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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 12, 2010 at 9:09am

Samoa to host ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2010
(IRB.COM) Thursday 11 March 2010

Junior Poluleuluigaga in action against Tonga on match day three at the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2009


The International Rugby Board has announced that Samoa will host the 2010 ANZ Pacific Nations Cup. The awarding of the key international tournament to the Samoa Rugby Union represents a further boost to the continued development and promotion of Rugby both in the country and across the whole of the Pacific Islands.

Fiji, Tonga and hosts Samoa will be joined by Japan for the strategically important IRB-funded tournament which will provide vital preparation for each of the participating Unions as they build towards Rugby World Cup 2011.

The two-week festival of Rugby kicks off on June 12 with a mouth-watering encounter between Fiji and Japan in Lautoka. Last year the two teams delivered a compelling spectacle in the final round of matches with Fiji edging the match 40-39 at the death. Samoa and Tonga play their opening match the same day in Apia, and two rounds later a new name will be etched onto the coveted Trophy.
With all but one of the matches again being played in one country, the 2010 tournament offers a platform for the delivery of key legacy initiatives, including refereeing and coaching workshops and junior rugby clinics and competitions, all geared towards the strategic goal of increasing competitiveness throughout the Pacific Islands.

"The hosting of the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup matches in Samoa is a very exciting development for a tournament that is well-established as a major event on the Rugby calendar," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"Samoa has a rich and proud Rugby heritage and I am sure that the Samoa Rugby Union will embrace the opportunity to showcase their country and the Union with the first major international fifteen-a-side tournament to be hosted in the country."

"The Game continues to achieve growth around the world through the IRB's £48 million Strategic Investment Programme, and this tournament is a key element, providing the Participating Unions with an expanded competition calendar and a dedicated player development pathway aimed at increasing competitiveness at Test level, and ultimately at Rugby World Cup," added Lapasset.

Samoa Rugby Union Chairman Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, said: "The Samoa Rugby Union is honoured and delighted to be this year's hosts for the IRB Pacific Nations Cup. Being undoubtedly the Pacific Islands' [not Island's as many islands ] Premier tournament, Samoa will certainly be looking forward to a tremendous festival of entertaining Rugby."

Samoa Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Su'a Peter Schuster, said: "Hosting the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup 2010 will be a special moment for the Samoa Rugby Union and the people of Samoa as it will be the first major Rugby tournament played in the [ teh ] country since last year's tsunami disaster. We are looking forward to welcoming Fiji, Japan and Tonga to Samoa, for a competition that will be a source of excitement and joy for everyone in the country."

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 12, 2010 at 4:09pm

Top 14 race hots up

12th March 2010

Mugged: Toulon's defence holds off Castres' Thomas Sanchou

Defeats for the top two have thrown the race for Top 14 semi-final spots wide open on Friday, with five teams now jostling for the top spot.

Castres and Clermont both tumbled away from home, 19-6 to Toulon and 22-13 to Bayonne respectively, while chasers Toulouse and Perpignan won 34-3 and 19-14 at home to Montpellier and Biarritz respectively.

Stade Français' season lurched from bad to worse with a 26-14 defeat at Brive, while Bourgoin lifted themselves further away from relegation with a 17-7 win at Albi.

Results:

Friday, March 12

Toulon 19-6 Castres
Bayonne 22-13 Clermont
Toulouse 34-3 Montpellier
Albi 7-17 Bourgoin
Brive 26-14 Stade Français
Perpignan 19-14 Biarritz

Saturday, March 13

Montauban v Racing Metro

Standings:

1 Castres 67
2 Perpignan 66
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3 Clermont 65
4 Toulouse 65
5 Toulon 63
6 Racing Metro 55
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7 Brive 51
8 Stade Français 49
9 Biarritz 48
10 Bourgoin 44
11 Bayonne 43
12 Montpellier 42
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13 Montauban 37
14 Albi 19

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RC Toulon 19-6 Castres Olympique

As is often the case in France, the match was pretty much decided by a first half in which the home side, unbeaten at the fortress Felix Mayol this season, put in a display of searing intensity.

