Rugby Union - by Craig Hill

STEPHEN LARKHAM's sleight of hand has helped the Wallabies to countless Test match wins over the years, but early on Sunday morning all it got him was 20 minutes of push-ups in front of some highly amused teammates.

Larkham's crime?

Trying to sneak a utility knife and some headache tablets into the Wallabies' pre-World Cup boot camp on North Stradbroke Island, just south of Brisbane.
Contraband was quickly identified after instructors performed a full search of each of the 27 players and their equipment early on Sunday morning.

Also caught out were hooker Sean Hardman, flanker Rocky Elsom and back-up five-eighth Berrick Barnes, who won the prize for ingenuity after being caught with several chocolate bars stashed in the cuff of his beanie.

"Thankfully I wasn't one of those guys but it was quite amusing watching them go through the gear and taking contraband and the guys getting down and doing push-ups for trying to sneak things into the camp," joked towering lock Nathan Sharpe.

"I think the guys were just testing the limits to see what they could get away with and the answer is obviously not much."

Welcome to Camp Wallaby - a five-day military-style camp designed to take the players out of their comfort zone, away from their familiar surroundings and challenge them to work together to get through a series of tasks totally foreign to them in their lives as professional footballers.

With the World Cup only a month away, the players were promised an easier time...
Thoughts of an armchair ride quickly evaporated, however, when the barge carrying the group to North Stradbroke stopped 400m short of dry land and the squad was ordered to make its own way to shore.

The use of local water police to monitor for sharks did little to ease the players' concerns about what was to come.

"George [Gregan] and [forwards coach] Michael Foley struggled," said Connolly. "Greegs almost turned white, it was that cold."

Dutifully facing the small media contingent that gathered near the shoreline at North Stradbroke yesterday morning, lock Nathan Sharpe could only laugh when asked about the positives he had taken from his experiences over the first 24 hours of the camp.

"I've had an hour-and-a-half of sleep. I have been swimming through the night and woke up with frostbite on my toes, so I'm not feeling real positive about anything at the moment," Sharpe said with a wry smile.

"It's definitely out of the ordinary for us. We're not really used to walking through the middle of the night and swimming through lakes in freezing temperatures, so it's not the typical regime for footballers.

"I think the hardest thing is not really knowing what's coming up. We came to this camp not having any idea of what was in store for us and we still don't. So we're pretty much living minute by minute and doing as we're told."

Two testing hikes through the rugged terrain ensured the group was well and truly ready for bed when the sleeping bags were rolled out at 8.30pm.

The same could not be said of their preparedness for a wake-up call just two hours later for another trek to the edge of a lake, which they swam across fully clothed and with packs in tow - a most unfortunate scenario for a number of the team who failed to adequately waterproof their belongings.

"I was just filthy that all my undies were wet and I think most of the boys were the same because our double-bagging skills weren't that good," winger Mark Gerrard said. "But it's just a good change-up.
Obviously I don't do this often ... walking up some sand dunes and jumping in the water at one in the morning naked, that is."

While taking some pleasure in seeing the discomfort of his players, Connolly was confident the exercise had merit as part of the final phase of the Wallabies' World Cup preparations.

"History shows that Australian sides have always had a great spirit and these camps of three or four or five days go a long way to building that," Connolly said.

"It's not meant to be easy.

"It's about everyone getting along and on the same page. We've got some very strong individuals in this side and this is all about developing the squad as a whole."

work in 10 years with the Wallabies had been under-appreciated by the ARU hierarchy.

a non-issue

"All the players have the utmost confidence in our coaching staff," Mortlock said.
"We're blessed in Australia to have a great mix, especially in this Wallabies camp.

"You've got Knuckles (Connolly) being the head coach and quality assistant coaches under him who all have their own distinct job descriptions and they all work extremely well in that capacity and together the system works really well.

"Basically in this environment you want to get the best out of everyone and I think to do that you have to have an environment that's conducive to discussion - and maybe even robust discussion at times - in what is in the best interests of the team moving forward.

"I'd certainly prefer that environment than where you're surrounded by people who are constantly saying yes.

"The coaching staff always have an open-door policy for players and coaches alike and this year has been great as far as the mood in the camp and that has been led by the coaching staff."

Also worrying the ARU is the financial state of the NSW Rugby Union, which has seen its revenue drop alarmingly following a poor Super 14 season and the resultant turnover in staff.

A high-ranking ARU official told the Herald last night that the union was "in a state of decay".

Several ARU delegates are also "deeply concerned" about the costs involved in running the Australian Rugby Championship, which begins next week, with officials convinced it will turn into "a financial nightmare".

The ARC has already deeply divided the rugby community, with concerns that the competition, which will be held concurrently with the World Cup in France[1], will struggle to attract crowds, especially as it involves sides that have no history[2].

This has prompted enormous ructions within the Sydney club ranks, with one north-of-the-harbour first division team understood to be considering boycotting the Trevor Allan Cup, a club competition being held during August-September, in protest over losing so many players to the ARC..

are in the process of formulating an alternate club competition that would take over from the ARC

THE Australian Rugby Union yesterday confirmed it would suffer a financial loss this season due to numerous factors, including a drop in Test crowd figures.

In an official statement, ARU chief executive John O'Neill said he would not confirm the size of the loss until the end of the year.

O'Neill did admit that the cost of running the Australian Rugby Championship would be "a factor in any 2007 loss figures, as is the unexpected rise in the Australian dollar against other currencies".

O'Neill explained that a substantial portion of the ARU's revenue revolved around broadcasting rights, negotiated in American dollars.

"The ARU will record a loss this year - that was not only expected but budgeted for in this Rugby World Cup year," O'Neill said. "However, the position has been exacerbated by other influences, including the Welsh and Springboks sending us second-string teams. While we are working hard at reducing costs and maximising revenue at the ARU, it is difficult in a World Cup year.

"We always do better financially in the three years when there is no World Cup and each nation's team is at full strength. The International Rugby Board is holding a special meeting in November to discuss the concept of an integrated season, with a view to stopping what happened this year. Of course, this year's budget is further impacted by the start-up costs of the Australian Rugby Championship."

O'Neill said there would be a review of the ARC after its completion. "I have been an advocate of an intermediate competition between club rugby and Super rugby for a long time," O'Neill said. "I have also said that the competition must be viable and sustainable and that we will review it at the end of the year.

"That does not mean it will be dismantled, nor does it mean it will not change."

Many clubs remain anti-ARC, with one complaint being that they will be without virtually all their talent for the Trevor Allan Cup - a club competition being run in August and September.

The squad will undergo a gruelling Survivor-like program put together by the same organisation which took Shane Warne and his teammates right out of their comfort zone before their triumphant series over England last summer.

they are facing some big sacrifices and hardships.

