Big Rugby Sevens Tackle - USA vs Canada

2011 Rugby World Cup plans
Adidas Becomes Next Major Sponsor of 2012 London Olympics
Referees to 16 December

SF Fog Women at Stanford 10s Tournament (1 of 2)

The first of two video episodes of the San Francisco Fog women's side participating in the Stanford 10's tournament on October 27, 2007. The Lady Fog played four 24-minute test matches in their pool to determine their seeding in the knock-out round that went 8 teams deep out of 10 registered teams. The Fog women were 3-1 with a combined score of 92 to 17 to achieve the #3 seed.


Chinese games - 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing
Discovery Casting Rube Goldberg Reality Show

Referees to 16 December

In Europe they do a turnabout this weekend. The same teams play but with swopped venues. In Argentina they finish off the South American Championship.

International

South American Championship

Argentina vs Chile at Estadio de San Martнn de San Juan, San Juan
Referee:Gustavo Gerbasi (Uruguay)
Touch judges: Andres Ramos (Mendoza), Gaston Pedraza (San Juan)

Women

England vs USA at London Irish RFC
Referee:Clare Daniels (England)
Touch judges: Deborah Innes (England), Peter Crouch (England)
Assessor: Paul Dunnett (England)

England Women A vs USA at London Irish RFC
Referee:Rebecca Patrick
Touch judges: Claire Hodnett, Andrea Ttofa

Heineken Cup

Round 4

Pool 1
Dragons vs Benetton Treviso
Referee: Andrew Small (England)
Touch judges: Tim Wigglesworth (England), Rob Mullis (England)
Assessor: Bertie Smith (Ireland)

Perpignan vs London Irish
Referee: Carlo Damasco (Italy)
Touch judges: Mauro Dordolo (Ireland), Stefano Penne (Italy)
Assessor: Jim Fleming (Scotland)

Pool 2
Ulster vs Ospreys
Referee: Malcolm Changleng (Scotland)
Touch judges: Rob Dickson (Scotland), Jim Yuille (Scotland)
Assessor: Brian Campsall (Wales)
Television match official: Gйrard Borreani (France)

Gloucester vs Bourgoin
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Touch judges: Alan Rogan (Ireland), Jonathan Peake (Ireland)
Assessor: Les Peard (Wales)

Pool 3
Cardiff Blues vs Stade Franзais
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Touch judges: Martin Fox (England), Robin Goodliffe (England)
Television match official: Graham Hughes (Wales)

Bristol vs Harlequins
Referee: Christophe Berdos (France)
Touch judges: Eric Gauzins (France), Patrick Bellet (France)
Assessor: Brian Leigh (England)

Pool 4
Biarritz vs Glasgow Warriors
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Touch judges: Hugh Watkins (Wales), Huw Griffiths (Wales)
Television match official: Derek Bevan (Wales)

Viadana vs Saracens
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)
Touch judges: David Wilkinson (Ireland), Peter Ferguson (Ireland)
Assessor: Patrick Thomas (France)

Pool 5
London Wasps vs Clermont Auvergne
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Touch judges: Simon McDowell (Ireland), Mark Hermin (Ireland)
Television match official: Marshall Kilgore (Ireland)

Munster vs Llanelli Scarlets
Referee: David Pearson (England)
Touch judges: Chris White (England), Stuart Terheege (England)
Television match official: Geoff Warren (England)

Pool 6
Edinburgh vs Leinster
Referee: Tim Hayes (Wales)
Touch judges: Nigel Whitehouse (Wales), Richard Hughes (Wales)
Assessor: Joлl Dumй (France)
Television match official: Tony Rowlands (Wales)

Toulouse vs Leicester Tigers
Referee: Alan Lewis (Ireland)
Touch judges: Colin Stanley (Ireland), Brian MacNiece (Ireland)
Television match official: Brendan Fitzgerald (Ireland)

European Challenge Cup

Round 4

Sale Sharks vs Bayonne
Referee: David Changleng (Scotland)
Touch judges: Peter Allan (Scotland), Peter Carruthers (Scotland)
Television match official: Andrew McPherson (Scotland)
Assessor: Brian Campsall (Wales)

Montauban vs Bucuresti
Referee: David Jones (Wales)
Touch judges: Howard Hopkins (Wales), Simon Wycherley (Wales)
Assessor: Daniel Pruvot (France)

Montpellier vs Petrarca Padova
Referee: Neil Paterson (Scotland)
Touch judges: Malcolm Changleng (Scotland), David Anderson (Scotland)
Assessor: Marc Desclaux (France)

Bath vs Albi
Referee: David Keane (Ireland)
Touch judges: Ger English (Ireland), Darragh McCormack (Ireland)
Assessor: Paul Bridgman (England)

GRAN Parma vs Worcester Warriors
Referee: Franck Maciello (France)
Touch judges: Jean-Pierre Matheu (France), Eric Briquet-Campin (France)
Assessor: Rossano Faccioli (Italy)

Auch vs Overmach Parma
Referee: James Jones (Wales)
Assessor: Alain Fernandez (France)

Dax vs Castres
Referee: Andrew Small (England)
Touch judges: Dean Richards (England), Don Helme (England)
Television match official: David Matthews (England)
Assessor: Roger Dehau (France)

El Salvador vs Brive
Referee: Paulo Ventura (Italy)
Touch judges: Alan Falzone (Italy), Alessandro Cason (Italy)
Assessor: Fergus Neil (Scotland)

Calvisano vs Leeds Carnegie
Referee: David Rosich (France)
Touch judges: Hervй Dubes (France), Vincent Azoulay (France)
Assessor: Gabrele Villari (Italy)

Newcastle Falcons vs Connacht
Referee: Pascal Gauzere (France)
Touch judges: Stephan Pomarиde (France), Jйrфme Lamirand (France)

England

National League 1

Bedford Blues vs Newbury
Referee: Tony Spreadbury
Touch judges: Greg Garner, Peter Facey

Doncaster vs Coventry
Referee: Adrian Hartwell
Touch judges: Richard Draper, Rob Sawyer
Assessor: Bob Wilkinson, Gary Welsh

London Welsh vs Northampton Saints
Referee: JP Doyle
Touch judges: Dale Newitt, Rhys Davies
Assessor: Tony Trigg, Mike Winnell

Moseley vs Nottingham
Referee: Roy Maybank
Touch judges: Lyr Apgeraint Roberts, Steve Makinson
Coach: Clive Leeke

Plymouth Albion vs Esher
Referee: Nick Williams
Touch judges: Steve Leyshon, Kevin Obern

Rotherham Titans vs Pertemps Bees
Referee: Ashley Rowden
Touch judges: Chris Sharp, David Crooks

Sedgley Park vs Exeter Chiefs
Touch judges: David Bodilly (Wales)
Touch judges: Dave Edmunds, Fred Farndon
Assessor: Andy Mcmillan

Cornish Pirates vs Launceston
Referee: Rowan Kitt
Touch judges: Andrew Pearce, Fred Spong
Assessor: Ian Hamilton

France

Pro D2 - 8иme Journйe

Pro D2 - 8иme journйe

La Rochelle vs Pau
Referee: Akim Hadj Bachir
Touch judges: Franck Rataj, Jean-Yves Quintin
Assessors: Jean-Louis Lamy, Michel Debet
Goal judges: Eric Molier, Richard Denninger

Beziers vs Blagnac
Referee: Jean-Michel Schutz
Touch judges: Rйgis Gabard, Alain Rongier
Assessors: Clйment Grau, Daniel Dartigeas
Goal judges: Laurent Valin, Laurent Guillermard

Racing-Mйtro 92 vs Grenoble
Referee: Cyril Lafon
Touch judges: Jean-Paul Benoоt, Lionel Fillol
Assessors: Michel Kazmierczak, Jean-Pierre Juanchich
Goal judges: Christian Poulalier, Thierry Guilloton

Toulon vs Limoges
Referee: Cйdric Marchat
Touch judges: Christian Destruhaut, Didier Barnagaud
Assessors: Jean-Yves Patingre, Yves Bressy
Goal judges: Grйgoire Silvan, Thierry Laur

Aurillac vs Agen
Referee: Jean-Luc Rebollal
Touch judges: Guy Pince, Patrick Dellac
Assessors: Daniel Pascal, Patrick Robin
Goal judges: Salem Attalah, Jacques Chapon

Mont De Marsan vs Narbonne
Referee: Bruno Bessot
Touch judges: Didier Martinaud, Didier Morin
Assessors: Christian Cortey, Marc Daroque
Goal judges: Patrick Pechambert, Christian Coussan

Tarbes vs Bordeaux
Referee: Josй Bexiga
Touch judges: Jean-Claude Abejean, Bernard Dubos
Assessors: Michel Roger, Henri Lalanne
Goal judges: Renй Roustany, Christophe Degos

Oyonnax vs Lyon
Referee: Didier Mene
Touch judges: Jean-Claude Bes, Gines Cerezuela
Assessors: Patrick Ducouret, Pierre Bertherat
Goal judges: Alain Monteux, Julien Szostak


Ireland

AIB Level 1

Ballymena vs St Mary's
Referee: Dermot Moloney

Blackrock vs Garryowen
Referee: Olan Trevor

Clontarf vs Terenure
Referee: Ken Henley-Willis

Cork Constitution vs UCD
Referee: Leo Colgan

Dungannon vs Galwegians
Referee: John Carvill

Lansdowne vs Shannon
Referee: Trevor Collins

Old Belvedere vs Greystones
Referee: Mark Gargan

UL Bohemians vs Dolphin
Referee: Paul Haycock

Italy

Serie A - XI giornata

Girone 1

Antares Benevento vs Consiag I Cavalieri Prato
Referee: Simone Colantonio (Roma)

