All Black at the end of Ireland's tunnel

Low on confidence, out of form and struggling to put a finger on their chosen style of play. Ireland face the game's toughest possible test at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.

New Zealand, the world number one, the All Blacks, call them what you will, they are 15 of the most talented rugby footballers on the planet. Ireland, having never beaten them will have to seriously defy the odds and all recent evidence to even get within seven points come the final whistle.

Declan Kidney has retained all the players he could, from the team he put out against South Africa two weeks ago. The only change is the promotion of Ulster's Tom Court, wedging into a tight-head position in place of the injured Tony Buckley.

Margarito bravery not enough against legendary Pacquiao

Following the over-hyped phony war that was the clash of frenemies David Haye and Audley Harrison had lived down to expectations in three rounds early on Saturday night, some real boxers were plying their trade across the Atlantic.

However, Rupert Murdoch's marketing machine did not allow much attention to be thrown towards the WBC Super Welterweight Championship fight between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito.

Ireland make 10 changes for Samoa encounter

Devin Toner will win first cap against Samoa

Ireland coach Declan Kidney has made 10 changes from the side that was outfought against South Africa on Saturday.

A late Ronan O'Gara inspired rally helped Ireland to a flattering 21-23 defeat. But the hosts were thoroughly outplayed all over the field, particularly in the set-piece.

To bolster those line out options, Devin Doner will come in for his first cap in place of Mick O'Driscoll. The 6' 10" Leinster forward's performances this season had propelled him into contention, in many peoples eyes, for the opening test of the Guinness series. But he was overlooked in favour of O'Driscoll's experience. Donncha O'Callaghan will partner him as one of only five men to survive the cull.

Ahead of them, it's all change as John Hayes returns to the fold and will win his 103rd cap by replacing Tony Buckley who misses the rest of the month's fixtures with a hip injury. 

Last chance for Ireland to play ‘new’ game

Last week's meeting of Australia and New Zealand, and by extension the entire Tri-Nations, should have had red blooded Irishmen everywhere quaking in their boots.

Rugby has changed, for now there is no point worrying about why or what it will do to the game long term, we can only play the whistle. Since the rule change in this hemisphere it has meant little more than an inflated number of penalties and frustrated tacklers. But down south, aside from the world champion Springboks, it means the style has well and truly been turned on.

That silver fern might as well be a stamp of approval from the gods of running rugby. The All Blacks ran riot, winning every single Tri-nations match including a test in South Africa where Dan Carter kicked the ball only once in open play.

Springboks forced into changes

Jean DeVilliers has been named in a provisional South Africa XV ahead of this weekends first test in the Guinness series.

The former Munster centre had been expected to miss out through injury but is still a slight doubt and must undergo a fitness test on his troublesome groin before the Saturday evening kick off.

Deon Stegman will make his debut in a side which could feature up to nine changes from the team which fell to Australia in their last outing.

Stegmann, 24, comes in for Schalk Burger in the No.6 jersey. Burger suffered a broken rib in the Currie Cup Final and withdrew from the tour party.

The centre pairing has been a worry all week for head coach Peter DeVilliers and if his namesake Jean misses out, the uncapped Patrick Lambie will fill the number 12 shirt.

O'Driscoll fit to play in 'Leinster' backline against Boks.

Ospreys winger Tommy Bowe is the only non-Leinster back named in the Ireland XV to face South Africa this Saturday.

Bowe has been one of his country's star performers since his switch to the Welsh side and his try-scoring prowess makes him an immovable piece of coach Declan Kidney's plans.

His former teammate in the northern province, Paddy Wallace, was another contender to break up the blue dominance behind the scrum. But has lost out to Gordon D'Arcy who will partner Brian O'Driscoll in midfield after the skipper was ruled in to the side after suffering a hamstring injury in the win over Racing Metro.

Jet heeled Conway scares up narrow win

A Leinster side shorn of their front line internationals defied to odds to beat Edinburgh 19-18 in Saturday's Magners League encounter at the RDS.

The Scots have an atrocious record in Dublin having failed to register a win in the city for five years. But with their own internationals in tow, they looked ready to end the hurt against the provinces shadow side.

The products of academy in the backline, Fergus McFadden, Andrew Conway with halfbacks Paul O'Donoghue and Ian Madigan stepped up to fill the void. And along with Isa Nacewa's four penalties it was a try from Conway which made all the difference.

Tim Visser and Chris Paterson touched down for the visitors but  ultimately Leinster denied the territory they required to claim the win.