There will be no coffee machine for George Gregan, skipper Stirling Mortlock will have to do without his beloved iPod and the mobile may have to be surgically removed from the ear of coach John Connolly.

military precision.

they will be picked up "from the mainland" at Ballymore some time on Sunday morning.

Five-eighth Steve Larkham didn't know what to expect over the following five days.
"A few boys have said that I am pretty smart getting this ankle injury," Larkham said.

"I'm certainly looking forward to it, anything where there is a challenge involved I enjoy that sort of stuff.
"It's just a matter of what they are going to put us through."

All sorts or rumours have been flying around the squad about what will be inflicted upon them.

"A lot of stuff has been thrown out there about sleep deprivation and food strikes so we'll wait and see what happens," Larkham said. "It's a bit exciting at the moment just to speculate what is going to happen."

It has also been tailored to ensure the players don't lose weight and the risk of injury is minimised.
"What we are trying to achieve is to put the guys together in situations which are a bit stressful," assistant Wallabies coach Michael Foley said.

Foley said while people perceive those camps to be physically grinding, that was not the focus.
"It is to actually challenge guys mentally and put them in situations where they have to resolve things together," Foley said.

"The hope is that shared hardship, which is more a mental rather than a physical thing, will be a good growing experience," he said.

"Having a bit of an insight into the camp I can't help but have a bit of a smile knowing what the boys are going to go through."

A training mishap involving Stephen Larkham sent shockwaves through the Wallabies camp on Tuesday with the veteran flyhalf unable to complete the team's afternoon session.

The Wallabies playmaker rolled his left ankle during a routine training drill and was subsequently carried off the field by team medical staff.

The 33-year-old admitted the injury was initially very painful but is confident of training with the side on Thursday.

"It's good, I just have to miss training today [Wednesday] and hopefully I'll be right for training tomorrow; it certainly pulled up pretty good this morning so pretty happy with that," Larkham said.

"(It was) just an accident, I was just trying to step through between Sharpey (lock Nathan Sharpe) and one of the other players in a little drill that we had and just went over on it; I think I actually went on the inside of it and couldn't continue after that."

Larkham, who has been no stranger to injury throughout his career, admitted to a moment of 'minor panic' but said the mishap will have no affect on his World Cup preparations.

"I've got really loose ligaments in my ankles, if any ligaments at all, so I'm pretty prone to that happening and it's a minor injury as far as I'm concerned," Larkham said.

The 101-Test-veteran has his sights firmly set on his third and final World Cup campaign beginning next month and said it is vital the team maintains its momentum from their recent Tri Nations performances.

"Our plan for the World Cup has been to basically play with our best side through the Tri Nations to get a little bit of combination and a little bit of confidence and I think we've done that and it's a matter of continuing that now through to the World Cup," Larkham said.

"You don't want to take too much away from the (opening) game against Japan but realistically the game against Wales is the biggest of the pool matches for us and we need to build for that."

The Wallabies break camp on Thursday only to reassemble on Sunday for a five-day SAS style training camp, which Larkham...is looking forward to.

"I'm certainly looking forward to it, anything where there's a competition involved I certainly enjoy that sort of stuff, it's just a matter of what they're going to put us through … it's a bit exciting at the moment just to speculate as to what's going to happen," he said.

Party boys feel hard done by
Jim Kayes
Monday, July 30, 2007

The All Blacks fined $NZ500 for a late night out in Auckland before the final Tri Nations test against Australia believe they were treated like schoolchildren by team management.

Six All Blacks - Piri Weepu, Troy Flavell, Rico Gear, John Schwalger, Conrad Smith and Ross Filipo - were out until 4am the day before the Bledisloe Cup decider at Eden Park.

They were dobbed in to coach Graham Henry when someone slipped a note under his door at the team's hotel.

Players told a reporter they were stunned at how seriously it was treated by management.

One said it was like being back at school when they were reprimanded by Henry, a former secondary school principal, and team manager Darren Shand. All six players are adults with Weepu and Schwalger the youngest at 23, while Flavell is 30, Gear 29 and Filipo 28.

Smith, 25, who is also a qualified lawyer, said the reaction to the players' excursion had been "puzzling", while Weepu denied the players had let their teammates down.

Shand had made that claim when he revealed the six players had been charged with misconduct under the players' collective agreement and fined.

Although no curfew was in place, Shand said midnight would be a respectable hour for the All Blacks to be tucked up in bed.

Weepu, whose omission from the World Cup squad has been linked, in part, to the night out in Auckland, said "not really" when asked if he believed he had let anyone down.

Jones to coach Boks at Cup
Rupert Guinness

Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones expects to reach an agreement with the South African Rugby Union today that will see him take up a coaching role with the Springboks
...extending his current one-week consultancy tenure to three months to include the World Cup that starts on September 7.

Jones has already accepted a full-time coaching director's role at English club Saracens for four years, but he said his latest association with the Springboks came with their blessing.

It is expected that Jones will take over as Springboks technical director....
"I will be there for the start of the World Cup, but not for all of it."

Springboks coach Jake White, a good friend of Jones, told a South African newspaper that he did not want the former Australian coach for the inside information he could provide on the Wallabies.

"Sure, he can give us insight into his observations on any country and player and no one has more intimate knowledge of [George] Gregan and [Stephen] Larkham's technical game than Eddie, but that's not why I want him involved," White said.

"I want Eddie here and in Paris because of the perspective he gives us. This is about what he can do for the Boks and not what he can do in a possible World Cup Test against Australia."

As for Jones, he is unconcerned about the criticism levelled at him by Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O'Neill last week.

"I have basically finished coaching in Australia now. I have moved on. And this will be a coaching experience that will help me to be a better coach at Saracens, which is who I am employed by," Jones said.

As for the World Cup, he believes that the Springboks, Wallabies and All Blacks will all make the World Cup semi-finals. "It will be just a matter of which northern hemisphere side joins them," said Jones, who rates the Springboks highly.

"They are a very good side...
"They are really passionate about their rugby. They are committed, as most national sides are. The thing that stands out, and it is the same in New Zealand, is the rugby culture.

And what if Australia meets South Africa in the quarter-finals? "It would be interesting," said Jones, who then laughed at the prospect of daring to look across at the Wallabies coaching box.

"But it is a long time since I have been involved with the Wallabies. People forget that. The last time was 2005. The war settlement is pretty final, mate."

Australian forwards coaches Michael Foley and Alec Evans yesterday voiced concerns about Jones's joining the Springboks just three months after quitting his Reds post.

As Queensland coach this season, Jones was privy to the work Foley and Evans put into the Reds' pack as part of the national tight-five program. It has given him inside knowledge of Wallabies scrummaging, lineout and mauling techniques.