Admo Leonessa Brescia vs Novaco Rugby Alghero
Referee: Stefano Roscini (Milano)

Hafro Design Udine vs Futura Park Rugby Roma
Referee: Andrea Pasquin (Rovigo)

Orved San Donа vs Zhermack Badia
Referee: Paolo Valbusa (Treviso)

Easy Living L'Aquila vs Marchiol San Marco
Referee: Stefano Mancini (Frascati)

Termoraggi Cariparma Piacenza vs Mag Data Colorno
Referee: Domenico Sironi (Colleferro)

Girone 2

Exagerate Rugby Reggio vs Banca Farnese Lyons Piacenza
Referee: Diego Bono (Brescia)

Vibu Noceto vs SG Rugby Segni
Referee: Cristian Sandri (Trieste)

Benetton Treviso vs Bozzi Livorno
Referee: Alessandro Milan (Rovigo)

Giunti Firenze 1931 vs Cus Padova
Referee: Andrea Belvedere (Roma)

Mantovani Lazio vs Rugby Banco di Brescia
Referee: Claudio Passacantando (L'Aquila)

Med Italia Pro Recco vs Donelli Modena
Referee: Giacomo Serchiani (Padova)

Spain

Campeonato De Selecciones Autonуmicas. Finals

1st/2nd: Valencia vs Madrid at Campo Del Rнo, Valencia
Referee: Felix Villegas (Castilla y Leуn)

3rd/4th: Andalucнa vs Paнs Vasco at Central UCM, Madrid
Referee: Paloma Loza (Madrid)

5/6th: Galicia vs Castilla y Leуn at Santa Bбrbara De Llanares, Avilйs
Referee: Pedro Montoya (Paнs Vasco)

Campeonato De Selecciones Autonуmicas. 2Є Categorнa

Asturiasvs Navarra at Santa Bбrbara de Llanares, Avilйs
Referee: Fernando Raposa (Castilla y Leуn)

Wales

Konica Minolta Cup- Round 3

Felinfoel vs Maesteg
Referee: Mike Bethell

Llantrisant vs Ebbw Vale
Referee: Scott Fleming

Bryncethin vs Bridgend
Referee: Reg Hughes

Cross Keys vs Loughor
Referee: Lynn Davies

Swansea vs Tredegar Ironsides
Referee: Ken Bowen

Tredegar vs Aberavon
Referee: Huw F Lewis

Pontypool vs Cardiff
Referee: Phil Fear

Blackwood Stars vs Neath
Referee: David Williams

Ammanford vs Pontypridd
Referee: Barrie Gregory

Llanelli vs Llangennech
Referee: Gareth Simmonds

UWIC vs Llandovery
Referee: Huw David

Bedwas vs Nantyffyllon
Referee: Phil Connett

Glamorgan Wanderers vs Rumney
Referee: Mike Cox

Carmarthen Athletic vs Newport
Referee: Matthew Aplin

Morriston vs Whitland
Referee: Richard Elliott

Merthyr vs Penallta
Referee: Sean Brickell

Mountain Ash vs Caerphilly
Referee: Neil Howells

Corus vs Tonmawr
Referee: Gwyn Morris

Newport Saracens vs Bridgend Athletic
Referee: Phil Harrhy

BP Llandarcy vs Ystrad Rhondda
Referee: Richard Rees

Abergavenny vs Narberth
Referee: Alan Shepperd

Pencoed vs Blackwood
Referee: Martyn Lewis

Pontyberem vs Bonymaen
Referee: Wayne Davies

Brynamman vs Waunarlwydd
Referee: Andrew Miles

Beddau vs Bargoed
Referee: Neil Ballard

Tondu vs Blaenavon
Referee: Jerrard Hamer

Glynneath vs Bedlinog
Referee: Steve Smith

Old Illtydians vs Cardigan
Referee: Gwyn Ackerman

Aberavon Quins vs Gwernyfed Elwyn
Referee: Marfell Jones

Builth Wells vs Llanybydder
Referee: Chris Williams

Carmarthen Quins vs Kidwelly
Referee: Alan Jenkins

Llanharan vs Maesteg Celtic
Referee: Colin Kirkhouse

Rugby in Russia
Heineken Cup Fixtures
London 2012 budget plans

Heineken Cup week Stories

Preview: Ulster v Ospreys
The Ospreys will field an unchanged side for their Heineken Cup game against Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday, only the second time they have done so in their history.

Preview: Edinburgh v Leinster
Simon Webster will make his first start for Edinburgh in almost two months on Saturday when Leinster travel to Murrayfield for the Pool 6 Heineken Cup match.

The Scotland winger has not played for Edinburgh for nearly two months after suffering a succession of injuries following his first game back after the World Cup.

Preview: Cardiff Blues v Stade Français
Dai Young has made four changes to his Cardiff Blues side for their Heineken Cup clash with Stade Franзais at the Arms Park on Saturday.

After collecting a losing bonus point in Paris last Sunday head coach Dai Young was forced into one change, at fly-half, whilst feeling the need to mix it up a little elsewhere.

Webster relishing his return
Fit-again Edinburgh wing Simon Webster is relishing his comeback match against Leinster this weekend after admitting he has been a frustrated spectator.

Webster has seen Edinburgh play the positive brand of rugby he most enjoys, and will be determined to cash in when he lines up at Murrayfield in Saturday's Heineken Cup contest.

Rugby Is Awesome (video)

Fast sport, intense, big hits - The Song is 'Seven Deadly Sins' by Flogging Molly.

Scarlets v Munsterh (Heineken Cup)

The Scarlets have made two changes to the side which defeated Saracens, for Saturday's crunch Heineken Cup encounter at Stradey Park.

Gavin Evans returns at inside centre in place of exciting prospect Jonathan Davies while Nathan Brew gets his first start in Europe on the wing, replacing Garan Evans who slips out of the squad.

Alix Popham will once again start the game from the bench which means Dafydd Jones will begin the match at number eight for the second consecutive game.

"Daf is playing well at the moment and we've got a lot of games coming up so it's about rotating the squad and keeping consistency going in selection," explained Director of Rugby Phil Davies.

"We've got guys like James Bater who is also playing well but he's not even in the match 22. It's also about balancing everything together. It's a case of managing people in different ways - the way things go we may need Alix for the next three games but it's great to have strength in depth in a crucial area."

The Scarlets supremo also hit back at criticisms his pack have faced over the past few weeks.

"This is the same pack which got us to the semi-finals in Europe last season," he said.

"We'll just have to tough it out. We've addressed certain things after last weekend and I'm sure the boys will respond this weekend."

Davies is expecting a tough match against Munster, a side the Scarlets beat at Stradey in the quarter-finals of the tournament last season.

"They have a lot of international players and are a very robust and direct side but they are always capable of springing a surprise or two," he said.

"We have great respect for them as they are well coached and playing Munster back to back is going to be huge challenge as you have two great rugby cultures coming together."

More to follow...

Scarlets: 15 Morgan Stoddart, 14 Mark Jones, 13 Regan King, 12 Gavin Evans, 11 Nathan Brew, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Dwayne Peel, 8 Dafydd Jones, 7 Gavin Thomas, 6 Simon Easterby (c), 5 Scott Macleod, 4 Adam Eustace, 3 Deacon Manu, 2 James Hayter, 1 Iestyn Thomas.
Replacements: 16 Daniel George 17 Bruce Douglas 18 Vernon Cooper 19 Alix Popham 20 Gavin Cattle 21 Rhys Priestland 22 Jonathan Davies

Munster: tba
Match Date: Saturday 8 December, 2007

Rugby in Russia (Fili tries )

Hayman gets first start

Hayman, who appeared off the bench during last weekend's EDF Energy Cup loss to Wasps, is among five Falcons changes from that game.

Newcastle rugby director John Fletcher said: ``Carl played 40 minutes at Wasps last weekend after being in the country for four days and having only trained once with the team.

``I thought he made a good contribution, even in those circumstances, and with the jet lag now out of his system and a good week of training under his belt, we are looking forward to seeing how he goes.''

Elsewhere in the Falcons side, England centre Mathew Tait remains at
full-back, with a fit-again Jonny Wilkinson starting his second game since the World Cup final almost seven weeks ago.

Heineken Cup 05/06 - Munster Rugby video

Montage of Munster tries from the last four games of the Heineken Cup 05/06.


