2008 Super14. Week 3 Preview (RugbyHeaven.co.au)

http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/super14/super-14-previews-and-teams/2008/02/28/1203788535950.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1

Super 14 preview panel for this weekend's round three action (all times AEDT):

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29

HURRICANES v CHIEFS

at Westpac Stadium, Wellington, 5.35pm
Last meeting: Hurricanes 39-32, in Hamilton, February 2007

Both sides come off tight wins at home where they showed glimpses of form but were still a long way from their best. The Chiefs, lucky to overcome NSW with a last-minute penalty goal, have a reshuffled backline after losing halfback Brendon Leonard and centre Richard Kahui. Mils Muliaina has moved into the centres with lethal winger Sitiveni Sivivatu taking over at fullback. The Hurricanes have a 3-1 record in Wellington over the men from Waikato.

Hurricanes: Cory Jane, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Hosea Gear, Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo (capt), Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Jason Eaton, Craig Clarke, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger. Reserves: Hikawera Elliot, Tim Fairbrother, Jeremy Thrush, Scott Waldrom, Alby Mathewson, Willie Ripia, Shannon Paku.

Chiefs: Sitiveni Sivivatu, Lelia Masaga, Mils Muliaina, Dwayne Sweeney, Viliame Waqaseduadua, Stephen Donald, David Bason, Sione Lauaki, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Kevin O'Neill, Jono Gibbes (capt), Ben Castle, Tom Willis, Simms Davison. Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Ben May, Toby Lynn, Faifili Levave, Matt France, Callum Bruce, Sosene Anesi.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 1

LIONS v WESTERN FORCE

at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, 3.30am
Last meeting: Lions 25-24, in Perth, February '07

The Lions remain the only South African team which the Force haven't beaten in their two and a bit seasons. Coach John Mitchell has again rung the changes despite their 16-15 win over the Cheetahs, particularly in the forward pack. In a major boost, fullback Cameron Shepherd is back from injury, enabling speedster Drew Mitchell to revert to the wing. The Lions are licking their wounds after a thrashing by the red-hot Blues when they looked totally inept in defence.

Lions: Louis Ludik, Dusty Noble, Jaco Pretorius, Doppies la Grange, Ryno Benjamin, Louis Strydom, Jano Vermaak, Willem Alberts, Franco van der Merwe, Cobus Grobbelaar (capt), Gerhard Mostert, Anton van Zyl, Ross Geldenhuys, Willie Wepener, Heinke van der Merwe. Reserves: Gavin Williamson, Gert-Andries van der Merwe, Altenstadt Hulme, Joe van Niekerk, Chris Jonck, Earl Rose, Jaco van Schalkwyk.

Western Force: Cameron Shepherd, Nick Cummins, Ryan Cross, Scott Staniforth, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, James Stannard, Tamaiti Horua, Matt Hodgson, Scott Fava, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Tom Hockings, Troy Takiari, Luke Holmes, Gareth Hardy. Reserves: Tai McIsaac, AJ Whalley, Sam Wykes, Richard Brown, David Pocock, Scott Daruda, Lachlan MacKay.

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STORMERS v CRUSADERS

at Newlands, Cape Town, 5.35am

Last meeting: Crusaders 36-11 in Christchurch, March 2007

The Crusaders look to be playing a different game to the rest after their 54-19 thumping of the defending champion Bulls. But coach Robbie Deans is wary of a repeat of the 28-17 2006 defeat in Cape Town. Deans has has made three changes to his team, rotating his props and replacing winger Scott Hamilton with Caleb Ralph. The winless Stormers have suffered narrow defeats to the Bulls and Sharks and are also without suspended back-rower Schalk Burger. Back-up flanker Luke Watson is ill and will start at No.8.

Stormers: Conrad Jantjes, Tonderaj Chavhanga, Gcobani Bobo, Jean de Villiers (capt), Sireli Naqelevuki, Peter Grant, Ricky Januarie, Luke Watson, Francois Louw, Pieter Myburgh, Andries Bekker, Adriaan Fondse, Brian Mujati, Tiaan Liebenberg, JD Moller. Reserves: Schalk Brits, Brok Harris, Ross Skeate, Robbie Diack, Bolla Conradie, Gio Aplon, Dylan Des Fountain.

Crusaders: Leon MacDonald, Kade Poki, Casey Laulala, Stephen Brett, Caleb Ralph, Daniel Carter, Andrew Ellis, Mose Tuiali'i, Richard McCaw (capt), Kieran Read, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Campbell Johnstone, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Ti'i Paulo, Greg Somerville, Reuben Thorne, Nasi Manu, Kahn Fotuali'i, Tim Bateman, Sean Maitland.

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HIGHLANDERS v NSW WARATAHS

at Carisbrook, Dunedin, 5.35pm

Last meeting: Highlanders 26-25, in Sydney, April 2007

The Waratahs have suffered a blow with the loss of tight-head prop Al Baxter, forcing a front-row reshuffle for their showdown with the big, bruising Highlanders pack. Matt Dunning has moved to the other side while little-known Sekope Kepu will make his debut at loose-head. Ewen McKenzie's other problem is the poor tackling of young playmaker Kurtley Beale who may be hidden on the wing in defence with Timana Tahu at five-eighth. The Highlanders have gone close against the Brumbies and Reds and are desperate to open their account.

Highlanders: James Wilson, Paul Williams, Niva Ta'auso, Johnny Leota, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Michael Delany, Jimmy Cowan, Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai, Hayden Triggs, Tom Donnelly, Isaac Ross, Clint Newland, Jason Macdonald (capt), Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: David Hall, Chris King, Adam Thomson, Tim Boys, Toby Morland, Ben W Smith, Brett Mather.

Waratahs: Lachie Turner, Timana Tahu, Ben Jacobs, Tom Carter, Lote Tuqiri, Kurtley Beale, Brett Sheehan, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (capt), Rocky Elsom, Dan Vickerman, Will Caldwell, Matt Dunning, Adam Freier, Sekope Kepu. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Dan Palmer, Dean Mumm, Beau Robinson, Luke Burgess, Sam Harris, Alfi Mafi.

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BRUMBIES v QUEENSLAND REDS

at Canberra Stadium, Canberra, 7.40pm

Last meeting: Brumbies 6-3, Brisbane, February 2007

Queensland have never won in Canberra and have beaten the Brumbies just once in 13 meetings. But they will never get a better chance against Laurie Fisher's men who are vulnerable due to a dreadful injury run. Fisher has picked his fourth-choice centre pair in Tyrone Smith and rookie Leo Afeaki, giving the Reds a pocket to attack. The Reds have suffered costly blows of their own with Hugh McMeniman (ankle) and Sam Cordingley (groin) injured. The Reds more experienced backline should win the day if their forwards stand up.