Mafi Kefu's try bolstered three penalties from Felipe Contepomi, while a single solitary penalty from the boot of Cameron McIntyre was all Castres could muster - even that was with the final kick of the half.

Castres have spent much of this season blowing away better teams with their own intensity so it was about time someone took them on at their own game.

But it was the Contepomi-Sonny Bill Williams combination that created the difference. It worked for the first try and it did for the second as well, with flanker Olivier Missoup looping round to finish off. That made it 19-3, and a McIntyre penalty was again all Castres could find in response.

________________________________________________________________________

Aviron Bayonnais 22-13 Clermont Auvergne

A chance for Clermont to go top was badly missed here as Bayonne further hauled themselves away from relegation.

Centre Sam Gerber crossed for a Bayonne try in the second minute as the home side roared out of the blocks and Cedric Garcia added to it with two drop goals and the conversion, while Seremaia Bai at least got Clermont on the board in an opening quarter-hour dominated by the hosts.

Bai pulled a penalty back just before the break, but that was it for the scoring until the hour mark, when Garcia made it 16-6 with his first penalty.

Ten minutes before time though Clermont struck back with a try for Anthony Floch and conversion by Brock James.

But Garcia extended the lead with his second penalty and his third, in the final minute and as a result of the disciplinary nightmare that is Jamie Cudmore - he had been yellow-carded in the first half - denied Clermont even a bonus point.

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Stade Toulousain 34-3 Montpellier HRC

Five tries to nil for Toulouse, who look to be hitting form at the right time of the season.

All five came in the first half, one which even understated - when it comes to compliments anyway - coach Guy Noves called an 'exceptional' half of rugby.

Yann David, Virgil Lacombe, Jean Bouilhou, Cedric Heymans and Vincent Clerc all touched down in the same 20-minute spell, with David Skrela adding three conversions to his earlier penalty for a 34-0 half-time lead.

Montpellier, shell-shocked, at least spared themselves the ignominy of a nilling with a penalty from Cesar Sempere early in the second half, but that was pretty much it as far as the game went, with Toulouse in cruise mode.

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SCA Albi 7-17 CS Bourgoin-Jallieu

A penalty try right on half-time gave Bourgoin the necessary momentum to survive a gruelling test of resolve in Albi, whose goose is now surely cooked as far as the top flight goes.

Alberto di Bernado's conversion, added to that of John Senio's earlier try, gave Bourgoin a 14-0 half-time lead, too much for Albi to pull back.

Pierre-Gilles Lakafia's try gave Albi some hope but when lock Thomas Vervoort was yellow-carded for a late tackle about two minutes after coming on as a replacement, hope evaporated.

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CA Brive-Corrèze 26-14 Stade Français

It's a defeat which probably means the Parisians will not make the play-offs this season, but on this performance you'd never think they were even worthy of such on paper.

They trailed 19-6 at the break, with Fabrice Estebanez in deadly form with the boot and also finding time and space to set Nicolas Jeanjean up for a superb try.

Lionel Beauxis' third penalty made it 19-9 early in the second half but heavy Brive pressure resulted in first, a yellow card for Rodrigo Roncero and then, a minute later, a penalty try which killed the game off.

Hooker Laurent Sempere got a late try for the visitors but it was no consolation for a season surely now lost and for a likely lack of even a Heineken Cup spot to show for it.

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USA Perpignan 19-14 Biarritz Olympique

The tries came early but the tension built and built in the Stade Aimé-Giral. Jean-Philippe Grandclaude's opening score was quickly cancelled out by one from Iain Balshaw - the latter try a gem of a score from one side of the field to the other - but Nicolas Laharrague's conversion separated the two sides after 15 minutes.

That was the trademark of a Biarritz first forty minutes where they managed everything but a score, a factor which would haunt them at the end.

Laharrague and Valentin Courrent exchanged penalties before the break and after it, sharing six in all as Perpignan just kept their noses in front despite playing for ten minutes without scrum-half Nicolas Durand, who interfered with ruck ball just as Taku Ngwenya was ready to steam home.

Perpignan held firm though and made sure of victory when Laharrague landed his fourth of the night six minutes from time - sinking a heavy nail into the coffin of Biarritz's play-off hopes.

