Martin Johnson ponders England approach
England manager Martin Johnson believes his side tried to run the ball too much in their 20-16 defeat by Ireland.After beating Italy 17-12 two weeks ago England were criticised for relying on a kicking game, but Johnson fears they may now have overcompensated. "Maybe we did try and play a little too much when we had lost momentum and Ireland will turn you over when you try to do that," he told BBC Radio 5 live. "You have to play the game in front of you and the game was wet and muddy." England had a 60% share of possession and passed the ball 140 times compared to Ireland's 58, but were still outscored three tries to one. Johnson denied that fly-half Jonny Wilkinson was to blame for his side's lack of cutting edge.'Tough loss' hard to take for Johnson"Some of his critics may have their own agenda and others, who don't know too much, have jumped on it," Johnson told 5 live's Sportsweek. "I don't have to defend Jonny Wilkinson in the world of rugby. He does what he does and he does it tremendously well. "There are lots of good things we did yesterday, that's the key thing. We didn't finish them all off again and that ultimately cost us the game." Wilkinson's drop-goal with nine minutes to go put England ahead for the first time but Tommy Bowe's second try of the match sealed Ireland's victory. "It's hard when there are six minutes on the clock, you're there and you lose," said Johnson.Proud Kidney salutes Ireland's team effort"We didn't help ourselves - when you get ahead you need to stay there, the game turns on those things. It was good play from them and not good defence from us." Johnson described the game, played in poor weather conditions, as "typical Six Nations, pretty attritional," and said occasionally England needed to be more clinical. "Maybe we should have pegged them back and put them under pressure, it comes back to the same old things - if you take chances and score tries you'll probably end up winning," he said. If England had a point to prove after their unimpressive victory over Italy last time out, then Ireland had even more to make up for after their drubbing by France in Paris. And coach Declan Kidney said he was delighted by how his players had put that performance behind them. "I'm hugely proud, I've got the same feeling we had at the end of last year's championship," he told BBC Sport. "We can be hard on ourselves and we're lacking a bit of belief - I'm not sure why, but we responded better. The difference between today and Paris was we took our opportunities today." 606: DEBATE What a poor game of rugby but I am pleased the more creative team won despite cheering on England wales71 He also ruled out any worries over the health of Brian O'Driscoll, after the centre was taken off with 10 minutes remaining after being struck on the head by the knee of team-mate Paul O'Connell. "It was nothing - he was out on the pitch at the end. He's good and is enjoying the win as much as anyone," said Kidney. "Brian just felt he should make Paul do the press conference to make up for him giving him a bang on the head with his knee. "There's no risk of concussion. He's fine." Ireland put in a remarkable 99 tackles, missing just one, and lock O'Connell said he felt both sides played as if they wanted to make amends for their most recent performances. "I think both teams were looking to respond," he said. "I don't think England were happy [after the Italy game] and lots of questions were asked of us [after the France game]. "Conditions were not suited to running rugby, especially in the first half, but our defence held firm and apart from that try they scored our defence was fairly comfortable. "England are such a tough team to play against, it doesn't matter whether they're on top of the world or not doing so well, they're an incredibly physical side to play against." Ireland's man-of-the-match Jamie Heaslip concurred with O'Connell.Delighted O'Connell praises Ireland's defence"We've come back from deficits before, especially in the second half and we showed belief and confidence in each other's abilities," he said. "We got a good try and closed the game out well - England had good time on the ball and played territory well but I suppose we took our chances. The scoreboard reflects the game. "We looked at the France game and thought we didn't take our opportunities, today we did. "We had no doubts about what we could do, for an Ireland fan it's not that hard to get motivated for an England game, especially here at Twickenham." Lee Byrne cleared of ban and free for England v Wales
Ospreys full-back Lee Byrne's blood-bin began the 16-man confusion Wales full-back Lee Byrne has had a two-match ban overturned, leaving him free to face England in the Six Nations opener at Twickenham on Saturday.The ban had been imposed by European Rugby Cup after his brief appearance as an illegal 16th player in the Ospreys' 17-12 Heineken Cup win over Leicester. The suspension has been replaced by a fine of 5,000 Euros on the 29-year-old. Wales coach Warren Gatland had delayed naming his team, Byrne now set to start at 15, James Hook possibly at centre. Gatland will name his team at 1300 GMT on Wednesday. An independent ERC appeal committee comprising Scots Rod McKenzie, Lorne Crerar and Bill Dunlop sat in Glasgow on Tuesday and overruled the original suspension that was imposed last week. Byrne and the Ospreys had both pleaded guilty to the misconduct complaints in Dublin on Friday, the club fined £21,666 (25,000 Euros) while the player was left facing missing out on the start of the Six Nations. Is this a fair decision? The committee chaired by Pat Barriscale of Ireland had found that Byrne had re-entered the pitch without the