Heineken Cup Fixtures [december]
Heineken Cup 2008 - Wasps vs Munster

Heineken Cup 2008 - Wasps vs Munster

Heineken Cup 2008 - Wasps vs Munster video


Heineken Cup Fixtures [november 16-18]
Heineken Cup Fixtures [december]
Highs and lows of Heineken Cup 2007-08

Heineken Cup Fixtures [december]

Friday 7th December 2007
Leinster v Edinburgh Donnybrook (20:00)
Bourgoin v Gloucester Stade Pierre Rajon (20:00)
Ospreys v Ulster Liberty Way (20:00)
Saturday 8th December 2007
Treviso v Newport-Gwent D'gons Stadio Comunale di Monigo (13:30)
Clermont Auvergne v Wasps The Recreation Ground (13:35)
Harlequins v Bristol The Stoop (15:00)
Saracens v Viadana Vicarage Road (15:00)
Leicester v Toulouse Welford Road (15:30)
Llanelli Scarlets v Munster Stradey Park (17:30)
Sunday 9th December 2007
Glasgow v Biarritz Hughenden (13:00)
Stade Francais v Cardiff Blues Stade Jean Bouin (15:00)
London Irish v Perpignan Madejski Stadium (15:00)
Friday 14th December 2007
Ulster v Ospreys Ravenhill Grounds (20:00)
Biarritz v Glasgow Parc des Sports Aguilera (20:00)
Saturday 15th December 2007
Viadana v Saracens Stadio Luigi Zaffanella (13:30)
Cardiff Blues v Stade Francais Cardiff Arms Park (13:35)
Newport-Gwent D'gons v Treviso Rodney Parade (14:30)
Gloucester v Bourgoin Kingsholm (15:00)
Perpignan v London Irish Stade Aimй Giral (15:30)
Edinburgh v Leinster Murrayfield (15:30)
Wasps v Clermont Auvergne Causeway Stadium (17:30)
Sunday 16th December 2007
Munster v Llanelli Scarlets Thomond Park (13:00)
Bristol v Harlequins Memorial Ground (15:00)

Heineken Cup Fixtures [november 16-18]

Friday 16th November 2007

Glasgow v Viadana Hughenden (19:30)
Gloucester v Ospreys Kingsholm (20:00)
Bourgoin v Ulster Stade Pierre Rajon (20:00)

Saturday 17th November 2007

Newport-Gwent D'gons v London Irish Rodney Parade (13:30)
Treviso v Perpignan Stadio Comunale di Monigo (13:30)
Leicester v Edinburgh Welford Road (15:00)
Harlequins v Cardiff Blues The Stoop (15:30)
Biarritz v Saracens Parc des Sports Aguilera (15:30)
Llanelli Scarlets v Wasps Stradey Park (17:30)

Sunday 18th November 2007

Munster v Clermont Auvergne Thomond Park (13:00)
Bristol v Stade Francais Memorial Ground (15:00)
Toulouse v Leinster Stade Ernest Wallon (20:00)

Wales legend Ray Gravell dies

Raymond William Robert "Ray" Gravell (12 September 1951 – 31 October 2007) was a Welsh rugby union player who earned 23 caps for Wales as a centre.


More about Rugby career here

Smit hungry for European success

Springboks star John Smit fired an ominous warning to Heineken Cup heavyweights Wasps and Munster after French challengers Clermont Auvergne flexed their muscles for a major European title assault.
Clermont travel to face 2006 European champions Munster next weekend, before hosting Heineken Cup holders Wasps on December 8.

And judging by Clermont's 48-21 Pool Five demolition of Llanelli Scarlets - semi-finalists last season - Smit and company could take some stopping.

South Africa's victorious World Cup captain made his debut off the bench as tries from Aurelien Rougerie (3), Julien Malzieu, Julien Bonnaire, Brock James
and Thomas Domingo secured a bonus-point success.

Smit said: ``These guys are hungry to win this tournament, and we've made a great start.

``This is one of the most professional outfits I have ever been involved with.

``I was taken by surprise by the speed of the game. We had good offloads and good skills. This is an exciting new chapter for me.''

Llanelli, who entertain Wasps next Saturday, trailed 20-7 at half-time and ultimately had to content themselves with touchdowns by Dafydd James, Dwayne
Peel and Regan King.

Scarlets rugby director Phil Davies said: ``We gave ourselves some real momentum towards the end, but it was too late to change the result.

``We will need to look at our set-piece for next weekend. We lost four or five lineout balls.''

Former Wales flanker Martyn Williams has ruled out any prospect of ending his international retirement, despite the appointment of new coach Warren Gatland.

Gatland, who officially takes the Wales reins on December 1, was among a 10,500 Arms Park crowd as two-try flanker Williams inspired Cardiff Blues to a
34-18 victory over Pool Three visitors Bristol.

Williams, an obvious choice as man-of-the-match following a brilliant performance, said: ``My decision is made. I am not going to go back on my
word.''

Cardiff trailed 13-3 just before half-time, but they then scored 31 unanswered points, with centre Jamie Robinson and flanker Maama Molitika also claiming
touchdowns.

It effectively leaves Bristol needing to beat tournament favourites Stade Francais at the Memorial Stadium next Sunday - or face the prospect of a pool
stage exit.

Bristol head coach Richard Hill said: ``The players are angry with themselves for letting the lead slip, but there is a positive attitude they can go and beat
Stade Francais.''

Saracens moved top of Pool Four, recording an anticipated bonus point success against Vicarage Road visitors Glasgow, but the final 33-31 scoreline was far
too close for comfort.

Saracens rugby director Alan Gaffney said: ``The attacking part of our game was very good and deserves to be rewarded, but the defensive part is leaving a
lot to be desired.

``It is not the structure, it is individual defence that is letting us down.

``The players have got to be accountable, and we will work very hard on it. We have to become much more ruthless and not concede soft tries.''

Hugh Vyvyan, Rod Penney, Ben Skirving and Kameli Ratuvou scored Saracens' tries, yet Glasgow secured a losing bonus point through three touchdowns and 16
points from the boot of fly-half Dan Parks.

souce: scrum.com

iPhone System Information

Rugby bosses slapped me in the face

Jake White, the Springbok coach, will leave South African rugby bitterly disappointed and disillusioned by the lack of "loyalty, honesty and timing" that have been shown to him by his employers at the South African Rugby Union (Saru).

White's autobiography In Black and White - the Jake White Story is due on shelves this week and in it he details how he had to deal with the power struggles and personal vendettas that dominate South African rugby.

This week he told the Sunday Tribune he felt as though he had been "slapped in the face" by Saru after returning triumphantly from France having won the Webb Ellis Cup.


The Springboks had been named as the international team of the year, Bryan Habana was recognised as the best player of the year and White as the best coach in the world, yet White was summarily shown the door.

Saru, said White, had made up the excuse that he had not applied in time.

Disappointed

"I've always said timing, loyalty and honesty are not the key values of South African rugby, and that has never changed," said White.

"There's no history of any of those values in South African rugby ever and that's why I was so disappointed and that's why I made that press statement to announce that I would be leaving the Springbok job when my contract ended.

"Because it was the easiest thing for SA Rugby to tell the public that I didn't get the job because I didn't apply. Why don't they tell the public the truth? I didn't get the job because I was tired of fighting with people every single Saturday to keep my job. That's the simple truth. They didn't want to tell people that because they would look like the bad guys.

"Six months ago I felt I didn't have the energy to keep fighting every single weekend to show that I was doing my job. That's as simple as it was then. But as the World Cup unfolded and we won, well, things changed. People are allowed to change their minds; that's the way things work in life.

"When we got back and I read I wasn't on the shortlist because I hadn't applied, it felt like a slap in the face. It was literally an hour after we had finished the road show with the Webb Ellis Cup. The timing was awful. I was stunned."

In Black and White, the former school teacher tells of his upbringing in Johannesburg, his success with the South African Under-21 side, the hypocrisy and "media hype" that sprung up around the Luke Watson affair and his run-ins with, among others, Saru deputy president Mike Stofile.

White also writes about how he saved his job last year when he flew back to Cape Town from London to answer a call of "no confidence" in him in front of the Saru executive.

The lack of empathy and understanding that the executive had of rugby became evident when one president pulled out a clipping of "player ratings" cut out from the Afrikaans Sunday newspaper Rapport, and used it as evidence that White was not a good coach.

White convinced them that he was capable of winning the World Cup and writes that he saved his job that afternoon, despite a concerted campaign from one newspaper to get him fired.

"If the truth is controversial, then maybe the book is controversial, I suppose," said White.

"I'm not going to soften any blow because I had to fight a lot of negativity and people calling for my head. At times it was an uphill battle for me to keep my job. This is not a book in which I am trying to paint myself as the hero.

"I just wanted to portray what it was like in the last four years, what it felt like, what sort of pressure I was under and to say thank you to the guys who supported me."

Future

White's future is uncertain. He wants to coach international rugby and has been linked with the England job, but right now a huge part of him is relieved that he is leaving Springbok rugby on a high.

"Kitch Christie (coach of the 1995 World Cup Springboks) said to me in 1995 that there is a time to go and a time to stay. Half of me wants to stay, the other half thinks, what more is there to achieve?

"Next time I lose a Test match the headlines are going to be: 'See, we told you he wasn't as good as you thought he was'. You have got to have the energy to fight against that sort of negativity, and I don't know if I can any more.

"It's nice to be normal for a while," smiled White.

"My kids actually asked me what I am doing next year and I told them that I am going to spend time with them, and they were so happy about that.

"Obviously things could change if I get another coaching job, but I told them that my first job for a while will be to fetch them from school and watch them play rugby, and for a father who loves rugby there can be no greater thing."

Highs and lows of Heineken Cup 2007-08
iphone - send multiple text

A message to soccer

Man the f#ck up & take some pride in yourself.
Big rugby hits, big rugby tackles, big rugby fights.. you just gotta love it!!!!


"New Zealand's Online Men's Lifestyle Magazine"

Rugby v Soccer

Duo delighted with Springboks call

Uncapped prop Heinke van der Merwe, who plays for the Lions and the Cats, has been included in the South Africa squad for the clashes with Wales and the Barbarians.

In addition, Western Province utlity back Jantjes has been rewarded for his performance in this season's Currie Cup.

"It's a pleasant surprise," Jantjes told news24.co.za.

"There was some speculation initially that I could perhaps have been in the squad for the World Cup tournament, which didn't happen, so I wasn't really holding thumbs for this tour.

"Of course I wouldn't have minded being called up five weeks earlier, but Percy did an outstanding job."