Foley had issues with the timing of Jones's appointment.

"If it were me I would think it's too close, particularly in a World Cup year," he said. "I just think there were certain things that Eddie was privy to that he may not have been privy to if there was an understanding he may actually end up coaching a major international competitor."

But Evans took a subtle swipe at Jones's ability to pass on his insights. "The question, I suppose, is whether Eddie Jones has the ability to transfer any of that knowledge to the South Africans."

utter crap

Claims of greatness staked too soon
The Southland Times | Tuesday, 24 July 2007

The greatest player ever. That's the normally down-to-earth Robbie Deans' assessment of All Black first five-eighth Daniel Carter. Not even the greatest first five, but the greatest player, writes Joseph Romanos this week.

If it was the opinion of a journalist looking for a headline, or someone with no idea of rugby's history, it would be dismissed immediately, but Deans? His is one of the most famous names in All Black rugby – his great-uncle, Bob, was the player who did or didn't score a try in the famous match against Wales at Cardiff in 1905.

Robbie Deans was a record-breaking Canterbury fullback, a good All Black, and has become a superb coach who has built a fabulous record with the Crusaders.

He doesn't make outlandish claims and tends to err on the side of saying too little, but I can't go along with him about Carter.

There's no doubt Carter is a classy first five-eighth. I'm not sure he yet rates as highly as his Australian counterpart, Stephen Larkham, and it's questionable whether at the age of 25 he deserves to be ranked ahead even of former All Black first fives Grant Fox and Andrew Mehrtens.

He kicks superbly, runs strongly, understands the game and isn't afraid of the physical challenges. He is some player but then so were Barry John, Mark Ella, Naas Botha, Michael Lynagh, Rob Andrew, Hugo Porta and a host of other first fives.

And that's just first fives, not to mention all the other positions.

Carter is All Black No 1034. They haven't all been distinguished, of course, but lots of them have been.
To be a candidate for best ever requires another ingredient, a spark of genius, an ability to change the history or development of the game.

Carter has not reached that level.

He made his Canterbury debut in 2002 and All Black debut in June 2003. Six months later he was part of the failed All Black World Cup campaign in Australia.

He has now played 41 tests and amassed 636 points, including 20 tries. Clearly he is on his way to a great record but he's not yet won a World Cup and recently there were mutterings about his form.

If he broke a leg tomorrow and never played again, would we remember him as the greatest ever? Not to my mind. I prefer to think of him as a work in progress and to leave such grand assessments until after he has retired, so there can be a bit of perspective in the judgment.

05/04/07

Rugby heart-throb Dan Carter has unlocked the secrets of his underwear drawer and revealed tantalising details of how he wears his smalls.

In what could be music to the ears of his female admirers, the All Blacks superstar has admitted he never goes "commando", has never worn women's underwear and his Jockeys don't chafe.

The first five-eighth revealed the private details at the launch...
...His near-naked image, a common sight in New Zealand, will appear on giant billboards across Europe and the UK in time for the Rugby World Cup in France in September.

But the pictures are more revealing than Carter himself. At yesterday's carefully orchestrated launch, media were told the first five-eighth would not answer questions about his personal life, rugby or the Rugby World Cup.

In a brief one-on-one interview, Carter agreed he also had neither the time nor the inclination to discuss, for example, the anti-smacking bill or the US presidential election race.

"No, " he said.

So the interview was to focus solely on the underpants, then. "Yes."

What makes good underwear, according to Carter, is comfort and "you can tell straight away" if they're good. He quickly points out that the new 3D range is "right up there, the best I've ever worn".

He owns 15 or 20 pairs. In fact, he owns only Jockey brand underwear. "Honestly" he insists.
Carter, who turned 26 in March, admits he is quite a shy person off the field, but says he is having fun as a model.

He is prepared for a fresh round of ribbing from mates when his billboards go global, but "it's all light-hearted and a bit of a laugh".

Eddie drafted to Boks' camp
Thursday, July 26, 2007

THE surprise appearance of former Australian coach Eddie Jones at Springboks training this week may work in the Wallabies' favour, says Australian Rugby Union boss John O'Neill.

South African coach Jake White convinced Jones, a friend, to spend this week with his team in Cape Town and be involved in their World Cup campaign.

"I found it a bit amusing," O'Neill said. "I am not sure whether Eddie is going to be able to offer any particularly useful insights, and I don't think that in any way it should alarm the Wallabies. It might help them."

O'Neill said Jones perhaps hadn't properly thought through his "very curious decision" to, among other things, "advise the Springboks on how to beat the Wallabies".

In O'Neill's just-released autobiography, It's Only a Game, he reveals that had he remained ARU chief after the 2003 World Cup, he would have recommended Jones be replaced as Australian coach and called for George Gregan to be replaced as Test captain.

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The first recorded instance of rugby being played in Japan was in 1874, when British sailors staged a game in Yokohama.
The sport was introduced to students at Keio University in 1899 by Professor Edward Bramwell Clarke and Tanaka Ginnosuke.
Japan's first international took place on 31 January 1932 when a trade delegation from Canada brought a rugby union team. The Japanese won 9 - 8.

In the fifth World Cup, RWC 2003 held in Australia, Japan coached by Shogo Mukai was hailed as the best of the so-called 'minnow' nations and left a lasting and delightful impression with its speedy play and sportsmanship, gaining many new Japanese and foreign fans in the process, but unfortunately the team still failed to win any games.

On May 14, 2006 Daisuke scored three tries for Japan against Georgia, in doing so breaking the world record for tries in test matches previously held by David Campese.

That Ohata would break the record was never in doubt – it was a question of when the prolific wing would surpass Campese’s benchmark of 64 tries in 101 Tests, which had stood for more than a decade and remains an Australian record.

SHAVEN-headed lock Nathan Sharpe's all-round game and consistency has seen him scoop Australia's best-player award, which is named after his childhood hero.

Sharpe finished as runner-up to full back Chris Latham in 2006, but went one better this year to take out his first John Eales medal.

The 29-year-old Western Force skipper was a comfortable victor, polling 170 votes to win from No.8 Wycliff Palu (134) and prop Guy Shepherdson (131).

Sharpe started in all but one of the 11 Tests played over the voting period, missing only the June 9 Test against Fiji in Perth when he was rested.

The 3-2-1 votes that determine the John Eales medallist were taken from every member of the Wallabies' match 22 after every Test dating back to last year's Spring Tour.

Sharpe is the fifth forward to win Australian rugby's top honour and joins Latham, Jeremy Paul, David Lyons, Phil Waugh and George Smith as John Eales medallists.

as a golden opportunity to inflict a huge psychological blow on the All Blacks.

