Johnson named interim Scotland coach

Updated December 21, 2012 08:58:53

Australian Scott Johnson has been appointed Scotland head coach on a temporary basis for the Six Nations and next year's tour of South Africa, Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) announced on Friday morning (AEDT).

Johnson had been working as an assistant coach to Andy Robinson, who resigned last month in the wake of a 21-15 loss to Tonga after three and a half years in charge.

"Scott has a wealth of experience of international rugby, which was instrumental in his appointment earlier this year as our senior assistant coach," said SRU chief executive Mark Dodson.

"He has coached with Australia, Wales and the USA and knows what it is to prepare teams to win on the international battleground.

"Scott knows our players and coaches well and is determined to hit the ground running with a successful Six Nations Championship."

Dodson also confirmed that the SRU will continue to seek a long-term successor to Robinson.

Johnson described the appointment as "an honour" and pledged to do his best to get the most out of the players.

The loss to Tonga on November 25 was Scotland's 10th defeat in its last 13 Tests and saw it slump to 12th in the International Rugby Board (IRB) global ranking.

Johnson, who was once caretaker coach of Wales, was appointed as an assistant coach as part of an overhaul that followed Scotland's dismal performance at this year's Six Nations, in which they lost all five games.

The 50-year-old played a part in the successful tour of Australia, Fiji and Samoa, in June this year before losses to New Zealand, South Africa and Tonga in November.

Scotland opens its Six Nations campaign against England at Twickenham on February 2.

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, scotland

First posted December 21, 2012 08:52:17

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Brumbies coach no 'queue jumper'

Updated December 11, 2012 21:15:13

Brumbies coach Jake White says he has no ambitions to either take the Wallabies coaching role from Robbie Deans or leapfrog any queue for the role.

White was last week quoted as saying it would be a "dream job" to coach the Wallabies.

However the Springboks' 2007 World Cup winning coach set the record straight on Tuesday, saying he did not want to oust Deans and making it plain he was not trying to push himself ahead of heir apparent Ewen McKenzie.

"To be fair it was a bit of a difficult (question) to put to me because I coach a franchise in Australia where all players are basically eligible to play for their country," said South African White.

"But I have no ambitions of taking Robbie Deans' job or jumping in front of the queue in front of everybody.

"I have a job to do (with the Brumbies) and if that means that you get earmarked for greater things then that is fantastic."

Entering the final season of his contract, Deans has been under the pump since the Wallabies bowed out of their 2011 World Cup semi-final, with critics including former Test great David Campese lamenting their often dour play and highlighting losses to Scotland, Samoa, Ireland and a French thumping over the past 18 months.

White is entering his second season with the Brumbies, having turned them around to go within a whisker of the finals last season.

The man with runs on the board in Australia is Queensland Reds director of coaching McKenzie, who led the franchise to the Super Rugby title in 2011 and previously took the NSW Waratahs to two finals.

However White said as a fellow coach of an Australian rugby franchise it would be wrong for him not to show interest in coaching the Wallabies.

"If I coach in a country like (Australia) you've got to buy into the fact that you're in this country and you're doing it hammer and tongs. So it would be a great honour," he said.

"Any guy who is in coaching who says he wouldn't want to coach one of the best sides in the world is dreaming.

"So it is obviously something like that I would look at, but at this point in time I'm with the Brumbies and my job is to make sure I produce Wallabies."

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, canberra-2600, act, australia

First posted December 11, 2012 18:09:40

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Robinson resigns as Scottish coach

Updated November 26, 2012 08:56:03

Scotland coach Andy Robinson has resigned a day after his side lost to Tonga, the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) announced on Sunday.

The Englishman had been under contract until after the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but the 21-15 upset loss to the Tongans in Aberdeen meant that the Scots had lost 10 of their last 13 matches, including elimination from the World Cup at the group phase for the first time.

Scotland also lost its three November internationals, all at home, to New Zealand, South Africa and Tonga.

In a statement issued by the SRU, Robinson, who was appointed in June 2009, said: "It's been a privilege to be the head coach of Scotland and I'd like to thank the fans, players, coaches and staff for all their support over the years.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the players and the coaches in the last few years.