Neck injury forces Vickery retirement

BIg Phil waves goodbye

Former England rugby captain, Phil Vickery will today announce his retirement from the game.

The Wasps prop will formally announce his decision at a press conference later today and it is believed to be the result of a recent neck injury. Which, if exacerbated could leave him with irreparable damage.

The front row played his final game, of a 15 year career, with Wasps over a month ago. He had targeted a return to the England set up where he had been capped 73 times since his debut in 1998. 

He told the Guardian early this month: "If fit and playing well I'd love to be part of another World Cup. I didn't want lots of tributes in the (autobiographical) book because I don't consider my career to be over. I'll always want to play for England."

European Rugby preview

It's back, the shadow boxing that is the Magners League can stop. European rugby is about to bring the best out of all four Irish sides.

Ulster and Connacht each face Italian opposition, and given the Westerners are away to Cavalieri while Aironi are the visitors to Ravenhill, it is safe to assume that a four point win is the minimum requirement for the teams perceived as the island's lesser lights.

Ulster will be out to change that perception this year, with the influx of Springboks Ruan Pienaar, Johann Muller and Pedrie Wannenburg providing a mix of craft and grunt. Another factor to aid the Northern Province in outlasting Munster and Leinster is the draw for the pool.

McDowell the hero on Ryder Cup Blue Monday

Graham McDowell was the hero as Europe reclaimed the Ryder Cup, beating the USA by 14 & 1/2 points to 13 & 1/2 on a rare sunny day at Celtic Manor. Heavy rain had forced organisers to play the final round on Monday for the first time in the tournaments history and the day was turned blue by the multi national team.

After coming from behind to lead at the dawn of the final day, the pendulum began to swing away from Colin Montgomery's men. Corey Pavin's big guns were firing, Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk and Tiger Woods all romped home comfortably while their opposite numbers; Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer fell to defeat. 

The score was level at 13 & 1/2 each with McDowell versus Hunter Mahan the only match left on course. After stuttering, the Irishman hit two wonderful strokes to put him on the green at the 16th. But a viciously fast 14 footer awaited him. It swerved left, then veered right before dropping in on the side of the hole to send McDowell two clear and the watching hoards into a rapturous release of emotion with two to play.

A half in that match would have been enough for the US to retain the trophy but when G-Mac hit the fringe on 17, Mahan dropped short and failed to get on the green with his chip. 

Such was the overwhelming emotion, Montgomery was close to tears in the aftermath saying:

"Very proud moment for us all here in Europe, they (the players) all played magnificently, they all gave 110% and that's all I could ask. 

"Obviously there is one game that comes down to the last but I just want to talk about every player, playing the way they did and how well they did. They did magnificently, all 12."

Monty looked back on the topsy-turvy scoring through the day and paid credit to the defeated but feisty Americans:

"At one stage there was eight blue names on the board and it was over. But we weren't two or three up, they were one up and that was a dangerous position to be in. They came back extremely well and all credit to them."

The whole experience looked like being a washout for Pavin's team: By the time they discovered on Friday that their 'waterproofs' were in fact leaking, they did well to resist cutting their losses by sneaking off during the eight hour rain delay. They stayed to fight and got themselves in front when the first scores rolled in on Saturday morning. However, the wet Welsh weather was again the only dominant force, as play was suspended for a second time with rivers flowing on fairways and puddles forming fast on the greens.

When the torrents eased to a drizzle, allowing a lunchtime start on Sunday, Europe trailed by six points to four. From six available points, the US were blitzed as Europe high-fived their way to a score of 9 & 1/2 to 6 & 1/2. Five and a half from a possible six, it was the most prolific day for the blue's in Ryder Cup history. As Sky's on course commentator, Richard Boxall put it: "Making hay while the rain fell."

So leading by three full points, the hosts swaggered into the first ever Monday finish and were putting scores together throughout the field: Jimenez, Fisher and Donald were all up early. But first man out Lee Westwood missed a four footer on the sixth to put him two ahead of Steve Stricker. He went on to lose the match by the same margin and his pattern of starting strong before fading on a tournament's final day is startling by it's growing frequency.

Although the Englishman was selected to lead out the troops it was telling that Montgomery chose Padraig Harrington and Graham McDowell to bring them home.

It was hoped they would not be needed, but Monty clearly felt if the tough got going, he wanted proven major champions at the controls:

"Graham McDowell was put there for a very good reason" proclaimed the captain, "he's the US Open champion, he's full of confidence and that showed. That birdie on 16 was, well quite unbelievable."