Jantjes made his test debut in 2001, and last played for South Africa in 2005.

The 22-year-old Van der Merwe was called up to replace Cobus Visagie while the Boks were in Australasia for the Tri-Nations series earlier this year but was not used in either clash.

"It's every player's dream to be picked for the Springboks and I'm very excited about my inclusion.

"I was at home playing TV games on Tuesday when I received the call (from Lions coach Eugene Eloff) to tell me I was in the Bok squad. I actually wasn't expecting it," Van der Merwe added.

It is a much-changed Springbok squad to that which clinched the World Cup in France last month.

Os Du Randt and Bob Skinstad have retired while Percy Montgomery, BJ Botha, Jean De Villiers and Pierre Spies are all injured.

Butch James, Gary Botha and Ashwin Willemse were not considered as they have all joined foreign club sides and were subsequently not released.

The Springboks will play Wales in Cardiff on November 24 and the Barbarians on December 1 at Twickenham in London.

The team gathers in Johannesburg on November 12 and leaves for Wales on November 16.

Squad: B Botha, S Burger, B Du Plessis, J Du Plessis, F Du Preez, J Fourie, B Habana, C Jantjes, R Januarie, W Julies, V Matfield, J Muller, A Ndungane, W Olivier, R Pienaar, JP Pietersen, A Pretorius, D Rossouw, J Smit (capt), J Smith, G Steenkamp, F Steyn, A van den Berg, W van Heerden, CJ van der Linde, H van der Merwe.

Tigers' Anglo-Welsh defence kicks off at The Rec
2008 High School National Championships

Loffreda backs Argentina to be seventh nation

Argentina should be invited to take part in an expanded Six Nations competition, according to the coach who guided the Pumas to third place in this year's Rugby World Cup. Marcelo Loffreda, the new head coach at Leicester, believes the European tournament would be the most suitable option as the sport looks at the best way to involve the South Americans on a more regular international basis.

"All Argentina's overseas players are playing in the northern hemisphere, so it would be impossible for them to be competitive in the Tri-Nations, which would be out of season," said Loffreda at his first press conference at Welford Road yesterday. Remarkably, he suggested Belgium, where Argentina had their pre-World Cup training camp, might be a better "home" base than Spain. "I think only in Argentina there would be real support, but there isn't the money. It is a circular problem, and at the moment we don't have the answer."

After eight years coaching his national team on a part-time, expenses-only basis, the 48-year-old civil engineer is the first Argentinian to take control at a professional European club. While admitting the size of the challenge, Loffreda - flanked by the two trophies held by the Tigers: the Guinness Premiership and the EDF Energy Cup - said he would draw on aspects of Argentina's successful amateur ethos in working with the Leicester players.

"Rugby is about passion, about responsibility, about commitment, about respect," said Loffreda. "It's not only about being good on the field, you have to be a very good player off the field too, and in many things off the field the amateur way is the good way. For the spirit of the team, to work as one part of a whole is really important."

He would like to bring Juan Martín Hernández, the Argentina stand-off who was one of the leading players of the World Cup, to Leicester, but pointed out that the 25-year-old still has 18 months of his contract left at Stade Français. Tigers' chairman, Peter Tom, after announcing plans to expand the ground capacity to 30,000, said the club was not currently negotiating to buy Hernández out of his contract.

However, Loffreda insisted that English players would continue to be the bedrock of the country's best-supported club. "I don't think this [team] has to be a selection of every country. You can add some outstanding players, but the base will be English," he said.

Nor should Tigers fans expect a sweeping change in style. "The staff here have done outstanding work, and I will rely on them. Maybe it will be the style as Leicester used to do it, maybe I will add some things - it depends on the opposition." On Saturday that will be Leinster in the opening match of the Heineken Cup, the one trophy they did not win last season.

Highs and lows of Heineken Cup 2007-08
Kelleher set for Heineken Cup debut
London 2012 Olympic Games stadium design unveiled

Highs and lows of Heineken Cup 2007-08

The former Wales captain will be the oldest player in the 13th season of the Heineken Cup with – entirely appropriately – Leicester Tigers’ scrum half Ben Youngs the youngest at just 18 years and 62 days when the Tigers launch their challenge against Leinster in Dublin on the opening Saturday.

And while there is close to a 20-year age gap between Llewellyn and Youngs – with Youngs less than two months old when Llewellyn made his Test debut – there is also a massive 70kgs difference between Biarritz Olympique and Tonga prop Mosese Moala and Stade Français Paris’ scrum half Terry Bouhraoua

Oldest: Gareth Llewellyn (Bristol Rugby) – DoB: 27/02/1969
Youngest: Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers) – DoB: 05/09/1989
Heaviest: Mosese Moala (Biarritz Olympique) – 135kgs / 21st 4lbs
Lightest: Terry Bouhraoua (Stade Français Paris) – 65kgs / 10st 4lbs
Smallest: Terry Bouhraoua (Stade Français Paris) – 1.67m / 5’ 6”
Tallest: Devin Toner (Leinster) – 2.10m / 6’ 11”

Elsewhere, three people bind the 13 Heineken Cup tournaments together – Anthony Foley, Guy Noves and Alain Rolland.

Munster legend Foley – who led the province to Heineken Cup final glory in Cardiff in 2006 - is the only player to have been selected for matches in all 12 seasons so far and is in the Munster squad again, hoping to add to his record 79 Heineken Cup appearances.

Toulouse coaching guru Noves – who has already guided the French giants to three titles – can boast six more tournament “appearances” than Foley having coached the club in all of their 85 tournament matches.

Next in line to Noves in the coaching hierarchy is former Scarlets and Wales coach Gareth Jenkins with 67 matches. Munster’s Declan Kidney has 62 matches under his belt with Munster and Leinster while Biarritz Olympique’s Patrice Lagisquet has been in charge of all 52 of their Heineken Cup matches.

RWC 2007 final referee Rolland was a player with Leinster in the first two seasons of the tournament, playing scrum half in one of the inaugural semi-finals among his five appearances. Now he is in fourth spot of the referees’ tournament appointments with 35 matches since he took his Heineken Cup referee’s bow in the match between Toulouse and Saracens in 2000.

Kelleher set for Heineken Cup debut

And while the triple Heineken Cup winners and Edinburgh are regular tournament opponents – this will be the 10th time they have collided – it is all brand new for Toulouse’s big name signing.

“The rugby in Europe is quite different to back home,” said Kelleher. “In New Zealand the rugby is a lot faster, but up here it’s a lot more physical and when it comes to the atmosphere, although the crowds aren’t always as big as you’d get back home, they make just as much noise. Playing in front of a big crowd over here must be absolutely amazing and something I’m looking forward to.

“I’ve watched a bit of Top 14 and have seen that there are some different styles of play, but Toulouse play a really similar style to the All Blacks, they like to keep the ball alive and playing all over the park and that’s something I’m really looking forward to doing.

“The Heineken Cup gets far more publicity in New Zealand than the Top 14, and for anyone who plays a lot of rugby in New Zealand they are inspired to play by the players in the Heineken Cup.

“I’m really looking forward to playing in it and now I’ve got one game under my belt and another one this weekend I should have settled in nicely before the Heineken Cup starts – I want to play well for the team and I want Toulouse to win the competition.

“With all the technology available to us these days It doesn’t take much to find out about the other teams in our pool. I’ve studied these teams before and I watched a lot of the Heineken Cup in New Zealand before I moved over and I know we’ve got three really tough teams in our group.

“Obviously I know a lot of the players through international rugby and I know the quality that all three sides have in their squads. Having said that, I want us to be real contenders in the Pool stages and, hopefully, earn a home quarter-final and then anything can happen.

“I guess the thing I’m really excited about is the atmosphere and the ambience which is around the ground. The fans here are really something special and, although we have great supporters back in New Zealand, the supporters here are really fanatical about their rugby and their teams.

“It’s really exciting being here. Like anything in life, things can get a bit stale and I find that I play my best rugby when I change things. I did that when I played for Otago. It started getting a bit stale living in the same place and playing for the same team and it was just a routine and there wasn’t much excitement so I changed the team and the atmosphere and it just grew my rugby.

“So, after playing many years of Southern Hemisphere rugby, I decided that it’s time for me to move on and set myself new goals and challenge myself outside New Zealand.

“That’s what I’m doing here and I can’t wait to get stuck in and particularly playing Heineken Cup. It’ll take me a month or so to really get into the routine and once I’ve conquered that I’ll be able to really get on top of my rugby.”

HEINEKEN CUP 2007 / 2008 - (All kick-offs LOCAL times)

ROUND 1

FRIDAY 9 NOVEMBER, 2007

Pool 1 Perpignan v Newport Gwent Dragons 21.00 Canal+ / Sky Sports*
Pool 2 Ulster Rugby v Gloucester Rugby 20.00 Sky Sports

SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER, 2007

Pool 1 London Irish v Benetton Treviso 15.00
Pool 2 Ospreys v Bourgoin 17.30 S4C**/Sport+/Sky Sports*
Pool 3 Stade Français Paris v Harlequins 14.35 Canal+
Pool 4 Viadana v Biarritz Olympique 14.30
Pool 5 London Wasps v Munster (Ricoh Arena) 17.30 Sky Sports / Sport+* / RTE**
Pool 6 Edinburgh v Toulouse 15.30 Sky Sports / FR2
Pool 6 Leinster v Leicester Tigers 13.30 Sky Sports / RTE**

SUNDAY 11 NOVEMBER, 2007

Pool 3 Cardiff Blues v Bristol Rugby 13.00 Sky Sports
Pool 4 Saracens v Glasgow Warriors 15.00
Pool 5 ASM Clermont v Llanelli Scarlets 16.00 FR2 / Sky Sports

ARU keen to retain Latham's services

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has today announced it has tabled an offer to Wallaby fullback Chris Latham which would see him continue to play in Australia through 2010.