"I believe I have left the team in a better position than when I took over and have great confidence in the players and the coaches for the future.

"I am very disappointed by our recent results but I have belief in the players to develop into a winning team."

Robinson was given a vote of confidence after the early World Cup exit in New Zealand, but despite high hopes Scotland slumped to a wooden spoon in the Six Nations, losing all five games.

There then followed encouragement in the form of wins on the June tour to Australia, Fiji and Samoa, but a 51-22 loss to New Zealand, a 21-10 reverse to South Africa and the Tonga debacle leaves Scotland a lowly 12th in the world rankings.

The defeat against Tonga was especially galling for Robinson, who struggled to contain his emotions at his post-match press conference.

"That was totally unacceptable out there. I am very angry - I apologise to all Scotland fans," he said.

"There will be consequences, but I will not reveal what they will be."

When asked if the aftermath would include his own future, Robinson replied: "I will look at everything. I have got a contract until 2015 - but there needs to be consequences after this."

Scottish Rugby's chief executive Mark Dodson stated: "Following the sequence of recent results during the EMC Autumn Tests a change in head coach is required to take the team forward and build towards the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

"Andy has overseen some fine results as Scotland head coach since he was appointed in June 2009 but the recent defeats have been very disappointing."

The search for Robinson's successor will begin immediately, with assistant coach Scott Johnson a possible contender.

Former South Africa and Italy coach Nick Mallett may also consider the role worth the challenge.

AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, united-kingdom, scotland

First posted November 25, 2012 22:46:50

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Lions suspend coach Mitchell

Updated June 23, 2012 19:26:32

Super Rugby strugglers the Lions have suspended New Zealand-born coach John Mitchell after some players complained about his coaching and management style.

Lions president and former Springbok lock Kevin de Klerk refused to elaborate Friday, saying the gripes would be investigated next week and a decision made on the future of the former All Blacks coach.

Mitchell guided the Lions to the domestic Currie Cup title last year against the odds, but they have found the going tough in the southern hemisphere championship and are second last on the table with only two wins from 13 games.

Assistants Carlos Spencer and Johan Ackermann will take over coaching durites in the interim.

Mitchell was the All Blacks coach for two years before World Cup-winning supremo Graham Henry took over in 2004.

AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, south-africa

First posted June 23, 2012 12:19:20

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Former Kiwi winger Kirwan new Blues coach

Updated July 17, 2012 11:36:38

Former All Blacks winger John Kirwan has been named as the new coach of the struggling Auckland Blues Super Rugby franchise, the team said on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old Kirwan, who also coached the Italy and Japan national teams, replaces Pat Lam, who spent four years in charge of the team in New Zealand's largest city.

The New Zealand Rugby Union had opened the job up for applications as the Blues lurched through a terrible season, finishing 12th in the southern hemisphere provincial competition.

Kirwan, an Auckland provincial stalwart, coached Italy from 2002-2005 and Japan from 2007-2011, including at last year's rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Reuters

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, new-zealand

First posted July 17, 2012 11:36:38

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Force closing in on new coach

Updated July 03, 2012 12:37:34

Western Force are set to decide on their new Super Rugby coach within the next week and will not sign any new players until the appointment is made.

Heineken Cup-winning coach and former Randwick stalwart, Michael Cheika, who recently left his post at French club Stade Francais, is in line to replace the departed Richard Graham.

Others rumoured to be in the mix include former Force assistant John Mulvihill, former Wallabies and Wales assistant Scott Johnson and ex-Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan.

Force chief executive Vern Reid says the panel in charge of selecting the new coach is halfway through the interview process and plans to make a final decision within the next week.

The Force will then wait until the contract had been signed off before formally unveiling their new man to the public.

"We're trying to get this done as quickly as we can, but we also know we have to make the right decision," Reid said.

"Most of those who we've interviewed already have coaching contracts, so it would be unfair to identify them in this process."

Reid says the Force's recruiters have lined up several players to potentially join the club for next season, but any final decision will be left up to the new coach.