referee's permission and that he knew or ought to have known that he needed that permission. The British and Irish Lions full-back had gone off in the second-half of the Heineken Cup Pool Three clash suffering from a dislocated and bloodied toe and was replaced by centre Sonny Parker. But Byrne was sent back on at the Liberty Stadium three minutes later after treatment without any of his team-mates going off. A Tigers player pointed out the Ospreys' numerical advantage to referee Alan Lewis, who then berated an Ospreys touchline official for not informing the match fourth official that Byrne had returned.The official also did not award Leicester the penalty they should have had for Ospreys temporarily fielding an extra player. Fly-half Dan Biggar eventually departed as the Ospreys returned to 15 men to hold on during a torrid finale of constant Leicester pressure. Leicester claimed Byrne was involved in halting a break by scrum-half Ben Youngs as Tigers looked to claw back their 17-12 deficit. The triumph ensured the Ospreys' qualification for the Heineken Cup quarter-final, while the defeat knocked Leicester out. Byrne is one of Wales' key players and was badly missed when injured in the autumn as they slumped to defeats to New Zealand and Australia. Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Roger Lewis expressed his delight after hearing that Byrne was free to face England. "I am delighted that the independent appeal committee have reached this decision which is great news for Lee Byrne and for Wales," said Lewis. "It has been an extremely difficult time for the player, but we have been determined to give him all the support he needed to achieve this fair resolution of a difficult matter. "It has not been an easy decision either for the original independent committee hearing the evidence or the appeal panel and I applaud them all on their diligence in this matter. "I hope this sends out a message to the followers of Welsh rugby that the WRU is an organisation which will always stand by individuals who deserve and need our help. "We sat down with Lee as soon as the original penalty was announced and started to plan for the appeal. "There have been a lot of meetings and discussions over the past days but it has all been worthwhile because we are now celebrating an important victory for all concerned. "I know how hard all the players, coaches and backroom staff in the national squad work for success and they must always be confident that the WRU will stand firm in support of all their efforts. "We want every player who pulls on a Welsh jersey to know that we are with them all the way. "Now it's back to business and we can all look forward to a great game of rugby at Twickenham." Tommy Bowe signs new three-year Ospreys deal
Bowe's versatility has been vital to the injury-ravaged Ospreys this season Ireland and British and Irish Lions star Tommy Bowe has signed a three-year extension to his Ospreys contract.The deal will keep the 25-year-old outside back at the Swansea-based region through to the end of 2012/13. Bowe moved to Wales from Ulster in 2008 and there were strong rumours that the Grand Slam star would return to Ireland when his old contract ran out in 2010. "The Ospreys have been the platform for much of the success I've enjoyed," said Bowe, who played all three Lions Tests. "I was flattered by the interest from other European clubs, but after taking advice... it all came back to the fact that I am enjoying my rugby and life in general at the Ospreys. 606: DEBATE Have your say on Bowe's decision "Obviously, a return to Ireland had a strong emotional pull and I take enormous pride in the privilege of wearing the Irish jersey. "I just feel all the ingredients are here for long-term success... I'm very excited about what we can achieve in that space of time." Bowe, the all-time leading Magners League try scorer, has made a huge impact at the Ospreys as a centre, wing and, occasionally, as a full-back. He has scored 18 tries in 34 appearances for the region - including an impressive nine in his last 10 outings - while he has 11 tries from his 25 Ireland caps. Tommy and the Ospreys have complemented each other fantastically over the last year and a half Ospreys coach Sean Holley "Tommy is a vital part of what we are trying to create here from a playing and a cultural point of view, and the fact that he has opted to extend his stay with us is a clear indication that he believes in what we are trying to do," said Ospreys coach Sean Holley. "When we originally targeted Tommy as a potential signing, we felt that as well as him bringing his obvious strengths to the team, that we could also offer him the opportunity to develop his own game and his career. "This has certainly rung true, Tommy and the Ospreys have complemented each other fantastically over the last year and a half, and we are very proud of his achievements on the international stage. "The fact that he is a proven try scorer, can play in a number of positions and exhibits good leadership qualities are an obvious bonus to the team. "His performances so far this season have shown that there is even more to come from him and we are delighted that we are now able to call on his services for an additional three years. "He is a genuine world-class talent, who is much sought after and still very young." Wales head back to drawing board