The 32 year old is now considering the two year offer which follows interest from English Premiership side Bristol and Irish Celtic League province Ulster.

His current agreement with the ARU expires December 31, 2008.

“We believe the offer we have put to Chris is a competitive one and we are hopeful it will be accepted,” Pat Howard, ARU General Manager High Performance Unit said.

“We understand Chris has been fielding some very lucrative offers from rugby clubs in the UK, but we are very keen to see him continue his representative career in Australia and hope this new two-year deal convinces him to stay,” Howard said.

The 2006 John Eales Medalist has played 78 Tests for Australia since making his debut in Paris in 1998, the same year he made his Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs just months earlier.

His most recent appearance was in the Rugby World Cup Quarter Finals against England earlier this month.

Narrabri (NSW) born Chris plays for the Queensland Reds in the Super 14 competition.

2007 saw him make a hard-fought and courageous recovery from a serious knee injury suffered in pre-season training for the Reds in January.

His return to international Rugby was for the Wallabies against New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup and Tri Nations decider in Auckland when he played 36 minutes.

These three will rule the world
2011 Rugby World Cup plans

Tigers' Anglo-Welsh defence kicks off at The Rec

The competition will again be contested by the 12 Guinness Premiership clubs and the four Welsh Magners League regions.

Three rounds of matches will be played in the four-team group stages at club grounds before the semi-finals at a venue to be confirmed and the Twickenham final to be held on Saturday 22 March and Saturday 12 April 2008 respectively.

Cardiff Blues, Sale Sharks, Leeds Carnegie and Saracens are all in action on Friday evening whilst reigning champions Leicester Tigers start their defence of the cup against old rivals Bath Rugby at the Recreation Ground on Saturday.

EDF Energy Cup finalists the Ospreys, who lost 41-35 to Leicester Tigers at Twickenham last April, kick off their campaign against Worcester Warriors at Sixways on Saturday, in a match that will be televised by BBC.

Worcester have struggled in the first six matches of the Guinness Premiership. But they will be desperate to do well against Welsh opposition under their former Wales coach and assistant coach Mike Ruddock and Clive Griffiths.

Ruddock and Griffiths have also coached at Swansea - part of the Ospreys region - in their time.

Kevin Hopkins, Ospreys' director of rugby, said: "We enjoyed the competition last season. It warmed up as it went on and our game against Leicester in the final was something special, even if the result wasn't the one we wanted.

"We have two away games this time, which will be a challenge. But we are looking forward to giving it our best shot and we'll see where that takes us.''

Philippe Saint Andre, director of rugby of Sale Sharks, told the RFU: "We made the EDF Energy Cup Semi Finals last season and it was a great experience.

"It will be tough this year as Cardiff Blues, Bath Rugby and Leicester Tigers are all good sides in our pool and we have only one home game, but we will be giving it our best shot at Cardiff on Friday evening before preparing for the Bath Rugby game at Edgeley Park on November 2nd.”

Ian McGeechan, director of rugby at London Wasps, said: “It’s the first cross border encounter of the season and it's good experience for the players to play against teams with different styles outside of the Guinness Premiership.

"It’s good to have the focus back on the clubs and the domestic stage because they were an instrumental part of the World Cup preparing the players for the tournament.“

Welsh sides are riding high in the Magners League with the Blues, Scarlets, Ospreys and Dragons filling the top four positions - though they have each played two matches more than the rest!

Roger Lewis, WRU Group chief executive, said: "Our regions have been leading the way in the Magners League but the Anglo-Welsh games are a particular highlight in the regional calendar.

"Wales are playing the world champions, South Africa in November and so this opportunity to play against members of England ’s great World Cup final team is particularly exciting."

EDF Energy's spokesperson reported that last season's tournament was "the highest scoring top-level domestic competition", with an average of five tries a match.

EDF Energy Cup Fixtures 2007/2008

Round 1

Group A Saturday 27 Oct, 5.30pm, Newport Gwent Dragons v London Wasps, S4C
Group A Saturday 27 Oct, 3.00pm, Gloucester Rugby v Newcastle Falcons

Group B Saturday 27 Oct, 2.15pm, Bath Rugby v Leicester Tigers
Group B Friday 26 Oct, 7.10pm, Cardiff Blues v Sale Sharks, BBC Wales

Group C Sunday 28 Oct, 3.00pm, London Irish v Harlequins
Group C Saturday 27 Oct, 2.30pm, Worcester Warriors v Ospreys, BBC One (Network)

Group D Sunday 28 Oct, 3.10pm, Bristol Rugby v Llanelli Scarlets, BBC 2 & BBC Wales
Group D Friday 26 Oct, 8.00pm, Leeds Carnegie v Saracens

Round 2

Group A Sunday 4 Nov, 3.00pm, London Wasps v Gloucester Rugby
Group A Saturday 3 Nov, 5.30pm, Newcastle Falcons v Newport Gwent Dragons, S4C

Group B Saturday 3 Nov, 2.30pm, Leicester Tigers v Cardiff Blues, BBC One (Network)
Group B, Friday 2 Nov, 7.45pm, Sale Sharks v Bath Rugby

Group C Saturday 3 Nov, 3.00pm, Harlequins v Worcester Warriors
Group C Sunday 4 Nov, 4.10pm, Ospreys v London Irish, S4C

Group D Friday 2 Nov, 7.10pm, Llanelli Scarlets v Leeds Carnegie, BBC Wales
Group D Sunday 4 Nov, 3.00pm, Saracens v Bristol Rugby

Round 3 – 30 November/1/2 December

London Wasps v Newcastle Falcons, Causeway Stadium (TBC)
Newport-Gwent Dragons v Gloucester Rugby, Rodney Parade (TBC)

Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks, Welford Road (TBC)
Bath Rugby v Cardiff Blues, The Recreation Ground (TBC)

Harlequins v Ospreys, The Stoop (TBC)
London Irish v Worcester Warriors, Madejski Stadium (TBC)

Llanelli Scarlets v Saracens, Stradey Park (TBC)
Bristol Rugby v Leeds Carnegie, Memorial Ground (TBC)

Semi-Finals

SF1 Sat 22 March 2008, 2.30pm, venue TBC (Live on BBC 1)
SF2 Sat 22 March 2008, 5.15pm, venue TBC (Live on BBC 2)

Final

Sat 12 April 2008, 2.30pm, Twickenham Stadium (BBC)

Rugby World Cup Final 2007
2008 High School National Championships
London Olympic flame to be carbon neutral

These three will rule the world

The last stragglers have only just spilled out of Eurostar trains, car ferries and airport terminals on English rugby's proud retreat from Paris.

But World Cup winner Will Greenwood can already envisage a long-haul invasion of New Zealand in four years with a crop of thrilling youngsters heading England's bid for a hat-trick of appearances in the final.

As Greenwood set sail for 2011 in the Maori Celeste last night, he tipped Toby Flood, Mathew Tait and Dan Hipkiss to form the nucleus of another formidable England challenge.

And he refused to rule out the possibility that Jonny Wilkinson's golden boot will still be kicking, reliably high and straight, like the can-can girls at the Moulin Rouge barely a drop goal from last weekend's drama at the Stade de France.
Advertisement
Click here to find out more!

Greenwood said: "It was an amazing World Cup, and there are some great signs already for 2011, but first of all I'm excited about the Six Nations and the Heineken Cup.

"Four years is a long way away, and there's so much good rugby for us to look forward to right now.

"But we do seem to have some thrilling young players coming through, and top of the list is Toby Flood, who I rate enormously. I think he has an absolutely tremendous future.

"It was great to see Mathew Tait doing what he does best in the final, too - taking advantage of broken field. We need to find a way to get him involved more. When the game is constricted, we don't see the best of him, but he's a real talent. Dan Hipkiss is another player who will figure prominently in the next few years, probably as the dark to Tait's light.

"He's strong and carries the ball well, but he found against South Africa that sometimes you need that bit extra. That will come with time." England's stirring transformation from no-hopers to finalists in France was built on the bravery of their pack and Wilkinson's partnership at halfback with surprise package Andy Gomarsall.

At 28, Golden Boots is by no means a shoein for New Zealand, but Greenwood said: "All we can hope for Jonny is that he has a few years of playing injury-free because he's had a dreadful few years. If that means he's still there in four years' time, all well and good.

"If not, there are plenty of good players waiting in the wings. And as for the scrum-half, well, Gomarsall was just unbelievable in the World Cup - probably, on balance, our player of the tournament.

"It will be interesting to see what he does now.

He was exactly what England needed - relaxed and composed. Harry Ellis will need to be bloody fantastic if he wants to get his place back for the Six Nations."

Asked for his abiding memories of the World Cup, Greenwood picked out Fiji beating Wales, Joe Worsley's tap tackle in the semi-final, and the image of Gomarsall - neck veins bulging - seconds after the final whistle against Australia.

It was a memorable six weeks, spoiled only by an Aussie touch judge who will win as many popularity contests in England as a Russian linesman in Germany.

The retreat from Paris was orderly and dignified. But if a stowaway prince needs to hitch a lift home on England's charter flight from New Zealand in 2011, he may have to travel economy class.