Brumbies: Julian Huxley, Mark Gerrard, Sanualio Afeaki, Tyrone Smith, Francis Fainifo, Christian Lealiifano, Patrick Phibbs, Stephen Hoiles, George Smith (capt), Mitch Chapman, Mark Chisholm, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Guy Shepherdson, Saia Faingaa, Nic Henderson. Reserves: Huia Edmonds, Salesi Ma'afu, Peter Kimlin, Julian Salvi, Josh Holmes, Peter Playford, Afusipa Taumoepeau.

Reds: Chris Latham, Clinton Schifcofske, Morgan Turinui, Christopher Siale, Digby Ioane, Berrick Barnes, Sam Cordingley, Leroy Houston, David Croft, John Roe (capt), James Horwill, Van Humphries, Rodney Blake, Stephen Moore, Greg Holmes. Reserves: Sean Hardman, Dayna Edwards, Ed O'Donoghue, AJ Gilbert, Will Genia, Peter Hynes, Quade Cooper.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 2

CHEETAHS v BLUES

in Bloemfontein, 2am
Last meeting: Blues 26-8, in Auckland, April 2007

The Blues are flying and loving the experimental laws, playing 15-man sevens in their big win over the Lions. They should again be way too strong for the Cheetahs who are kicking themselves for letting the Force out of jail last week. It was the second straight week they have lost to a penalty goal after the full-time siren. Blues coach David Nucifora has made one slight change to his talented backline with Rudi Wulf starting for Anthony Tuitavake.

Cheetahs: Hennie Daniller, Eddie Fredericks, JW Jonker, Meyer Bosman, Gavin Passens, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Noel Oelschig, Duane Vermeulen, Juan Smith (capt), Heinrich Brussow, David de Villiers, Rory Duncan, Kobus Calldo, Adriaan Strauss, Wian du Preez. Reserves: Richardt Strauss, Bees Roux, Flip van der Merwe, Kabamba Fllors, Tewis de Bruyn, Conrad Barnard, Hendrik Meyer.

Blues: Isa Nacewa, Rudi Wulf, Isaia Toeva, Benson Stanley, Joe Rokocoko, Nick Evans, Danny Lee, Nick Williams, Justin Collins, Jerome Kaino, Troy Flavell (capt), Kurtis Haiu, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Tom McCartney, Bronson Murray, Anthony Boric, Onosa's Tololima-Auva'a, Taniela Moa, Ben Atiga, Anthony Tuitavake.

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BULLS v SHARKS

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, 4.05am
Last meeting: Bulls 20-19 in Durban, May 2007

A rematch of last year's gripping final, the Durban-based Sharks will be pumped up to avenge their heart-breaking loss through an injury-time Bryan Habana try. While the Sharks have adapted quickly to the ELVs, the Bulls looked mere shadows of the 2007 champions in the second half against the Crusaders last weekend after leading 12-0 early. But they have Springboks duo Bakkies Botha and Akona Ndungane back this week. There are concerns about lock Botha's desire, though, as he is reportedly eying a move to France. Morne Steyn has taken over the playmaking duties from Derick Hougaard

Bulls: Zane Kirchner, Akona Ndungane, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Danwel Demas, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez (capt), Pedrie Wannenburg, Wikus van Heerden, Danie Rossouw, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Bakkies Botha, Rayno Gerber, Derick Kuun, Gurthro Steenkamp. Reserves: James van der Walt, Werner Kruger, Jaco Engels, Deon Stegmann, Heini Adams, Derick Hougaard, John Mametsa.

Sharks: Francois Steyn, Odwa Ndungane, Waylon Murray, Bradley Barritt, JP Pietersen, Frederic Michalak, Rory Kockott, Ryan Kankowski, AJ Venter, Jacques Botes, Johann Muller (capt), Johan Ackermann, BJ Botha, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira. Reserves: Craig Burden, Jannie du Plessis, Albert van den Berg, Keegan Daniel, Charl Mcleod, Adrian Jacobs, Stefan Terblanche.

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Note : I cancelled the lines devoted to bets -but you can find them by clicking on the source of the article (upper in pink)

2008 Super14. Day 2. Crusaders slaughter Bulls

http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/super14/crusaders-slaughter-bulls/2008/02/23/1203467426500.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1

The Crusaders, with their potent blend of old heads and raw talent, put the Super 14 on notice by scoring sevens tries to humiliate the champion Bulls 54-19 in Pretoria on Saturday.

Robbie Deans' side continued their perfect start to the 13th edition of Super Rugby where they are chasing a seventh title, embarrassing the Bulls at their beloved Loftus Versfled.

This wasn't a playoff of course, but it went some way to easing the Crusaders' memories of last year's semifinal loss at the same venue.

With their All Blacks standing tall and their youngsters learning rapidly, the '09 vintage looks capable of matching some of the best from red and blacks country.

Skipper Richie McCaw was in commanding form, Dan Carter controlled the game magnificently and Andy Ellis had a ripper of a match. But youngsters like Stephen Brett, Kade Poki and Nasi Manu will take plenty from being involved in a special result like this.

Brett was hugely influential with his crafty work at second five-eighths.

This was the first test of New Zealand-South Africa rivalry in the championship and the contrast in styles that comes with that.

For a while there was a worry that the Bulls' kicking game might win through. But class and enterprise were slowly but surely rewarded as the Crusaders kept their composure to ride out an early storm and then cruised home with ridiculous ease.

Ok, this wasn't the same Bulls team that gave the republic their first Super Rugby title last year. Take Victor Matfield, Bakkie Botha and Bryan Habana out of the equation and you significantly weaken any side.

Add in the bizarre absence of champion coach Heyneke Meyer who has walked away from the game and perhaps this was a major accident waiting to happen. How long before there are calls to reinstate Meyer?

But this was still a remarkable win for the red and blacks who have signalled to the current holders - and the rest of the teams involved in this tournament - that they want their trophy back.

Not that things went all go the Crusaders' way. They were under a predictable early assault from the fired up Bulls who charged out to a 12-nil lead.

The home side capitalised on some good field kicking to stay deep in Crusaders' territory and waited for the inevitable mistakes which Derick Hougaard turned into four quick penalties for a handy lead at the end of the first quarter.

But the Crusaders kept their cool and bounced back to dominate the final 10 minutes of the first half.

They made the Bulls pay for hanging off a restart and a beautifully weighted pass from Carter allowed Brett enough space to squeeze over close to the line.

Carter's conversion and a penalty soon after gave the Crusaders heart.

The, just before the break, the Crusaders broke free with Ellis and Brett setting up a direct route to the line. McCaw was the link man and he fed Ellis the final pass for the try by the posts. Carter's extras meant the Crusaders were in charge at 17-12 at the interval.

It looked like they had blown a grand chance to break clear immediately after the restart when Corey Flynn dropped a lolly of a pass from Brett with the goalposts in sight.

But McCaw made amends when he finished off an Ellis duck at the line by driving forward and reaching over for the touchdown.

Carter's boot kept adding the extras and there were two quick penalties as well as the Crusaders started to take charge of field position. Suddenly they had a real buffer at 30-12 with 25 minutes left.

That's always a necessity when visiting teams are operating at altitude with the Bulls notoriously strong over the final stretch.