"There's a number of players we are negotiating the financial details with, subject to the appointment of the coach and his recommendation either for or against," he said.

Out-of-contract contract David Pocock has been kept closely in the loop about the coaching situation.

Reid says although the star Wallabies openside flanker will not have a formal say on the final decision, his opinion will be expressed through player representative Scott Staniforth, who is part of the selection panel.

"They (Pocock and Nathan Sharpe) are not involved in speaking with the candidates, but they're aware and they're supportive of who we've interviewed," Reid said.

"We've been in very earnest discussions with David for a long time.

"We're aware of his immediate aims and we're very astutely trying to accommodate his wishes. We're certainly doing everything we possibly can to keep him in Perth."

Pocock (groin) and fellow flanker Matt Hodgson (ankle) are set to miss Saturday's match with the Blues in Auckland, leaving the struggling Force bereft of options in the back row following on from Ben McCalman's season-ending shoulder injury.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, super-rugby, sport, perth-6000

First posted July 03, 2012 12:00:25

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Force confirm Foley as Super Rugby coach

Updated August 01, 2012 14:42:44

The Western Force have confirmed the appointment of Michael Foley as head coach for the next three Super Rugby seasons.

Foley quit his post at the NSW Waratahs on Tuesday, and will replace Richard Graham as head coach of the Force.

The appointment ends a drawn-out saga for the Force, who parted ways with Graham in mid-April after it was revealed the former Wallabies assistant had signed a deal to coach the Queensland Reds from next season.

The Force managed just three wins this year, and were dealt a huge blow last week when captain David Pocock defected to the Brumbies.

Foley spent three years as an assistant at the Waratahs before taking on the head role in 2012, where he managed to guide the side to just four wins from 16 games.

The 45-year-old, who represented the Wallabies in two World Cups, said he was excited to link up with the Force.

"This is an important period for the club and, while we're not looking to start from scratch, we're looking to relaunch the team," Foley said.

"There's no doubt the club has had a few setbacks in recent times but there are many people at the club, both on and off the field, that are very determined to see the Force successful.

"While my expectations are realistic, I'm very excited about this challenge.

"The coaching staff will be looking to promote an exciting brand of rugby that captures the imagination of our fans and wins games as well."

Although forwards coach Nick Stiles will remain at the Force, the franchise has begun the search for a new backs coach to replace Phil Blake.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, perth-6000, wa, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted August 01, 2012 14:42:44

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Top Waratahs back coach Foley

Updated May 28, 2012 19:15:14

Senior Waratahs players have backed coach Michael Foley, who says it will be up to others to decide if he holds his job at the helm of the Super Rugby franchise.

New South Wales is out of finals contention with three games to play, having lost five successive matches and slumping to 11th on the ladder.

Injured skipper Rocky Elsom supported Foley but was not surprised at the mounting speculation over his coach's job.

"It's to be expected. You don't get results, you look at the guys in the team and obviously Foles is a part of that," Elsom said on Monday after the team arrived back from South Africa.

"Of course he has the players' support, but you can expect those kinds of comments."

Prop and acting skipper Benn Robinson also stressed Foley enjoyed total backing from his playing group.

"We've got 100 per cent support behind Foles," Robinson said.

Asked if he was completely confident he would continue in his role Foley said: "I wouldn't necessarily say that, I think that's up to other people to decide".

Waratahs officials stressed there would be no emergency board meeting on Tuesday, as had been reported in at least one newspaper.

Questioned whether he thought he had the support of the board, Foley said: "That's something they would have to answer and I'm not going to speculate on that".

However Foley was adamant speculation over his position was neither distracting nor disconcerting.

"The rumours you can get past in the sense that you are more focused on trying to get the result," Foley said.

Foley and Robinson emphasised the Waratahs would not lack motivation in their remaining games despite no longer having the incentive of making the finals.

"I believe the appetite is undiminished for the contest, we're incredibly disappointed with the results, but desperate to go out there and turn that around," Foley said.