The loss over here has probably damaged their psyche already, particularly in a World Cup year....They've probably got doubts in a World Cup year anyway with the way the last three World Cups have gone

"So I think we've already put a bit of doubt in their mind, but (another win) would hurt them even more,

THE All Blacks are so edgy about the Wallabies beating them on Saturday night that they wheeled out the Bledisloe Cup for a show and tell yesterday in the hope it would motivate the troops.

All Blacks players last night explained the fear factor of losing the cup for the first time since 2002 weighed heavily on their minds, especially after senior identities lectured them on how important this piece of silverware was for the wellbeing of their country.

All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina said the cup was on its way to the New Zealand team hotel in Auckland to take pride of place at a players' meeting, where the emphasis would be on the power and glory surrounding the trophy.

After being presented by the New Zealand Governor-General Lord Bledisloe, otherwise known as "Chattering Charlie" Bathurst, in 1931 as a symbol of trans-Tasman rugby supremacy, the cup was lost for some years, rediscovered in a Melbourne cellar and is now treated as a sporting holy grail.

With the cup next to them, former All Blacks skipper, coach and now Test selector Sir Brian Lochore, along with senior players Anton Oliver, Aaron Mauger and Richie McCaw, told the squad that keeping the cup was the best way to destabilise the Wallabies and make them feel second-rate.

"The older heads have already spoken about how long it took to get the Bledisloe Cup, and those dying moments when they've lost it," Muliaina said yesterday.

It was repeatedly stressed at the meeting that even though the All Blacks have held the cup for five seasons, Australia had a stranglehold on it from 1998 until 2003.

Australia team doctor Martin Raftery diagnosed a blood clot in Lyons' left calf when the backrower experienced swelling following the Wallabies' mornings training session Wednesday.

"David had experienced some minor swelling in the calf at training earlier in the week but it hadn't settled down as we'd hoped it would," said Raftery.

Raftery said while all cases of DVT must be treated seriously, the position of the clot below Lyons' knee made his case less threatening than if had been higher in the leg.

Wallabies coach John Connolly has opted to promote Stephen Hoiles from the bench for another start at No.8 after he impressed in that role in the win over South Africa in Sydney.

Mark Chisholm has been called onto the bench.

It's another blow for the Wallabies who lost fullback Julian Huxley earlier in the week to a thigh cork suffered when tackled by Super 14 teammate Gene Fairbanks at a function after the Brumbies awards on Saturday night.

This is the ultimate award. To be voted the best in your country by your own peers is the highest honour a player can hope to aspire to.
Naming this award after Australia's most successful captain ever is fully endorsed by the Players.
This has become one of the most sought after and coveted awards in Australian sport.

“It is appropriate that the announcement of the Wallabies Squad to compete for the Web Ellis Trophy, International Rugby’s highest honour is held on the same night as the John Eales Medal, named after our last World Cup-winning captain

“Its equally as appropriate we return to Brisbane, John’s stomping ground and one of Australian Rugby’s heartlands,” he said.

...bring together the nation’s corporate heavyweights, the cream of Australian Rugby talent and the country’s Rugby writing and reporting media.

The Awards night will also see the induction of the latest members of the Wallaby Hall of Fame, three undisputed greats of the game.

The black tie affair on Monday evening will also feature fitting farewells to retiring Wallaby greats; Brendan Cannon, Ben Tune, Jeremy Paul, Stephen Larkham and George Gregan.

Tickets for Monday night’s gala event are available through the ARU on
1800 619 181 or hospitality@rugby.com.au
Tickets are $250 per seat or $2500 per corporate table of 10.

Gregan out to have last word again
MIDWEEK MAUL - By JIM KAYES -
The Dominion Post | Wednesday, 18 July 2007

George Gregan is far too polite and polished to ever admit it, but the Wallabies halfback is having the last laugh.

For the past two or three years the Sydney media have called for Gregan to be dumped from the Wallabies.

They felt he had lost his punch. That he crabbed across the field too much, was a passer but never a runner, and as a result didn't threaten the defence.

The criticism was often valid, but no one was able to provide the name of the bloke who would play halfback for Australia ahead of Gregan.

Coach John Connolly thought he knew when he used Matt Giteau there against Wales in June, but it was soon apparent Giteau's best place is in the midfield.

So Gregan is back and the pesky tormentor of the All Blacks and their fans will be at the World Cup – possibly even as Wallabies skipper.

Gregan has a special link to the All Blacks since he burst into our lounge rooms with THAT tackle on Jeff Wilson in 1994.

He conjured one of the greatest sledges when he strode through the All Blacks ruck in the dying minutes of Australia's 22-10 World Cup semifinal victory in 2003 reminding them it would be "four more years, boys" till they had a chance to win the World Cup again.

...And he will be at Eden Park again on Saturday in his final Bledisloe Cup test.

With Australia one-up in the two-test series Gregan has the chance to bookmark that part of his career with a win again.

The All Blacks are $1.20 favourites with Australia paying $4.20, but given Gregan's remarkable career, would you bet against him?

George Gregan pats a rare King Cheetah cub in an enclosure at the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra April 10, 2006.
The un-named, 10-month-old King Cheetah, which made it's debut appearance Monday, is one of about 20 in the world and has taken up residence in the zoo after being bred in South Africa.
10 Apr 2006 REUTERS/Tim Wimborne

I believe that I did the right thing that day. They were throwing down a challenge and I showed them I was ready to accept it.

SOUTH Africa's rugby team, smarting from a weekend defeat to New Zealand, look set to unleash its own version of the All Blacks' famous haka based on an old Zulu war dance.

Springboks coach Jake White, set to name his squad for the World Cup this week, said he had asked the rugby authorities about reviving a dance that was last used more than 80 years ago in order to psyche up his players.

"The history books show that the 1926 Springboks performed a Zulu war dance in major matches on their tour," White told The Star newspaper in Auckland.

"New Zealand have come up with a new haka recently and, quite honestly, I would like to use ours as a challenge to them."

White revealed that his team have already performed the ritual in the changing room but believes it could have a greater impact on the pitch.

"We have done this challenge before in our team room in the four years since I have been involved as coach, but it hasn't really taken off as an idea to do it public. Not yet, anyway," said the coach.

"I have heard old All Blacks sit in the grandstand and pick up the whole mood of the team just from the haka the players perform."

The haka, which is based on a Maori warrior challenge to an enemy, has long been part of New Zealand's pre-match routine. Different versions have been used over the years, including one featuring a throat-slitting gesture which has been criticised for being overly aggressive.

BRUMBIES openside flanker George Smith won his sixth Brett Robinson* Players Player Award at the Super 14 team's annual presentation night held at the Great Hall at Parliament House.