A disconsolate Wales troop off after their 33-12 hammering by AustraliaWales say their disappointing autumn Test campaign and the evolving world scene will see them produce a new game plan ahead of the Six Nations."The only good thing is we'll look at ourselves and analyse our game," said forwards coach Robin McBryde after the 12-33 home hammering against Australia. "There are no hiding places, the game has moved on in kicking, competing in the air, pressure at the tackle area. "We're not seeing much rugby being played but that's across the board." The Tri Nations sides have been dominant this autumn, their kicking game having evolved in the summer. We try to play a bit of rugby by not kicking the ball away as much - but it's not a winning performance is it? Wales coach Warren Gatland The strict refereeing at the breakdown imposed by referees at the behest of the International Rugby Board has driven this, the percentages not favouring running rugby as the attacking side is often penalised. "We gifted Australia the game," said Wales coach Warren Gatland after Saturday's Millennium Stadium defeat. "Everyone talks about kicking - Australia kicked 40 times and we kicked 22 times. Rugby Union Blog The gulf in class between the hemispheres is not as wide as it might appear Tom Fordyce "We try to play a bit of rugby by not kicking the ball away as much - but it's not a winning performance is it?" Defence coach Shaun Edwards called the defeat his worst day with Wales. "Australia's defence was magnificent," he said. "The tackler was incredibly proactive and it wasn't just the back row but from one to 15. Even the scrum-half was very dynamic over the ball. "That is the modern game - the aerial battle and the breakdown, two areas we came second." Wales were caught by surprise by Australia's ambition in the air McBryde added: "There's a shift with regards to where you win possession, it's not necessarily from the set piece but from kicks and gathering kicks." Wales opened their November campaign - in which they scored just four tries - with a predictable defeat to the All Blacks. They then struggled to a win over Samoa, improved in beating Argentina, but crashed badly against the Wallabies. The series highlighted Wales' dependence on their established, senior stars, with few of the newcomers or younger first-choices laying down cast-iron cases for inclusion. It's a bit frustrating [as a runner] but international rugby is about winning - and that's it really James Hook Injured full-back Lee Byrne's siege-gun boot was badly missed, and his stand-in James Hook - a converted fly-half whose creative skills could be utilised at centre in the Six Nations - acknowledged the changing demands of the modern game. "Australia kicked an awful lot, there are some great kickers in their team," Hook told BBC Sport Wales. "[Kicking is a] big part of the game, there's nothing you can do about it at the moment. "It's a bit frustrating [as a runner] but international rugby is about winning - and that's it really." We hit a brick wall - and we didn't see it coming. It's back to the drawing board Martyn Williams Veteran flanker Martyn Williams admitted to feeling shock at the total superiority displayed by Australia. "It feels like we've been hit by a truck," said Williams. "We were happy with the way we were going, then we hit a brick wall - and we didn't see it coming. "It's back to the drawing board, there's a couple of months before the Six Nations and we need to work hard. "A lot of us have been in this situation before, we've got a lot of influential players to come back and we've added a few new boys who have put their hands up." Mike Phillips and Matthew Rees could be injury doubts for the Six Nations opener against England at Twickenham on 6 February.Gatland looks back with Scrum VByrne and Adam Jones should be back, though, and Wales will hope to have Ian Evans, Mark Jones, Dafydd Jones, Morgan Stoddart and Gavin Henson back to full fitness to challenge for places. "[Australia was] disappointing," said coach Warren Gatland in summing up the November Tests. "We felt that we were making progress, it's disappointing to take a backward step. "It was absolutely my worst moment in the job, we are a better team than we displayed. "We've got to go back to the drawing word and work on some stuff, hopefully we'll have players coming back from injury and players here who have learnt a lot in terms of development for the next campaign." Henson wanted leave to be unpaid
Ospreys director Mike Cuddy has revealed Gavin Henson asked to be unpaid during the indefinite injury leave he is currently on.Cuddy insists Henson will defy his doubters and eventually return to action to produce his best form. Cuddy said Henson's request to be unpaid was "a sign of his integrity". The Ospreys joint managing director told BBC Sport Wales: "He's felt, I think, that for the last three years he hasn't given value for money." Cuddy added: "We didn't think that was the case because we know that all the injuries he had were genuine injuries. "But that's Gavin for you and I'm sure that we haven't seen the best of Gavin yet. 606: DEBATE Give your thoughts on Henson "It's [offering to be unpaid] a sign of his integrity." The Ospreys denied several reports over the summer that Henson was to retire because of repeated Achilles and groin injuries. The Welsh region admitted the root cause of Henson's problems was a mystery. But Cuddy insisted: "I'm sure that we haven't seen the best of Gavin yet." Henson starred in Wales' 2005 and 2008 Grand Slams, but his career in between and since has been blighted by injuries, leading to to poor form and public and media criticism. Having been omitted from Wales' 2003 and 2007 World Cup squads, Henson also missed the summer's British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa after being injured against Gloucester in March. Businessman Cuddy said Henson's absence was purely about the combination of injuries affecting him. And Cuddy would not offer a date by which he expected Henson, whose contract with the region is due to