After all 12 pairings had teed off, Europe were up in seven matches, one was all square and the other four were being led by the US. The fight looked like it could soon be stopped.

Rory McIlroy was entrusted in the second pairing and opened with a superb birdie. In the match of the day; Stewart Cink missed a five foot putt for a half and the young tyro was soon two ahead with two played. But Cink fought back to reclaim the lead by the fifth. 

The two would go blow for blow right to the end, it was all square when McIlroy threw caution to the wind on the 18th tee-box, a massive drive dropped into the bunker right of the green. 

From there he chpped over the putting surface and into another sand-trap. But the drama still had not ceased, Cink missed a six foot putt for the match and the Hollywood boy needed all his nerve to roll in and claim a half.

Previously the bushy haired youngster described the Tournament as an 'exhibition' but with aggressive determination carved into his face all week, McIlory had clearly changed his mind: 

"I wouldn't have said this a year ago, but this is the best event in golf."

Ian Poulter's second at the seventh hole was shot of the day. Chipping in with plenty of pace, had the hole not gotten in the way he could have been in trouble, instead the flamboyant Englishman went four up and won his bout with Matt Kuchar by five.

The Americans had began battling back, taking scalps all over Celtic Manor. Woods turned his deficit against Francesco Molinari into a four point win. The worm had turned. 

The score was 13-11 with four games left to come in. Eduardo Molinari led Ricky Fowler by three, then two, then one. Phil Mickelson was four up and Zach Johnson five points better than Harrington. But the knight in shining armour was McDowell, leading Hunter Mahan by two with five to play, it all rested on him.

Hearts were in mouths; Fowler sunk a long putt on the 18th to halve the match.Eduardo had disintegrated.G-Mac hit two wayward shots on the 15th to allow Mahan narrow the gap. The boisterous crowd, seemingly borrowed from football, were more subdued and pensive than at any time since Thursday night. 

At 13 and 1/2 points apiece; even Montgomery and his vice captains were resigned to the fact there was little more they could do. McIlroy embraced his countryman as he headed for the 16th, Jimenez dragged on his cigars at an alarming rate. But they needn't have worried, McDowell had the last word.

"I just can't describe the feeling in this golf tournament. Trying to win it for your 11 teammates, the caddies, the fans have been unbelievable, Monty, Europe, there's nothing quite like it.

"The US Open felt like a back nine with my dad back in Portrush compared to that. I was really nervous. Wow! It's a different feeling, just so much pressure

"16 was massive" added McDowell as the crowd interrupted him with cheers of congratulations and a rendition of 'Ole Ole ole'. "It was a fast putt I just had to get it going thankfully it caught an edge, what and edge! It was the best putt of my life."

Leinster win 'arm wrestle' to complete drive for five

Leinster march through the smoke of pre-match fireworks

 Leinster succeeded where Kilkenny failed last month, by completing a 'drive for five' of consecutive victory over Munster. This one was a hard fought, 13-9 triumph in front of a record breaking crowd in Lansdowne Road's Aviva stadium.

Magners league Preview

The Magners League is a curious beast, it can start with a whimper, barely announced to 50% of the population who count themselves as rugby fans when the six nations and latter stages of the Heineken Cup come calling.

This week the Rugby season moves into top gear, and it is thanks (in part) the the cider sponsored multi-nation tournament as two of the leagues three previous European Champions come head to head in the shiny new Aviva stadium.

Of course, Munster and Leinster have more than just history, they are hated rivals and the best of friends. Like a set of brothers who bruise and batter eachother daily in an effort to claim the mantle of top dog.

The eastern province, having toughened up a front eight, have been the dominant force in recent seasons but in this campaign, all the unwanted attention is on new coach Joe Schmidt after his troops have managed only one win in his six game tenure.

However, Brian O'Driscoll. Yesterday took the onus off his coach and placed it firmly on the shoulders of his teammates:

"We feel we have left a lot of our best rugby behind us in the last few weeks and we have a point, as players, to prove, in that we haven't become a bad team overnight. There is a huge onus on player responsibility this weekend to front up individually and then as a team, collectively.

"We haven't changed dramatically our coaching methods or tried to adopt a new philosophy in the game. It is just a case of individual players having a responsibility to perform and I don't think that has been the case so far."

Those individual players will not include (from the start) Eoin Reddan, who is omitted to allow Isaac Boss operate with the quicker ruck ball the modern game offers. A half back partner for Boss will be a last minute call as Schmidt is waiting to hear more on the fitness of Jonny Sexton. The out half has been named in starting Xv's twice this season only to be withdrawn shortly before kick off so do not be surprised if Isa Nacewa again wears the number 10 jersey.