The 25-year-old back rower (230 votes) finished ahead of lock Mark Chisholm (196) and utility back Adam Ashley Cooper (186) to claim the award for the fifth consecutive season.
He also claimed a second Australian Super 14 Player of the Year Award in May.

"For one player to win this award on six occasions is a phenomenal achievement when you consider the number of world-class footballers that have been part of the Brumbies during that time," Brumbies head coach Laurie Fisher said.

"This season he took on a leadership role (captaining the Brumbies for six matches) and was in turn rewarded with the Wallabies vice-captaincy.

"While George has 94 Super 14 caps to his name, he is only 25 and I'm looking forward to him continuing to improve as part of the Brumbies program."

In the evening's other awards Chisholm was named Best Forward while Ashley-Cooper was recognised as Best Back.

There were also tributes to each of the Brumbies' departing long-term players Jeremy Paul and foundation players Stephen Larkham and George Gregan.

Tomfoolery puts Huxley out of decider
Rupert Guinness
Monday, July 16, 2007

Wallabies fullback Julian Huxley has been ruled out of the Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations decider on Saturday after being injured at a party following the Brumbies' presentation night on the weekend.

Huxley sustained a cork to his left quad when tackled at the "after-party" to the Canberra reception by Brumbies back Gene Fairbanks.

Wallabies coach John Connolly said Huxley was the victim of tomfoolery, but admitted he was disappointed Huxley put himself in such a position.

Huxley's misfortune places pressure on Connolly to call up Chris Latham to play after his return from a knee reconstruction.

The option, said Connolly, would be to slot Adam Ashley-Cooper into the No.15 slot.

Connolly admitted he was disappointed by the manner of the injury but ruled out any disciplinary action against Huxley, who has played all six of Australia's Tests this year in Latham's absence.

Connolly said selectors were yet to decide on their fullback to face the All Blacks and will announce his team tomorrow.

AND what the bloomin' hell does Julian Huxley (Brumbies #15 fullback) think he's doing??

I thought he was playing well until DDH (that would be DuskDevi Husband...."my husband" just starts getting all QE2 like...) pointed out one little fact.

Julian Huxley does not play Rugby.

He kicks his way out of it. It's lazy play. He doesn't run with the ball, he doesn't tackle much, he doesn't like to get tackled (freakin' backs) and he gets 'scared' when it comes to him getting crunched.

When Larkham was injured Huxley took his place at #10 (flyhalf) and by all accounts he was good at this position and yes, he is good at what he does....kicking....but....I just took a quick look at his player statistics as flyhalf and his kick/pass/run ratio is something like this - 100/20/5.

Well it's not but you get the picture.

Paul's off the rails
Andrew Webster
Sunday, July 15, 2007

WALLABIES hooker Jeremy Paul is "off the rails" and almost no chance of playing in the Rugby World Cup this year.

Despite being widely considered the best No.2 in the country, Paul is likely to be overlooked because senior management is convinced he has an alcohol problem and is a bad influence on the team.

A senior ARU source has told The Sun-Herald they believed Paul was "on the drink virtually every day".

Those close to the 30-year-old have been concerned for his wellbeing since he separated from his wife, Sophie.

But Paul - who is the most capped (72) Wallabies hooker - has hit back at claims he had drinking problem. "They can say whatever they want," he said. "They're the ones who have to explain themselves. I'd like to know how anyone can say that because they haven't been in contact with me whatsoever.

"I've always been a bloke who enjoys a drink. But the perception that I am a pisshead is rubbish."

During a pre-season camp at the start of the year, Paul challenged Wallabies coach John Connolly over players finding out they had been dropped in the press. Senior players and officials told Paul after that meeting he had done irreparable damage to his international career because of the remark

Paul's relationship with Connolly further deteriorated after he was told he was not in the coach's World Cup plans and should search for form playing with Australia A. Paul was ruled out of those matches because of a shoulder injury.

Asked if he believed he was being overlooked because of a personal differences with Connolly, he said: "I wouldn't like to think so.

"Knuckles [Connolly] told me when I wasn't picked in the Wallabies squad earlier this year that I was the worst scrummager out of the four Australian provinces and my lineout throwing was hit and miss."

The Sun-Herald has also been told Paul's life began to freefall when he started dating a 19-year-old woman he met during the Brumbies' mad Monday celebrations at the end of the Super 14 season.

"It all happened when he did not get picked for the latest squad," a source said. "He has gone off the rails. He is throwing his marriage away and throwing his career away.

"It is just a fling for her but it is wrecking his marriage and his career is in jeopardy. Someone needs to step in and tell him to wake up to himself."

Paul denied he was seeing someone else and had been caring for his two young children on the weekend.

"That [my marriage breakdown] has nothing to do with it," Paul said. "There has been a lot of rumour and speculation going on about me. I recently had lunch with the Brumbies chief executive [Andrew Fagan] because he wanted to clear the air because he said there had been a lot of stuff going around."

Paul last night attended the Brumbies' end-of-season dinner and has been dividing his time living in Canberra and Brisbane, where he has been working with a personal trainer four to five times a week.

He is one of the game's most well-liked players but he has concerned Wallabies coaching staff because of his "party-boy" reputation.

Pat Wilson, the ARU high-performance manager, refused to comment on whether there was concern for Paul.

"There might be individuals who are aware of his situation but nothing official has come across my desk," Wilson said.

Paul played in all nine Test matches last year and every Super 14 match for the Brumbies. But he is on the outer with national selectors, who prefer Waratahs hooker Adam Freier and Queensland's Stephen Moore. Paul's Brumbies teammate Tatafu Polota-Nau was considered the next best hooker, but has a a knee injury. Reds rake Sean Hardman is next in line.

In a recent poll on rugbyheaven.com, 54per cent of respondents believed Paul was the best hooker in the country. He had been at loggerheads with the ARU about obtaining an early release from his contract so he can join English club Gloucester.

Paul withdrew that request on Thursday and it's believed his wife has the passport he requires to play in the UK.

Technically, he can still play in the World Cup having signed a participation agreement and having made it clear he wants to play. But it is unlikely he will be named in the Wallabies' 30-man squad.

PAUL'S BRILLIANT CAREER
Born: March 14, 1977.
Test caps: 72 (14 tries).
Test debut: 1998 v Scotland in Sydney.
Honours: Won John Eales Medal in 2005.
Tours: Was a member of the 1999 and 2003 World Cup squads, and has toured all the major rugby nations.
Super 14: Has played 99 games for the ACT Brumbies.

Handling mistakes again threatened to overshadow the All Blacks performance before three late tries in the last 12 minutes set up a 33-6 win over South Africa in the Tri Nations Test in front of 33,708 at Jade Stadium in Christchurch.

It was another game in which the All Blacks, for a long period, were unable to impose themselves over a below-strength opponent and leaves next Saturday's Bledisloe Cup match in Auckland as the Tri Nations decider.