expire at the end of the 2010/11 season, to return. Cuddy said: "[Henson's absence is] about injury. I keep on saying that he's had a torrid two or three years and because he hasn't been able to do what he does best that would make him an unhappy guy as well. "One thing, he is an honest boy, and he wants to do his best and he's still only 27. "He's got five, six, seven good years in front of him and let's hope that the decision to rest it longer will be the right one. [Henson's] He's taking as much time as he needs to and we are willing for him to do that Ospreys director Mike Cuddy "[His spirits] are good. I think it's good because he feels like he's getting better. It's the first time he's given it [the injuries] time. "Because he's such a good player everybody's rushing him back. "We all want players back on the park as quickly as possible, especially the better ones and he's been no real exception. "And he's a very loyal boy and it's just been a catastrophe for the last two or three years where he's come back, he's been injured, he's come back, he's been injured. "So he's the only person really who knows his body and he's taking as much time as he needs to and we are willing for him to do that." Cuddy also claimed people in the media had played a part in undermining Henson's morale, saying many of those who had criticised the player now wanted to see him back in action. Robinson wants winning mentality
Scotland head coach Andy Robinson wants to inspire the country with the team's performances, but more importantly foster a winning mentality.Robinson took over from Frank Hadden in June and will preside over his first full international matches during November's Autumn Tests."We're there to inspire the nation through our performances," the former England coach told BBC Scotland."But some days you've got to win ugly. It's all about beating the opposition."Robinson took the helm at Scotland after guiding Edinburgh to a club-best runner-up finish in the Magners League last term.Despite being previously involved with Scotland A - who won the IRB Nations Cup under his stewardship - the forthcoming matches against Fiji, Australia and Argentina will mark his return to top-level internationals since he was sacked as England's head coach in 2006.Overall we're in a good stateAndy RobinsonAnd after three months in his new job he is satisfied with the way preparations are going for the series against the Southern Hemisphere sides."Our planning's at a good stage," said Robinson."It's important for us to develop a winning mindset and that's our focus game by game."Over the next couple of weeks guys will be putting their hands up to be included for these games - and some are already in because of the way they've been performing."Then we'll finalise our 32-man squad and get the players together so we can get down to tactics when Fiji come around."All three sides are above us in the IRB world rankings, and they all have different playing styles."So we're going to have to change our tactics for each game, and it'll be about the players being able to handle that."MY SPORT: DEBATEAre you excited about Scotland under Robinson?Robinson and his fellow coaches Gregor Townsend and Graham Steadman have been observing training sessions at Scotland's two professional clubs Glasgow and Edinburgh.Both teams have made excellent starts to the Magners League campaign."I think it's pretty positive at the moment the way the two pro teams are playing," said Robinson."Glasgow worked hard in the pre-season and are delivering outstanding results."And I thought Edinburgh's performance against Cardiff for the first 30 minutes was the best I've seen from an Edinburgh side.Robinson is positive about the direction of the Scottish game"The good news is that the teams are improving and that's also good for individuals."Scotland only avoided the wooden spoon at this year's Six Nations by virtue of having conceded three points fewer than Italy.But Robinson hinted that he will not be making wholesale changes to that squad of players."Over the last couple of years there've been some disappointing results, but some encouraging performances."The key for us is to find consistency in the way we play and start winning."That's how team spirit and confidence develops."There'll be a number of guys come into the pool that were involved in the Nations Cup."But on the whole the guys involved in the Six Nations last year have been playing well and a with renewed vigour."Overall we're in a good state." Harlequins chairman stands down
Williams left the field with fake blood pouring from his mouth against LeinsterHarlequins chairman Charles Jillings has resigned after accepting ultimate responsibility for the 'Bloodgate' affair that has disgraced the club.Tom Williams faked injury to allow fly-half Nick Evans to return to the field in a Heineken Cup tie and head coach Dean Richards has since stood down."Harlequins acknowledge that we failed to control Dean Richards," said Jillings in a statement."As a result of the board's failure to control Dean, the club cheated."The incident happened in a match against Leinster and led to an initial 12-month ban for winger Williams that has now been reduced to four months.Richards has been banned from coaching in European competition for three years for his role in the fake blood injury.His ban is particularly severe because the investigation revealed he had been involved in four similar incidents. South Africa 31-19 New Zealand