Munster are expected to omit some of their talismanic figures in favour of new blood, who will have form and match fitness as their advantage. Marcus Horan, John Hayes, Mick O'Driscoll and David Wallace are all expected to start from the bench when Tony McGahan names his side later this afternoon.

You'd be forgiven for thinking this was the only game this weekend, but due to the Ryder Cup Connacht have already played the weekends first match. An 80 minutes best forgotten; the men from the west fell to a 22-6 defeat in Cardiff. A penalty in each half from Ian Keatley was Connacht's only response to the Blues who registered a try through Casey Laulala's and 14 points from Dan Parks. 

Ulster will be led out by Rory Best tonight in Ravenhill as they face Glasgow. But the much anticipated debut of Ruan Pienaar will grab the limelight. He is joined in the starting lineup by his countrymen Joann Muller and Pedrie Wannenburg.

Niall O'Conner comes in at fly half allowing Paddy Wallace to revert to inside centre as Simon Danielli returns from injury to take his place on the wing.

Ulster (v Glasgow): J Smith; A Trimble, D Cave, P Wallace, S Danielli; N O'Connor, R Pienaar B Young, R Best (Capt), T Court, J Muller, D Tuohy, P Wannenburg, C Henry, R Diack 

Replacements N Brady, P McAllister, A Whitten, T Barker, W Faloon, P Marshall, I Whitten

Leinster (v Munster): R Kearney; S Horgan, B O'Driscoll, G D'Arcy, L Fitzgerald; J Sexton/I Nacewa, I Boss; C Healy, R Strauss, M Ross, N Hines, D Toner, D Ryan, S O'Brien, J Heaslip (capt). 

Replacements: J Harris-Wright, H van der Merwe, S Shawe, M Galarza, R Ruddock, E Reddan, I Nacewa/I Madigan, F McFadden.

Munster (probable v Leinster): P Warwick; D Howlett, L Mafi, S Tuitoupou, J Murphy; R O'Gara, T O'Leary; W du Preez, D Varley, T Buckley, D O'Callaghan, D Ryan, A Quinlan, N Ronan, D Leamy. 

Replacements: S Henry, M Horan, J Hayes, M O'Driscoll, D Wallace, P Stringer and two from D Hurley/S Deasy/D Barnes.

Leinster fall again as Munster march on

Connacht and Ulster will meet in Galway tomorrow both bidding to challenge the normal order. If one of the leading pack is going to be knocked off their perch, it is becoming increasingly likely tol be Leinster. They fell to their third defeat of the season, losing 32-24 to an Edinburgh side claiming their first win in seven matches.

Another defeat in Scotland, but its the same story from Joe Schmidt, after losing to Glasgow in week one he cited a lack of hunger in his team. And on Friday night he again seen more desire in the opposition:

"I take my hat off, Edinburgh were a bit more desperate. They had three defeats in a row and I thought they got on top and bullied us a little bit. It's something we're going to have to rebound quickly from with Munster next weekend"

Leinster had again taken a lead into half time. Isa Nacewa was proving unerringly accurate, slotting three penalties in addition to Rob Kearney's monster effort from 55 metres. But that was largely the range Schmidt's side was working from.

"We didn't really get a platform in their half." Said the Kiwi, "It was very very hard to maintain the ball from a few set-pieces we let slip, then we couldn't really get momentum in the game. Then it felt like we were back peddling for a heck of a lot."

They were on the back foot from half time until the Scots were out of sight. The bonus point came through tries from Tim Visser, Mark Robertson and David Blair, added to Geoff Cross' first half touch down, put them 29-12 ahead with 15 minutes to play. 

A telling moment was when, the 32-year-old, Chris Paterson broke through a crowded midfield and was able to sprint all of 60 metres before eventually being caught by Rob Kearney. That was not the only time the defence was shred apart, a fact which made the former Clermont coach visibly uncomfortable

"It's disconcerting, I think they just got forward momentum and we couldn't get round the corner very quickly. They looked after the ball pretty well."

"Probably then, we gave them too much space to play the way they like to play and if you do that I think they're dangerous."

Indeed, any team given that space would be dangerous. But to Leinster's credit they battled back, replacement Jamie Heaslip and then Kearney touched down to put them within a kick of a losing bonus point. The angle, however, proved too tough for Ian Madigan, even if he had struck it well.