But it was the Crusaders who continued to look the fitter and tougher side as the match wore on. Their tight five took control and their loosies were also in command.

They even managed to snare a crucial bonus point on the hour when they managed to work a half-decent overlap to young wing Poki who shrugged off one tackle and scampered to the line for a memorable moment in his blossoming career.

Next up, replacement flanker Nasi Manu charged down a Bulls' clearance and pounced on the loose ball in the ingoal to score with his first input into the match.

Then Carter taunted the Bulls defence and touched down against the posts as the rout continued.

The Bulls gained a late consolation try but there was still time for the Crusaders to notch their half century when Leon MacDonald ran on to a grubber kick from replacement Caleb Ralph to complete the humiliation.

Loftus, with 40,000 Bulls fans packed in, was silent, a far cry from the frenzied scenes of a year ago.

The Crusaders head south to take on the Stormers in Cape Town next week while the Bulls host the Sharks in a replay of last year's final.

On this performance, they are a long way off the glories of last season.

Bulls 19: JP Nell try; Morney Stey con, Derick Hougaard 4 pen.
Crusaders 54: Stephen Brett, Andy Ellis, Richie McCaw, Kade Poki, Nasi Manu, Dan Carter, Leon MacDonald tries; Dan Carter 5 con, 3 pen.
HT: 12-17


http://www.super14.com/news/viewarticle.asp?id=10717

http://www.super14.com/results/2008/week2.asp

http://www.super14.com/news/viewarticle.asp?id=10754

Sometimes I feel like a Bee....

... not any bee, the Bee-Queen ! and please don't laugh!!!

Here is the story : I missed the Total Rugby interview with Richie and Justin Marshall (so I was not very proud of me!).

But thanks to Bee-Izzy (for the audio file), Bee-Sian (for the video, in French) and Bee-Rose (for the video in English), I feel better!

I hope the links work (and if they don't, just e-mail me and I'll forward the mails)

Enjoy,

Bee-Mary

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The video in French (but you can hear the guys talking)

http://www.partage-facile.com/118744-rm_totalrugby_20080221.avi.html

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The audio -- Izzy wrote "there is an audio (which is different again) of it as well! Click where it says Listen to this weeks Total Rugby Radio show for more. Thier chat is about a third / three quarters of the way through."
http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/news/newsid=2022349.html

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The video in English

Pictures

Remember the "in bed with richie" picture ?
(not the video with jaquie brown and the Playstation! the one with the newspaper!)

You have here on Getty the whole series of pictures that were part of the report
(most of them were not published in the magazine.)

http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?EventId=77408065#

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Wanna drive in Christchurch and meet celebrities? go to SupaKarts!

http://www.supakarts.co.nz/galleries--xidc34163.html
pic of Richie and even of Gary (the MoreFM morning show Gary!!!)

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Thank you very much to Lissie for the links!

Crusaders begin Crusade (tvnz)

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/video_popup_windows_skin/1585378

The Crusaders have beaten the Brumbies 34-3 at the AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Friday night in the first game of Super 14 2008

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1584399

Crusaders too good for rusty Brumbies

Feb 16, 2008

The Crusaders have beaten the Brumbies 34-3 at the AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Friday night in the first game of Super 14 2008.

The match was free-flowing although not cintilating in the first half as Both sides looked to be adjusting to the swag of new rules and changes for 2008 and there was a lot of players sucking in the big ones early on.

But it was the home side who ran away with it and number 8 Mose Tuiali'i who caused the damage scoring two tries for the Crusaders as they eventually powered home over the boys from accross the Tasman.

The Brumbies never looked in the contest as they couldnt hold onto the ball for sustained periods and cause any real pressure, with knock ons a constant problem in the wet conditions, and their only points coming from a solitary Julian Huxley penalty in the first half.

Crusaders:

Tries: Mose Tuiali'i (2), Daniel Carter (1) and Brad Thorn (1).

Pen: Daniel Carter (2) Con: Daniel Carter (3)

Brumbies:

Con: Julina Huxley (1)
Half time: 10-3 (Crusaders).

The Crusaders will be pleased with the win especially the bonus point for their four tries as they jump on a plane and head for South Africa on Saturday.
The Blues will look to get things underway on Saturday night as they take on the boys from down the road, the Chiefs.

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Pic 2 : Richie is the tackler (hidden by Brumbies player)

For this weekend's results, follow this link http://www.super14.com/results/2008/week1.asp

Super 14 Round One preview

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1320238/1583145

Feb 15, 2008
By Joel Tiller

Well the debate over whether the public is rugby fatigued, has World Cup trauma and whether the new experimental law variations are madness, or genius, has been underway months but all of the sudden it's time for true rugby fans to put the hot air behind them.

The 2008 Super 14 season in upon us on Friday night.

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Crusaders v Brumbies,
AMI Stadium in Christchurch (Friday)

The Crusaders had a slow start to last season, falling to the Blues in an entertaining opener at Eden Park, struggling to beat the lowly Reds a week later and bumbling to a ugly 9-3 loss to the Lions in the Republic.

In typical Crusaders style they picked up steam through the middle to late stages of the season before their emphatic semi-final defeat at the hands of the rampaging Bulls.

This season the Red and Black men will be hungry to snatch some momentum immediately.

The Brumbies started 2007 in similarly scratchy style. The men from the ACT began with an impressive away win over the Chiefs before narrowly beating the Reds in one of the worst games of Super 14 rugby ever witnessed by this writer.

These two sides met only once last season with the Brumbies prevailing 15-6 in Canberra on an emotion filled night for the locals as George Gregan and Stephen Larkham made their last Super rugby appearances at Canberra Stadium.

The Brumbies have a passable Super 14 record against the Crusaders with six wins and eight loss, but have failed in their previous four appearances in Christchurch.

The Brumbies will field a significantly less experienced backline than their hosts this Friday night and four players will earn their first Brumbies caps. Two of those - No.10 Christian Lealiifano and reserve back Tyronne Smith - have never played S14 before.

The other two - 2007 Waratah halfback Josh Holmes and former Stormer/Tahs hooker Huia Edmonds - have limited experience as predominantly bench players for their previous franchises.

The visitors' pack looks solid to say the least with a talented young locking pairing and dangerous back row trio of Jone Tawake, George Smith and Stephen Hoiles their greatest strengths. They have strike power out wide with former Tasman Makos speedster Peter Playford on the left wing and accomplished former Wallaby wing Mark Gerrard prowling the right touchline.

For the Crusaders mercurial former Blues star and All Black Ali Williams makes his debut at lock and will be accompanied by two fellow debutants Kahn Fotuali'i (halfback) and Kade Poki (right wing) both of Tasman Makos origin.

Former All Black and Brisbane Broncos (on again, off again) stalwart, Brad Thorn returns to Rugby Union action after a break of two years to partner Williams in rugged second row combo. Otherwise the Crusaders forward pack is unchanged from the well rounded eight that carried them to the semis last year.