No tries were scored in the first 68 minutes in play notable for the chances created by the All Blacks, but not taken, even when the South Africans had flanker Pedrie Wannenburg sin-binned midway through the second half.

So many handling mistakes were made that the All Blacks hardly fed the scrum all evening.

The All Blacks couldn't find their attacking continuity through the first half while their lineout also battled.

Initially the Springboks were not as intensive in the forward exchanges and more committed to running the ball at every chance.

....it was a Springboks knock-on that saw wing Doug Howlett pick up the ball and then feed wing Joe Rokocoko who then found replacement halfback Brendon Leonard with a backhand flick pass and he raced home to score after 68 minutes.

There was no doubt about the second try however, created by quick hands which spread the defence, and allowed replacement wing Nick Evans to burst down the right flank and force his way over for first five-eighths Daniel Carter to land a splendid sideline conversion.

The final try, scored in injury time, resulted from a lengthy period in which advantage was matched by counter advantage before the ball dropped at the feet of Carter and he was able to race 30 metres to score by the posts and land the conversion for 23 points from the game.

The Scottish Rugby Union is threatening to close down Edinburgh, according to the club's owner Bob Carruthers.

He told BBC Scotland the SRU's chief executive Gordon McKie will pull the plug on funding if Edinburgh goes ahead with court action against the Union.

Carruthers says the SRU owes Edinburgh a six-figure sum in promised revenue, a claim rejected by the governing body.
"They have defaulted constantly," said Carruthers, who is contemplating court action to recover the funds

Edinburgh ordered 12 players from Scotland's World Cup training squad to return to the club while talks were being held.

On this issue, SRU secretary Graham Ireland said: "We have now written to Edinburgh Rugby on two occasions, reminding them of their obligations to release players for Scotland duty in line with the IRB's requirements.

"Regrettably we have now been forced to refer the matter to the independent disciplinary body for consideration. It is now out of our hands.
"The Disciplinary Panel will independently determine the rights and wrongs of this case and sanction Edinburgh Rugby appropriately.

"It is a great pity that we have had to resort to this in order to protect the interests of the Edinburgh players selected for the Scotland training camp and to give our national team its best chance for success in the World Cup, which begins in September."

However, Carruthers insists Edinburgh have not broken any promises and the players will return to the international squad on 13 July.

"We are not withholding the Scotland players," he said.
"There is a very, very clear agreement signed by two sets of lawyers which sets out when the players have to be released."

....Larkham does not expect to get caught up in the dispute between the Scottish Rugby Union and his new club Edinburgh, where he will play after the World Cup.

"The contract I signed was on the understanding I would play the World Cup," Larkham said.

"Until I get over there on the first of November they are not controlling me."

Wallabies assistant coach Michael Foley confirmed fullback Chris Latham was expected to be available for the Auckland Bledisloe Cup Test after playing his first game since January in Brisbane club football on Saturday.

After having knee surgery at the start of the year, Latham played the second half for the Gold Coast Breakers, scoring a try.

"This is really good news," Foley said. "I think Julian [Huxley] has grown game by game. But having Chris Latham back to his best will be very exciting for the squad.

"We have always been hopeful that Chris will be back for the next Test. Whether he makes it for that, I'm not sure. But the good news is that he got through yesterday, and apparently played quite well. Also having Chris available for the World Cup is important.

"He does look in very good condition. He looks very, very fit. The only issue will be just how that knee responds."

"To be honest I know I don't feel ready at the moment,"

The 72-Test dynamo scored a try, set up another and looked dangerous each time he touched the ball in the Gold Coast Breakers' 54-5 thumping of Norths-QUT.

Latham will now ramp up his return by going into camp with the Wallabies this week, before playing 60 minutes for the Breakers in their major semi-final against minor premier GPS at Ballymore next Sunday.

He feels a strong showing could have him ready to play New Zealand at Auckland's Eden Park the following week, but said he needs to make significant improvement.
"That may change in the next week but I just feel I won't do the jersey justice.

"To be a part of a winning Bledisloe and Tri-Nations, who wouldn't want to be part of that, but it comes down to the respect of the jersey and your teammates and I don't think I could do that."

"Tests say that I'm nearly there," said Latham.
"But a 40m straight line sprint is one thing. It's not often you run 40m straight. It's all about getting your timing and getting your game speed.

"It was there in stages but now I have to get back to where it's automatic. But that's what I needed, just to get rid of that fear and know that the strength's there."

that the Wallabies paid the penalty for "getting a little excited early", but were delighted they regained their balance to ensure their farewell Australian Test was a celebration.

"It was all a bit patchy and very hard to get into the game," Larkham said. "It was fool's gold in the end.
"We fell into the trap of trying too hard to score tries."

Larkham, who also earned his 100th Test cap last night, said the occasion did not affect his or Gregan's performance.

"I was pumped up, a little bit scatty, but it was soon business as usual," he said.

"The players were very conscious of recognising what they (Larkham and Gregan)have done for Australia. They are probably two of the greatest players to have played the game for Australia - so it was an important night.

Wallabies coach John Connolly is expecting an emotional farewell for two of Australia's greats after naming George Gregan and Stephen Larkham in the team to take on South Africa in Sydney on Saturday night in what will be their final appearances on home soil.

Gregan, a veteran of 132 Tests, and his long-time halves counterpart Larkham will play their last match for the Wallabies in Australia at Telstra Stadium, as the pair prepare for a World Cup finale later this year.

"They are virtually icons of Australian sport," Connolly said.

"We've just been so blessed in this country to have such incredibly consistent players playing in two of our key positions over the past 12 or so years."

"They are two great warriors of Australian sport and I'm sure they will receive a fitting farewell from the supporters on Saturday night in what is such a crucial Test for the Wallabies."

The match will also be Larkham's 100th Test for the Wallabies as he joins Gregan and David Campese (101) as the only players to register a century of caps for Australia.

They stand alone and work together

Premiere trio

For years, Stephen Larkham and Stirling Mortlock have attended the movies the night before big Test matches.
Rugby's version of David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz now has a third member - Adam Ashley-Cooper.
He admitted in the RUPA newsletter this week that last week they went "Gold Class". "I'll do that again," Ashley-Cooper gushed.

Rumours of the week
Red faces at the ARU after using Lote Tuqiri as their prime advertising tool for the Springbok Test.
And a Qantas ad, which is emblazoned on billboards all over the place, which shows Tuqiri squirting teammates with grog, now looks in decidedly poor taste.

Jeremy Paul's days as a Wallabies hooker are over.
Selectors cited poor form as the reason but numerous influential figures also believe he is a destabilising influence within the team.

It will be the Stephen Larkham Show at Telstra Stadium tomorrow night when the champion five-eighth becomes the third Australian to pass 100 Test caps.

Larkham is one of the more left-of-centre characters to appear in Australian colours: eccentric, intense, unpredictable and brilliant.

According to those who knew him at the start of his career, he was always destined to be a Wallabies great.

Max Crozier, who coached Larkham in the ACT under-21s at the 1995 carnival, where he was picked as a halfback, contacted R&M to explain that, from the outset, he had "amazing vision".

"However, his most important personal trait did not surface until after the first game," Crozier wrote.

"Within minutes of the game starting on Manuka Oval, he was jersey-flung and landed head first on the cricket pitch.
Unconscious for almost 30 seconds, it was the end of his tournament. He went to hospital for observation."

To everyone's surprise, Larkham turned up at training next day. "He knew that because of the concussion, he would not be allowed to play," Crozier said.

"Instead, he asked if he could stay with the team in camp, even if it meant having to sleep on the floor [his replacement had his bed], and he would help out wherever he could during the rest of the tournament.

He never missed training, collected balls, ran water, passed from the nine position and attended every game. Early signs of a future Australian legend."

Springboks coach Jake White has paid veteran duo George Gregan and Stephen Larkham a huge compliment ahead of Saturday night's Tri Nations Test in Sydney.

South Africa is a very proud rugby nation and they showed the amount of respect they have for the Wallabies halves combination by praising the duo as well as making the effort to commemorate Larkham's becoming a Test centurion with this weekend's match at Telstra Stadium.

At the South African team announcement on Wednesday, White paraded an official Springboks jersey that they will present to Larkham before Saturday night's match. The jersey is embroided with the words - 'Stephen Larkham congratulations on your 100th Test'

"I was privileged to be in Perth for George Gregan's 100th Test and it happened to be against the Springboks," White explained. "And it is going to be an honour this weekend to be there for Larkham's 100th."

"We have a got a special embroided Springboks jersey to present to him - it is a gift from South Africa to congratulate him on his 100th Test. Not too many coaches can be lucky enough to have players like Gregan and Larkham play against the Springboks in their 100th Test match."

White said the veteran pair never failed to surprise him with their professionalism and dedication to the game.

"People said that Gregan and Larkham were going to go into hiding and avoid contact before the World Cup but I can tell you in Cape Town, the way Larkham was climbing into the defence and all that it was far and away from people perceived what was going to happen," White said.

The Wallabies' highest-paid player, Matt Giteau, has reportedly undergone medical tests after mysteriously collapsing outside a Sydney nightclub.

Channel 9 news reported on Thursday night that Giteau has to be carried out of the Sapphire Room in Kings Cross on Sunday night after passing out.

The Australian Rugby Union say the utility back was not drinking heavily.

The ARU medical team has taken blood and urine samples in a bid to find the reasons behind Giteau's collapse.

According to the television report, the tests did not find any trace of illegal substances.

Giteau collapsed on the same night team-mate Lote Tuqiri was out drinking to the early hours and later failed to front for a recovery session.

Tuqiri was subsequently fined $20,000 and banned for two Tests.

The number 7 has held a special significance at least from the time of the ancient Babylonians, who revered the seven sacred planets, and it is a crucial numeral in the Bible, as in the seven days of the Creation to the seven petitions of the Lord’s Prayer.
Evie Bagwell, 23, and Derek Novotny, 22, from Brownsville, Pa., say they chose the date for their wedding because of its spiritual significance. “The Bible explains 777 as being perfection, and that is how we feel together,” Ms. Bagwell said.

When Stephen Larkham was about 14, his father drove him from Canberra to witness his first Test, held at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Even then Larkham had an inkling that one day he would appear in the Wallabies green and gold. The teenager brought his football boots along to the SFS. It was just in case one of the Wallabies was injured and "they needed to call someone from the stands". "Growing up I loved rugby, and always thought I was going to play for Australia at some stage," Larkham said.

Belief is a crucial factor in any player's career. Endurance is another, and even Larkham seems mystified that despite achieving his dream of becoming a Wallaby, it would extend to a 100-plus Test career.

On Saturday against the Springboks at Telstra Stadium, the 33-year-old will become the third Australian player to reach the 100-Test milestone, following David Campese and George Gregan.

The celebrations will involve a special commemorative cap which will be presented to Larkham, who is without doubt one of the 10 greatest Wallabies ever, showing his versatility as a first-rate international fullback and five-eighth.

His career has involved hideous injuries, endless moments of courage, and jubilation - none better than his field goal in the 1999 World Cup semi-final against South Africa.

But most importantly, he will be remembered for his ability through the most intelligent of football minds to repeatedly turn Test matches in Australia's favour.

Adding to the moment is that it will be Larkham and Gregan's last Test match on Australian soil. The pair have been playing side by side for 12 years at Test and provincial level, forging a tight bond.

"It will be a proud milestone, but to have George beside me will make it doubly special," Larkham said yesterday. "As it is our last Test in Australia, he'll be looking forward to it as much as I will be. But I won't be too emotional about it. There's a lot of work to be done before the match and the Springbok side they are sending out, although written off in the press, will be formidable.

"Potentially after the match is where the emotions will come in, and when I'll start thinking about it. Beforehand, it is certainly going to be business as usual."

Larkham's aspirations to be a Test footballer began well before he appeared as a self-conscious and gangly 21-year old with the ACT Brumbies in 1996. Within a few months of his provincial debut he had played the first Test as a replacement against Wales in Sydney.

"Growing up, I always watched the Bledisloe Cups. They were the biggest games in the year, and I always wanted to play for Australia against New Zealand at some stage," Larkham said.

"Back then, Australia only played three or four Test matches per year. So at the time to even think you could play 100 Tests was just irrational. The professional era has come, and I think a lot more guys will be reaching that milestone in the near future."

It will still be some time before another Australian achieves such a feat. The next closest is George Smith with 77 Test caps.

failing a breath test for alcohol on Monday after returning to Sydney the previous day, following Australia's 20-15 victory over the All Blacks in Melbourne.

...the Wallabies' four-man disciplinary committee, which met over the issue for 90 minutes on Monday night, had recommended a one-match ban and a $20,000 fine. That would have left him available to take on the All Blacks.

However, ARU chief executive John O'Neill stepped in and ensured Tuqiri's suspension was extended to two Tests. Tuqiri was still under a two-year suspended two-match ban for a night-club incident at Cape Town on July 21 that led to Matt Henjak being sent home. Tuqiri was also fined $500 for that incident.

"No one would be keener than me to win the Bledisloe Cup back in a couple of weeks and to have our best team on the paddock," O'Neill said . "But it would send out a bad message if you didn't apply the rules."

