're happy with where we are on the log, we're not going to get carried away.” In Bloemfontein, the Sharks handed the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs their fourth defeat in the Absa Currie Cup on Friday evening following their 21-12 victory at Vodacom Park. Rory Kockott was the star performer for the visitors in the Free State capital as he kicked five penalties and a superb drop goal for a personal points haul of 18. Monty Dumond also kicked a penalty for the Sharks. The defeat for the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs, who have only secured one log point to date in four matches, ensured they remain in second last position in the Absa Currie Cup Premier Division. Jacques – Louis Potgieter was the only points-scorer for the hosts. The Vodacom Free State Cheetahs pivot kicked three penalties and a drop goal. The Vodacom Blue Bulls were also in rampant mood in Pretoria on Friday night as they outclassed the Boland Cavaliers in their 50-18 win at Loftus Versfeld. The hosts outscored their opponents by seven tries to the two scored by the team from Wellington. The result for the Vodacom Blue Bulls ensured that they ended round four in the Absa Currie Cup in second position on the log with 14 points. The Cavaliers though remain in sixth place on four points - ahead of the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs (1) and the Platinum Leopards (0). Pretoria winger Gerhard van den Heever, who represented the Baby Boks at the IRB Junior World Championship in Japan earlier this year, scored a brace of tries. Jaco Pretorius, Flip van der Merwe, Jacques Burger, Gurthrö Steenkamp and Marius Delport were the other try-scorers for the hosts. Francois Brummer, who also represented the SA Under-20 team in Japan, kicked four conversions and a penalty for the Vodacom Blue Bulls while Burton Francis also added two conversions for the hosts. The Cavaliers though managed to also score a couple of tries on Friday night thanks to Lionel Cornelius and Ernie Kruger. Flyhalf Elgar Watts added the visitors’ other points by kicking a conversion and two penalties. While in Cape Town, Vodacom Western Province captain Luke Watson scored a hat-trick of tries as the hosts eased past the Platinum Leopards at Newlands on Friday evening. The home side scored seven tries in total to record their first five-point haul of the season. Flyhalf Willem de Waal, fullback Joe Pietersen, flanker Pieter Louw and winger Gio Aplon were the other try-scorers for WP. De Waal ended the evening with a personal points haul of 18. The Vodacom Western Province pivot converted five tries and also kicked a penalty. The Platinum Leopards’ only try in the match was scored by centre Deon van Rensburg. Clayton Durand kicked the conversion. However the defeat ensured that the newly promoted team in the Absa Currie Cup Premier Division remain rooted to the bottom of the table after four rounds of competition. “We’re still positive despite not winning a match or securing a single log point,” said Platinum Leopards coach Chaka Willemse after the match. “We still have the rest of the season to improve and I am positive that we will get some positive results going our way as the season progresses. Who would have thought that the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs would also be without a victory after four rounds and that the GWK Griquas would top the Absa Currie Cup log at the same stage. So, I am confident that we’ll come good soon.” Weekend Results: Xerox Lions 19 GWK Griquas 23 Scorers: Xerox Lions - Try: Alwyn Hollenbach; Conversion: Herkie Kruger; Penalties: Kruger (4). GWK Griquas - Tries: Naas Olivier, Barry Geel; Conversions: Olivier (2); Penalties: Olivier (2), Riaan Viljoen. Vodacom Free State Cheetahs 12 The Sharks 21 Scorers: Vodacom Free State Cheetahs – Penalties: Jacques-Louis Potgieter (3); Drop goal: Potgieter. The Sharks – Penalties: Rory Kockott (5), Monty Dumond; Drop goal: Kockott. Vodacom Blue Bulls 50 Boland Cavaliers 18 Scorers: Vodacom Blue Bulls – Tries: Gerhard van den Heever (2), Jaco Pretorius, Flip van der Merwe, Jacques Burger, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Marius Delport; Conversions: Francois Brummer (4), Burton Francis (2); Penalty: Brummer. Boland Cavaliers – Tries: Lionel Cornelius, Ernie Kruger; Conversion: Elgar Watts; Penalties: Watts (2). Vodacom Western Province 48 Platinum Leopards 7 Scorers: Vodacom WP – Tries: Luke Watson (3), Willem de Waal, Joe Pietersen, Pieter Louw, Gio Aplon; Conversions: De Waal (5); Penalty: De Waal. Platinum Leopards – Try: Deon van Rensburg; Conversion: Clayton Durand. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Record-breaking flyhalf Morné Steyn won another series for South Africa, the first time since 1976 that the Springboks have beaten the All Blacks in a series, when he scored all his team's points in their 31-19 Tri-Nations win in Durban on Saturday. His performance in Durban follows after he also won the Test series against the British and Irish Lions last month - only this time he started the Test and finished in sublime style. His 31 points consisted of a try, a conversion and eight penalties. The rain came down in Durban and the team used to playing in dry conditions beat the team used to playing in wet conditions and they broke records doing it - that against the mighty All Blacks. In doing it the Springboks won 73 percent of possession - against the mighty All Blacks. You had to pinch yourself to believe that it had happened. The Springboks were just so much better. It was an evening of milestones at Absa Stadium in Durban. For the Springboks it was a second win in succession over the All Blacks but most of the milestones belonged to individuals - 50 caps each for Jean de Villiers and Bryan Habana, a world record for a lock pair for Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha with 49 Tests locked together, a world record of Test captaincies for John Smit as he goes to 60 and then all sorts of records for Morné Steyn. All 31 points (and it could have been 34) - more than anybody else against New Zealand, more than anybody else in the Tri-Nations and the most penalties (eight) by a Springbok in a Test - and that against the mighty All Blacks. Afterwards Richie McCaw admitted that the Springboks' "pressure got on top of us". And then he was gracious in his praise of the Springboks, as all the All Blacks have been, including coaches Graham Henry and Steve Hansen, but then All Black rugby has always had men of class. The match started inauspiciously for the Springboks with the singing the host anthem first. Then it went to the alternative haka (minus the throat cut) and the Absa Stadium was not full - incredible as that may seem. And the Springboks lost the toss and played with the wind in the first half. The All Blacks are considered better than all teams in the second half and would then be wind-assisted. In fact they lost the second half 9-6 as the Springboks kept the choke chain on them. Yet again penalties were a New Zealand problem - which is an irony as the Springboks have been regarded as those guilty of all manner of irregularity. The penalty count in the first Test was 11-8 against New Zealand; this time it was 14-5. That's big, though South Africa lost the yellow cards two-to-one. That penalty count counted - 24 points to 12. South Africa started on the attack when Stephen Donald dropped an up-and-under (Are they the most vulnerable top team in the world under the high kick?). Then Jimmy Cowan's clearing kick was charged but Donald just saved. The Springboks stayed on the attack and caught Mils Muliaina as he caught an up-and -under. He held on and was penalised. Morné Steyn goaled. 3-0 after 4 minutes, but a minute later the All Blacks were back on level terms when Heinrich Brüssow was penalised and Donald goaled. The All Blacks clearly set themselves the task of running with the ball from wherever they were on the field. They wanted a looser, less structured game. Their first try was a result of this policy. Morné Steyn kicked a diagonal to his left which nearly worked for Jaque Fourie but bounced into touch inside the All Blacks 22. Conrad Smith took a quick throw-in and McCaw raced down field and then it went wide left where Muliaina did well till the ball came back from a tackle/ruck. Cowan gave to Jerome Kaino who sent a brilliant, quick pass to Isaac Ross who scored in the left corner. From touch Donal goaled to give the All Blacks a 10-3 lead, and they stayed ahead for most of the half. But Morné Steyn kept kicking the Springboks nearer. When McCaw was penalised at a tackle, it became 10-6 and when Kaino was offside it became 10-9. When JP Pietersen was penalised and yellowcarded for a horrible high tackle on Cowan, Donald made it 13-9 but Ross then won a yellow card and Steyn made it 13-12. In this time there was a lot more rugby than just kicks, some of it exciting by both sides. There was a bizarre moment when the All Blacks dropped the ball in a heavy tackle by Frans Steyn and Pietersen footed through into the New Zealand in-goal where Joe Rokocoko preferred to trying to run the ball out instead of doing the obvious and dotting down. After Bakkies Botha and Tendai Mtawarira had tackled Ma'a Nonu behind his line, the Springboks won a five-metre scrum. When Victor Matfield knocked on the All Blacks countered. Brüssow charged a kick which flew off at an angle to allow the All Blacks to run out of their 22 with a great run by Rokocoko and then Muliaina before Pietersen tackled Cowan high. When Juan Smith and Matfield were sloppy at a kick-off the All Blacks attacked through McCaw and Nonu but a knock-on foiled their effort. From his own 22, Frans Steyn kicked a huge kick which rolled out for a line-out to New Zealand five metres from their own line. They overthrew it and Brüssow caught and started a bash at the All Blacks' line. Botha bashed but a knock-on gave the All Blacks a scrum five metres from their line. At this stage Ross was in the sin bin and Nonu came onto the flank to try to shore up the New Zealand scrum. It did not work. The Springboks destroyed the New Zealand scrum and the ball squired out to Fourie du Preez who gave to Morné Steyn. The flyhalf cut back inside Cowan and then inside Donald to score a try which he - inevitably - converted. Time was up when the All Blacks attacked but Muliaina knocked on and Nonu footed the ball carelessly to forward. Frans Steyn picked the ball up and hoofed it kilometres downfield with Bryan Habana haring after it. Conrad Smith got their first but he was under pressure and passed infield to the fragile hands of Sitiveni Sivivatu who knocked on. Springboks were homing in on the ball but Rodney So'oialo played it and Steyn kicked the penalty to make the score a handy 22-13 at the break. Ross came back. While Pietersen was off the Springboks scored 10 points to 3. While Ross was off, the Springboks scored 13 to nil. When Botha was off in the second half each side scored 3 points. The Springboks started the second half hammering at the New Zealand line till Juan Smith Knocked on. They stayed attacking, went through 11 phases, till Morné Steyn kicked a drop which bounced away of an upright. When Du Preez lobbed a kick into New Zealand territory Sivivatu did not mark but broke out brilliantly and the Springboks were forced on desperate defence, which is where Botha was offside and sin-binned. Donald goaled the resulting penalty but then McCaw was penalised at a tackle. 25-16 after 56 minutes. John Smit was the next one penalised at a tackle and from a long, long way out replacement Luke McAlister goaled easily. 25-19 with 20 minutes to go. The All Blacks did not score again but Morné Steyn did - a penalty when Keven Mealamu was penalised at a tackle and then another when McCaw was offside. With 7 minutes to play, the Springboks led 31-19/ There were notable events in this time - the Beast racing down the right, Fourie footing through, Piri Weepu passing over his dead-ball line and a penalty against Bismarck du Plessis for using his shoulder at a tackle/ruck, conceding a penalty when the Springboks would have had a five-metre line-out. Man of the Match: Despite great performances by all the Springboks, the obvious Man of the Match is Morné Steyn. When you give him the award ahead of Heinrich Brüssow, Pierre Spies, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie, Frans Steyn, Tendai Mtawarira and Bakkies Botha then you know that the flyhalf, who did not start in the first Test, had a great game. Moment of the Match: Isaac Ross's try from the quick throw-in till the score. There was a temptation to suggest it should have been Joe Rokocoko's aberration. Villain of the Match: JP Pietersen's tackle was ugly even if Jimmy Cowan did cut inside. The scorers: For South Africa: Try: Steyn Con: Steyn Pens: Steyn 8 For New Zealand: Try: Ross Con: Donald Pens: Donald 3, McAlister Yellow cards: JP Pietersen (South Africa, 28 - foul play, high tackle), Isaac Ross (New Zealand, 31 - professional foul, playing from the wrong side), Bakkies Botha (South Africa, 51 - professional foul, tackle from offside)

WALLABIES captain Stirling Mortlock will undergo a serious test of his leadership skills this week when he plays a major role in the team’s preparation for the might of the Springboks in Cape Town on Saturday. Mortlock, in tandem with Wallabies assistant coaches Jim Williams and Richard Graham, will be in charge of the team’s schedule for the main training sessions this week, following the news that head coach Robbie Deans will not arrive in Cape Town until Wednesday night. Deans is in Christchurch for the funeral tomorrow of his father, Tony, who died on Friday night, aged 83. In Deans’s absence, Mortlock will be involved in the running of the two main Australian training sessions this week – the first to be held tonight [Sydney time] in Cape Town, before another practice tomorrow. After the team’s capitulation against the All Blacks in Auckland last month, it is time for real leadership within the Wallabies’ senior group, and team officials will take close note of how Mortlock fares in rallying the troops this week. Mortlock said last night from Cape Town that Deans’s late arrival would not affect Test week preparations. ‘‘We are lucky that we have had a number of weeks to prepare for this Test,’’ Mortlock said. ‘‘The senior players and coaching staff have met over what our intentions will be this week. From my end and the other senior players, it is about making sure we are really tight with the coaching staff and very clear with the entire group what we’re trying to do and what we’re focused on.’’ Williams said he and Graham would liaise with Deans by telephone until his arrival. The announcement of the Test team will not be made until after Deans rejoins the Wallabies. ‘‘The players and management are well versed about our routine, and there won’t be any deviation from what we usually do in a Test week,’’ Williams said. ‘‘Following the Springboks’ win over New Zealand [in Durban], we are going to look at some aspects and make certain we finetune our game plan.’’ The Wallabies watched the second Springboks-All Blacks Test in their Cape Town hotel, and were struck by the physicality of the home team. They also took note of the Springboks’ tactic of kicking to keep the All Blacks in their own quarter, while Morne Steyn’s precise penalty goal kicking stressed the importance of team discipline. ‘‘It was a very solid, almost complete performance by the Springboks,’’ Mortlock said. ‘‘The set piece was excellent. Their restarts plus the ability to contest possession was outstanding, while Morne Steyn had a great game steering their team around. ‘‘It just reinforces the challenge ahead of us. The Springboks are the world champions, and we are playing them on their home turf, but we’re looking forward to that immensely.’’ Staying on the right side of next week’s referee, Ireland’s Alain Rolland, is paramount. ‘‘The Auckland game was a good learning experience for us in how important discipline is,’’ Mortlock said. ‘‘It’s a big piece of the puzzle as far as your ability to maintain pressure on the opposition. Watching the Springbok game confirmed it was a massive factor in Test football. For us, it has been a focus since the Auckland loss, and the Durban Test reinforced it.’’ Williams pushed a similar line. ‘‘The Springboks certainly exert a good pressure game, while their kicking was excellent. So we have to be right up with their discipline,’’ he said. ‘‘When the All Blacks ran it [the ball] against them, it was probably not the ideal time. A couple of times there they should have forced the ball and went back to 22 metre restarts. They certainly didn’t handle that pressure well, and the Boks capitalised on it.’’ RUGBYHEAVEN (AUS)

The Springboks may still have their detractors, especially those from abroad jealous of the successful recipe employed by the world's top-ranked team, but All Black captain Richie McCaw rates them as one of the best teams he has faced. The Boks, predictably, shrugged off the suggestions that their methodical style is boring - following their 28-19 and 31-19 victories over the Kiwis the past two weekends. That shortened the odds even more on the Boks adding the Tri-Nations title to their 2007 World Cup victory and their recent series triumph over the British and Irish Lions. Their detractors were quick to point to the fact that the wings are employed primarily as 'kick-chasers' in a forward-based game in which reliance on penalties for points is at a premium. However, these media attacks have not been able to take the gloss off what has been a fortnight of special performances by the South Africans - which earned them rich praise from McCaw. Asked if he thought this was one of the greatest teams he had played against, his answer was a simple: "It is definitely right up there." McCaw said to get beaten two weeks in a row shows what sort of team this is. "You look at the individuals right across the park, guys playing their 50th Tests and all that experience certainly adds up when the pressure goes on," he said of South Africa. But the Boks also had a clear message for their detractors - winning is not boring. "We've looked at the guys we have and it suits us to play this way ," centre Jean de Villiers, one of two players who earned his 50th cap in Durban at the weekend, told journalists. "It's not boring at all, technically it's spot on and it's what is needed at the time. "There will be times when we can throw the ball around and add an attacking dimension to our game, but it's not that time yet. The quality aspect of this side is our variety. "The greatest thing is we are not happy with where we are. There is definitely more in the tank." De Villiers said a kicking-based game required more skill than most pundits realise. They practice kicking and chasing techniques routinely to get them fine-tuned. "The execution of those kicks to ensure they land where we want them to, as well as the defensive lines, takes a lot of work. "The guys don't only do their job, they do that extra bit to make cover tackles or whatever is needed at the time." Wing Bryan Habana, the other player to earn 50 caps, harried opposite Joe Rokocoko all game under the high ball, yet rarely had a chance to show his pace with ball in hand. It didn't bother him and he questioned why the tourists didn't try something similar rather than persisting with expansive rugby. "It's never easy to play out of your own 40. The ABs did that on a couple of occasions and we were able to force them into errors and get the turnovers," he said. "When you slowly start building points - three points, six points, nine points - it puts a lot of pressure on the opposition to take chances and they make those mistakes." RUGBY365

SA Rugby president Oregan Hoskins said on Monday he had urgently contacted the Golden Lions Rugby Union for information on reports of violence and allegations of racism at a club match in Johannesburg on Saturday. The police were called to the game between Wanderers and Eldoronians after the referee abandoned the game in the second half. “I am awaiting a report from the Golden Lions Rugby Union and we cannot pre-judge any findings that any subsequent disciplinary hearing may make but these kind of reports are distressing in the extreme,” said Mr Hoskins. “The South African Rugby Union totally condemns violence and racism in the game and we will assist our provinces in stamping out this cancer in any way we can. The unions have wide discretionary powers that include the sanction of life bans from the game and we expect them to hand out such measures where it is merited by the case.” Mr Hoskins said he had spoken to the newly-elected Golden Lions president, Mr Kevin de Klerk, and Union chief executive officer, Manie Reyneke, who had promised a swift investigation. “We cannot pretend that these kind of incidents exist,” said Mr Hoskins, “and when we do get reports of them we must take the strongest possible action. I am still haunted by the death on a rugby field of Riaan Loots of Rawsonville just over three years ago in a match that featured random acts of violence and allegations of racism. “I have communicated to the provincial unions that they have the full backing of the South African Rugby Union for any action they see fit in taking against violent and racist players and against the clubs who harbour them.” Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Veteran Wallaby loose forward George Smith, one of a handful of celebrated players with 100 Test caps, believes the set pieces will be the key when Australia tackle South Africa in a Tri-Nations crunch match in Cape Town on Saturday. Speaking in the build-up to the Newlands showdown against the unbeaten Springboks, Smith said the Aussies have done a lot of work on their set pieces. The Boks - in their back-to-back wins over the All Blacks the past fortnight - showed that they are not just secure in their own set pieces, but often also dominate on the opposition's ball. Having squeezed the life out of the normally efficient All Black pack, the Boks showed that they are now the masters of the set piece world. In the last Test, in Durban at the weekend, the Boks won 25 out of 37 set pieces that were contested, 68 percent from these primary phases going to South Africa - which included the Boks turning over two All Black scrum balls, while also stealing three and disrupting a fourth of the Kiwis' eight line-outs. Not surprising then that the Wallabies are looking to improve their set-piece play. "You must make sure you are complete in your own set piece and disrupt them as much ball in that area for them as you can," Smith said, when asked how they plan to end the Boks' victory march. "We have done a lot of work on our set piece, to make sure we execute that well and when you do get the opportunity to disrupt their set piece you must take full advantage of it." He said that set pieces have been South Africa's strength, but it is also their physicality within games that is a concern. "In any Bok side you play, they are a physical team," the Wallaby flank said. He said he doesn't think the Wallabies will be underdone, despite not having played a Test for three weeks - their last outing having been a 16-22 loss to the All Blacks in Auckland last month. "The guys have been playing club football, but that's obviously not Test level," Smith said, adding: "The boys have been training hard in Sydney and playing for club sides. "I don't think the [Aussie] boys will be underdone in this game. The boys have been training particularly hard and everyone has an understanding of what needs to be done here in Cape Town. "The boys have the full knowledge that we have to play particularly well to beat them [the Boks]." He also dismissed the notion that the South Africans might start showing some 'battle fatigue', considering they will be playing in their third consecutive Test this week. "I don't think it [third game in a row] will be a factor," ASmith said, adding: "They're professional players and if they recover as they should be, I don't think fatigue will be a factor." He also pointed out that the Boks will have a three-week break of their own after Saturday, which means they will be able to "empty the tanks". The 29-year-old Wallaby flank, now in his 10th season of international rugby, says he always enjoy visiting Cape Town and playing at Newlands. "We always seem to get a good reception from the crowd, they love Australians here," he quipped. RUGBY365

Former Bath players Michael Lipman, Alex Crockett and Andrew Higgins have been banned for nine months by the England Rugby Football Union (RFU) after being found guilty on two charges of missing drugs tests. Charges relating to taking drugs were dropped at the beginning of the disciplinary hearing last week. "Alex Crockett, Andrew Higgins and Michael Lipman have today been found guilty of two charges of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the game of rugby union in failing to submit to drugs tests on two separate occasions when requested by Bath Rugby," the RFU said in a statement. "The RFU Disciplinary Panel today takes no pleasure in imposing its sanction as the players involved are decent young men. "If the three players had taken the test there is no reason to suppose the results would not have been negative and no further action would have been taken. "The starting point is a 15-month suspension and this has been reduced because of good character and concerns about the advice they received," the statement added. The trio, who quit Bath in June shortly before they were due to attend an internal club hearing over the alleged missed tests, will be eligible to play rugby again on Feb. 28, 2010. England international Lipman, together with former joint Bath captain Crockett and Higgins, said at the time they had quit Bath because their positions at the club had become untenable in the light of "scurrilous and unsubstantiated allegations". The three players have 14 days to appeal the decision. Last month their former Bath colleague Justin Harrison was suspended for eight months after admitting taking cocaine. Bath and England prop Matt Stevens was given a two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine earlier this year. -Reuters

If Graham Henry is to retain any credibility in the wake of arguably the worst back-to-back All Black performances in the professional era, then the coach has to bring out the selection axe ahead of Bledisloe II in Sydney. It's as simple as that. Henry has a fortnight to ponder personnel changes ahead of the Wallabies rematch, but make them he must as he searches for his team's missing mojo. To prevaricate now will see the coach lose the last vestiges of support he has from a wavering public. The coach simply can't afford not to react to the South African shambles. It wasn't that the All Blacks lost those twin matches in the Republic, but how they lost them. Between the schoolboy errors, the braindead rugby and the complete absence of poise under pressure, the once-mighty New Zealanders resembled a rugby version of Michael Campbell. Where had their game gone? Had aliens invaded their bodies too? So, accepting that Henry has to make some changes as he searches for a spark to reignite his side's season, the question is where do they come? Wing Joe Rokocoko surely tops the endangered All Blacks list after a performance which confirms his complete lack of form, but he's got some company. Henry and his lieutenants must also be taking a pretty close look at hooker, loose forward, halfback and first five, while tighthead prop will also come under the microscope when a fit-again Neemia Tialata comes back into the mix. First things first. Rokocoko must go. That surely is a no-brainer. The once classy wing has fallen so far, both in form and confidence, that to continue to select him now would border on cruelty. If Liam Messam got the bum's rush for a couple of errors against the French, then surely Rokocoko is due the same fate . That would allow Rokocoko to return to Auckland - a rugby side with its own issues - and be allowed to rebuild his game under far less intense pressure. Over on the other wing it's not exactly peaches and cream either. Sitiveni Sivivatu continues to stud his game with errors and poor decisions, even if with ball in hand he remains the most threatening All Black. But with Rokocoko set for the heave-ho, the selectors will not want a complete makeover on the wing, so will allow one of their gifted Fijians to play his way back to top form. Hopefully. Ad Feedback In should come Hosea Gear, who deserves his chance, though some consideration could also be given to Cory Jane who didn't exactly disgrace himself against the Wallabies in Auckland. Lelia Masaga would be a left-field callup if it was decided to go the Extreme Makeover route. Halfback has also become a conundrum. Supposedly the All Blacks were spoiled for choice there with their three-headed monster. Instead they now have three No 9s simply struggling for form, with no one appearing too happy either with their lot, the game plan or what the heck they're supposed to deliver out there on the field. Brendon Leonard is out of sorts, and his sporadic opportunities are not allowing him to build form. Jimmy Cowan appeared baffled by his instructions last weekend, and may also be struggling to accept a role that's been whittled down to 40-45 minutes. And Piri Weepu, the supposed impact man off the bench, has looked way off the pace in that role the last fortnight. What to do then? They could start Weepu and give him his chance, but that would involve a major back-flip in thinking which is something these coaches are reluctant to do. How often have you heard them admit they've got something wrong? It's more likely Cowan will be persevered with, and Weepu left to plod on in a role he's less than enamoured with. But if Henry wants to be proactive he could, say, flip the combinations on their head, start Weepu and bring Cowan off the bench. It can't be any worse than the last fortnight. First five must come into the equation, if only because you have a player of Dan Carter's class hovering on the fringes now. My initial thoughts prior to the Durban disaster were that Donald should be left to carry on his progress in the test arena and Carter given more time to rebuild his fitness and confidence in the provincial game. That seemed the sensible approach. But the weekend has changed my thinking. Donald continues to look so uncertain at times in his backline direction, that Carter must now be all but a certainty to return. Plus, you have to figure that the All Blacks just need an injection of class, of something different, that the coaches will look at Carter and figure he could be just the man to do the job. Up front the dilemmas are at hooker and in the loose forward mix, and to a lesser extent at tighthead prop. Andrew Hore is not firing at the moment and his lineout throwing is horrendous. But Keven Mealamu's pectoral muscle injury is likely to mean a stay of execution for the Taranaki hard man against the Wallabies. Aled de Malmanche would then get his chance off the bench. Tighthead prop becomes interesting if Neemia Tialata is fit again after his knee problems. Young Cantab Owen Franks has made a pretty good first of the No 3 role in his stead, and there may be a temptation to leave him be (though it's hard to escape the feeling that Carl Hayman can't come back quick enough). Lastly comes the loose forward mix. Richie McCaw is safe, that's a given, even if he was outplayed by Boks comer Heinrich Brussow at the weekend. But his mates are not so assured in an area where the All Blacks badly need some impact. Rodney So'oialo has been struggling at No 8 and consideration must be given to starting Kieran Read there. And as solid as Jerome Kaino has been on defence at blindside, a fit-again Adam Thomson would surely offer much more attacking spark in his best position against the Wallabies. So, in light of the Boks debacle, and with acceptance that change must come, here's the squad I would select to face the Wallabies in Sydney (and please note I have back-flipped on Carter, due to unforeseen circumstances in Durban): MARC HINTON'S ALL BLACKS SQUAD: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Hosea Gear, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sititveni Sivivatu, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Piri Weepu; 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Neemia Tialata, Jason Eaton, Rodney So'oialo, Jimmy Cowan, Luke McAlister, Cory Jane. MARC HINTON, RUGBYHEAVEN

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers on Tuesday announced an unchanged starting team to face the Wallabies in a Tri-Nations Test at Newlands on Saturday. The Bok coach kept intact the team that beat the All Blacks by 31-19 in Durban last weekend to win their second consecutive Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand. The only change to the Springbok team is on the bench, where fit-again Ruan Pienaar takes the place of Wynand Olivier. Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha will play together as a lock-pairing for the 50th time in a Test for the Springboks. Matfield will play in his 86th Test and Botha in his 60th. Jean de Villiers, who played in his 50th Test last weekend, will on Saturday surpass De Wet Barry’s record for the most capped Springbok centre of all time, when he will run out in the midfield for the 40th time. He played on the wing and as a replacement in his 11 other Tests. The Springbok team is (Test caps in brackets): 15. Frans Steyn (32) 14. JP Pietersen (28) 13. Jaque Fourie (47) 12. Jean de Villiers (50) 11. Bryan Habana (50) 10. Morné Steyn (5) 9. Fourie du Preez (48) 8. Pierre Spies (24) 7. Juan Smith (59) 6. Heinrich Brüssow (6) 5. Victor Matfield (85) 4. Bakkies Botha (59) 3. John Smit (86) – Captain 2. Bismarck du Plessis (26) 1. Tendai Mtawarira (15) Reserves: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle (6) 17. Jannie du Plessis (9) 18. Andries Bekker (16) 19. Danie Rossouw (40) 20. Ricky Januarie (37) 21. Ruan Pienaar (31) 22. Adi Jacobs (24) NEWS24

Star Wallabies playmaker Matt Giteau says that he will shoulder the responsibility of returning the Tri-Nations trophy to Australia, admitting that his kicking game will be vital to Australia's hopes in Cape Town on Saturday. The 26-year-old conceded he struggled with the boot in Australia's loss to New Zealand last month, but was confident of returning to his best to boost the Wallabies' Tri-Nations and Bledisloe rugby campaigns. "The kicking game is an area where we definitely have to dominate if we're going to beat South Africa,'' Giteau told RugbyHeaven. "I think when we last beat South Africa in Durban, that was off the back of a good kicking game. We were able to put pressure on them inside their 22 and turn that pressure into points." "Whereas the next week the kicking game wasn't as good and we were punished for it," added Giteau "I think that goes to show the importance of a good kicking game and how even a slight difference can have a massive effect on the result. Just the small things like getting good kicks away and applying the pressure changes a game. "We need to be able to keep them in their own half. Execution is key. And if you don't execute well, like in New Zealand, you pay for it in the back end of the game.'' The Springboks are currently ranked as the number one team in the world and are also regarded as the most physical and intimidating team after disposing of the British and Irish Lions last month. But Giteau says the Aussies won't be running scared. "They've developed a strong side over the last 12 months, but so have we,'' he said. "Physically, we need to be up to the challenge, and I think we are. They're the best team in the world at the moment and we respect that. "But we're not scared. If we can execute better than we did in New Zealand and can match them at the breakdown, we're a great chance. "We certainly feel we can beat the South Africans. This is my eighth season with the Wallabies and I'd rate this as probably the best-prepared team in years. There's a lot of talent and self-belief here.'' The Wallabies have not held the Tri-Nations trophy aloft since 2001. And while it pains him to say it, Giteau said the side's loss to New Zealand last month could be the catalyst for returning the trophy to Australia. "Sometimes you can learn more from a loss than you can a win, and I think if we had have scraped away with the win in Auckland and still have played as poorly as we did, that we might have come away thinking we were doing better than we actually were,'' he said. "It was a bit of a reality check for us. It's given us a chance to focus on different aspects of our game and I'm confident we're much better for it. "We're far and away ahead of where we were this time last year. "When we played New Zealand last year we went over there and got flogged. You have to look at the progress we've made in 12 months. "There's a tremendous amount of self-belief but at the same time we're not over confident. We believe in our own abilities and we are starting to get more familiar with how we want to play as a side and how Robbie (coach Robbie Deans) encourages us to play. "But we're under no false illusions - we know South Africa are going to be tough. They're number one in the world for a reason.'' PLANET RUGBY

Much is the competitive nature of the Tri-Nations that even the slightest slip up can cost a team victory - which is why the Springboks are making sure they've got every detail covered says captain John Smit. With two commanding victories from two starts under their belts in this year's tournament, the world champions look to be the team to beat. But their skipper has made it clear that it's only through hard graft that the trend will continue. "I think it's fair to say that all three teams in this tournament can beat each other on any given Saturday and it's going to come down to who can close out those close games," said Smit in Cape Town on Tuesday ahead Saturday's Test against Australia. "The margins are so small between the teams that it's very easy to get a few things wrong and the result doesn't go your way. "You might get things 90 per cent right in terms of what you thought you needed to do and miss ten percent... and that's enough for both of these team to beat you." While pundits all over the world were singing the praises of the Springbok line-out for dominating their All Black counterparts, Smit and his side were doing their homework to make their set piece even better. "Last weekend we lost two line-outs on our own ball which is not really something we would like to make a habit of," explained Smit. "We spend a lot of time each week making sure we know the team we're playing against. "At this afternoon's line-outs practice we'll be addressing how we want to compete against [Australia's] line-out. There's a lot of work that gets put into that and this week we've got to start all over again. "We had an opportunity against the All Blacks when we played them two weeks in a row which makes life easier from a preparation point of view. "But we haven't had a crack at the Wallabies for quite some time and I'm sure they're going to bring a few surprise packages - it's a little tougher to decipher what they're going to bring." PLANET RUGBY

Peter de Villiers, never shy to shoot from the hip, has been rebuked by Wallaby lock Nathan Sharpe who rallied to Australia's defence following claims by the Springbok coach that the Wallabies resorted to negative, cunning tactics at scrum time. De Villiers has made several scathing comments over the past 48 hours about Australia's tactics at the set-piece. On Tuesday, Sharpe, who boasts 77 Test caps, shot down the criticism. He said that De Villiers' accusations were not the sort of things that teams would even think about. De Villiers had said the Wallabies would rather give away a penalty than give away the upper hand in a scrum. "What we learnt from their (Australia's) Super 14 teams is that their guys would rather cause a penalty and see if they can get a penalty by putting doubt in the minds of the referees," accused de Villiers. But Sharpe argued against that theory. "It all comes down to the interpretation of the referee and we came out on the wrong side of that in the Auckland game (against New Zealand, three weeks ago) and that didn't work out too well for us," said Sharpe. "No team in the world would go into a match with those sort of tactics because it would be hit and miss and the ref could see it. "Discipline is obviously, against these guys (the Springboks), paramount, not only at the set-piece but also at the breakdown. "We just have to trust our systems and trust the guys around us. It's something that we've spoken about for three weeks - that is a long time to stew over a performance you are not happy with, so there's been a lot of motivation going into this game (at Newlands, on Saturday)." REPORT BY SAPA

The troubled All Blacks suffered a big setback on Wednesday when hooker Keven Mealamu was ruled out for the rest of the year with a ruptured chest muscle. Mealamu was injured after he came on as a replacement in the Tri-Nations Test against the Springboks in Durban last weekend. The All Blacks have now suffered three losses from six outings this year and are only halfway through the season. The last time they lost three Tests in a year was 2000. The loss of Mealamu will put further pressure on the already depleted front row ranks. The burly Chiefs hooker Aled de Malmanche is likely to deputise for Andrew Hore. All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said Mealamu had undergone a chest scan after returning from South Africa, confirming he had ruptured his pectoralis major tendon on the left side of his chest. The injury will keep Mealamu sidelined for the rest of the Tri-Nations series as well as the end of year tour.