You can read the full interview in this week's Sport Magazine, the UK's largest men's magazine, by picking up a copy today or by logging on to

www.myfreesport.co.uk

France get new coach

Former international flanker Marc Lievremont has been appointed the new French coach.

Lievremont succeeds Bernard Laporte, who took up a government post as a junior minister for sport on Monday.

Laporte had planned to step down after the World Cup which ended last weekend. France finished fourth in the tournament after being knocked out by England in the semi-finals.

USA Rugby Announces Changes to the 2008 High School National Championships

USA Rugby officially announced today the changes to the structure of the 2008 High School National Championships as part of a long term transition to reshape the high school rugby game in America. The goal of the reorganization is to support the development of rugby as a mainstream high school sport.

The changes for 2008 include the creation of a Boys High School Championship for single high school teams, and a Boys U19 club championship for multi-school teams. There will be an eight team competition for participant teams whose players all attend one school and an eight team competition for teams with players from multiple schools or U19 Club teams. The participants on the U19 Clubs must still be enrolled in high school and follow all current eligibility regulations.

Another major change for 2008 includes the introduction of a Girls Under-19 Championship for high school players. The addition of the U-19 Girls Championship reflects the growth in the game and quality of play at the Girls U-19 National Invitational Tournament. The Girls U-19 Championship will include an eight team bracket with TU seed representation to be determined. As the game for girls develops and more single high school teams are created, USA Rugby will add a High School Championship similar to the boys.

“The strategic goal for USA Rugby is to have rugby formally recognized and supported by High Schools,” said Peter Steinberg, Age-Grade Manager for USA Rugby. “The new championship structure will support this goal by encouraging the formation of single high school teams, while allowing multi-school club teams to continue to compete. The end of the transition will include separate tracks for high school and club teams so the game can be as inclusive as possible.”

The original date for the 2008 High School Championships was announced as Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-26th, 2008. However, there were major concerns about travel implications of hosting an event on this weekend, and following a vote of the Territorial Union Presidents, the date of the Boys & Girls High School & U19 Championships has been officially changed to June 6 - 8, 2008.

USA Rugby will partner with the Pittsburgh Harlequins and Visit Pittsburgh as they will act as first-time hosts for this event at Founders Field in Pittsburgh, Pa. The Pittsburgh Harlequins Rugby Football Association has organized and staffed inner-city youth mentoring programs in the Pittsburgh region for the past 12 years and represent over 500 currently active players, coaches, mentors and volunteers, most of which will contribute to providing the best possible experience for both players and spectators alike during the Championship weekend.

“It is with great pride in what the Harlequins have accomplished in the Pittsburgh community and for rugby in the U.S., that we accept the invitation to host the 2008 High School/U-19 Girls and Boys Championships,” Matt Rosemeyer, Director of Operations for the Pittsburgh Harlequins said. “I think the mission statement of our association – ‘For the youth of our community, for the love of the sport’ -- is a testament to what everyone can expect from the Pittsburgh Harlequins Rugby Club.”

USA Sevens - Tries Of The Tournament - 2007
South Africa v USA (64 - 15)

Larkham sets sights on Japan

The 33-year-old fly-half agreed a two-year deal to move to Scotland when the capital club were being run by Edinburgh Rugby Ltd.

However the sudden end in August of a franchise agreement with the consortium led by Bob Carruthers, which saw the club returned into Scottish Rugby Union hands, resulted in Larkham's contract being scrapped.

That came as a blow to the player who had vowed to ``change the landscape'' of Scottish rugby, and he found little time during the World Cup to consider his future.

A minor knee injury was another complication, which Larkham believes ended his chances of a move to Newport Gwent Dragons, and now Japan beckons.

``The cut-off for the European tournament was the 18th of this month, so we really didn't have a lot of time when Edinburgh pulled out,'' Larkham told the Canberra Times.

``During the World Cup and all that, you'd think there would be plenty of time but with injury and everything there was no time to get around.

``We finally got around to see Toulouse at the end, but they basically wanted us to be back there in two weeks and that gave us no time to get stuff organised here.

``Everything was just so rushed because Edinburgh pulled out so late, so now we're looking at other options and Japan comes up in June next year which certainly would be a bit easier for us at this stage.''

Larkham has already held talks with Top League teams and said: "I suppose the beauty of Japan is it's a little bit closer to home.''

source: scrum.com

Rugby World Cup Final 2007 video
RWC03 semifinal video

Toby Flood pushes Percy Montgomery

Jonny Wilkinson vs Beckham
Raving Rabbids' Haka

Rugby World Cup Final 2007 (England v South Africa)

2011 Rugby World Cup plans

The next steps in New Zealand's four-year campaign build-up to hosting Rugby World Cup 2011 have been announced by Rugby World Cup Minister Trevor Mallard, following the conclusion of the 2007 event in Paris on Saturday.

Mr. Mallard congratulated South Africa for winning the tournament and France for being superb hosts.

"It has been a thrilling tournament full of surprises and highs and lows, and France has done a fantastic job ensuring it was an event to remember for thousands of visiting spectators. This all bodes well for New Zealand in 2011," Mallard told NZPA.

"New Zealand will be in the international spotlight and we very much look forward to welcoming international guests in 2011 and showing New Zealand and all it has to offer to the world.

The 2011 Rugby World Cup is estimated to inject more than NZ$500m ($360m) into the economy, including NZ$250m ($180m) into Auckland.

The Government would be working to showcase New Zealand during the event.

"With this in mind, I am pleased to announce that we will be launching a Rugby World Cup 2011 leveraging and legacy project in the next couple of months - aimed at ensuring that this tournament delivers lasting and tangible economic, environmental and social benefits to New Zealand," he said.

The project would be headed by a soon-to-be-appointed high profile business person.

"A Rugby World Cup government liaison office will also open in the near future, to work with Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd, the tournament organiser, and to be the single point of contact for the government leveraging and legacy and other cross government planning," said Mr Mallard.

Rugby, American Football and Australian Footbal
Success Lessons From The 2007 Rugby Union World Cup

Player Statistics

Name	Team	MT	PTS	TRS	CON	PEN	DG	YC	RC
Percy Montgomery	South Africa	7	105	2	22	17	0	0	0
Felipe Contepomi	Argentina	7	91	3	11	18	0	1	0
Jonny Wilkinson	England	5	67	0	5	14	5	0	0
Nick Evans	New Zealand	4	50	2	20	0	0	0	0
Jean-Baptiste Elissalde	France	7	47	1	12	6	0	0	0
Chris Paterson	Scotland	5	46	1	10	7	0	0	0
Pierre Hola	Tonga	4	44	0	7	10	0	0	0
Lionel Beauxis	France	6	43	1	7	8	0	0	0
Nicky Little	Fiji	3	42	0	9	8	0	0	0
Bryan Habana	South Africa	7	40	8	0	0	0	1	0
Matt Giteau	Australia	4	40	3	8	3	0	0	0
Dan Carter	New Zealand	3	40	1	10	5	0	0	0

MT= Matches; PTS=Points; TRS=Tries; CON=Conversions; PEN=Penalties; DG=Drop goals; YC=Yellow cards; RC=Red cards;

RWC07 Key players
Jonny Wilkinson vs Beckham
The Contenders

South Africa has won the 2007 rugby world cup

England's brave World Cup defence faltered at the final hurdle as South Africa claimed the sport's biggest prize for a second time with a 15-6 victory in the tournament finale at the Stade de France in Paris.
The Springboks ended England's remarkable assault on world-title glory by landing the Webb Ellis Trophy for a second time in 12 years.

But England, 80-1 no-hopers after losing 36-0 to South Africa in the pool stages 36 days earlier, made them fight every inch of the way.

And they could feel aggrieved at the final scoreline, given that wing Mark Cueto saw a 43rd-minute corner try not awarded by the video referee, while Springboks centre Francois Steyn's penalty clincher came after a dubious decision for obstruction.

In the end though, not even Jonny Wilkinson could complete England's mission improbable against a South African side - brilliantly coached by Jake White - that fulfilled what they always felt was their destiny.

Full-back Percy Montgomery kicked four penalties, while Wilkinson booted a double for England, yet their hopes of becoming the first country to successfully defend the World Cup ultimately floundered.

It was a typically resilient England performance though, despite them ending the final with reserve scrum-half Peter Richards in the back-row after substitute flanker Joe Worsley went off injured.

England fielded four survivors from their 2003 World Cup final starting line-up - Wilkinson, skipper Phil Vickery, lock Ben Kay and full-back Jason Robinson, who played his 51st and final Test match before retirement.

South Africa, meanwhile, had one World Cup winner - prop Os du Randt - who was a member of their successful 1995 campaign on home soil.

The Paris temperature plummeted as kick-off approached, but conditions were perfect, given a firm pitch and little wind to affect goalkickers.

And England made a promising start, putting immediate pressure on South Africa's back three through some steepling kicks, but the Springboks took a seventh-minute lead when Montgomery slotted a penalty after centre Mathew Tait slipped inside his own 22 and then failed to release possession.

Wilkinson drew England level five minutes later, finding his range from the touchline, yet Montgomery continued the game's nip-and-tuck nature by landing his second penalty after England flanker Lewis Moody needlessly tripped Springboks fly-half Butch James.

Bath-bound James then tested England's defence with a neat chip and chase, but only after Wilkinson had arrowed an angled drop-goal attempt wide and Steyn drifted a long-range penalty attempt narrowly off target.

South Africa's renowned power game finally surfaced as half-time approached as they laid siege to England's line.

But the defending champions, epitomising the collective spirit that had taken them into a second successive final, refused to budge an inch.