Former Wallabies skipper Elsom, who is unsure how long his current shoulder injury will keep him out, was omitted from the Australian train-on squad announced on Sunday.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said he hoped Elsom still saw himself as part of the group if it was something he still felt passionate about.

Asked if he still had the passion to play for Australia Elsom said: "Yes of course".

Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell, who made his comeback from an ankle injury last weekend, could play club rugby during the Super Rugby break as he looks to push for a Test recall later in the year.

"I think certainly the (Rugby) Championship wouldn't be out of the realms of possibility (for my Test comeback)," Mitchell said.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, sydney-2000, australia, nsw

First posted May 28, 2012 19:15:14

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Wales appoints caretaker coach

Updated April 20, 2012 06:38:50

Former international Rob Howley has been named as Wales caretaker coach for the upcoming tour of Australia.

Howley will take charge of the side while head coach Warren Gatland recovers from injuries he suffered when he fell off a ladder in a domestic accident.

Gatland was cleaning the windows at his family beach house in New Zealand when he lost his balance and fell some three metres on to concrete, taking the full impact on his heels.

He suffered multiple fractures to the right heel bone and also a fracture to the left heel and will not be fit enough to lead the party.

Howley was one of Gatland's first appointments when he took charge of the Welsh coaching set-up in 2008. The former half-back won 59 caps for Wales, captaining his country 22 times.

Wales faces the Barbarians at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on June 2 before leaving for a three-Test series in Australia, with the first match against the Wallabies in Brisbane on June 9.

Reuters

Tags: rugby-union, sport, wales, united-kingdom

First posted April 20, 2012 06:38:50

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Springboks name new coach

Updated January 27, 2012 21:23:17

Former Bulls mentor Heyneke Meyer has been named as the new South Africa coach.

The 44-year-old Meyer steered the Bulls to four Currie Cup titles between 2002 and 2006 and then their first Super 14 crown in 2007.

Meyer succeeds the controversial Peter de Villiers, who won a single Tri-Nations title and beat the British and Irish Lions in 2009 before guiding the Springboks to the quarter-finals of last year's World Cup in New Zealand.

Meyer had initially been the favourite to succeed Jake White in 2008 when De Villiers was appointed, and he subsequently quit rugby before joining Leicester in June 2008.

Reuters

Tags: rugby-union, sport, south-africa

First posted January 27, 2012 21:21:07

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French Rugby Coach Plans to Copy All Blacks

Rugby Coach Advice - Organising the Chaos on the Rugby Pitch

All Blacks coach Henry knighted

Updated December 31, 2011 10:36:41

All Blacks coach Graham Henry, who guided New Zealand to Rugby World Cup victory in October, has been rewarded with a knighthood in the nation's New Year's honours list.

Henry, now Sir Graham, has been made a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for his service to the national sport.

The honour comes after he redeemed himself in the eyes of a rugby-obsessed New Zealand public by taking the All Blacks to the World Cup win, albeit by a narrow 8-7 margin over France in the final.

Four years earlier, Henry had been publicly castigated in New Zealand when, again under his stewardship, the All Blacks crashed out of the 2007 World Cup in the quarter finals.

"I feel very honoured, very humbled in getting this award," Henry said after the knighthood was announced.

"Obviously winning the Rugby World Cup put the icing on the cake.

"I don't think I'd be standing here today if we hadn't done that."

The 65-year-old Henry, who is affectionately known as "Ted", stepped down as All Blacks coach after the World Cup ending a remarkable era which saw him rated as one of the most successful coaches in any sport.

In eight years at the helm, the All Blacks played 103 Tests and returned a winning average of 85.4 percent.

Henry has since turned down offers to join overseas clubs but said he is keen to develop an advisory coaching role, and not just for rugby.

"If I can pass some knowledge on to other coaches, not only in rugby but other sports, I'd enjoy that."

Richie McCaw, who captained the All Blacks to their World Cup victory, turned down the offer of an immediate knighthood saying it did not seem appropriate while he was still playing.

AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, rugby-union-world-cup, new-zealand

First posted December 31, 2011 08:47:46

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Eddie Jones named as new Japan coach

Updated December 27, 2011 10:11:51

Former Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has been appointed head coach of Japan's national rugby team to replace All Blacks legend John Kirwan.

Jones, 51, took the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup final and was technical adviser to South Africa when the Springboks won the 2007 World Cup in France.

"I'm very excited and honoured to have the job as head coach of Japan," Jones said.

"The first thing we're going to have to do is to win. I want Japan to win and be in the top ten in the world. We need to develop a solid play that suits Japanese players.

"We've got a very big challenge ahead us.

"The great thing about Japanese rugby is we have a very strong domestic company competition and strong university and high school competitions.

"We're going to quickly add in 30 or 40 players for the next World Cup."

Jones, whose wife is Japanese, has been managing Japan's Top League side Suntory Sungoliath since 2009.

In the 2010-2011 season, Suntory finished runners-up in the Top League and won the separate national championship under Jones. This season they are currently leading the Top League after eight straight wins.

He emerged as Kirwan's likely successor after Japan came home winless from the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

Japan will host the World Cup in 2019 and will be looking to avoid the embarrassment of becoming the first host country to fail to make the knockout stages.

Kirwan failed to break the Brave Blossoms' 20-year World Cup win drought at the New Zealand tournament.

He opted not to seek a new contract to his current five-year deal which expires at the end of this month.

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, japan

First posted December 26, 2011 19:48:00

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Pumas coach given extension

Updated December 22, 2011 13:25:03

Argentina coach Santiago 'Tati' Phelan, who steered the Pumas to the 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals, has been handed a new two-year contract.

After a third place finish at the 2007 World Cup in France, the South Americans went out in the quarter-finals to hosts and eventual champions New Zealand earlier this year.

"Tati's appointment as trainer confirms our interest in ratifying his tenure, which was extremely satisfactory from various points of view," Argentine Rugby Union (UAR) president Luis Castillo said.

"Now is the time to continue working to improve day by day and face a new calendar with a lot of activity."

Ranked seventh in the world, they will make their debut in a major annual competition next year when they take part in the new southern hemisphere championship with Australia, New Zealand and South Africa which is replacing the Tri-Nations.

Never before have they faced a year with 12 test matches, having had to sit by and watch the Tri-Nations and Six Nations from afar and make do with only six matches, three in each of the year's two test windows.

Fellow former Pumas Fabian Turnes, Mauricio Reggiardo and Marti Gaitan will continue as Phelan's coaching staff.

Daniel Hourcade was confirmed as coach of the Pampas XV, a reserve side that won South Africa's Vodacom Cup this year.

Reuters

Tags: rugby-union, sport, argentina

First posted December 22, 2011 13:25:03

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Hansen named All Blacks coach

Updated December 16, 2011 15:14:21

New Zealand Rugby Union has appointed Steve Hansen as the new coach of the world champion All Blacks, replacing Graham Henry who stepped down after winning the World Cup.

Hansen was widely tipped to get the prestigious role after serving as Henry's assistant for the past eight years.

The 52-year-old former policeman did not announce who his assistants would be.

The previous coaching team was in place for eight years, but as well as Henry stepping down backs coach Wayne Smith has moved to the Super Rugby side Waikato Chiefs.

Making the announcement, NZRU chairman Mike Eagle said Hansen was the best possible candidate for the job.

"I want to congratulate him on his appointment," he said.

"He is an outstanding coach and has been a key part of a hugely successful All Blacks team since becoming an assistant coach in 2004.

"He has huge respect and backing from the team and his peers and is the right man to now lead the team."

Eagle said having a World Cup-winning coach involved in leading the team forward was a huge advantage and allowed for a seamless transition.

Hansen said he was both excited and honoured to be chosen to succeed Henry.

"I have huge pride in New Zealand rugby and I'm passionate about the All Blacks and New Zealand," he said.

"I feel humbled and proud to be given the opportunity to lead the team into its next phase.

"My aim will be to leave the team in a better shape than how I found it and to enhance its legacy."