South Africa (19) 31Try M Steyn Con: M Steyn Pens: M Steyn 8 New Zealand (13) 19Try Ross Con: Donald Pens: Donald 3, McAlisterSteyn surpassed Andrew Mehrtens' previous individual record of 29 pointsA superb individual display from Morne Steyn put South Africa on top of the 2009 Tri-Nations following a bruising victory over New Zealand in Durban.The fly-half set a new individual Tri-Nations record with all 31 points via a try, conversion and eight penalties.The All Blacks took an early 10-3 lead when lock Isaac Ross finished off a sweeping length-of-the-field move.But Steyn's 38th-minute try regained the lead the Boks never relinquished as four further penalties secured the win.It was a monumental display from the Bulls star, who came into the starting XV as a replacement for Ruan Pienaar, who twisted his ankle in the 28-19 win over New Zealand in Bloemfontein last weekend.A 74th-minute penalty - his ninth successful kick from 10 attempts - saw Steyn surpass former All Black Andrew Mehrtens' previous Tri-Nations record of 29 against Australia in Auckland in 1999.A convincing victory was the perfect way for captain John Smit to celebrate leading South Africa for a world record 60th time, surpassing Australian legend George Gregan and England's Will Carling.The World Cup-winning prop received a standing ovation from his home crowd at Kings Park when he was replaced inside the final three minutes.Isaac Ross finished off a fine sweeping move on 12 minutesSteyn struck his first penalty inside five minutes when Mils Muliaina - who became the fourth most capped All Black in history alongside Tana Umaga - was penalised for not releasing after collecting a high kick outside his 22m line.But Stephen Donald levelled the scores a minute later before the All Blacks took the lead with a wonderful, sweeping move which began inside their own half and finished on the wing by Ross.Powerful bursts from captain Richie McCaw and Muliaina allowed Jerome Kaino to off-load to second row Ross, positioned perfectly on the wing, to slide over from five metres.Donald added the extras with a superb touchline conversion, although two Steyn penalties reduced the arrears to a single point on 18 minutes.A cynical high tackle from JP Pietersen denied Cowan a potential try-scoring opportunity following a swift break on 28 minutes, with the winger earning 10 minutes in the sin-bin from Welsh referee Nigel Owens for his misdemeanour.The resulting penalty saw Donald extend the lead to four points, but once again Steyn reduced the arrears on the half-hour when New Zealand were caught offside at a ruck.Ross joined Pietersen in the sin-bin for blatant offside at a ruck and the Springboks made their extra forward count two minutes before half time.Relentless pressure from a South Africa scrum five metres from New Zealand's tryline saw Fourie du Preez's inside pass find Steyn, who skipped inside Cowan to touch down for his first international try.It is sobering to think a player who had only made his second Test start scored 31 points against New Zealand Gevil_DevilThe Blue Bull added the extra two points and a Springbok counter-attack in the final seconds of the half forced Ma'a Nonu to handle the ball from an offside position, allowing Steyn to give South Africa a nine-point cushion at the interval.The fly-half saw a drop-goal attempt come back off the upright on the resumption before South Africa were again reduced to 14 men.Lock Bakkies Botha ended a move which should have finished with an All Blacks try with an illegal tackle on Cowan from an offisde position, becoming the third player to see yellow.Donald reduced the deficit to 22-16 after 50 minutes from the resulting penalty, but Steyn restored South Africa's nine-point advantage with three points from a New Zealand indiscretion at the breakdown.Luke McAlister, on as a replacement for Donald, made an immediate impression with a 50m penalty just after the hour to again bring the All Blacks to within a converted try.But incessant South Africa pressure, with Heinrich Brussow at the breakdown, allowed the Springboks to dictate the tempo of the match with the tourists looking increasingly ragged.Steyn maintained his successful kicking record, slotting over his eighth and ninth of the match, the latter seeing him surpass Mehrtens' 10-year record.The 25-year-old might have landed a perfect 10 but pushed a last-minute penalty wide of the right-hand upright.South Africa play their final home game of the series against Australia in Cape Town next Saturday before a three-week break ahead of their remaining Tests in Australia (two) and New Zealand (one).The All Blacks now have a three-week break before facing the Wallabies in Sydney on 22 August. They have not lost more than two Tests in a row since 1998, when John Hart's team lost five in a row (three to Australia, two to South Africa).Under-pressure coach Graham Henry may contemplate the merits of an early recall for Dan Carter after the lack of control exhibited in Durban.The celebrated fly-half made a successful return for Canterbury on Saturday following an Achilles injury which has kept him out of action for seven months.Carter scored 14 points as the defending champions were beaten 22-19 by North Harbour in their opening Air New Zealand Cup match.South Africa: F Steyn; Pietersen, Fourie, De Villiers, Habana; M Steyn, Du Preez; Mtawarira, B du Plessis, Smit (capt), Botha, Matfield, Brussow, Smith, Spies.Replacements: Ralepelle, Jannie du Plessis, Bekker, Rossouw, Januarie, Jacobs, Olivier.New Zealand: Muliaina; Rokocoko, Smith, Nonu, Sivivatu; Donald, Cowan; Woodcock, Hore, Franks, Thorn, Ross, Kaino, McCaw, So'oialo.Replacements: Mealamu, Afoa, Eaton, Read, Weepu, McAlister, JaneAttendance: 52, 572 O'Driscoll criticises De Villiers
O'Driscoll (left) believes De Villiers has brought the game into disreputeBrian O'Driscoll has added his voice to the criticism of Springboks coach Peter de Villiers over his stance on Schalk Burger's gouging offence.De Villiers initially denied Burger had done anything wrong in the second Test against the British and Irish Lions.The flanker received an eight-week ban, and O'Driscoll said: "To hear the South Africa coach talk about gouging being part of the game was semi-repulsive."I just find it appalling. I truly find it a disgrace," added the Lions centre.Burger was found guilty of "making contact with the face in the eye area" of Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald.TV footage showed Burger's fingers making contact with Fitzgerald's eye inside the first minute of the match in Pretoria.De Villiers later issued an apology for defending Burger's actions and the South Africans will not be appealing against the player's suspension.But Ireland star O'Driscoll added: "When you think about a situation where a parent wonders about whether their child should play rugby or soccer, and you hear comments from a national team coach of that sort - and regardless of the apology he may have submitted - it's essentially bringing the game into disrepute."We're trying to promote the game, and yet you hear comments like that."Fitzgerald was able to continue after treatment, but at the time Burger escaped with only a yellow card from French referee Christophe Berdos - a decision taken on the advice of New Zealand touch judge Bryce Lawrence, who spotted the offence.NTAfter the match, De Villiers said he did not believe Burger should have been sent to the sin-binBut on Monday, he backed down, saying: "It was never my intention to suggest that I condone foul play."That is the last thing I would ever do and I apologise for that impression."De Villiers went on to say that "eye-gouging is something that we as a team will never be part of"."The same applies to biting, head-butting, spear tackling or any other foul play that doesn't belong in the game," he added. Wales centre Jamie Roberts had a big game for the Lions
The Lions launched a late fightback to beat the Royal XV and avoid what would have been their first defeat in the opening tour match since 1971.Two tries in quick succession, from Wilhelm Koch and Rayno Barnes, helped the hosts take a shock 18-3 lead.Tommy Bowe's converted try made it 18-10 at the break before a Ronan O'Gara penalty cut the lead to five.Bees Roux scored for the hosts but late tries from Lee Byrne, Alun Wyn Jones and O'Gara saw the Lions home.A sparse crowd at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenberg - the Super 14 final was taking place in nearby Pretoria - saw the Lions make a raft of mistakes and struggle to gel in the first hour.An embarrassing defeat was on the cards - for the first time in a Lions tour opener since losing 15-11 to the Queensland Reds in 1971 - to an equally scratch side made up of players from the third tier of South African rugby.It was not all bad for the Lions and Jamie Roberts and Lee Byrne both turned in fine performances despite the rocky display from the team as a unit, and in the end the Lions' greater fitness saw them run in three late tries to avoid faces as red as their shirts.O'Gara kicked a seventh-minute penalty to give the Lions the lead but Naas Olivier soon levelled with a penalty of his own.The Lions' attempts to get their game going were hampered by centre Keith Earls' inability to hang on to the ball.The 21-year-old was clearly struggling with nerves and when he dropped a high kick in his own 22 it gave the hosts great field position.They attacked from a ruck, great hands from Hanno Coetzee put Koch through a gap and the Royal XV captain had the pace and power to just make it to the line.It soon went from bad to worse for the visitors, as Barnes burst through the middle of a maul to add a second try.The maul, so rare a sight under the experimental laws (ELVs) that had been in effect for the past year, was making a welcome reappearance as Saturday's game was played under the definitive new laws which prohibit players from dragging down the maul, contrary to the system in use under the trial laws.Royal XV fly-half Olivier converted the first try and slotted a penalty in between the two tries to give the hosts an unexpected 18-3 lead with less than half an hour on the clock.As the Lions tried to get back on terms they elected not to kick for goal when awarded penalties and after kicking into the corner once more they finally scored their first try of the tour.They failed to maul their way over from the line-out but fed the ball into midfield and Bowe popped up to take O'Gara's inside pass and motor over under the posts.Ireland fly-half O'Gara slotted the conversion and despite a difficult opening 40 minutes, the Lions went in only eight points adrift at the break.O'Gara trimmed the gap with a penalty two minutes after the restart and with Olivier then missing for the hosts, the Lions approached the last 20 minutes trailing by five points.By now the tourists had taken charge but despite coming close to scoring several times, with Shane Williams even dropping the ball as he tried to spin over the line, they could not quite breach the hosts' defence.And the Royal XV made them pay when they mounted a rare attack and Roux's converted score gave them what looked like being a decisive 25-13 lead.With time running out Byrne showed fine footballing skills to score a superb solo try and give the tourists some hope, and O'Gara's conversion and a subsequent penalty cut the gap to two points with seven minutes to play.By now the momentum had swung firmly in favour of the Lions and first Wyn Jones and then O'Gara went over for converted tries to ensure the Lions got the tour under way with the result, if not the performance, they wanted.Royal Highveld XV: Russell Jeacocks (Leopards); Egon Seconds (Griquas), Deon van Rensburg (Leopards), Hanno Coetzee (Griquas), Bjorn Basson (Griquas); Naas Olivier (Griquas), Sarel Pretorius (Griquas); Albertus Buckle (Griquas), Rayno Barnes (Griquas), Bees Roux (Griquas), Rudi Mathee (Leopards), Jacques Lombard (Griquas), Wilhelm Koch (Leopards, capt), Devon Raubenheimer (Griquas), Jonathan Makoena (Griquas).Replacements: Pellow van der Westhuizen (Leopards), Stef Roberts (Griquas), Rynard Landman (Leopards), RW Kember (Leopards), Jacques Coetzee (Pumas), Riaan Viljoen (Griquas), Jovan Bowles (Bulldogs).Lions: Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales), Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland), Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales); Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland), Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland); Andrew Sheridan (Sales Sharks/England), Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales), Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales), Simon Shaw (London Wasps/England), Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland - captain), Joe Worsley (London Wasps/England), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales), David Wallace (Munster/Ireland).Replacements: Lee Mears (Bath/England), Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England), Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland), Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales), Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales), Riki Flutey (London Wasps/England).Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa).Assistant referees: Craig Joubert and Mark Lawrence (both South Africa). Henson should not tour - Ospreys
Gavin Henson made his Wales debut against Japan in 2003Ospreys coach Sean Holley has advised Wales against picking Gavin Henson for their summer tour to north America.The Wales centre was sidelined for eight weeks after damaging ankle ligaments in the EDF Energy Cup semi-final defeat to Gloucester in March.Henson had a slim hope of being a late call-up for this summer's Lions tour to South Africa if he impressed for Wales.But Holley said: "The Wales tour might come a bit early as he would not have played for six or eight weeks."The 27-year-old admitted his season was over after his injury curse struck again in that 17-0 EDF Energy last four defeat at the Ricoh Arena.But double Grand Slam winner Henson is expected to recover from injury before Wales' two-Test summer tour to play Canada in Toronto on 30 May and United States in Chicago on 6 June.Lions coach Ian McGeechan, whose side begin their three-Test showdown with the world champions in Durban on 20 June, would have watched Henson's progress in north America with great interest.Henson pulls up with an ankle injuryAnd if the Ospreys star - who admits he would be a "liability" on a Lions tour - recovered well from his injury, a call-up to play the Springboks would have been a distinct possibility.But Henson's club coach Holley said a summer tour "might be a difficult ask" for the 31-times capped international."It could be a risk," said Holley.Henson has suffered an injury-ravaged season and missed the autumn series because of an Achilles problem then missed the start of Wales' Six Nations Grand Slam defence with a calf injury.Holley has also ruled Henson out of playing any part in the Ospreys' remaining Magners League games.They face Newport Gwent Dragons at the Liberty Stadium on 30 April followed by a home clash with Glasgow and a trip to Heineken Cup champions Munster.Holley said: "Gavin's injury is obviously a difficult one because it's on his foot and his ankle, but he's making progress."He's working hard with the medical team."I'm not sure he's going to make it to one of the remaining games, which is disappointing, but I'm sure now we'll look forward to getting him right pre-season." Ospreys suffer Thomas injury blow
Jonathan Thomas will be sidelined for at least three monthsJonathan Thomas has been ruled out for the season after suffering a recurrence of his long-standing groin problem.The 26-year-old Wales back-row misses the Ospreys' Heineken Cup quarter-final and their Magners League run-in."I saw a specialist and he said the only way to cure it is to have at least three months' rest, so that rules me out until next season really," he said."Obviously I'm bitterly disappointed with that, but the time had come where I've had the problem so long."The groin problem has wrecked Thomas' season, ruling him out of Wales' autumn Test series and most of their Six Nations campaign.Thomas returned for the lacklustre 20-15 win in Italy and was an unused replacement on the final weekend when Ireland won in Cardiff to claim their first Grand Slam in 61 years.The injury has also robbed the line-out leader of any realistic hope of gaining selection for the end-of-season Lions tour to South Africa."It's been a shocker of a season for myself in terms of injury," Thomas added."So I'm quite realistic that I need to get the rest in if I want to come back next season." Henson backed for Wales call-up
Gavin Henson has not started for Wales in almost a yearEx-captain Gwyn Jones says he expects Gavin Henson, James Hook, Dwayne Peel and Mark Jones to come into Wales' side to face Italy in Rome on 14 March.But he told the BBC's Scrum V programme that changes will be less widespread than if Wales had beaten France."[Wales coach Warren Gatland] said he was looking to make quite a few changes but he may have to revise that [after the 21-16 loss in Paris]," said Jones.The ex-flanker says Gatland has a major back-row headache over Jonathan Thomas."Thomas [who is just back from injury] is a good player, how [Gatland] figures four into three [with Martyn Williams, Andy Powell and Ryan Jones in Wales' back row]... he can have that headache," Jones told Scrum V."I think that [fly-half] Hook may play, Peel at nine, I think [wing] Mark Jones comes in and [centre] Henson will start.606: DEBATEUse the passing skills of Henson and Peel to add some variety to our game, bring JT in to freshen up the back row and Rhys Thomas as another ball carrierJB 1973"He [Gatland] wants to see Henson, but perhaps not with Jamie Roberts - I think that Tom Shanklin was our best player on Friday."A calf injury kept Henson out of the wins over Scotland and England, but he came off the bench in Paris, his first appearance for Wales in nearly a year.Wales have never lost against a northern hemisphere side when Henson has started, and he partnered Shanklin to the Grand Slam in 2005 and 2008.But Jamie Roberts has made a huge impression over the past year, and Gatland has twice tried to pair the Cardiff Blues centre with Henson, only to be denied by injuries to the latter."Henson needs game time and I think he must play for the Ospreys [against Leinster] this week," former Wales captain and fly-half Jonathan Davies told Scrum V.Scrum V analysis: Where did it go wrong for Wales?"Whether [Gatland] brings Hook and Henson in [against Italy] I'm not sure, but he can't make a lot of changes with a small squad. I'd start with Jamie Roberts again."Ospreys centre Andrew Bishop and Blues flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor are the only players that the Welsh management have confirmed have been released to the Welsh regions for this weekend's Magners League action.Peel will go back to Sale and Gareth Cooper - who has been suffering with a knee injury - remains with Gloucester, while there are no new worries over injuries or citations.Scrum-half Martin Roberts, who has been with the squad on an unofficial basis, has returned to the Scarlets.Former Wales captain and fly-half Phil Bennett cited a lack of game time for some of Wales' squad as a major concern.Williams worries over selection"How much rugby has Hook had over the past few weeks?" Bennett said on Scrum V."He only had a few minutes in Murrayfield, he didn't get on against England and he came on in the second half against France."A lot of players have not had the game time and that's proving costly for Wales."I'll be interested to see the make-up of the side, I can't see him [Gatland] making more than three or four changes."*Wales are set to name their team to face Italy on Tuesday, 10 March at approximately 1300 GMTWales squad:Forwards (16): Gethin Jenkins, John Yapp, Adam Jones, Rhys Thomas, Matthew Rees, Huw Bennett, Ian Gough, Alun Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris, Bradley Davies, Ryan Jones (capt), Jonathan Thomas, Dafydd Jones, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Robin Sowden-Taylor.Backs (13): Mike Phillips, Gareth Cooper, Dwayne Peel, Stephen Jones, James Hook, Gavin Henson, Andrew Bishop, Jamie Roberts, Tom Shanklin, Shane Williams, Leigh Halfpenny, Mark Jones, Lee Byrne. Spencer looks set to leave Saints
Spencer remained at the club despite relegation in 2007Former All Black fly-half Carlos Spencer is leaving Northampton Saints, BBC Radio Northampton understands.The 33-year-old is believed to be frustrated with his lack of first-team opportunities at Franklin's Gardens.Spencer has lost the Saints number 10 shirt to rugby league convert Stephen Myler this season and has only started eight games out of a possible 21.He has a year left on his contract but an agreement appears to have been made for him to leave.The New Zealander joined the club in 2005 but was recently reduced to playing for the Saints second team in a friendly against Henley Hawks on 19 January.He was then left out of the Saints European Challenge Cup tie against Toulon five days later.The fly-half, who played 35 times for his country scoring 291 points, is probably the Saints's biggest ever signing and remained at the club despite relegation to National One in 2007.It is thought Spencer will join another Guinness Premiership club despite offers to play his rugby in France. Phillips targets return for Wales
Mike Phillips is aiming to regain his place in the Wales team after recovering from a knee injury.The Ospreys scrum-half, 26, came on for the last 30 minutes of the region's 30-24 loss to the Dragons on Friday.He has been out since damaging cruciate knee ligaments in the EDF Energy Cup win over Saracens in March."It's a goal of mine to get back into the [Wales] squad and do what I did last year and hopefully repeat the performance I put in," said Phillips.The former Scarlet played a key role in the Grand Slam campaign and was short-listed as one of the six best players in the Six Nations.But his joy was short-lived and he admits he has had a tough time on the sidelines, missing Wales' summer tour to South Africa and the recent autumn series."One week I was beating France and winning the Grand Slam and the following week was the injury," said Phillips, who has won 33 caps."Going from such a high to a low was very hard to take on board and it's been a very slow process."It's been a tough road but I'm at the end now and I'm really looking forward to being back playing."Phillips came through his run-out against the Dragons largely unscathed, despite taking a minor knock."Personally for me, I'm delighted to be back on the field," he told BBC Sport Wales."It's all about having time on the field and it's going to be a bit of a process and I'm not putting too much pressure on myself."I took a bit of contact [on Friday], but the knee felt fine afterwards and I was initially pleased to come through it."
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