In the backline the biggest talking point appears to be Stephen Brett lining up outside Daniel Carter to form a tantalisingly dynamic first five, second five pairing. The Crusaders have abundant experience at left wing, centre and most notably at fullback where All Black Leon MacDonald plays his 100th game as a Crusader.

The Crusaders appear to have the edge in experience and class in their front row and in the centres. They have had little disruption to the core of their squad from last season and all indicators point to opening round Cantabrian victory.

Prediction: Crusaders by 14 or more.

Crusaders: 15.Leon MacDonald, 14.Kade Poki, 13.Casey Laulala, 12.Stephen Brett, 11.Scott Hamilton, 10.Daniel Carter, 9.Kahn Fotuali'i, 8.Mose Tuiali'i, 7.Richard McCaw, 6.Kieran Read, 5.Ali Williams, 4.Brad Thorn, 3.Greg Somerville, 2.Corey Flynn, 1.Ben Franks.
Res: 16.Ti'i Paulo, 17.Wyatt Crockett, 18.Michael Paterson, 19.Nasi Manu, 20.Andrew Ellis, 21.Tim Bateman, 22.Sean Maitland.

Brumbies: 15.Julian Huxley, 14.Mark Gerrard, 13.Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12.Gene Fairbanks, 11.Peter Playford, 10.Christian Lealiifano, 9.Joshua Holmes, 8.Stephen Hoiles, 7.George Smith, 6.Jone Tawake, 5.Adam Wallace-Harrison, 4.Alister Campbell, 3.Guy Shepherdson, 2.Huia Edmonds, 1.Nic Henderson.
Res: 16.Saia Faingaa, 17.Salesi Ma'afu, 18.Peter Kimlin, 19.Julian Salvi, 20.Patrick Phibbs, 21.Tyrone Smith, 22.Francis Fainifo.

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Reds v Highlanders,
Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane (Friday)

This opening round match-up pits last season's eighth placed side (Highlanders) versus the Queensland 'wooden spooners'.

Quite simply: the Reds were rubbish last year. But this is a new season with a raw new coach Phil Mooney who will attempt to resurrect the Maroons' fortunes by moulding a crop of promising young players around some workhorse veterans into a competitive team.

With all frontline squad members fit, the Reds will field seven forwards with Wallaby experience against the Highlanders; Rodney Blake, Greg Holmes, Stephen Moore, James Horwill, skipper John Roe, David Croft and Hugh McMeniman.

This season will reveal whether 'the Rodzilla's' (tighthead Rodney Blake) ample brawn is a help or a hinderance to his side - the hype has been loud from Queensland scribes, the on-field impact less forceful. At face value the newly implemented experimental law variations may render players of Blake's physique (and lack of mobility) obsolete.

But elsewhere there is undeniable talent in the likes of skilful and abrasive lock James Horwill, athletic blindside Hugh McMeniman, creative pivot Berrick Barnes and bustling wing Digby Ioane. These youthful talents will be counterbalanced by tried and true toilers like fearless hard-nut No.7 David Croft, tireless No.8 John Roe, and the indomitable old wizard at fullback - Chris Latham.

Early whispers were that the Highlanders looked likely cellar dwellers this S14 season after the loss of a host of highly experienced pros such as Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, and Josh Blackie. Their brightest backline star of many years Nick Evans is also lost to the Southern cause after returning home to don an Auckland jersey in 2008.

Talented but injury prone young lock James Ryan is still absent and rangy looseforward Craig Newby is sidelined with injury.

But the Highlanders have shown strong preseason form underlined by a precious, surprise, trial match win over the Blues 42-21 in Dunedin last week. They have imposing front row bulk of their own in the shape of powerful Southland prop loosehead prop Jamie Mackintosh and Hawke's Bay enforcer Clint Newland at tighthead.

The Southern men have excellent lineout options with talented Manawatu lock-come-No.6 Hayden Triggs backing up former All Black lock Tom Donnelly and raw young Canterbury powerhouse Isaac Ross ready to hone his talents.

The Highlanders backline has a raw and enigmatic quality about it. Niva Ta'auso, Paul Williams and Lucky Mulipola have much to prove after mediocre performances in previous campaigns.

Hard hitting Inside centre Johnny Leota has been a standout for Manawatu in ANZC and Fetu'u Vainikolo is an intriguing prospect.

Prediction: Highlanders by 7 or less.

Highlanders: 15.Paul Williams, 14.Lucky Mulipola, 13.Niva Ta'auso, 12.Johnny Leota, 11.Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10.Daniel Bowden, 9.Jimmy Cowan, 8.Steven Setephano, 7.Alando Soakai, 6.Hayden Triggs, 5.Tom Donnelly, 4.Isaac Ross, 3.Clint Newland, 2.Jason Macdonald (capt), 1.Jamie Mackintosh.
Res: 16.David Hall, 17.Chris King, 18.Adam Thomson, 19.Tim Boys, 20.Toby Morland, 21.Mike Delany, 22.Brett Mather.

Reds: 15.Chris Latham, 14.Digby Ioane, 13.Morgan Turinui, 12.Chris Siale, 11.Clinton Schifcofske, 10.Berrick Barnes, 9.Sam Cordingley, 8.John Roe (capt), 7.David Croft, 6.Hugh McMeniman, 5.James Horwill, 4.Van Humphries, 3.Rodney Blake, 2.Stephen Moore, 1.Greg Holmes.
Res: 16.Sean Hardman, 17.Dayna Edwards, 18.Ed O'Donoghue, 19.Leroy Houston, 20.Will Genia, 21.Andrew Walker, 22.Peter Hynes.

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Sharks v Western Force,
ABSA Stadium in Durban (Saturday)

This home opener for the 2008 defending champions poses a real potential banana skin fixture for the Sharks.

Western Australia's Force were the biggest improvers of 2007 after a steep learning curve debut season in 2006, finishing sixth last season and taking away wins over the Stormers and Bulls in South Africa.

The Force is one Australian franchise that has had no reason to fear travelling to the Republic, they have had by far the best results over two season of any of the Australian franchises (or teams full stop).

There are few surprises in a Sharks line-up that boasts fourteen players who were in the match day 22 for the all-South African final last year. The biggest talking point is the will he, won't he, status of the Shark's French international signing, the mercurial and injury prone Frederic Michalak.

At this stage he appears unlikely to play as he nurses a calf complaint. If Michalak is unavailable he will be well covered by prodigiously talented 19-year-old Springbok utility back Francois Steyn - a young man with a howitzer for a right foot.

The Sharks will bring to the field the same mobile, bruising and powerful forward pack they did last season and again boast a solid and creative backline that loves to feed off counterattacking opportunities and will take inspiration from one of the two most dangerous running halfbacks (alongside Fourie du Preez of the Bulls) in world rugby - Ruan Pienaar.

Force coach John Mitchell will be disappointed with the distracting off-field furore that knuckle headed No.9 Matt Henjak has stirred up yet again, but he has been able to pick a starting XV from a settled and, reportedly, thoroughly prepared squad. Fourteen of the Forces' starting XV were regularly involved with S14 action last season for the Western Australians, debut winger Nick Cummins being the only exception.