Hansen has been appointed for a two-year term and was the only candidate recommended by an appointment panel to go through to an interview with the full NZRU Board.

His preferred coaching team has also been unanimously approved by the NZRU and will be announced once employment details are settled.

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, new-zealand

First posted December 16, 2011 13:52:01

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Divisive de Villiers quits as Boks coach

Updated October 10, 2011 09:07:40

Peter de Villiers called it quits as South Africa coach after the reigning champions lost their World Cup quarter-final to Australia.

"It was a brilliant journey," said de Villiers, who took over from Jake White following the Springboks' 2007 World Cup win.

"There's a time to come and a time to go and I think the journey for me is over," he added following South Africa's 11-9 loss to the Wallabies, that saw the 'curse of the champions' strike again, with no team yet to win back-to-back World Cup titles.

Turning his gaze on assembled journalists, de Villiers, who has been much maligned for some of his selection policies and public gaffes, added: "It's something you guys can't take away from me.

"It was incredible, and I'm proud to have been in a position to make a contribution to my country."

When South Africa captain John Smit, retiring from international rugby as a player, was asked to say a few words about de Villiers, his coach jumped in and joked: "It's not a funeral, eh!"

Smit said the Springbok squad had enjoyed life under De Villiers.

"We've had a really good four years together. That's been pioneered by Peter," he said. "Even the bad days are good.

"He has given us leeway and space and tightened that space when we took advantage of it.

"I'm disappointed to end it like this."

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans added: "Peter de Villiers is a quality man, I've enjoyed the interactions I've had with him."

Talk now, think later

The 54-year-old De Villiers became a likeable but rather enigmatic figure in world rugby, often better known for bizarre utterances and actions rather than tactical master strokes.

De Villiers placed a lot of faith in the 2007 Cup-winning squad, choosing 18 of the 30 and 11 of those were in the squad that lost 11-9 to Australia.

'Div' upset many with his talk-now-think-later approach which peaked when South Africa flanker Schalk Burger eye gouged British and Irish Lion Luke Fitzgerald.

The incident at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria two years ago overshadowed a last-minute, series-sealing triumph for the green and gold, and triggered global fury.

Instead of offering sympathy to the injured Irish wing, de Villiers defended Burger and committed one of the worst gaffes of an often troubled four-year reign.

"Why don't we go down to the nearest ballet shop, get some tutus and get a dancing shop going?," de Villiers said.

His public support last year for Bees Roux after the Bulls prop was arrested for the alleged murder of a Pretoria policeman also severely embarrassed rugby officials.

The 54-year-old native of Western Cape wheat town Malmesbury was a controversial choice as successor to White.

South African Rugby Union boss Oregan Hoskins admitted rugby was not the only factor considered before de Villiers became the first black Springboks coach as the country tried to overcome the racial inequalities of the apartheid era.

Critics pointed to his inexperience - two seasons at Currie Cup minnows Valke (Falcons) and a spell in charge of a national age-limit team.

A poor first Test season brought only two wins in six Tri Nations outings, but 2009 produced a dramatic improvement.

Victory in New Zealand sealed top place in the southern hemisphere championship and the large cherry on top was revenge for a 1997 series loss to the British and Irish Lions.

De Villiers failed to maintain the momentum, though, and 2010 was an 'annus horribilis' with five Tri Nations losses, including home defeats by New Zealand and Australia.

Apart from a dismal win-loss record, de Villiers has not delivered on promises to get the Springboks playing more expansively and speeding up transformation to increase the number of non-white players in the team.

AFP

Tags: rugby-union-world-cup, rugby-union, sport, south-africa

First posted October 10, 2011 08:30:53

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Wallaby kicking coach defends Cup ball

Updated October 07, 2011 09:19:05

Australia kicking coach Braam van Straaten has rejected suggestions the Rugby World Cup match ball is to blame for kicking woes at the tournament, declaring it "the best ball I've ever kicked".

Wayward goalkicking has been a talking point at the World Cup, with the focus falling on the "Virtuo" match ball that English manufacturer Gilbert created for the event.

