Visa clearance boosts Crusaders

Celtic Crusaders' troubled pre-season has been buoyed by the news that eight absent players will be available for their season opener at Leeds Rhinos.

Captain Jace van Dijk, leading try-scorer Tony Duggan and player-of-the-year Damien Quinn were amongst the players in Australia awaiting visas.

The eight have now been cleared, will travel on Saturday and arrive Sunday.

The Bridgend-based club start their maiden Super League season at champions Leeds Rhinos on 6 February.

They will face the formidable challenge without the benefit of a full warm-up match, Thursday's planned friendly at Harlequins having been cancelled due to poor pitch conditions at the Stoop.

"We're delighted that all the players will be over and ready for the first match," said assistant coach and football manager Anthony Seibold.

"They've all been training hard in Australia with selected clubs so there will be no problems with their fitness.

"And as all bar two are part of the squad who helped us get to the National League One Grand Final last year, they will have few problems fitting into our training routines.

"This is the best news that we could have ever had and now we can seriously concentrate on our first historic Super League season. It's going to be an exciting time for us."

The other players affected were Darren Mapp, Mark Dalle-Court, Josh Hannay and two of the club's nine new signings, props Ryan O'Hara and Jason Chan.

The problems were caused by the tightening of regulations by the British consulate in Canberra.

Hull FC signing Michael Crocker has had his application for a visa rejected, while earlier this month similar problems saw Todd Carney's proposed move to Huddersfield collapse.

"I really pleased to be coming back and now I want to cement a starting spot," said Duggan, who has scored 98 tries in his last three years at the Crusaders.

"With the guys we kept from last year and the new talent we have brought in the competition for spots will be like never before, so hopefully that will inspire us all to bigger and better deeds.

"After that I want to show I can compete and be successful in a great competition.

"I missed the Challenge Cup game against Leeds last year so I haven't played a competition game against a Super League team.

"Leeds at Headingley in our first Super League game is a dream come true and will be great for the team and the fans."

Tigers doubt over Meyer future

Leicester have confirmed that their South African head coach Heyneke Meyer faces an uncertain future at the club because of a serious family illness.

Meyer has returned home on compassionate leave with forwards coach Richard Cockerill expected to remain in charge for the rest of January.

BBC Radio 5 Live understands Meyer may not even return to the club.

"Both his wife's parents are seriously ill, and he has gone back to assess the situation," chairman Peter Tom said.

"We're happy to give him all the time he needs, and you cannot speculate."

The South African press has reported that, John McFarland, Meyer's prospective new defence coach at Welford Road, has asked to be allowed to return to his job with the Blue Bulls in Pretoria.

McFarland resigned from the Bulls on 7 November and was expected to join Meyer at Leicester.

But the Bulls said in a statement on their website that his return was under negotiation.

Meyer, who guided South Africa's Blue Bulls to Super 14 glory last year, agreed a three-year contract at Welford Road to replace former Argentina coach Marcelo Loffreda.

Leicester's next game is against Northampton on 10 January, followed by Heineken Cup fixtures against Treviso and the Ospreys.

Cockerill added: "At this time Heyneke needs our support as a club. He's got some issues to deal with at home and we wish him all the best and hope he's back with us very soon.

"He didn't leave until Tuesday evening, so he's planned this whole week's training, he's picked the team, he's done all the tactics and he's been on the phone ever since.

"It's not an issue from a rugby point of view and we'll just get on with business as usual.

"Heyneke's made a massive impression here and we want him here for the long term. He's a world-class coach and we need that continuity within the club."


Source http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/leicester/7805012.stm

Champs Sports Bowl Recap: Florida State Dominates the Badgers.

The Champs Sports Bowl started off just about as slow as your could imagine, with the only real excitement coming from Graham Gano's amazing punting skills. And this guy is going to be a kicker in the NFL? How about both the punter and the kicker? He got the ball inside Wisconsin's three-yard line three times in a row.

The game finally burst open on Derek Nicholsen's 75-yard punt return to give the 'Noles their first score of the game—and what ensued can only be described as a beatdown. Florida State's offense finally took charge, and Christian Ponder actually looked like a quarterback who knew how to control a game.

The 'Noles scored on three consecutive drives, giving them a 28-6 lead. The defense played amazing, and although P.J. Hill racked up 150 yards rushing, Wisconsin didn't have a prayer when it came to the passing game.

FSU's defense looked like the defense that was rated in the top five in the country. The Seminoles were relentless, and the future first round draft pick, Everette Brown, was nothing short of amazing. He was in the quarterback's face on every play it seemed.

This bowl win was exactly what FSU needed. Registering their first nine-win season in a while, the 'Noles came out ready to play. So what does this mean for the future? The 'Noles look like they should be a preseason Top 15 team.

With practically their entire offense coming back, including the youngest line in the country, the Seminoles should be able to have a 10-win season in 2009—especially with the recruiting class coming in led by Jacobi McDaniel.

Either way, this was a much needed win for the 'Noles.

Wallabies change up for Barbarians

Uncapped lock Peter Kimlin and teenage fullback James O'Connor have been named in a reshuffled Australia team for their final European tour match against the Barbarians in London.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans entered into the best traditions of Barbarian rugby by picking a largely experimental side, selecting fringe players who had been given little game time in the test matches.

Kimlin, who was only called into the touring squad as a late replacement for the injured James Horwill, was named on the bench while scrumhalf Brett Sheehan was also chosen to make his first appearance of the tour in the run-on side.

The 18-year-old O'Connor made his test debut as a replacement against Italy last month and will earn his first run-on jersey against the Barbarians.

Wednesday's match at Wembley Stadium does not carry test status but was organised to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Australia's gold medal in rugby at the 1908 London Olympics.

George Smith takes over the captaincy from Stirling Mortlock, who joined a heavy casualty list that includes Matt Giteau and Nathan Sharpe after Australia's 21-18 loss to Wales last weekend.

Australia: 15-James O'Connor, 14-Lote Tuqiri, 13-Ryan Cross, 12-Adam Ashley-Cooper, 11-Digby Ioane, 10-Quade Cooper, 9-Brett Sheehan, 8-Richard Brown, 7-George Smith (captain), 6-Dean Mumm, 5-Hugh McMeniman, 4-Mark Chisholm, 3-Matt Dunning, 2-Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1-Sekope Kepu.

Replacements: 16-Adam Freier, 17-Ben Alexander, 18-Peter Kimlin, 19-David Pocock, 20-Luke Burgess, 21-Lachie Turner, 22-Drew Mitchell.

Rugby Union Autumn Tests 2008 - England hope to upset All Blacks

Martin Johnson says England are looking forward to taking on New Zealand on Saturday despite going into the game on the back of two heavy defeats.