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Permalink Reply by Mike on March 13, 2010 at 1:44am

Umaga set for NZ return

2010-03-13 09:55


Auckland - All Blacks legend Tana Umaga will play for Counties-Manukau in the 2010 New Zealand Cup.

According to the Waikato Times, the former Test centre has signed for the battling franchise and is expected to confirm the two-year deal early next week.

Umaga coached and played at Toulon in France, and is now expected to play and assist Counties-Manukau coach Milton Haig.

He will be available for the Chiefs in the 2011 Super 15, but at 36, there will be serious doubts over his ability to still perform at that level.

Counties-Manukau were last year so strapped for cash they had to take extreme measures to pinch pennies including taking the water coolers out of their offices, but now have the money to attract Umaga, a rugby legend, albeit an aging one.

It is understood, new business development manager Phil Kingsley Jones - Jonah Lomu's former manager - has attracted big money to the franchise and helped sign Umaga.

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Permalink Reply by Mike on March 13, 2010 at 1:47am

Sharks crash in Canberra

2010-03-13 12:26

Garrin Lambley

Cape Town - The Sharks' Super 14 woes in 2010 continued when they were beaten by the Brumbies in a fiercely contested clash in Canberra on Saturday.

The Brumbies won 24-22 after the Sharks led 16-13 at half-time.

The Brumbies scored two tries - both by prop Ben Alexander. Flyhalf Matt Giteau kicked four penalties and a conversion.

The Sharks replied with a try by scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar. Flyhalf Andy Goode kicked five penalties and a conversion.

The Brumbies picked up four points for their victory, while the Sharks left with a point for losing by seven or fewer.

In next weekend's Round 6 action, the Brumbies travel to Auckland to face the Blues while the Sharks will look to break their losing streak against the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Teams:

Brumbies:
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14. Pat McCabe, 13. Stirling Mortlock, 12. Christian Lealiifano, 11. Francis Fainifo, 10. Matt Giteau, 9. Josh Valentine, 8. Stephen Hoiles (captain), 7. George Smith, 6. Rocky Elsom, 5. Mark Chisholm, 4. Ben Hand, 3. Salesi Maafu, 2. Stephen Moore, 1. Ben Alexander

Substitutes: 16. Huia Edmonds, 17. Guy Shepherdson, 18. Justin Harrison, 19. Mitchell Chapman, 20. Patrick Phibbs, 21. Matt Toomua, 22. Tyrone Smith

Sharks:
15. Stefan Terblanche, 14. Odwa Ndungane, 13. Adrian Jacobs, 12. Riaan Swanepoel, 11. JP Pietersen, 10. Andy Goode, 9. Ruan Pienaar, 8. Ryan Kankowski, 7. Willem Alberts, 6. Jacques Botes, 5. Johann Muller, 4. Steven Sykes, 3. John Smit (captain), 2. Bismarck du Plessis, 1. Beast Mtawarira

Substitutes: 16. Craig Burden, 17. Jannie du Plessis, 18. Alistair Hargreaves, 19. Jean Deysel, 20. Keegan Daniel , 21. Rory Kockott, 22. Waylon Murray

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 14, 2010 at 6:19am

Stormers blow away Hurricanes

Planet Rugby

13th March 2010

On his way: Duane Vermeulen

The Stormers leaped into second place on the Super 14 standings following their 37-13 win over the Hurricanes in Cape Town on Saturday.

The performance at Newlands was by far the Stormers' best to date, and a massive result considering they've beaten two traditional giants, the Waratahs and Hurricanes, by a comfortable margin.

They'll be favourites to take the Cheetahs next week, and with that result they'll head on their Australasian tour with a record of five victories from six matches.

Their attack still isn't perfect - ball was spilled in contact and the line-out wobbled on a few occasions, and if synergy is their goal they'll need to eliminate those errors.

What is a big plus is the Stormers' defence is still king, as they've only conceded four tries in five games. If they can keep the current line-up together, they're going to be extremely tough to beat.

Sireli Naqelevuki, Joe Pietersen, Duane Vermeulen, Brok Harris and Jaques Fourie were all on the scoresheet for the home side, ensuring a bonus point.