Some ferociously-committed tackling kept the Springboks out when it looked certain as though they would score.

Montgomery though, who had his right knee bandaged after being on the receiving end of a crunching collision seconds earlier, stepped up to complete his penalty hat-trick with the final kick of an enthralling opening period.

Montgomery's strike took him past 100 points for the tournament, and trailing 9-3, England needed to regain a territorial foothold.

But Vickery, who appeared to take a couple of heavy blows to his left shoulder, did not reappear for the second half. He was replaced by Bath prop Matt Stevens, with flanker Martin Corry taking over leadership duties.

There was an embarrassing incident for tournament organisers when a spectator ran on to the pitch with a minute of the restart.

The real drama though, came just 60 seconds later as England looked to have forged ahead.

Tait made a brilliant 40-metre break from just inside South Africa's half, and with the Springboks' defence retreating, England recycled possession brilliantly, and Wilkinson's superb flick-pass looked to have put Cueto over.

But television match official - Australian Stuart Dickinson - had other ideas after a lengthy delay, deciding Cueto's knee grazed the touchline as he dived over.

Cueto's agonising shake of his head after the decision told its own story, yet Wilkinson kicked an immediate penalty, narrowing the gap to 9-6.

England saw Robinson limp off on 47 minutes - he failed to last the pool game against South Africa because of a hamstring injury - and Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss replaced him, with Tait switching to full-back.

It was a demoralising end to Robinson's England career, even though he would have been lifted by the ensuing standing ovation.

Montgomery and Steyn then slotted the kicks that ended England's reign as world champions, with South Africa counting down the clock in expert fashion and the men in white offering little attacking threat.

England (3) 6
Pens: Wilkinson 2

South Africa (9) 15
Pens: Montgomery 4, Steyn

England: J Robinson (unattached); P Sackey (Wasps), M Tait (Newcastle), M Catt (London Irish), M Cueto (Sale Sharks); J Wilkinson (Newcastle) A Gomarsall (Harlequins); A Sheridan (Sale Sharks), M Regan (Bristol), P Vickery (Wasps, capt), S Shaw (Wasps), B Kay (Leicester), M Corry (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), N Easter (Harlequins).

Replacements: G Chuter (Leicester), M Stevens (Bath), L Dallaglio (Wasps), J Worsley (Wasps), P Richards (London Irish), T Flood (Newcastle), D Hipkiss (Leicester).

South Africa: P Montgomery (Natal Sharks); JP Pietersen (Natal Sharks), J Fourie (Golden Lions), F Steyn (Natal Sharks), B Habana (Blue Bulls); B James (Natal Sharks), F du Preez (Blue Bulls), O du Randt (Free State), J Smit (Natal Sharks, capt), CJ van der Linde (Free State), B Botha (Blue Bulls), V Matfield (Blue Bulls), S Burger (Western Province), J Smith (Free State), D Rossouw (Blue Bulls).

Replacements: B du Plessis (Natal Sharks), J du Plessis (Free State), J Muller (Natal Sharks), W van Heerden (Blue Bulls), R Pienaar (Natal Sharks), A Pretorius (Golden Lions), W Olivier (Blue Bulls).

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland).

Touch judges: Joel Jutge (France) and Paul Honiss (New Zealand).

Television Match Official: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

Key Moments:

Seven minutes - Percy Montgomery kicks simple penalty from in front of the posts for 3-0, after Mathew Tait holds on in tackle following his slip.

12 mins - Jonny Wilkinson kicks superb penalty from the diagonal to draw England level at 3-3, after Bryan Habana is penalised for not releasing in the tackle.

16 mins - Percy Montgomery kicks a penalty to put South Africa back in front, 6-3, after an England player - unspecified by referee Alain Rolland - is adjudged to have tripped Butch James following the fly-half's up-and-under.

17 mins - Wilkinson misses 25-yard drop-goal attempt from central position.

22 mins - Phil Vickery is penalised for joining in a ruck from the side, but Francois Steyn misses the resulting penalty from halfway.

36 mins - South Africa knock on a metre from England line, moments after Steyn splits defence with a mesmerising run down the middle.

40 mins - England penalised for hands in the ruck on the stroke of half-time, and Montgomery strokes over third successive penalty for 9-3.

43 mins - Mark Cueto dives over in left corner, after a great initial break by Tait, but 'try' controversially ruled out because winger's foot was in touch according to the video referee after much deliberation.

44 mins - An advantage was played in the lead-up to the disallowed try, and Wilkinson slots over penalty from 30 yards to reduce deficit to 9-6.

47 mins - Jason Robinson's stunning career comes to an end after he is forced off with what appears to be a groin injury.

50 mins - Montgomery boots another penalty after Martin Corry penalised for hands in the ruck. South Africa lead 12-6.

60 mins - Toby Flood just fails to latch onto Andy Gomarsall's chip into corner. The Newcastle fly-half shows disgust by shoving Montgomery into cameras behind the in-goal area.

62 mins - England penalised for obstruction, and Steyn kicks key penalty from halfway to give Springboks a strong 15-6 lead.

71 mins - Wilkinson misses long-range drop-goal attempt.

77 mins - Long spell of England possession ends when they fail to release at breakdown.

Player Ratings

ENGLAND

Jason Robinson - In last rugby union appearance, was safe under the high ball but given little chance to show attacking threat. Forced off injured in the 47th minute. 7

Paul Sackey - Dealt admirably with Bryan Habana in first half but given little licence to run. 7

Mathew Tait - Costly slip for Springboks' first penalty, but recovered superbly and was England's most dangerous runner. His amazing run preceded Mark Cueto's disallowed try. 8

Mike Catt - Used up-and-under to good effect in the first half, but was subbed off early in second. 6

Mark Cueto - Had a try disallowed for putting foot in touch. Did everything that was asked of him and strong in defence. 7

Jonny Wilkinson - Kicking out of hand was not the best, but booted his two attempts at goal. 7

Andy Gomarsall - Grew in confidence as match progressed and harassed Fourie Du Preez throughout. A couple of clever box kicks. 7

Andrew Sheridan - Typically powerful in the scrum, but not so ebullient in loose. 7

Mark Regan - Worryingly awry with first two line-out throws, but improved in that department and was a fierce competitor as always. 7

Phil Vickery - Grafted away at coalface, but not given an easy ride by Os du Randt, and was replaced at half-time by Matt Stevens. 6

Simon Shaw - Continued his scintillating tournament, showing great hands in the loose. 7

Ben Kay - Won fair share of line-out ball, his main task, but was up against a superb opponent in Victor Matfield. 6

Martin Corry - England's star back-rower, making a host of bullocking runs. As industrious as ever and did not deserve to be on losing side. 8

Lewis Moody - His battle with Juan Smith at the breakdown was thunderous - another gallant effort. 7

Nick Easter - A couple of trademark charges in loose and part of a tireless back-row effort, but not as ubiquitous as earlier in tournament. 7

REPLACEMENTS

George Chuter (on for Regan, 62 mins) - Missed his jumper at key line-out with 15 minutes left, but otherwise solid. 6

Matt Stevens (on for Vickery, at half-time) - Fresh legs and another good stint as impact substitute. 7

Lawrence Dallaglio (on for Easter, 65 mins) - The veteran had little chance to affect outcome of match. 6

Joe Worsley (on for Moody, 62 mins) - Had just eight minutes off bench before being replaced by Peter Richards, because of injury. 6

Peter Richards (on for Worsley, 70 mins) - Little chance to affect course of match. 6

Toby Flood (on for Catt, 51 mins) - Could not get on end of any of England's back-line moves, but will learn from this experience. 6

Dan Hipkiss (on for Robinson, 47 mins) - Evasive and powerful runner in his 30-minute cameo. 7


SOUTH AFRICA

Percy Montgomery - Clean kicking from hand and flawless from four kicks from the floor. Superb positioning throughout and did not put a foot wrong all night. 9

JP Pietersen - Not given a chance to show speed out wide but strong in defence, keeping the busy Cueto at bay. 7

Jaque Fourie - Not at his scintillating best, but did what he had to in defence. 7

Francois Steyn - Missed an early penalty, but made great break late in first half. Kicked key long-range penalty in the 62nd minute. 7

Bryan Habana - Hardly seen as attacking threat, fortunately for England, but part of a grafting defensive effort. 6

Butch James - Great chip and take in first half, and turned England defence around with a couple of neat kicks to touch. 6

Fourie du Preez - Found Gomarsall a pest and not as dominant as he has been this tournament. 6

Os du Randt - One stand-out run midway through the first half from the old campaigner, who coped admirably in the scrum. 7

John Smit - Came off injured towards the end, but only after another strong shift. A great leader all tournament. 7

CJ van der Linde - Battled away in the front row, keeping Sheridan quiet. 7

Bakkies Botha - Strong in the line-out, as he has been for last six weeks. His partnership with Matfield was again key. 7

Victor Matfield - Always a threat on England line-out ball, and comfortable on his own. Yet another superb effort. 8

Schalk Burger - Thunderous at breakdown, and did not give an inch in defence. Happy to put body on line as always. 8

Juan Smith - One of the Springboks' unsung heroes this tournament, and another stellar showing here. Stole a couple of key balls, at the ruck and in line-out. 7

Danie Rossouw - Early knock-on showed nerves, but a workhorse at the important breakdown area. 6

REPLACEMENTS

Bismarck du Plessis (on for Smit, 72 mins) - Little chance to get into game in short spell as blood-bin replacement. 6

Wikus van Heerden (on for Rossouw, 73 mins) - No opportunity to impact on game. 6

Success Lessons From The 2007 Rugby Union World Cup

Like all sports, rugby provides success tips which apply both to the sport in question and to life in general.