England were thrashed 42-6 by South Africa last weekend, having lost 28-14 to Australia in their previous game.

But Johnson told the BBC: "The guys have responded pretty well. It does hit your confidence when you get beat like that and you have to bounce back.

"They're just looking forward to getting out there and giving it a go."

Last weekend's defeat by South Africa was the biggest England have ever suffered at Twickenham and Saturday's encounter against the top-ranked side in the world is a daunting one.

Johnson admitted his words might sound a bit "empty" and that only a decent performance from his players on Saturday would satisfy England's worried fans.

"There's a bit of angst, a bit of frustration and a bit of tension around and there should be, we should have those feelings after how we've been beaten," said Johnson.

"What the players have done on the training field this week and how they've handled themselves has been pretty good, but it all really comes down to how they play on the field.

"New Zealand are a very good rugby team and you have to do what you do at the highest intensity and the best of your ability. We need to make sure we're in the game and make sure we don't give away soft tries and if we do, make sure we respond straight away and turn pressure into points."

New Zealand go into the game on track for a "grand slam" of wins over the four home nations, having already beaten Scotland, Ireland and Wales, but All Blacks captain Richie McCaw insisted they are not taking victory over England for granted.

"England are hurting and will want to come out and get it right," said McCaw.

So far New Zealand have not conceded a try in their Test wins on tour, or even a point in the second half of any game.

They will field their strongest available line-up at Twickenham, with centre Conrad Smith back in the starting XV after missing the victory over Wales with a groin injury.

The All Blacks' pack will be the most-capped in their history, with the starting eight having amassed 363 between them.

The England players are in no doubt they need to deliver a much-improved performance, having been booed off after their mauling by the Springboks.

England captain Steve Borthwick, whose own role has come under scrutiny, told the BBC: "We're aware of the criticism, but nobody wants to win more than the guys out there wearing the shirt.

"There was incredible disappointment [after the South Africa defeat], but we know we are improving and learning as we go.

"Last weekend was a brutal lesson but what's important is we learn from it, stick to our goals and move on. This [facing the All Blacks] is a huge challenge but a very exciting one."

Open-side flanker McCaw, who will win his 70th cap on Saturday, said he had some sympathy for England.

"We've been in a similar situation ourselves this year. We were beaten twice by the Aussies in July and it was a horrible time.

"When you get a chance to put it right, and England have a chance seven days later, that's what you have to do.

"We're expecting them to throw everything into it and they will be desperate. We have to match that intensity or else it will be a long day."

England have made three changes to the side beaten by the Boks, bringing in Toby Flood at fly-half for Danny Cipriani, who drops to the bench, and Nick Kennedy and Michael Lipman into the pack.

The athletic Kennedy will be expected to challenge the All Black jumpers at the line-out, while Australia-raised Lipman, a surprise selection ahead of Tom Rees, has the job of trying to negate McCaw's influence at the breakdown and assist Borthwick.

"You need voices, you need people to direct, work out what is going wrong and put things right on the spot," Lipman said.

"It was a little bit too quiet against South Africa but I played with Steve for a long time at Bath. We know each other very well and I will look to help him every way I can and make his job a lot easier."

Saturday's winning captain will receive a trophy from Sir Edmund Hillary's widow, Lady June, named in her husband's honour.

The Hillary Shield will be contested whenever England and the All Blacks meet in an international or Test series outside of the World Cup.

The trophy honours Sir Edmund's lifetime of achievement as a mountaineer, adventurer, humanitarian, and as Knight of the Garter. He died in January this year.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

England: D Armitage; P Sackey, J Noon, R Flutey; U Monye; T Flood, D Care; T Payne, L Mears, P Vickery, S Borthwick (capt), N Kennedy, J Haskell, M Lipman, N Easter.
Replacements: D Hartley, M Stevens, T Croft, T Rees, H Ellis, D Cipriani, D Hipkiss.

New Zealand: M Muliaina; J Rokocoko, C Smith, M Nonu, S Sivivatu; D Carter, J Cowan; T Woodcock, K Mealamu, N Tialata, B Thorn, A Williams, J Kaino, R McCaw (capt), R So'oialo.
Replacements: H Elliott, J Afoa, A Boric, K Read, P Weepu, S Donald, I Toeava.

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

Newcastle 17-23 Wasps - Rugby Union

Wasps won the battle of the Premiership strugglers as Dave Walder landed six penalties to give the champions just their second league win of the season.

Newcastle took an early lead as Danny Williams went over for a fine try.

Rory Clegg converted and added a penalty but five Walder penalties gave Wasps a 15-10 half-time lead.

Tom May's excellent converted try put Newcastle back in front but Walder's sixth penalty and a try from Charlie Beech secured victory for Wasps.

The two sides went into the match 10th and 11th in the table and with just three league wins between them all season.

Wasps were without a host of big names because of international calls, while Newcastle had notable absentees of their own in the form of the injured Jonny Wilkinson and Carl Hayman.

Newcastle were out of the blocks the quicker and scored a sparkling try after just four minutes.

The hosts won quick ball off the top of a line-out, 18-year-old fly-half Clegg fired an excellent pass into midfield and Tane Tu'ipulotu made a classic outside break through the Wasps defence.

The Tongan-born centre spun out a long pass to the wing and former England rugby league player Williams raced over in the corner to open the scoring, with Clegg adding a fine conversion from near the touchline.

Walder then got Wasps on the board with a penalty and although Clegg immediately replied in kind for the hosts, Wasps took control.

They dominated territory and possession and although they struggled to create try-scoring chances, four more Walder penalties saw the visitors lead at the break.

It looked ominous for the Falcons but within four minutes of the restart they had retaken the lead.

Wasps blind-side flanker Dan Leo produced a thumping hand-off but then lost the ball in contact and Newcastle countered from their own 22.

Clegg's precise chip was gathered in by May and after Steve Jones and Brent Wilson had taken the move on, May was on hand to power over the line for a spectacular 80m score.

Clegg converted to give Newcastle a two-point lead before a worrying moment as Wasps prop Pat Barnard was stretchered off after a long delay while he was treated on the pitch.

He was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, although he was reported to be able to move his arms and legs.

Once the game restarted Wasps regained control but struggled to add to their points tally.

Walder pushed two drop-goal attempts wide but the visitors finally went back in front when Ed Williamson was penalised for a 67th-minute spear tackle.

Walder landed his sixth penalty and replacement Beech's try two minutes from time secured victory and lifted the visitors above Newcastle and Northampton into ninth.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wasps boss Ian McGeechan:
"A win is everything, we produced some very good forward play which is why the penalties came.

"It's been very difficult playing without 12 or 13 men (away on international duty or injured) and we can now press on when we get our England boys back next week."

Falcons boss Steve Bates:
"It was a very gutsy effort.

"We will have to look at the penalty count, you cannot afford to give 15 points away for indiscipline."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newcastle: Jones; D Williams, May, Tu'ipulotu, Rudd; Clegg, Grindal; Golding, Thompson, D Wilson, Parling, Sorenson, Williamson, B Wilson, Dowson.

Replacements: Visser for Rudd (63), Charlton for Grindal (68), Long for Thompson (51), Ward for D Wilson (63), Swinson for Parling (54).

Not Used: Perry, Davey.

Sin Bin: Williamson (68).

Wasps: Mitchell; Bishay, Lewsey, Van Gisbergen, Voyce; Walder, Reddan; French, Webber, Barnard, Skivington, Birkett, Leo, Betsen, Worsley, Staunton.

Replacements: Staunton for Voyce (67), Beech for Barnard (48), Ellis for Leo (54), Hart for Worsley (35), Hoadley for Staunton (78).

Not Used: Varley, Simpson.

Att: 5,489

Ref: Andrew Small (RFU).

Preview: France vs. Australia - Rugby

After a hiatus of almost three years, the national teams of Australia and France are once again gearing up to face each other in Test match rugby.

Strangely, there has been a ceasefire between France and Australia on rugby's battle fields.
The International Rugby Board's fixture schedule has curiously omitted this fixture since November 2005, when France had the laugh over Australia, courtesy of a 26-16 win in Marseille, a venue that has been a stronghold for France, especially against the Wallabies.

As has become the norm for these mid-year Tests, the touring team has sent an understrength squad out to Australia.

Of course the usual excuses prevail - France are forced to field a young, inexperienced team mostly because their top players are still involved in the French Top 14, which concludes this weekend.

It is a sad but real fact that these factors, brought on by the overload of rugby on all fronts, dilute what should be a cracking Test match.

But with players such as Clermont's Julien Bonnaire, Elvis Vermeulen and Aur鬩en Rougerie, and Toulouse's Yannick Jauzion, C餲ic Heymans, Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, and Thierry Dusautoir all playing in the Top 14 Final, France will have to take on the Aussies with the best of the rest.

And that includes two debutantes in the starting XV - wing Alexis Palisson and Biarritz prop Benoit Lecouls.

Australia on the other hand will be looking to build on their first Test experience of the season - a 18-12 victory over a determined Ireland team.

Coach Robbie Deans has spoken about the need for Australia to improve, especially in defence, after Irish fullback Robert Kearney sliced the Wallaby backline apart repeatedly.

For Deans, the Test against France will be only his second match in charge of Australia. Expect an immediate response from his charges - a coach of Deans' calibre simply won't stand for anything less.

Defensive woes aside, Australia did look good on attack in the first half against Ireland. It is a reasonably well-known fact that the Aussies do not have the world's most intimidating tight five.

For that reason, their scrum and line-outs will not be huge weapons in the foreseeable future, which means that they will not really dominate on their set-piece possession.

What it does mean though is that they are a team who will have to base their attacking game around the loose ball.

Their backline will have to be double as dangerous on the ball that they do get, and they certainly have the man at No.10 to spark that kind of quality.

Flyhalf Matt Giteau is one of the most effective backs in the game today, not only for his running skill and swerving step, but also for his vision and the way that he disrupts defences with his running angles.

All in all, Giteau is a creative spark that opens up options for Australia on attack, and also brings others into play.

There is a solid base of experience, mixed with young talent in the Aussie backline. The likes of Stirling Mortlock and Lote Tuqiri should blend well with relative newcomers like Cameron Shepherd and Peter Hynes.

Both Hynes and Shepherd proved their worth in the Super 14, and now have another chance to build their international experience.

Another plus for the Aussies is their loose forwards. In George Smith and Phil Waugh, they have two of the best flanks in the world in terms of contesting the ball at the breakdown.

What a pleasure it must be for Deans to send on Waugh on after Smith has chased himself to a standstill.

The Wallabies can also call on the mobility of Rocky Elsom at No.6, and the pure bulldozing power of Wycliff Palu at No.8.

Palu has had a fantastic Super 14 tournament, and was the steel behind the Waratahs' run to the Final.

Players to watch:

For Australia: Young Luke Burgess has certainly turned heads at the Waratahs this year. He is the clear favourite for the No.9 jersey, and is set to form a formidable partnership with Matt Giteau, who will once again be a real threat. Also look out for George Smith's industry in the loose, and captain Stirling Mortlock's direct style in midfield.

For France: Much will depend on the performance and example set by their experienced players, such as skipper Lionel Nallet, scrumhalf Dimitri Yachvili and centre Damien Traille. Also look out for the rampaging physical style of French World Cup favourite S颡stien Chabal, nicknamed 'The Caveman'.

Head to head: France coach Mark Li趲emont is not scared of the unconventional, and it remains to be seen if his 'experiment' of playing Benjamin Boyet at flyhalf will work. Boyet comes up against the dynamic Matt Giteau, who will certainly be testing the French backline in every way. There will also be a battle royale on the wing, with French rookie Alexis Palisson squaring up against the imposing Lote Tuqiri. Australia will be hoping to take advantage of the understrenth French pack. Expect a battle of the front rows, as the Wallabies will hope to find a team they can shove around.

Recent results: 2005: France won 26-16, Marseille 2005: Australia won 37-31, Brisbane 2004: France won 27-14, Paris 2002: Australia won 31-25, Sydney 2002: Australia won 29-17, Melbourne 2001: France won 14-13, Marseille 2000: Australia won 18-13, Paris 1999: Australia won 35-12, Cardiff (WC Final) 1998: Australia won 32-21, Paris 1997: Australia won 26-19, Brisbane

Prediction: France will be unpredictable as always, and will probably play the match in an adventurous spirit. But Australia will be too organised and too slick for this hastily assembled touring group. Aussies to win by 13 points.

The teams:

Australia: 15 Cameron Shepherd, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Stirling Mortlock (captain), 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 James Horwill, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson. Replacements: 16 Adam Freier, 17 Ben Alexander, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 Phil Waugh, 20 Sam Cordingley, 21 Ryan Cross, 22 Adam Ashley-Cooper.

France: 15 P鰩to Elhorga, 14 Alexis Palisson, 13 Damien Traille, 12 Fran篩s Trinh-Duc, 11 Benjamin Thi鲹 , 10 Benjamin Boyet, 9 Dimitri Yachvili, 8 Imanol Harinordoquy, 7 Louis Picamoles, 6 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 5 S颡stien Chabal, 4 Lionel Nallet (captain), 3 BenoLecouls, 2 S颡stien Bruno, 1 Lionel Faure. Replacements: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Renaud Boyoud, 18 David Couzinet, 19 Mathieu Li趲emont, 20 S颡stien Tillous-Borde, 21 Thibault Lacroix, 22 David Janin.

Date: Saturday, June 28 Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney Kick-off: 20.05 (10.05 GMT) Conditions: Fine. High 15?C, Low 12?C. Referee: Marius Jonker (South Africa) Touch judges: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa), Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand) TMO: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)

Strong support shown for "6+5" at meeting with French sports minister

FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter held very productive meetings regarding "6+5" with French sports minister Bernard Laporte and a delegation representing FIFPro at the Home of FIFA in Zurich this week.

On Tuesday 17 June, the FIFA President welcomed Mr Laporte to a meeting that was also attended by President of the French FA Jean-Pierre Escalettes and President of the French League Frédéric Thiriez. Commenting on this meeting the next day in a programme on French television channel Canal+, the French sports minister said: "I told Mr Blatter that I think the 6+5 proposal is a good idea. I think it is in the interest of all of us, of education and of our young players, and that it applies not only to football, but also to rugby, volleyball and indeed all sports. It is our responsibility to debate this issue and examine it fully."

On Wednesday, Mr Blatter hosted a delegation from FIFPro, led by FIFPro Europe President Philippe Piat and by FIFPro Secretary General Theo Van Seggelen, who also stressed their support for the objectives of "6+5".

"I am encouraged by the support that we have received in the past few days and this gives me even greater motivation to continue working on '6+5', with further meetings to be held next week," said the FIFA President, who will receive a delegation from the IOC, including its Chairman of International Relations Mario Pescante and representatives from the international federations of five team sports (basketball, handball, ice hockey, rugby and volleyball) at the Home of FIFA in Zurich on Wednesday, 25 June.

Wing Mark Jones takes over from Halfpenny

Wing Mark Jones and lock Ian Gough will return for Wales when they face Australia at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

Jones replaces Leigh Halfpenny, 19, and Gough comes in after Ian Evans picked up a knee injury in the 29-9 defeat to New Zealand at the weekend.

Coach Warren Gatland said: "Ian Gough brings a wealth of experience.

"Jones now has an opportunity to re-stake his claim and we are sure he will rise to that particular challenge."

Dwayne Peel has been recalled to club duty by Guinness Premiership club Sale, but Gloucester have released Gareth Cooper to Wales so he will be at scrum-half with Scarlet Martin Roberts on the bench.

Luke Charteris, who took over from the injured Evans against the All Blacks, must again be content with a place on the bench.

A scan confirmed that 24-year-old Osprey Evans, capped 16 times, will be sidelined for between six and nine months with ruptured knee ligaments.

"In Mark Jones we have a player who has been in form himself but was kept out, after being injured for our opening fixture, by Leigh (Halfpenny)'s impressive showing," said Gatland.

"Leigh has represented himself well in his first three caps for his country and made a real impact on the international scene, but he is a young man and after three huge games in succession we have decided to look after him and have him to sit this one out.

"Although Luke Charteris can be pleased with his performance when he came on against the All Blacks last week we have preferred him as an option on the bench who can come on and make an impact.

"For the rest of the squad we were pleased with the performance last week and so have kept faith, although we are now very much looking for a result to go with that performance."

Gatland hopes his side can claim the Tri-Nations scalp that has eluded them this autumn following defeats to South Africa and New Zealand.

He said: "We want to play the best teams regularly in order to improve ourselves and raise our own standards, we want to achieve consistency and any rise up the world rankings would certainly be a reflection that we may be going in the right direction.

"But the most important thing for everyone is to get a result if we can. That is an incredibly tough prospect, but on the other side of the coin there is no doubting that we have an opportunity here against the Wallabies.

"The statistics say they are a better team than us and they will rightly carry the favourites tag, but we have the opportunity on Saturday to achieve something special out of this autumn campaign and it is a chance we do not want to miss."

Wales: Lee Byrne (Ospreys); Mark Jones (Scarlets), Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys), Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Gareth Cooper (Gloucester); Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Ian Gough (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues), Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues).
Replacements: Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), John Yapp (Cardiff Blues), Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), Dafydd Jones (Scarlets), Martin Roberts (Scarlets), James Hook (Ospreys), Andrew Bishop (Ospreys).

Australia: Drew Mitchell; Peter Hynes, Ryan Cross, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Digby Ioane; Matt Giteau, Luke Burgess; Ben Robinson, Stephen Moore, Al Baxter, Mark Chisholm, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Hugh McMeniman, Phil Waugh, Richard Brown.
Replacements: Adam Freier, Matt Dunning, Dean Mumm, George Smith, Sam Cordingley, Quade Cooper, Lote Tuqiri/Adam Ashley-Cooper.

Danny Cipriani axed from England team

England fly-half Danny Cipriani has been dropped for Saturday's Test against New Zealand, with Leicester's Toby Flood taking his place.

Cipriani, 21, criticised for under-par displays against Australia and South Africa, is named on the bench.

Bath's Michael Lipman comes in on the open-side flank for Tom Rees, who is also among the replacements.

Lock Nick Kennedy replaces Tom Palmer in the final change while Leicester's Dan Hipkiss is in the match-day 22.

There is no place for Sale prop Andrew Sheridan, who has failed to recover sufficiently from the neck injury that ruled him out of the South Africa defeat last weekend.

However, Wasps inside centre Riki Flutey retains his place after overcoming a hamstring problem.

Centre Hipkiss is named on the bench as England manager Martin Johnson opts for a split of four forwards and three backs among the replacements.

Johnson has stuck to his word and has resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes to the team, despite the record Twickenham defeat they suffered at the hands of South Africa on Saturday.

He has only made three changes for the clash with New Zealand, who are just one win away from completing a 'grand slam' over the home nations this autumn.

Cipriani is the highest-profile casualty.

The Wasps half-back, who returned to action at the start of October following a horrific fractured ankle dislocation in May, has struggled to impose himself from half-back.

He had two kicks charged down which led to tries against the Pacific Islanders and South Africa while against Australia he produced an erratic kicking display.

"Danny has a role to play this week, just not a starting one," said Johnson. "The guys coming off the bench are important, the days of replacements not being involved are over.

"Danny has a long future in the international game but so has Toby Flood and there are plenty of good players to choose from.

"This is an opportunity for Toby Flood and I am looking forward to seeing him start.

"Danny wanted to play, he was disappointed but understands there are only 15 who can start and seven on the bench."

For his part, Cipriani refused to criticise the decision and instead offered his support to the England manager.

"I can understand where Martin Johnson is coming from," he said. "If I was coach, I would probably have done the same thing

While Cipriani's omission was largely expected, the axing of Wasps flanker Rees was more of a surprise.

Rees was widely praised for his display against the Springboks with former England number eight Lawrence Dallaglio saying he was one of the only players that could "hold his head up high" after the match.

Johnson admitted that it was Rees's "best game of the whole series" but added: "We wanted to give Mike a start somewhere in the series. He is fresh and eager to go."

Kennedy will win his second Test cap in place of Palmer, who was taken off after just 32 minutes of the South Africa game with what England said was a calf injury.

London Irish second row Kennedy made his debut against the Pacific Islanders, scoring a try in the 39-13 victory, but was dropped for the matches against Australia and South Africa.

Johnson said this week is going to be a "real test of character" for his players as they try and bounce back from the Springbok defeat.

England must now beat the All Blacks for the first time since the summer of 2003 if they are to be seeded in the top four at the 2011 World Cup draw, which takes place on Monday.

"It's a tough week," he said. "You get beaten and get blown out by the score. We came in Monday and addressed that and they trained pretty well.

"When you play for England and get beaten like that there is everything to deal with. It's a test for all of us.

"We are all disappointed with the way we played. If you let the All Blacks play they will look very good, we have got to stop them playing. We have been too easy to score against.

"We need to make it harder, we need to be in the game with 15 minutes to go.

"It is all about this week now. We are playing the best team in the world and I still think a victory over the All Blacks is one of the things to achieve as a British or Irish player."

Johnson played in three victories, in 1993, 2002 and 2003, and one draw - in 1997 - against New Zealand, losing to the All Blacks on three occasions.

England: Delon Armitage (London Irish); Paul Sackey (Wasps), Jamie Noon (Newcastle), Riki Flutey (Wasps), Ugo Monye (Harlequins); Toby Flood (Leicester), Danny Care (Harlequins); Tim Payne (Wasps), Lee Mears (Bath), Phil Vickery (Wasps), Steve Borthwick (Saracens, capt), Nick Kennedy (London Irish), James Haskell (Wasps), Michael Lipman (Bath), Nick Easter (Harlequins).
Replacements: Dylan Hartley (Northampton), Matt Stevens (Bath), Tom Croft (Leicester), Tom Rees (Wasps), Harry Ellis (Leicester), Danny Cipriani (Wasps), Dan Hipkiss (Leicester).

Bolt and Isinbayeva scoop awards

Usain Bolt and Yelena Isinbayeva have been named as male and female athletes of the year by the International Association of Athletics Federations.

The Jamaican sprinter and Russian pole vaulter took the awards as well as £67,000 each at a ceremony in Monaco for their superb Olympic displays.

Bolt, 22, became the first man in history to break world records in all three sprint events at a single Games.

Isinbayeva, 26, raised the world record to 5.05m to retain her Olympic title.

Bolt broke the 100m world record of 9.74 seconds held by compatriot Asafa Powell earlier in the season but he again eclipsed the new mark by clocking 9.69 in Beijing.

He then broke Michael Johnson's world record of 19.32 in the final of the 200m by lowering it to 19.30 before leading Jamaica's 4x100m sprint relay to Olympic victory in a record time of 37.10.

"I have a motto that anything is possible, but this really is such an honour," said Bolt, who became Jamaica's first Olympic 100m champion.

"Just to be included with every great name in the sport is wonderful. I'll try to do it year after year."

Isinbayeva, who took athlete of the year honours in 2004 and 2005, added: "I'm very proud. It feels like the first time."

During the season the Russia raised her own world record in the pole vault three times, first to 5.03 metres in Rome and 5.04 in Monaco in June and then at Beijing - her 24th world best mark.

Isinbayeva just edged out Ethiopian distance runner Tirunesh Dibaba, who produced an unprecedented Olympic double victory in the 5000 and 10,000 metres in Beijing.

Cuban 110m hurdler Dayron Robles won the male performance of the year award after setting a new world record of 12.87sec as well as claiming the Olympic title.

Dibaba and Barbora Spotakova, of the Czech Republic, who set a new world record after claiming the Olympic javelin title, took the women's equivalent.

Pamela Jelimo, who won the 800m Olympic title at the age of 18, was given the revelation of the year award.


IAAF Award winners

Male world athlete: Usain Bolt (Jam)

Female world athlete: Yelena Isinbayeva (Rus)

Male performance: Dayron Robles (Cub)

Female performance: Tirunesh Dibaba (Eth)/ Barbora Spotakova (Cze)

Revelation of the year: Pamela Jelimo (Ken)

Distinguished Career award: Kajsa Bergqvist (Swe)/Stefan Holm (Swe)/Jefferson Perez (Ecu)

Inspirational award: Henry Rono (Ken)

80 Years of Women Athletes at the Olympic Games: Jackie Joyner-Kersee (USA)

Special Olympic award: Usain Bolt (Jam)/Tirunesh Dibaba (Eth)/Yelena Isinbayeva (Rus)/Francoise Mbango (Cmr)/Angelo Taylor (USA)/Andreas Thorkildsen (Nor)

Kiwis delighted by World Cup win

New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney said he was overwhelmed after his side defeated favourites Australia 34-20 to win the World Cup.

The Kiwis came from 10-0 down to pull off a huge upset in Brisbane and win the trophy for the first time.

Kearney said: "It was a wonderful effort. We came here with a specific plan and put the Australians in a place that they are not used to."

Skipper Nathan Cayless said: "It's going to take a long time to sink in."

The 30-year-old forward added that the victory was the biggest of his career.

"I've had a few chances in big games and this is the biggest for me," said the Parramatta Eels player.

"I just thank the boys, they've been outstanding. We had a few players that couldn't be here, but the boys that were here took their opportunities."

Kearney said that the Kiwis, who lost 58-0 to the Kangaroos in Wellington last year, must make sure that they build on their victory.

"The game was in a bad state back home this time last year," added Kearney.

"Tough decisions had to be made and I was very fortunate to be given the opportunity to coach the side. This is a real boost for our game."

New Zealand, Australia, England France will compete in a tournament in a Four Nations Series in 2009.

And the Kiwi coach said: "What I want to be able to do is make sure that we back up again next year.

"That's the important thing for me, making sure we continue to be competitive and grow as a team."

Australia defeated the Kiwis 30-6 in their group game earlier in the tournament and had only conceded three ties going into the final.

But Cayless added: "We knew we could play a lot better than we did in the first game. We really deserved this, we worked hard for it and we're really going to enjoy it.

"The boys worked so hard for this. Most of us have not had a break (since the end of the NRL and Super League seasons)."

Super League official Steve Ganson was the video referee for the final and he awarded the Kiwis a penalty try with New Zealand leading 22-20 in the second-half.

The decision came after Kangaroos winger Joel Monaghan obstructed Lance Hohaia as the full-back closed in on a grubber kick.

"Lance never had the opportunity (to score), it was a decision that had to be made," added Kearney.

The Kiwis trailed 16-12 at the break but scored first after the restart through Hohaia and extended their advantage after a poor pass from Billy Slater gifted a try for Benji Marshall.

"We didn't need to score in those first 15 minutes, but we couldn't let them score," added Kearney.

"After that we dragged them into an arm wrestle and things went our way."

Team manager Dean Bell felt that the result would benefit the international game.

"It has given a lot of nations hope," said Bell.

"We have proved that if you get in their faces and upset them you reap rewards."

Bell, who spent a large chunk of his playing career in England, praised the support that the large number of travelling supporters from Britain gave the Kiwis.

"What about the England fans - they were fantastic," added Bell. "I really appreciate it."

Danny Cipriani accepts blame for defeat

England fly-half Danny Cipriani has accepted his share of the blame after his side fell to a record 42-6 home defeat at the hands of South Africa.

The 21-year-old endured a difficult afternoon at Twickenham as his side were overrun by the world champions in demoralising fashion.

"I'm extremely disappointed on a personal and on a team level," he said.

"The team deserved a lot better. I know it wasn't my best game and I know I didn't play well."

Cipriani, regarded as one of the most talented young players in the world, dithered over a clearance kick in the first half to allow his opposite number Ruan Pienaar to charge the ball down and run in a simple try.

"It's hard to explain, but it was obviously a delayed reaction by me," said Cipriani.

It was the second time in the November internationals that a charge-down of a Cipriani kick has cost England a try, while he also suffered the same fate against Italy in last season's Six Nations.

But it was his uncharacteristic errors with ball-in-hand that will have really worried new manager Martin Johnson, with a series of passes missing their intended target, and his kicking from hand was also well short of his usual standards.

"I was trying the best I can and there were some points where we were going forward and making yards but then maybe we'd get turned over or I'd make a bad pass or something, so it wasn't flowing," said Cipriani, who was winning just his sixth cap.

"I wouldn't say I felt powerless but we were beaten by a very good South Africa team.

"When you dream about playing for England as a kid, you don't ever imagine that you'll be on the end of a big defeat."

Cipriani has quickly developed a high profile, both inside and outside the sport, with his exciting performances on the field accompanied by front-page headlines, magazine covers and a celebrity girlfriend in Kelly Brook.

But he insisted he had not become distracted by the attention lavished on him since he burst onto the scene.

"My profile's no higher than the next man," he said.

"It comes with playing fly-half; when things go well, you get praised and when they don't, you get criticised.

"There are guys here with many more caps than me, and we will be turning to those guys now."

One of those experienced England players is Cipriani's Wasps team-mate Phil Vickery, who has 67 caps and a World Cup winner's medal to his name.

"We all have a responsibility for the younger guys coming through," said Vickery, who promised to give Cipriani a cuddle to cheer him up.

"You (the media) have built them up into superstars overnight and we have to remember they are still very young guys with an awful lot to learn.

"There's no doubting Danny's quality - not just as a rugby player but as a person - and with what he wants to achieve in the game he's going to have some bumps on the way.

"The most important thing to remember is he's a very good rugby player. And he'll be around this England team for a long time to come."

Despite the comprehensive defeat, which equalled the 36-point margin by which the Springboks thrashed England in the group stages of the World Cup last year, Cipriani said the future could still be bright for the new-look side.

"I still have massive faith in this team. There are so many quality players in the backline but as a team we know it was very disappointing," he said.

"There's a lot for us to learn. A lot of great sides have had their dips and have come back from it."

England will have to recover quickly, with New Zealand arriving at Twickenham next Saturday.

"We're going to have to be very strong as a squad. There's going to be a lot of negativity outside it and we need to stay focused," said Cipriani.

"We want to represent the country and do them proud: this wasn't good enough and we're going to have to look at ourselves. By the end of the week we're going to know how strong some people are.

"There's a lot of things for me to improve on. There's no point in hiding from that, I need to get back to the drawing board and improve for next week."

Twickenham man running out of patience with shoddy England

Unlike captain Steve Borthwick, England's disenchanted rugby supporters did not need to "wait for the video" to cast the judgement on Saturday's record 42-6 mauling by South Africa, and it was a generally damning verdict.

England have been playing at Twickenham for 98 years and the tradition of the convivial pre- and post-match drinking to anticipate and analyse the game is almost as long.

But there was something in the cold air on Saturday and it was not just the wafting aromas of roast beef and port.

"Cipriani thinks he's got it all; the babe girlfriend, the magazines but his head's not right and he can't even do the basics of flyhalf play," said one fan after the 21-year-old gave away a try by having a kick charged down for the third time in his fledgling international career.

There was little sympathy either for his lively-but-erratic halfback partner Danny Care, while few believed Borthwick's uninspired brief reign as captain would carry on in to the New Year.

Interestingly, there was no clamour for the return of injured Jonny Wilkinson for the Six Nations, with more supporters interested in giving Toby Flood a run in the number 10 shirt in a desperate hope for some clean, crisp passing.

Johnson said after the game that there was "no 50-cap cavalry coming over the hill and these are the best players we have got."

Most fans accepted that, though there were widespread grumbles over the attitude and aptitude of those on duty.

Dallas captain Morrow faces long injury layoff

Dallas Stars captain Brenden Morrow is expected to be out for the rest of the season due to a torn ligament in his right knee that requires surgery, the team said on their website on Friday.

The 29-year-old left wing sustained the injury during the third period of Thursday's game against the Chicago Blackhawks.

"We are obviously disappointed," co-general manager Les Jackson told reporters.

"There is a lot of hockey left to be played and we are confident our team will rally together and keep pushing."

Morrow, who has spent his entire career with Dallas, ranks second on the team in points this season with five goals and 10 assists in the 18 games he has played.

Rugby League World Cup Final 2008 - Photos

Australia 20-34 New Zealand: The Kiwis start the final aggressively as Australia's Johnathan Thurston finds himself wrapped up in the tackle




But Billy Slater's pace proves crucial for Australia as he and captain Darren Lockyer link up for the opening try





Winger David Williams, back in the team for the injured Brent Tate, crashes over for another try as Australia race into a 10-0 lead




New Zealand force several repeat sets and Jeremy Smith rides numerous tackles to barge over the line under the sticks




The Kangaroos had been incredibly heavy favourites and appear to be visibly stunned by their defeat




But the Kiwis are ecstatic after their 34-20 victory and celebrate pulling off a famous and historic upset in Brisbane

Rugby League World Cup Final 2008 - New Zealand defeated Australia

New Zealand stunned Australia to win the Rugby League World Cup for the first time after a thrilling game rich in drama and controversy.

The Kangaroos led 16-12 at the break, thanks largely to two tries from skipper Darren Lockyer.

Lance Hohaia and Benji Marshall scores put the Kiwis 22-16 in front before Greg Inglis touched down in the corner.

The Kiwis were awarded a penalty try after Joel Monagahn impeded Hohaia before Adam Blair sealed victory.

It was the game that the tournament so badly needed - and the victory for New Zealand rubbished the notion that the World Cup was nothing more than a victory procession for the Kangaroos.

Australia had held the trophy since 1975 and were undefeated in the current tournament, including a 30-6 win over New Zealand in their opening game.

The home nation will no doubt point to crucial decisions from referee Ashley Klein and video official Steve Ganson that went against their team, but after building a 10-0 lead they only have themselves to blame after a night when they made a series of uncharacteristic errors.

But the Kiwis had steadily improved through the tournament and put together a performance of skill, determination and power - and in doing so inflicted one of the greatest upsets in modern-day sport.

New Zealand started the match with aggression and energy, dominating the collision and enjoying territorial advantage.

Stephen Kearney's team should have translated their fine start into an early lead but Marshall - under no pressure - could not touch down Nathan Fien's beautifully weighted low kick.

And the underdog's failure to score was punished in the most emphatic manner when Billy Slater's curved run took him through a gap in the New Zealand defence.

The full-back, this week named world player of the year, burst forward before slipping an inside pass for Lockyer to score on his 50th international appearance.

Johnathan Thurston missed the conversion but made no mistake shortly afterwards from straight in front after the Kangaroos scored again. Slater's pass out wide caught Kiwi winger Manu Vatuvei out of position and sent David Williams flying down the wing before cutting inside.

Australia led 10-0 and the Kiwis were reeling. Had Lockyer not lost control as he touched down a grubber kick from Cameron Smith the final would surely have been rendered meaningless as a contest.

Buoyed by the let-off, the Kiwis forced two repeat sets and Jeremy Smith got them back into the match after 24 minutes with a try of great physicality, barging through several Kangaroo tacklers before touching down under the posts.

And the partisan home crowd were stunned minutes later when video referee Ganson awarded New Zealand another try after ruling that Anthony Laffranchi had raked the ball from Marshall before it came loose and bounced forward.

Sika Manu pounced and broke forward before passing for Jerome Ropati to score. Isaac Luke again added the extras and the Kangaroos trailed for the first time in the tournament.

However, sloppy play from New Zealand invited pressure and a sensational phase of play from the Kangaroos, with the ball passing through a series of hands, culminated in Lockyer scoring his second try. Thurston converted and a scintillating half ended with Australia leading 16-12.

The Kiwis, helped by uncharacteristic handling errors from the Australians, regained the lead when Lockyer bought Lance Hohaia's dummy and the full-back barged over.

New Zealand had the bit between their teeth, an attitude perfectly illustrated when Kangaroos winger Williams was dragged several metres into touch by several Kiwis.

Their enthusiasm boiled over and Australia capitalised on a penalty to almost retake the lead. Israel Folau brilliantly collected a low pass but was held up by Hohaia - and within minutes New Zealand extended their advantage thanks to a catastrophic error from the otherwise imperious Slater.

The full-back collected a deep kick and, under pressure from Vatuvei close to the touchline, Slater threw the ball blindly towards his own try line and Marshall scopped it up to score unopposed.

Marshall missed with the conversion but nonetheless his team led 22-16.

Inglis scored in the corner after a brilliant looping pass from Lockyer before Ganson's moment of controversy. Monaghan undoubtedly took out Hohaia as he closed in on Fien's kick but Slater did appear to be in a position to challenge for the loose ball.

Marshall converted from in front of the posts while chants of 'Kiwi, Kiwi' sounded from the stands.

Everybody expected an Australian charge but another loose ball near the Kangaroo try line was touched down by Adam Blair to seal victory.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

New Zealand: Hohaia, Perrett, Mannering, Ropati, Vatuvei, Marshall, Fien, Cayless, Leuluai, Blair, Fa'alogo, Harrison, Smith.
Replacements: Luke, Eastwood, Rapira, Manu.

Australia: Slater, Monaghan, Inglis, Folau, Williams, Lockyer, Thurston, Kite, Smith, Civoniceva, Laffranchi, Stewart, Gallen.
Replacements: Hunt, Fitzgibbon, Tupou, Watmough.

Referee: A Klein (Great Britain)

England manager Martin Johnson aims to turn back the clock against South Africa

The mind of Martin Johnson is not easily yanked back into the past but on Friday lunchtime, shortly after wrapping up training at Roehampton, he allowed his thoughts to be drawn to a previous game against South Africa.

England v South Africa
Kick-off: Sat Nov 22, 14:30; Twickenham Stadium, London
TV: Sky Sports 2, Sky Sports HD2
Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live

Ten years ago Nick Mallett's Springboks came to Twickenham needing only to win to set a world record of 18 consecutive Test victories. England, led by Lawrence Dallaglio and with Martin Johnson at lock, won 13-7. It was a pivotal moment for that generation.

"That was the first win by us over the southern hemisphere with a newish team under Clive Woodward," Johnson said. "You do look back and identify those first big wins and those steps along the way. That would certainly be the case for us on Saturday. It would be fantastic."

A win would bring so much substance to the cause, so much hope for the future. It is what England need.

In their current mindset, England supporters must hope that it will only be the elements that chill them to the bone this afternoon, not the fortunes of their team. There will be more than an icy edge in the air at Twickenham, there will be a sharp twinge of apprehension as well with fans fearing that lessons may not have been truly learnt, that fledgling England are still mere boys on the international stage, and that the rerun of last year's Rugby World Cup will have the same downbeat outcome.

These are natural concerns, but not inevitabilities. England are in a state of flux, of growing, of wandering, too, alarmingly so at times. They are neither predictable nor reliable. Who might have imagined that they would turn over two scrums to the Wallabies? They are aiming to be a team for all seasons. At the moment they are no more than the team of this season: new, raw, careless but also intermittently uplifting and dangerous.

England need to be narrow-eyed against the Boks, primed to meet that ferocious physical challenge that all South African sides present. If you wilt in the mano-a-mano stakes, then you are doomed.

Johnson has also highlighted the calamitous tendency of his team to concede penalties and miss opportunities, but rather than berate and rollock, he has been measured and upbeat.

Cutting out daft penalties is one thing: throttling back quite another. "You can't stand off," said Johnson. "You've got to compete for the ball or you'll lose the game anyway."

His faith in his squad is reflected in his selection, with just one initial change to the starting line-up, James Haskell replacing Tom Croft on the blindside flank. Since then, Johnson has been obliged to draft Tim Payne in at loosehead prop for Andrew Sheridan, who has a sore neck. Payne's elevation takes the Wasps' contingent up to eight players in the run-on XV, with Simon Shaw swelling the numbers on the bench. Country may do club a favour if Wasps' faltering season is kick-started by sumptuous performances from its stars in England colours. The flip side, that they continue to strive and struggle, will be bad news for England.

If there is the merest hint of a repetition of last week's mistakes and profligacy, then England are in for a difficult afternoon. Ignore the fact that South Africa have been fitful themselves, scratchy and inconsistent against Wales and leaden, as well as lucky, against Scotland. Results, I hear you ask? Oh, they won both Tests.

South Africa will not be distracted. The next time the Boks congregate for a Test match their minds will be focused on avenging the series defeat inflicted on them 11 years ago by the British and Irish Lions.

There is also the little matter of the opposition to fire their juices. England and South Africa have had a particularly fractious history over the last decade. There have been brawls and disputes, and a keen World Cup rivalry. Many of this Springbok generation have yet to win at Twickenham even though South Africa are gunning for their sixth successive victory over England.

Johnson's England will do well to halt that momentum. Time, then, for a landmark moment.

Justin Morgan on the World Cup final

One thing you can usually rely on from an Australian team, whatever the sport, is mental strength.

Being big favourites - as the Kangaroos will be when they face New Zealand in the World Cup final on Saturday - is not an issue. There is no danger of that affecting them.

Australians tend to thrive on the pressure of being expected to win and it is one of the reasons why Ricky Stuart's team are the best in the world.

Two of their players have stood out for me at this tournament: the new kid on the block and the old stager.

The 25-year-old Billy Slater has been outstanding at full-back. His attacking prowess has been known for some time, but his defensive efforts at the World Cup and for the Melbourne Storm all season have been brilliant.

At the other end of his career, captain and stand-off Darren Lockyer has stood the test of time and is still one of the greatest players in the world at 31.

Australia have shown at this World Cup they are far superior to the rest of the world. They are just so much faster than every other team and have such a potent backline they can damage sides from anywhere on the field.

However, we are talking about the World Cup final and anything is possible.

You cannot write off the Kiwis but a lot of things are going to have to go right for them to win, including the bounce of the ball and the refereeing decisions.

Their strength is the physical way they play the game. It was evident in the first 50 minutes against England when they got lots of numbers in the tackle.

Whether they can do that for 80 minutes against Australia is another thing, but that will be the tactic they are likely to use.

The entire New Zealand team are going to have to play well if they are to win, but they particularly need the two props Adam Blair and Nathan Cayless and scrum-half Nathan Fien to shine.

Fien can kick well and direct the team, he has some good outside backs with the artillery to cause problems.

New Zealand have nothing to lose. In the first 20 minutes they need to play with passion - which they generally do - and if they can get on top that might frustrate the Australians.

The Kiwis have had two tough games and the Aussies two easy ones, so if Stephen Kearney's team can put some pressure on early then they might get on top in the last 20 minutes of the game.

Hopefully the Kiwis will put on a good show and it will be a close game. It will not be good for the competition if it is over by half-time, although as a rugby league fan I could still enjoy it if it meant seeing a faultless display by Australia.

But for people new to the game it is not necessarily what they want to see.

If you take the Aussies out of the competition it has been a close tournament for everyone and there have been some really good games. But everyone is playing catch-up to Australia.

I am a huge fan of international rugby league and we need to play more games.

Club rugby provides the money and the wages for players, but if we want rugby league to evolve we need to look at the world game.

But in the meantime I am going for a 24-12 victory to Australia on Saturday.

Australia v New Zealand (Sat)

Australia are red-hot favourites to be crowned world champions for the 10th time in Saturday's World Cup final against New Zealand.

The Kangaroos have won the last six tournaments, and bookmakers make them 10-1 on favourites to continue their dominance of the event.

Prop Steve Price has been ruled out by injury, while David Williams starts in place of Brent Tate on the wing.

New Zealand are unchanged from the side which beat England in the semi-final.

Australia - who have won their four games by huge margins, scoring 180 points and conceding just 16 - opened their campaign with a comprehensive 30-6 win over the Kiwis in the group stages.

But experienced hooker Cameron Smith said the result would have little impact on Saturday's match in the Suncorp Stadium.

"Although we've beaten them once in this tournament already, it's going to be a totally different story on Saturday," added Smith.

"As soon as we finished the game against Fiji, we spoke about putting all the past games behind us. They won't really mean much this week.

"Obviously we probably would have liked a close, tough game leading into the final but that's the way our draw happened to go.

"There's been some big scorelines but we think our preparation has been pretty good."

Brisbane has been hit by severe storms this week, the worst Queensland has seen in more than 20 years, with major damage caused by high winds and torrential rain.

"This is a major venue that is used to accommodating large crowds in all conditions - we have every confidence in their procedure," said World Cup tournament director Colin Love.

The conditions could be a major factor in the game, and Australia assistant coach John Cartwright admitted the weather could play into New Zealand's hands.

"If we get storms like we did last night, it's a big evener," he said.

"The side who handles the conditions the best generally wins the games in those situations.

"It's not necessarily the best side on paper or who prepares best, it's who handles the conditions on the night."

Australia will have to handle those conditions without Price after the veteran prop tore his left calf muscle at the team's final training session.

The Kangaroos are expected to promote Manly prop Brent Kite into the starting line-up to replace the 33-year-old, but there are question marks over whether Josh Perry will be fit enough to come in on the bench.

If Perry's shoulder injury does keep him out, Australia would have to go into the game without a specialist prop among their replacements - a dangerous situation against such an intensely physical team as New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Tate's place went to Williams, who scored a hat-trick on his Test debut against Papua New Guinea.

New Zealand captain Nathan Cayless and Sika Manu were both free cleared to play after escaping with cautions over high tackles.

Cayless said his team would have to produce the performance of their lives to secure a shock victory.

"Australia have been outstanding. Some of the football they've played has been exciting," he said.

"Their halves are playing well, Billy Slater is on fire and their forwards are going forward. There are no real areas in their game that we can identify as a weakness. A lot of players are on top of their game.

"We will need to have 17 players playing to the best of their ability. We can't afford to have two or three who are not at their best."

Kiwi coach Stephen Kearney has decided to keep Thomas Leuluai at hooker, after switching him there from scrum-half for the semi-final, with Nathan Fien continuing in the number seven jersey.

Kearney said his players would have a healthy amount of respect for Australia, but would not be overawed by the occasion.

"The Kangaroos have some wonderful players and they've played some fantastic football during the tournament so far," said Kearney.

"While we know we'll need to be a lot better against Australia, we're excited with the opportunity we have. We don't want to have any regrets on Saturday night."