It took the Newlands outfit to within a point of the Bulls, who have a game in hand, and one clear of the Crusaders.

Pietersen put them ahead almost straight from the kick-off - the visitors penalised for offside allowing the full-back a shot at goal which he gladly took.

There was no long wait for the first try either.

It came courtesy of Fourie's angled run in midfield, which did enough to hold off Conrad Smith and allowed Pietersen space to send Naqelevuki over.

The Hurricanes slowly began to claw their way back into the game, but Willie Ripia wasted a first penalty attempt before adding the second - Bryan Habana and Francois Louw the guilty culprits for Allister Coetzee's side.

Then came a key moment of the game for the New Zealanders - they lost Cory Jane after a nasty clash of heads with Naqelevuki.

The latter, though, suffered no injury and then turned provider when he drew four defenders and cleverly threw a pass to Pietersen for the second try - the Stormers full-back again missing the conversion.

Vermeulen then grabbed the third after the half-time hooter had sounded.

It followed a line-out on the halfway line, an excellent maul forward and a break from Schalk Burger with the ball swung wide to Habana and then coming inside for the number eight to extend the lead.

Pietersen's conversion made it 20-3 at the break and left the visitors looking short of ideas.

Tamati Ellison should have easily scored for his side shortly after the restart, but knocked on metres out to hand the hosts a reprieve.

At the other end Habana and Harris were both held up short as the Stormers tried to relieve some of the pressure.

And Harris, denied minutes earlier by the television referee, got his reward thanks to hard work via Peter Grant's initial charge-down and dash for the line.

Pietersen celebrated the bonus point by knocking over the conversion.

Plenty of changes followed for the Stormers - the visitors capitalising on that with a steal at the scrum after some miscommunication that enabled David Smith to score.

But it came too late as a penalty from Pietersen followed by Fourie's late try opened up the deficit even further.

Tyson Keats slipped through close to the end when he caught the home defence napping, but it proved only a consolation - the visitors losing for the second time in five games.

The scorers:

For Stormers:
Tries: Naqelevuki, Pieterson, Vermeulen, Harris, Fourie
Cons: Pieterson 2
Pens: Pieterson 2

For Hurricanes:
Tries: D Smith, Keats
Pen: Ripia

Stormers: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Sireli Naqelevuki, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger (c), 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Anton van Zyl, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Wicus Blaauw.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 JC Kritzinger, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Pieter Louw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Lionel Cronjé, 22 Gio Aplon.

Hurricanes: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Tamati Ellison, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 David Smith, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Scott Waldrom, 6 Victor Vito, 5 Michael Paterson, 4 Bryn Evans, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore (c), 1 Jacob Ellison.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 John Schwalger, 18 Jeremy Thrush, 19 Karl Lowe, 20 Tyson Keats, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Alapati Leiua.

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 14, 2010 at 6:22am

Sinbad treble sinks Cardiff Blues

14th March 2010

Planet Rugby

Star man: James Simpson-Daniel

Gloucester booked their place in the LV= Cup final on Sunday thanks to an impressive 29-18 away victory over Cardiff Blues.
More to follow...

The scorers:

For Cardiff Blues:
Tries: Laulala, Sweeney
Con: Blair
Pen: Blair 2

For Gloucester:
Tries: Burns, Simpson-Daniel 3
Con: Robinson 3
Pen: Robinson

Cardiff Blues:15 Ben Blair, 14 Tom James, 13 Casey Laulala, 12 Dafydd Hewitt, 11 Chris Czekaj, 10 Ceri Sweeney, 9 Gareth Cooper, 8 Xavier Rush, 7 Ben White, 6 Andy Powell, 5 Paul Tito (Capt), 4 Scott Morgan, 3 Scott Andrews, 2 T Rhys Thomas, 1 Faao Filise.
Replacements:16 Huw Dowden 17 Ian George 18 Nathan Trevett 19 Andries Petorius 20 Maama Molitika 21 Darren Allinson 22 Sam Norton-Knight.