The rugby world cup is a treasure chest of incidents and comments which are full of valuable success lessons that could inspire anyone whether they are interested in rugby or not.

On Saturday 15th September, New Zealand, the legendary All Blacks, played Portugal in Lyons. One commentator remarked:

"This is like the story of David and Goliath; only David has forgotten his sling and his stones!"

Portugal rank 22nd in the world at rugby. New Zealand frequently rank first and have an aura of invincibility. Undaunted, the Portuguese gave 100% to the singing of the Portuguese anthem before the match.

"I'll be interested to see how long that passion lasts!" said a New Zealand commentator.

Passion and enthusiasm tend to fade when the 'going gets tough'. That's when the successful and the 'tough get going' and maintain their enthusiasm.

It was Churchill who said:

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm."

The Portuguese soon experienced one failure after another but, to their credit, maintained their enthusiasm

New Zealand scored in 3 minutes. Nine minutes later, Rockofoco, the All Black rocket man, scored another try. The score was 12-0 after only twelve minutes.

After forty minutes it was 52 - 3 but Portugal played their part and it was a game worth watching. The so called minnows gave it everything and Portugal were the first to score a try at the start of the second half.

Their try was converted and Portugal were starting to catch up. 52 - 10.

However, successful people put in extra efforts when they start falling below their own high standards and see other people catching up with them. The All Blacks are no exception. Bob Leonard scored almost immediately. 59-10.

My martial arts students do not like to see other students moving up the belt ladder ahead of them. Some will redouble their efforts to stay one belt colour ahead of the students just below them in the belt rankings. Competitiveness is frowned on by the politically correct but is a powerful motivator.

Portugal kept their shape and their determination all through this game. The game ended at 108 -13 in favour of the All Blacks but Portugal could hold their heads high. They had given their all and done their best. Though they had lost the game, they had achieved success.

In my view, success is doing your best whatever the results. Portugal had done their best.

On Sept 15th, Wales played Australia in the Cardiff stadium, one of the great rugby grounds of the world. Australia are the most successful country in the history of the world cup.

Australia soon moved ahead and Wales were overpowered in the first half. At half time, the score was 25-3 in favour of Australia.

Wales needed to forget about the first half and needed to control the game and try to score. It helps to forget past failures and start afresh in the present moment.

The Welsh forwards scored a try almost immediately with determined play. Hook converted the try. 25 -10. If pride and passion were enough to win world cups, Wales would be at the top of the tree.

Wales needed that try for their self-belief. People build their belief and success on one small step after another. Everyone can improve their lives by at least one small step every single day.

For example, if you are weak take the small step of doing squats every day (i.e. sitting down on an imaginary chair with your arms held in front and then standing up).

Next, do pushaways from the wall (i.e. lean forward facing a wall with your palms on the wall and your feet about thirty inches away from the wall. Then push away from the wall and then lean forward again). Make sure that your feet are not too far away from the wall or you will fall on your face!

You could do ten squats and then ten pushaways. Repeat that sequence for about ten minutes every day and you will become leaner, stronger and fitter both mentally and physically. Back to the game!

Wales had a penalty and the score moved to 25 -13. Victory would seem gettable from this score. The extra points infused the Welsh players with belief. Could they twist the knife and make the Australians doubt themselves?

A Welsh player performed a powerful tackle which would win hearts and minds even though it did not win the ball. Any display of extra effort can inspire and bring results. Leonardo da Vinci came up with a brilliant line about the value of effort which goes a long way to explaining his lasting success:

"Oh God! You sell us everything for the price of an effort."

Latham, the Australian, broke through to score a try. 32-13. Latham makes his own luck He chases everything and never gives up.

Where England had just subsided against South Africa, Wales had come back strongly in their second half. They might start to think: "We can still take on the best teams."

Gareth Jenkins later remarked: "If you have plenty of spirit and belief you can come back."

Wales were not looking for the final whistle. They were enjoying themselves. Someone commented: "The Welsh dragon fizzed but was ultimately doused by the Wallabies."

However, Wales still had something to hope for. They could qualify as second in their pool and then face South Africa in the quarter finals. Stephen Jones commented:

"We need to learn to play over 80 minutes and to improve our rugby."

Michael Lynagh, the Australian commentator, was disappointed that Australia rested on their lead in the second half.

Successful people tend to play and work hard in 'both halves'.

On Saturday 15th September, Ireland played Georgia in Bordeaux

So far, Ireland were not happy with their world cup. Paul O'Connell said: "We are just not playing to our potential."

O'Driscoll, the Irish captain said: "Perhaps we took our eye off the ball."

Will Greenwood agreed: "Ireland need to keep their eye on the game and not on what other teams in their group are doing."

The Georgians are a hugely physical side. They started well and put Ireland on the back foot. Rory Best, the Irish hooker, scored the first try. The score was 5-0 to Ireland after 17 minutes. Ronan O'Gara scored a great conversion. 7-0.

Ronan had practised for a good hour and a half the day before the match. Practise in private and shine in public. Georgia got a penalty near half time and scored three points 7-3.

After half time Stringer threw a long slow pass which was intercepted by a Georgian. A try was scored and converted 10-7 to Georgia. Ireland, who were no longer in the lead, discovered their sense of urgency. Successful people don't usually do this. They have a sense of urgency from the start.

Ireland scored a try in the 54th minute when a Georgian missed a tackle. The Georgians were beginning to tire. O'Gara converted the try. 14-10.

The Georgian forwards moved forward yard by yard and inch by inch. They were happy to take this Irish team on. They continued to shock and surprise. Kashvili kept putting in great kicks to touch

There was now a real sense of urgency from the Georgians. They were sniffing an unbelievable upset.

O'Driscoll, not surprisingly, noticed this: "Once they were within a sniff they grew in confidence. When you are within one score anything can happen."

Anyone who realizes they are close to achieving their goals is capable of putting in the kind of extra effort that produces miracles.

The Irish supporters were on tenterhooks and could not wait for the final whistle. The bigger men and hearts had been Georgian. Ireland scored two tries but were lucky to get off the pitch with a win.

The TV ads continued to be original and to blend in with the French background to the world cup. A character in one of them asked:

"What's French for déjà vu?"

It is worth reminding ourselves of the twelve success tips that emerged from the rugby games described above:

Passion and enthusiasm tend to fade when the 'going gets tough'. That's when the successful and the 'tough get going' and maintain their enthusiasm.

Successful people put in extra efforts when they start falling below their own high standards and see other people catching up with them!

Success is doing your best whatever the results.

Forget past failures, even if they are recent, and start afresh in the present moment.

Build your belief and success on one small step after another. Improve your life by at least one small step every single day. Try out the 10 squat and 10 pushaway 10 minute system suggested above.

God sells us everything for the price of an effort.

Make your own luck by chasing down an opportunity with all your heart.

Successful people tend to play and work hard in 'both halves'.

Don't take your eye off the ball. Focus on your priorities.

Practise in private and shine in public.

Have a sense of urgency when you start any project. Don't wait until the deadline is close.

Let the thought of being close to achieving your goal inspire you to greater efforts.

John Watson is an award winning teacher and 5th degree blackbelt martial arts instructor. He has written several ebooks on motivation and success topics. One of these can be found at http://www.motivationtoday.com/36_laws.php

You can also find motivational ebooks by authors like Stuart Goldsmith. Check out http://www.motivationtoday.com/the_midas_method.php

England or South Africa. Who?

England take on South Africa on Saturday night at the Stade de France for the sport's biggest prize - the Rugby World Cup.
Mark Cueto has replaced the injured Josh Lewsey in the England team for Saturday's World Cup final against South Africa at Stade de France.

The side is otherwise unchanged following the semi-final victory over France.

Lewsey misses out because of a hamstring injury suffered during the semi-final victory over France last weekend.

It will be Sale Sharks wing Cueto's fourth start of the tournament, but his first since the pool victory over Tonga almost three weeks ago.

Cueto has scored 13 tries during a 23-cap Test career and began the World Cup as England's full-back against the United States.

England head coach Brian Ashton has otherwise retained the team and replacements' bench on duty against France.

There are four starting line-up survivors from England's World Cup final triumph against Australia in 2003 - full-back Jason Robinson, fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, prop Phil Vickery and lock Ben Kay.

And centre Mike Catt, 36 last month, will become the oldest player to feature in a World Cup final.

Catt's midfield partner Mathew Tait, meanwhile, is the youngest England player to line up in a final, aged 21.

Ashton could have moved Tait from centre to wing, where he finished the France game, and handed Leicester centre Dan Hipkiss a start, but specialist wing Cueto has won the vote.

England have turned their World Cup campaign on its head, winning four successive games to reach their second successive final against all odds.

No country has ever successfully defended the Webb Ellis Trophy but South Africa will start as favourites after crushing England 36-0 in a pool encounter last month.

It was England's record World Cup defeat, but since then they have toppled Samoa, Tonga, Australia and France.

South Africa coach Jake White named an unchanged starting XV for the Stade de France clash.

England v South Africa 2003 Rugby World Cup

South Africa (58) England (10) 27 May 2007

South Africa vs England 2nd Test 2007

Josh Lewsey's awesome try against France!!

Josh scores in the opening minutes - watch for the pat on the head!!

Rugby, American Football and Australian Footbal

All of them are different. in this video, you will see the difference. please leave comments after you watch my video. the nrl, nfl, and afl video is not mine.


Victory Samoa Haka
NZ Haka Tries
The Haka history