All Black superboot Dan Carter said before he suffered a tournament-ending injury that unfamiliarity with the ball was the reason his kicking success rate had slumped to 67 per cent at the World Cup, compared to 75 in the Tri Nations.

England kicker Jonnie Wilkinson, meanwhile, has a success rate of less than 50 per cent, well below his normal standard.

But former Springbok international van Straaten, who was involved in testing the ball for Gilbert at its South African launch, said there was nothing wrong with it.

"There's no problem with the ball, it's the best ball I've ever kicked," he said Thursday ahead of this weekend's World Cup quarter-finals.

"The ball travels really true, there's nothing wrong with it so I'm looking forward to seeing how it's going to go on the weekend," added van Straaten, who in his 21 Tests for the Springboks from 1999 to 2001 scored 221 points, including 23 conversions and 55 penalty goals.

"Hats off to Gilbert. It's a really, really good quality ball, nice and heavy, the flight is true and I think it all comes down to technique."

The ball is billed as having "innovative valve and bladder designs that will deliver superior shape retention and spin rate".

Australia faces van Straaten's native South Africa, the defending champion, in a quarter-final at the Wellington Regional Stadium on Sunday.

AFP

Tags: rugby-union-world-cup, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand, australia

First posted October 06, 2011 23:14:14

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Wales coach considered cheating

Updated October 19, 2011 12:40:29

Wales coach Warren Gatland has revealed he considered cheating in the team's World Cup semi-final defeat to France.

Gatland says he thought about asking a prop to fake an injury which, with his team already a man down after the sending off of captain Sam Waburton, would have led to uncontested scrums.

"After we had already lost (prop) Adam Jones (to injury) we discussed, 'do we fake an injury to one of our props to go to uncontested scrums?'," Gatland said.

"Morally, I decided that was not the right thing to do. I could easily have done that, but in the spirit of the game I didn't think that was the fairest or right thing to do."

Any side trying to fake an injury runs the risk of being found out by International Rugby Board sideline officials whose job is it to check players are going off for genuine medical reasons.

Openside flanker Warburton saw red in the 19th minute at Eden Park after Irish referee Alain Rolland sent him off for a dangerous "tip tackle" on French winger Vincent Clerc.

Gatland again voiced his displeasure at Rolland's ruling, saying: "I believe Alain Rolland made the wrong decision.

"I think the right decision was a yellow card.

"In terms of the rules, he is entitled to give a red card but every game is different," the New Zealander added.

Wales, despite being a man down for more than an hour, scored the only try of the match through half-back Mike Phillips.

But France just did enough to win 9-8 and will now face hosts New Zealand in Sunday's final at Eden Park.

AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-union-world-cup, rugby-union, wales, united-kingdom

First posted October 19, 2011 10:59:21

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Tahs coach wants review of squad cuts

Posted June 23, 2011 07:02:00

New South Wales Waratahs coach Chris Hickey is worried moves to prune back Australian Super Rugby squads to 30 players will leave teams terribly exposed to the brutal nature of the competition.

Hickey has called for a post-season review of the Australian Rugby Union's desire to streamline the playing rosters of the five squads in 2012.

The Waratahs themselves will on Friday night highlight the toll the competition takes on players when they run out against the Blues in Auckland with more than half of their starting XV on the sidelines.

Scrum half Luke Burgess was the latest star to enter the casualty ward this week when he broke his hand at training on Tuesday.

Pending final team selections on Thursday, the Waratahs are set to use their 38th player this season.

The table-topping Queensland Reds have also called upon 37 players in the home-and-away rounds to overcome injuries and freshen up battered troops.

"A squad of 30 just won't cut it," Hickey said in Auckland.

"All unions need to look at squad numbers."

NSW, the Reds, Western Force, Melbourne Rebels and Brumbies have operated with full squads of 32-33 players in 2011 plus academy players.

But the franchises next year are supposed to operate with 30 full-contract players and also have five rookies in their ranks.

With the 2012 season to be played over a longer period, due to a break during the June international window, Hickey said it was "commonsense" to review the proposed changes at the end of the season.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

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