As the Wallabies prepare for a high-ball assault from the Springboks, South African players have attempted to destabilise the visitors by saying their best is yet to come. Despite two comfortable Tri-Nations victories over the All Blacks and a series triumph over the British and Irish Lions, the Springboks are claiming the Wallabies could be the first opponents this season to be the victims of the complete performance. While some are calling this the best Springboks team in decades, even of all time, the players have not been lulled into over-playing their strengths – as demonstrated when utility back Francois Steyn claimed their 31-19 win over New Zealand in Durban last Saturday was nothing special. He even insisted the Springboks had not even started playing rugby yet. ‘‘It was a great result, but we didn’t do anything … we just kicked the ball, chased and they made mistakes,’’ Steyn told South African media. ‘‘We really didn’t play much rugby, but forced a lot of errors and Morne [Steyn] had his kicking boots on to punish them.’’ Then he really twisted the knife into the Wallabies. ‘‘We still have a long way to go as a team,’’ Steyn said. ‘‘If we come to a point at which we produce performances like the one against Australia at Ellis Park last year [in which the Wallabies were thrashed 53-8], every week then we can say we’re on form.’’ The Springboks’ pursuit of excellence was typified by their coach, Peter de Villiers, who deliberately downplayed his side’s performance in Durban, pointing out: ‘‘We haven’t achieved anything [in the Tri-Nations series] yet’’. ‘‘We are not as great as we think we should be,’’ de Villiers said in a clear warning to his team to keep producing. It indicates that the Springboks, who are wary of the Wallabies structure, are not about to ease up on the tempo after such convincing triumphs over the superpowers of both the northern and southern hemispheres. The Springboks are again expected to focus on midfield kicking, which prompted uncertainty among the New Zealanders – especially when under a succession of bombs deep in their half. In the face of the pressure, the All Blacks lost their composure, trying repeatedly to run the ball back only to get squashed by the home defence. Tuesday, the Springboks named an unchanged starting line-up for the Test – with the Wallabies expected to do likewise when their team is announced on Thursday. REPORT RUGBYHEAVEN

Graham Henry has some big decisions to make; so does the rugby public. We have to decide whether the World Cup is more important than the 2009 and 2010 Tri-Nations seasons. In my view it is, especially as New Zealand will host the 2011 tournament. The All Blacks must build now with the World Cup in mind. Australia are. Robbie Deans hates to lose so much as a social game of squash, but you can see in his work as the Wallabies' coach that he has his eye on a bigger prize. I can swallow Henry's comment that the All Blacks are going to lose the odd test here and there, even if former All Blacks can't. Let's get real. The All Blacks were always going to lose in South Africa, because the Springboks, man for man, are much better now. The Boks pack might be the best assembled internationally since the All Blacks' mid-1990s unit boasting Sean Fitzpatrick, Olo Brown, Zinzan Brooke and Michael Jones. So, it was easy to accept the two losses, even if the ham-handed manner of the capitulation was harder to stomach. Rookie prop Owen Franks and consistent centre Conrad Smith were the only All Blacks to return home with reputations enhanced. Some All Black careers are clearly at a crossroads, most notably wing Josevata Rokocoko's. However, it was hard not to feel sorry for Fijian. He has been so hopelessly out of form all season that he should never have been selected. It beggared belief that Rokocoko remained on the field for the full 80 minutes in Durban. Some coaches would have dragged him immediately after he failed to force the ball in his own in-goal area. Television commentator Grant Fox rightly called it a "brain explosion". Rokocoko should have been relieved of his duties to negate the South Africans' chief tactic - a barrage of bombs launched in the shaky right wing's direction. After all, the All Blacks had another fullback on the bench in Cory Jane. Smart substitutions were an All Blacks asset in the Bledisloe Cup win against Australia. Henry trumped Robbie Deans in that department in Auckland. Yet, the same All Blacks brains trust got it horribly wrong with their replacements in Durban. Why do they start Andrew Hore at hooker, then replace him with the more dynamic Keven Mealamu? This underpowered pack needs impact from the outset. Why are they platooning their halfbacks so poorly? Why was Jimmy Cowan dropped for the first South African test after producing his best performance for the All Blacks against Australia? What did that do for continuity or confidence? But it would be precipitate to push the panic button now. Forget the frenzied call to sack the coaching panel. Coaches make mistakes and this trio is still the best bet to lead the All Blacks to the World Cup crown. They should not shun short- term help. They have brought in outside help before, so why not invite Fitzpatrick and Brooke to advise on the lineout. The coaches will soon need to make some hard calls on their players. The All Blacks badly need Brad Thorn's grunt in 2009. But will he still be firing at 36 in 2011? If not, where is the next tough tighthead lock coming from? Will Chris Jack and Ali Williams be as good then as they were in 2003 or 2007? Or do the All Blacks need to blood some new men on the end-of-season European tour? In an ideal world, Isaac Ross would be doing his time on the All Blacks bench. He's not yet physically ready for the hurly burly of a Tri-Nations test against the South Africa pack. But he's such a great prospect it would be senseless to drop him now. He needs as many tests as he can get before 2011. The same applies to Owen Franks. We cannot sit back and assume Carl Hayman will still be the top tighthead in the world if he does return from England for the World Cup. The All Blacks may have to bite the bullet at No 8 where Rodney So'oialo - great player that he's been - is struggling to make the impact expected at the gain-line. So'oialo is still a valuable squad man, but perhaps his best role now is as back-up openside flanker to skipper Richie McCaw. Kieran Read deserves an extended run as the starting No 8 for the rest of the 2009 season to see if he's the answer at the back of the scrum. It would be a knee-jerk reaction to bring back Dan Carter for the Sydney test on August 22. It takes time for even the greatest of players to be at their best after long injury layoffs. Just look at McCaw. He has not been firing on full cylinders in his last three tests and wing Sitiveni Sivivatu is also rusty. It's time to return Sivivatu and Rokocoko to Air New Zealand Cup duty to restore their confidence and bring in Jane and Hosea Gear for the rest of the Tri-Nations campaign. In fact, every All Black not shackled to the treatment table should play for their provinces or clubs now. TONY SMITH FOR RUGBYHEAVEN (NZ)

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has warned his team against the threat posed by Wallaby flank George Smith when the two sides meet at Newlands in Cape Town in a Vodacom Tri-Nations Test on Saturday. Writing in his latest online column on www.sarugby.co.za, the Bok coach made it clear that his team will not go into Saturday’s game resting on their laurels after their recent great victories over the All Blacks. De Villiers sees the breakdown, where Smith has excelled in his 100 Wallaby Tests to date, as one of the crucial areas on Saturday. “In George Smith they have one of the world’s best exponents of breakdown play and they are sure to test us in this particular area of the game, which has become so vital in recent seasons,” said De Villiers. “Our last meeting with the Wallabies – at Coca-Cola Park last year – was a memorable one but that will have no bearing on Saturday’s clash. We start with a clean slate against a tough and resilient opponent and we have to build a performance as we did against the All Blacks.” For Peter de Villiers’ full column, please visit www.sarugby.co.za. Issued by SA Rugby

Vodacom Western Province will be going all out to secure their first victory away from home on Friday when they travel to Kimberley to take on the Absa Currie Cup log leaders - the GWK Griquas at 15h00. The Cape side have only suffered one defeat - to the Vodacom Blue Bulls at Loftus Versfeld this season, while the hosts will be aiming to claim their fifth consecutive win when they take on Cape side at GWK Park. Vodacom Western Province coach Allister Coetzee has made three changes to his starting line-up from the side that defeated the Platinum Leopards 48-7 at Newlands last weekend. Scrumhalf Dewaldt Duvenhage returns to action after being sidelined due to injury, New Zealand lock Chris Jack also returns to the starting 15 in the place of Hilton Lobberts. JD Moller is also relegated to the bench and makes way for Wicus Blaauw at prop. “It’s going to be one tough game and we are the underdogs going to Kimberley given our past record,” said Vodacom WP coach Allister Coetzee. “(But) we want to win away from home. We’ve won all our games at Newlands, so this is another opportunity for us to build on that confidence with an away win.” GWK Griquas coach Dawie Theron has not tampered too much with his squad that defeated the Xerox Lions 23-19 in Johannesburg last Friday for the WP clash. The only change up front will see Andries Kruger warming the bench in the place of Simon Westraadt, who is relegated out of the match day 22. “At this stage, we are waiting to see what kind of game Vodacom Western Province will be playing and who they will be using in the backline,” said Theron. “We are facing a running or a kicking game and we hope to be prepared for both on Friday afternoon. We have some tough games at home during the next few weeks starting with the one against Province, so it’s important that we don’t lose any momentum at this stage in the competition.” Meanwhile the Vodacom Blue Bulls will be looking to secure their fourth win of the Absa Currie Cup when they take on the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday night at 19h00. Coach Frans Ludeke has selected Deon Stegmann and Pedrie Wannenburg in his starting 15 for the match played at Vodacom Park. Stegmann and Wannenburg will join fellow loose-forward Jacques Burger with Dries van Schalkwyk moving to the bench. The other forwards at the side of Van Schalkwyk on the bench will be Bandise Maku, Frik Kirsten and Jaco Engels The Vodacom Blue Bulls coach has also kept his backline in tact as well as his tight five unchanged for Friday’s encounter. “It is very important that our forwards are fresh and in the game for the full 80 minutes and therefore it was great to be able to select a five two bench,” said Ludeke. “We all know that if you control things up front, you control the match and that is obviously one of our goals for Friday’s game.” Meanwhile Vodacom Free State Cheetahs coach Naka Drotské has not made too many changes to his team for their clash with the Vodacom Blue Bulls. However, the Bloemfontein side will have a new captain in hooker Adriaan Strauss, who take over the captaincy in the absence of Hendro Scholtz, who injured his elbow during last weekend’s match against the Sharks. The Platinum Leopards will also be aiming for their first win in the Absa Currie Cup Premier Division when they host the Sharks at the Royal Bafokeng Sport Palace in Phokeng on Friday evening (19h00). Two Leopard veterans, former captain André Swanepoel and lock Draad Linde return to the starting team for Friday’s clash. Swanepoel will don the Platinum Leopards jersey for the 72nd time and Linde is a veteran of 60 caps for the North West side. Linde replaces Ligtoring Landman at lock and joins Rudi Mathee in the second row. The only forced change made by coach Chaka Willemse is at fullback with Russell Jeacocks replacing Jean Tiedt. For the Sharks, Argentinean flyhalf Juan Martin Hernandez will make his first appearance for the Durban side. The Pumas pivot will be partnered by scrumhalf Charl McLeod. In the other Absa Currie Cup game of the weekend, the Xerox Lions travel to Wellington for their clash against the Boland Cavaliers at 15h00. The hosts have only achieved one victory – against the Platinum Leopards, after four matches in the competition and will looking to use their home ground knowledge to their advantage in their quest of a second win in the competition. “Home matches are vital in the Absa Currie Cup. We had a disastrous result in Kimberley a fortnight ago but improved a lot against the Vodacom Blue Bulls at the weekend,” said Boland Cavaliers coach Deon Davids. “Now we need to take a step up. We are playing in front of our home crowd and need to get back on the score board.” Meanwhile Xerox Lions coach Hans Coetzee has made five changes to his side to face Boland. Jano Vermaak returns to the Johannesburg starting team after being sidelined due to concussion with Rouan Boshoff partnering Vermaak as the half back combination. Doppies la Grange gets his first start of the Absa Currie Cup while and Shandre Frolick also returns on the wing. At lock Johan Snyman replaces Willem Stoltz, while American flanker Todd Clever and former UCT centre Pieter Engelbrecht are selected on the bench. Teams for the weekend: GWK Griquas – Riaan Viljoen, Dewald Pretorius/ Egon Seconds, Jaco Bekker, Barry Geel, Bjorn Basson, Naas Olivier, Sarel Pretorius, Jonathan Mokuena (c), Davon Raubenheimer, Rohan Kitshoff, Jacques Lombard, Brendon Snyman, Ruaan du Preez, Ryno Barnes, Albertus Buckle. Reserves: Andries Kruger, Steph Roberts, Heinrich Stride, Sean Plaatjie/ Nolan Clark, Dougie Helmuth, Hanno Coetzee, Gavin Passens. Vodacom Western Province - Joe Pietersen, Tonderai Chavhanga, Juan de Jongh, Peter Grant, Gio Aplon, Willem de Waal, Dewaldt Duvenage, Luke Watson (c), Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Anton Van Zyl, Chris Jack, Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg, Wicus Blaauw. Reserves: Deon Fourie, JD Moller, Adriaan Fondse, Pieter Louw, Conrad Hoffmann, Morgan Newman, Frikkie Welsh. Vodacom Free State Cheetahs – Hennie Daniller, Danwel Demas, Corné Uys, Robert Ebersohn, Jongi Nokwe, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Jean-Pierre Joubert, Francois Uys, Frans Viljoen, Johan Wessels, David de Villiers, Nico Breedt, WP Nel, Adriaan Strauss, Wian du Preez. Reserves: Richardt Strauss, Coenie Oosthuizen, Izak van der Westhuizen, Kabamba Floors, Tertius Carse, Louis Strydom, JW Jonker, Vodacom Blue Bulls - Tiger Mangweni, Gerhard van den Heever, Jaco Pretorius, Stefan Watermeyer, Marius Delport, Francois Brummer, Heini Adams, Pedrie Wannenburg, Jacques Burger, Deon Stegmann, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Derick Kuün (c), Gurthrö Steenkamp. Reserves: Bandise Maku, Frik Kirsten, Fudge Mabeta, Dries van Schalkwyk, Francois Hougaard, Burton Francis, Jaco Engels. Platinum Leopards - Russell Jeacocks; Jovan Bowles, Deon van Rensburg, Berndt Theissinger, Jan van Zyl; Clayton Durand, Michael Bondesio; RW Kember, Wilhelm Koch (c), André Swanepoel, Draad Linde, Rudi Mathee, Os van der Walt, Gavin Williamson, Divan Kotze. Reserves: Pellow van der Westhuizen, Philip Lemmer, Ligtoring Landman, Bennie Adams, Theo van Wyk, Shuaib Samaai, Danie Dames. The Sharks – Stefan Terblanche (c), Chris Jordaan, Andries Strauss, Riaan Swanepoel, Lwazi Mvovo, Juan Hernandez, Charl McLeod, Ryan Kankowski, Jean Deysel, Keegan Daniel, Albert van den Berg, Steven Sykes, Wiehahn Herbst, Skipper Badenhorst, Patric Cilliers. Reserves: Craig Burden, Dale Chadwick, Michael Rhodes, Jacques Botes, Ross Cronje, Guy Cronje, Waylon Murray. Boland Cavaliers – Justin Peach, Deon Scholtz, Hein Myburgh, Dewey Swartbooi, Ernie Kruger, Elgar Watts, Marnus Hugo, Alwyn Bester, Carel Hoffman, Wendal Wehr, Rito Hlungwane, Nico Esterhuyse, Jane du Toit, Conrad Burke (c), Janro van Niekerk. Reserves: Clemen Lewis, Johan Roets, Frikkie Spies, Zolani Mofu, Danie van der Merwe, Lionel Cornelius, Llewellyn Adonis. Xerox Lions - Earl Rose, Shandre Frolick, Alwyn Hollenbach, Rouan Cloete, Henno Mentz, Rouan Boshoff, Jano Vermaak, Willem Alberts, Franco van der Merwe, Baywatch Grobbelaar, Johan Snyman, Nico Luus, Gert Muller, Hans van Dyk, JC Janse van Rensburg. Reserves: Derek Harwood, Kevin Buys, Wouter Moore, Todd Clever, Chris Jonck, Pieter Engelbrecht, Dusty Noble. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Wallaby coach Robbie Deans rejoined the Australian team on Wednesday, following the death of his father, and promptly named and unchanged team to face South Africa in a Tri-Nations crunch match in Cape Town on Saturday. During his first 18 Tests Deans had introduced 16 new caps - the last of those scrumhalf Will Genia in Auckland three weeks ago - as he continued to broaden the Wallaby selection base. However, the same starting XV that lost 16-22 to the All Blacks last month will face up to the Boks at Newlands - with Deans having now settled on what he believes is his most potent starting XV. There is a change to the bench though, where he returned to a more conventional split among the replacements - with the inclusion of Reds wing Peter Hynes the only change. Hynes replaces Waratahs flank Phil Waugh in a straight swap on the bench. The match-night combination is otherwise the same as that which lost in the tournament's opening match in Auckland. Lock James Horwill did not train with the team on Thursday morning, and has remained at the team hotel to recover from a bout of flu. Deans rejoined the team in Cape Town Wednesday night, arriving at 21.00 - after a 25-hour trip from Christchurch. Deans did not travel to South Africa with the team last Friday due to the death of his father, attending the funeral on Tuesday in Christchurch before heading to South Africa. Although edged by six points in New Zealand in their Tri-Nations opener after having led at half-time, Australia let in just one try. The Wallabies head to Newlands having conceded just two tries from the four Test matches they have played this year. That defensive record is sure to be tested by a Springbok side which is coming off its first back-to-back victories over the All Blacks since 1976, which followed up a 2-1 home series win over the British & Irish Lions. The game is the Springboks' final home tie in the Tri-Nations. South Africa leads the way in the tournament with eight points gathered from two home matches against the All Blacks. New Zealand has four, from its three matches, while Australia picked up a bonus point during its opening tie in the competition. While the Wallabies have not won at Cape Town since 1992, the squad does feature 13 of the players who participated in last year's 27-15 win over South Africa at Durban. That success was Australia's first on South African soil for eight years, and just the second win achieved by the Wallabies in the Republic from 14 attempts since the Tri-Nations kicked off in 1996. Australia: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Stirling Mortlock (captain), 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 George Smith, 6 Richard Brown, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 James Horwill, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson. Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 David Pocock, 20 Will Genia, 21 Peter Hynes, 22 James O'Connor. RUGBY365

Australia will pose a greater lineout threat than the All Blacks when they face world champions South Africa in the Tri-Nations on Saturday, Springbok lock Victor Matfield said. "It will definitely be a bigger challenge. The Wallaby lineout did very well competing against the All Blacks in Auckland last month. (Lock) Nathan Sharpe is very experienced and has been running their lineout for quite some time, so it will be a tough challenge," Matfield, the Springboks' lineout kingpin, told a news conference on Thursday. Matfield said the Australians, who lost their opening Tri-Nations match to New Zealand last month, also have the pack to front up to the Springboks in the forward exchanges. "There are a lot of perceptions out there and some teams always have their forwards blamed when they lose. But if you look back to the Super 14, then the (New South Wales) Waratahs had the best scrum and one of the most physical packs," Matfield said. Springbok assistant coach Percy Montgomery said South Africa, who have beaten New Zealand twice in succession in this tournament, were fortunate to still be able to call on players like Matfield and 14 others from their World Cup-winning squad of 2007. "The core is still there from the World Cup so it's a settled team. We've tweaked a few things and they're a more mature side now. "The forwards are giving us a great platform and from that go-forward ball we've been able to create quite a few tries out of nothing. The back three are all able to counter-attack and it's good that we've been able to get the ball wide to them." REUTERS

Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock emphasised the enormous challenge confronting his team at Newlands on Saturday by describing the South African side as being close to the perfect rugby line-up. After the Springboks' complete overhaul of both the British and Irish Lions and the All Blacks over the past two months, captain John Smit's line-up is even being labelled by some of his countrymen as the best South African side of all time. Now the Wallabies, who showed off their mental inadequacies in Auckland last month by basically handing victory to the All Blacks, have to come up with a counter in the first of three Tri-Nations matches against the Springboks this season. While Mortlock is buoyant, he knows there is no point underestimating the task ahead of his team this weekend, especially with the Wallabies' record on South African soil being so flimsy. After all, the Wallabies haven't won in Cape Town since 1992 and in their past 10 Tests in South Africa have only achieved one victory - last year in Durban. Apart from the home-ground issue, the Wallabies have to encounter the threatening prospect of a merciless Springboks team, who are at the peak of their form. As Mortlock explained on Thursday: "This is close to the most complete Springbok outfit that I've seen. Most of the guys [in the Wallabies] are saying that and so am I." It all revolves South Africa's pride and self-belief. "It is just the confidence that they go about their business which strikes you. They are a team on their game." But Mortlock is hardly a doom merchant, instead emphasising that while their preparation for the Cape Town Test has been excellent, it will still require a faultless 80-minute performance to cause an upset. "We've had an extended preparation for this game and sometimes it is a bad thing when you have the bye. But for us it has been a chance to do a lot of good work in Australia and in Cape Town, and while we are coming off the back of a Test where we weren't happy with how we went, I have been really impressed with the resolve amongst the crew. I'm confident that we will go out there with a positive intent. "When we have played well against the Springboks, it has been because we have been involved in a composed, concerted effort for 80 minutes. They are a team which are at the moment in a really positive frame of mind, are playing a style of football that they are very comfortable with and they are playing it very, very well. So you'd be crazy not to go into such a game without a full 80-minute performance and a really good one at that. There's a lot to play for." The Wallabies skipper added that they would not follow the inconsistent All Blacks, who dramatically varied their game plan and suffered losses in Bloemfontein and Durban. "The All Blacks tried to change things in both Tests against South Africa, whereas our mindset is more about having the tools to put out there whatever you see fit at the right time," Mortlock said. "Hopefully that will be the point of difference for us. Any opportunity we see, we have to take it straight away." And while the Wallabies have deliberately not discussed last year's 53-8 trouncing in Johannesburg, it remains in the back of their minds. "It's a good thing for us because it reminds us how damaging they can be when they're in the zone. And they're in a real positive frame of mind at the moment, so it reinforces the reality of what is in front of us," Mortlock said. Meanwhile, Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell emphasised that they had to perform much better in the air than the All Blacks. "The Springboks got some good pay with their contestable kicking against the All Blacks," Mitchell said. "It's just a matter of getting yourself in position, getting up in the air and being strong. In the moment, you just have to execute the skill." The Wallabies named an unchanged starting team, with Peter Hynes moving onto the bench at the expense of Phil Waugh. The bench will have a four forward-three backs split. RUGBYHEAVEN (AUS)

Griquas continued their incredible unbeaten run in year's Currie Cup, claiming another major scalp in a spectacular 33-32 home win over Western Province, with fullback Riaan Viljoen putting in a match-winning performance. Griquas attacked first and struck an early blow, with burly tighthead Ruan du Preez crashing over from close range for a seventh minute score. Province responded immediately when they earned a penalty try when the Griquas pack went grossly offside to prevent Luke Watson from scoring. Pietersen added the conversion. Scrumhalf Sarel Pretorius soon after squeezed through and under three would-be tacklers to stretch over for an 18th-minute score. The lead was extended by a brilliant 49-metre drop-goal by fullback Riaan Viljoen; 17-10 with 25 minutes on the clock. It was Griquas who scored next from the boot of Olivier, after a mistake in the Province line-out sent rangy lock Jacques Lombard on the loose upfield. An indiscretion at the breakdown allowed Olivier to extend the lead to ten, albeit against the run-of-play. But Province came surging back and Francois Louw was on hand to pick and dot down for a 39th minute try. Pietersen popped over the easy conversion, and teams entered half-time with the score at 20-17 in favour of the home side. Olivier made it 23-17 in the 56th minute with a penalty. It was a touch of class from the impressive Viljoen that set off the explosive final quarter, as the fullback put in a strong hand off and floated a terrific pass to speedster Bjorn Basson to cross over in the 66th minute. Griquas were desperate in defence, but the pressure told with Tonderai Chavanga diving over in the corner after a continued barrage on the Griquas line. When Ruan du Preez put in a dangerous high tackle, referee Craig Joubert didn't hesitate in brandishing the yellow card. Grant popped over the sitter to make it a five point game with five minutes to go. It was that man Viljoen again, as he added an extra metre to his previous strike with a monstrous drop-goal that seemingly ended the game. But Province weren't quite done. This time is was De Jongh who ghosted through the defence and Pieter Louw was on hand to finish off the movement. Two minutes on the clock, with one point in it. But Griquas held on to secure the thrilling victory. The scorers: For Griquas: Tries: Du Preez, Pretorius,Basson Cons: Olivier 3 Pens: Olivier 2 DGs: Viljoen 2 For Western Province: Tries: Penalty try, F Louw, Chavanga, P Louw Cons: Pietersen 2, Grant Pens: Pietersen, Grant Yellow card: Ruan du Preez (Griquas, 75th minute - foul play, high tackle) RUGBY365

The Free State Cheetahs recorded their first win of the Currie Cup season when they convincingly beat the Blue Bulls 24-15 in Bloemfontein on Friday. Outscoring the Bulls by three tries to none, the Cheetahs put their campaign back on track and ensured they kept alive their play-off hopes. The scorers: For the Free State Cheetahs: Tries: Nel, Viljoen, Strauss Cons: Potgieter 3 DG: Potgieter For the Blue Bulls: Pens: Brummer 5 Yellow card: Robert Ebersohn (FS Cheetahs, 38 - foul play, high tackle) The Sharks were initially made to work for their 44-15 Currie Cup Round Five win over the Leopards in Rustenburg on Friday, but once they had broken the hosts' early resistance it became one-way traffic. Patience and composure saw The Sharks initially contain a competitive Leopards outfit before staging a strong second-half performance that led to the six-tries-to-two victory and consign the hosts to their fifth straight defeat - while the Sharks eared a valuable bonus point. The scorers: For the Leopards: Tries: Bowles 2 Con: Durand Pen: Durand For the Sharks: Tries: McLeod 2, Terblanche, Botes, Burden, Jordaan Cons: Hernandez, Cronjé 3 Pens: Hernandez 2 Yellow card: Gavin Williamson (Leopards) The Golden Lions scored an unconvincing 19-13 victory over the Boland Cavaliers in a hard-fought Currie Cup rugby match in Wellington on Friday after leading 7-6 at halftime. The Cavaliers once again showed they are not an easy pushover on their home ground and they deserved to take a bonus point out of the match. Scorers: For Lions: Try: Mentz Con: Rose Pens: Rose 4 For Boland: Try: Penalty try Con: Peach Pens: Peach 2

The president of the South African Rugby Union, Oregan Hoskins, and Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers, on Saturday named a squad of 27 for the away leg of the Vodacom Tri-Nations. Four players were added to the squad of 23 that did duty during the three home Tests, in which the Springboks were unbeaten. The four new players in the squad are Vodacom Western Province flanker Schalk Burger, Sharks loose forward Ryan Kankowski, Vodacom Blue Bulls prop Gurthrö Steenkamp and Sharks winger Odwa Ndungane. All of them were in action earlier in the year against the British & Irish Lions. The squad departs South Africa on Monday, August 24, 2009. Their first game is on Saturday, August 29 against the Wallabies in Perth. A week later, on Saturday, September 5, they meet Australia again, this time in Brisbane, before concluding the tour in Hamilton against the All Blacks on Saturday, September 12. The Springbok tour squad is: Forwards: John Smit –The Sharks, Captain Victor Matfield – Vodacom Blue Bulls, Vice-Captain Andries Bekker – Vodacom Western Province Bakkies Botha – Vodacom Blue Bulls Heinrich Brüssow – Vodacom Free State Cheetahs Schalk Burger – Vodacom Western Province Bismarck du Plessis – The Sharks Jannie du Plessis – The Sharks Ryan Kankowski – The Sharks Tendai Mtawarira – The Sharks Chiliboy Ralepelle – Vodacom Blue Bulls Danie Rossouw – Vodacom Blue Bulls Juan Smith – Vodacom Free State Cheetahs Pierre Spies – Vodacom Blue Bulls Gurthrö Steenkamp – Vodacom Blue Bulls Backs: Jean de Villiers – Vodacom Western Province Fourie du Preez – Vodacom Blue Bulls Jaque Fourie – Xerox Lions Bryan Habana – Vodacom Blue Bulls Adi Jacobs – The Sharks Ricky Januarie – Vodacom Western Province Odwa Ndungane – The Sharks Wynand Olivier – Vodacom Blue Bulls Ruan Pienaar – The Sharks JP Pietersen – The Sharks Frans Steyn – The Sharks Morné Steyn – Vodacom Blue Bulls Issued by SA Rugby

The Springboks overwhelmed the Wallabies with the sheer intensity of their pack and recorded a 29-17 victory at Newlands on Saturday. Match-winner Morne Steyn was again on target, scoring 24 of his side's points with the boot. The Wallabies caught the Springboks unawares with a clever short-ball lineout ruse to give the Wallabies their first try to Adam Ashley-Cooper before two minutes had elapsed, giving them a 7-0 lead with Matt Giteau’s conversion, but after that there was only one side on the field in spite of the Australians scoring two tries to the Springboks’ one. The dominance of the Springboks forwards meant John Smit’s men played most of the match in a comfort zone that enabled Morné Steyn to improve his remarkable record with seven more penalties and a dropped goal. The Boks’ only try was as a result of this unremitting pressure applied by the like of Mtawarira, Du Plessis, Smit, Matfield, Botha, Smith, Spies and action man Brüssow. The Boks scored when John Smit stabbed through a left-footed grubber which flummoxed right-wing Lachlan Turner and allowed Victor Matfield to pounce on the ball and dive over for the try. Though Steyn missed the conversion the Boks were 20-10 up and, in truth, the match was over. The Springboks did not score another try, but the Wallabies did through Matt Giteau weaving his way through a few tackles near the posts, but Steyn added two more penalties. Their performance confirmed the view that the Springboks are the clear favourites to win the 2009 Tri-Nations. Scoring: South Africa - Try: Victor Matfield. Penalties: Morne Steyn (7). Drop Goal: M Steyn. Australia - Tries: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Giteau. Conversions: Giteau (2). Drop Goal: Berrick Barnes.

Dan Carter was the star performer for Canterbury , scoring all 22 of his teams points, as they overcame Auckland 22-16 in their Air New Zealand Cup clash on Saturday evening. In cold condition, 10 000 loyal Auckland fans came out to see the match and the star attraction, All Blacks No.10 Carter, delivered. It will come as no surprise if he is rushed backed into the All Black side for the rest of the Tri Nations. Canterbury went into half time 9-0 up thanks to three Carter penalties. A fourth from Carter took the score to 12-9 after 66 minutes. A try by Paul Williams put Auckland 16-12 in the lead, it didn't last long as Ryan Crotty broke a tackle and fed Carter. who finished well and converted his own try. Carter added his fifth penalty minutes later and Canterbury held on for an important win. Scorers: Auckland: Try: Williams Con: Moeke Pens: Moeke 3 Canterbury Try: Carter Con: Carter Pens: Carter 5

Dan Carter has been recalled to the All Blacks squad for the remainder of the Tri-Nations tournament after recovering from an Achilles injury, New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) said on Monday. The flyhalf had played a club game and two rounds of the provincial Air New Zealand Cup competition, and was ready to return to the top-flight, All Blacks coach Graham Henry said in an NZRU statement. "He is a key member of the All Blacks, has recovered well from his injury and has made a great return to rugby so now is the right time to bring him back into the squad," Henry said. Lock Tom Donnelly will join the 59-test veteran in the squad to provide cover for Bryn Evans, who is under an injury cloud after reporting back and leg problems in training on Thursday. "Bryn will be having a scan today (Monday) so we can see what the long-term process will be," All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said in the statement. With injuries affecting the team's preparations in the lead-up to the Tri-Nations, New Zealand slumped to two successive away losses against South Africa in recent weeks after a narrow win at home over Australia. They next face the Wallabies in Sydney on August 22. REUTERS

Rugged Rocky Elsom awaits the All Blacks with the Wallabies keen to test his fitness at a three day training camp in Sydney this week. While the All Blacks have called a training day in Auckland on Wednesday to try to help sort out their struggling game, the Wallabies are going to busy themselves at the end of the week following their loss to the Springboks. They have a three-day training camp from Thursday. The All Blacks and Wallabies trail the South Africans on the Tri-Nations points table and their desperate position has upped the ante for their clash in Sydney on August 22 that doubles as a Bledisloe Cup encounter. The Wallabies will effectively have a week and a half of preparation in-house while the All Blacks are again using the Air New Zealand Cup this weekend to give some of the squad much-needed game time to try to play them into a bit of form. The Wallabies will have a keen eye on Elsom, the physical back-rower whose re-introduction to the Australian side has been stalled by a knee injury collected while playing in the Heineken Cup final for his Irish club Leinster. He was named man of the match in the 19-16 win over English club Leicester. Elsom's European sabbatical has left him keen for test action but frustrated with his injury predicament. There's every indication that he will be in the mix to meet the All Blacks, adding depth to the Wallabies' talented back row and certainly upping the physicality of the Australians. Wallabies coach Robbie Deans resisted the temptation to take Elsom, who has 40 test caps, to South Africa believing the long-term benefits lay with his introduction for the second half of the Tri-Nations campaign where the Wallabies have three home matches and a final test against the All Blacks in Wellington on September 19. Elsom was a huge force the last time the All Blacks played in Sydney when they dismantled the All Blacks 34-19. Injury meant he wasn't part of the mix a week later when the All Blacks reversed the scoreline with a stunning 39-10 effort in Auckland. Graham Henry's side have to come up with a similar sort of revival for this coming match after their game went alarmingly off the boil in South Africa where they were soundly beaten by the Springboks on successive weekends. RUGBYHEAVEN

The Wallabies will be without their skipper, Stirling Mortlock, for the remainder of the Tri Nations series after an MRI scan confirmed that he will require an arthroscopy after suffering a lateral cartilage tear in his left knee during last Saturday’s loss to South Africa at Cape Town. Mortlock sustained the injury 30 minutes into the match and left the field immediately. He is expected to be sidelined for six weeks. Mortlock played in his 80th Test at Newlands. Utility forward Peter Kimlin is also expected to be out of action for up to six weeks due to a nerve injury in his right shoulder, sustained on the recent Brumbies tour of Europe. The injuries have forced a recall to Brumbies lock Mark Chisholm and the Waratahs back Kurtley Beale to the Wallabies Tri-Nations squad when it reassembles in Sydney on Thursday. Chisholm has been sidelined since early April following the broken wrist he sustained during the Super 14. The uncapped Beale appeared in 12 of the Waratahs’ 13 matches during the Super 14, in what was his third season at Super level. Seven members of the Wallabies’ Tri Nations squad will released for club rugby duties this weekend. They are Beale (Northern Suburbs, NSW), Peter Hynes (GPS, Queensland), Pek Cowan (Warringah, NSW), Phil Waugh (Sydney University, NSW), Matt Hodgson (Eastern Suburbs, NSW), Quade Cooper (Souths, Queensland) and Ryan Cross (Eastern Suburbs, NSW).

World Cup-winning coach Bob Dwyer has given a stunning assessment of the state of the All Blacks, saying never before has he seen their skill standards drop so low. Dwyer who guided the Wallabies to World Cup glory in 1991 says some basic techniques from the players are substandard. But instead of the blame going on the players for those deficiencies, he says the fault lies squarely with Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith. "It's totally down to the coaches," Dwyer told Sunday News. "If you don't understand the key principles of the techniques or then insist on their application all the time, then you can't expect the players to get it. "People fall into bad habits. Mark Ella was a pretty complete player and was good at correcting his own faults, but there was one part of his game that I constantly had to remind him about and that was he was moving too early. "If I was constantly on his back about it at training, then we had some chance of success in the game. "What the All Blacks have to address is their execution," said Dwyer, who runs a website called www.bobdwyerrugby.com which contains coaching workshops and manuals to help with techniques, as well as a regular column from him. "There are some really silly things, such as when you throw a pass your hands must finish facing the target, then the ball can't go anywhere but to the target." said Dwyer. "So many of the New Zealand players were flinging passes where the ball goes anywhere. "One of my quotes that has lived on is that `practice doesn't make perfect, only perfect practice makes perfect'. If you practice perfectly you'll execute perfectly, if you don't practice perfectly then you won't get any better. If the coaches have a good handle on what good technique is, then all you have to do is do it and you have to insist on it and insist on it until it becomes part of your players' DNA." As well as problems with the passing, Dwyer also took issue with the support the All Blacks were giving ball runners, a skill he believed New Zealand used to be the best in the world at. "One of the things that really surprises me is that the country that had the best understanding and application of support play was New Zealand," he said. "They had the best support players, particularly at the tackle contest. Traditionally they were the world leaders at it. Yet I thought their support play in their last test was poor. It became very lateral. "When your support becomes lateral, invariably the pass goes to the players' hip or behind him." However, while Dwyer finds fault with the coaches over the players' technique, he says they were right in the game plan they took into the tests against South Africa. "I didn't think there was anything wrong with the tactics in principle. "That was the approach the Lions used fairly much throughout the series, but it grew to become a more important part of their overall approach by the third test. "The short passes from the Lions kept the ball moving quickly, there was good support and the recycling was happening quickly. "To me, that's what New Zealand were trying to do against the Springboks also. But their execution was really bad." RUGBYHEAVEN NZ

Melbourne has won the Australian Rugby Union's endorsement as the country's sole contender for the 15th Super rugby licence. The franchise competition will expand by one team in 2011 with the SANZAR joint venture to decide later this year on where the new side will be established. While the 15th team will play in the Australian conference as part of a revamped and extended Super Rugby format, interested parties in South Africa and New Zealand are also bidding to have the side based within their national boundaries. "It was for this reason that the ARU board accepted a recommendation from management to put forward only one bid to the next stage of the selection process," said ARU Managing Director and CEO John O'Neill. "The decision to be made by SANZAR before the end of the year is not where in Australia the team will be based - but in which country. "Therefore, it will be in the ARU's best interests to proceed with what we consider to be our best and most compelling option." There were seven Expressions of Interest initially lodged with the ARU - three from Melbourne, and one each from Western Sydney, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and NSW Country. NSW Country withdrew from the race last week as ARU senior management travelled to each of the regions to discuss their ability to meet the SANZAR criteria for Super rugby participation. In finally settling on Melbourne, the ARU has also called on the three parties from Victoria who put forward separate bids to join forces to ensure Australia's prospects of securing the 15th licence are maximised. "We want to make sure the 15th team is in Australia; thus the ARU will facilitate the potential for a seamless and sensible amalgamation of those interested parties. It will surely put us in the best position possible," O'Neill said. "There are elements in each of the Melbourne EOI's that ensure the sum of the parts will be extremely powerful. "At this stage in the evolution of Super rugby, we believe Melbourne has the best chance of success. "We are in a three-nation race for the licence and we want the 15th team in Australia. So we need to focus our energy on what will be our most compelling bid. "However, that is not to say we are turning our backs on other areas that we consider extremely important to our strategic plans and future development." SANZAR has indicated the expansion of Super Rugby will not necessarily end with the move to 15 teams in 2011. A new competition format - where five teams will play in an Australian Conference, five in a South African Conference and five in a New Zealand Conference - will offer the option of increasing those numbers to six or more per Conference at a later stage. Other expansion options would also be available if teams outside the SANZAR nations were to be included in the competition. "We believe Western Sydney, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast all have great prospects for the future," said Mr O'Neill. "At this stage, though, Sunshine Coast does not have a stadium. "Gold Coast and Western Sydney certainly had strong applications and we are absolutely determined to grow the game in the western suburbs of Sydney where the junior numbers are strong and the population continues to increase. "This is not the end of the aspirations those regions have to be part of Super rugby." The ARU will now pass on its endorsement of Melbourne to SANZAR, with the joint venture to decide shortly about how many interested parties will be asked to make formal bids for the right to establish the 15th team. A final decision from SANZAR on the successful bidder is expected in late October. The winning bid will field a fifth team in the Australian Conference alongside the NSW Waratahs, Brumbies, Western Force and Queensland Reds. Under the conference system that will be introduced along with the additional team, each side will play the other four in its conference on a home and away basis for a total of eight "local derbies". Each team will also play four of the five sides in the other two conferences - on a home or away basis - for a further eight matches. If the 15th team is based in Australia, the number of regular season games in Australia will increase from 26 to 40 - an increase of 54%. The total number of matches in the competition will increase from 91 to 120 - an increase of 32%. The playoffs will also expand to include six teams rather than four. The finals will last three weeks as opposed to two. There will be five games instead of three. The length of the competition will also increase from 16 weeks presently to 21 weeks in 2011. RUGBYHEAVEN NZ

World Cup winning coach Jake White believes the Springboks need to be more attacking on their away legs of the Tri-Nations championship but still backs them to get the job done against the All Blacks and Wallabies. The Boks have used a kick and chase game to win their three home matches, twice pressuring the All Blacks into losses in Bloemfontein and Durban and using the same formula to dismantle the Wallabies in Cape Town. That has them sitting top of the table and eyeing just their third Tri-Nations title as they prepare to head to Australasia to face the Wallabies twice and the All Blacks in Hamilton. White dished out plenty of praise for the way his successor Peter de Villiers has kept the Boks at the top of world rugby but believes they will need a bit more adventure to succeed on the road. "We did a lot of kicking in the last three matches, but that is understandable. You can't afford to take risks at home, so the conservative approach is justified. We played to our strengths, won the penalties and kicked the penalties," White told The Mercury newspaper in South Africa. "Overseas, however, we may need to be a little more daring to get the results going our way. We're not going to be awarded as many penalties overseas as we were in the last three matches. It's just the way it is. "The home team usually wins the penalty count, so the Boks are going to have to do a bit more than rely on Morne Steyn's kicking boot. If the Boks can score two converted tries in each match and kick at least two penalties, that gives them 20 points. "Now even if that's not enough to win the game, I doubt New Zealand and Australia have it in them to score 28 points against our defence. That means even if the Boks lose, they'll be good enough to collect bonus points." The rest of the rugby world might see White as a voice of reason. It's alarming that after the IRB put so much effort over the past two years into trying to find a formula to liven their game, the most successful side right now has based it winning way around a one-dimensional approach more akin with dinosaur rugby. It should also be remembered that while White is correct with his current observations his side won the World Cup without scoring a try in the final. Still, White felt there was much to admire in the Springboks side he had taken to the world title in 2007 and the way they had evolved since then. "By and large this Bok group has remained the same for the past six years," White told The Mercury. "It's taken them that long to gel into the formidable unit that they now are, but it is very pleasing to see that they have achieved what I always knew they could become, that is the best team in the world. "Congratulations to Peter de Villiers, I am really happy for him. He has a wonderful record now that reads, played 19 won 14. It is a record any coach would want. "It is truly great that we have maintained – and built on – the respect we gained in 2007." White isn't alone in his belief that the Boks will need to show a bit more if they are to keep setting the pace. Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says it's only a matter of time before opposition manage to counter the Boks' successful tactics of hoisting high balls to applying pressure in the danger zones. Deans admitted the Wallabies failed to counter that in Cape Town but says things might be different for the rematches in Perth and Brisbane. Speaking in the wake of last weekend's loss in South Africa, he said: "When they get that kick-chase game going it's extremely difficult to counter, and credit to them, they haven't put a foot wrong in their execution for some time now. "But in the modern game, with the amount of analyses available to sides, it's inevitable that you will be worked out if your approach remains unchanged for an extended period of time. "The Springboks have the players to play in a number of different ways and they need to explore all their options to make them an even better side." And in reality that is the worry to the pack of teams chasing the Springboks right now – they do have the personnel to get better. They have some outstanding runners in their backline who have the potential to be match-winners with the ball in hand rather than simply being chasers who apply pressure, such as the role that has been handed to wings Bryan Habana and JP Pietersen right now. If the ball isn't being hoisted by halfback Fourie du Preez then it's going up via the boots of first fives Morne Steyn and Ruan Pienaar. RUGBYHEAVEN NZ

GWK Griquas coach Dawie Theron will be hoping that his team continue their undefeated run in the 2009 Absa Currie Cup Premier Division when they host the Vodacom Blue Bulls at GWK Park on Saturday (15h00). The Kimberley side, who is captained by Jonathan Mokuena and are currently on 23 points after five matches, are in pole position on the 2009 log. Theron’s team bravely held their nerve to oust Vodacom Western Province 33-32 last Friday and will be determined to repeat that performance at home against their Pretoria opponents. “We have actually achieved nothing yet in this season’s Absa Currie Cup, but victory against the Vodacom Blue Bulls will go a long way in ensuring that we reach some of our pre-season goals later in the competition,” said Theron. “I was very satisfied with the performance of the guys and the guts they showed against Vodacom Western Province last weekend and I can only hope that they carry on with that kind of confidence against the Vodacom Blue Bulls on Saturday. “Playing the Vodacom Blue Bulls is never easy and you always have to be at your best against them. But the guys believe in what we are doing, so we look forward to the opportunity of testing ourselves against them.” For the Vodacom Blue Bulls, Gurthrö Steenkamp will start at prop while two more Springboks, hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle and fullback Zane Kirchner, have been selected in the match day 22 and could play off the bench. Tiger Mangweni will start wearing the No 15 jersey. Steenkamp and Ralepelle have been released by Bok coach Peter de Villiers for this match while Kirchner is returning from a cheekbone injury. Emerging Springboks captain Dewald Potgieter is also back in the side and will wear the No 8 jersey. Francois Hougaard will also start at scrumhalf in the absence of Heini Adams, who is struggling with an ankle injury. “Dewald is back from injury and will perform important work for us as a ball carrier and defender,” said Vodacom Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke. “He is one of those players who are in the opposition’s face for 80 minutes and his skills at the breakdown will be much needed against the GWK Griquas. “Pedrie (Wannenburg) , who played for a few weeks, was a bit rusty against the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs, but he will be used as an impact player and is very effective in this role during the last 30 minutes. It will be nice to call on someone with the level of experience like him, towards the end of the match.” Meanwhile Sharks coach John Plumtree has resisted the temptation to select Rory Kockott and Juan Martin Hernandez for the match against the Xerox Lions at Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg on Saturday at 17h05. Kockott who has been struggling with a shoulder injury is replaced at scrumhalf by Charl McLeod while flyhalf Monty Dumond comes into the starting team in the place of Hernandez (ankle). The Sharks forward pack include the likes of Ryan Kankowski (eighthman), Albert van den Berg (lock) and Deon Carstens (prop) who all boast international experience. Stefan Terblanche will captain the side in the absence of the injured Johann Muller. Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis, who has been part of South Africa’s 2009 Vodacom Tri-Nations campaign, has also been named on the bench for the Durban side. “The Xerox Lions will provide us with another big challenge. They have quality in players like Willem Alberts and Jano Vermaak and it is a bit difficult to plan against them because they keep making big selection changes each week,” said Sharks technical adviser Deon Kayser. “We can’t underestimate them, they’re a Vodacom Super 14 franchise and it is an away game for us. It is never easy against one of the bigger unions.” Meanwhile Xerox Lions coach Hans Coetzee has made three changes to the starting line-up that defeated the Boland Cavaliers last weekend. Dusty Noble replaces Shandre Frolick on the wing and Herkie Kruger is back from injury to start at flyhalf in the place of Ruan Boshoff. Up front Willem Stoltz replaces Johan Snyman at lock. In Wellington, the traditional Absa Currie Cup derby will spice up rugby in the Cape when the Boland Cavaliers host Vodacom Western Province on Saturday at 15h00. The hosts are in search of their second win in this season’s competition after going down 19-13 to the Xerox Lions last week, while Province outfit are aiming to bounce back to winning ways following their Kimberley defeat to the GWK Griquas. Vodacom Western Province, who are currently in third place in the Absa Currie Cup Premier Division, will be determined to achieve maximum points against their neighbours to stay in touch with the competition log-leaders. “It is important to get the full house of points against the smaller unions. But it is going to be a challenge for us in Wellington,” said Allister Coetzee, coach of Vodacom WP. “But going to Wellington has been a banana peel all these years for us. We cannot go there and take them lightly. It doesn't matter how many players are injured in that Boland side. Whoever puts on that Boland jersey will come out and show us that they are ready.” Meanwhile Andre Swanepoel will lead a weakened Platinum Leopards line-up in their match against the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs in Potchefstroom on Friday. The hosts will be missing several first-choice players such as regular captain Wilhelm Koch, who is out with a fractured toe, as well as winger Jan van Zyl (ankle), scrumhalf Michael Bondesio (concussion) and hooker Pellow van der Westhuizen (back), who are all out injured for this weekend’s match. Flank Bennie Adams replaces Koch, Danie Dames comes in for Van Zyl, Theo van Wyk fills in for Bondesio and regular tight head Philip Lemmer also has to cover hooker off the bench. The Bloemfontein side, who achieved their first win in the Absa Currie Cup last weekend after defeating the Vodacom Blue Bulls, will be aiming to achieve a win plus secure a bonus point for scoring four tries in Potchefstroom on Friday. “Our season are by no means over, but it’s vital that we get the points against the Platinum Leopards on Friday,” said Vodacom Free State Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske. “We need to continue our momentum from where we left off against the Vodacom Blue Bulls and if we can score four tries this weekend and get the five points, we’ll be right back in contention.” Teams for the weekend: GWK Griquas – Riaan Viljoen, Egon Seconds, Jaco Bekker, Barry Geel, Bjorn Basson, Naas Olivier, Sarel Pretorius, Jonathan Mokuena (c), Davon Raubenheimer, Rohan Kitshoff, Jacques Lombard, Nolan Clark, Ruaan du Preez, Simon Westraadt, Steph Roberts. Reserves: Andries Kruger/Rayno Barnes, Albertus Buckle/Zane Killian, Brendon Snyman/Heinrich Stride, Sean Plaatjies, Dougie Helmuth, Trompie Nontshinga, Gavin Passens. Vodacom Blue Bulls – Tiger Mangweni, Gerhard van den Heever, Jaco Pretorius, Stefan Watermeyer, Marius Delport, Francois Brummer, Francois Hougaard, Dewald Potgieter, Jacques Burger, Deon Stegmann, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Derick Kuün (c), Gurthrö Steenkamp. Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Frik Kirsten, Fudge Mabeta, Pedrie Wannenburg, Ruan Snyman, Burton Francis, Zane Kirchner. Vodacom Western Province – Joe Pietersen, Tonderai Chavhanga, Juan de Jongh, Morgan Newman, Gio Aplon, Peter Grant, Dewaldt Duvenage, Luke Watson, Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Adriaan Fondse, Chris Jack, Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg, Wikus Blaauw. Reserves: Deon Fourie, JD Moller, Anton van Zyl, Pieter Louw, Bolla Conradie, Paul Bosch, JJ Engelbrecht. Boland Cavaliers – Justin Peach, Deon Scholtz, Hein Myburgh, Lionel Cornelius, Ernie Kruger, Elgar Watts, Marnus Hugo, Alwyn Bester, Carel Hoffman, Zolani Mofu, Rito Hlungwane, Nico Esterhuyse, Jacobie Adriaanse, Clemen Lewis (c), Janro van Niekerk. Reserves: Harry Vermaas, Jane du Toit, Frikkie Spies, Andre du Toit, Danie van der Merwe, Mark Harris, Llewellyn Adonis. The Sharks – Stefan Terblanche (c), Odwa Ndungane, Andries Strauss, Riaan Swanepoel, Lwazi Mvovo, Monty Dumond, Charl McLeod, Ryan Kankowski, Jean Deysel, Jacques Botes, Albert van den Berg, Steven Sykes, Patrick Cilliers, Craig Burden, Deon Carstens. Reserves: Skipper Badenhorst, Jannie du Plessis, Michael Rhodes, Keegan Daniel, Ross Cronje, Guy Cronje, Waylon Murray. Xerox Lions – Earl Rose, Dusty Noble, Alwyn Hollenbach, Doppies la Grange, Henno Mentz, Herkie Kruger, Jano Vermaak, Willem Alberts, Franco van der Merwe, Cobus Grobbelaar (C), Willem Stoltz, Nico Luus, Gert Muller, Hans van Dyk, JC Janse van Rensburg Reserves: Derek Harwood, Kevin Buys, Wouter Moore, Todd Clever, Derek Minnie, Pieter Engelbrecht, Ruan Boshoff. Platinum Leopards – Russell Jeacocks, Jovan Bowles, Deon van Rensburg, Berndt Theissinger, Danie Dames, Clayton Durand, Theo van Wyk; RW Kember, Bennie Adams, André Swanepoel (c), Draad Linde, Rudi Mathee, Os van der Walt, Gavin Williamson, Divan Kotze. Reserves: Philip Lemmer, Nardus Lombard, Anthonie Gronum, Ligtoring Landman, Jean Tiedt, Shuaib Samaai, Basil de Doncker. Vodacom Free State Cheetahs – Hennie Daniller, Danwel Demas, JW Jonker, Robert Ebersohn, Jongi Nokwe, Jacques – Louis Potgieter, Jean – Pierre Joubert, Francois Uys, Frans Viljoen, Johan Wessels, Nico Breedt, Izak van der Westhuizen, WP Nel, Adriaan Strauss, Coenie Oosthuizen. Reserves: Richardt Strauss, Jean Botha, Waltie Vermeulen, Kabamba Floors, Tertius Carse, Louis Strydom, Philip Snyman. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Ex-All Blacks and former New Zealand coaches are in the limelight as the French Top 14 club rugby competition kicks-off a new season this weekend. Before the first "chandelle" - up and under - has been kicked, an air of expectation has been created that promises this could be a vintage season for French rugby. And it will include a significant New Zealand component at playing and coaching level. According to a survey conducted by L'Equipe newspaper, Byron Kelleher's Toulouse are again the early favourites, despite not featuring in last year's final. Second favourites Clermont, beaten finalists for the last three years' running, are coached by former Crusader Vern Cotter. To strengthen his squad Cotter has made a number of major signings, including ex-Blue Tasesa Lavea, South African Brent Russell, up and coming French halfback Morgan Parra and Scottish loosie Jason White. The current Top 14 champions, Daniel Carter's Perpignan, are rated as the third prospect for championship honours. Much interest is centred on two of the "upstart" teams, Tana Umaga's Toulon, and recently promoted Racing-Metro, co-coached by former All Black Simon Mannix. Toulon kick off the season tomorrow morning (NZ time) playing at home against the Ewen McKenzie-coached Stade Francais. Toulon's major signing has been England first-five Jonny Wilkinson and they will need him at the top of his game as they are missing key players Sonny Bill Williams (fibula injury) and their captain, former Springbok Joe Van Niekerk (injured neck). Stade Francais and Les Bleus centre Mathieu Bastareaud will also not be on the pitch as McKenzie awaits a medical feu verte (green light). Bastareaud has exhibited erratic behaviour since he falsely alleged he had been attacked in the street after a June test against the All Blacks in Wellington. The second Parisian team, Racing-Metro, gained their promotion last year greatly assisted by the boot and nous of former All Blacks star Andrew Merhtens. A club with ambition, they have made a number of new signings including Sebastien Chabal. Les Bleus captain Lionel Nallet will add further grunt to the pack, while Springbok Francois Steyn is an exciting backline recruit. Top 14 administrative president Pierre-Yves Revol, who has just taken on the role from Les Bleus legend Serge Blanco, has expressed his concern about the number of foreigners playing in French club rugby. In L'Equipe, he noted that in 2002 foreigners represented 12 percent of registered players, climbing to 42 percent by 2008. However, Revol said it was pleasing that for the 2009 season, numbers have declined by 10 percent. He said it was important to recognise the importance of "marquee" players, mentioning Riki Flutey along with the likes of Wilkinson, England outside back Iain Balshaw and Steyn, as they created public interest and helped attract sponsorship without impinging on the development of young French players. NZPA

World Cup-winning Springbok centre Wynand Olivier has ended speculation about his future when he signed a new two-year contract with the Blue Bulls Company (Pty) Ltd on Thursday. Despite speculation of lucrative French offers and interest from other domestic unions like Western Province, Olivier has opted to stay in Pretoria. He has made it clear that he wanted to stay in South Africa, as he is striving to earn 50 Springbok caps. He has played in 24 Tests. The coach of the Bulls (Super 14) and Blue Bulls (Currie Cup), Frans Ludeke, is delighted with Olivier’s decision and says the fact that he declined numerous offers from other teams where he could have earned more money says a lot about his character and loyalty. "Our team is built around experienced individuals and Wynand is without a doubt one of them," Ludeke said. "His has been phenomenal for us in the Super 14 and he is one of those players who are able to deliver something special when all the odds are against us. "His defence is superb, on attack he is more than a handful and as one of our main decision makers he has been exceptional. Wynand operates like a world class flanker on defence and the turnovers he forces are extremely valuable for us." Ludeke added Olivier’s ability to get the Bulls over the advantage line is outstanding and his line-breaks combined with his innovative midfield play have been superb. "All in all he is a huge asset for the team and to develop such a player takes several years and that is one of the main reasons why I am very grateful that he opted to stay on with the Bulls. "He is also very keen to help us to develop the younger players in the system and with his professional attitude and unequaled work ethic he will surely add a lot of value to the Bulls in the years to come." A relaxed Olivier, who has been playing for the Blue Bulls since his schooldays, said on Thursday that he is certain that it was the right thing to do. "I have made the decision and I am happy with it," Olivier said, adding: "All the structures are in place at Loftus and I want to play for the Bulls." Meanwhile, the Golden Lions Rugby Union, faced with the possibility of court action from the player, has made it clear they intend holding World Cup-winning Springbok Jaque Fourie to the terms of his 'contract'. Fourie is prepared to go the legal route to get out of his contract with the Golden Lions, as he strives to join Western Province. Fourie's lawyer, Frikkie Erasmus, told rugby365 on Thursday that the player is determined to end his seven-year association with the Johannesburg-based team. On Friday the GLRU reacted by saying that they have a "fixed term" contract of employment with Fourie until 31 October 2010. "The GLRU is not releasing Jaque Fourie from his contract and is looking forward to his return from the Springbok squad, joining the Lions for the latter part of the Currie Cup season," the GLRU said in a statement. "Parties to a contract should respect and honour the obligations contained within a contract in order to preserve the principle of contractual stability. "The GLRU confirms that until today [Friday] they have not received any request from Western Province to enter into negotiations with Jaque Fourie. "In terms of SARU and the International Rugby Boards (IRB) regulations, it is expressly prohibited to induce or attempt to induce any contract player who has a written agreement with a Union, unless the prior written consent of that Union has been obtained. "Western Province is therefore inducing a breach of contract. "The GLRU believes that rugby contracts between Unions and players must be honoured and respected. There should be no tolerance when it comes to contractual breaches, whether by other Unions or the player." RUGBY365

The Wallabies will go for the old and the new when George Smith becomes the new test captain and James O'Connor takes over at fullback against the All Blacks in Sydney next weekend. Although the test line-up will not be announced until Tuesday, there are strong indications that despite a concerted push for Berrick Barnes to take over as Wallabies captain for the injured Stirling Mortlock, the selectors will play safe by giving Smith the job. Smith is a reluctant captain but there is a feeling that seniority and experience will be required against the All Blacks at ANZ Stadium, especially as the opposition skipper is the wily Richie McCaw. Smith will be able to keep a close eye on what McCaw is up to, especially how he manipulates the referee, because they will be direct openside breakaway opponents. With uncertainty over how long Mortlock will be sidelined, the Wallabies' end of season grand slam tour is scheduled as the time when a new long-term test skipper will be introduced, with Barnes the early favourite. It is known that looking ahead to the 2011 World Cup, Barnes has the support of several influential Australian Rugby Union officials, who are eager for him to be the next Wallabies skipper. While there was an early push for Ryan Cross to take over Mortlock's outside-centre position, it is believed there has recently been a rethink and Adam Ashley-Cooper is now in line to be moved from fullback to No.13. This opens the way for O'Connor to take over at fullback after he excelled in that position when coming on as a replacement for Mortlock in the 29th minute of the Springboks Test at Newlands last Saturday. Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said yesterday O'Connor was ready to start against the All Blacks. ''He's always had the talent, and he's a young man learning in the Test arena, which is very hard,'' Deans said. ''Most young men get to learn the game at club level, where they can go back and seek the wise counsel of elders, whereas James is having his learning experience in a Test, where he has millions watching, the scrutiny is enormous, the consequence of error is often enormous, so it's tough. But he's shown the courage and capability. When you look at his response from Eden Park to Newlands, it was remarkable, and he enjoys it. Yes, he's capable of starting. He wants to be out there, and he's more than ready.'' O'Connor is already priming himself for being the Wallabies' last line of defence. ''I've definitely got a bit of confidence at the moment and am pretty happy with my game,'' he said. The other major decisions Deans has to make are whether to start Ben Alexander at tight-head prop ahead of Al Baxter, Will Genia for Luke Burgess at halfback and Dean Mumm in the second row. After the Wallabies' capitulations in both Auckland and Cape Town, Deans is under pressure from those around him to pursue the Wallabies' next-generation policy. Ad Feedback Thankfully, the return of back-rower Rocky Elsom will provide much required aggression and edge to the Wallabies pack. Elsom showed enough at training at Coogee Oval yesterday to indicate he will walk straight back into the No.6 jersey. As Wycliff Palu has been eerily quiet the past two Tests, Richard Brown is most likely to move to No.8 to allow for the inclusion of Elsom. As is his style, Elsom was talking tough yesterday, demanding that the Wallabies pick up their act quickly. ''We can't drop any more games,'' Elsom said. ''There has been some definite negatives, which everyone would have noticed, and it is going to be a challenge to get them out of our performance. ''There are a couple of things that are lingering, and they have cost us the last two games. That has made it very hard for us in the tournament, and if we don't get them out of the game, it will be hard going forward.'' RUGBYHEAVEN NZ

The Free State Cheetahs recorded their second successive victory in this year's Currie Cup competition after they ran in 11 tries during their 71-17 win against the Leopards at Olen Park in Potchefstroom on Friday. So dominant was the Cheetahs display that they wrapped up the bonus point for four tries as early as the 26th minute of the match to consign the hapless Leopards to their sixth consecutive defeat of the season. The Cheetahs, who had endured a miserable start to their Currie Cup campaign losing their first four matches, built on their impressive 24-15 win over the Blue Bulls in their previous game, by outplaying the Leopards in all facets of the game. The visitor’s forwards were particularly impressive on the drive while their backline produced a slick display with pivot Jacques-Louis Potgieter putting in a commanding performance from the flyhalf position. The result leaves the Leopards rooted to the foot of the Currie Cup table while the Cheetahs, despite their fine performance, remain in sixth position, four points behind the Bulls. On a clear, cool night in Potchefstroom, the visitors were first to score when left wing Jongi Nokwe ran in a try in the sixth minute before they extended their lead nine minutes later when scrumhalf JP Joubert sniped his way over the line. Potgieter missed his first two conversion attempts but his teammates ensured that his misses would not come back to haunt him as lock Nico Breedt barged his way over the tryline in the 20th minute to give the Bloemfontein-based side a 15-0 lead in the 20th minute. Potgieter finally succeeded with a conversion attempt before outside centre JW Jonker secured the bonus point try in the 26th minute. The Cheetahs’ early assault had left the home side looking particularly rattled and, as if to prove the point, the visitors ran in two more tries in the last 10 minutes of the first half, through flank Johan Wessels and right wing Danwel Demas. Leopards’ flyhalf Clayton Durand finally got his side on the board, courtesy of a successful penalty kick in the 33rd minute, but his effort was not enough to prevent the Cheetahs going to half-time holding a commanding 38-3 lead. Matters did not improve for the Leopards in the second half as Jonker went over for his second try of the match, less than 60 seconds after the restart. Despite the growing deficit that they faced the Leopards battled gamely and their efforts were rewarded in the 43rd minute when fullback Russell Jeacocks scored his first try of the night. Unfortunately for the home side by the time Jeacocks scored his second try, in the 70th minute, the Cheetahs had run in further tries through Breedt and inside centre Robert Ebersohn. To confirm their superiority the Cheetahs added two tries to their tally in the last four minutes of the match with both wings, Demas and Nokwe, picking up their second tries. The Scorers: For Cheetahs Tries: Nokwe 2, Breedt 2, Jonker 2, Demas 2, JP Joubert, Johan Wessels, Robert Ebersohn. Cons: Potgieter 6 Pens: Louis Strydom 2 For Leopards: Tries: Jeacocks 2 Cons: Durand 2 Pen: Durand

The Sharks moved to second place on the Currie Cup standings, following a 30-19 win against the Golden Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday. The victory came as a result of the Sharks' greater discipline, under immense pressure, in defence and the attacking blunders of the plucky Lions. It defies logic that the Lions, who dominated the first half, had more than their share of the second half and played some exciting, attacking rugby were 0-23 behind in the 70th minute - which is when they got their first points through a try by captain Cobus Grobbelaar. Earl Rose's missed conversion was also the first shot at goal by the Lions in a match where the Sharks were forced to make 70-odd tackles - twice as many as the Lions - who had more than 70 percent of the territorial advantage. Three tries - the same number as the Sharks - in the last 10 minutes were not enough to make up the leeway and the Lions were left to rue a match which they could and probably should have won. What didn't work under former coach Eugene Eloff was again the Lions' downfall on Saturday. They created opportunities aplenty, but a lack of constructive play when it mattered and especially in their finishing saw a first half they completely dominated belong to the Sharks with a lead of 17-0 at the break. The Lions had 58 percent of the possession in this half, dominated the territory stakes by more than 70 percent, had to make only 19 first-half tackles to the Sharks' 45 - and still contrived to let the important home win slip out of their reach. The Sharks' first try came after a loss of concentration on defence. Running from their own territory, the visitors' forwards and backs combined well until Ryan Kankowski did some smart stepping to beat some tight forwards for a somewhat undeserved but outstanding Sharks try. But there were earlier missed tackles in this move as well, and that in addition to the squandered chances put the Sharks in control on the scoreboard which made it 10-0 after an earlier penalty and the conversion by Monty Dumont. It was Kankowski again, with a superb off-load this time, who was influential in the Sharks' second converted try by Craig Burden three minutes before the break (17-0). In the second half, the Lions also had the better of the play - but knocks, discipline and poor options saw the Sharks score the only points in this third quarter through a second Dumont penalty (20-0). It became 23-0 after a rare Sharks visit to the Lions 22, mainly because they had the numbers at the breakdown to force the successful Dumont penalty. With 17 minutes left the Lions now needed more than three converted tries to win - an unlikely assignment considering that they had not even had a shot at goal up to that point. However, they continued to fight and dominate, and scored three tries. First, they pulled the score back to 23-12 through two well-constructed tries by Grobbelaar and Derick Minnie, with Ruan Boshoff converting the second five minutes from time. The Lions' chase for a losing bonus point was, however, denied when the Lions were forced to carry the ball back. The Sharks were awarded a penalty try as the Lions disintegrated from the scrum five metres out. On the final whistle the Lions got a consolation try by Pieter Engelbrecht - his first in the Currie Cup competition - following an interception. But three tries apiece is scant consolation for a home loss after all the dominance the Lions had enjoyed. Man of the match: You could look at Ryan Kankowski's creative skills, the breakdown ability of Jacques Botes, or the physical presence of Jean Deysel and Steven Sykes. At the back there was captain Stefan Terblanche, as rock steady as ever. But it was hooker Craig Burden, with his high workrate and great skills that impressed us enough to win our award. The scorers: For the Golden Lions: Tries: Grobbelaar, Minnie, Engelbrecht Cons: Boshoff 2 For the Sharks: Tries: Kankowski, Burden, Penalty try Cons: Dumond 2, G Cronjé Pens: Dumond 3 Western Province's Currie Cup aspirations are on track after an easy and well-deserved 38-7 win against the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington on Saturday. Province led 8-7 at half-time and secured a much-needed bonus point for their five try effort. The bonus point came in the 76th minute when prop Brok Harris barged over in the corner. But with the siren going, Province kept the ball in hand and a fine break by Sevens Springbok Gio Aplon saw young JJ Engelbrecht scoring the fifth and final try in the 80th minute. Boland made life difficult for the visitors in the first half, but after half-time Province took control and Boland just had to defend for long periods. WP had an early opportunity to take the lead in the 8th minute, but fullback Joe Pietersen missed a rather easy penalty. Referee Marius Jonker awarded Boland a penalty try in the 19th minute after Province transgressed deliberately on their own goal-line - for Justin Peach to convert. However, Province paid a double price when New Zealand lock Chris Jack was yellow carded for the incident (7-0). Province got on the scoreboard in the 23rd minute when left wing Aplon scored an easy try in the corner with no Boland defender in sight (7-5). Province took the lead for the first time in the 32nd minute when Pietersen succeeded with a penalty right in front of the Boland posts (7-8). In the 33rd minute, Pietersen ran right through, but could not round off the move. Province let themselves down at crucial stages and their execution was not what you would expect from a team of their calibre. Province started to control matters in the second half and ran the ball with every opportunity - even if their execution still let them down too often. Pietersen increased WP's lead to 11-7 with a straight-forward penalty then his next penalty increased their lead to 14-7. In the 55th minute, exciting young centre Juan de Jongh scored WP's second try next to the posts for Pietersen to convert (21-7). This was a fine effort by the youngster who grew up next to the Boland Stadium. Right wing Tonderai Chavhanga scored WP's third try in the 64th minute after a well-aimed grubber kick by flyhalf Peter Grant to increase their lead to 26-7. Then the Harris and Engelbrecht tries pinned the final nails in the coffin. Province also excelled in defence and did not allow a single point in the last 62 minutes. Man of the match: Juan de Jongh was dangerous on attack, as usual, Gio Aplon always tested the defence with his darting runs, Dewaldt Duvenage looked energetic throughout, Francois Louw provided the physical edge and Chris Jack again showed his international class - yellow card apart. But our vote goes to WP flyhalf Peter Grant for the way he dictated terms. Scorers: For the Boland Cavaliers: Tries: Penalty try Cons: Peach For Western Province: Tries: Aplon, De Jongh, Chavhanga, Harris, Engelbrecht Cons: Pietersen, Grant Pens: Pietersen 3 Yellow cards: Chris Jack (Western Province, 19 - professional foul, in at the side of a ruck) RUGBY365

The Blue Bulls ended Griquas' amazing unbeaten run in the Currie Cup, when the men from Pretoria came from behind to score a last-gasp 25-24 bonus-point win in Kimberley on Saturday. While the solitary bonus point, for losing by less than seven, kept Griquas firmly entrenched in first place, the Bulls raced into the top four with a well-deserved five points from the match. It is a heartbreaking loss for the Griquas at home, as they led for nearly all of the game, but as powerful Bulls loose forward Dewald Potgieter said: "The game is 80 minutes and we managed to sneak it at the end." Kicks and cards cost Griquas dearly. The Blue Bulls could not subdue them when they had 15 men, not even when they had 14. But when they were down to 13 men there was just not enough of them to hold. But they came within less than two minutes of doing so. It took a frantic last quarter of an hour for the Blue Bulls to win this match by just one point. Two yellow cards helped the Blue Bulls. They came after warnings for infringements at the tackle as the Blue Bulls attacked more and more. First brave Rohan Kitshoff went to the win bin and then his captain bustling Jonathan Mokuena. There was not time for them to return and in their absence the Blue Bulls scored the try that won the match by a point. Griquas had not kicked well enough. Naas Olivier missed three conversions. Riaan Viljoen missed two long-range penalties. They also missed with three drop attempts. Then with the 19-13 they preferred trying for a try instead of three comfortable points. They won the five-metre line-out but Deon Stegmann won the turnover and the Blue Bulls cleared. Mind you the Blue Bulls' kicking was also poor on a hot but breezy day in Kimberley. There was something of an irony that the Griquas were yellowcarded. In the match the Blue Bulls were penalised twice more than they were. The Blue Bulls were penalised once more (7-6) at the tackle than the Griquas. The problem was a concentration of penalties at the tackle against Griquas late in the second half. They lost but yet again the Griquas have stood up and said: Look at us. It's no fluke that we are where we are. They have the commitment and ability to compete. Their hope must now be that their bubble has not been [pricked, that they can reform and carry on courageously. There certainly was commitment and intensity as both sides flew into each other. The opening exchanges were fast as first François Hougaard had his team attacking but Mokuena saved. Then the Blue Bulls let the ball bounce high on the hard field and the Blue Bulls were under pressure. Under pressure they conceded penalties -0 three in quick succession at the tackle, the last two by Deon Stegmann. Olivier goaled the second. 3-0. Stegmann later in the half gave away another six points through penalties. The Blue Bulls got onto the attack when Derick Kuün burst away from insecure tackles. The Blue Bulls bashed and Jacques Burger was close to the line. They made a penalty into a five-metre line-out and mauled. The Griquas fought back but eventually Kuün swirled and lying on his back grounded the ball next to himself for a try, which was not all that far out but François Brummer missed the conversion. Stegman was penalised. 6-5 after 18 minutes. Ruaan du Preez was penalised at a scrum. 8-6 after 22 minutes. Stegmann was again penalised., 9-8 after 25 minutes. Fortunes were fluctuating. Then Mokuena burst away from tacklers. Griquas went left and then came back right where the ball again came to Mokuena who chipped into Blue Bulls' in-goal. There were no defenders but it was touch and go whether Egon Seconds or the dead-ball line would win. Seconds just got there first, diving, scoring, and hurting himself against a hoarding. 14-8 after 32 minutes. Back came the Blue Bulls. From a scrum they attacked till suddenly Hougaard burst from a tackle-ruck, bursting past four wold-be tacklers to score. 14-13 after 35 minutes. That was the half-time score. At half time Griquas' assistant coach Abrie Minnie said that the side which scored first in the second half would go on to win. The Griquas scored after 19 seconds. Bjorn Basson charged down a Hougaard clearance and Rayno Barnes snapped up the ball and forced his way over in the left corner. 24-13 and Griquas, wind at their backs, were dominating proceedings. Davon Raubenheimer caught the ball deep in a line-out, dummied and darted ahead to set the Griquas attacking. They went right and cut back. Olivier sent a perfect pass to Rayno Barnes who passed inside to Trompie Nontshinga who was over in the left corner with a high dive. 24-13. This seemed to galvanise the Blue Bulls. Springbok Zane Kirchner attacked down the left with a forceful run. The Blue Bulls bashed until they went wide right and a batted-on pass by Jaco Pretorius set up an overlap for Gerhard van den Heever and a try. 24-18 with 13 minutes to play. Those 13 minutes were all frantic Blue Bull attack and Griqua defence - brave, committed defence till penalties and dwindling numbers enabled Pedrie Wannenburg to squeeze over for a try under the posts. Burton Francis converted. Man of the Match: Jonathan Mokuena rather spoilt his performance with a yellow card at such a crucial time. In stead our Man of the Match is Mokuena's immediate opponent, whole-hearted action man, Dewald Potgieter. Scorers: For Griquas: Tries: Seconds, Barnes, Nontshinga Pens: Olivier 3 For the Blue Bulls: Tries: Kuün, Hougaard, Van den Heever, Wannenburg Con: Francis Pen: Brummer Yellow cards: Rohan Kitshoff (Griquas, 75 - repeated infringements), Jonathan Mokuena (Griquas, 77 - repeated infringements)

Star flyhalf Dan Carter completed the formality of his return to the All Blacks squad when he flew to Sydney with the team on Sunday for next weekend's Tri-Nations Test against Australia. After a six-month enforced lay-off because of an Achilles tendon injury, Carter was reunited with the team on Wednesday for a one-day training session before being confirmed Sunday in the Test squad. The 27-year-old Carter, rated by most as the world's best No.10, has been in great form for Canterbury in recent weeks. He was injured while playing for the French side Perpignan in February but is quickly approaching top fitness and looks ready to once again claim an All Black jersey. Missing from the 26-man All Blacks squad are prop Neemia Tialata, who has been replaced by Wyatt Crockett, and injured halfback Piri Weepu. The All Blacks will train in Sydney on Monday with the team to play Australia to be named the following day. All Blacks squad: Forwards: John Afoa, Wyatt Crockett, Aled de Malmanche, Jason Eaton, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Jerome Kaino, Tanerau Latimer, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Isaac Ross, Rodney So'oialo, Brad Thorn, Tony Woodcock. Backs: Daniel Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Tamati Ellison, Cory Jane, Brendon Leonard, Luke McAlister, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith. RUGBY365

While Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is poised to unleash a pack makeover for Saturday's Bledisloe II in Sydney, his All Black opposite Graham Henry looks to be more focused on his backline. Henry seems set to bring in Cory Jane on the right wing to replace the out-of-form Josevata Rokocoko and will also usher Dan Carter straight back for his first test appearance since last November's tour finale at Twickenham. Rokocoko showed some glimpses of a return to his best in Auckland's win over Northland in Kerikeri on Saturday, though given the wing's shortcomings in South Africa it would be a major surprise if Jane was not given the chance to add to his six test caps on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium. The Wellington utility back has been caught in the middle of province v country standoff in New Zealand, with Lions coach Jamie Joseph controversially electing not to select Jane and other available All Blacks last weekend. That left Jane expressing his frustrations, after the talented 26-year-old had not seen any action since the Bledisloe opener in Auckland. Rokocoko has long been a Henry favourite, but at this stage of the competition the more sound defensive and positional game of Jane is likely to be preferred. Carter's selection is a given after the classy five-eighth confirmed his form and fitness over the first three weeks of the Air NZ Cup with Canterbury. There could also be some consideration given to using the kicking option of either Carter or Luke McAlister at second five-eighths ahead of Ma'a Nonu, though that experiment is likely to be put on the back-burner to give Nonu a chance to benefit from the return of Carter in the pivot. Nonu - like a number of his team-mates -- did not have a great tour of South Africa and seasoned observers, including former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains, believe the All Blacks are being hampered by a lack of a kicking game in the No 12 jersey. Jimmy Cowan will retain the No 9 jersey, with Piri Weepu's ankle injury meaning there is effectively no direct threat to his job, while Conrad Smith, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Mils Muliaina should all be automatic selections, despite some scratchiness from the latter two in South Africa. Henry probably won't tinker greatly with his pack, with Owen Franks set to get another test start at tighthead prop, and the second row of Isaac Ross and Brad Thorn likely to be retained. Ad Feedback If there was a forward change coming, it could be in the loose trio where Rodney So'oialo's lack of form leaves him vulnerable to the challenge of Canterbury's Kieran Read. But the All Blacks coaches may give So'oialo one more chance to show he can get back to his best, and leave Read to fill the impact role on the bench. Jerome Kaino's sound defensive game, experience and physical presence is likely to see him retained on the blindside flank to go up against Rocky Elsom who's expected to be restored to the Wallaby pack for the first time since his return from Ireland. If Deans' formations at Wallabies training since the squad reassembled to prepare for this match are any guide, he could make as many as four changes to his pack. Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau, tighthead prop Ben Alexander, second-rower Dean Mumm and Elsom have all been used extensively in the top lineup at early sessions. They could replace, respectively, Stephen Moore, Al Baxter, Nathan Sharpe and Richard Brown who were all under the spotlight after the defeat to South Africa. The Wallabies were outgunned by the Boks pack in Cape Town and Deans is looking for a harder edge up front for this must-win test. He is likely to leave his backline largely intact, though Stirling Mortlock's injury will likely mean Adam Ashley-Cooper will move to centre and youngster James O'Connor will be handed the No 15 jersey. There are also suggestions Peter Hynes could be used ahead of Lachie Turner on the right wing, while critics have highlighted Luke Burgess' lacklustre play at halfback, with calls to give youngster Will Genia a start. Deans may elect to give Hynes and Burgess one more chance to prove themselves. Both teams will name their lineups for the test tomorrow in Sydney. Possible starting XVs: New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Reodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (c), Jerome Kaino, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Australia: James O'Connor, Lachie Turner, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitcdhell, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess; Wycliff Palu, George Smith (c), Rocky Elsom, Dean Mumm, James Horwill, Ben Alexander, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. RUGBYHEAVEN NZ

The South African Referee's Association will submit a complaint to SA Rugby concerning an incident in which Willie Roos, the referee in the Currie Cup match between Griquas and the Blue Bulls, had alcohol thrown in his face. The incident took place mere weeks after incidents of violence during rugby club matches in Johannesburg and the Southern Cape, as well as at a school match in Roodepoort. André Watson, South African manager of referees, said urgent action will be taken with regard to the alcohol throwing incident in Kimberley, since "incidents like these are detrimental to rugby and create a negative image". The Blue Bulls won Saturday's match 25-24 in the dying seconds, handing Griquas their first Currie Cup defeat of the season. However, an outraged spectator was unhappy about the two yellow cards Roos handed out to Griquas' Jonathan Mokuena (captain and No 8) and Rohan Kitshoff (flank). After the match, the unnamed spectator threw brandy and Coke in Roos's face when he walked off the field. The two yellow cards left the home team, who were leading 24-18 at that stage, with only 13 players and changed the complexion of the match. Blue Bulls replacement loose forward Pedrie Wannenburg scored the winning try during this period. Roos had warned the Griquas players on several occasions before handing out the yellow cards. The outraged spectator had also wanted to storm the field, but was caught in time and restrained by stadium staff. Afterwards he disappeared among the hundreds of spectators. Watson said the complaint will be submitted to SA Rugby's legal department on Monday. "Reports will be requested from the referee, assistant referees and all officials. The union and the relevant security company will also have to submit reports about the incident. "We hope to have the matter settled by Thursday." In the past month in Johannesburg a match between clubs Wanderers and Eldorains had to be stopped after players allegedly pulled out knives and threatened to kill each other. Following that incident, Heidelberg club in the Southern Cape were suspended for 15 years after the club was found guilty of its supporters attacking players from the Mossel Bay club during a match between the two teams. In a final act of violence in the past few weeks, an assault charge was laid against former Springbok flank Ian McDonald. He had apparently punched a linesman with his fists during a school match in Roodepoort. NEWS24

Clermont-Auvergne are set to take action against Jaque Fourie following the South Africa centre's apparent U-turn in moving to the French club. The Golden Lions on Friday released a statement which said they have a "fixed-term contract of employment with Fourie until 31 October 2010" and that they would not be releasing the Springbok, who has been linked with a move to Western Province. However, Clermont vice-president Jean-Marc Lhermet claims to have a letter signed by Fourie that ties him to their club for the coming season. "The debate is moving to the legal side, it is going to be sorted out between lawyers," he said, speaking in Monday's edition of L'Equipe. "By principle, we are going to go as far as possible." PLANET RUGBY

Dan Carter is back, but it’s elsewhere in the All Blacks lineup to face Australia on Saturday night that Graham Henry has sprung the real surprises. Luke McAlister and Kieran Read earn promotions for the high-stakes Bledisloe II showdown at the Olympic Stadium in Sydney, while out-of-form wing Josevata Rokocoko has survived the cull. All three will be regarded as contentious decisions, though an injury scare could yet rule the Harbour utility back out and hand a reprieve for Ma'a Nonu who joins Rodney So'oialo and Stephen Donald in being relegated to bench roles. McAlister sat out the majority of a two-hour training run at North Sydney Oval today with what appeared to be a recurrence of a back problem that has bothered him this season. Nonu spent the majority of the session running in the midfield outside Carter, though at this stage Henry has left McAlister in the No 12 jersey for just his second test start of the year. So'oialo drops to the bench after two flat performances against the Springboks, with young Cantab Kieran Read given the chance to start his first Tri-Nations test, and his fifth international all told, at No 8. It is the first time the experienced Wellington loose forward has not been a first-choice selection since 2005. So'oialo was rested for one test on the Grand Slam against Scotland last year, but has started almost every test since. He was left out of the first three tests of this year due to a neck injury after struggling through the latter stages of the Super 14, but started in the opening three tests of the Tri-Nations. The extent of McAlister's problems is unclear, but it appeared to be a recurrence of the back spasms that saw him miss several weeks of club rugby in the build up to the first Bledisloe Cup test in Auckland last month. If he is ruled out it would throw Wellington's Nonu a lifeline to extend his run of 21 consecutive starts, but at this stage he will take his place on the bench. Carter and McAlister last combined in the five-eighths for the ill-fated 18-20 World Cup quarterfinal defeat to France in Cardiff in 2007. After that McAlister spent two seasons with Sale in England before returning to New Zealand in May. He struggled during his early efforts off the bench in two tests against France, then had a shocker against Italy at first-five. There have been mixed efforts for North Harbour in recent weeks both at second and first five. Carter's return was anticipated, with the world-class five-eighth a certainty to be brought in for his 60th test appearance once he'd proven his readiness at the provincial level with Canterbury. Ad Feedback Donald, who filled the No 10 void for Carter, was always going to make way for the peerless No 10, especially with the All Blacks badly in need of an injection of class after their back-to-back defeats in South Africa. Carter, who will be playing his 14th test against Australia, has scored 153 points against the trans-Tasman foes and is third on the All Blacks' all-time list behind Andrew Mehrtens (202) and Grant Fox (159). But Rokocoko's retention on the right wing will surprise some, especially after the Auckland speedster's poor efforts in the Republic. Rokocoko appeared to regain some confidence with a two-try performance for Auckland against Northland at the weekend but it's a big call to give him the nod for a match of this magnitude when Cory Jane has played so solidly in his limited opportunities this year. Henry said it was a match of huge stakes for both sides. "It doesn't get much bigger than this," he said. "The Bledisloe Cup is on the line and it's really a win or lose match in the Investec Tri Nations so that makes it an exciting challenge for us." Prop Owen Franks remains as tighthead prop after a promising sort of first start in South Africa, with Henry leaving his tight five unchanged. With Piri Weepu not available to cross the Tasman because of an ankle injury, Brendon Leonard fills the bench halfback's spot behind Jimmy Cowan, while Chiefs hooker Aled de Malmanche will make his second test appearance off the bench behind Andrew Hore. Fullback Mils Muliaina will reach a milestone this weekend, playing in his 75th test, while Richie McCaw will captain the All Blacks for the 36th time in his 74th test. It's also a special test for the coaching trio of Henry, Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen, with the coaches taking charge of their 70th All Blacks test. They have presided over 58 victories in 69 matches, for a winning record of 84 per cent. The All Blacks have played Australia 133 times since 1903 with 89 wins, 39 defeats and five draws. The All Blacks won the last Bledisloe 22 -16 in last month's Tri-Nations opener in Auckland and also won the last test in Australia, the 28-24 win in Brisbane to seal last year's Tri-Nations. The match kicks off at 10pm (NZT). ALL BLACKS: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jason Eaton, 19 Rodney So'oialo, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Ma'a Nonu. WALLABIES: 15 James O'Connor, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Richard Brown, 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 James Horwill, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson. Reserves: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 David Pocock, 20 Will Genia, 21 Ryan Cross, 22 Peter Hynes. RUGBYHEAVEN NZ

Former Harlequins director of rugby Dean Richards has been banned from coaching for three years for his part in a fake blood injury controversy. Tom Williams faked a cut in his mouth in order to allow fly-half Nick Evans to return to the field against Leinster in the Heineken Cup on 12 April. Winger Williams's initial 12-month ban has now been reduced to four months. A European Rugby Cup (ERC) disciplinary panel also increased Harlequins' fine to £259,000, to be paid in full. The original fine was 250,000 euros (£206,000) half suspended. Physiotherapist Steph Brennan was handed a two-year ban after an admission of guilt, but the appeal committee dismissed the charge against Dr Wendy Chapman from the club's medical staff. Former England forward Richards, who resigned from his position as director of rugby at Quins last weekend, was also found to have been involved in four similar incidents, hence the severity of his punishment. Reacting to his ban, Richards said: "I'm surprised. Three years is a long time but I'll reflect on it overnight. "I took full responsibility for it. It was a farcical situation, it really was. "It didn't pan out particularly well on the day. Everybody looked at it and thought, 'That's unreal', which is what I thought on the touchline as well. "But I had to hold my hands up." The cover-up is thought to have involved Williams' face being deliberately cut after the Leinster match to hide the fact he had used a fake blood capsule. Richards said: "I have no knowledge of that. I wasn't party to anything going on there. "I'm not aware that it did happen. I know that he had a cut but I don't know how it came about because I wasn't in the room." Richards had not decided whether to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. He said: "I'm a little bit shocked, a little bit surprised by it all. "It seems a little bit disproportionate but, at the end of the day, I'll reflect on it overnight and obviously see where my thoughts are in the morning." Reading a statement, Williams said: "I sincerely regret the role that I've played in this unacceptable incident that has done so much damage to the image of rugby union. "I let down my team-mates and the club's fans, and I'll have to live with those actions for the rest of my career. "In deciding to come clean and do the right thing, I've tried honestly to rectify this mess and repay the good faith shown in me by my friends and family. "I would like to thank the ERC disciplinary panel for their decision to reduce my sanction and I am relieved that they did this. "However, I also realise the grave error of judgment that I have made." He added: "I hope that, as a result of this episode, no player or employee will ever be put in such a compromised position, and if they are then they will always tell the truth, as I had wish I had done from the outset." The sanction on Richards applies to ERC-organised tournaments, though the ERC will request it is extended to become a worldwide ban. A decision is still to made as to whether Harlequins will be expelled from this season's Heineken Cup. The decision, which cannot be appealed against, was made by an independent ERC disciplinary committee in Glasgow late on Monday. A statement on the club's website said: "Whilst the club are pleased that Tom Williams' ban has been reduced, we feel this is a very significant penalty in terms of fine. "We will now continue with our internal review into all aspects of the business to ensure that we have the most stringent compliance and robust policies and processes in place throughout the club and work towards rebuilding our reputation on and off the field. "We hope that the club can now draw a line under what has been a difficult few months, learn from it and move on." Evans had departed injured in the 47th minute of the 6-5 defeat by Leinster before his replacement at number 10, Chris Malone, also went off injured later in the second half. With time running out, Williams was seen with what appeared to be blood coming out of his mouth, which meant he could go off to be replaced by specialist kicker Evans. Evans missed a drop goal as the Irish side held out for the win before going on to win the Heineken Cup. Television pictures appeared to show Williams winking at the bench as he went off. Leinster were incensed and their club doctor, Arthur Tanner, followed Williams down the tunnel but was prevented from entering the treatment room. BBC RUGBY

New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter will play his first Test for the All Blacks since November 2008 but stressed that he won't be trying to pull off miracles as the All Blacks aim to get their Tri-Nations campaign back on track. The 27-year-old Carter, widely rated the world's best number 10, has been rushed into the team after an indifferent run of Tests from the All Blacks since June, losing once against France and twice against the Springboks. "Obviously not playing for so long, anxiety can tend to kick in but we have a great bunch of guys and I've got a bit of experience so I know what works for myself," Carter said. "There's always going to be the external expectation but I know one man's not going to change a team. We've got to change a lot of things to get the success back into the side," he added. "All I can worry about is doing my job well... I'm not going to go out there and try and pull off miracles. "Obviously not playing for so long, anxiety can tend to kick in but we have a great bunch of guys and I've got a bit of experience so I know what works for myself." Carter takes over from Stephen Donald, who has played erratically in the crucial flyhalf role. Luke McAlister has also been in patchy form since resuming his All Black career in June after a two-year stint with Sale in Britain but was preferred over Nonu, who has not been at his line-breaking best so far in the Tri-Nations. Carter was looking forward to renewing his combination with McAlister which ended after the fateful 2007 World Cup quarterfinal with McAlister's shift to England. "It does [take the pressure off]. Obviously the game's steering towards a lot of kicking and having that left-right combination like the Wallabies, with Luke's kicking ability and experience to the playmaker role will bring value to the side." AFP

The President’s Council of the South African Rugby Union on Wednesday asked provinces to finalise their position on the preferred format for the unitary structure of the organisation in time for a special Council meeting next month. Wednesday’s Council meeting heard presentations on the available options and were asked to return next month with a mandate on receipt of updated documentation from SA Rugby staff. The provinces will be asked to choose between forming a Section 21 (not for gain) company or dissolving the current SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd structure into the South African Rugby Union voluntary association structure. A date for the meeting has yet to be finalised. The Special Council meeting will also incorporate a one-day transformation workshop to identify methods to ensure that emerging black players are retained to emerge at the elite level. The Council also resolved to confirm SARU’s interest in hosting the Rugby World Cup Sevens Tournament in 2013. Noordelikes Rugby Club (Limpopo) and the Impala Rugby Club (Leopards) were confirmed as the two clubs to be invited to the SAA National Club Championships in Pretoria next month. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Vodacom Western Province coach Allister Coetzee said his team would be aiming for maximum points when they host the Xerox Lions in an Absa Currie Cup match at Newlands on Saturday (17h00). The Cape side, who are currently in third position on the log with 20 points could end the first round of the competition in second place if they can score four tries and defeat their Johannesburg opponents, who is in fifth place (15 points) on the standings. “The team planned to come off a win last week against the Boland Cavaliers and we have achieved that. So now securing a bonus-point win in our home games will be crucial,” said Coetzee. “However we will not be underestimating the Xerox Lions at all. They are never an easy side to beat and we will have to be at the top of our game on Saturday. But in saying that, we have created plenty of scoring opportunities in our previous games, so it’s about keeping that composure and turning our try-scoring opportunities into points.” GWK Griquas coach Dawie Theron also is full of belief that his team will take the fight to the Sharks in Durban on Saturday at the Absa Stadium (15h00) following their 25-24 defeat to the Vodacom Blue Bulls in Kimberley last weekend. Defeat for the Kimberley side could see them dropping down to fourth place on the Absa Currie Cup log while victory for the reigning champions would see them end the half way mark of the competition in pole position. “The players are definitely going flat out to remain at the top, as we have everything to play for,” said Theron. “Naturally we were disappointed after our defeat to the Vodacom Blue Bulls, but we are determined to get back to winning ways this weekend. We are back at the drawing board and we will be working harder to win. The guys are positive and they have proved themselves by winning five out six matches.” Meanwhile Vodacom Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has rung the changes to his that will face the Platinum Leopards at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Friday night. Flanker Dewald Potgieter will captain the side in place of Derick Kuün, who is relegated to the bench to make way for hooker Bandise Maku, who gets a rare start in the front row. The Vodacom Blue Bulls will welcome back Springbok fullback Zane Kirchner, who will wear the No 15 jumper while Akona Ndungane is also back in the side following his extended injury lay-off. Promising young flyhalf Burton Francis also earns a start in the place of Francois Brummer, who was named on the substitutes list for Friday evening’s match. “There are a number of the youngsters in the camp that are pressing for places in the starting XV and I believe now is the perfect occasion to give them a chance,” said Vodacom Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke. “They are all part of the system and have been working very hard during the last few weeks. I must add that they have brought a great deal of positive energy to the team.” The Vodacom Free State Cheetahs will also be aiming to secure their third successive victory in the Absa Currie Cup on Saturday (15h00) when they host the Boland Cavaliers in Bloemfontein on Saturday. Springbok Sevens stars Robert Ebersohn and Philip Snyman will form a formidable centre combination for the team coached by Naka Drotske while former Sevens player Kabamba Floors also gets a rare start in the side. “I am very happy with the momentum being built up amongst the players in the squad,” said Drotske. “We want to end the first round on a high and that is why it’s important that we are victorious against the Cavaliers. It would be a bonus for us if we can score four tries and get that bonus point too.” Teams for the weekend: Vodacom Free State Cheetahs – Hennie Daniller, Danwel Demas, Phillip Snyman, Robert Ebersohn, Jongi Nokwe, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Jean-Pierre Joubert, Kabamba Floors, Frans Viljoen, Johan Wessels, David de Villiers, Nico Breedt, WP Nel, Adriaan Strauss, Coenie Oosthuizen. Reserves: Ashley Johnson Jean Botha, Izak van der Westhuizen, Chris Dry, Tertius Carse, Louis Strydom, Corné Uys Boland Cavaliers – Justin Peach, Deon Scholtz, Cornal Hendricks, Ernie Kruger, Luvo Sogidashe, Elgar Watts, Danie van der Merwe, Carel Hoffman, Wendal Wehr, Zolani Mofu, Rito Hlungwane, Nico Esterhuyse, Jacobie Adriaanse, Clemen Lewis (c), Janro van Niekerk. Reserves: Harry Vermaas, Jané du Toit, Johan Roets, Frikkie Spies, Denzil Willemse, Mark Harris, Llewellyn Adonis. The Sharks - The Sharks – Stefan Terblanche (c), Chris Jordaan, Waylon Murray, Andries Strauss, Lwazi Mvovo, Monty Dumond, Charl McLeod, Keegan Daniel, Jean Deysel, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller, Steven Sykes, Wiehahn Herbst, Craig Burden, Patrick Cilliers/ Deon Carstens. Reserves: Skipper Badenhorst, Patrick Cilliers/ Deon Carstens , Albert van den Berg, Justin Downey, Ross Cronje/ Rory Kockott, Guy Cronje, Patrick Lambie GWK Griquas – Riaan Viljoen, Egon Seconds, Jaco Bekker, Barry Geel, Bjorn Basson, Naas Olivier, Sarel Pretorius, Jonathan Mokuena (c), Davon Raubenheimer, Rohan Kitshoff, Jacques Lombaard, Cecil Kemp, Ruaan du Preez, Ryno Barnes, Albertus Buckle. Reserves: Andries Kruger, Steph Roberts, Nolan Clark, Heinrich Stride, Sean Plaatjies, Trompie Nontshinga and Gavin Passens Vodacom Blue Bulls – Zane Kirchner; Akona Ndungane, Stephan Dippenaar, Jaco Pretorius, Gerhard van den Heever; Burton Francis, Francois Hougaard; Dewald Potgieter (c), Pedrie Wannenburg, Deon Stegmann, Fudge Mabeta, Frik Kirsten, Bandise Maku, Dean Greyling. Reserves: Derick Kuün, Werner Kruger, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Jacques Burger, Heini Adams, Francois Brummer, Stefan Watermeyer. Platinum Leopards – Russell Jeacocks, Jovan Bowles, Deon van Rensburg, Basil de Doncker, Danie Dames, Clayton Durand/Cecil Dumond, Theo van Wyk, RW Kember, Thabo Mamojele, André Swanepoel (c), Draad Linde, Anthonie Gronum, Os van der Walt, Gavin Williamson, Divan Kotze. Reserves: Pellow van der Westhuizen, Philip Lemmer, Ligtoring Landman, Christo van Niekerk, Michael Bondesio, Clayton Durand/Cecil Dumond, Shuaib Samaai. Vodacom Western Province – Joe Pietersen, Tonderai Chavhanga, Juan De Jongh, Morgan Newman, Gio Aplon, Peter Grant, Dewaldt Duvenage, Luke Watson (c), Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Anton Van Zyl, Adriaan Fondse, Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg, Wicus Blaauw. Reserves: Deon Fourie, JD Moller, Chris Jack, Pieter Louw, Conrad Hoffmann, Frikkie Welsh, JJ Engelbrecht Xerox Lions - Earl Rose; Dusty Noble, Alwyn Hollenbach, Doppies la Grange, Henno Mentz; Herkie Kruger, Jano Vermaak (c); Todd Clever, Franco van der Merwe, Derrick Minnie, Willem Stoltz, Nico Luus, Gert Muller, Hans van Dyk, JC van Rensburg. Reserves: Derek Harwood, Kevin Buys, Johan Snyman, Johan van Deventer, Chris Jonck, Ruan Boshoff, Pieter Engelbrecht. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Blacks coach Graham Henry says rugby as a product isn't great at the moment and has urged the sport's powerbrokers to give it further attention before they get locked into rules for the next World Cup. The Springboks' kick and chase game that has proven the winning way on the back of two years of experimenting with rules has clearly got other sides frustrated, primarily the All Blacks and Wallabies who have fallen victims to it over the past month. Now that the trans-Tasman neighbours are about to meet in a crunch Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup game on Saturday night, Henry admitted international rugby needed a good game at ANZ Stadium. "Yeah, it probably does," he said. "Usually the Australian v All Blacks fixtures are pretty entertaining and I think that can be said for over a long period of time. "The product that you are looking at needs some attention, quite frankly. We like to play and I'm sure the Australians do too, a pretty ball in hand type of rugby and enjoy playing the game and that's part of the product. "We think that's important. So I guess the product's not too great and that's disappointing. I think we need to have some attention on that." Struggling TV ratings and polls that suggest a fall off in interest in rugby all tend to back up the feeling that the game needs to revitalise itself. Henry felt the International Rugby Board needed to address this as they get set to lock in a set of rules two years out from the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. Under the current rules rugby is in danger of becoming a kick-fest. Henry said both he and Wallabies coach Robbie Deans had spoken with South African referee Jonathan Kaplan ahead of tomorrow night's test and there appeared a commitment to get things moving in this match. "He is keen to make sure it is a game where there is plenty of quick ball and there is no excuse for not having an entertaining spectacle." Henry conceded winning was vital but that there could be a balance with entertainment. "I think you can do both. We have done both in the past and I don't see any reason why you can't do both in the future. I know there has been a bit of an emphasis on kicking and sides not catching particularly well. I guess sides are trying to exploit that." As usual, rather than just criticising Henry offered up something of a solution. "Maybe if you had a mark every time the ball was kicked in the air no matter where it was on the pitch (rather than just in the 22s) you'd have a scrum back or a free kick from that mark, it may make the game a bit more entertaining. "I think we need to think outside the square so that we can make the game more enjoyable to play and to watch." All Blacks captain Richie McCaw was in general agreement with his coach but also mindful that for now his team was in a desperate win at all costs situation. "I understand what Graham is saying. But I guess when you are out on the field you are looking for any way possible to win the game," said McCaw. "At the moment you get rewarded for putting the ball in the air and playing at the right end of the field and forcing teams into mistakes. I guess that's something that needs to be looked at. "I think you have to be rewarded for having the skill to use the ball in hand. That's what rugby has always been about." For all this talk the All Blacks have still managed to contradict themselves by their selection this week. The addition of Luke McAlister to bolster their kicking game is an admittance that they need to fight fire with fire for the time being as they try to halt a two-match losing streak that is threatening the defence of their Tri-Nations crown. Henry still believed that with time the Springboks' approach could be overcome. Despite their shortfalls in both Bloemfontein and Durban the team statistics suggested the All Blacks counter-attacking plans were a move in the right direction. They simply hadn't been executed well enough because of the sloppy mistakes under pressure. "We made 10 linebreaks to their one," said Henry. "We just need to finish the job." Henry said there needed to be a balance between kicking and passing in rugby. When the All Blacks were operating at their optimum levels in recent years they found the winning ratio to be about one kick to four or five passes. Right now that sounds a long way from the repetitive up and under, bombs away, approach that has dominated the Tri-Nations. It will be interesting to see what unravels at ANZ Stadium tomorrow night. RUGBYHEAVEN

Mils Muliaina says his own form slump, and that of his team, is his primary concern despite topping Tana Umaga's record and moving a step closer to becoming the first All Black to 100 rugby tests. Muliaina will play his 75th test when he runs on to ANZ Stadium to face the Wallabies tomorrow night, moving past former captain Umaga's 74 as the most-capped All Blacks outside back. It lifts the fullback to fourth on the all-time All Blacks list, behind recordholder Sean Fitzpatrick (92 tests), Justin Marshall (81) and Ian Jones (79), and one ahead of current captain Richie McCaw. Having debuted in a narrow defeat to England in 2003 and been a regular fixture since, Muliaina admitted he'd reflect fondly on the three-quarter century. "It's always nice to achieve things like that, I never really thought I'd get past 50," he said. "It's great to last this long and also have the faith of the coaches behind me to still be in the black jersey. I'm pretty proud of that." But his own form, since a strong Super 14, and the All Blacks' dual South African defeats have added a bit of an edge. He said the team's lack of continuity and flow in recent times had been mirrored by his own efforts. "I've been really disappointed with the last couple of games I've played; a lot of over-thinking and not quite being there physically as well. "I'm feeling good now, a lot of bubble this week and perhaps the best I've felt in the last few weeks so hopefully it rolls on to the game." Samoan-born and Invercargill-raised, Muliaina was reluctant to look too far ahead from a personal level. If he remains injury-free and his form holds, he could potentially near 100 caps by the World Cup in New Zealand in 2011, when he'll be 31. "Yeah definitely. Being at 75 you're obviously pretty close to that," he said. "Fitzy's in the 90s... but that's for the future and I'm wanting to focus on right now. I've always been like that because you just don't know what could happen with injury, selection and with form. "It would be nice to get that far but I've got to keep providing the goods to get there." It was ironic he was passing Umaga's record, as he was a key figure in Muliaina's formative All Black years, he said. "It was massive, he was very influential on me off the field and getting a lot of things right; talking about different things. "He made me aware of being in the environment and what being an All Black is about. Also the little things about my game which was very influential. He was a big part of my career. "I'd say he'd be keeping a big eye on things but I'm not sure if he knows (about the record)." -NZPA

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers is unconcerned about what happens in Saturday's Tri-Nations Test between Australia and New Zealand in Sydney, but he admitted it would suit the Boks if Australia were to win the Test. "We know if the Wallabies win it will be better for us, but what is important at this stage is that we still have our destiny in our own hands." The team is without any preconceived targets of how many matches they wanted to win. They play Australia in Perth on August 29 and the following weekend in Brisbane, and conclude their Tri-Nations commitments with a Test against the All Blacks in Hamilton on September 12. As it stands, the Springboks have 12 points from three matches, the All Blacks four from three matches and Australia one point from their two outings. "We just want to be the best we can, and as always we take one match at a time," De Villiers said after a hard Springbok training session at Tukkies on Friday. He added that it would be great if the Boks could attain some bonus points in the three matches, but that was not their focus. Questioned on whether the Springboks would heed the public call for a more expansive game, De Villiers emphasised that their style of play should not be branded "kick and chase." "No. it isn't that, it's rather a case that we play the situation," the Bok mentor said, adding: "We would of course prefer to play total rugby, and that is exactly what playing the situation means." Schalk Burger joined Heinrich Brüssow in the line-out session against the Blue Bulls' new Carlton Cup champions Pretoria Police. This, however, is no indication that De Villiers has made up his mind what his loose trio will look like. The flank combination on Friday was forced upon de Villiers by the fact that Juan Smith still could not take part in training because of an ankle injury sustained in the Test against the Wallabies in Cape Town nearly two weeks ago. But should Smith be fit for the Test, the return of Burger after Brüssow's great performances in his five Tests this season will leave the Bok coach with an intriguing poser. De Villiers admitted that he had a selection headache with the return of Burger from his eight-week suspension. Burger has played only 70 minutes since May 2. However, he did not hold back at all during a very physical "koppestamp" session where the Springbok forwards had a full go at one another in an extended series or rucks and phase ball practice with some mauling thrown into the equation. "Our policy is that the players do not compete for a place in the team. That is for the opposition to do. Rather we sit down and learn from one another, sharing intellectual property, as it were. "Selection is a headache," De Villiers said when asked about the Brüssow and Burger issue, adding: "But it is actually a greater problem for the players. They all hope not to get injured, because the road back is now very hard." It certainly is far from a final indication, but conjecture that Morne Steyn will be replaced at flyhalf by Ruan Pienaar was not evident at the (second) open training session on Friday where the Bulls flyhalf was part of the same backline that beat the Wallabies. The Springboks are leaving for Australia on two flights, necessitated by seat availability. The late departure, on Monday and Tuesday respectively, is not regarded as a problem. With the time difference between South Africa and Perth only six hours plus the fact that the Super 14 winners Bulls have pronounced themselves happy with departing only three to four days before the match the Bok management does not see this as a problem. Instead, they feel that training in South Africa until Monday holds more positives that the negatives of the late departures. SAPA

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers will delay a call on the fitness of veteran loose forward Juan Smith's fitness till next Tuesday, just days before South Africa's first away match in the Tri-Nations - against Australia in Perth next Saturday. Smith, who injured his ankle in the Boks' 29-17 win over the Wallabies in Cape Town a fortnight ago, was unable to take a full part in training on Friday. "We will make a decision on whether Juan will play against Australia once we get to Perth on Tuesday," De Villiers told a press conference in Pretoria on Friday. Should Smith fail to pass a fitness test next week, the chances are good that Schalk Burger will wear the No.7 jersey at the Subiaco Oval in Perth. Burger, who this Saturday concludes his eight-week ban for the facial massage of B&I Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald, ran at blindside flank during Friday's contact session. The Springboks re-assembled in Pretoria on Thursday, to prepare for the away leg of the Tri-Nations. The Boks, who have won all three of their home games - beating the All Blacks 28-19 and 31-19, as well as Australia 29-17 - lead the standings presently. They start their three-match away leg when they face the Aussies in Perth and then tackle the Wallabies in Brisbane a week later, before heading to Hamilton, New Zealand, to meet the All Blacks on September 12. The squad held its first training session at Loftus B on Thursday. The team will follow the Thursday and Friday sessions with another two on Saturday and Monday, before the first 18 Boks and management leave for Perth on Monday evening and arrive less than four days before the kick-off against Australia on Saturday. The second group of 25 players and management leave on Tuesday and will have little recovery time before a Test which could virtually seal the Tri-Nations competition for them. RUGBY365

The Blue Bulls, predictably, managed a comfortable 44-11 win over a hapless Leopards team in their Currie Cup Round Seven match in Pretoria on Friday. In a game completely dominated by the Bulls, despite fielding most of their fringe players, the Leopards were reduced to 12 players by the final whistle - as referee Stuart Berry lost patience with the negative tactics of the visitors. Not only did he flash four yellow cards - one of those to the Bulls - but he also red-carded two Leopards players. The Bulls, who had more than 70 percent of the territorial and almost as much possession, may still pay a dear price through injury. Springbok wing Akona Ndungane left the field with a fractured lower leg, after trying to charge down a clearance kick and his leg being caught by the swing-through of the Leopards player. But, as Bulls captain Dewald Potgieter said in his post-match reaction, the men from Pretoria can tick some boxes in their quest to get their game into top gear. "However, it became scrappy at times," Potgieter said, adding: "It required some strong words for us to get it back together. "But ultimately, it is five points [on the standings] and we improved our points difference, which could be important factors later in the tournament." Leopards captain André Swanepoel lamented his team's error-riddled performance, admitting that they were at times "over-eager" in their attempts to shut down the Bulls and that cost them - not just in terms of penalties, but in the end also cards. "You can't play with so few players," he said of the fact that his team was reduced to just 12 men at the end. The Leopards came into the game with a record of six yellow cards and a red in the season. Then they added another six cards - four yellow and two reds. That gives them a total of 10 yellow cards and three reds in their seven matches to date. Not surprising they haven't won a match yet. The Bulls certainly looked much the classier side, but dug themselves into holes for periods of the game. The home side's poor finishing was one of their biggest disappointments, but their big advantage was up front - in terms of physicality and mobility. Even though flyhalf Cecil Dumond kicked a second-minute penalty to give the Leopards an early lead, it all went horribly wrong a few moments later - with star midfielder Deon van Rensburg getting his head on the wrong side in a tackle and being knocked out cold. He was stretchered off and by the time wing Danie Dames score a try for them in the 28th minute, the Bulls had scored two converted tries and a penalty. A Clayton Durand penalty (in the 35th minute) and a Burton Francis drop-goal (37th minute) were the only other points in the first half, but even at just 20-11 up at the break it was already clear at half-time that the Bulls were simply too good. A Flip van der Merwe try in the 43rd minute, converted by Francis, coincided with the first of the string of second-half cards and by the time Leopards prop Barend van der Walt returned from the sin bin in the 54th minute the game was long over as contest - the Bulls leading 34-11 after a Francois Hougaard try. Further scores by Gerhard van den Heever (56th minute) and Dewald Potgieter (79th minute) took the Bulls a further 10 points clear. However, with the game and bonus-point having been wrapped up, the Bulls seemed to lose their concentration and their game became far too scrappy. The biggest risk at that stage was further injuries and when RW Kember took out Francois Hougaard with a late, shoulder charge it looked as if the Bulls would have paid an even bigger price for the five points. Hougaard eventually rose to his feet, but he was clutching his ribs and may yet be another injury setback Man of the match: Dewald Potgieter lead from the front, Pedrie Wannenburg had a solid game and in the backline Jaco Pretorius did many good things, as did wing Gerhard van den Heever, especially his chip-and-chase try. Flyhalf Burton Francis also looked good in his first start in weeks. But our award goes to Bulls scrumhalf Francois Hougaard for a measure game and the way in which he dictated terms. Scorers: Blue Bulls: Tries: Pretorius, Stegmann, Van der Merwe, Hougaard, Van den Heever, Potgieter Cons: Francis 4 Pen: Francis DG: Francis Leopards: Try: Dames Pens: Dumond, Durand Yellow cards: Barend van der Walt (Leopards, 43 - repeated infringements), Dean Greyling (Blue Bulls, 66 - repeated infringements at the ruck), Thabo Mamojele (Leopards, 69 - repeated infringements), Basil de Doncker (Leopards, 78 - repeated infringements) Red cards: Barend van der Walt (Leopards, 76 - repeated infringements, second yellow card), RW Kember (Leopards, 80 - foul plate, shoulder and late charge)

All the hype of a Bledisloe Cup match aside, Australia and New Zealand are playing for survival in Saturday's crucial Tri-Nations clash at ANZ Stadium. The All Blacks have won ten of the past twelve Tests played between the countries, and are the defending Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations champions. But they lost two in a row in South Africa after beating the Wallabies at Auckland's Eden Park to open the tournament. Australia also lost to the Springboks in the Republic and, with a single point from two matches, trail South Africa by 10 points. The Boks, on twelve points, are eight ahead of New Zealand. The Wallabies would almost certainly slide out of contention with another loss, while the All Blacks would find it difficult to come back after three straight losses to challenge South Africa's early dominance of the tournament. The Wallabies have one thing in their favor - they've won three of the past four Tests in Sydney, including a 34-19 victory over the All Blacks last year in New Zealand-born Robbie Deans' first Bledisloe Cup match as coach of Australia. This makes All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith very wary, despite the All Blacks' 22-16 win over Australia at Auckland last month. "They gave us a hiding here last year, that's all I know," Smith told NZPA. "They've got 11 of those players fronting and they've got a big one (flanker Rocky Elsom) back. "Sometimes the Test has turned on a little thing. I wouldn't think it's psychological, it's just the way the games have gone. "It's going to be another close one." If the All Blacks win, they'll retain the Bledisloe Cup with two matches to spare. "It's a big game for us, there's no hiding from that," Smith said. "In terms of the Tri-Nations, one of us is going to be out. "We talk about Bledisloe Cup too because it's a huge trophy for us but we think highly of the Tri-Nations too. That's important to us and you don't want to give that up lightly." Star fly-half Daniel Carter will return for the All Blacks, his first Test of the season after rupturing his Achilles tendon in January. Carter has only played one club game and three matches for his Canterbury province leading into his 60th Test appearance, and fourteenth against Australia. Coach Graham Henry dropped Stephen Donald and inside center Ma'a Nonu and paired Carter with Luke McAlister in a new 10-12 combination. Henry also replaced 58-test veteran Rodney So'oialo with Kieren Read at number eight. "It doesn't get much bigger than this," Henry said. "The Bledisloe Cup is on the line and it's really a win or lose match in the Tri-Nations, so that makes it an exciting challenge for us." PLANET RUGBY

Dan Carter's class shone as the All Blacks rediscovered their fire and a few of their skills too as they nipped Australia 19-18 to claim the Bledisloe Cup and get the defence of their Tri-Nations title back on course. Carter kicked his fourth penalty 90 seconds from the end to earn the All Blacks a nail-biting win in front of 80,000 at a ground that has so often been a graveyard for them. Smarting after two shoddy losses to the Springboks and some harsh words from coach Graham Henry the All Blacks put together a more accomplished performance. The win applies heat to the pace-setting Springboks as the All Blacks head home with renewed confidence for their two remaining Tri-Nations fixtures in Hamilton and Wellington. But the victory importantly puts the All Blacks 2-nil up against the Wallabies and the sight of the Bledisloe Cup being locked away in the trophy cabinet will give major relief to what was sliding towards a season of discontent. The pressure now goes on Robbie Deans - his side have lost three matches in a row. Given how low the All Blacks' skills sunk in Durban getting a measure of improvement in Sydney shouldn't have been too hard. But New Zealand deserved credit for their increased urgency and accuracy. The lineout was better, the scrum solid - Al Baxter was removed after half an hour - there was better work under the high ball and they hung tough to see out a crucial victory in a see-sawing game. The boot dominated both in field play and on the scoreboard - Ma'a Nonu got the only try - but both sides were willing to run the ball when it was on. Carter's guidance certainly allowed the All Blacks to work in the right areas of the field for long periods. But it wasn't easy and this match hung in the balance right till the end. The Wallabies kept the ball alive after the halftime siren had sounded and while they weren't rewarded with a try after their most promising attack took them to within sight of the All Blacks' line they did earn a penalty for Giteau to land his fourth penalty and a 12-3 halftime lead. They struck problems when Richard Brown was sin-binned for a spear tackle on Jimmy Cowan and the pressure eventually saw Dan Carter close the gap with his second penalty. Australia's problems deepened when Berrick Barnes and James O'Connor were forced off with injuries. Two knocks to the head eventually forced Luke McAlister off after 50 minutes and Stephen Donald came off the bench to play at first five with Carter moving out one spot. A forward pass ruled out a gift try to Carter as New Zealand's frustrations continued. They then had a Cowan try disallowed because of obstruction but they finally managed to work some magic down the left touchline to free replacement Nonu for the dash to the corner. Carter's sideline conversion gave the All Blacks a 16-15 lead with 15 minutes left. But they immediately transgressed at a ruck in front of their posts as Rocky Elsom surged forward and Giteau put the home side in front again. Carter missed a 35m dropped goal attempt five minutes from the end but nailed the winning penalty just before the final whistle after the All Blacks had caught the Wallabies defence on their line. Isaac Ross was there to capture Lachie Turner in possession and Carter did the business with a cool kick. New Zealand 19 (Ma'a Nonu try; Daniel Carter 4 pen, con) Australia 18 (Matt Giteau 6 pen). RUGBYHEAVEN NZ

The Sharks moved to the top of the Absa Currie Cup standings after they romped to a 41-6 (half-time 20-6) win over the GWK Griquas in their Currie Cup match at the Absa Stadium in Durban on Saturday. The Sharks scored five tries as their bonus point victory ensured that the men from Durban would reach the half-way mark in the competition safely ensconced atop the points table. Scorers: The Sharks - Tries: Waylon Murray, Charl McLeod, Monty Dumond, Lwazi Mvovo, Keegan Daniel. Conversions: Monty Dumond (5). Penalties: Dumond (2). GWK Griquas - Penalties: Naas Olivier (2). Despite enjoying the upper hand for most of the match, Western Province were made to sweat for their 25-20 victory against the Golden Lions in their Absa Currie Cup Premier Division match at Newlands on Saturday evening. Scorers: Western Province: Tries: Luke Watson, Joe Pietersen and Duane Vermeulen. Conversions: Pietersen (2). Penalties: Pietersen (2). Golden Lions: Try: Jano Vermaak. Penalties: Herkie Kruger (5). The Springbok and Free State wing, Jongi Nokwe, ran in four tries on Saturday to record a comfortable 59-8 win over the Boland Cavaliers at Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein. In the process Free State recorded their third win in the Currie Cup Premier Division. The home side’s hooker and captain Adriaan Strauss had a stormer of a match and mostly kept a few Bolanders busy with ball under the arm. Scorers: Vodacom Free State Cheetahs - Tries: Hennie Daniller (2), Jongikhaya Nokwe (4), Frans Viljoen, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Wian du Preez. Conversions: Potgieter (4), Louis Strydom (3). Boland Cavalies - Try: Cornel Hendricks. Penalty: Justin Peach. NEWS24

All Blacks coach Graham Henry's immense pride with his team's comeback over the Wallabies win had to be tempered by serious injuries to midfield backs Luke McAlister and Conrad Smith. The All Blacks triumphed 19-18 to win the Bledisloe Cup and stay in the Tri-Nations race. Whether McAlister and Smith take any further part appears doubtful. McAlister fractured a cheek bone after two head clashes in a torrid match and Smith has another hamstring injury which Henry listed as serious. But for the moment Henry was more happy to talk about the mental strength and desire of his side after they snatched a last-gasp win to claim a cherished victory after two sloppy losses to South Africa. "I'm very proud of the character of the team," said Henry. "This win was the result of mental toughness. We didn't get the roll of the dice but we kept coming back and performing. "Australia are a good side and they stretched us a lot. But I was pleased in the ability of the guys to handle that. "We were behind all night and to keep coming back like that and keep going against the odds is something special." All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw echoed his coaches thoughts: "That was a hell of a test match. We had to dig deep. I never doubted how hard the players wanted to do it but to put it together on the track is something else." Henry felt both teams had put on a better performance than their losses in South Africa. "Both sides tried to play some decent football and it was positive for the game." Henry said he hoped the Wallabies could help New Zealand's Tri-Nations cause by keeping the Boks at bay over the next two weekends in Perth and Brisbane. He wanted to see his side concentrate on improving their performance further. The All Blacks next assignment is against South Africa in Hamilton in three weeks. RUGBYHEAVEN

The Border Bulldogs secured their first Absa Currie Cup First Division victory of the season after defeating the Valke 48-31 at the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park on Saturday. The East London team picked up maximum points from this fixture as they ran in six tries against their Gauteng hosts, who managed to secure a bonus point for scoring four tries. Lolo Waka ran in to score a brace of tries with Buhle Mxunyelwa, Dumisani Meslane and Dumisani Matyeshana running in the other tries for the Bulldogs. The visitors from the Eastern Cape were also awarded a penalty try after the Valke were penalised for an early tackle on one of the Bulldogs’ players. Reinhard Gerber converted five tries and kicked two penalties while Clifford Hodgson kicked the two other conversions. Wensley Mbanje, Hendrik Knoetze, Eves Bashiya and Dieter de la Porte were the try scorers for the Valke with Jonathan Jacobs only managing to convert one try. Tsepo Kokoali kicked three penalties. “It’s been a very long time coming, so we are very happy with the win,” said Border Bulldogs coach David Maidza. “It’s been so frustrating in our previous games that we failed to build on our good starts and finish those games off with victories. But I am so pleased the guys held their nerve away from home and secured maximum points from this fixture.” The SWD Eagles also moved into second position on the Absa Currie Cup First Division standings after their 15-6 victory over the BA Mighty Elephants in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. The only points scored by the hosts came via the boot of Wesley Dunlop, who kicked two penalties in this match which was played at the EPRU Stadium. Former Springbok utility back Gaffie du Toit and Norman Nelson were the try scorers for the visitors. Jandre Blom converted one try and also kicked a solitary penalty. Meanwhile the Pumas ran in six tries to defeat the Griffons 43-7 in their top-of-the-log Absa Currie Cup First Division match played in Witbank on Saturday. Alistair Kettledas scored a hat trick of tries for the hosts with MJ Mentz also running in with a brace of tries for the Pumas. Eduan van der Walt was the other try scorer for the hosts. Braam Pretorius kicked five conversions and a penalty. Werner Griesel scored the only try of the match for the Griffons while veteran flyhalf Kennedy Tsimba converted his try. The victory ensured that the Pumas topped the Absa Currie Cup First Division log standings after five fixtures on 24 points while the SWD Eagles are in second place on 17. The Valke, who have yet to win a First Division fixture, are in sixth place on the log on two points. Weekend Results: Valke 31 Border Bulldogs 48 Scorers: Valke – Tries: Wensley Mbanje, Hendrik Knoetze, Eves Bashiya, Dieter de la Porte; Conversion: Jonathan Jacobs; Penalties: Tsepo Kokoali (3). Border Bulldogs – Tries: Lolo Waka (2), Buhle Mxunyelwa, Dumisani Meslane, Dumisani Matyeshana, Penalty Try; Conversions: Reinhard Gerber (5), Clifford Hodgson; Penalties: Gerber (2). BA Mighty Elephants 6 SWD Eagles 15 Scorers: BA Mighty Elephants – Penalties: Wesley Dunlop (2). SWD Eagles 15 – Tries: Norman Nelson, Gaffie du Toit; Conversion: Jandré Blom; Penalty: Blom. Griffons 7 Pumas 43 Scorers: Griffons - Try: Werner Griesel; Conversion: Kennedy Tsimba. Pumas - Tries: Alistair Kettledas (3), MJ Mentz (2), Eduan van der Walt; Conversions: Braam Pretorius (5); Penalty: Pretorius. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

All Blacks backs coach Wayne Smith has a difficult selection jigsaw to solve before the Tri-Nations resumes against South Africa in Hamilton. Luke McAlister's troubled season appears over after he broke his cheekbone in Sydney on Saturday, while centre Conrad Smith is in serious doubt after tearing his hamstring. If both players are ruled out, Smith will have some tough calls, none more so than how he will rejig his midfield. The temptation will be to shift Dan Carter out to second-five where he could partner Ma'a Nonu, with Stephen Donald coming back at first-five on his home ground. That would make some sense, but would be a big risk. Donald did a good job off the bench in Sydney and continues to improve, but Carter's steadying influence and sound kicking was the key to the All Blacks win. Smith's problem is there are no compelling candidates to partner Nonu either at 12 or 13 with Richard Kahui still injured. Wellington's Tamati Ellison is in the squad, but would not benefit from being tossed to the Springbok wolves on debut. Auckland's Isaia Toeava is another option after starting the season as the preferred test centre, though his hands continue to blight his otherwise talented skill-set. A more radical thought could be to move Mils Muliaina to centre and play Cory Jane at fullback, but it would be a frightening deja vu that shouldn't be seriously considered. It was too early for the coaches to consider, although Henry confirmed McAlister's season was probably over and Smith was "going to take some time" to recover from his hamstring. Whatever the combination, a Carter-Nonu combination, on the evidence of the Sydney test has some merit. Nonu believes the backs are still making too many handling errors, but are growing in confidence after taking a more positive mindset into the Bledisloe Cup test. "If we use the ball more running-wise we can score more tries. I'm pretty sick of all this kicking stuff," Nonu said. "But the backs, myself as well, we haven't played the footy we're capable of. There were a few mistakes out there, but I felt we were pretty composed in the last 10-20 minutes." Nonu credited his try to the class of wing Sitiveni Sivivatu. "Siti is a world-class player, he can read the play, he's good under the high ball and he's a distributor." RUGBYHEAVEN

Former London Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan is being lined up by Guinness Premiership rivals Harlequins to fill the void left by Dean Richards. McGeechan, 62, who was also in charge of the British & Irish Lions on their recent tour of South Africa, is reportedly weighing up a lucrative two-year contract to succeed Richards who resigned from the club and was subsequently banned for three years for masterminding the 'bloodgate' incident. The Times reports that the disgraced Twickenham-based side see McGeechan, who left Wasps at the end of last season, as the ideal man to restore the club's reputation after a torrid few months that has also seen winger Tom Williams banned for four months on appeal and the club itself fined €300,000 (£260,000). The 'bloodgate' incident saw Williams burst a fake blood capsule in his mouth with five minutes remaining in their Heineken Cup quarter-final loss to Leinster. Quins did not have a specialist kicker on the field, having replaced Nick Evans earlier in the match and then seen back-up fly-half Chris Malone carried off injured. A blood injury was the only way that Evans could return to the game. McGeechan has an impressive coaching record that boasts Premiership, Heineken Cup and Anglo-Welsh Cup victories and has served as Scotland coach in addition to five tours with the Lions. The Scot is due to act as an advisor with National League One side London Scottish but is understood to be tempted by a return to English rugby's top flight. McGeechan parted company with Wasps with a year remaining on his contract amid reports of disquiet about a clash between his club and Lions commitments. McGeechan may well delay any decision until the conclusion of the investigation into Harlequins' conduct and four other similar incidents uncovered by the investigation into the incident. However, The Guardian reports that the club will not face further sanctions from Rugby Football Union with officials set to conclude that nothing would be gained in initiating what would be another lengthy inquiry. SCRUM.COM

In beating Australia 19-18 in Sydney at the weekend to claim their second victory of the Tri-Nations, and the Bledisloe Cup, New Zealand have closed to within 0.83 rating points of South Africa at the top of the International Rugby Board world rankings. The All Blacks have now won five Tests in a row against their trans-Tasman rivals, the Wallabies, who still occupy third in the world rankings, ahead of Ireland in fourth. South Africa have won all three of their Tri-Nations matches so far, all on home soil, and now face three away ties in Perth, Brisbane and Hamilton. Victories away from home would further strengthen their lead at the pinnacle of world rugby, however if the Springboks do not maintain their winning run they will lose the No.1 berth. In the first of those matches, they take on the Wallabies in Perth on Saturday, August 29. A loss for South Africa by any margin against Australia would take them back underneath New Zealand in the rankings. Top 20 on the IRB world rankings (last week in brackets): 1(1) South Africa 91.19 2(2) New Zealand 90.36 3(3) Australia 84.91 4(4) Ireland 83.27 5(5) France 81.48 6(6) Argentina 81.29 7(7) England 81.23 8(8) Wales 80.74 9(9) Fiji 76.52 10(10) Scotland 75.23 11(11) Samoa 73.48 12(12) Italy 71.23 13(13) Canada 70.07 14(14) Japan 68.37 15(15) Tonga 67.53 16(16) Russia 67.17 17(17) Georgia 66.85 18(18) United States 65.97 19(19) Romania 64.85 20(20) Portugal 62.16 RUGBY365

Wallabies fullback James O'Connor has been cleared of any fracture in his leg following Saturday night's Tri-Nations loss to the All Blacks in Sydney. O'Connor limped from the field early in the second half of the 19-18 loss but X-rays have cleared him of anything more serious than a cork. The Wallabies have several other injury worries as they head to Perth to face South Africa. Flanker Rocky Elsom, who played his first Test of the season after a knee injury, has a syndesmosis in his left ankle, while lock Nathan Sharpe is nursing a shoulder problem. Both will be monitored this week. Centre Berrick Barnes, who missed the second half at ANZ Stadium, is confident of being fit for the Subiaco Oval clash after suffering a neck injury and concussion. "James O'Connor's X-ray was clear so that's a good start," Wallabies coach Robbie Deans told reporters on Sunday. "It was just a blow to the lower leg ... but obviously it's still a bit uncomfortable. "Sharpey was pretty sore." The Wallabies were flying to Perth on Sunday, still smarting from the loss of the Bledisloe Cup for another year. They also remain anchored to the bottom of the Tri-Nations table, winless from their three matches so far. RUGBYHEAVEN

The Wallabies have been dealt a major blow ahead of Saturday night's Tri Nations match against South Africa, with lock Nathan Sharpe (shoulder) and inside centre Berrick Barnes (neck/concussion) both ruled out of the clash. But Wallabies officials are hopeful fullback James O'Connor (cork) and flanker Rocky Elsom (ankle) will pass fit to take on the Springboks. The Wallabies have postponed naming their side from Tuesday until Thursday in order to give the pair more time to prove their fitness. Sharpe and Barnes suffered their injuries in last Saturday's 19-18 loss to New Zealand in Sydney. The Wallabies have lost their opening three games of the Tri Nations series and must win their final three games and rely on other results going their way to have any chance of snaring the title. Sharpe's injury opens the door for Dean Mumm to return to the run-on side, while Mark Chisolm could be called up to the bench. Chisolm dislocated his wrist during the recent Super 14 season but has since proved his fitness with several games of club rugby with Randwick. Playmakers Quade Cooper and Kurtley Beale will fight it out to replace Barnes. RUGBYHEAVEN

Rugby Football Union chairman Martyn Thomas is determined to restore the sport's reputation in the wake of the Harlequins 'bloodgate' saga. The game is still reeling from the fall-out of last season's Heineken Cup quarter-final between Quins and Leinster, and the damaging fake blood scandal that saw former Quins rugby director Dean Richards, player Tom Williams and physio Steph Brennan all banned. Richards was hit with a three-year suspension after being found guilty of masterminding the incident while Williams was banned for four months after appealing an original 12-month ban. Brennan yesterday resigned from his post with the RFU having been banned for two years by European Cup disciplinary chiefs. Richards has taken responsibility for organising the fake injury that saw Williams go off six minutes from time to be replaced by Quins' top kicker Nick Evans, who had earlier departed the game through injury. Thomas admitted the sport could have "done without" the bad publicity, but vowed that measures will be put in place in an attempt to stamp out further incidents. "The sport could have done without it. It's clearly damaged the reputation of rugby. We have got to recognise that the damage has been done," Thomas told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek. Thomas said spectator and public confidence in the sport had to be repaired but he had no knowledge of any other fake blood injury incidents. But he accepted they may have taken place following admissions from other players who had "no axe to grind". He was concerned such theatrical devices were being used on the pitch. "It's not Hamlet, it's rugby," he said. Speaking in the Daily Telegraph, Thomas added, "Clearly as a result of this the RFU have to act on two issues - governance and the issue of protecting the culture and values of the game. We need to restore public confidence in the game and the status quo is not an option. "Clubs should be aware that the RFU will no longer take no prisoners over cheating in the future. Even if a club put their hands up now, they can expect a similar three-year ban that was given to Dean Richards. And if they attempt to cover-up their actions as Quins did, the ban could be even longer." Thomas also indicated he was most disappointed with the failure of Richards and the club to admit their wrongdoing at the original disciplinary hearing. "If you have made a mistake, however bad it is, you should put your hand up and say 'I have done it and I was wrong.' But if you have already had your credibility damaged, to then attempt to lie your way out of it to the authorities, only digs yourself into a deeper hole and leaves you very little to defend yourself with." Thomas added that rugby chiefs were discussing the issue of having independent doctors at games to assess players. Premier Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty has revealed that new injury checks are set to be brought in for the new Guinness Premiership season in response to the Harlequins 'bloodgate' scandal. Under the plans, players leaving the field with blood injuries in Premiership matches would be assessed by opposition medical experts to confirm there is no attempt to cheat. "I will be talking to the clubs and the board about regulations that will allow the opposing team doctor to verify any blood injury and I cannot see anyone objecting to this," he told the Mail on Sunday. "Such a sanction will provide the deterrent to ensure blood capsules and fake blood injuries will never happen again. We have a scheduled board meeting on September 3 and I see no reason why this new rule cannot be in place in time for Sale's game against Leicester the following night." SCRUM.COM

The Wallabies are bracing themselves for a big redemption bid by South Africa in the scrums in Saturday’s Vodacom Tri-Nations encounter in Perth. That much was apparent from a report in the local West Australian newspaper, quoting Australia’s destructive loosehead prop Benn Robinson. The Waratahs campaigner was instrumental in the Wallabies getting an edge over their hosts in that department – one of the few they did -- the last time the teams met at Newlands. Robinson warned: “They’ll come back having looked at that game and come back firing. “They’ve got a very experienced front row so we can’t take (anything) for granted. You are only as good as your last scrum. “You look at the South African scrum of the past years; they’re such a powerful team and powerful pack – they easily step up after tough times. “No doubt they will definitely be on their game this weekend and looking to cause us some damage.” In an exclusive interview with Sport24 recently, Bok forwards mastermind Gary Gold conceded that the Bok eight had experienced a difficult day at the office in the scrums at Newlands, pointing out that there had been “an extraordinary number” of them in that game. “It was a tough game for John (Smit, captain and remoulded tighthead prop) against Robinson and it made him realise you have to work harder against shorter, more nuggety opponents. “So it was educative and most useful … Australia may feel the scrums are an area they want to target us on the away leg. Fantastic – we will have done some homework too.” The present, first-choice Springbok front row of Smit (1.88m), hooker Bismarck du Plessis (1.89m) and Beast Mtawarira (1.88m) are all of virtually identical height, which carries certain benefits in the science of scrummaging. But it can also pose certain problems when one of the opposition props is noticeably smaller – that is the case with the impressive, 25-year-old Robinson, who measures only 1.83m and has the potential to make life difficult for taller timber in No 3 jerseys. Just how much wiser Smit is to the challenge this time could have an important bearing on the outcome at Subiaco Oval, even if the Boks have demonstrated that they have enough other strings to their bow to be capable of seeing off both bitter southern hemisphere rivals this winter … NEWS24

Adam Ashley-Cooper is set to fill in his third position in this year's Tri-Nations when Australia face South Africa on Saturday in Perth. With Berrick Barnes ruled out and only specialist reserves available, Ashly-Cooper, who has played full-back and then outside centre to replace Stirling Mortlock, is now set to make the move to inside centre in place of Berrick Barnes. With Ashley-Cooper's boot complementing his running skills, he seems a logical choice in a game likely to be dominated by kicking. He also has experience of the position, having started there twice against Wales in 2007. Barnes is still feeling the effects of the heavy knock he took against New Zealand while Sharpe has not recovered from a shoulder injury. The Wallabies have now delayed naming their side until Thursday, but it seems certain that Ryan Cross will fill at thirteen, while the Wallabies are also awaiting an update on the fitness of full-back James O'Connor and flanker Rocky Elsom. They are still sweating on the fitness of their two other remaining doubtful players, James O'Connor and Rocky Elsom. However, Deans would not reveal his plans for the make-up of the side. "Without doubt he was one of our star performers," Deans said to AAP on Ashley-Cooper. "He has been great, he could specialise in any number of positions. But we do have other options and other ways of catering to the need as well. "We will make that decision once we are fully aware of who is available to us." Deans also admitted the depth of the Wallabies squad - the subject of intense speculation in the Wallaby media - was really being tested. "That tends to happen in this competition," Deans said. "We have had challenges ... it is part of the territory. "It won't disrupt our preparation insofar as we have made the call early in those two (injured duo Nathan Sharpe and Barnes), but obviously, they have been integral parts of the team in recent times." Mark Chisholm is likely to replace Sharpe in the starting XV, with one player revealing he had been running the line-out calls in training. PLANET RUGBY

The City of George and SA Rugby today signed the official agreement to confirm the popular Garden Route city once more as the host of the hugely popular Emirates Airline SA Sevens tournament. George will stage the second tournament on the IRB World Sevens Series 2009/10 calendar for the eighth time on 11-12 December, a week after the opening event in Dubai. SA Rugby and the City signed the host agreement earlier today at the Municipal offices of George. The signing ceremony was attended by Springbok Sevens coach Paul Treu, mentor of the current IRB World Sevens Series champions, as well as Mr Flip de Swardt, the Mayor of George, and Mr Willem Small, CEO of the SWD Eagles. Khaya Mayedwa, the SA Rugby Commercial Manager, said the organisers are determined to further improve the yearly Sevens spectacle. “Last season was by all accounts the best tournament that we have staged. The stadium surroundings were greatly improved and we managed to increase the seating capacity so that more rugby fans were able to be part of a top-class Sevens event. “We are grateful to the City of George for the fantastic support and investment in the tournament. Apart from its direct investment in the tournament, the City has also demonstrated a great willingness to improve the surrounding in and around the stadium,” explains Mayedwa. “SA Rugby is proud to have partners like the City of George and we are looking forward to another exciting tournament in December. Sevens is growing as a platform and offering with and last year’s overall broadcasting figure for the Series was phenomenal. The future for Sevens is really bright and we are looking forward to another successful tournament in George,” said Mayedwa. Cecil Africa, Municipal Manager for the City of George, said the City was delighted to host the tournament again. “The Emirates Airline SA Sevens is a major international event and we are extremely proud and fortunate to be involved. “The tournament attracts a huge amount of visitors to our City and we have the benefit that our beautiful surroundings are showcased to millions because of the live broadcasting of matches. We are looking forward to welcome SA Rugby, the IRB and the international teams as well as the many thousands of spectators to our beautiful and friendly city again,” said Afrika. Tickets for the event will be available from mid-September and can again be bought online through Computicket. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers was at his most entertaining best on Wednesday, as he told journalists that South Africa have become the new world leaders in setting trends and that the Wallabies are just copying the Boks' style. In a series of comments that are sure to provoke the Wallabies, and has the potential to backfire on the Bok coach when the two countries meet in a Tri-Nations crunch match in Perth on Saturday, De Villiers also accused the Wallabies and All Blacks of kicking more than the Boks. Addressing the media in Perth on Wednesday, the Bok mentor hit back at criticism of his team's tactics - after last week's suggestions by both Wallaby coach Robbie Deans and Kiwi rival Graham Henry, who labelled the Boks boring for employing an effective kicking game. De Villiers dismissed suggestions his team's kicking-based style of play was strangling attractive and entertaining rugby, leading to a dearth of tries. "Entertainment is one of the boxes we want to tick off, but it doesn't mean it is the first one," he said. "We didn't invent this game and we didn't write the laws. "The law changes called for us to adapt and our adaptation, at this moment, is spot on and I am proud of how the team has adapted. "It doesn't mean that we can't carry the ball, that we can't drive, that we don't have a good line-out game or scrumming game. "We have worked hard at every small thing in the game to make it work. "We are winning and our obligation is firstly to all South Africans, and then to the rest of the world." De Villiers also took a swipe at his rivals, when he suggested the Boks are the 'leaders' and the Wallabies the 'followers'. "We said when we took this job that South African sport should be the leaders and not the followers anymore," he said. "It speaks volumes that we can now dictate the terms of how rugby should be played in the world." In assessing New Zealand's 19-18 win over the Wallabies last week, De Villiers started by praising both sides, before taking another swipe at them. "There was more kicking in that game than there were in our games against any one of them," he said. "We are now determining how they are playing against each other too." De Villiers' comments come five days after All Blacks coach Graham Henry criticised current Test rugby for incessant kicking affecting the sport's product. With only one try scored - by New Zealand midway through the second half - and 10 penalty goals kicked, it did appear both had taken a leaf out of the Springboks' book. De Villiers said there were few injury concerns in the Springboks camp, although he added that he would err on the side of caution with utility forward Danie Rossouw, who is being troubled by a slight hamstring strain. He said flank Juan Smith would be available for selection for Saturday's game. RUGBY365

Wallabies winger Lachie Turner has warned the Springboks that his side have pinpointed some weaknesses in their rivals' approach ahead of their latest Tri-Nations clash in Perth on Saturday. The boot of Morne Steyn, which has dominated in the Tri-Nations so far, looks to be the major obstacle to the Wallabies' hopes of posting their first win from four games, although the absence of Nathan Sharpe and Berrick Barnes will not help. South Africa proved too strong for Australia in Cape Town earlier this month with the hosts running out winners 29-17 thanks largely to an effective kicking game. But Turner is confident that his side have learnt their lesson and is confident of a different result this time around. "We've been working pretty hard over the last 18 months on our attacking kicking and that includes contestables, putting up high balls, the cross-field kicks to wingers and the little grubbers," he said. "We've been working hard on finding space all over the field and giving ourselves options to find it, and our kickers have been doing it well. "Every team has weaknesses and we've had a fair bit of time to watch South Africa play. We've had time to find those weaknesses, but I might just hold what they are to myself for now." Drew Mitchell will have to wait until the team announcement tomorrow to find out if he will play at wing or fullback on his return to Subiaco Oval. He is ready for the South Africans' kicking game as well, but is confident the Wallabies' versatility will help them get over the line. "It's something that you come to expect when you play the Springboks with the great kickers they have in their side and they are good at it, so why would they steer away from it when they are getting good pay out of it?" Mitchell pondered. "As a back three, we know that it's coming and we just need to prepare the best we can to combat that. We just need to secure the ball first and foremost and take it from there. "There will be times more suited to a kicking game, but through the course of the match other times when you will have the opportunity to run the ball and play the more expansive type of game. It's about having an awareness of what's in front of you and responding to that." Despite the absence of key players, No.8 Richard Brown is confident Mark Chisholm can do a good job filling in for Sharpe, who has a shoulder injury, and that the Australians can get the win to stay alive in the competition. "It's disappointing because those guys are quality players, but we are lucky to have a fair bit of depth at the moment in the squad and those guys will be able to be replaced," Brown said. "Sharpey is our calling lock at the moment, so it's a problem to lose your calling lock, but at training Mark Chisholm filled his shoes and did a good job of it. He has been the dude calling the lineouts, but I don't pick the team. "They have generally been close games and we've been right in them until the end, so we can take confidence that we aren't far away off winning, but having said that we are playing badly and still close to being able to win the competition." SCRUM.COM

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers made two changes to the team for Saturday’s Vodacom Tri-Nations Test against Australia at the Subiaco Oval in Perth. Ruan Pienaar moves from the bench, where he started the previous Test against Australia at Newlands on August 8, to fullback in the place of Frans Steyn, who is amongst the reserves. The other change sees Schalk Burger returning to the bench in the place of Danie Rossouw, who is recovering from an injury. Scrumhalf Fourie du Preez will earn his 50th Test cap for South Africa on Saturday. The Springbok team is (Test caps in brackets): 15 Ruan Pienaar (33) 14 JP Pietersen (29) 13 Jaque Fourie (48) 12 Jean de Villiers (51) 11 Bryan Habana (51) 10 Morné Steyn (6) 9 Fourie du Preez (49) 8 Pierre Spies (25) 7 Juan Smith (60) 6 Heinrich Brüssow (7) 5 Victor Matfield (86) 4 Bakkies Botha (60) 3 John Smit – Captain (87) 2 Bismarck du Plessis (27) 1 Tendai Mtawarira (16) Reserves: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle (6) 17 Jannie du Plessis (10) 18 Andries Bekker (17) 19 Schalk Burger (50) 20 Ricky Januarie (38) 21 Adi Jacobs (25) 22 Frans Steyn (33) Issued by SA Rugby

Brumbies lock Mark Chisholm has been rushed straight back into the Wallabies forward pack for Saturday night's Tri Nations rugby Test against South Africa at Subiaco Oval. Chisholm replaces injured second-row stalwart Nathan Sharpe in one of four changes to the starting team from the 19-18 loss to New Zealand in Sydney on the weekend. Prop Ben Alexander replaces the benched Al Baxter in the front-row, while Ryan Cross comes into the centres for the injured Berrick Barnes and 2008 Test rookie of the year Peter Hynes has taken the place of Drew Mitchell on the wing. Chisholm makes his way back into the Test 15 after just two Sydney club matches for Randwick following a wrist injury during the Super 14. Coach Robbie Deans has shown immense faith in the 26-year-old by picking him ahead of Waratah Dean Mumm who remains on the bench. "Chis is good to go," Deans said. "He's got a couple of club games under his belt and he was an incumbent prior to his injury." Chisholm is also expected to call the lineouts in a massive challenge against the might of Victor Matfield-led Springbok set piece. The Wallabies' lineout was dismantled by South Africa in their last meeting, helping the home side to a 29-17 win in Cape Town earlier this month. Both Rocky Elsom (ankle) and James O'Connor (cork) were named to start after shrugging off injury concerns at training on Thursday morning. World No.1 South Africa are unbeaten in three Tri Nations matches this year while Australia is still searching for its first win. Wallabies: James O'Connor, Lachie Turner, Ryan Cross, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Hynes, Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess; Richard Brown, George Smith (capt), Rocky Elsom, Mark Chisholm, James Horwill, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson. Res: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Al Baxter, Dean Mumm, David Pocock, Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Drew Mitchell. AAP

Test referee Willie Roos has resigned from refereeing, prompting Andre Watson, referees’ manager of the South African Rugby Union, to call on rugby supporters to return to traditional rugby values of respect towards officials. Roos retired from refereeing after 15 years of training and experience after he was abused and had a drink flung in his face in Kimberley following an Absa Currie Cup Premier Division match. Some supporters blamed Roos for GWK Griquas’ defeat after they earned two yellow cards in the final ten minutes and succumbed to a late score from the Vodacom Blue Bulls. Roos is taking legal action against his assailant in Kimberley. “We have been working hard to recruit more referees and have seen a six percent increase in our numbers, but incidents like this and the criticism and abuse that our officials receive both from the stands and from the attendant publicity violates the spirit of rugby,” said Mr Watson. “It takes many years and tens of thousands of rands to bring a referee through the ranks to be able to officiate at Absa Currie Cup level, and to lose one because of the actions of a few hot-headed supporters and ill-informed media comment is desperately wasteful from a rugby point of view and personally very sad for Willie Roos. “I’d like to thank him and pay tribute to him for the many thousands of hours he has given to the game in usually unglamorous surroundings and at times that have taken him away from his family. We tried to talk him out of his decision, but he told us that ‘enough is enough’.” In his letter of resignation Roos said that refereeing had given him many great friends and taken him all over the world, but that his passion for the game had gone. “I have made mistakes in my career but they were never intentional and I always tried my best. But I fail to understand how the decisions of referees are blamed for winning and losing matches but those of coaches and players are not. “I was taught never to swear at or criticise players or coaches when I was a youngster but I have experienced it in abundance – particularly in the last two years. The off-the-field abuse has caused considerable embarrassment and heartache to me and my family and this latest incident told me it was time to quit the game I love and cherish.” Watson said that Roos’s application of the Law leading to the yellow carding of two GWK Griquas players against the Vodacom Blue Bulls could not be faulted, from a Law point of view. He added that replacing a referee of Roos’s calibre and experience was far from straightforward. “He has refereed nine Test matches, 14 Vodacom Super games and more than 30 Absa Currie Cup matches. Experience like that takes seasons to accumulate,” said Watson. “Willie was one of the top ten referees in South Africa and it is tragic to lose him at the tender age of 34, when he should have been available to service SA Rugby for at least ten more years. “The Kimberley match was the last straw in the Willie’s case. Referees know that our role is potentially controversial and that there will definitely be criticism, but when it becomes physical and personal in nature, then a line has been crossed. “Whilst we have a policy of admitting mistakes in public and continuously attempting to educate the public and supporters regarding the law and its application, we find it increasingly irrational to blame everything on the refereeing every time. Mr Oregan Hoskins, president of the South African Rugby Union, backed the appeal for a return to traditional values. “Apart from our top four referees, every other referee operating in South Africa – such as Willie – is a volunteer,” said Mr Hoskins. “We are in a dire situation in terms of referee numbers in this country – we have 1 800 when we need 8 000 – and if we are not careful there is a growing danger that more and more club and school matches will be refereed by someone pulled off the touchline.” Watson added: “They are asked to operate in an environment where they are the only scapegoat on any given match-day – which is unfair and suggests we as a nation have forgotten those values of respecting the officials and the game that we were taught at school. “We wish Willie all the best for the future and hope that he will make himself available for other duties in the refereeing fraternity, to give us the value of his experience, in the future.” For further information contact: Andre Watson: 082 990 6248 Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Sacked Wallabies star Lote Tuqiri has revealed he met with Sydney Roosters chairman Nick Politis before jetting out to France to hold talks with cashed-up rugby sides Stade Francais and Bayonne. Former Brisbane star Tuqiri, who has been linked with a return to rugby league with the Roosters and Wests Tigers, said his meeting with Politis was positive and he was only heading to France to weigh up his options. ‘‘It is a bit of a hit-and-run mission to see a few clubs and see where they are at,’’ Tuqiri told the Nine Network. ‘‘Rugby league is still very much an option and I’m just going out to see what’s out there and to re-assess. ‘‘The Roosters have got a good board and a good chairman and he was quite passionate about where they’re going and where they want to be.’’ Tuqiri is set to meet with former Penrith NRL star Craig Gower’s club Bayonne and also discuss his options with ex-NSW Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie, who heads French Top 14 side Stade Francais. Stade Francais is also home to former Kangaroos centre Mark Gasnier. Tuqiri met last week with West Tigers coach Tim Sheens. He had previously said he was reluctant to uproot his young family from Sydney. The 29-year-old settled out of court with the Australian Rugby Union four days ago and dropped legal action over his contract termination after he was paid an undisclosed amount. Tuqiri had his $1 million-a-year contract ripped up by the ARU in June following an alleged breach of team protocol at the Wallabies’ hotel in Canberra. AAP

Off-key Wallabies maestro Matt Giteau has vowed to put his kicking woes behind him and step up in the absence of playmaking partner Berrick Barnes on Saturday. Giteau has shouldered much of the blame for the gut-wrenching 19-18 Tri-Nations loss to the All Blacks and is working overtime to make amends against high-flying South Africa. While coach Robbie Deans on Thursday made four changes to his starting team, his five-eighth's general play kicking was another area he pin-pointed for improvement. Giteau had his low skidding kicks charged down several times by the All Blacks, with one leading to the only try of the match at ANZ Stadium. With Barnes (concussion) ruled out and the powerful Adam Ashley-Cooper taking his place at inside centre, Australia will rely more heavily on Giteau's tactical kicking against the formidable world champions. "I was charged down a few times and that was due to poor execution and it's something I've worked on this week," Giteau said. "Losing a guy like Berrick Barnes ... I do need to step up and the last two Tests I haven't kicked as well as I would have liked." Giteau attributed his problems - mainly a low elevation - due to "little technical things" which would be corrected at Subiaco Oval. Coach Robbie Deans said his No.10, who started 2009 on fire for the Western Force, had already shown on the training paddock he'll be back to his best against the unbeaten Springboks. "He started the season very accurately and some of his (current) performance elements are unusual for him," Deans said. "It's out of the ordinary for him but they are imminently fixable." But former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones believes it's Australia's style of play under Deans which has affected the dangerous Giteau's all-round game. "He (Giteau) enjoys that flat game taking on defenders," Jones told South African website keo.co.za. "Now they're playing a New Zealand style where it's deep and wide and he's struggling to impose himself in Tests." Giteau will have two big centres outside him against the Springboks with Ryan Cross moving into the midfield with the versatile Ashley-Cooper, meaning James O'Connor will remain at fullback. Deans has recalled winger Peter Hynes at the expense of Drew Mitchell, dumped veteran prop Al Baxter for Ben Alexander and rushed Mark Chisholm back into the second-row for the injured Nathan Sharpe. Chisholm, who has just two Sydney club matches under his belt after being sidelined for more than three months with a wrist injury, also faces the massive challenge of calling the lineouts against the Springboks. Victor Matfield dismantled the Wallabies' set piece in South Africa's 29-17 victory in Cape Town. Chisholm, himself surprised to get an immediate starting recall, indicated Australia would be much snappier in their execution. "First and foremost they really slowed the lineout down (in Cape Town) and it gave Victor and the South Africans the chance to see what we were trying to do and what we were trying to achieve and I guess the key for us is to quicken that aspect of the game up," he said. In five meetings between the sides in Perth, the ledger is even with two wins each and a draw. RUGBYHEAVEN

GWK Griquas coach Dawie Theron said on Thursday that his team are still serious contenders to make this season’s Absa Currie Cup semifinals. The Kimberley team have dropped from first position in the competition to third after suffering consecutive defeats to the Vodacom Blue Bulls and the Sharks in recent weeks. However the Griquas coach believes that his side will be able to confirm their status as Absa Currie Cup contenders by defeating the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs in Kimberley on Saturday. “We are not out of the race yet. We are still aiming to make the semifinals,” said Theron. “It’s been extremely disappointing to lose to both the Sharks and the Vodacom Blue Bulls, but we now have a chance at home to defeat the Cheetahs and prove to everyone we are semifinal contenders. I said earlier in the season that our intentions are to make the semifinals and if we can get the result against the Cheetahs, we’ll be right on track.” The Sharks will be looking to continue their impressive undefeated home run in the Absa Currie Cup on Saturday afternoon when they host Vodacom Western Province at the Absa Stadium in Durban. John Plumtree’s side’s only defeat in the competition came at the hands of the Cape team in the first round of the season. However the Sharks coach is confident his team will be up for the challenge and achieve a winning result this weekend. “Vodacom Western Province is a very good side with a very good pack, so it’s going to be great game on Saturday, something the players are really looking forward to. There’s also going to be a big crowd at the Absa Stadium which will give the guys further confidence,” said Plumtree. “We’ve come off some good victories and we’re starting to click as a side. Province will pose plenty of questions to us on defence and attack, but I am sure we’ll be up for the challenge.” The Xerox Lions will also be looking to get back to winning ways this weekend when the host the Vodacom Blue Bulls at Coca-Cola Park on Saturday (17h05). The Johannesburg team suffered consecutive defeats to the Sharks and Vodacom Western Province and will be looking to upset the high riding Bulls this weekend. “You have to win your home games in the Absa Currie Cup to be a semifinal contender in the competition so we have to come good against the Vodacom Blue Bulls,” said Xerox Lions coach Hans Coetzee. “It’s never easy defeating the Bulls, but we’re confident of our chances at home. We have not played our best rugby in the last few weeks and we know we have to be at our best to defeat them.” The Vodacom Blue Bulls though will not be easy pushovers at Coca-Cola Park. The Pretoria team boast a powerful backline with the likes of Springbok fullback Zane Kirchner, centre Jaco Pretorius and winger Gerhard van den Heever. The visitors will also boast a strong loose trio with the likes of Dewald Potgieter, Pedrie Wannenburg and Deon Stegmann all earning starts for the Pretoria team. In the other Absa Currie Cup fixture of the weekend, the Boland Cavaliers travel to Potchefstroom for their fixture against the Platinum Leopards on Friday night. The hosts have been winless in the competition this season and will be determined to secure their first victory against their opponents, who are currently languishing in seventh position on the log standings. “This will be our best opportunity of achieving a win in the competition and we have to ensure that we perform to achieve a victory against the Cavaliers,” said Platinum Leopards coach Chaka Willemse. “I think the pressure will be on them to beat us, so hopefully we’ll try and use that to our advantage and upset them. We are at home, but are the underdogs. So if our players could stick to the basics and cut out on the on-field errors, we could pick up our first win of the competition.” Teams for the weekend: Sharks - Stefan Terblanche, Chris Jordaan, Andries Strauss, Riaan Swanepoel, Lwazi Mvovo, Juan Hernandez, Rory Kockott, Keegan Daniel, Jean Deysel, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller (c), Steven Sykes, Wiehahn Herbst, Skipper Badenhorst, Deon Carstens / Patric Cilliers. Reserves: Craig Burden, Patric Cilliers / Deon Carstens, Albert van den Berg, Michael Rhodes, Charl McLeod, Monty Dumond, Waylon Murray Vodacom Western Province - Joe Pietersen, Tonderai Chavhanga, Juan De Jongh, Morgan Newman, Gio Aplon, Peter Grant, Dewaldt Duvenhage, Luke Watson (c), Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Anton van Zyl, Chris Jack, Brok Harris, Tiaan Liebenberg, Wicus Blaauw. Reserves: Deon Fourie, JD Moller, De Kock Steenkamp, Pieter Louw, Bolla Conradie, Frikkie Welsh, JJ Engelbrecht. Xerox Lions – Earl Lewis, Dusty Noble, Alwyn Hollenbach, Pieter Engelbrecht, Johan Jackson, Herkie Kruger, Jano Vermaak, Willem Alberts, Franco van der Merwe, Baywatch Grobbelaar (c), Willem Stoltz, Nico Luus, Gert Muller, Hans Van Dyk, JC Janse van Rensburg. Reserves: Derek Harwood, Kevin Buys, Johan Snyman, Todd Clever, Derick Minnie, Doppies la Grange, Ruan Boshoff. Vodacom Blue Bulls – Zane Kirchner, Gerhard van den Heever, Jaco Pretorius, Stefan Watermeyer, Marius Delport, Burton Francis, Francois Hougaard, Dewald Potgieter, Pedrie Wannenburg, Deon Stegmann, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Derick Kuün (c), Jaco Engels. Reserves: Bandise Maku, Frik Kirsten/Dean Greyling, Fudge Mabeta, Jacques Burger, Heini Adams, Francois Brummer, Tiger Mangweni. Vodacom Free State Cheetahs – Hennie Daniller, Danwel Demas, Robert Ebersohn, Corné Uys, Jongi Nokwe, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, JP Joubert, Frans Viljoen, Hendro Scholtz, Johan Wessels, David de Villiers, Nico Breedt, WP Nel, Adriaan Strauss (c), Coenie Oosthuizen. Reserves: Richardt Strauss, Wian du Preez, Izak van der Westhuizen, Lucas Floors, Tertius Carse, Louis Strydom, Phillip Snyman. GWK Griquas – Riaan Viljoen, Egon Seconds, Wilmaure Louw, Barry Geel, Bjorn Basson, Naas Olivier, Sarel Pretorius, Heinrich Stride, Davon Raubenheimer, Jonathan Mokuena (c), Jacques Lombaard, Brendon Snyman, Ruaan du Preez, Ryno Barnes, Steph Roberts. Reserves: Andries Kruger, Albertus Buckle, Cecil Kemp, Sean Plaatjies, Dougie Hellmuth, Jaco Bekker, Gavin Passens. Platinum Leopards - Russell Jeacocks; Bom Samaai, Jovan Bowles, Basil de Doncker, Danie Dames; Cecil Dumont, Michael Bondesio; Christo van Niekerk, Thabo Mamojele, Wilhelm Koch, Draad Linde, Ligtoring Landman, Philip Lemmer, Pellow van der Westhuizen, Divan Kotze. Reserves: Gavin Williamson, Nardus Lombard, Rudi Mathee, Riaan Swanepoel, Theo van Wyk, Clayton Durand, Jean Tiedt. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has moved swiftly to defend his decision to name Ruan Pienaar, initially his preferred choice as flyhalf, at fullback for the Tri-Nations crunch Test against Australia in Perth on Saturday. The Sharks utility back has replaced Frans Steyn in the only change to the starting XV. Schalk Burger returns to the bench, in place of the injured Danie Rossouw, in the only other change to the matchday 22. But it was the decision to name Pienaar at No.15 that raised some eyebrows especially after De Villiers recently stated that Pienaar is now being considered only as a flyhalf. The 24-year-old Pienaar has only started at fullback for the Boks twice before - against Tonga at the 2007 World Cup and Wales on the year-end tour in 2007. The first eight of his 32 Tests were all off the bench and he has made another 10 appearances off the bench - often playing at fullback. In 2007 he also made four starts as a scrumhalf, while he started at flyhalf in six of his last eight Tests - in the other two he played off the bench. De Villiers, though, insists that the latest decision was made simply to keep all his players happy. "Ruan is a brilliant player," De Villiers told a media gathering in Perth, adding: "Both Ruan and Frans are very talented young players. "I hope he will add more bite on attack. Frans Steyn has not let us down, he always pulled his weight, but it's important to keep the interest levels high of everyone in the squad. "We are very organised at the moment, we don't want to become a fruit salad, so No.15 will be Ruan's number and No.10 will be Morné's number. "Most of the time, that will be the case, but we have very versatile players as we saw in the last game when the No.3 [captain John Smit] put through a brilliant grubber which No.5 [Victor Matfield] chased down on the wing, so you never know what might happen in the game." Asked whether Pienaar might switch to flyhalf from time to time during the game, he said: "Ruan has been selected to play at fullback and that is where he will concentrate his energies. "However, if the situation dictates, as it might, we have an option to make use of him at 10." Burger's availability is also a welcome return for the Boks, following his eight-week ban for a facial massage on B&I Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald during the second Test against the Lions in Pretoria. "Heinrich [Brüssow] has earned his spot, and what a pleasure it is for the team to have a player of Schalk's calibre giving us a boost off the bench," De Villiers said. "Heinrich Brüssow has done well in that position," captain John Smit said of the decision to start Burger on the bench behind the rookie flank. "But it is great to have a player like Schalk – with 50 caps – on a very capable bench. "It's certainly indicative of where our team is at the moment to see Schalk at No.19," Smit added. "It shows how far the team has come. It's amazing to have a bench like that." RUGBY365

The Guinness Premiership will feature 23-man match-day squads including three front-row replacements this season in a bid to avoid uncontested scrums. The Rugby Football Union and Premier Rugby, the umbrella group for the top-flight clubs, have adopted the new International Rugby Board amendment. If all suitable replacements have been used and another front-row injury occurs, a team will be reduced to 14. The move is designed to penalise sides that force uncontested scrums. "There have been allegations in the past of whether an injury was real or not, and we have been working to clear that up," said Premier Rugby's chief executive Mark McCafferty. "Three of the eight players on the bench have to be front-row forwards. "If a game does go uncontested then that team will be playing with 14 men - there will be no replacement allowed. There is a quite a disincentive there. "We're pushing for that rule to be extended into other competitions, such as Europe and Anglo-Welsh competitions." The move has also been adopted by the Top 14 in France after a successful trial, which saw a dramatic reduction with just two uncontested scrums from 994 matches in the top three divisions. The IRB confirmed it will "monitor the implementation of the amended law," which will only apply in domestic rugby to begin with. The RFU has not enforced the eight-man replacement rule for the Championship, the new name for the league below the Premiership, however, but the "man off" rule - when a team is reduced to 14 players if they force uncontested scrums - will apply. "We have decided to keep the number of replacements the same as we need to ensure that clubs have enough front-row players to fulfil their fixtures," said Terry Burwell, the RFU's Director of Tournaments and Competitions. But for domestic cup competitions for teams in National League Two downwards, eight replacements may be employed, and the "man off" rule will also apply. "At cup level, when it's a one-off game, we feel that increasing replacement front-row players is manageable for clubs and will reduce uncontested scrums in such important matches," Burwell added. 606: DEBATE Under the new rules the Lions would have lost their props through injury and also been forced to play with 14 men. Doesn't anyone else think this is badly thought out? ummm The British and Irish Lions were forced into uncontested scrums in their second Test defeat against South Africa this summer after losing both props, Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones, to injury at the same time, with Andrew Sheridan the only specialist on the bench. Head coach Ian McGeechan later said he felt the uncontested scrums hindered his side. There have been calls in the past for all scrums to be uncontested after Leicester prop Matt Hampson was paralysed during scrum practice with England Under-21s in 2006. BBC RUGBY

The Leopards lifted themselves off the bottom of the Currie Cup log with their best performance so far on Friday night, by beating the Boland Cavaliers 50-16. The Leopards scored six tries while new Leopards flyhalf Cecil Dumont notched up 25 points. Two of the Leopards players, Bom Samaai and Christo van Niekerk, each scored a brace of tries, with one going to Dumont and another to livewire scrumhalf Michael Bondesio. Tighthead Philip Lemmer and locks Ligtoring Landman and Draad Linde in particular laid the foundation for their loose forwards to play forward. Scorers: Leopards: Tries: Bom Samaai (2), Christo van Niekerk (2), Cecil Dumont, Michael Bondesio. Conversions: Dumont (4). Penalties: Dumont (3). Drop goal: Dumont. Boland: Try: Carel Hoffmann. Conversion: Justin Peach. Penalties: Peach (3).

A clueless Australia has slumped to a record 32-25 Tri-Nations loss to South Africa on home soil to virtually hand the Springboks the 2009 Tri-Nations title. The Wallabies were blown away from the opening whistle at Subiaco Oval as they suffered a fourth straight loss this series, and a sixth successive Tri-Nations defeat dating back to last August. The rampant world champions ran in four tries for a bonus point which puts them nine points clear of New Zealand with two matches each to play. Australia scored two consolation tries to Matt Giteau and Lachie Turner in the last five minutes to add some respectability to the scoreline but nothing could hide the fact they were completely outmuscled and outplayed. The unbeaten Springboks shelved their effective kick-chase game to run the ball and dominate the first half with quick phase play and set up their fourth straight win with a 22-6 halftime lead. South Africa were simply too quick, too strong, too smart and far more precise and clinical than the home team. By contrast the Wallabies willing game was mistake-ridden, particularly at the key moments inside both 22s. A solid scrummaging effort - reaping three penalties - was well and truly offset by more turmoil in the lineouts. Three times Australia paid dearly for poor throws to the back within a five minute period early in the second half after a jinking Giteau try had put them back into the contest at 22-13 down. Hooker Stephen Moore paid the price for two bad throws which eventually resulted in Bryan Habana crossing for his second try and the Springboks securing a four-try bonus point. It gave them a 16-point advantage and sealed just their third win from 17 matches in Australia since the Tri-Nations kicked off in 1996. Their 32 points was their biggest score away to the Wallabies, eclipsing the 28-9 win in 1921. Rookie fullback James O'Connor stood up to the pressure of the challenge while Rocky Elsom and Benn Robinson were also strong for Australia and replacement five-eighth Quade Cooper added spark in the last 15 minutes. Springboks halfback Fourie du Preeze, who opened the scoring by taking a quick tap and catching Luke Burgess napping, was a deserved man of the match. No.8 Richard Brown set the tone for the Wallabies by dropping South Africa's first kick over the touch line. From the lineout, centre Jean de Villiers broke the defensive line. The Springboks shot to a 12-0 lead after just 10 minutes when Jaque Fourie crossed untouched after Giteau was terribly exposed in defence from a midfield scrum. Making matters worse for the Australians, five-eighth Giteau also missed two penalty goal attempts before finally landing one in the 28th minute for a 15-3 deficit. Giteau finished with a personal haul of 20 points but the Australian attack looked more dangerous when he moved to inside centre and the elusive Cooper was injected into the playmaking role. SOUTH AFRICA 32 (Bryan Habana 2, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie tries Morne Steyn 3 cons 2 pens) AUSTRALIA 25 (Matt Giteau 2, Lachlan Turner tries Giteau 2 cons 2 pens) at Subiaco Oval. AAP

Western Province turned in their best performance of the season to score a 21-9 victory over the highly-fancied Sharks in an Absa Currie Cup Premier Division rugby clash at the Absa Stadium, in Durban, on Saturday afternoon. Province's victory by way of a two-try to none count, was richly deserved and allowed them to displace the Sharks at the top of the Currie Cup table. Earlier this year, the Sharks were also at the losing end when they suffered a 29-15 defeat at Newlands. Province's early raid in the Sharks' 22m area came to nought as a ruck infringement and a forward pass denied them a deserved advance. The visitors, however, took a sixth minute lead thanks to a Joe Pietersen penalty (3-0). The Sharks shook off Province's grip on the game with relieving kicks from fullback Stefan Terblanche and flyhalf Juan Hernandez. Once they managed to transfer play into the opposition half it was the Sharks' turn to apply the pressure. A 12th minute Sharks line-out allowed them the set up a driving maul from 15 metres out but Province did well to hold up the ball in the in-goal area. Scrumhalf Rory Kockett landed a penalty three minutes later to level the scores at a time when the home side continued to pile on the pressure (3-3). Province fullback Pietersen initiated a telling counter-attack from inside his own 22m when he ran ball after he had successfully called for a 'mark' in the 23rd minute. After an unchallenged 25m run Pietersen fed his outside centre Juan de Jongh who wormed his way past several cover defenders to take play up to Sharks' 22 line. The good work was carried on by fleet-footed leftwing, Gio Aplon, who dovetailed splendidly with his pack before rightwing Tonderai Chavhanga dived over for an unconverted try to restore the lead for the visitors (8-3). Five minutes later Province again caught the Sharks' defence napping after a line-out, but the situation was saved when their cover defence held up Chavhanga on the tryline. Kockett banged over a penalty a minute ahead of the break to narrow the gap for the Sharks (8-6). Four minutes into the second half the Sharks gained the lead for the first time in the match with a drop goal by Hernandez (9-8). As the second half wound its way, both sides tried hard to run the ball when opportunities presented itself, but handling errors thwarted potential scoring movements. Province, however, did come good in the 56th minute with a converted try by lock Chris Jack after a fine move in which Aplon and eighthman Luke Watson were prominent in the approach work 35m out (15-9). In the passage of time that followed Province lifted their game somewhat and they looked threatening as they worked the ball through the phases on a few occasions. However, their only reward at this stage of the match was a 65th minute Pietersen penalty, which opened a nine-point lead for Province (18-9). The Sharks rallied hard to fight their way back into the match but could not make headway because of errors that crept into their game. Pietersen drove the final nail in the Sharks coffin with a drop goal to round off a result that condemned the Sharks to their second defeat of the season (21-9). Scorers: Sharks: Penalties: Rory Kockett (2). Drop goal: Juan Hernandez Western Province: Tries: Tonderai Chavhanga and Chris Jack. Conversion: Joe Pietersen. Penalties: Joe Pietersen (2). Drop goal: Pietersen.

Griquas, the early pace setters, continued their slide down the Currie Cup standings when they slipped to a demoralising 13-58 defeat at the hands of a rampant Free State Cheetahs team in Kimberley on Saturday. Following their slow start to the season, where they lost their first four matches, the Cheetahs have now won four in a row - and scored more than 50 points in the past two weeks. The win also saw the Cheetahs close the gap on the top four in play-off race - especially Griquas, who had dropped down to fourth place after still leading the competition just a fortnight ago. It certainly didn't help Griquas, who were struggling to regroup after two disappointing losses before this game, that they lost ace flyhalf Naas Olivier just before the game and fullback Riaan Viljoen moved to No.10. Gavin Passens, mainly a wing, was moved to fullback. No doubt the Cheetahs taught Griquas a rugby lesson. The home side dominated territory and possession for the first 20 minutes, before the Cheetahs ran rampant, climbing one place to fifth on the log. Trailing 3-6 in the 17th minute, Griquas wing Bjorn Basson went over on the left wing to give the hosts an 8-6 lead, but then the visitors took control. In the 30th minute, Jongi Nokwe dotted down and six minutes later the Cheetahs wing added another try as the visitors began to run away with the game. Shortly before the break, Cheetahs flyhalf Jacques-Louis Potgieter added a penalty to give the visitors a 23-8 lead at the break, and they never looked back. And any hope Griquas had of fighting back was quickly extinguished in the early stages of the second half. Within four minutes, Nokwe had scored his third try and Potgieter added the conversion, stretching their lead to 22 points. Just two minutes later, Cheetahs tighthead WP Nel pushed over and Potgieter again converted, giving the hosts little hope of getting back in the game. And nine minutes later, Free State lock Nico Breedt closed off some superb team work to stretch their lead even further and Griquas were left with no hope of fighting back. With 20 minutes on the clock, Cheetahs No.8 Frans Viljoen scored their sixth try and he wasted no time in securing his brace eight minutes later. The home side were left to pick up the pieces, with Ruan Kitshoff securing a consolation try, but the Cheetahs easily secured their fourth win of the competition to hand Griquas their third straight loss. The scorers: For Griquas: Tries: Basson, Kitshoff Pen: Viljoen For the Free State Cheetahs: Tries: Breedt, Nel, Nokwe 3, Viljoen 2 Cons: Potgieter 6, Strydom Pens: Potgieter 3 The Golden Lions kept their Currie Cup hopes alive with an impressive 20-13 win over the Blue Bulls in Johannesburg on Saturday. The two tries to one win left the Lions still languishing in sixth place on the standings, but they are certainly firmly back in the play-off race - which have become a bottleneck, with just eight points separating the top six teams. The Bulls, who collected a losing bonus point with a last-minute penalty, remain in fourth on the standings. What a great victory for the determined Golden Lions and it took 10 points in the last two minutes or so to get even a losing bonus point for the Blue Bulls. The Blue Bulls were well and truly beaten and seemed to have no answer for Cobus Grobbelaar and his men. (Did Grobbelaar set some kind of record for tackles in a match?) So often the Golden Lions have been criticised for losing close matches by creating opportunities and failing to take them and then presenting opponents with soft opportunities which they take. This time there was steel in their backbones at Coca Cola Park. Surprisingly it was the set pieces that served their cause so well. They scrummed well but it was in the line-outs that they latrhered the Blue Bulls. The Blue Bulls threw in to 19 line-outs and lost eight, whereas the Golden Lions lost on the last of their 16 throws. line-outs were a key element in the Golden Lions' victory and much of the credit goes to the tall trees - Willem Stoltz, Nico Luus and François van der Merwe. Above all the line-outs nobbled the Blue Bulls. The Golden Lions were never headed in the match. They started running first and ran most throughout the game - till the Blue Bulls felt the need to get something out of the match just before the end. Though they ran, scoring was a niggardly affair in the first half. Till just before half-time only a single penalty was all there was to show for all the effort. Herkie Kruger goaled the penalty when the Golden Lions =attacked and Marius Delport was offside. 3-0 after 17 minutes. This came after the Golden Lions had created an overlap for Dusty Noble and then went through many phases. The Blue Bulls then had a period of attack which fizzled out with a poor dropped goal attempt by Burton Francis. New man Earl Lewis, who had a splendid debut for the Golden Lions, had a run down the left wing and then the Golden Lions looked certain to score when Jano Vermaak broke and Van der Merwe carried it on., Deon Stegmann was penalised and Vermaak tapped and the Golden Lions went left. Grobbelaar knocked on a pressured pass to Alwyn Hollenbach who dummied Stegmann and Francis to waltz through for a try which Kruger converted. 10-0 at half-time. The Golden Lions scored first in the second half, an unlikely try. Wilhelm Steenkamp caught the ball cleanly in the line-out but somehow Van der Merwe robbed him of it. The giant flank peeled round the front of the line-out and kicked downfield. As it happened the kick went into empty space with Vermaak haring after it. The ball bounced high, which was not trouble for the scrumhalf who grabbed it dived over for yet another try. Kruger converted. 17-0 after 43 minutes. The only other score by the Golden Lions was 32 minutes later. Lewis chipped but the Blue Bulls won a turnover and sent Stefan Watermeyer racing away but the Golden Lions managed to scurry in defence and Kruger cleared. The Blue Bulls went though phases and a tackle penalty gave Francis an easy kick. 17-3 after 56 minutes. Francis footed a loose ball through but Noble saved, The Golden Lions attacked with vigour on the left with Vermaak and Johan Jackson prominent and then went wide but an awful skip pass by Kruger nullified an overlap opportunity. Two penalties against Jacques Burger in quick succession at the tackle gave Kruger an easy pot at goal. 20-3 with five minutes to go. The Blue Bulls scored twice in those five minutes. First they tapped a tackle penalty and Francis broke straight ahead. Heini Adams was up to give a great pass to Jaco Pretorius who cut through to score at the posts. Back came the Blue Bulls and with time up Kruger was penalised for a high tackle in front of his posts. François Brummer goaled, the Blue Bulls had a bonus point and the final whistle sounded. Man of the Match: Cobus Grobbelaar and Jano Vermaak are candidates as they are week after week and there was also Earl Lewis, which suggested the House of Lions benefitted from switching Earl Rose for Earl Lewis, but our choice is Franco van der Merwe who ruled the vital line-outs and generally played with great energy and skill. The scorers: For the Golden Lions: Tries: Hollenbach, Vermaak Cons: Kruger 2 Pens: Kruger 2 For the Blue Bulls: Try: Pretorius Con: Francis Pens: Francis, Brummer RUGBY365

Australian coach Robbie Deans paid the Springboks - and their style of play - the ultimate compliment after his side was well beaten 32-25 in South Africa's first overseas Tri-Nations game of the year. The win also saw the visitors become the first side to bank five points, for scoring four tries, in this year's competition. Much maligned Springbok coach Peter de Villiers also defended the style of rugby he had introduced to the world champions, saying he wanted the team to play "total rugby" and they had responded delivering a "brilliant" example of it in their demolition of the Wallabies. South Africa need two points to make sure of winning the Tri-Nations trophy for the third time. Alternatively, if they collect just one point from their last two games, they must prevent New Zealand from banking 10 points from their last two games and ending the series with a superior points for and against differential to South Africa. But, besides the fact that South Africa still have two games to play - against Australia in Brisbane next week and New Zealand in Hamilton a week later - their performance was so convincing at the Subiaco Oval on Saturday, that Deans said they had won the trophy already. "The Boks scored four tries and have always been a side capable of playing any which way they choose. Their first priority was to win the Tri-Nations and they have done that easily and, to be fair, convincingly. They have played the way they had to do to achieve that," said the Wallaby coach. When it was pointed out that South Africa had 17 points, nine more than New Zealand, but had still not clinched the Tri-Nations trophy, Deans said: "I don't know the math exactly. But they have got a great opportunity." De Villiers, nevertheless, as well as Springbok captain John Smit, refused to take anything for granted in spite of a victory that was only South Africa's third Tri-Nations win in Australia, all three coming in Perth, and the first time the Springboks had scored four tries. Up until the 75th minute, with the Springboks leading 32-13 with less than 10 minutes to play, South Africa were heading for a record win in Australia before the Wallabies rallied with two late tries. "Brilliant," said De Villiers of his team's performance. "We never had the platform to play off [the penalty count was 15-4 against South Africa, mainly at scrum-time], but still managed to play with the kind of ball we had. Our defence was good, our kicking was outstanding, as it always is, and we passed the ball and scored four tries. "I said we could play total rugby and we did as the guys made brilliant decisions, when the space was there to run it we did," added the Springbok mentor. Smit, after a "good week" where the team arrived late, but went to bed after midnight and woke up at noon to combat the effects of jet-lag, said he thought in general it was a commanding performance. "We scored tries, collectively the defensive effort was good and in general it was a commanding performance. [Man of the match] Fourie [du Preez] was again a little general and all the guys put their hands up." Nevertheless, Smit said the team would not depart from the recipe they had written to win the Tri-Nations for the first time since 2004. "We said from the first game we played against the [British] Lions that we would play it every single week, one game at a time, and then at the end of the year have a look and see what we managed to collect. That will remain the policy going forward. "We have got a poor record away from home and now we have an opportunity to make sure we rectify that. Every game we will play on our merits and our next most important game is in Brisbane in a week's time." In reaction to media criticism that had labelled the Boks boring, one dimensional and unable to score four tries, Smit said: "Scoring tries and record scores are one thing and it was a satisfying performance. We were tempted to listen to everything that was being written about how we played. But we were adamant we are a team that can adapt to what's necessary. With the ball we can take it wide and attack spaces and we showed that we can do that. "Whatever it takes to win, this team will find it," said the Bok skipper. RUGBY365

The Springboks will have a new right wing when they tackle the Wallabies in a Tri-Nations encounter in Brisbane at the Suncorp Stadium on Saturday. Springbok winger JP Pietersen and lock forward Andries Bekker was sent home after sustaining injuries in Saturday's 32-25 over Australia at the Subiaco Oval in Perth. Pietersen pulled a hamstring while Bekker injured his shoulder. According to Springbok media manager, Anthony McKaiser, no replacements will be called for to replace the two injured players. "We will just have to rely on the players that we have available on tour," McKaiser said after the Boks touched down in Brisbane on Sunday. On Saturday Adrian Jacobs replaced Pietersen on the wing. Bekker picked up his injury when he came on as a second half replacement at lock. McKaiser said Danie Rossouw should have recovered from his hamstring strain by Saturday and should provide cover for Bekker. Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers, however has to think long and hard on who will replace Pietersen against the Wallabies on Saturday. The Bok coach has to decide if he is going to continue with Jacobs (essentially a centre) on the wing. He also has the option of including a specialist winger like Odwa Ndungane in the starting line-up. De Villiers can also move Jaque Fourie out to the wing with Jacobs slotting in at outside centre. Jean de Villiers has played many Tests for the Boks on the wing in the past, but it is unlikely that De Villiers will pursue that option. Frans Steyn who replaced Ruan Pienaar at fullback in the second half on Saturday is possibly De Villiers safest option. Steyn made his debut there for the Boks. Defensively he is sound. He is safe under the high ball and also has a booming boot. NEWS24

The 'Bloodgate' controversy that has already left a massive stain on English rugby seems set to spill over into the international game, with allegations of systematic cheating at test match level, according to UK press reports. The Sunday Telegraph has reported that England's national team faces a Rugby Football Union probe after it had been fingered as one of the culprits in claims that faking blood injuries to gain a tactical advantage had become prevalent not just at club level, but the higher one as well. With the English RFU's chief Francis Baron already vowing to clean up the game in the wake of the 'Bloodgate' scandal that saw London club Harlequins caught red-handed using a fake blood capsule to affect a tactical substitution in a Heineken Cup quarterfinal last season, it seems certain that the latest allegations will fuel a deep-seated investigation. The English game is reeling after the 'Bloodgate' affair played out in all its sordid details, with former All Black Nick Evans inadvertently caught up in the controversy as the player Quins coach Dean Richards wanted brought back into the European knockout clash against Leinster. Harlequins wing Tom Williams left the field with what appeared to be blood streaming from his mouth, though the ensuing investigation revealed he had bitten into a capsule containing red dye, bought earlier from a novelty shop. He was later deliberately cut by the team doctor in an attempt to further cover up the cheating. Williams' subsequent testimony, which included allegations of his being offered financial inducements by the club to cover up the extent of the deceit, led to bans for himself, Quins director of rugby Dean Richards and former club physio Steph Brennan. Richards, who ordered the dubious replacement and the use of the fake blood capsule, was hit hardest, with a three-year suspension from all rugby. Although the RFU has ruled out further action against the London club, the Telegraph's report claims the national body will be investigating the England team and any potential part played in what is alleged to be systematic cheating at the professional level. According to the Telegraph, the Harlequins 'Bloodgate' investigation, headed by top businessman Malcolm Wall, had revealed widespread cheating, including the deliberate cutting of players. The paper quoted a source close to the inquiry. "According to our investigations it [cheating] is fairly widespread. I have wrestled with myself as to whether 50 percent of Premiership clubs are involved or 20 percent, and I simply don't know," the Sunday Telegraph quoted the unnamed source as saying. "What I do know is that some of the practices are occurring within international teams. Those teams are involved in the Six Nations and England have in the past been one of them." The paper claimed the inquiry heard details of widespread use of a technique that saw players cut behind the ear and stitched before games, allowing the wound to be opened should a blood-bin replacement be required. The RFU has already assembled a "task group" that is to tackle issues arising out of the 'Bloodgate' affair. The Quins club is reeling from the controversy, with chairman Charles Jillings resigning and Wall taking over on an interim basis. RUGBYHEAVEN

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers said Monday he will not repeat his error from the British and Irish Lions series and instead will name his strongest lineup to face the Wallabies this weekend. The unbeaten Springboks are just one point away from clinching their first Tri-Nations' crown in five years and de Villiers declared he will not be taking the crisis-hit Wallabies for granted in Brisbane. Instead of resting some key personnel and giving more game-time to other players, de Villiers said he will go in strong against the win-less Aussies. The world champions' only loss this year was to the British and Irish Lions in the dead-rubber third Test, when de Villiers experimented with his team and paid the price. "You know, you only make a mistake once in your life, I made that mistake with the Lions," de Villiers told a press conference. "It chose to work in our favour because I know where I stand with combinations and individual abilities. "(But) for me to do the same thing now, when will I learn? "So it's not about winning the Tri-Nations, it's taking it game by game and trying to stay number one in the world. "We want to be the leading rugby nation, we want to set the trends, put down our markers, we want the world to follow us and we don't want to make our emblem cheap." De Villiers will be forced into at least two changes with winger JP Pietersen (hamstring) and reserve lock Andries Bekker (shoulder) sent home after being injured in last Saturday's 32-25 win over Australia in Perth. Pack enforcer Bakkies Botha is also in doubt with abdomen and knee problems, while possible replacement, Danie Rossouw, is working his way back from a hamstring strain. De Villiers said he was reluctant to call for replacements out of the South African Vodacom Cup and will give Botha as much time as possible to prove his fitness. Botha and superstar winger Bryan Habana (groin) both sat out training on Monday, but Habana has been ruled fit to play as the world champions search for their first win in Brisbane since 1971. NEWS24

Following hot on the heels of the disappointing departure of the injured JP Pietersen and Andries Bekker from the Springbok camp, came the news on Monday that Bakkies Botha, Bryan Habana and Danie Rossouw are battling niggles as well. The trio of Bulls stars are busy working with doctor Craig Roberts on their rehabilitation, with Botha carrying a knee injury, Habana having a groin niggle and Rossouw working on his conditioning following a mild hamstring strain he suffered before coming to Australia. But with coach Peter de Villiers needing to find replacements for Pietersen and Bekker in the match-day 22 for Saturday's Test in Brisbane, there is some trepidation in the camp. "The Bakkies injury is more of a worry than anything else, especially since Danie is fit but hasn't played for a while. We haven't used him a lot and we'll have to see whether he can be an 80-minute player," De Villiers said on Monday. "Bryan is more precautionary, he was rucked in the groin, but he could have played today if he had to. But it's a tough tour and the management of the players is important." De Villiers hinted that he may change his mind over calling up replacements for Pietersen and Bekker. "I don't want to weaken the provincial sides and then not use someone I've called over. But I will speak to the doctor and see if we really need someone. I appointed a brilliant support staff and I trust them with my life, I trust them to make those calls. If the doctor says I must look at other players, then I will do it," the coach said. De Villiers, who has put aside the antipathy he had displayed towards the media earlier in the year, was philosophical about the injury concerns. "We always prepare for the uncontrollables, that's part and parcel of being a rugby coach. Things are not always going to go all your way. We've been so lucky that we have not had a lot of injuries, but now we will just have to replace those players that do get injured," De Villiers said. The one thing the former scrumhalf is loathe to do is take anything for granted, even though the Springboks seem to have built up unstoppable momentum on their march to the Tri-Nations title. "We have done well up till now, but we need to keep that momentum going. Now is not the time to make silly mistakes even though we are so close to winning the competition." De Villiers made it quite clear that he will not be making a host of unforced changes to the Springbok team, admitting that he did not want a repeat of what happened in the final test of the British and Irish Lions series, when he made ten changes and lost 28-9 in Johannesburg. "I only make the same mistake once. I made changes for the last test against the Lions, but it has worked in our favour because I now know where I stand in terms of combinations and individual players. "We will take it game by game, even if we have won the Tri-Nations, because we want to stay number one. We want to lead, we want to set trends, lay down markers wherever we go. We want the world to follow the things we do well and we will not cheapen our emblem," De Villiers said. NEWS24

The Springboks have made two changes to their match 22 to face Australia in a Tri-Nations match at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday. Both changes have been enforced by injuries. Coach Peter de Villiers announced on Tuesday that Sharks wing Odwa Ndungane will take the place of provincial counterpart JP Pietersen in the starting line-up, while Bulls lock Danie Rossouw makes a return to the bench in the place of Western Province's Andries Bekker. Both Pietersen (hamstring) and Bekker (shoulder) have returned to South Africa after sustaining injuries in the 32-25 win at the Subiaco Oval in Perth last week. De Villiers also confirmed that concerns over minor ailments to Bakkies Botha and Bryan Habana had eased and that both players would be ready to fill their places on Saturday. Botha was rested from practice on Tuesday but Habana took part in the session. The match will see Ndungane, who last played for the Springboks in the final Test against the British & Irish Lions in July, earn his fifth Test cap. De Villiers said that including Ndungane had not been a difficult choice: "Whilst we have a lot of versatile players in the squad, Odwa is a natural winger and therefore was the first choice. He has been running the moves with us for some time and is familiar with the defensive patterns so he should fit in pretty easily". Ndungane said he was glad to get the opportunity to start: "I am looking forward to it. It is a great chance for me to get some game time and hopefully I can make a contribution to the success of the team". Rossouw, meanwhile, returns to the bench after missing selection into the match 22 last week with a hamstring strain. He did do duty off the bench in the Test against the Wallabies in Cape Town on August 8 and is able to cover at both lock and flank. Addressing media in Brisbane, De Villiers was cautious about his team getting ahead of themselves. "We have not won the Tri-Nations title yet and there are still two tough games to play. We are focussing on the immediate task at hand and that is to do well against Australia on Saturday". The coach was also asked what it would mean if the Boks were successful in winning all six of their Vodacom Tri-Nations games in 2009. "We are trying to be the best that we can be. We do not chase records but strive to improve on each and every performance. This team can still get much, much better and is playing winning rugby whilst still making errors. It excites me when I think of what these players could still do on the field," he said. The match will mark the 50th Test appearance for centre Jaque Fourie, who is the fifth player after Schalk Burger, Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers and Fourie du Preez to reach the milestone in 2009. "It is a fantastic honour to represent your country and I am looking forward to getting my 50th cap," he said. "There are a lot of guys in the squad now who have reached 50 and several others who are in the 80's which brings great experience and composure to the team. The spirit is great in the camp and the guys are eager to do well at the weekend," Fourie said. Springboks: 15. Ruan Pienaar, 14. Odwa Ndungane, 13. Jaque Fourie, 12. Jean de Villiers, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Morne Steyn, 9. Fourie du Preez, 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Juan Smith, 6. Heinrich Brüssow, 5. Victor Matfield, 4. Bakkies Botha, 3. John Smit (captain), 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Tendai Mtawarira Reserves: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17. Jannie du Plessis, 18. Danie Rossouw, 19. Schalk Burger, 20. Ricky Januarie, 21. Adi Jacobs, 22. Frans Steyn NEWS24

Queensland Reds halfback Will Genia and Western Force openside flanker David Pocock have been handed maiden Tri-Nations starting roles, among the key changes to the Wallabies side for Saturday night's test against South Africa in Brisbane. The pair are among five personnel alterations to the starting combination from last weekend's match against the same opponent in Perth, with the others seeing Berrick Barnes return from injury in the place of Ryan Cross, Drew Mitchell slot in for Peter Hynes on the wing, while Tatafu Polota-Nau takes over from Stephen Moore in the front row. After being forced to miss the last test due to the effects of a head knock suffered in the Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney two weeks ago, Barnes has proved his fitness and been reinstated. He returns at inside centre, with Adam Ashley-Cooper shifting out one backline slot from last week to take over from Cross at centre. Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says Barnes' established combination with Genia, whom he has played alongside regularly at the Reds, was a factor in the selectors' thinking. "Will has shown us since he joined the squad at the start of the Tri-Nations that he is up to this level, and we saw that again last Saturday night. Having Berrick, whom he knows so well and has such a great understanding with, playing along side him will also help." The selection of Pocock, who Deans says has offered great value from the bench so far during the Tri-Nations, sees skipper George Smith move to No 8 to accommodate the 21-year-old in his run on Tri-Nations debut. It is not a new combination: the Australian loose trio finished that way last weekend, after Pocock replaced No 8 Richard Brown eight minutes into the second half. "George is comfortable at the back of the scrum while Dave has shown, in the opportunities he's had to date, that he is worthy of a crack from the start." Likewise Polota-Nau has earned a starting spot after making an impact from the run on substitutes each time he has been called on, which includes the final 27 minutes of last weekend's international. Moore moves to the bench alongside last weekend's starting halfback, Luke Burgess, while Brown has been omitted from the line-up. No 8 Wycliff Palu returns on the bench, after getting through a solid hit-out for his Manly club last weekend, taking Brown's place. Warringah and Western Force prop Pek Cowan, who also played club rugby last weekend, has similarly been promoted onto the bench, taking over from Al Baxter. Queensland Reds flyhalf Quade Cooper has been selected on the bench, subject to proving his fitness after spraining his knee at the end of the last test match. Tighthead prop Ben Alexander and lock Mark Chisholm, who were added to the starting XV last weekend, have both been retained although Hynes has swapped roles with Mitchell, and will this week start from the bench. Although Australia can no longer win either the Tri-Nations or the Mandela Trophy this year, Deans says the remainder of the competition, and in particular his charges' last crack at the world's top ranked team for the year, still offered a major opportunity. "It's a test match and against the world's best team at one of the premier venues in world rugby. That's not a prospect any of our blokes would take lightly," Deans says. "Every time you put on your national jumper you want to - and expect to - do your best. That motivation doesn't change, regardless of the circumstance." Deans also pointed to the similarities to last year's final test between these two sides at Johannesburg, after Australia had already secured the Mandela Trophy by going two up in the series. South Africa comfortably won the third game, and gained such momentum from that performance, that it has lost just one of the 11 matches played since. WALLABIES: 15 James O'Connor 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Will Genia, 8 George Smith, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 James Horwill, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson. Reserves: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 Wycliff Palu, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Quade Cooper, 22 Peter Hynes. RUGBYHEAVEN

Springbok captain John Smit and coach Peter de Villiers have made reference to the importance of consistency, a key factor in the Boks' run of successes in recent times. It is not new and it is not ingenious, but it is a recipe that is often lost on national coaches determined to leave their own mark on the game. There are countless examples, both in the most recent and distant history of Bok rugby. Nick Mallett, at the height of his 16-match unbeaten run (which included winning the 1998 Tri-Nations), was often criticised for religiously sticking to the same core group of players. Who will forget the flack he got in the media for backing Percy Montgomery, even through some turbulent times. Montgomery went on to become his country's most capped and most celebrated player. It is also fact that when Mallett started tampering with his team - such as dropping long-time captain Gary Teichmann in 1999 - it all went pear-shaped. Mallett admitted that was one of his biggest mistakes. World Cup-winning coach Jake White was also often taken to task in the media for backing certain players, building a core group from 2004, which won the Webb Ellis Trophy in 2007. And De Villiers deserves plaudits, plenty of them, for having the wisdom for not tampering too much with a successful recipe - keeping intact the core of the Class of 2007. Of course he has introduced a few new faces, but as Bok captain John Smit told the media in Brisbane, the Boks are benefiting from this policy - having already claimed a series victory over the B&I Lions this year, while adding the Freedom Cup and Mandela Challenge Plate trophies to the growing list of silverware, not to mention that they are on the brink of another Tri-Nations victory. "It makes a big difference having consistency in selection and it's a wonderful advantage for us," Smit told a media gathering in Brisbane, as the Boks prepared for Saturday's Test against the Wallabies - which could see them take an unassailable lead in the Tri-Nations competition if they continue their unbeaten run in the tournament. "In this game there are no guarantees you'll be on the field next week, because injuries are part and parcel of the game. "And they seem to creep in when you're not being that successful; I can remember 2006 when it felt like we were playing against the best team in the world for six weeks in a row and we were being called the laughing stock of the Tri-Nations. "But that's the way it goes, you have to build a team and learn from those sort of experiences," Smit said. The Bok mentor, De Villiers, made it clear he also subscribes to this doctrine. "We try to be consistent in selection because that's how you instill confidence in the players and reward them for working hard," De Villiers said. It is worth noting that the starting XV for Saturday boasts an amazing 624 Test caps - with more than half the team on 50 Test caps or more. There are another 209 Test caps on the replacement bench to call on. To put this into perspective, it is worth remembering that when South Africa returned from isolation, in 1992, the Bok record for most Test caps were jointly held by Jan Ellis and Frik du Preez - who had played in 38 Tests before their retirement in the early 1970s. Their record stood for almost three decades. They are true legends of the game, men revered for their skill and rugby playing abilities ... not to mention their longevity. However, 11 members of Saturday's team have all played in more Tests - a list headed by captain John Smit (88 Tests), followed by Victor Matfield (87), Juan Smith (61), Bakkies Botha (61), Bryan Habana (52), Jean de Villiers (52), Schalk Burger jnr (51), Fourie du Preez (50), Jaque Fourie (49), Danie Rossouw (41) and Enrico Januarie (39). Ruan Pienaar (34), Pierre Spies (26), Bismarck du Plessis (28), Adi Jacobs (26) and Frans Steyn (34) can also be regarded as 'veterans' in the team. Despite this solid position and playing against a Wallaby team that has yet to threaten anybody in this year's Tri-Nations, the Boks refuse to take Saturday's game for granted. South Africa stand two victories away from an unprecedented undefeated run through an expanded Tri-Nations - they went unbeaten in winning all four their matches in 1998, before the series was extended in 2006 - but both the coach, De Villiers, and captain, Smit, have downplayed their side's current form. New Zealand have won three Tri-Nations trophies without dropping a game, but like the Springboks' 1998 tournament victory there were only four matches in each of those series. Since 2006 no side has been able to completely dominate the contest. De Villiers looked to pour cold water on the suggestion his side could achieve the feat with wins over Australia this Saturday in Brisbane and New Zealand in Hamilton the following weekend. "We don't have control over winning and losing, we have prepared the same as we have for all the games up to now," De Villiers told the media in Brisbane. "We know where we can be, we know where we want to be, but we're not taking anything for granted. "It will be brilliant if we can win this next game." The Springboks boss believes his side cannot afford to get ahead of itself. "We look at every game and treat it as the last game of our careers, we throw everything into that game and we go from there," he said. "We're not chasing records, we're looking after the small things first and at the end if we're successful, that kind of stuff will come." Smit was quick to echo the caution of his coach. "We need to adopt an attitude like that ... there are five points available for us and that's what we're after, we have to take it one game at a time. "At this stage, the only focus is to win on Saturday by any means possible." RUGBY365

South Africa's formidable pack has the inexperienced Wallabies front-row in their sights as they seek to demolish the Australian scrum at Suncorp Stadium. It was the Springboks' undervalued backline which stung Australia badly in Perth but the ever-hungry world champions are also desperate for complete forward domination on Saturday night. The Wallabies' pack certainly didn't win the set-piece battle, especially with lineout frailties exposed at key times, at Subiaco Oval but South Africa were less than satisfied with their return. The visitors conceded a string of penalties at scrum time in their four-try 32-25 triumph which sparked a please-explain letter sent to IRB referees boss Paddy O'Brien. Assistant coach Dick Muir on Thursday reported the Springboks were satisfied with O'Brien's response, and cited differences of opinions between themselves and referee Bryce Lawrence rather than "technical problems". Muir praised Saturday's whistle-blower Wayne Barnes as a well-credentialled official and suggested South Africa's superior muscle would win out with monstrous front-row collisions. "It's something that we have worked on this week to be better in the scrums on Saturday," he said. "We're very confident that it is an area he (Barnes) will manage very carefully. "He would have done his homework and he would realise the strength of the South African pack." While Australian loose-head Benn Robinson continues to trouble Springbok skipper John Smit, his fellow front-rowers Ben Alexander and Tatafu Polota-Nau each start their second Tri-Nations Tests. Vice-captain Victor Matfield stressed his scrum - led by Beast Mtawarira - was focused on unleashing huge hits at contact to dominate, either with good ball or penalties from collapses. "It's very technical," Matfield said. "Some days you get it right and I think we just look back a few weeks against the British and Irish Lions where the one week we dominated and the next week they dominated. "We have worked a lot this week on a great hit. "Hopefully the ref will allow both teams to go for big hits and allow the stronger team to get the upper hand." The lineout is always an area the Springboks, with lock Matfield calling the shots, attempt to exploit. Polota-Nau's surprise ascension at hooker ahead of Stephen Moore and a smaller back-row surely has Matfield's mouth watering at the opportunity to dismantle the Wallabies set-piece. The powerful Australian rake's reputation has been sullied by throwing woes in the past. He's improved, particularly with the Waratahs in the 2009 Super 14, but remains shaky against the Boks. The Wallabies are also hamstrung by having three jumpers instead of four after No.8 Richard Brown was dumped for a second ball-scavenger in David Pocock. "Hopefully we can put them under pressure and that can be a good area for us," he said. "We believe they will go with shorter lineouts that will help them with three jumpers." Matfield hinted he could move to the front of the lineout to add extra scrutiny to Polota-Nau's throwing. RUGBYHEAVEN

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has announced a 30-man All Blacks squad in preparation for their final two Tri-Nations Tests matches against South Africa and Australia in September. The All Blacks held a one-day training camp in Christchurch on Wednesday with All Blacks and Otago flank Adam Thomson, his Otago lock teammate Tom Donnelly and Canterbury utility back Colin Slade joining the squad. The trio will stay with the All Blacks squad for the final two home Test matches as cover for injuries and to provide additional selection options. Thomson will provide injury cover in the loose forwards, with Kieran Read recovering from a knock to his knee, while Donnelly will do the same at lock for the injured Bryn Evans. Slade, a Junior All Black for this year's Pacific championship, will provide cover in the backs because of injuries to Conrad Smith (hamstring), Luke McAlister (cheekbone) and Tamati Ellison (calf). Prop Neemia Tialata, who is on the bench for Wellington this weekend, will also be available for Wellington for their Air New Zealand Cup round seven match against Taranaki next Thursday and will then join the All Blacks squad. The All Blacks assemble in Hamilton on Sunday September 6 to prepare for the Test against South Africa at Waikato Stadium on Saturday September 12. The All Blacks play Australia in Wellington on Saturday September 19 in the final match of the Tri Nations. The Springboks are nine points clear of the All Blacks and just one point from this week's Brisbane Test against Australia is likely to be enough to clinch the Tri-Nations, leaving the Kiwis with just a mathematical chance of the trophy. While South Africa have lost just once in seven internationals this year, the Wallabies have disintegrated after winning their first four domestic Tests. The Australians, under coach Robbie Deans, have lost their past six Tri-Nations matches, stretching back to last year, which equals their record for most consecutive losses in the tournament. The squad to prepare for the Tri Nations Tests against South Africa and Australia is as follows: John Afoa, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Wyatt Crockett, Aled de Malmanche, Stephen Donald, Tom Donnelly, Jason Eaton, Owen Franks, Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore, Cory Jane, Jerome Kaino, Tanerau Latimer, Brendon Leonard, Richie McCaw, Mils Muliaina, Ma’a Nonu, Kieran Read, Josevata Rokocoko, Isaac Ross, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Colin Slade, Rodney So’oialo, Adam Thomson, Neemia Tialata, Brad Thorn, Isaia Toeava, Piri Weepu and Tony Woodcock. RUGBY365

The desperate Wallabies aim to celebrate coach Robbie Deans's 50th birthday in style with a cherished Tri-Nations victory, and plenty of tries to ice the cake. Former All Black Deans notches his milestone on Friday but the result of Saturday's clash with South Africa will determine whether it's a happy occasion or not. A huge cricket and squash fan, the modest Deans isn't about to wave his bat at bringing up his half-century, knocking back interview requests about the milestone. His players were unaware of the significant anniversary on Thursday, with inside centre Berrick Barnes astounded at his age given his fitness and a distinct lack of grey hairs. "Half-century! Gee, he looks good doesn't he!," said Barnes. "His knees certainly aren't 50, they're older than that, but other than that he's calm under pressure. "He's given us all the necessary tools we need. We just have to take it all on to turn the tide." Now Australia is out of Tri-Nations reckoning following four straight losses, Barnes - a field-goal expert - talked up the Wallabies' desire to play running rugby to end their worst streak since 2005. "We've got nothing to lose,' he said. "I reckon we need to play some footy as well so we'll be backing ourselves." Hailed as Australian rugby's messiah last year, Deans' 50th comes at a time the code is under pressure due to poor results and a lack of entertainment compared to rugby league and AFL. Straight-talking Barnes played down the negativity. "Who knows? A couple of papers own league so they're going to pump it up," he said. "We're copping a bit of stick and it's hard down here because we've got to compete with four other codes and unfortunately there's not many tries being scored. "We'll be doing our best to put on a spectacle but you've got to have results too. So we'll be doing everything we can." RUGBYHEAVEN

Vodacom Western Province coach Allister Coetzee says his team will play running rugby and insists that his side will not be overly conservative in their Absa Currie Cup match against the Vodacom Blue Bulls at Newlands on Saturday (17h05). The hosts are brimming with confidence following their 21-9 victory over the Sharks in Durban last week, while the visitors will be desperate to get back to winning ways following their 20-13 defeat to the Xerox Lions. “We're at sea level and we should look for more opportunities and not be conservative in our approach,” said Coetzee. “But I'm not saying we're going to just chuck the ball around. We still have to make sure we get the territorial advantage and get set pieces in their half of the field, because that's where you normally get the opportunity to break the line. “We've got a very fit side, our conditioning is excellent and we finish strongly. We must continue doing the good work that we have been doing. This team has been playing with confidence and we need to continue doings so.” Coetzee has made only one forced change to his side that defeated the Sharks in Durban last Saturday. Deon Fourie starts at hooker and is in the side for the injured Tiaan Liebenberg, who is out of action due to a knee injury. Meanwhile Vodacom Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has selected scrumhalf Francois Hougaard on the wing in one of two changes made to the Pretoria side’s match day 22 for the Newlands clash. Heini Adams will start at scrumhalf. The other change is on the bench with prop Dean Greyling included to the substitutes list in place of Marius Delport, who drops out of the squad for Saturday’s fixture. “Heini and Francois know exactly where they stand and depending on how the game develops, the option is always there to use Francois at scrumhalf in the closing stages of the second half,” said Ludeke. In Wellington, fullback Stefan Terblanche will captain the Sharks in the absence of Johann Muller who has joined the Springboks in preparation of their Vodacom Tri-Nations clash against Australia in Brisbane, during their Absa Currie Cup match against the Boland Cavaliers on Friday (15h00). Five changes have been made to the starting team that were defeated 21-9 by the Vodacom Western Province in Durban last Saturday. In the backline, Waylon Murray starts at outside centre in the place of Andries Strauss while scrumhalf Charl McLeod comes into the side in the absence of the injured Rory Kockott. Craig Burden also starts at hooker with Skipper Badenhorst relegated to the bench. With Muller on Bok duty, Albert van den Berg will wear the number five jersey. Patric Cilliers also gets an opportunity in the starting 15 at prop in place of Wiehahn Herbst who has been ruled out for the rest of the Absa Currie Cup season after dislocating his ankle during the match against WP. “If you look at Boland, all year they have been walloped away, but they’ve done well at home and there have been some close games,” said Sharks assistant coach Grant Bashford. “The Absa Currie Cup has a nasty habit of turning over big sides, so complacency is not something you take into any games, especially against these smaller sides. Boland can hurt you if you let them into the game and the challenge for us will be to play well.” The Boland Cavaliers are currently in eighth position on the Absa Currie Cup log and have only defeated the Platinum Leopards (28-16) in the competition this season. Vodacom Free State Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske made three changes to his team that will play the Xerox Lions at Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein (15h00) on Saturday. Springbok Sevens star Robert Ebersohn and Danwel Demas, will both miss Saturday’s clash due to injury and are replaced by Philip Snyman and JW Jonker respectively. Ashley Johnson will also wear the number eight jumper and replaces Hendro Scholtz, who was ruled out of the match due to head injury. The Xerox Lions will be captained by eighthman Willem Alberts after Cobus Grobbelaar was ruled out of this clash due to a shoulder injury which he sustained in a match against The Sharks last month. Meanwhile Platinum Leopards coach Chaka Willemse also made two changes to his tight five in preparation of their Absa Currie Cup Premier Division match against the GWK Griquas in Potchefstroom on Friday night (19h10). Prop Nardus Lombard and lock Rudi Mathee replaces Divan Kotzé (ankle) and Rynard Landman (shoulder) respectively, after both players sustained injuries during last weekend’s match against the Boland Cavaliers. The GWK Griquas will be desperate to hit back to winning ways following their recent run of three successive defeats in the Absa Currie Cup to the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs (13-58), The Sharks (6-41) and the Vodacom Blue Bulls (24-25). Teams for the weekend: Vodacom Western Province - Joe Pietersen, Tonderai Chavhanga, Juan de Jongh, Morgan Newman, Gio Aplon, Peter Grant, Dewaldt Duvenhage, Luke Watson, Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Anton van Zyl, Chris Jack, Brok Harris, Deon Fourie, Wicus Blaauw. Reserves: Hanyani Shimange, JD Moller De Kock Steenkamp, Pieter Louw, Conrad Hoffmann, Frikkie Welsh, JJ Engelbrecht. Vodacom Blue Bulls - Zane Kirchner, Gerhard van den Heever, Jaco Pretorius, Stefan Watermeyer, Francois Hougaard, Burton Francis, Heini Adams, Dewald Potgieter, Pedrie Wannenburg, Deon Stegmann, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Derick Kuün (c), Jaco Engels. Reserves: Bandise Maku, Frik Kirsten, Fudge Mabeta, Jacques Burger, Dean Greyling, Francois Brummer, Tiger Mangweni. Boland Cavaliers - Llewellyn Adonis, Deon Scholtz, PJ Vermeulen, Hein Myburgh, Cornal Hendricks, Elgar Watts, Charles King, Zandre Jordaan, Hilton Lobberts, Wendal Wehr, Rito Hlungwane, George Earl, Jane du Toit, Clemen Lewis (c), Janro van Niekerk. Reserves: Harry Vermaas, Johan Roets, Nico Esterhuize, Carel Hoffman, Denzel Willemse, Ernie Kruger, Justin Peach. The Sharks - Stefan Terblanche (c), Chris Jordaan, Waylon Murray, Riaan Swanepoel, Lwazi Mvovo, Juan Hernandez, Charl McLeod, Keegan Daniel, Jean Deysel, Jacques Botes, Albert van den Berg, Steven Sykes, Patric Cilliers, Craig Burden, Deon Carstens. Reserves: Skipper Badenhorst, Melusi Mthethwa, Alistair Hargreaves, Micheal Rhodes, Ross Cronje, Monty Dumond, Andries Strauss. Vodacom Free State Cheetahs - Hennie Daniller, JW Jonker, Phillip Snyman, Corne Uys, Jongi Nokwe, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, JP Joubert, Ashley Johnson, Frans Viljoen, Johan Wessels, David de Villiers, Nico Breedt, WP Nel, Adriaan Strauss (c), Coenie Oosthuizen. Reserves: Richardt Strauss, Wian du Preez, Izak van der Westhuizen, Kabamba Floors, Tertuis Carse, Louis Strydom, Lionel Mapoe. Xerox Lions - Earl Lewis, Dusty Noble, Alwyn Hollenbach, Pieter Engelbrecht, Johan Jackson, Herkie Kruger, Jano Vermaak, Willem Alberts, Franco van der Merwe, Derick Minnie, Johan Snyman, Nico Luus, Gert Muller, Hans van Dyk, JC Janse van Rensburg. Reserves: Derek Harwood, Kevin Buys, Wouter Moore, Todd Clever, Johan van Deventer, Doppies la Grange, Ruan Boshoff. Platinum Leopards - Russell Jeacocks, Danie Dames, Jovan Bowles, Basil de Donker, Shuaib Samaai, Cecil Dumond, Micheal Bondesio, Christo van Niekerk, Thabo Mamojele, Wilhelm Koch (c), Edrich Linde, Rudi Mathee, Philip Lemmer, Marthinus van der Westhuizen, Nardus Lombaard. Reserves: Gavin Williamson, Barend van der Walt, Bennie Adams, Riaan Swanepoel, Jean Tiedt, Clayton Durand, Nicky Kritzinger. GWK Griquas - Riaan Viljoen, Bjorn Basson, Wilmaure Louw, Barry Geel, Trompie Nontshinga, Naas Olivier, Dougie Hellmuth, Jonathan Mokuena (c), Davon Raubenheimer, Rohan Kitshoff, Jacques Lombard, Cecil Kemp, Albertus Buckle, Ryno Barnes, Zane Kilian. Reserves: Simon Westraadt, Ruaan du Preez, Nolan Clark, Sean Plaatjies, Sarel Pretorius, Jaco Bekker, Gavin Passens. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The Springboks believe the return of Berrick Barnes to the Wallabies midfield has ended any chance of them scoring easy set-piece tries for the second Test running. The visitors were given a leg-up during the Test at Subiaco last Saturday night when they took advantage of the changed Wallabies centres combination of Adam Ashley-Cooper and Ryan Cross to score two easy tries after scrums had been set. For the Wallabies, it was the ultimate embarrassment as they pride themselves on defence, and their coach Robbie Deans expressed his disdain later that night when he said that conceding such tries was inexcusable. The tourists fear Barnes's return to inside-centre will make the Wallabies' midfield a near impenetrable force. While Springboks assistant coach Dick Muir said Barnes would give the Wallabies a ''big boost'', their centre Jean de Villiers admitted he wasn't exactly looking forward to countering the Matt Giteau-Barnes five-eighth-inside-centre combination. De Villiers said Barnes ''is a very important part of their team. He is a great distributor of the ball, with great passing and kicking skills. You need an organiser at No.10 and No.12, and he does that very well.'' De Villiers laughed off suggestions Giteau might be better at inside-centre than at No.10. ''Matt is a world-class player,and he's already scored three tries in two Tests against us, so I wouldn't want to see him when our defence is not good. It doesn't matter where he plays, he is still a dangerous player,'' de Villiers said. ''We never thought he was going to No.12. We always thought he would stay at No.10. And when Barnes and him play together, they do swap around a lot, and change in the No.10 and 12 channels. They do utilise the pair of them very well. ''Matt is such a dangerous player on attack, because he has such fantastic feet. He is such a good player with ball in hand, so elusive and able to stop people on the chase on the one-on-one. He makes good decisions.'' Muir, meanwhile, confirmed that the Springboks had received a reply from the International Rugby Board after head coach Peter de Villiers complained about several scrummaging decisions against them in Perth. De Villiers was obviously concerned that, for the second Test running, Wallabies loose-head prop Benn Robinson had the better of his opposite, Springboks skipper and tight-head John Smit. ''It has been sorted out, and we are satisfied with the reply,'' Muir said. ''It wasn't too technical, just about certain opinions and decisions made. It's something we've worked on in the scrums, and we will be better there this week.'' Muir described this week's referee, Wayne Barnes, as competent. ''We're confident it is an area he will manage very carefully, and he will realise the strength of the South African pack.'' RUGBYHEAVEN

The International Rugby Board has announced that South Africa’s Rugby World Cup winning coach Jake White has been appointed to the IRB Rugby Committee. White, widely recognised as one of the finest coaches in the game, coached the Springboks to Rugby World Cup success in France in 2007 and the TriNations title in 2004 during 54 Tests in charge. "The IRB Council believed that it was important that the Rugby Committee was expanded to include leading international representativesfrom coaching, playing and women’s administration to make informed recommendations on critical areas of the Game such as player welfare, application of the Laws and coaching techniques,” said IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset. "There are few better qualified coaches to join the Rugby Committee than White, who is a Rugby World Cup winner, a Tri Nations winner andtwice IRB Coach of the Year. We are honoured that he has accepted theinvitation and look forward to his invaluable contribution to the IRB Rugby Committee and the Game worldwide." White, IRB Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2007, is already looking forward to making a contribution to the IRB Rugby Committee when it meets in Dublin in October and playing his part in assisting the ongoing development and growth of the Game around the world. "It is a massive honour for me to be asked by the IRB Council to join the IRB Rugby Committee. Rugby is a sport that is constantly evolvingon and off the field and with that come challenges. As a coach in domestic and international Rugby I have experienced the evolution first hand. I am now looking forward to using my experience to give something back to the Game through the IRB Rugby Committee," said White. "The Rugby Committee plays a central role in ensuring that the Sport continues to thrive and grow in the safest possible environment using thebest possible techniques for playing, coaching, officiating and administering the Game. I am excited about the prospect of being involvedin that process.” The IRB Rugby Committee comprises IRB Council members Graham Mourie (Chairman), Chris Le Fevre (Canada), Bill Nolan (Scotland), John O’Neill (Australia), David Pickering (Wales) and Pat Whelan (Ireland). White joins Carol Isherwood, a leading figure in theWomen’s Game, in being appointed to the Committee. A further announcement detailing the appointment of a former international player will be made in the coming days. "The IRB Rugby Committee plays an important role in advising the IRB Council on all issues related to playing the Game across the spectrum fromcommunity Rugby up to the professional Game. The personnel who sit on the Committee have a wealth of knowledge of administrating the Game and the appointment of World Cup winner Jake White, alongside leading figure in the Women’s Game Carol Isherwood and a soon to be named former International player, further strengthens the Committee," said IRB Rugby Committee Chairman Graham Mourie. RUGBY365

Australia's department of youth stepped up grandly to upset the world champion Springboks and finally snap a six-game Tri-Nations losing streak on Saturday night. The Wallabies' love affair with Suncorp Stadium continued with a 21-6 victory over South Africa which kept New Zealand alive in the tournament with two matches remaining. The rebuilding Australians scored two tries to nil to help coach Robbie Deans celebrate his 50th birthday in style. The Wallabies haven't lost to South Africa in Brisbane since 1971. Creative halfback Will Genia and flanker David Pocock both stood tall in their first run-on Tri-Nations starts while prop Benn Robinson, who led a brilliant scrummaging display, was a deserved man of the match. "The boys are ecstatic," skipper George Smith said after finally opening their Tri-Nations account. "The guys are young but they are experienced. The way they sustained pressure throughout the match, I'm really proud of them." After holding a tense 9-6 lead for 23 minutes of the second half, centre Adam Ashley-Cooper broke the game open when he steamed onto a beautiful cut-out pass from Berrick Barnes to score. In his return from injury, Barnes' usually fine passing game was off for much of the match before he switched with Matt Giteau to stand at five-eighth and put Ashley-Cooper away untouched for a 16-6 lead. Teenage fullback James O'Connor put the icing on the cake by swooping on a Springbok error and scooting 25m for the sealer with three minutes left. Deans and his Wallabies had lamented time and again they were only inches away after four straight losses this year - their worst streak since 2005. Inches from victory. Inches from building a winning culture. For a long time on Saturday night it seemed they may again be inches away after three times being denied tries by the television match official by the barest of margins. In a first half of near misses for both sides, Bryan Habana twice saved almost certain Australian tries with brilliant last-ditch cover tackles on Lachie Turner and Giteau. But Australia were a touch fortunate to have the lead as they entered the sheds with referee Wayne Barnes rightly disallowing a try to Springbok flanker Heinrich Brussow due to a marginally forward pass by Fourie du Preez. Giteau's 35th minute close-range field goal gave the Wallabies a 9-3 lead late in the half but the world champions edged back to within three when super-boot Morne Steyn slotted a 40m penalty goal from the sideline. Unlike their 32-25 defeat in Perth, the Wallabies were more energetic and accurate throughout. They still suffered from some weak midfield defence with springbok centres Jean de Villiers and Jacque Fourie twice carving through the middle of Australia's 10-12 channel. Only desperate scrambling defence near the line three times prevented Fourie from scoring. The Wallabies' best chance came when rookie halfback Genia put Turner on a scoot down the right touch line only for Habana to swoop and crunch him in the corner. AUSTRALIA 21 (Adam Ashley-Cooper, James O'Connor tries Matt Giteau con 2 pens drop goal) bt SOUTH AFRICA 6 (Morne Steyn pen drop goal) at Suncorp Stadium. Referee: Wayne Barnes (ENG). Crowd: 47,481. AAP

Western Province remained in touch with the table-topping Sharks when they edged the Blue Bulls 25-19 in a bruising Currie Cup encounter at Newlands on Saturday. Although WP have 32 points on the table, just like the Sharks, the men from Durban edge their rivals from Cape Town on points difference. While the teams scored one try each, it was the boot of WP fullback Joe Pietersen that made the difference at Newlands - as his six penalties beat the four kicked by Bulls flyhalf Burton Francis. This was a grand old North-South clash in the grand old competition. There were some 43 000 people to watch, every one of them vocally partisan. It started at a great rate with the Blue Bulls, right from Burton Francis's kick-off, flinging everything into the attack. This continued for 20 minutes or so and then like even the strongest northwester it subsided and Western Province got right on top. The Blue Bulls went for some 50 minutes without scoring, needing a penalty kick at the death to salvage a bonus point - the second week in a row that they have needed this. The wearing down of the Blue Bulls started in the scrums. Right from early on Western Province were dominant there, a strange turn of events as for years and years the men from the North have had the muscular dominance in the scrums. Increasingly the Blue Bulls became rattled and their handling and option-taking suffered as a result. At the start the Blue Bulls dominated the line-outs, winning three of the first four Western Province throws but that was soon sorted out and in the end the Blue Bulls lost three of their last four. As the Blue Bulls attacked at the start, offside gave Francis an easy kick at goal from slap in front. 3-0 after two minutes and then when Morgan Newman was penalised at a tackle Burton made it 6-0 after eight minutes. After a bit of clever work at a line-out set Dewaldt Duvenhage darting down the touch-line Western Province began to find their feet and a penalty against Dewald Potgieter at a tackle enabled Joe Pietersen to goal from over 40 metres out. 6-3 after 19 minutes. The Blue Bulls try was a splendid affair. Western Province won a Blue Bulls line-out but Newman kicked a horrible kick to the Blue Bulls who counterattacked. They battered at the Western Province line and then went wide where a clever pass under pressure by Stefan Watermeyer sent Jaco Pretorius over far out. From far out Francis converted. 13-3 after 22 minutes. The Blue Bulls began their fade after this. After the try Western Province kicked off and the Blue Bulls were penalised for obstructively protecting the catcher. 13-6. Francois Louw, who may just have had his best match in a Western Province jersey, had a great break down the middle of the field and the Blue Bulls were penalised at the tackle. 13-9 but three minutes later Western Province were penalised at a tackle and Francis made it 16-9 The Blue Bulls did not score again for the next 50 minutes. From a turnover Western Province went down the blindside and Gio Aplon went skating away to put his team on the attack. From a scrum six metres out they attacked and bashed till Wicus Blaauw was held up over the Blue Bulls line. From the next five-metre scrum they went through 10 phases till they had another five-metre scrum. Deon Stegmann detached early and Pietersen made the half-time score 16-12. Only one try but an exciting and action-packed half. Having ended the first half so well, Western Province started the second half well and were soon bashing at the Blue Bulls line again, finding the defence solid. Another 10 phases led to a five-metre scrum - Western Province had four in the etch- Juan de Jongh darted at the posts and Blaauw was again close. Peter Grant was actually over but the pass to him was forward and a golden chance went abegging. Instead Western Province had to settle for a penalty, which Pietersen goaled. 16-15 after 46 minutes. There were two scrum penalties against the Blue Bulls set Western Province attacking. When Jacques Burger was penalised at a tackle, Pietersen goaled and for the first time in the match Western Province were ahead. 16-15 bashed. The penalty count in the match was 10-8 in Western Province's favour. From a line-out on their left the Western Province backs went sweeping round at speed with Pietersen heading for the line and then Tonderai Chavhanga. This led to another five-metre scrum and this time Western Province got the shove on, fractured the brittle Blue Bulls and gave Watson the chance to pick up and plunge for the try. Pietersen converted. 25-16. The best individual break of the match followed as Francis cut right through up the middle of the field, leaving forwards groping till Aplon got him. As the clock ran out of time, three penalties in quick succession - the first for hands in a scrum, the second for obstruction at the ensuing line-out and the third for dissent - gave Francis an easy kick at goal to earn the Blue Bulls a bonus point. It was a thoroughly enjoyable match, full of life, a match to be involved in. It was not all pleasant. Booing never is and at Newlands there was booing. They booed when the Blue Bulls ran onto the field. They booed the referee when he penalised Western Province. They booed when Burton Francis kicked at goal. Booing is not pleasant. But it was so pleasant when the flags were waved - royal blue and light blue, though by far the royal blue with its white hoops outnumbered the pale blues. It was pleasant when they started Western Province, jou lekker ding. The doves in the Cape coo that way but not as raucously. It was pleasant when they sang Olé after Luke Watson's try. The Mexican wave was enthusiastic and at least better than canned cheering. Man of the Match: Joe Pietersen was magnificent as was Gio Aplon. Francois Louw was powerful and diligent but really the victory started in the scrum and our Man of the Match is No.1 - Wicus Blaauw, not just for his scrumming but for his involvement around about and the wonderful confidence he exudes. The scorers: For Western Province: Try: Watson Con: Pietersen Pens: Pietersen 6 For the Blue Bulls: Try: Pretorius Con: Francis Pens: Francis 4 RUGBY365

The Springbok selectors have made one change to the team to face the All Blacks in the Tri-Nations clash in Hamilton on Saturday. Frans Steyn has been promoted to the starting XV with Ruan Pienaar reverting to the bench in the only change to the match 22 that went down 21-6 against Australia in Brisbane last weekend. Explaining the change, Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said he felt Steyn would be better suited to the game that he expected the All Blacks to play. "It's a case of horses-for-courses," the coach said. "With Dan Carter at fly-half for the All Blacks were are expecting them to kick quite a bit and Frans will be able to play a key role with his big boot," he said. De Villiers added that it had been a busy week for the Bok medical team with a few players carrying injuries. He added, however, that he expected wing Bryan Habana (hamstring) and number eight Pierre Spies (groin), who are both included, to fully overcome their injuries. "The medical team has worked intensively with a few players this week and they will continue to do so between now and the game. We always said that we expected to pick up a few injuries close to the end of the Tri-Nations and it is a case of managing the players properly". Commenting on the All Black line-up, De Villiers said he was not surprised with the selection of Dan Carter at fly-half with Steven Donald at twelve. South Africa: 15 Frans Steyn, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 John Smit (captain), 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira. Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Danie Rossouw, 19 Schalk Burger, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Adi Jacobs, 22 Ruan Pienaar.

The selection of Francois Steyn at full-back for the Springboks has left New Zealanders with little doubt that the All Blacks are in for another aerial bombardment at Waikato Stadium on Saturday. Steyn's opposite number in Hamilton, Mils Muliaina, has however been working on his technique and is confident he can defuse the high ball situation that gave the All Blacks so much trouble in South Africa. Part-time kicking coach Mick Byrne, who joined the All Blacks in Sydney ahead of the 19-18 defeat of the Wallabies last month, has drilled the kiwi back three to take several steps forward before jumping to catch a high ball after he noticed them jumping from a standing start during the double loss in the Republic, which made them vulnerable to the Springboks chasers. "We were jumping too early, getting underneath the ball, as opposed to going through the air," Muliaina told NZPA. "We've struggled to get up and claim the catches. And when we have, we've been isolated and turned balls over. "Whereas we're a lot stronger when we come forward and go through the air. "As a back three, I thought we were really good in that department (in Sydney) and we've probably progressed a lot throughout this week." It's hard to imagine a back three as experienced as Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko and Sitiveni Sivivatu - who boast 171 caps between them - learning new techniques, but the ever-more defensively orientated game these days calls for adaption. Muliaina was philosophical about the need to spend more time training to field kicks rather than honing his counter-attacking skill. "That's the frustrating thing, a lot of the teams who are making mistakes are the teams who are having a go," he said. "You take your hat off to the South Africans, they are doing it really well. We're probably not as good as we should be." New Zealand paid for their attack-at-all-cost attitude in the 19-31 loss at Durban. Muliaina blamed himself for some of the mistakes from deep which gifted points to the record-breaking boot of fly-half Morne Steyn. "It's certainly in our nature, the three of us, to counter attack and line break but still at the back of your mind you know if you're going to get isolated and gang tackled, you know three points are up for grabs," said the 75-Test veteran. "Siti is still carving up back there ... he's just backing his instincts. "That's where I was probably being a little hesitant." Muliaina said it wasn't just international rugby where kicking was king. Surprise Air NZ Cup leaders Bay of Plenty have kicked more than any other team this year. "As a back, everyone is expected to know how to kick ... it's a massive challenge in terms of your skill level," he said. "It has slowed the game down. Maybe rugby might have lost its appeal of attacking rugby because of a lot of kicking." Meanwhile, the All Blacks have taking a page out of the Wallabies playbook and have selected Stephen Donald outside of Dan Carter in a move similar to Australia's kicking duo of Matt Giteau and Berrick Barnes. The combination of the left-footed Carter and the right-footed Donald give the All Blacks more options. "It does take a weight off your shoulders, having left and right footed kicking combinations," said Carter. "And it does make it tough for opponents. Especially when it comes to reading which way you will kick and so forth. It worked well for the Aussies with Giteau and Barnes and hopefully it will work for us too." PLANET RUGBY

The Springboks added the 2009 Tri-Nations series to their already bulging trophy cabinet with a nailbiting 32-29 win over the All Blacks in Hamilton on Saturday. Not only does this mean a whitewash of the All Blacks in 2009 - three out of three - but the win at the Waikato Stadium means the Boks have in their possession every trophy available to them - the World Cup, a B&I Lions series victory, the Tri-Nations, the Mandela Challenge Plate (for a 2-1 series win against Australia) and the Freedom Com (beating the All Blacks 3-0). But back to Saturday. What a victory for John Smit and his men and nobody will gainsay that they deserved it. Close at the end, but victory deserved as the generous All Blacks through their captain, Richie McCaw, and their coach, Graham Henry, noted. The All Blacks, of course, went into the match with hopes and determination, knowing exactly what they needed to do to get a hand closer to the trophy. They needed to win, but they lost. They needed four tries; they got two. They needed to keep the Springboks pointless but the visitors got four points, in the end the Springboks were comfortable winners of the Tri-Nations with two wins abroad and just one defeat, and those wins included a rare whitewashing of the All Blacks. John Smit, a man for any country to be proud to have as a leader, was gracious in victory as he praised the All Blacks, knowing that they were never beaten till after you have heard the final whistle, and this one ended desperately close after it seemed that it was a one-horse race. Those last 25 minutes or so were thrilling, helter-skelter rugby that produced two thrilling tries and brought the All Blacks to a touch from victory, a long diagonal kick just floating into touch above the head of tall, leaping Isaac Ross five metres from the Springbok line, a minute beyond the match's 80 minutes. Of course, it was a gripping match and, of course, the Kiwis fought to the bitter end - and it was a bitter end for them, even if there still is a match against Australia in Wellington next week. From time to time the Springboks, when they have wobbled, have spoken about going back to their structures. They were back leaning on their structures again - playing down there, keeping pressure, cutting out errors and defending. Their defence was not perfect as they missed tackles but there were so many of them so often in good positions. And often those tackles were sore. Twice Ma'a Nonu was bustling ahead, twice Pierre Spies brought him down and twice he lost the ball forward. In the early part of the match the Springboks did well in the possession stakes, taking the first four New Zealand throws into the line-out. They also forced the All Blacks into handling errors and then late in the match they won crucial turnovers with Bismarck du Plessis and Heinrich Brüssow as their best poachers. The All Blacks scored brilliant tries but the Springboks scored the ones which counted and they were the rewards of pressure. Oddly enough they did not quite play "down there" as they would have liked but scored long-range points through the prodigious boot of François Steyn. Hamilton is not at altitude where the ball travels far but the Springbok fullback certainly made it travel far - 60 metres, 58 metres and then an easy 52 metres to score nine points for his country and produce a sinking feeling in the whole of New Zealand. It's hard to come back from that but the way they did shows the character and mental strength of the All Blacks. The penalty count again favoured the home side (12-8) but this time getting close was not necessary for scoring. It was the first time that the two countries had met in Hamilton and the Waikato Stadium was packed with nearly 32 000 people, many of them supporting the Springboks. Daniel Carter kicked off for New Zealand and immediately the All Blacks scored. Victor Matfield caught the kick-off but the referee penalised Smit for obstruction in supporting his vice-captain. Carter goaled. 3-0. South Africa attacked when the All Blacks failed to secure a kick by Morné Steyn and the Springboks were close but the All Blacks repulsed them. On the Springbok 10-metre line Sitiveni Sivivatu was ruled offside at a tackle thing and François Steyn lined it up. It soared high, it dipped but kept on travelling and it was over the bar - to the joy of François Steyn and the astonishment of the whole of the rugby world. Isaac Newton's law of gravity seemed to be losing its authority. 3-3 after 6 minutes. Three minutes later Tony Woodcock held on at a tackle and François Steyn again thumped the ball over, this time from about two metres shorter. 6-3 to the Springboks after 9 minutes. The Springboks were not again behind in the match. The first scrum came after 13 minutes and, as happens so often, the first scrum collapsed. As seldom happens the first scrum was penalised, Smit pointed out as the guilty party. 6-6 after 14 minutes. The Springboks were in All Black territory and Morné Steyn slapped over his third Test dropped goal. 9-6 after 17 minutes. South Africa won another New Zealand line-out and Fourie du Preez kicked high. He chased and leapt to compete with Joe Rokocoko for the ball. The tall All Black wing knocked it on and then Mils Muliaina knocked it to Bakkies Botha who went surging for the line. Jimmy Cowan, brave as ever, brought him down but Du Preez, who started it, finished it with a drive over the line which the TMO confirmed. Morné Steyn converted from far out. 17-6 after 20 minutes. New Zealand's targets were moving further and further back from them. The Springboks were penalised at the kick-off as the All Blacks dominated the tackle, and Carter goaled. 16-9 after 22 minutes. But four minutes later the Long Tom boot of François Steyn goaled when Nonu was penalised at a tackle. 19-9. A moment of silliness by Kieran Read gave the Springboks another three points. Bryan Habana had knocked on and the referee had blown for the scrum when Habana kicked ahead and Read moved off his line to put a broad shoulder into the slender wing. This was penalised and Morné Steyn goaled. 22-9 after 32 minutes. It took the Springboks 20 minutes to score again. Several Springboks were penalised for moving ahead of Spies's kick from within his 22 and Carter made the score 22-12 at the break. In the latter part of the half, the All Blacks had done well with pick-'n-drive, had fractured the Springbok maul and attacked from some clever work at the front of an attacking line-out till Carter grubbered into in-goal where François Steyn killed it. The Springboks were close early in the second half when Sivivatu knocked on a kick by Morné Steyn. The flyhalf retrieved the ball sold a dummy and darted at the line. He gave to Bismarck du Plessis who seemed likely to score till felled by Cowan. The All Blacks were running more now but their hands were unusually insecure - perhaps because of the wet. Their second-half line-outs were better. After a skew throw and a quick throw they won a normal line-out and went right. Carter threw a pass straight to Jean de Villiers and the famous ball-thief raced some 43 meters to score under the posts. 29-12 after 51 minutes. It would take a miracle of skill and resolve to produce an All Black victory out of this. The miracle almost happened. The All Blacks ran more and more and play suited them by becoming looser and looser. When Du Preez was penalised behind a sloppy Springbok scrum, Cowan tapped and strong Isaia Toeava, just on as a substitute for Donald, broke strongly down the left and gave to Sivivatu who wrong-footed Du Preez to score in Schalk Burger's tackle. Carter converted. 29-19 after 55 minutes. The All Blacks were now desperate for a try and opted for a scrum instead of a penalty in front of the posts - and then Woodcock's was penalised at the scrum as Smit drove him backwards. The next time the All Blacks had a penalty, one of three in a row against Bakkies Botha, Carter kicked at posts. 29-22 with 15 minutes to play. There were two great attacking moments from Bismarck du Plessis. First he charged down Cowan's kick then he won a turnover and Du Preez grubbered downfield where Muliaina was penalised for holding on. Morné Steyn made it 32-22 with 9 minutes to play. The All Blacks were not done. Substitute Adam Thomson won a deep line-out and they attacked but a turnover won by Bismarck du Plessis set the Springboks attacking till the All Blacks won a turnover off Danie Rossouw in their own 22. They ran and then attacked from a scrum till Carter kicked a high, left-to-right diagonal which McCaw caught right in the corner. He dropped to ground for the try. Carter took the conversion immediately and goaled. 32-29 with a minute to play. Back came the men in black till Carter attempted another diagonal, this time from right to left, and the ball just eluded Ross to go into touch. The Scorers: For New Zealand Tries: Sivivatu, McCaw Cons: Carter 2 Pens: Carter 5 For South Africa Tries: Du Preez, De Villiers Cons: M Steyn 2 Pens: F Steyn 3, M Steyn 2 DG: M Steyn RUGBY365

Vodacom Free State Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske on Sunday confirmed his team as one of the genuine Absa Currie Cup semi final contenders following their dramatic 33-31 win over Vodacom Western Province. The hosts claimed their sixth consecutive victory in the competition after referee Marius Jonker awarded a penalty try to the Bloemfontein side in the dying seconds of the match. “This win really showed the character of the team, especially to come back from behind and get the victory,” said Drotske. “I think now you can say that we are back in the hunt for the Absa Currie Cup semi finals. It’s a great achievement to be able to win six matches in a row. But it’s equally important for us to continue with what we’ve achieved over the last few weeks.” Vodacom Western Province outscored their opponents by five tries to four and boasted a commanding 26-16 half team lead. The visitors ran in four, five-pointers, before the break thanks to a brace of tries by centre Frikkie Welsh with wingers Tonderai Chavhanga and JJ Engelbrecht scoring the other tries in the first half. Centre Juan De Jongh crossed the try line for the Cape side in the second half. Fullback Joe Pietersen converted three of the five tries scored. However the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs fought their way back into the match with some attacking rugby and were rewarded with three tries which were scored by Johan Wessels, Meyer Bosman and Lionel Mapoe. Flyhalf Jacques-Louis Potgieter kicked three penalties and converted two tries. “It is extremely disappointing to go down at the end, especially if you consider that we scored four tries in the first half and achieved our bonus point so early in the match,” said Vodacom Western Province coach Allister Coetzee. “But some decisions on the field didn’t go our way and I also think we lost a bit of rhythm in the second half.” In Pretoria, Argentinean flyhalf Juan Hernandez scored 24 points as the Sharks handed the Vodacom Blue Bulls their fifth defeat (29-23) of the 2009 Absa Currie Cup Premier Division. The pivot scored a try as well as kicking two conversions, four penalties and a drop goal to steer the reigning champions back to the top of the competition’s log standings. Flanker Jacques Botes was the other player to cross the try line for the Sharks. The Vodacom Blue Bulls dominated possession and territory in the first half and held a comfortable 12-6 half time lead. However it was a different story in the second as the reigning champs turned in a huge second-half performance to overturn the six-point deficit. Flyhalf Burton Francis kicked four penalties for the hosts while Francois Brummer also converted two penalties for the Pretoria side. Prop Werner Kruger was the sole try scorer for the Vodacom Blue Bulls on the night. The defeat for the hosts relegated them to fifth position on the log with 27 points, two points behind the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs, who are now in fourth place. Meanwhile, the GWK Griquas moved in to third position on the Absa Currie Cup standings following their 31-16 win over the Boland Cavaliers in Wellington on Friday afternoon. The visitors scored five tries to two and played some entertaining, running rugby at the Boland Stadium. Barry Geel, Wilmaure Louw, Naas Olivier, Rohan Kitshoff and Trompie Nontshinga were the players to cross the try line for the visitors. Olivier converted three of the five tries that were scored by the GWK Griquas. For the Cavaliers, Alwyn Bester and Wendal Wehr were the players to add their names to the try-scoring sheet for the hosts. Fullback Justin Peach converted both tries and also kicked three penalties. In Johannesburg, the Xerox Lions also kept their semi final aspirations alive thanks to a 31-13 victory over the Platinum Leopards in their Absa Currie Cup match played at Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg on Friday evening. Jano Vermaak, Willem Alberts, Dusty Noble, Derick Minnie and Ruan Boshoff all crossed the try line for the hosts. Boshoff also added three conversions. Basil de Doncker scored the only try of the match for the Platinum Leopards. Cecil Dumond converted the try and also kicked two penalties. Weekend Results: Vodacom Free State Cheetahs 33 Vodacom Western Province 31 Scorers: Vodacom Free State – Tries: Johan Wessels, Meyer Bosman, Lionel Mapoe, Penalty try; Conversions: Jacques-Louis Potgieter (2); Penalties: Potgieter (3). Vodacom WP – Tries: Frikkie Welsh (2), Tonderai Chavhanga, JJ Engelbrecht, Juan de Jongh; Conversions: Joe Pietersen (3). Vodacom Blue Bulls 23 The Sharks 29 Scorers: Vodacom Blue Bulls - Try: Werner Kruger; Penalties: Burton Francis (4), Francois Brummer (2). The Sharks - Tries: Juan Hernandez, Jacques Botes; Conversions: Hernandez (2); Penalties: Hernandez (4); Drop goal: Hernandez. Boland Cavaliers 16 GWK Griquas 31 Scorers: Boland Cavaliers – Tries: Alwyn Bester, Wendal Wehr; Conversions: Justin Peach (2); Penalties: Peach (3). GWK Griquas – Tries: Barry Geel, Wilmaure Louw, Naas Olivier, Rohan Kitshoff, Trompie Nontshinga; Conversions: Olivier (3). Xerox Lions 31 Platinum Leopards 13 Scorers: Xerox Lions – Tries: Jano Vermaak, Willem Alberts, Dusty Noble, Derick Minnie, Ruan Boshoff; Conversions: Boshoff (3). Platinum Leopards – Try: Basil de Doncker; Conversion: Cecil Dumond; Penalties: Dumond (2). Issued by SA Rugby Communications

What’s the best New Zealand joke doing the rounds? That country’s lineout may well top the pile at present. It has been the key area of ridicule in a generally scathing domestic reaction to the All Blacks’ third consecutive defeat of the year to the Springboks at Hamilton on Saturday. Local media certainly latched onto the lineout as a critical source of woe, suggesting the department will need a massive post-mortem and rethink if New Zealand are to be contenders at their own World Cup party in 2011. Forwards coach Steve Hansen was predictably pilloried over its repeated failings in 2009 against Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and company. Richard Knowler of The Press scoffed at Hansen’s post-game assertion that “human error” could be blamed to a large degree. “The lineout is Hansen’s baby and when it crumbles, he must carry the can.” Toby Robson of The Dominion Post wrote: “Hooker Andrew Hore was like a golfer with the yips in Hamilton, worried as much about the tap-in as the 30-footer. “For all (lock) Isaac Ross’s promise, the All Blacks are badly missing a senior lineout specialist like the injured Ali Williams.” Wynne Gray of the New Zealand Herald national daily charged that the lineout was the “ugliest component” of the All Black armoury. “Sure, they were up against the world’s best but waiting 30 minutes to claim, ironically, their first collect from a Bok overthrow, was a handbrake on any continuity.” Outspoken columnist Chris Rattue, in the same paper, said: “It’s hard to know how Steve Hansen can keep his job when he has produced a lineout that couldn’t catch a cold in an epidemic.” Describing the Boks as “worthy champs” and the home side as “embarrassing chumps”, he was also generous in his praise for captain John Smit. “Smit was inspirational – including a wonderful hit on Brad Thorn – although it is probably inevitable that his tighthead scrummaging will remain erratic; that he will tire at times having returned to the position late in his career. “Smit will go down as a colossus of world rugby, in the pantheon with the likes of Martin Johnson and John Eales. “The All Blacks are simply going down: man for man, this is (their) worst side of the professional era.” NEWS24

In a move that will have the rugby world bowled over with delight, SANZAR have officially extended an invitation to Argentina for the Tri-Nations. The announcement was made on Monday, and the invitation is conditional on the Pumas having their best players available and broadcasting approval, which may cause problems for those Puma players who ply their trade in Europe. But the invitation is for the Pumas to join from 2012, meaning the UAR has nearly three years in which to either boost their domestic league or encourage their finest to join teams in the southern hemisphere. Andy Marinos, acting Managing Director of SA Rugby and CEO of SANZAR said: "To have the Pumas, third at Rugby World Cup 2007 and currently ranked sixth in the world, join with the three top ranked international teams in world rugby will be exciting for fans, players, sponsors and broadcasters across our four countries and beyond. "They play a different style to the All Blacks, Springboks and Wallabies and their inclusion will see the Tri Nations evolve to be a truly Southern Hemisphere Championship." SANZAR stressed that conditions are attached to the invitation for the Union Argentina de Rugby (UAR) to join the Four Nations in 2012. They are focused around: - Argentina securing the participation of their best players to play in the Four Nations. To assist with this the National Unions of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are very keen to actively work with Argentina to place their best players across Super Rugby teams in the three countries - SANZAR and Argentina confirming the financial model that will apply "In addition, SANZAR is in the process of renegotiating its broadcasting contracts and, whilst we have kept our broadcasters fully informed about the discussions with Argentina, we now need to confirm their view on the plan to include Argentina from 2012," said Marinos. "With the significant progress the UAR has made in transforming rugby in Argentina and making the case to SANZAR for it to be included in the Tri-Nations, we are confident that SANZAR, the UAR and the IRB can work together to confirm the Pumas participation from 2012." The President of the UAR, Porfirio Carreras, said: "This is a momentous time for rugby in Argentina and I would like to thank my board and everyone who supported us to reach this point. We are very much looking forward to working with our partners in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to secure our place in the best competition in world rugby in 2012." The format for the new Four Nations would see the four teams playing on a home and away basis meaning six matches per team and a total of 12 matches overall. The Four Nations will be played from mid-August (following the end of the new Super Rugby competition) for an eight or nine week period through until early to mid-October. In a Rugby World Cup year an abbreviated format will be played through July and August. Agustín Pichot, captain of the Pumas team at Rugby World Cup 2007 and now a member of the UAR High Performance Board and a member of Four Nations project team, said: "I can't express the joy of myself and the team that has been working on this project to get to this point. "We are delighted to have the chance to become a great rugby nation and to play in top-level international rugby and we are committed to working with SANZAR to meet the conditions. "This exciting development will be vital to grow the game in Argentina. This is historic and everyone in Argentina should be proud." PLANET RUGBY

Legendary All Black skipper Sean Fitzpatrick has labelled New Zealand's lineout during their 29-32 defeat against South Africa in Hamilton as 'disgraceful'. The All Blacks' set-piece has been their biggest problem during this year's Tri-Nations campaign and they have been masterfully exposed by Bok kingpin Victor Matfield. Assistant coach Steve Hansen and the All Black forwards have been on the defensive again following their latest woeful display but Fitzpatrick pulled no punches in his analysis "We had no confidence. The one lineout we won [in the first half] was from their [a South African] throw. It [the lineout] gave the Springboks field position and go forward, and is something that needs to be addressed," Fitzpatrick told the New Zealand Herald. "These were two very desperate teams but you could see the intensity of the Springboks. We said before the start, if the All Blacks could win their own lineout ball or they could get field position, it would be all right . "But in the first half it was just disgraceful; I don't know what they were doing. They trailed 12-1 in the lineouts at halftime. They had no idea where they were throwing it and the Springboks were totally dominating where New Zealand threw it." Fitzpatrick also lauded the Springboks who showed a clear superiority over his own countrymen. "That intercept try by Jean de Villiers was a reflection of the game. The All Blacks were chasing the game whereas South Africa are quite clearly the best team in the world,' he said. "From 1 to 15, they have shown throughout the competition and since the 2007 Rugby World Cup, they have gone on from strength to strength. "They have a great kicking game, great physicality and probably the first 40 minutes in Hamilton was, for me, a truer reflection on the real game. It was an outstanding performance by the Boks. They have one of the best kicking games ever and for me, they rank right up there with the best Springbok teams of the past. "You have only got to look at the quality of the players when you go through a team like the Springboks. A number of them would be in a World XV which signifies to me they are in pretty good shape. "The only question now is how long the likes of John Smit, Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha are going to hold on in terms of a bit of motivation. What else can they win?" RUGBY365

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has made five changes for the Tri-Nations match against Australia on Saturday. Tom Donnelly was the surprise inclusion in the New Zealand team to take on Australia this weekend - and no one was more shocked than the lock himself. The 27-year-old will make his international debut in the dead rubber Tri-Nations clash in Wellington on Saturday, after replacing rookie lock Isaac Ross in the starting line-up. Donnelly's call-up is one of five personnel changes and two positional switches made by coach Graham Henry to the team that started last weekend's defeat against South Africa - which saw the All Blacks relinquish their Tri-Nations crown. Donnelly, who came into the squad on a full-time basis only after New Zealand returned from the match against the Wallabies in Sydney, found out on Wednesday morning during a forwards meeting he had made the cut. "I got a couple of runs in the pack yesterday but didn't really have any other clue," he said. "I sort of thought I might be a shot on the bench this week but didn't think I'd be starting. I'm on top of the world, on cloud nine really." The Otago and Highlanders second row turned down the chance to play overseas a couple of years ago to fulfil his All Blacks' ambitions - but was wondering if the opportunity had passed him by. "It played on my mind a lot and wore me down," he admitted. "But at the start of the year I stopped worrying about it so much and started to concentrate on my rugby - and I seem to have played a bit better for that." Donnelly has been the line-out mainstay for Otago since making his debut for them in 2002, and for the Highlanders since 2004. His experience in the Junior All Blacks has also worked in his favour. "He's come and spent the last couple of weeks with us, and we've been really impressed with him," said assistant coach Steve Hansen. "His aerial skills are good, and he scrums well. They're things we're looking for obviously, and he gets round the park. "If you're going to replace someone like Isaac you need your aerial skills, and he probably does the physical stuff a little bit better than Issac at the moment." Henry stressed Ross' axing is not a result of continuing problems with the line-out. The 24-year-old has been thrown in the deep end at international level because of injuries to Ali Williams and Anthony Boric, and was also given the responsibility of calling the line-outs despite his lack of Test experience. He has played every Test so far. "It's nothing to do with the line-out at all," said Henry. "We just think he's played a lot of rugby. He's probably mentally been stretched, continually every week. "We're delighted with him. He's a lot further on than I thought he would be. It's not a reflection on his ability. "At this moment in time we think he [Donnelly] may give us a bit more composure. He hasn't played a lot of rugby and is pretty fresh coming in. "It's not about the ability; it's just about young guys playing a lot of football and just needing a bit of space." Tighthead prop Owen Franks and blindside flanker Jerome Kaino are the other casualties in the pack. Franks, 21, who has started in the last five Tests and is another young player the coaches believe needs time to rest and reflect, has been replaced by Neemia Tialata - who has not featured since the loss to South Africa in Bloemfontein and has been turning out for his Wellington province. "We know they [Australia] have got a big scrum, so we've picked Neemia because he's our best scrummager," explained Henry. "We're a wee bit concerned about the amount of football he's played in recent times but we think that's the best selection." The only other change in the forwards sees Thomson replace Kaino on the blindside flank. In the backs, as expected, Stephen Donald makes way for Ma'a Nonu to shift back to inside-centre - with Isaia Toeava starting in the number 13 jersey. Joe Rokocoko has escaped the cull and switches to the left wing in place of the injured Sitiveni Sivivatu, giving Cory Jane a start out wide on the right. On the bench, Hosea Gear has been brought in. He last played in the historic match against Munster last year after making his debut against the Australians in Hong Kong. New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock. Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jason Eaton, 19 Rodney So'oialo, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Hosea Gear. PLANET RUGBY

Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and winger Lachie Turner have been passed fit and named to play for the Wallabies against the All Blacks in Saturday night's final Tri Nations rugby series Test in Wellington. The duo have overcome rib injuries suffered in the recent 21-6 win over South Africa, although NSW Waratahs team-mate Kurtley Beale will travel to Wellington with the Wallabies as 23rd man and cover for Turner. "At this stage, we feel Lachie will be right, but we're taking Kurtley along with us just in case,'' said Wallabies coach Robbie Deans. Deans named the same line-up which beat subsequent series champions the Springboks 21-6 for their only win from four Tri-Nations Tests in Brisbane a week and a half ago. "The Wellington Test is about consolidating the Brisbane performance,'' said Deans. "We stepped up to a new level, in terms of our performance, last time and that was pleasing." "History, both in terms of Australia's overall record in New Zealand, and our recent experience there, shows how difficult this weekend's assignment will be. "That's not a negative: it's a great opportunity for us.'' As has been the case in the two teams most recent meetings, the All Blacks enter this match on the back of a disappointing result last weekend, where they were edged out at home by South Africa to concede the Tri Nations title. "They won't have enjoyed that experience and will be determined to make up for it,'' said Deans. "We have seen, in our most recent experiences, how setbacks galvanise the All Blacks, especially when they are playing at home.'' Although New Zealand has already secured the Bledisloe Cup for the season, leading the four match series 2-0, while the Tri-Nations title has been won by South Africa, Saturday's match does have historical over-tones. It will be the 500th game to be played by a side representing Australia in a Test match. Wallabies: James O'Connor, Lachie Turner, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Will Genia, George Smith (capt), David Pocock, Rocky Elsom, Mark Chisholm, James Horwill, Ben Alexander, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Res: Stephen Moore, Pek Cowan, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, Luke Burgess, Quade Cooper, Peter Hynes. AAP

Springbok captain John Smit and six of his Vodacom Tri-Nations winning teammates were on Thursday selected in the Sharks squad for Saturday’s Absa Currie Cup match against the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs in Durban (17h05). The Sharks coach John Plumtree has selected Smit on the bench along with Bok hooker Bismarck du Plessis, scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar and centre Adrian Jacobs. Prop Jannie du Plessis, eighthman Ryan Kankowski and winger Odwa Ndungane have all been named in the starting line up for this crucial clash. “There is more depth in our squad and we have more options with selections now that the Springboks are back,” said Plumtree. “As far as our backline is concerned, things look a lot better than four months ago in the Vodacom Super 14. The carrot of an Absa Currie Cup semi final is hanging in front of us, but we have to seize it properly this time.” Vodacom Free State Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske also included his star Springbok flanker Heinrich Brüssow in his starting line-up for Saturday's Absa Currie Cup clash against the Sharks. Brüssow is one of two changes to the Bloemfontein side that defeated Vodacom Western Province at Vodacom Park last Saturday. Prop Wian du Preez is back in the front row while Hendro Scholtz has also been selected on the bench as loose forward cover. Bok flanker Juan Smith is still struggling with a hamstring injury and was therefore not considered for selection. “It’s a huge bonus for us to have Heinrich available for selection especially considering we travel to Durban for an important clash against the Sharks. A player of his calibre selects himself into almost any team in world rugby,” said Drotske. In Kimberley, the GWK Griquas host the Xerox Lions on Saturday at Diamantveld Hoërskool in this ‘must win’ fixture for both teams who are all out to secure an Absa Currie Cup semi final spot. The pressure will be on the hosts to achieve a winning result as they face one of the toughest run-ins to a possible semi final position with fixtures against the Vodacom Western Province (away), Vodacom Blue Bulls (away) and The Sharks (home). The GWK Griquas though will be without emerging Springbok winger Bjorn Basson, who was ruled out of the clash due to an ankle injury. Jaco Bekker will also partner Barry Geel in a new-look midfield. While the other change to the GWK Griquas team will see lock Heinrich Stride return to the starting 15 in place of Brendon Snyman, who has been placed 'on loan' to the BA Mighty Elephants in Port Elizabeth. The Vodacom Blue Bulls have also welcomed back three of their returning Springboks to their team that will take on the Boland Cavaliers in an Absa Currie Cup match on Saturday (15h00). Centre Wynand Olivier, hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle and prop Gurthrö Steenkamp have all been selected in the starting line up for the Wellington clash. Flanker Dewald Potgieter will captain the side. Utility back Francois Hougaard, who already represented the Pretoria team at scrumhalf and wing, has been selected at centre in the place of Jaco Pretorius, who is out injured. Springbok lock Bakkies Botha was not considered for selection due to a knee injury. The Bok star will be sidelined for three weeks after sustaining the injury during the Vodacom Tri-Nations. Fellow internationals, scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, lock Victor Matfield, eighthman Pierre Spies and flyhalf Morne Steyn were not considered for selection. “There is a nice vibe at training and it is just a pleasure to have our Springboks back,” said Vodacom Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke. “Their mental state is terrific and I am convinced that their presence will add a lot of value to our campaign. Picking Francois Hougaard at centre is not an experiment. Jaco Pretorius had to withdraw from the match on Wednesday and because of Stephan Dippenaar’s unavailability we opted for Francois at outside centre. He has good feet and together with Wynand I think they can form a very lethal midfield combination.” Four changes have been made to the Boland Cavaliers team that will host the Vodacom Blue Bulls in Wellington. Wingers Cornal Hendricks (injured) and Justin Peach have been replaced by Alvin Hugo and Ernie Kruger respectively. At centre Dewey Swartbooi comes in for the injured PJ Vermeulen, while Marnus Hugo has recovered from injury and will wear the scrumhalf jersey in place of Charlie King. Vodacom Western Province coach Allister Coetzee has resisted the temptation to select any of his available Boks but made only one change to his starting team that will take on the Platinum Leopards in Potchefstroom on Friday night (19h10). De Kock Steenkamp makes his first start at lock in the absence of New Zealander Chris Jack with former Vodacom Blue Bulls loose forward Hilton Lobberts included on the bench. Tiaan Liebenberg has also recovered from his knee injury and has been included as the back-up hooker in the match day 22. “It will be tough to go up to Olen Park as we saw in our game against GWK Griquas in Kimberley. We can’t rock up and expect to win, we will have to be mentally ready,” said Coetzee. “We also won’t see an open running affair and we can’t afford to drop our standards. We have to dominate the Platinum Leopards physically and keep the ball through four or five phases. Once we’ve done that, we should be able to walk over the try line. “We also wanted to keep this side as close as possible to the team that played in Bloemfontein, but we hope to have the opportunity to give Conrad Hoffmann an extended run at flyhalf at some stage during the game.” Teams for the weekend: The Sharks – Stefan Terblanche (c), Odwa Ndungane, Waylon Murray, Andries Strauss, Lwazi Mvovo, Juan Hernandez, Charl McLeod, Ryan Kankowski, Jean Deysel, Jacques Botes, Albert van den Berg, Steven Sykes, Jannie du Plessis, Craig Burden, Deon Carstens. Reserves: Bismarck du Plessis, John Smit, Alistair Hargreaves, Keegan Daniel, Ruan Pienaar, Monty Dumond, Adrian Jacobs. Vodacom Free State Cheetahs – Hennie Daniller, Lionel Mapoe, Corne Uys, Meyer Bosman, Jongi Nokwe, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, JP Joubert, Ashley Johnson, Frans Viljoen, Heinrich Brussow, David de Villiers, Nico Breedt, WP Nel, Adriaan Strauss (c), Wian du Preez. Reserves: Richardt Strauss, Coenie Oosthuizen, Izak van der Westhuizen, Hendro Scholtz, Tertuis Carse, Louis Strydom, JW Jonker. Platinum Leopards – Russell Jeacocks, Danie Dames, Deon van Rensburg, Basil de Doncker, Jan van Zyl, Cecil Dumont, Michael Bondesio, RW Kember, Thabo Mamojele, Wilhelm Koch (c), Draad Linde, Ligtoring Landman, Os van der Walt, Gavin Williamson, Nardus Lombard. Reserves: Vodacom Western Province – Joe Pietersen, Tonderai Chavhanga, Frikkie Welsh, Juan De Jongh, Gio Aplon, Peter Grant, Dewaldt Duvenage, Luke Watson (c), Duane Vermeulen, Francois Louw, Anton Van Zyl, De Kock Steenkamp, Brok Harris, Deon Fourie, Wicus Blaauw. Reserves: Tiaan Liebenberg, JD Moller, Hilton Lobberts, Pieter Louw, Conrad Hoffmann, Paul Bosch, JJ Engelbrecht. Boland Cavaliers – Hayden Groepes, Alvin Hugo, Danré Gerber, Dewey Swartbooi, Ernie Kruger, Elgar Watts, Marnus Hugo, Junior Bester, Rito Hlungwane (c), David Hendricks, Nico Esterhuyse, George Earl, Kobie Adriaanse, Harry Vermaas, Janro van Niekerk. Reserves: Charlie King, Hein Myburgh, Justin Peach, Clemen Lewis, Jané du Toit, Wendal Wehr, Zolani Mofu. Vodacom Blue Bulls – Zane Kirchner, Gerhard van den Heever, Francois Hougaard, Wynand Olivier, John Mametsa, Burton Francis, Heini Adams, Dewald Potgieter (c), Jacques Burger, Deon Stegmann, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Gurthrö Steenkamp. Reserves: Derick Kuun, Dean Greyling, Mthunzi Mabeta, Dries van Schalkwyk, Francois Brummer, Stefan Watermeyer, Marius Delport. GWK Griquas – Riaan Viljoen, Trompie Nontshinga, Jaco Bekker, Barry Geel, Dewald Pretorius, Naas Olivier, Sarel Pretorius, Jonathan Mokuena (c), Davon Raubenheimer, Rohan Kitshoff, Jacques Lombard, Heinrich Stride, Ruaan du Preez, Rayno Barnes, Zane Killian. Reserves: Simon Westraadt, Albertus Buckle, Nolan Clarke, Sean Plaatjies, Donald Stevens, Wilmaure Louw, Gavin Passens. Xerox Lions – Earl Rose, Dusty noble, Alwyn Hollenbach, Doppies la Grange, Johan Jackson, Herkie Kruger, Jano Vermaak, Willem Alberts, Franco van der Merwe, Cobus Grobbelaar, Willem Stoltz, Nico Luus, Gert Muller, Hans van Dyk, JC Janse van Rensburg. Reserves: Derek Harwood, Kevin Buys, Wouter Moore, Derick Minnie, Chris Jonck, Walter Venter, Pieter Engelbrecht. Issued by SA Rugby Communications

There is no cup up for grabs this time, but that does not mean that this will be a soft game, that there will be no needle. There does not have to be a cup at stake for All Blacks and Wallabies to go hammer and tongs at each other. This Saturday in Wellington, All Blacks and Wallabies will be going hammer and tongs against each other. Firstly, that is the nature of rugby conflicts between the two countries. Secondly, there is pride at stake. Neither side will want to carry the wooden spoon for a year. Secondly, the Wallabies will not want the All Blacks to do to them what the Springboks did to the All Blacks - whitewash them with three victories in the calendar year. Then, too, little separates the two sides, which is likely to make the competition all the keener. New Zealand have won twice, but the points' difference is only seven. The try count is also close - 2-1 to the All Blacks. In Sydney it took a penalty two minutes from time to gain a one-point victory over the Wallabies. There will be player pride and there will be coach pride as well as pressurised New Zealand coach faces pressurised New Zealand reject who is now coaching Australia. When you have been as vilified by your own people as the All Blacks and the Wallabies have been, you will want to stand up out of the trenches and scrap for all you are worth. Recent history is not on the Wallabies' side. The All Blacks have beaten them on the last five occasions the two teams have met, but the Wallabies have the confidence of knowing they have done this year what the All Blacks could not do - beat the Springboks and they did it comprehensively in Brisbane. They did it comprehensively by overwhelming the Springbok pack at the scrum and at the tackle. Last weekend in Hamilton, not far west of Wellington, the Springbok pack did much better against the All Blacks than they had done against the Wallabies, though their Brisbane performance may just have been of their own making rather than of the Wallabies' making. Not only are the Wallabies more confident from their Brisbane win and more rested from their week off, but they look stronger without cumbersome Luke Burgess, expensive Richard Brown and malleable Al Baxter and with sturdy Tatafu Polota-Nau. They have been happy to leave their side unchanged. The All Blacks on the other hand have made several changes from the team outplayed in Hamilton. They are without Sitiveni Sivivatu, which is a pity, but their other changes give the team a stronger look. Certainly the wise changes in the midfield make sense and Adam Thomson for the largely anonymous Jerome Kaino adds strength. This may also be true of experienced John Afoa in the place of eager rookie Owen Franks. Tom Donnelly may add power where the athletic Isaac Ross lacked it. There will surely be no lack of determination. The All Blacks will want good first-phase ball and would hope that their line-out woes would fade into the past. They would also want to stand up to the resurgent Wallaby scrum. That sounds odd for a team with Richie McCaw in it but the Wallabies with George Smith and David Pocock may have the better of the breakdown - unless the New Zealand forwards get in hard and cohesive. The Wallabies may well test the All Blacks with high kicks, for the All Blacks were even worse at managing high kicks than they were at line-outs and the Wallabies have Matt Giteau and Berrick Barnes who could again make life uncomfortable for Joe Rokocoko. Goal-kicking could well count. In Sydney Matt Giteau's goal-kicking nearly won the match for the Wallabies as he goaled six to Dan Carter's four - 10 penalty goals to one try in the match. Both teams have excellent goal-kickers with perhaps a little more money on Carter. Both are left-footers. In general play Giteau has Barnes to help him and for that matter his back three, while Carter has to do it pretty well on his own. The weather, so often influential in New Zealand, may well be less so this Saturday after a relatively dry week. Saturday itself is said to be without rain. Players to watch: What a great opportunity it is to be able to watch the best, most creative flyhalves in world rugby - Dan Carter and Matt Giteau. That could just be the most exciting feature of the match. That is where most of the personality of the match is likely to be. You would also be keen to see Will Genia of the flicking pass and rangy Adam Thomson of the expressionless face in action. Head to Head: Again the contest between the skill and speed of Matt Giteau and the skill of Dan Carter will be enthralling. Both are players of talent, vision and confidence, both surprisingly strong. That contest could just be the best part of the match. There could also be an interesting contest between seasoned campaigner Richie McCaw whose form has not been great and strong young pretender David Pocock, who exudes confidence. Then there are the two strong runners at outside centre - Isaia Toeava and Adam Ashley-Cooper. The group head-to-head may well be Front Row against Front Row. It's odd to think of the Wallaby front row as competitive but with Tatafu Polota-Nau in the middle they may even be dominant - dominant enough to turn a match? Unlikely. Recent results: 2009: New Zealand won 19-18 at ANZ Stadium, Sydney 2009: New Zealand won 22-16 at Eden Park, Auckland 2008: New Zealand won 19-14 at Hong Kong Stadium 2008: New Zealand won 28-24 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 2008: New Zealand won 39-10 at Eden Park, Auckland 2008: Australia won 34-19 at Stadium Australia, Sydney 2007: New Zealand won 26-12 at Eden Park, Auckland 2007: Australia won 20-15 at Cricket Ground, Melbourne 2006: New Zealand won 34-27 at Eden Park, Auckland 2006: New Zealand won 13-9 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane 2006: New Zealand won 32-12 at Jade Stadium, Christchurch 2005: New Zealand won 34-24 at Eden Park, Auckland 2005: New Zealand won 30-13 at Stadium Australia, Sydney 2004: Australia won 23-19 at Stadium Australia, Sydney 2004: New Zealand won 16-7 at Westpac Trust, Wellington 2003: Australia won 22-10 at Stadium Australia, Sydney 2003: New Zealand won 21-17 at Eden Park, Auckland 2003: New Zealand won 50-21 at Stadium Australia, Sydney 2002: Australia won 16-14 at Stadium Australia, Sydney 2002: New Zealand won 12-6 at Jade Stadium, Christchurch 2001: Australia won 26-29 at Stadium Australia, Sydney 2001: New Zealand won 23-15 at Carisbrook, Dunedin 2000: Australia won 23-24 at Westpac Trust, Wellington Prediction: New Zealand by fewer than 10 points. Teams: New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Josevata Rokocoko, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock. Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jason Eaton, 19 Rodney So'oialo, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Hosea Gear. Australia: 15 James O'Connor, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Will Genia, 8 George Smith (captain), 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 James Horwill, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson. Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 Wycliff Palu, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Quade Cooper, 22 Peter Hynes. Date: Saturday, September 19 Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT) Expected weather conditions: Partly cloudy with a high of 15°C, dropping to 10°C and a northwester of 43km/h, dropping to 28km/h Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa) Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Cobus Wessels (South Africa) TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa) By Paul Dobson RUGBY365

With the Tri-Nations title beyond reach, Saturday's championship finale in Wellington between the All Blacks and Wallabies has become a desperate battle to avoid the ignominy of finishing last. "The points table is not relevant. It's pride and honour," Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said on the eve of the match. All Blacks captain Richie McCaw urged his side to shut out the pressure. "You can't let that get on top of you. That's the big thing. You have to keep the belief in what you are doing," McCaw said. The aura of invincibility that generally surrounds the All Blacks has been shattered this year as New Zealand yielded their world No.1 ranking to South Africa and are perilously close to slipping to third behind Australia. When they were beaten 32-29 by the Springboks last week, the All Blacks lost a Tri-Nations crown that they had held for the past four years. If they lose their final game to Australia it will be the first time ever New Zealand has lost three home Tests in a season, having been beaten by France earlier in the year. A headline in the New Zealand Herald, the country's main daily newspaper, succinctly captured the thoughts of the nation: "World rugby critics: the All Blacks have lost their mojo". Historically, the odds favour the All Blacks winning on Saturday, having won the past five Tests between the trans-Tasman rivals and having not lost at home to Australia since 2001. The Wallabies also sense they will face a backlash from an All Blacks side fuming because of the constant criticism they have endured in New Zealand since South Africa became the undisputed southern hemisphere rugby powerhouse. "There will be a response from the All Blacks. As history shows, whenever they're under pressure they respond," Deans said. "They'll be totally resolute. They'll be desperate to get a result." But Australia also have reason to feel they can snatch a win after beating South Africa 21-6 in their last outing two weeks ago. "We are hopeful," Deans said. "Our history isn't that great in New Zealand but the thing you get with a young group is they're not burdened by the past. "We as a group are trending better. We got confirmation of that two weeks ago and we don't want that to dissipate." At the other end of town, in the New Zealand bunker, McCaw was looking for the positives in what is shaping up to be one of the All Blacks' worst years. "You have to take the good things forward that you are doing. You have to keep the belief. You have to keep working at what you do," he said. "That's what it's like in sport. When you come second it's about how you react to it. Saturday we are lucky to get a chance to have another crack and after a result like last week the boys are eager to get back out on the field and put it right." Australia have a reputation for leading early against the All Blacks and then buckling in the closing stages. In their two previous Tri-Nations Tests this year, the All Blacks came back from a nine-point deficit to win 22-16 in Auckland and then came from 10-points behind to win 19-18 in Sydney. But they believe their ability to get in front of the Springboks and stay there in their last match has given them a new focus. Deans has kept the same side to play the All Blacks, who have made five changes. "The Springboks was a good win and a confidence boost," said Australian captain George Smith, the only survivor from the last Wallabies team win in New Zealand eight years ago. AFP

Western Province have maintained their surge towards a home Currie Cup semi-final with a bonus point victory over the Leopards. The outgunned Leopards battled valiantly and held Western Province to just a 13-3 lead at half-time, but the visitors opened the floodgates after the break to score three more tries and claim the bonus point. The much-improved Western Province tight five provided the foundation for the men behind them to have their fun, with the loose trio of Luke Watson, Duane Vermeulen and Francois Louw dominating the breakdowns to provide plenty of good ball. The opening stalemate lasted for just nine minutes before fullback Joe Pietersen, who constantly teased the Leopards defence with his running from the back, scored after collecting a long pass from flyhalf Peter Grant after a solid scrum, stepping inside and then curving away for the line. Pietersen converted but Western Province struggled to get into gear for the rest of the half and the Leopards would have cancelled out the visitors' lead had flyhalf Cecil Dumond shown better form with the boot. Dumond missed penalties in the 11th and 15th minutes, before eventually putting the home side on the board in the 18th minute. Two minutes later, though, the Leopards were trapped lurking offsides as they tried to keep an eye on the dashing Pietersen and his backline colleagues, the fullback kicking the penalty. Pietersen added another penalty six minutes from half time, but Leopards wing Danie Dames would have the last word of the first half as he showed excellent pace to deny wing Tonderai Chavhanga, supremely quick himself, a try after he had chased down and grubbered a clearance kick by Pietersen. Western Province would play the territory game and keep the ball for a bit longer with the forwards to telling effect after the break, with eighthman Watson scoring two tries in six minutes, both of them coming from rolling mauls. Pietersen was on target with both conversions and Province had made sure of four points with a 27-3 lead. The bonus point was still in doubt, however, and they only clinched it in the last eight minutes as centre Juan de Jongh broke the line to score, followed shortly thereafter by wing Gio Aplon, who burst between two defenders and streaked away for the try. Scorers: Leopards: Penalty: Cecil Dumond Western Province: Tries: Joe Pietersen, Luke Watson (2), Juan de Jongh, Gio Aplon Conversions: Pietersen (3) Penalties: Pietersen (2) SUPERSPORT

GWK Griquas coach Dawie Theron believes his team is good enough to go all the way in the Absa Currie Cup and will not be satisfied with only a semi final finish after his troops defeated the Xerox Lions 36-31 on Saturday. The victory for the hosts in Kimberley, ensured that they ended the weekend in third position on the competition standings, and are now only two points behind The Sharks, who are the current log-leaders on 40 points. “This was definitely our most important victory of the Absa Currie Cup thus far,” said GWK Griquas coach Dawie Theron. “We have tough matches against the Vodacom Wes