Gloucester: 15 Freddie Burns, 14 James Simpson-Daniel, 13 Mike Tindall (c), 12 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, 11 Lesley Vainikolo, 10 Nicky Robinson, 9 Dave Lewis, 8 Jake Boer, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Peter Buxton, 5 Alex Brown, 4 Will James, 3 Paul Doran-Jones, 2 Olivier Azam, 1 Nick Wood.
Replacements: 16 Darren Dawidiuk, 17 Rupert Harden/Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Pierre Capdevielle, 19 Adam Eustace, 20 Andrew Hazell, 21 Jordi Pasqualin, 22 Tim Molenaar, 23 Tom Voyce.

Man of the Match: Akapusi Qera

Referee: George Clancy

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 15, 2010 at 1:22am

Johnno's wake-up call

15th March 2010

Planet Rugby

Ben Foden: Eye-catching

Martin Johnson has warned England they must improve or they will be on the receiving end of a hiding against France in Paris next Saturday.

The England manager delivered his blunt message after watching his side toil to a 15-15 bore draw with Scotland in a Calcutta Cup clash which epitomised just how poor both teams are.

England fly-half Toby Flood, who had earlier replaced the injured Jonny Wilkinson, missed two late chances to win the game but Johnson conceded his side would not have deserved the victory.

A fortnight ago, England blew a lead against Ireland with five minutes remaining and Johnson warned his men will have to handle the pressure against France.

"We need to take that next step. As a team we have to find a way to win," said Johnson.

"Ireland was a game we could have won. Against Scotland we did some good things and we did some silly things. It is a sign we haven't got the belief to nail those games.

"Next week will be a step up. We have to stay with France because they try to blow you off the park in the first 20 minutes."

England were given an injection of urgency when Johnson sent on the replacements against Scotland and it seems certain that changes will be made for the Paris trip.

Ben Foden replaced the struggling Delon Armitage at full-back and produced another eye-catching performance while Lewis Moody, Steve Thompson and Courtney Lawes all came on to make an impact up front.

Johnson's hand may also be forced in some positions. Ugo Monye was cleared of any major neck damage after being stretchered off but his condition is still being monitored.

Jonny Wilkinson insisted he had not suffered concussion after taking a heavy blow to the head but Johnson will again come under pressure to make a change at fly-half.

England's back division is still mis-firing and they cannot exploit Mark Cueto's excellent individual form or utilise the devastating pace of Monye and Mathew Tait.

Flood said: "This is a big week for us. It is paramount we turn the corner and get a result.

"After two wins, a tight loss and a draw it is not all doom and gloom but it is frustrating.

"The way France have been playing makes them strong contenders to win the Grand Slam but we have an opportunity to make amends next weekend. A lot of frustrated guys are looking forward to that."

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 16, 2010 at 1:46pm

Pacific Rugby Cup revamped

Planet Rugby

Fiji Warriors: Ready to defend their crown


The IRB has announced the new format for the Pacific Rugby Cup, contested between two sides each from Tonga, Fiji and Samoa.

Fiji will host rounds two to five of the tournament and the final, with round one seeing each nation host its own local derby

The opening round of the tournament will see 2006 champions Savai'i Samoa taking on 2007 winners Upolu Samoa in Apia, reigning champions Fiji Warriors against Fiji Barbarians in Sigatoka and Tau'uta Reds taking on 2008 winners Tautahi Gold in the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa.

"The new tournament format was developed in consultation with each of the Member Unions following the review of the first four years of this hugely successful competition," said Tournament Director and IRB Regional General Manager for Oceania Will Glenwright.

"The condensed tournament format provides the same High Performance outcomes, whilst replicating the format of other tournaments, such as Rugby World Cup and the IRB Junior World Championship, for which the PRC is used to prepare players."

Fiji Rugby Union Chief Executive Officer Keni Dakuidreketi added: "We are delighted to be hosting the IRB Pacific Rugby Cup 2010. We learnt a lot as an organisation from the successful hosting of the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup last year and we're looking forward to applying those lessons - and building on them - to deliver an outstanding tournament for the next generation of Rugby stars from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga."

The tournament, which provides an opportunity for the best locally-based players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga to hone their skills in a cross-border format, has proven a hugely successful High Performance component, bridging the gap between local competitions and Test Rugby.