Meanwhile across in Glasgow, Munster romped to a 43-29 win over the Warriors. And there will be plenty of worried faces around South Dublin at the prospect of Munster arriving at the Aviva Stadium next weekend.  

The southern province claimed a bonus point win thanks to tries from Niall Ronan, Denis Leamy and two from new signing, Johne Murphy. Ronan O'Gara put to bed some criticism of his early season kicking, registering 20 points from nine successful efforts off the tee.

With 18 points Munster could arrive in Lansdowne road as league leaders, while their hosts languish in the bottom four. That gap Schmidt says, must be reduced by a much greater effort from whatever 15 he puts in the firing line:

"We've really got to roll our sleeves up and give an account of ourselves that we can be a little more proud of."

The first serious game of rugby at the new ground, the embattled coach will know that the result, will have a serious bearing on his tenure.

Lose: The pendulum will have swung back to Munster and provinces north and west will be snapping at their heels.

Win, and five defeats from six is suddenly forgotten, dissipated like cigar smoke outside Kiely's front door.

Magners League Preview: Gameweek 4

Edinburgh v  Leinster

Last season's runner-up will want to bounce back after being comprehensively beaten in by Treviso last week. Murrayfield would not have been Joe Schmidt's chosen venue for redemption but they face an Edinburgh side who have lost their last seven matches.

Jonathan Sexton will finally make his first appearance of the season at the helm of a back-line which is made up entirely of Irish internationals. However, they will need that firepower as the pack is still not as strong as it could be. Leo Cullen is still one week away from a return, while Cian Healy and Jamie Heaslip take up a seat on the bench.

Warriors  v  Munster

Munster are also Scotland bound this weekend, and they will welcome back stalwarts David Wallace and Denis Leamy into the back row. Lifemi Mafi also makes his return, from a shoulder injury, to line out at centre. That move allow's Johne Murphy to take up one of the vacant wing slots after the names Ian Dowling and Felix Jones were added to the injury list. 

If the Magners league is low in the list of Priorities for Ireland's top sides, then this week constitutes the last warm up game. Next week Munster will meet Leinster at the Aviva before the Heineken Cup begins with a double header. A trip to London Irish is first up for Munster before returning home a week later to face Toulon.

Connacht  v  Ulster

The clash of the weekend, and not just from an Irish standpoint. The provinces, west and North, both occupy a position in the top four after some terrific early season performances. Eric Elwood's side have surprised and impressed everybody this season, only falling to defeat to an 86th minute try in Llanelli.

Ulster meanwhile have been equally impressive, felling the Ospreys, and Edinburgh at home whilst beating Aironi on their home league debut.

Paul Marshall is able to continue at scrum-half as new signing Ruan Pienaar is injured. Niall O'Conner, who has been near flawless in piloting the red hand province has been replaced by the experienced Paddy Wallace. He will pit his wits against Ian Keatley, who is fast becoming the most exciting prospect on the island after scoring 57 points in his three games so far.

Leinster (v Edinburgh): R Kearney, S Horgan, B O'Driscoll, G D'Arcy, L Fitzgerald, J Sexton, E Reddan, H van der Merwe, R Strauss, M Ross, E O'Donoghue, D Toner, D Ryan, S Jennings (capt), S Keogh . Replacements: J Harris-Wright, C Healy, S Shawe, M Galarza, J Heaslip, I Boss, I Nacewa, E O'Malley

Munster (v Glasgow): P Warwick; D Howlett, L Mafi, S Tuitupou, J Murphy; R O'Gara, T O'Leary; M Horan, D Varley, T Buckley; D O'Callaghan, D Ryan; D Wallace, N Ronan, D Leamy (capt). Replacements: S Henry, W du Preez, Darragh Hurley, M O'Driscoll, J Coughlan, P Stringer, S Deasy, D Hurley

Connacht (v Ulster): Gavin Duffy; Troy Nathan, Niva Ta'auso, Keith Matthews, Fionn Carr; Ian Keatley, Frank Murphy (capt); Brett Wilkinson, Sean Cronin, Jamie Hagan, Michael Swift, Bernie Upton, Michael McCarthy, Ray Ofisa, Mike McComish.

Replacements: Adrian Flavin, Ronan Loughney, Rob Sweeney, Andrew Browne, Shane Conneely, Cillian Willis, Miah Nikora, Darragh Fanning.

Ulster (v Connacht): Jamie Smith; Paul Emerick, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Andrew Trimble; Paddy Wallace, Paul Marshall; Bryan Young, Rory Best (capt), Tom Court, