TRINATIONS COMPS

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

We will all have 3 options for Trinations comps....

  1) Our own International Competition by pdeb...

      RUGBYCOMP

  2) Trinations 2005 at Testrugby.com...

    TRINATIONS 2005

  3) Trinations at Fantasy rugby starting soon

    FR Trinations '05

          Enjoy ! See you all there!!

               Cheers,
                   Baz  

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Wallabies Revamp Pack For Boks(per DJ @ XTRA today)

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones made four changes in the Australian team, bolstering his pack in particular, for the opening Tri Nations match against South Africa in Pretoria on Sunday.

Prop Matt Dunning, lock Dan Vickerman, back rower John Roe and centre Morgan Turinui were promoted from the bench following Saturday's 33-20 defeat in a Mandela Challenge match.

Al Baxter, Mark Chisholm and Stirling Mortlock drop to the bench while flanker Rocky Elsom is left out of the 22-man squad.

Jones said the changes were due in part to the deficiencies exposed at Ellis Park.

"A couple of the forwards are a little bit fatigued," said Jones. "Rocky Elsom and Marck Chisholm are in their first full seasons of test rugby and we feel they are just coming off their game a little bit.

"Matt (Dunning) did very well when he came on last week and Morgan and Stirling have had an in-and-out battle for the number 13 spot all season.

"We believe Morgan's running troubles the South African defence but Stirling Mortlock will finish the game."

Jones said the fall-out from the Matt Henjak affair had been a distraction but his side had prepared well.

Scrumhalf Henjak was sent home and fined A$500 (US$385) for breaching team rules. Wingers Lote Tuqiri, Wendell Sailor and Dunning were also disciplined after an incident in a bar.

AUSTRALIA: 15-Chris Latham; 14-Wendell Sailor, 13-Morgan Turinui, 12-Matt Giteau, 11-Lote Tuqiri; 10-Stephen Larkham, 9-George Gregan (c); 8-David Lyons, 7-George Smith, 6-John Roe, 5-Nathan Sharpe, 4-Dan Vickerman, 3-Mat Dunning, 2-Jeremy Paul, 1-Bill Young. Reserves: 16-Stephen Moore, 17-Al Baxter, 18-Mark Chisholm, 19-Phil Waugh, 20-Chris Whitaker, 21-Stirling Mortlock, 22-Drew Mitchell.
     
Boks Tweaked For Tri Nations Opener(per DJ @ XTRA today)

Springbok coach Jake White has three changes to his team for the Tri Nations opener against Australia at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday.

Last weekend South Africa beat the Wallabies 33-20 at Ellis Park in the second match of the Mandela Challenge Plate but White has decided to tweak his side as the Springboks begin the defence of their title.

Scrumhalf Fourie du Preez returns at the expense of Ricky Januarie in the only backline change, while in the scrum tighthead prop CJ van der Linde replaces Eddie Andrews, who is attending the birth of his second child.

Flank Solly Tyibilika drops out with Joe van Niekerk moving from number eight to blindside and Jacques Cronje wearing the number eight jersey.

Hooker John Smit will captain the team for the 19th time.

"We have shown consistency and continuity all the time by using the squad," White said. "This does not mean for one minute that the players who played last week ... are out of the mix.

"If I can use the analogy, if you are going to try and create the best side you use a chisel and not a hammer. All the time we are tweaking and trying to find the right combinations."

There is one change on the bench where hooker Gary Botha gets his first chance to make his test debut on his home ground in Pretoria.

Botha has been part of the squad since the start of the international season but previously has failed to make the match 22.

"Gary has been an absolute star in terms of his attitude, but he understands he is the third choice hooker in this team," said White. "He sits on the bench to the national captain which is not an easy position to be in."

Australia have had off-field troubles this week with suspensions and fines being handed out to four players after an incident in a bar in Cape Town.

"Those things must have an effect on a team," White said. "It would be naive to think that it wouldn't because we are all trying to prepare for a test match."

SOUTH AFRICA: 15-Percy Montgomery; 14-Breyton Paulse, 13-Jaque Fourie, 12-Jean de Villiers, 11-Bryan Habana; 10-Andre Pretorius, 9-Fourie du Preez; 8-Jacques Cronje, 7-Juan Smith, 6-Joe van Niekerk, 5-Victor Matfield, 4-Bakkies Botha, 3-CJ van der Linde, 2-John Smit (c), 1-Gurthro Steenkamp. Reserves: 16-Gary Botha, 17-Lawrence Sephaka, 18-Albert van den Berg, 19-Schalk Burger, 20-Ricky Januarie, 21-Wayne Julies, 22-Jaco van der Westhuysen.

      GL for Round 1 Rugbyheads!  

              Cheers,
                 Baz  

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Round 2 ...the game we've been hanging out for!......

04/08/2005
Duncan Johnstone
Tri Nations Preview: Hooker Keven Mealamu believes the All Blacks pack are starting to earn some respect and they want to stamp their authority on the highly-touted Springboks forwards when New Zealand and South Africa meet in Cape Town this weekend.

A dominant performance against France in Paris and an outstanding series against the best British and Irish forwards that the Lions could muster has the All Blacks pack bristling with new-found confidence.

But Mealamu, who was at the heart of the All Blacks' effort against the Lions, knows that could quickly disappear if they can't tame the Boks on Sunday morning (NZ time).

The Aucklander, who has stepped back into the starting role with renewed assurance in the absence of the injured Anton Oliver, says the All Blacks were determined to start strongly against the Lions and believes they need to do the same in their first Tri Nations match of 2005.

Having gained the upper hand against the Lions in Christchurch, the All Blacks never relinquished that dominance over the next two tests.

"The whole side went well and the forwards went very well," was Mealamu's appraisal of the forward effort against Sir Clive Woodward's men.

"One of our targets was getting some respect back for our forwards and I think we went a long way to doing that.

"The first test set the tone for the rest of the series and we will look to try to do the same with this series as well."

Mealamu doesn't want to dwell on the Lions but knows there are lessons that can be learned from there and improvements made as this much tougher examination looms.

"We have to move on. We could get ourselves into a bit of trouble if we keep looking back at that Lions series. We have two teams that will test us a bit more in the Boks and the Wallabies.

"I think up front the Boks will be quite similar to the Lions ... a very big pack but with a bit more mobility. They have guys that can run with the ball as well as do the business in the set pieces.

"We have to be up for this series."

Feeling Fresh

Mealamu feels that won't be a problem. He says everyone is refreshed after their break and felt that was particularly important for the forwards after three consecutive tests against the Lions.

He has been delighted with the development going on around him.

Loosehead prop Tony Woodcock is a growing force on the international scene and the erratic brilliance of Ali Williams seems to be gaining some consistency in the vital locking area.

"I think it's the best I've seen Ali play. It looks like he is maturing a bit more and his head is a bit cooler up top. He definitely has all the attributes to become one of the best and now that he has made sure he has got it right upstairs as well, he's playing some good footie," said Mealamu.

The old saying that games are won up front never rings more true than when the Springboks and the All Blacks clash.

Mealamu will be at the heart of the action. His throwing and hooking skills go head-to-head with Boks skipper John Smit and the South Africans have also returned giant prop Os du Randt to put even more heat on the All Blacks' set-piece play.

The All Blacks are desperate to atone for last year's Tri Nations slump and, in particular, the 40-26 loss to the Boks in Johannesburg.

That was a defining match for Graham Henry's troops. The loss forced a major rethink in attitude, skills, tactics and selection. It's been a super-smooth transition with seven consecutive test wins since then but they now find themselves up against the other form team in world rugby at the moment.

There are some notable changes from the team that lost to the Boks in embarrassing fashion last year.

Richie McCaw is back to lead the loose forward effort while Byron Kelleher and Daniel Carter will combine for the inside backs combination that will try to ignite a potent backline.

Conditions in Cape Town will be influential and that is where the Boks believe they have the forwards to search the All Blacks in far more honest fashion than the Lions managed.

But Mealamu says his pack are up for the challenge and also know the assets they have around them.

"We are scoring some good tries. And we are scoring them from set pieces as well. As a tight forward I don't think there's anything more rewarding than that when you get up from a scrum and see the ball over the line," he said.


SOUTH AFRICA: 15-Percy Montgomery; 14-Breyton Paulse, 13-Jaque Fourie, 12-Jean de Villiers, 11-Bryan Habana; 10-Andre Pretorius, 9-Ricky Januarie; 8-Joe van Niekerk, 7-Juan Smith, 6-Schalk Burger, 5-Victor Matfield, 4-Bakkies Botha, 3-CJ van der Linde, 2-John Smit (c), 1-Os du Randt. Reserves: 16-Hanyani Shimange, 17-Gurthro Steenkamp, 18-Albert van den Berg, 19-Jacques Cronje, 20-Fourie du Preez, 21-Waynbe Julies, 22-Jaco van der Westhuyzen.

NEW ZEALAND: 15-Leon MacDonald; 14-Rico Gear, 13-Tana Umaga (c), 12-Aaron Mauger, 11-Mils Muliaina; 10-Daniel Carter, 9-Byron Kelleher; 8-Rodney So'oialo, 7-Richie McCaw, 6-Jerry Collins, 5-Ali Williams, 4-Chris Jack, 3-Carl Hayman, 2-Keven Mealamu, 1-Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16-Derren Witcombe, 17-Greg Somerville, 18-James Ryan, 19-Marty Holah, 20-Piri Weepu, 21-Luke McAlister, 22-Joe Rokocoko.

Referee: Andrew Cole (Australia).

Kick-off: 1am Sunday (NZ time)

        AB's by 12 !   GL with your Round 2 teams!

              Cheers,
               Baz  

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

 

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All Blacks Still Sweating On Umaga
View larger imageTana Umaga gets stuck in at training©Fotopress / Ross Land
Related Links
Eddie Jones Ready For 'Cliffhanger'
It's Deja Vu, Says Uneasy HenryHolah Weighing Move To UK
12/08/2005Julian LindenPreview: New Zealand are sweating on the availability of their captain Tana Umaga as they finalise their preparations for Saturday's crunch Tri Nations clash with Australia.

With both teams needing to win to stay alive in the annual triangular competition after losing their opening matches in South Africa, Umaga's fitness is looming as the decisive factor.

The dreadlocked centre twisted his ankle against the Springboks last weekend and remains in doubt for the match. He has been unable to train at full speed this week but the All Blacks selectors want to give him right until Saturday's kick-off before making a final decision on whether he will play. The signs are improving and Friday's captain's run will be pivotal.

"Tana had a run around this morning but the jury's out," assistant coach Wayne Smith told reporters on Thursday.

"We'll have to see how he recovers tonight and how he shapes up tomorrow.

"He jogged through the moves and that sort of thing, so he did a lot of the stuff that we needed to do in preparation. We just have to see how it comes through."

The loss of Umaga would be a massive blow to the All Blacks, proclaimed world beaters after their series sweep against the British and Irish Lions before being brought back down to earth with last week's loss to the Springboks.

Scrumhalf Byron Kelleher has already been ruled out of the match with Australia after he was heavily concussed and Piri Weepu steps in to partner Dan Carter at halfback.

Coach Graham Henry has also reshuffled his backline in the wake of last weekend's loss, recalling Joe Rokocoko on the wing and switching Mils Muliaina to fullback.

"Tana is making progress but we need to keep monitoring his injury," Henry said.

"We would like him to start and will hold the door open as long as possible (but) if his ankle is no good, then we start Conrad Smith.

"Tana had an outstanding series against the Lions and he's grown immensely as the captain of the team. They look up to him, he leads from the front -- those are the things we're going to miss. He is playing as good a rugby as I have seen him play at this level."

The All Blacks are slight favourites to win but Henry has warned his players not to underestimate the Australians, who have been heavily criticised after losing twice to South Africa.

The Wallabies have won five of their seven previous clashes with New Zealand at the Olympic stadium, including their upset of the All Blacks in the 2003 World Cup semifinal.

"An Australian team that is ready to play, on the edge and up against it will respond as they normally do -- with a huge performance," Henry said.

Wholesale Changes

The Wallabies, battling the twin problems of a mounting injury toll and poor form, have made wholesale changes to their team for Saturday's match, which doubles as the first leg of the Bledisloe Cup.

Flyhalf Stephen Larkham, fullback Chris Latham, utility back Mat Rogers and winger Wendell Sailor have all been ruled out with injury, forcing coach Eddie Jones to give first starts to Drew Mitchell and Mark Gerrard in his back three.

Matt Giteau was moved to flyhalf and Morgan Turinui to inside centre, allowing Stirling Mortlock to rejoin the team, while Al Baxter replaced Matt Dunning at tighthead prop and David Lyons returned to number eight after missing the last match because of a virus.

While Jones predicted Saturday's match would be a frantic affair with both teams looking to push the ball wide at every opportunity, he thought defence would probably be decisive.

"The thing about New Zealand and Australia is that they both try to score more points than the opposition," Jones said.

"There is a deliberate philosophy from both teams that they want to score tries.

"Traditionally games in Sydney are nice open affairs ... so we are going to have to defend well."

Jones is expecting Umaga to front for the All Blacks and has planned accordingly.


AUSTRALIA: 15 Drew Mitchell, 14 Mark Gerrard, 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Morgan Turinui, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 George Gregan (capt), 8 David Lyons, 7 George Smith, 6 John Roe, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Daniel Vickerman, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Jeremy Paul, 1 Bill Young. Reserves: 16 Brendan Cannon, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Mark Chisholm, 19 Phil Waugh, 20 Chris Whitaker, 21 Elton Flatley, 22 Clyde Rathbone .

NEW ZEALAND: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Rico Gear, 13 Tana Umaga/Conrad Smith, 12 Aaron Mauger, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Derren Witcombe, 17 Greg Somerville, 18 James Ryan, 19 Marty Holah, 20 Kevin Senio, 21 Luke McAlister, 22 Leon MacDonald.

Referee: Tony Spreadbury (England).


BLEDISLOE FACTS:

Australia and New Zealand have played 145 times.

The All Blacks have won 97 and the Wallabies 43. Five matches have been drawn.

Biggest wins: New Zealand 43-6 in 1996. Australia 28-7 in 1999

Recent results:

1999: Sydney, Australia won 28-7
2000: Sydney, New Zealand won 39-35
2000: Wellington, Australia won 24-23
2001: Dunedin, Australia won 23-15
2001: Sydney, Australia won 29-26
2002: Christchurch, New Zealand won 12-6
2002: Sydney, Australia won 16-14
2003: Sydney, New Zealand won 50-21
2003: Auckland, New Zealand won 21-17
2003: Sydney, (World Cup) Australia won 22-10
2004: Wellington, New Zealand won 16-7
2004: Sydney, Australia won 23-18

 
            GL with Round 3 Fellas & Fellasses!

               Cheers ,
                 Baz  

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

TRINATIONS   ROUND 4   at Perth this weekend!

Flatley, Waugh In For Wallabies

17/08/2005              Marc Hinton  

Elton Flatley gets the nod at flyhalf and Phil Waugh comes in to replace the demoted George Smith in the Wallabies team to face South Africa in the Tri Nations clash in Perth on Saturday night.

Eddie Jones has made four personnel changes to his starting lineup after last weekend's disappointing 13-30 loss to the All Blacks in Sydney.

As well as Flatley and Waugh, Brendan Cannon comes in to start at hooker in place of the injured Jeremy Paul and Rocky Elsom gets a recall in the No 6 jersey in place of John Roe who was largely ineffective last weekend.

Flatley's experience is judged crucial with the Wallabies reeling from three test defeats on the trot and staring down the barrel of four at Subiaco Oval this weekend.

With centre Stirling Mortlock out injured, Matt Giteau and Morgan Turinui both shift out a spot from last week, allowing the gritty Queenslander to slot in for his first start of the year in the pivot.

The selection of the combative Waugh at openside is strictly form related and Jones will be looking for more impact from the New South Welshmen against the imposing Boks trio in Perth.

Rookie Elsom, who started in the first five tests of the year, will also be looked to for some physical impact against the sizeable Boks loosies who like to impose themselves on proceedings. Smith drops into the reserves.

Cannon's recall is no surprise, but the retention of props Bill Young and Al Baxter is possibly more an indictment on their rivals than of anything resembling form on their behalf.

Drew Mitchell retains the fullback spot ahead of a fit-again Mat Rogers after a fine showing against the All Blacks, while Mark Gerrard holds on to a wing spot ahead of South African-born Clyde Rathbone who remains in the reserves.

Under pressure Wallabies coach Eddie Jones said the short turnaround after the All Blacks clash had presented ts share of problems this week as his side hunted a first Tri Nations win.

"We've had to make some changes to the starting team due to injury, and monitor a couple of guys in the first part of the week, but the team has prepared well over the last three days," said Jones.

"Matty Rogers has trained confidently over the last couple of days and with Drew Mitchell and Mark Gerrard performing well against the All Blacks, he'll give us plenty of depth on the bench, along with Clyde Rathbone.

"Matt Giteau has also overcome his injury and is right to play."

The Springboks haven't won away in the Tri Nations since 1998, but have a royal chance to end that run in Perth this weekend. They have beaten the Wallabies twice straight at home, have made a perfect start to the competition and are in-form and injury-free.

The wounded Wallabies, under fire from critics and former players in their own country, flew out of Sydney for Perth Wednesday night. The match on Saturday night (10pm kickoff NZ time) is already a sellout.


AUSTRALIA: 15 Drew Mitchell, 14 Clyde Rathbone or Mat Rogers, 13 Morgan Turinui, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Elton Flatley, 9 George Gregan (c); 8 David Lyons, 7 Phil Waugh, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Nathan Sharpe (v-c), 4 Daniel Vickerman, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Brendan Cannon, 1 Bill Young. Reserves: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Mark Chisholm, 19 George Smith, 20 Chris Whitaker, 21 Rathbone/Rogers, 22 to be named.


 
Upbeat White Leaves Boks Unchanged

18/08/2005               Reuters

South Africa have named an unchanged team for the first time in nearly six years ahead of Saturday's Tri Nations rugby test against Australia in Perth.

Springboks coach Jake White had no hesitation in keeping faith with the same 22-man squad that overcame New Zealand 22-16 in Cape Town on August 13.

"It gives us confidence as a squad that we can have the same starting team running out again this week," White said after naming his lineup.

"The more they play together, the better they are going to become.

The last time South Africa chose the same 22 for consecutive tests was at the 1999 World Cup, when they beat England in the quarter-finals before losing to Australia in the semis.

"It was an easy selection from the point of view that everyone was fit," White said.

"It's unlike previous times, when we have had to get players into the mix after injury or find another player because of an injury."

The Springboks lad the Tri Nations standings after winning their two home games and are favourites to beat an injury-depleted and out-of-form Wallabies team.

However, the side does have a woeful record on Australian soil, with just one win in their past 13 encounters, including their most recent clash in a Mandela Challenge Plate match last month.

The last time the Boks won on the road in the Tri Nations was way back in 1998. Not many are doubting they have the capability to end that run on Saturday night (10pm NZ time kickoff) on Saturday.

SOUTH AFRICA: 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 Breyton Paulse, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Andre Pretorious, 9 Ricky Januarie; 8 Joe van Niekerk, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Os du Randt. Reserves: 16 Hanyani Shimange, 17 Gurthro Steenkamp, 18 Albert van den Berg, 19 Jacques Cronje, 20 Fourie du Preez, 21 Wayne Julies, 22 Jaco van der Westhuyzen
 
    Could be a cracker! ...or OZ's 4 th loss in a row!

    OR BOTH

              Cheers,
                 Baz  
                 

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

MacDonald To Start Against Boks
 23/08/2005                                                        Duncan Johnstone
Leon MacDonald has been handed the All Blacks starting jersey at first five-eighths for Saturday's crunch Tri Nations test against the Springboks in Dunedin.

The No 10 jersey was the main area of focus in the selection of this team after Daniel Carter broke his left leg in the All Blacks' last match, the 30-13 win over Australia in Sydney.

MacDonald, normally a fullback, was in a tussle with Luke McAlister for the job.

Both MacDonald and McAlister played first five-eighths for their provinces in the second round of the Air New Zealand NPC last weekend, each giving solid performances in guiding Canterbury and North Harbour to their respective wins.

Experience appears to have won MacDonald his start with McAlister placed on the bench as back-up. That will be worthwhile insurance in the goalkicking department where MacDonald will be under enormous pressure.

"Leon played exceptionally well for Canterbury on the weekend," coach Graham Henry said. "We also looked at the combination between 9 and 10 and felt it was better to opt for experience in this test."

MacDonald is the only change in the starting XV from the Bledisloe Cup victory.

Piri Weepu gets another start at halfback in the continued absence of Byron Kelleher who is still suffering the affects of concussion from the opening loss to the Boks in South Africa. Kevin Senio is on the bench.

Auckland wing Doug Howlett, who was brought into the squad this week after missing the first two Tri Nations tests, has a place on the bench where MacDonald sat in Sydney.

The other change in the reserves sees New Zealand opting for the bulk and power of Sione Laukai instead of Marty Holah as loose forwards cover. This is an obvious counter to the Springboks' big back row.

The Boks won the first encounter between the two sides, 22-16 in Cape Town earlier in the month.

That helped Jake White's team to the top of the table and last week's 22-19 win over the Wallabies in Perth has South Africa eyeing a consecutive Tri Nations title.

But they will have to beat history to achieve that. The Boks have never won in Dunedin and will be up against an All Blacks team that can still take the Tri Nations title with wins over the Boks and the Wallabies the next weekend in Auckland.

Springboks coach Jake White will name his team on Wednesday. He has one enforced change with right wing Breyton Paulse suspended for three weeks.


NEW ZEALAND: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Rico Gear, 13 Tana Umaga (capt), 12 Aaron Mauger, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Leon MacDonald , 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Derren Witcombe, 17 Greg Somerville, 18 James Ryan, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Kevin Senio, 21 Luke McAlister, 22 Doug Howlett.

Hard-Hitting Barry In To Face All Blacks

24/08/2005                                                      Marc Hinton in Dunedin
Big-hitting midfielder De Wet Barry comes into the Springboks starting XV for Saturday night's pivotal Tri Nations clash against the All Blacks in Dunedin, with Jean de Villiers moving back to the wing.

It was a reluctant change made by coach Jake White as he seeks South Africa's first Tri Nations clean sweep since 1998, but one he was forced to make after the controversial three-week suspension handed out to winger Breyton Paulse for a kicking offence in Perth last week.

With a shortage of established wings in the touring squad, White has made the shuffle that the All Blacks had expected.

De Villiers has been an established and successful wing before being bring tried at inside centre this year as White tinkled with his backline. The experiment worked so well, the big fair-haired utility has been a fixture in the midfield alongside centre Jacque Fourie.

But the callup of Barry hardly diminishes the trademark Boks defence, with the Stormers defender if anything adding to the hard-hitting qualities of the rushing line.

Barry's days as a dazzling runner are probably in his past, but he's an experienced old head and an excellent spot tackler. On what is expected to be a cold night in Dunedin, with the match likely to be tight, he could be just the man for the Boks cause.

"With what we've lost with Breyton in terms of experience and 50 test caps, the most senior sort of back is De Wet Barry. He's got 35 test caps and his experience will be needed in a game like this," said White in Dunedin after naming his team.

White also admitted that Barry's aggressive defensive style could also come in handy on what should be a difficult night for expansive rugby.

"It's going to be a bit slower, with Carisbrook at 7.30 in the evening there will be a lot of dew. It won't be as open and that suits the style we're going to play."

Otherwise White has stuck with the lineup that has yielded three wins from three in the Philips Tri Nations and put them on the brink of a second successive title.

The only other changes are in the reserves where prop Eddie Andrews comes in for the injured Gurthro Steenkamp and Marius Joubert is preferred as outside cover for Wayne Julies.

The Springboks have won all three of their Tri Nations matches thus far and will complete their first clean sweep since 1998 if they can win at Carisbrook.

The All Blacks need to win both of their home matches to regain the title.


SOUTH AFRICA: 15 Percy Montgomery; 14 Jean d Villiers, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 De Wet Barry, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Andre Pretorious, 9 Ricky Januarie; 8 Joe van Niekerk, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha; 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Os du Randt. Reserves: 16 Hanyani Shimange, 17 Gurthro Steenkamp, 18 Albert van den Berg, 19 Jacques Cronje, 20 Fourie du Preez, 21 Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Marius Joubert.

                     Good luck for round 5. May need help with NPC this week guys as my laptop is still ailing!

                                Cheers,
                                  Baz  

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Round 6  ..........  Rangi still in doubt

All Blacks....Lauaki, Howlett Come Into All Blacks

30/08/2005
Marc Hinton
The All Blacks have promoted Sione Lauaki to the vacant blindside flanker spot for Saturday's test against the Wallabies in Auckland, and also found a place for recalled winger Doug Howlett.

They are the only changes to the starting XV that beat the Springboks in Dunedin at the weekend and reflect the determination by coach Graham Henry not to take the foot off the pedal this week against the wounded Wallabies.

And with good reason. The New Zealanders must win this game to clinch their sixth Tri Nations title, and for all the injuries that the Wallabies have been hit by - said to be as many as 17 - they will be guarding heavily against complacency.

So, as a result of that thinking, Lauaki comes in for the suspended Jerry Collins in the No 6 jersey and Howlett gets the start in preference to the slightly out of form Rico Gear. Otherwise it's the troops who have served them so well this year.

Leon MacDonald has been named at first five for the Tri Nations closer, but is under an injury cloud wth hip flexor problems.

He has not trained yet this week and will need to prove his fitness closer to game time. "He had the same problem last week and came right fairly quickly," said Henry.

If MacDonald was ruled out, youngster Luke McAlister would likely step into the No 10 jersey.

There had been some suggestions late loose forward callup Jerome Kaino could be tried in the team, but Lauaki deserves this chance. He's a big, strong forward who has been with the squad all year and had limited opportunities.

Forwards coach Steve Hansen said Lauaki will be more than ready for the challenge at Eden Park against a Wallabies side that may find him a tough customer to handle.

"He's been putting the extra work in whilst we've been in camp," said Hansen. "He's probably in as good a nick as I've seen."

Added Henry: "Jerry has had an outstanding international season and he's disappointed he can't finish it. It was a logical selection. Sione Lauaki has been on the bench a lot and he'll be dying for the opportunity."

Henry said the selection of Howlett was one that was merited for the Auckland winger.

"We thought the fresh player would be a good option this week," said Henry. "Doug has played some outstanding rugby for Auckland recently, while Rico has played virtually every Super 12 and test match since mid-February."

Midfielder Conrad Smith comes on to the bench in the only change there and if he gets on the field it will be his first appearance since the third test win over the Lions.

The Wallabies will name their team on Wednesday, with Eddie Jones' biggest challenge seeming to be coming up with 22 fit players.


NEW ZEALAND: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Tana Umaga (c), 12 Aaron Mauger, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Leon MacDonald , 9 Piri Weepu; 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Sione Lauaki , 5 Ali Williams, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Derren Witcombe, 17 Greg Somerville, 18 James Ryan, 19 Marty Holah, 20 Kevin Senio, 21 Luke McAlister, 22 Conrad Smith.
                 
               Cheers,
                 Baz  

Rogers To Run Show For Wallabies

31/08/2005
Marc Hinton
Mat Rogers will play his first test at first five-eighths for the Wallabies when he runs out to partner his record-equalling captain in the halves against the All Blacks at Eden Park on Saturday night.

Rogers was named to play flyhalf by Eddie Jones in a much-anticipated move for the Tri Nations closer in Auckland. The Wallabies are without three No 10s in Stephen Larkham, Matt Giteau and Elton Flatley and Jones is clearly gambling on Rogers' all-round abilities and his big-match temperament.

The former league star will link with halfback and skipper George Gregan who
will equal the world record for test caps with his 114th on Saturday night. Jones has made five personnel changes, including three debutants in reserves Alex Kanaar, Lachlan MacKay and Lloyd Johansson, as well five positional changes from the lineup that went down to the Boks in Perth.

All Blacks backs coach Wayne Smith admitted Rogers would be an X-factor type player, with little or no background in the position but plenty of potential.

"We're not too sure," said Smith when asked what he knew of Rogers' skills as a first five. "Obviously he's been training there, but we're struggling to find any footage of Mat.

"The odd time he pops into first receiver but that's about as close as we can get to it. [But] he's a class player, isn't he?

"He played first receiver at league quite a bit when he was on the wing, so I suppose he's got the skills to do the job."

Jones is confident Rogers will respond to the challenge in front of him. "It was a tough decision between Matty Rogers and Lachie MacKay at flyhalf, but we believe Mat has the passing and kicking skills we need to start the game, and he can also take the ball to the line," said the Wallabies coach.

Jones has also gone with the loose trio that was being predicted, with flanker George Smith named at No 8 in a bold move. He is joined by Phil Waugh and Rocky Elsom in a flying squad that will get to the breakdown in numbers.

Waugh and Smith have often caused the All Blacks problems in the past when playing as a tandem, and will need to revive that partnership for their team to be in the hunt Saturday.

As anticipated Mark Chisholm comes in at lock to replace the injured Daniel Vickerman and Mark Gerrard returns to the right wing. Queensland youngster Johansson was a surprise selection as the outside back reserve.

Said Jones: "The blokes have worked really hard over the last five days and have come together well.

"There's been plenty of enthusiasm and add that to George equaling Leonard's record and you have a pretty good combination of experience and youth."

The Wallabies backline still looks to have plenty of ability, with youngster Drew Mitchell showing plenty in his tests at fullback so far, new vice-captain Morgan Turinui and Clyde Rathbone forming an effective midfield and Rogers sure to spark things with so much ball in his hands.

Halfback Gregan, who will equal Jason Leonard's world record 114 test caps, also has plenty of motivation. He may well also be playing for his international career, given the crescendo of critics he has on his back at home.

But it's up front where the Wallabies may be tested. Their scrum was dismantled last time out and will face similar pressure again, and the All Blacks look to have taken a step up with their work at lineout time and in the cleanout area.

It is a high-pressure match for the Wallabies as well as the All Blacks, who must win to claim their sixth Tri Nations title.

The Australians are facing their first winless season in the Tri Nations and also the horror scenario of a fifth test defeat on the trot, which has not happened since 1968.

The All Blacks are bracing themselves for a huge response from a side under pressure and facing an ongoing injury crisis. They are wise to do so.


AUSTRALIA: 15 Drew Mitchell, 14 Mark Gerrard, 13 Clyde Rathbone, 12 Morgan Turinui, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Mat Rogers, 9 George Gregan (c); 8 George Smith, 7 Phil Waugh, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Mark Chisholm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Brendan Cannon, 1 Bill Young. Reserves: 16 Adam Freier, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Alex Kanaar, 19 John Roe, 20 Chris Whitaker, 21 Lachlan MacKay, 22 Lloyd Johansson.

       OZ is talking up Rogers BIGTIME!.....He played well LAST YEAR!
 
          Rangi & Piri both in doubt.....I'm picking they'll both be right!

             Cheers ,
                Baz  

[EREHWON WARRIORS]

Only 6 in the top 150 this comp with only messy (46) & EW (98) in the top 100 unless I missed some new pseudonyms!  

  Not memorable as prices were prohibitive for the no of players available!

         Cheers,
           Baz