In 2009, 30 players from Fiji, Samoa and Tonga graduated from the Pacific Rugby Cup to gain selection in the respective Test teams for the ANZ Pacific Nations Cup.

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 16, 2010 at 1:48pm

Major blow for Treu

Fiji Times

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

SPRINGBOK sevens coach Paul Treu suffered a major blow on the eve of his side's departure for Adelaide with the news that captain Mzwandile Stick will miss the tournament.

Stick was due to captain the Boks at the next two IRB Sevens World Series legs, in Adelaide on 19-21 March and Hong Kong on 26-28 March, but sustained a knee ligament injury on Wednesday in Stellenbosch.

The injury means the experienced Stick will be sidelined for two to four weeks and Treu has called up JW Jonker, one of the young contracted players, to replace him.

Kyle Brown will lead the team for the first time in the absence of Stick.

"It's a major blow for the team," said a disappointed Treu. "I was looking to someone like Stick and also the other senior players to guide the newcomers like Sampie Mastriet and Chris Dry, who are 19 and 21-years-old respectively.

"Stick is an important decision maker in the team and his leadership qualities will be missed," explained Treu.

Treu had already made two changes to his team for the Adelaide title defence, Sampie Mastriet of the Vodacom Blue Bulls and Chris Dry of the Vodacom Western Province side drafted into his squad in the place of veteran Marius Schoeman and rookie Phillip van der Walt.

The reigning World Series champions won the Plate Final at the USA Sevens in Las Vegas on their last outing and will be hoping that an improved performance can inspire better results for the remainder of the season.

They lie in seventh place after losing three times to Fiji in successive Cup quarter finals.

The Springbok Sevens have won the last two tournaments in Adelaide, however, and Treu will be hoping for another good showing from his young team. "The surface in Adelaide suits our style of play and we have done very well there the past three seasons," Treu added.

"However, it will not be easy going because New Zealand will be determined to bounce back following their disappointment in Wellington and Las Vegas, while Fiji, Samoa and England are all in very good form at the moment."

Springbok Sevens team (SARU contracted unless stated otherwise): Mpho Mbiyozo, Chase Minnaar, Frankie Horne, Cecil Afrika, Christopher Dry Kyle Brown, Branco du Preez (Vodacom Blue Bulls), Ryno Benjamin, Hoffman Maritz (Vodacom Free State Cheetahs), JW Jonker, Sampie Mastriet (Vodacom Blue Bulls), Steven Hunt (Vodacom Western Province).

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 16, 2010 at 1:51pm

Stade Français take Haskell case to IRB

16th March 2010

Planet Rugby

James Haskell: The saga isn't over yet

Stade Français owner Max Guazzini has confirmed that they would be taking the club or country row with England over flanker James Haskell before the International Rugby Board (IRB).

The 24-year-old's French side wanted him back for this month's Top 14 clash against Toulouse, but England were adamant they were not contractually obliged to release him between two Six Nations Games.

"We wrongly appealed to the Six Nations Council and now we're going to approach the IRB over the Haskell case," Guazzini told AFP.

Stade's main bone of contention seems to be the fact that they were paying the flank's wages while he was with England outside of the IRB Test window.

Haskell himself tried to smooth over the contract "confusion" and "misunderstanding" that landed him in the middle of an Anglo-French row.

"The contract contains confidentiality clauses which I am bound to observe but I can say that the matter of my release for international duty and training is specifically provided for and I regret there has been a misunderstanding with the club regarding this," he said.

"I will be meeting with Stade Français once the Six Nations has been completed in an endeavour to resolve this misunderstanding and to ensure there is no more confusion in the future."

Guazzini denied the existence of a release clause in Haskell's contract.

"It's mentioned in his contract that he will be freed a week before the Six Nations tournament and one week before the autumn Tests, which was duly respected," said Guazzini.

"The RFU signed an agreement with the English clubs to free their players outside the IRB windows. Everything can be worked out! They only have to sign a similar agreement with us."

France play England on Saturday at the Stade de France in the final Six Nations tie where the hosts are bidding for the ninth Grand Slam of their history.

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Permalink Reply by Ox™ on March 18, 2010 at 12:37pm

Preview: Adelaide Sevens

Planet Rugby

18th March 2010

Samoa: The team to beat

Competition leaders New Zealand have to overcome both a resurgent Samoa and a history of failures in Adelaide when the Australia round of the IRB Sevens series is played this weekend.

Regular front-runners New Zealand enjoy a 14-point lead in the championship, built on the strength of their victories in the opening two legs in Dubai and South Africa.

But the gloss has gone off those performances somewhat following subsequent losses to Samoa in the semifinals at Wellington and in the Las Vegas final.

New Zealand are also dogged by the fact they have never won in Adelaide, the only ground on the current Sevens circuit where a title has eluded coach Gordon Tietjens, who has guided the Kiwis to eight of the 10 World series titles.

New Zealand's pool includes Scotland, Tonga and Argentina, and is arguably the toughest of the four in Adelaide.

Samoa, whose breakthrough title success this year in Las Vegas was only their fourth in the 11-year history of the Sevens World Series, are in Pool B with South Africa, who won in Adelaide last year, France and Japan.

Under head coach Stephen Betham, Samoa have developed a fast-flowing game which keeps physical contact to a minimum and has seen 50 percent of their tries originate from within their own half.

"Our strength is our speed out wide. For us, it doesn't matter what field dimensions are out there, we have our game plan, we are confident in our strengths," Betham said.

Kenya, last year's beaten finalists in Adelaide, are expected to dominate Pool C with Fiji, while world champions Wales and Papua New Guinea complete the grouping.

Australia, on home soil, loom as the one team that could upset the form book in their chase for their first IRB title since they won in Brisbane in 2002.

They join England, Niue and the United States in Pool D and although they have lost leading try scorer Clinton Sills to injury, coach Michael O'Connor is quietly confident of improving on Las Vegas where they lost to Samoa 12-14 in the semi-finals.

"Coming off a pretty good result in Las Vegas we're really looking forward to this one," he said.

"You talk to any of the teams who play in a home tournament and there's something special about playing in your own country."

The first round matches in Adelaide will be played on Friday with the remainder of pool play and the knock-out rounds scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Adelaide Pools:

Pool A: New Zealand, Argentina, Scotland, Tonga

Pool B: Samoa, South Africa, France, Japan

Pool C: Fiji, Kenya, Wales, Papua New Guinea

Pool D: England, Australia, USA, Niue

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Permalink Reply by Justin on March 18, 2010 at 1:00pm

Hey Guys,,ni wilika mada qo,,sa qai via mai qito vei Viti na baku o o Rupeni Caucau..Sa oti na nomu gauna,sivia na viavia levu,gauna ni Ruggers for Christ o lei tukuni yalo mai cake,sa sega ni vaka na tukuni yalo,o sa lei kaseti ratou ga mai na FRU i cake...Qo sa qai via lesu mai..FO sara....sa oti na nomu gauna,na Wing wananavu era sa tiko sara tikoga qo vena timi ni Viti ra qai tamata dau varorogo..lolzzzz

CAUCAU WANTS TO PLAY FOR FIJI AGAIN


3/18/2010
Flamboyant Rupeni Caucau wants another shot at the Rugby World Cup.

The France-based player declared his availability to the Fiji Rugby Union for the campaign to the Webb Ellis Trophy in New Zealand next year.

But first he wants to play for the Pacific Nations Cup which begins on June 12.

“I wish to represent Fiji at the 2011 Rugby World Cup as well,” he said.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun from his home in France yesterday, the Bua flyer, who has mesmerised the rugby world in Super 12, 7s and the Rugby World Cup, said he wanted to play in the Pacific Nations Cup to show his elusiveness.

“Many things has been said about me. Most of them negative but I would like to right the wrong.

“First and foremost, I thank the Almighty who can reopen the door that was shut on me.”

“Anything is possible through God. I thought this chance was lost forever.

“The passion and interest has always been in me to play for Fiji but something always happens and as usual, I get to be the centre of criticism. I want to prove my critics wrong.”

Caucau said he had spoken to Fiji head coach designate, Samu Domoni.

“I have also informed my coach. I only have six more games with my club,” he said.

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