...the Australian Rugby Union and Wallabies could also pay for it. After helping beat the All Blacks last Saturday to get one hand on the Bledisloe Cup, Tuqiri would have been a key player in the July 21 decider in Auckland. His absence against the world No.1 ranked side may be the difference between the Wallabies winning or losing.

...Tuqiri's absence from this Saturday's Test against the Springboks at Telstra Stadium may also hurt the ARU's coffers, which are in need of re-supply following poor crowds in the two Tests against Wales and one versus Fiji.

After the Wallabies' win over the All Blacks, this week had been pencilled in by the ARU as one for crowd-pulling publicity, with strong hopes that the side could secure first place on the Tri Nations ladder with a win. However, the Tuqiri case has thrown those expectations into disarray.

"Obviously I'm not happy.

I have let the boys down, family and friends and everyone else," he said. "But I understand where they are coming from."

Tuqiri also conceded he might have to address his use of alcohol. "I guess that is something I have to look at. There are other issues, too. I have time management issues and everything as well," he said.

His reading exceeded the team limit of 0.05.

A team may earn one bonus point in each of the following ways (to a total of two points):

- By scoring four or more tries in the match, regardless of the final result of the match.
- By losing by seven points (a converted try) or fewer.
- A victorious team can collect either 4 or 5 points, depending on whether or not it scored 4 tries.
- A losing team may collect from 0 to 2 points.

If teams end level on points the first tiebreaker is point differential, followed by number of tries during the series.

Hypnotist could help Larkham
By Peter Jenkins
June 25, 2007

AUSTRALIA coach John Connolly was urged last night to hire a hypnotist to have five-eighth Stephen Larkham at his best for Saturday's showdown with New Zealand in Melbourne.

Former Australia team kicking coach Ben Perkins claimed Larkham - out of sorts with the boot against South Africa last week - has the ability to be a big-punting match-winner.

"But he's a confidence player," Perkins said, who quit in indignation this season when the Australian Rugby Union offered him severely reduced terms to stay on the Wallabies' staff.

"You need a hypnotist in there to tell Stephen he's capable of doing anything, to reinforce for him that he is a genius.

"I've seen him kick superbly in Test matches. He can do it.
"But he needs to believe in himself and trust his technique.

"When he stands tall and swings with a fully-flying authoritative leg he's great.
"At times though, he gets jerky in his action and the kick is just not in the same class."

Perkins remains critical of ARU officials who "insulted" him with a poor offer, claiming that they had failed to grasp the importance of tactical kicking in the Wallabies' World Cup prospects.

It was an area that cost them field position and ultimately the match against the Boks in Cape Town.

"Football players are like golfers and tennis players," Perkins said.
"They need someone around to keep them on track.

"They could have their hips put off alignment, or some other small thing that can cause troubles to the end result.

"You've got to remember that even Tiger Woods has a coach."

Perkins argued that towards the end of last season, Chris Latham was acknowledged as the biggest and best line-kicking fullback in the world while Matt Giteau, Stirling Mortlock and Cameron Shepherd had exceptional goalkicking strike rates.

But against the Springboks in particular, the general play kicking was well below par.

"Latham is well capable of doing it and they desperately need him back," Perkins said.
"He went from being a joke kicker to being the best in world rugby."

Perkins also lamented the lack of time the Wallabies have devoted to kicking in recent years.

The Australian Rugby Union and Canterbury International have today announced a new jersey for the Qantas Wallabies’ 2007 Rugby World Cup campaign.

The new slimfit jersey, which has been under development for three years between Canterbury designers and Loughborough University in the United Kingdom, has been created to give the Wallabies and other Canterbury teams a performance edge.

The new design retains the predominantly gold characteristic of the Wallaby jersey and also considers the conditions the players will face in France.

The jersey has been designed to meet the needs of different player positions, with design features including the placement of specific grips on the jersey to retain the ball whilst running and to enhance binding in the scrum.

The jersey includes a short and long sleeve option, as well as a cap sleeve version which has been developed specifically for the Wallabies props. A new offset loop neck and slimfit design will help the players evade collar and jersey tackles.

A number of senior Wallabies were involved in testing the new jersey including George Smith, Al Baxter, Stephen Larkham, Lote Tuqiri and Matt Giteau.

“All of the players involved in testing the new jersey felt it gives us more freedom of movement and has a better sleeve and body fit and greater breathability,” Qantas Wallabies flanker George Smith said.
“It still keeps the traditional element of gold, which the Wallabies are well known for, and the Webb Ellis Cup logo on the sleeve is a nice touch ahead of this year’s tournament in France. I particularly like the grip panels on the front of the jersey – they add an extra dimension in terms of look and performance.”

Other jersey innovations include an underarm stretch panel for improved freedom of movement and a new super lightweight Temex® fabric that significantly reduces moisture retention and the weight of the jersey.
The new age fabric also wicks perspiration away from the skin to the jersey surface, preventing player overheating, discomfort and helping to maintain player performance.

The Qantas Wallabies new Canterbury jersey will be officially launched at Sydney’s Martin Place on July 5 and players will wear it for the first time when they meet the Springboks at Telstra Stadium in Sydney on July 7.

A range of replica (supporters) versions of the new jersey are now available at Canterbury retail outlets. Stockists: 1300 551 133 or www.CanterburyNZ.com.

Wallabies legend David Campese has laughed off a snubbing from the Wallabies over a jersey presentation before last week's Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

The Wallabies have a tradition where a former player is invited to present a jersey to the game day captain before each Test, but Campese, who lives in South Africa and was present at the ground, was rejected as a potential presenter by the Australian players.

Campese has raised a few hackles on the back of Australian rugby with his critcism of the Wallabies in his regular columns for The Daily Telegraph and this is thought to be the reason behind his snubbing.

But the record breaking try scoring winger makes no apologies for his outspoken comments that have included saying George Gregan didn't deserve to be Test halfback and blasting the ARU for not having a back-up for Stephen Larkham.

"Why should I worry (the jersey presentation snub)? Life's too short," Campese said in the Daily Telegraph.
I'm a columnist now and I think if you've got a strong point of view you voice it. I don't whisper behind people's backs. I say what I think and people know where I stand."

Campese said his comments on the Wallabies are warranted and he points to the statistics as back-up.
"What do they want me to write – that the Wallabies are great every week, they're fantastic and they're always playing great rugby? You'd only be kidding yourself to do that," said Campese.

Take a look at the record and tell me if I've been too harsh in recent seasons.

"The Wallabies have played 15 games away from home over the past five years against New Zealand, South Africa and France, and they have not won one of them. Not one.

"How do I make that look better?

"They haven't beaten South Africa in South Africa since 2000.

"Am I supposed to be saying how good that is? These days no one seems to do anything wrong yet the results are not what you'd call sensational."