The twenty-year-old Cummins has a solid rugby resume to boast of with an impressive representative IRB Sevens season behind him during which he was top Australian try scorer. In the loose forwards veteran Scott Fava takes on a new role at blindside flanker while utility loosie Richard Brown will have to step up in the unfamiliar No.8 jersey.

The Force will look to take full advantage of the new E.L.Vs with their mobile forward pack and electric backline appearing well equipped to take full advantage of the sped-up game. At setpiece time the Sharks look to have a clear advantage but it also appears that the E.L.Vs will ensure that setpiece domination will have a lesser impact on the results of games this season.

This fixture will provide an particularly interesting reflection on the impact the new rules will have on individual teams and keep a close eye on playmaker Matt Giteau, he is always a potential matchwinner.

Prediction: Force by 7 or less.

Sharks: 15.Francois Steyn/Stefan Terblanche, 14.Henno Mentz, 13.Waylon Murray, 12.Bradley Barritt, 11.JP Pietersen, 10.Frederic Michalak/Francois Steyn, 9.Ruan Pienaar, 8.Ryan Kankowski, 7.AJ Venter, 6.Jacques Botes, 5.Johann Muller (capt), 4.Johan Ackermann, 3.BJ Botha, 2.Bismarck du Plessis, 1.Beast Mtawarira.
Res : 16.Craig Burden, 17.Kees Lensing, 18.Jannie du Plessis, 19.Jean Deysel/Albert van den Berg, 20.Rory Kockott, 21.Adrian Jacobs, 22.Stefan Terblanche.

Western Force: 15.Cameron Shepherd, 14.Nick Cummins, 13.Ryan Cross, 12.Scott Staniforth, 11.Drew Mitchell, 10.Matt Giteau, 9.Matt Henjak, 8.Richard Brown, 7.David Pocock, 6.Scott Fava, 5.Nathan Sharpe (capt), 4.David Pusey, 3.AJ Whalley, 2.Tai McIsaac, 1.Gareth Hardy.
Res: 16.Luke Holmes, 17.Troy Takiari, 18.Sitaleki Timani, 19.Matt Hodgson, 20.James Stannard, 21.Scott Daruda 22.Josh Tatupu.

****
Blues v Chiefs,
Eden Park in Auckland (Saturday)

A cracking derby clash between the competition's second (Blues) and fourth (Chiefs) favourites, two great attacking teams.

The Blues appear to have the one key ingredient they lacked in 2007 - a dominant playmaker - after securing All Blacks five-eighth Nick Evans but have lost lineout king Ali Williams.

The Chiefs need to avoid their traditionally slow start to the season and appear to have lost All Blacks halfback Brendon Leonard to injury for this match. However they have extreme pace and brilliance out wide in Mils Muliaina, Sosene Anesi and Sitiveni Sivivatu.

Prediction: Chiefs by 8 or less

****
Waratahs v Hurricanes,
Sydney Football Stadium (Saturday)

Despite finishing second last in an injury marred 2007, the Waratahs are still third favourites for the title this year.

They're certainly desperate but also carry the burden of the health of Australian rugby. But they're promising the passes will stick in 2008 - and that tryscorers Lote Tuqiri and Timana Tahu will actually get over the line.

A fit Dan Vickerman will boost their cause immensely with his authoritative forward play. Off-load kings the Hurricanes showed how much they love the new rules in last week's trial demolition of the Brumbies. They boast the havoc-wreaking backrow of captain Rodney So'oialo, Chris Masoe and Jerry Collins and will be a stern test of whether the Tahs have genuinely turned the corner.

Prediction: Waratahs by 5 or less

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Stormers v Bulls,
Newlands Stadium in Cape Town (Sunday)

What to expect from last year's champions the Bulls after major off-season losses in coach Heyneke Meyer and captain Victor Matfield? New coach Frans Ludeke didn't have much joy with the
Cats.

Still any team with champion half Fourie DuPreez, try-machine Bryan Habana and classy playmaker Derick Hougaard is a threat. The usually inconsistent Stormers could be improvers under smart new coach Rassie Erasmus.

They're likely to rely on the aggression of Shalk Burger and creativity of Luke Watson in the backrow for inspiration. Bulls should be too strong.

Prediction: Bulls by 10

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Cheetahs v Lions,
Vodacom Park in Bloemfontein (Sunday)

Two early contenders for the wooden spoon, although the same was true last year and Australian sides ended up filling the bottom two places.

The Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs' trademark brawn has been slimmed with the exit of props Os du Randt and Ollie le Roux while pointscoring machine Willem de Waal has headed to France.
Perennial strugglers the Lions go into this one without their two biggest names, five-eighth Andre Pretorius and Jaque Fourie and the Jo'burg side are still searching for their first ever Super rugby win over a South African franchise.

Prediction: Cheetahs by 5 or less

Season Preview 2008 - Regaining the Momentum

http://www.crfu.co.nz/main/index.cfm/1,111,2571,0,html/Season-Preview-2008-Regaining-the-Momentum

For most teams, making the semi-finals after having six of the best players sidelined for half of the competition; would still represent a pretty fair effort.

And the Crusaders performance in 2007 was.

For many reasons, it was arguably as significant an achievement as anything that had gone before.

But the Crusaders are no ordinary team.

In the Super rugby realm, they are the kings, with six titles from the competition’s first 12 years.

For that reason; a semi-final finish is below the extraordinary high expectations that are set for the side every year.

Because of that, this year’s 13th Crusade could prove unlucky for a good many of the side’s opponents as the team sets out in quest of its own seventh wonder.

The circumstances surrounding the 2008 campaign have already been given an emotional injection by the news that two of the team’s longest-serving stalwarts – coach Robbie Deans and indestructible flanker Reuben Thorne – are on their last laps with the side.

For Deans, a much deserved shot at international rugby – unfortunately with the Wallabies as opposed to the All Blacks – awaits, after his 12-year contribution as a Crusader finally ends.

Thorne, who starts the year as the most capped Crusader with 121 appearances and climbing, is destined for the Yamaha club in Japan where he should close out his glorious 13-year representative playing career experiencing something new.

Although both men personify the Crusaders’ selfless ethic and humbly deflect any attention away from their impending departures; the collective esteem with which they are held will ensure that the rest of the group go that extra mile in order to make sure that their last dance is successful.

Then there’s the small matter of last year’s national union-sponsored ‘intervention’ which denied the Crusaders of six key leaders, and the players concerned of much needed match play and hardening, prior to the mid stages of the competition.

Everyone associated with the side – from its playing staff through to the supporters – are looking forward to a much less complicated formula for the 2008 campaign.

It will need to be, as the Southern Hemisphere landscape has changed significantly in the last 12 months.

Never give a sucker an even break is the way the saying goes – and the South Africans certainly took full advantage of the ‘break’ that was offered.

In the absence of the conditioning All Blacks, the South African momentum and belief grew to the point where it became irresistible.

The statistics don’t lie: 14 matches played by New Zealand teams in South Africa during the last competition for just one win, the Crusaders’ success in Bloemfontein.

Not only did the South African belief manifest itself in an all-South African finale to the competition; it also came back to haunt at the Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks made no race of the tournament once the All Blacks no longer barred their way!

So 2008 is all about swinging the momentum – both at Super rugby level, and internationally – back across the Indian Ocean.

The Crusaders will get any early chance to dent South African egos, squaring off against new champions, the Bulls, in front of a full house at Loftus Versfeld in round two.

That contest already has massive connotations for both teams – and both countries – adding to the importance of the momentum that can be gained by starting the campaign off with a win on Friday night against the ACT Brumbies.

****

To download the 2008 Crusaders screensaver

http://www.crfu.co.nz/main/index.cfm/1,87,0,0,html/Screensavers

****

and don't forget

Super 14 2008 season starts this Friday at the AMI stadium at 7.30pm (local time)

Injuries already impacting Super 14 (TV3)

http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/SportsNews/RugbyInjuriesalreadyimpactingSuper14/tabid/415/articleID/45826/cat/70/Default.aspx#top
Mon, 11 Feb 2008 06:02p.m.

A ball is yet to be kicked in this season’s Super 14, but already injuries are making their impact, with the Crusaders among the worst affected as they prepare to face the Brumbies.

Just months after what must have been the biggest disappointment of their rugby careers, the Crusaders’ All Blacks say there will be no World Cup hangover this Super 14.

”People over Christmas haven’t been talking rugby and so we can finally get last year out of the way and get on with this year,” Crusaders captain Richie McCaw said.

With reconditioning now banished, the Crusaders are at full muster, though Reuben Thorne is out with a crook calf and several others have injury concerns, including star first-five Dan Carter, who has only had a limited role in pre-season hit-outs.

”Obviously I would have liked to have played in all three warm-up games,” Dan Carter said. “It wasn’t to be with my calf injury. Bit I got a bit of time against the Waratahs so I should be ready to go.”

All Black halfback Andy Ellis’ ankle injury means he is likely to start from the bench, with Kahn Fotuali’i set to make his super rugby debut.

”Kahn’s been part of our wider training group and he’s played in the preseason,” Crusaders coach Robbie Deans said. “So it’s a great opportunity for him.”

If fullback Leon Macdonald can shrug off a knee injury, he will become the fifth Crusader to chalk up the ton in the red and black jersey.

”I think I’ve been very lucky and I genuinely enjoy playing rugby like I did when I was five or six,” Macdonald said.

The Crusaders open their campaign at home on Friday against a Brumbies team, without institutions George Gregan, Stephen Larkham and Stirling Mortlock.

Video :

http://www.tv3.co.nz/VideoBrowseAll/SportsVideo/tabid/317/articleID/45826/cat/70/Default.aspx#video

***

Links sent by Izzy

McCaw should stay at No 7 - Robertson

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4395816a10295.html

Sunday News

Sunday, 10 February 2008

Don't even think about it Ted!

That’s the message from former All Blacks back rower Scott Robertson over the debate as to whether Richie McCaw should move from openside to blindside.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has said moving his skipper from No 7 to No 6 is an option as he rebuilds the team after last year’s disappointing World Cup failure.

The day he was reappointed as head coach last December, he told TV3 that moving McCaw to No 6 could allow the Crusaders star to play more tests.

"No 7 is the most demanding position in the game physically, it takes Richie three or four days to recover from a major test match and that’s huge,’’ Henry said.

But Robertson believes the All Blacks have the best player in the world at seven and it would be foolhardy to consider playing him somewhere else.

"He’s a seven, an out and out seven,’’ Robertson told Sunday News. "He’s the best there is and ever has been. We shouldn’t change that unless he can't walk."

Although McCaw is a notch above other openside flankers in the country, Henry said he'll go into the All Blacks this year with a clean slate.

That means a potential return to the ABs for Daniel Braid the 2003 All Black who was player of the year in 2007 after starring for the Blues and Auckland. Chiefs' rising star Liam Messam would be another option.

But Robertson, who played 23 tests for the All Blacks between 1998 and 2002, believes McCaw should stay as the main openside flanker, although he is a great admirer of Messam and says he's an All Black in the making.

"Liam is an absolute athlete and a complete player," Robertson said. "He must have gone close a couple of times to get into the All Blacks. He's got all the attributes you need and his time will come, I'm sure. He'll be working on his game. Everyone's got weaknesses and he's no different. But his coaches will be working with him on them, that's for sure."

Robertson returned to New Zealand last year to hang up his boots at just 32-years-old. He has been involved in coaching at his former Sumner club and is keen to progress through the system.

Meanwhile, Henry yesterday took aim at the media for the treatment it dished out following the All Blacks World Cup capitulation.

"I thought most of the media lacked balance and were quite vindictive," Henry told the Herald. "It got quite personal and, as I say, I did not read it, I did not watch it, I did not listen to it but I was told and I was disappointed about that. I thought they were over the top. In the main, I don't believe the media reflected public opinion. They tried to be kingmakers and kingbreakers."

LEAVE HIM BE: Former All Black flanker Scott Robertson says there should be no thought of moving Richie McCaw away from the No 7 position.

Super men ready to save NZ rugby

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4395749a10295.html

By MARC HINTON
RugbyHeaven
Sunday, 10 February 2008

No pressure, fellas. You've got a wavering, wilting public to win over, a whole bunch of new rules to master, five desperate accountants to appease, a broadcaster that's still to unfurl the frown and, of course, your own promising careers to propel.

Oh, and some major credibility to claw back for New Zealand rugby. Yeah, no pressure at all.

Welcome to the 2008 Super 14, a competition with plenty riding on it for New Zealand's five franchises as they look to play their part in putting the feel-good factor back into the game this country calls its own.

In fact, New Zealand's leading rugby players will not be asked to just play Super rugby over the next few months, but Supermen as well. Swoop in and save the day for the game in distress.

It may be using poetic licence to suggest there's a rescue mission to perform, or even a game in need of saving, but undoubtedly the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders have some ground to make up, on and off the field. Much of it is as a result of the self-inflicted wounds from 2007 where things worked out for New Zealand rugby about as well as it did for the guy planning the New England Patriots' post-Super Bowl party.

Reconditioning and rotation a couple of cursed policies that cost New Zealand the world cup but not the All Blacks coach his job have left the game counting the fallout of a 2007 Super 14 season pretty much torpedoed, even though the Crusaders and Blues battled gamely enough to make it as far as the semifinals.

With the guts of the All Blacks squad sitting out the first half of the competition, it was a muddled sort of a year where, at various times, it was hard to tell whether some franchises were coming or going.

In the end no one not even those metronomic Crusaders got a handle on the peculiar demands of a season where Graham Henry's shadow cast a pall over New Zealand's collective challenge.

The Blues started like rockets but couldn't get their heads around how best to assimilate the late brigade; the Crusaders hung tough but lacked firepower when their big guns misfired; the Hurricanes sorely missed their influential All Blacks forwards and coughed and spluttered through a poor campaign; the unlucky Chiefs didn't win a match until week seven but were probably the best team in the competition by the end of it when they flew home to finish just shy of a playoff spot. And the Highlanders? Well, it's a long time since they've given anyone sleepless nights.

All of which wouldn't have been so bad had the All Blacks gone on and given the world cup the shake that was promised.

Instead, New Zealand's rugby fans were asked to sacrifice their Super 14 season for a pathetic, worst ever, quarter-final exit by the All Blacks. What's more, the coaching triumvirate who presided over the whole sorry affair were hastily rubber-stamped back into their jobs.

Depending on your views, there may or may not be merits in the peculiar lack of accountability in the NZRU's reappointment process. But one thing is clear: large sections of New Zealand's rugby public are feeling equal parts disenfranchised and disenchanted.

The same could be said of the broadcasters (remember them, the blokes who sign that fat cheque each year?) who regarded the reconditioning programme with all the enthusiasm of a turkey counting down to Christmas. With viewing numbers dropping like the jaws of New Zealanders in Cardiff last October, it's fair to say there's some ground to regain.

Which brings us to this year. New season, new rules, a whole swag of new players, and plenty of new hope.

Let's start with the eight (out of the IRB's 11) new Experimental Law Variations that Sanzar have deigned to bring in. Essentially, they're designed to speed up the game, make it easier to follow and referee and to give attackers a fraction better than a starter's chance against those iron-willed defensive lines that prevail these days.

The jury is out on just what sort of a game these "variations" will produce, but the hope is that eventually after a bedding-in period it'll be one that's easier on the eye.

It's also a Super 14 with some pretty compelling storylines, starting with the fact that it is the ninth and final campaign as head coach of the Crusaders for the incomparable Robbie Deans. Just to add some spice to the whole shebang, he sidles off across the Tasman at the end of it to take charge of the Wallabies (against the All Blacks, for those who haven't been paying attention).

So it's going to be all eyes on the Crusaders in 2008 to see if a) Deans can add a fifth title to bring the curtain down on his dynasty, b) if he's distracted at all by the prospect of having to come up with a Wallabies front row at some stage, and c) just how much co-operation he gives to the man who beat him out of the All Blacks job. It's odious, at best, to suggest that a man with Deans' integrity and record (in eight campaigns under him the Crusaders have missed the semis just once and appeared in six finals) will give anything but his professional best, though it's said the NZRU will be watching closely just to make sure.

The Crusaders have lost some key figures (Chris Jack, Aaron Mauger and Rico Gear to name but three), but have added Ali Williams, brought back Brad Thorn and will probably look to play both Dan Carter and Stephen Brett in the five-eighths. It will also be a key campaign for All Blacks superstars Richie McCaw and Carter whose stellar reputations took a dent in 2007.

The Blues will fancy their chances of going a stage further than their semifinal appearance of 2007, and with Nick Evans in to give them some much-needed composure and direction at first-five they look a good chance of doing so. David Nucifora's outfit has lost some big names (Doug Howlett, Sam Tuitupou, Williams and a swag of experienced old heads) but remain chock-full of game-breakers. Isaia Toeava seems set to step into the No12 jersey (a move with All Black connotations) with the versatile Isa Nacewa slipping back to fullback.

The Chiefs and Hurricanes both look capable of challenging for the semifinals as well.

It will be about hitting the ground running for Ian Foster's Chiefs, who have had shocking starts the last two years and paid dearly for being left in the blocks. They have two future stars in Richard Kahui and Liam Messam, others with plenty to prove in Jono Gibbes, Tom Willis and Sione Lauaki and a backline with more gas than BP and Shell put together. With some overdue luck on the injury front, they're a dark horse in the run to the title.

Colin Cooper's Hurricanes have a wave of new, young faces, but it's the old firm of Jerry Collins, Rodney So'oialo and co who will lead the way for them again. With Jason Eaton back from long-term injury to shore up the second row and Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu angry enough to do some damage, they should again be tough nuts to crack.

Which leaves the Highlanders a group of misfits, castoffs and a hard core of good old southern boys. No one's expecting much from this group coached by rookie Glenn Moore but you get the sense that they're keen to prove a few people wrong in 2008. It will be a big ask, given the scratch nature of their group and the TAB gives them no chance at a generous $100 for the title.

Then again, a fairytale team could be just what this competition needs.
Sky's promotional material for the season features the slogan "Feeling Good". Perhaps that's wishful thinking but let's face it, it can't feel any worse than 2007.

Marc Hinton is the co-editor of rugbyheaven.co.nz
MOVING ON: Richie McCaw will have plenty to prove with the Crusaders in this year's Super 14 after a 2007 that most New Zealand rugby fans are looking to forget.

Richie Girls news

Because the Richie Girls are a community, here are things you'd like to know

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1. The hearts of all the RGs go to Tonliss/ Lissie whose grandfather-in-law passed away. Lissie, we love you & stand by your side in this tough moment.

***
2. urgent : Anyone who is interested for a Crusaders vs. Brumbies ticket (the demountable stand by the tunnel so the person can get photos or autographs) should contact me for more details at marykoala@hotmail.fr
added on Thursday morning : so you didn't want this ticket... too bad! Hopefully next time someone else than me will be fortunate!

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO

MARNI (from Otago)

FOR HER DONATION

***
3. I have started a RG album on my Bebo. It's not a public album for now but if you'd like to join this album, please send me your pic/avatar and I will make the album public.

That's it for now. Enjoy the VI Nations matches and the end of your weekend,
Mary

Raring to play (The Christchurch Mail)

sent by Izzy

Very very good news...

http://www.stuff.co.nz/4391994a10295.html

McCaw to keep All Blacks captaincy

By RICHARD KNOWLER

The Press

Friday, 08 February 2008

Richie McCaw will be retained as All Blacks skipper.

The 27-year-old will be just the second All Blacks captain to keep his job following a World Cup.

Sean Fitzpatrick was retained by John Hart after he took over from coach Laurie Mains in 1996, but all other All Black skippers have either retired, or been dropped or demoted.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said McCaw had the backing of himself and fellow coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith.

"We have been delighted with the way he has always captained the side," Henry said.

David Kirk, the only man to lead the All Blacks to World Cup glory, retired from international rugby at the end of 1987.

Gary Whetton was dropped after 1991, Taine Randell was kept in the squad but replaced by Todd Blackadder following the 1999 disappointment and Reuben Thorne was axed by Henry when he took over from John Mitchell in 2004.

While McCaw's job is safe, Henry said the selectors will be open-minded about who they will select for their tests against Ireland and England and the Tri Nations.

"We will be starting with a clean sheet of paper. It's a really good opportunity for these players; that's the message we will be giving them and that's the way it should be."

Following last year's exodus of players to northern hemisphere clubs, Henry's major tasks will be to find replacements for tighthead prop Carl Hayman, lock Chris Jack, halfback Byron Kelleher and second five-eighths Aaron Mauger and Luke McAlister.

Keith Robinson's retirement has created another hole at lock, but hooker Anton Oliver can be replaced by incumbents Keven Mealamu and Andrew Hore and the Crusaders' Corey Flynn.

The All Blacks coaches will be moving around the Super 14 teams over the coming months to discuss national selection with players.

Henry said he had a policy of not watching any pre-season matches but is not concerned about not having any hands-on coaching under the new Experimental Law Variations before the tests.

"We will have watched 13 rounds of Super 14 and can see how the teams from three different countries handle it."

It may be that the All Blacks coaches will not have to worry about operating under the new laws anyway.

The Ireland and England tests will be played under the old rules. No decision has been made on the Tri Nations matches, but Henry said his "impression" was the ELVs would not be used.

Meanwhile, Brian Lochore, who stepped down as a selector following the World Cup, will not be replaced.

"We don't think we can replace him ... We don't think there's another one of him around," Henry said. Henry, Hansen and Smith will continue as selectors.

Black&white pic by GettyImages (from last night's match vs. Tahs in Sydney)

Rotomahana Challenge - Waratahs v Crusaders

http://www.crfu.co.nz/main/index.cfm/1,111,2565,0,html/Waratahs-Singing-in-the-rain

Waratahs Singing in the rain
February 8, 2008

The NSW Waratahs have come from behind to retain the Rotomahana Challenge Cup, rallying from 0-14 down to out-last the Crusaders 24-14 in the rain at the Sydney Football Stadium tonight.

Despite the match conditions being ordinary, with the rain varying between heavy and a light drizzle for the duration, the game still produced plenty of movement and its share of quality as both teams furthered their education of the new experimental law variations.

If the first half is an accurate measure, All Black first-five-eighths Daniel Carter is certainly up to speed with the changes.

In his first match back after a calf strain, Carter provided the star turn for the Crusaders in the opening half, laying on both of the side’s tries before he moved to the bench at the interval.

“It was always the plan to only play forty minutes – calf injuries can be quite tricky, but I was happy with the time I received,” Carter said. “The new rules were good. It definitely makes a difference having the opposing defensive line back that little bit. There’s much more room.”

Carter certainly made the most of the additional space as the Crusaders struck the opening blow in the sixth minute, and it came with virtually the All Blacks’ first attacking possession of the 13th Crusade.

After a first five minutes where the Waratahs attacked, the Crusaders secured the ball and Carter promptly split the retreating defence.

Although he was later cordoned off by a ring of Waratahs defenders, Carter didn’t lack for support and was able to stab a kick through for centre Casey Laulala to post the opening try of the game.

Carter converted the masterpiece he had created to give the Crusaders a 7-0 advantage.

The Crusaders continued to enjoy the ascendancy for much of the rest of the opening quarter but were unable to add to their point’s tally.

While the rain continued to fall steadily, the Crusaders endeavoured to keep the ball in play as much as they could. This meant scrumming kickable penalties, which the Crusaders did for no result immediately after the resumption of play in the second period.

They did gain reward shortly afterward, however, when Carter again provided the deft touch, flummoxing the Waratahs defence with a clever short pass which allowed his second midfield partner of the night, Tim Bateman, to stroll across un-touched.

The conversion opened up a 14-point gap between the two sides.

That was cut in half shortly before the halftime break when Waratahs halfback Brett Sheehan forced his way across following a concerted lineout drive by the home side.

The try was a good reward for a period of pressure, although the stiff nature of the Crusaders defence forced the home side to keep the ball in close, after their initial attempts to use the width of the field in attack had been foiled.

With referee Brett Bowden applying a greater use of the free kick to clean up the contact area than his compatriot Stuart Dickinson had five days earlier in Melbourne, both sides relished the extra space – and pace – that was injected into the contest.

The Crusaders further illustrated their awareness of the opportunities the ELVs have created by repeatedly catching their rivals out with quickly taken lineout throws from positions behind where the ball was taken into touch.

Having closed the gap just before the break, the Waratahs then moved to within four, two minutes into the second period when Kurtley Beale goaled a penalty from 38 metres.

The Waratahs then hit the front in bizarre circumstances when Beale relieved a surprised Caleb Ralph of the ball in a midfield contact, and bolted 30 metres to score unopposed.

The 19-year-old first-five-eighths conversion gave his side the led by three, with the Waratahs having posted 17 unanswered points in the game.

The match situation deteriorated further for the Crusaders two minutes before the three-quarter time break when the 18-year-old Waratahs winger Alfi Mafi finished off a sideline break by his flanker Rocky Elsom.

The try was again converted by Beale, which left the Crusaders staring at a 10-point deficit entering the final 20 minutes of play.

It was a gap they were unable to close.

The Crusaders came closest to scoring again with five minutes to play when a promising lineout drive was foiled by a slippery ball spewing free as the Crusaders appeared certain to score.

The loss snapped the Crusaders unbeaten pre-season run, while also completing a notable double for the Waratahs who’d also come from behind while keeping their opponents scoreless, during last week’s trial win over the ACT Brumbies.

Crusaders coach Robbie Deans was still upbeat post-match however, saying he was pleased with how the team’s pre-season had unfolded.

“We’ve achieved a lot, and there were some good things out there tonight,” Deans said. A lot of our younger guys had never experienced rugby at this level before so that was a great experience for them. It was also another valuable opportunity for the players under the ELVs ahead of the competition proper and we got a lot out of it.”

Nor was Deans dismayed that the Waratahs had been able to run his side down after major personnel and positional changes were made – which included playing Richard McCaw on the blindside flank, saying he paid very little regard to match outcomes in the pre-season.

“It would have been nice to get a tick in the win column tonight,” he said, “but it wasn’t a major priority!”

Fortunately the Crusaders have also emerged relatively unscathed injury wise, even though Leon MacDonald and Kahn Fotuali’i did leave the field with bumps during the game.

Both will be assessed once the team returns to Christchurch tomorrow.

NSW Waratahs 24, Crusaders 14
At Sydney Football Stadium, February 7

For the Crusaders: Tries by Casey Laulala, Tim Bateman; 2 conversions by Daniel Carter

For the NSW Waratahs: Tries by Brett Sheehan, Kurtley Beale, Alfi Mafi; 3 conversions and a penalty goal by Beale.

Quarter-time: Crusaders 7, NSW Waratahs 0
Halftime: Crusaders 14, NSW Waratahs 7
Three-quarter time: NSW Waratahs 24, Crusaders 14

Referee: Brett Bowden (Australia)

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Rain, a bleeding Richie McCaw vs. a bleeding Cameron Spencer -and the Crusaders lost tonight in Australia! Getty pics below ; French Sydneysider pics above (MERCI!!!!)

Training pics

sent by Izzy :)

Western Force vs.Crusaders (pics by French Sydneysider)

Random pics from Saturday night's match in Melbourne, by French Sydneysider
(Merci beaucoup d'avoir pensé à nous!!!)
I chose to post the small version of the pics -sorry about the presentation...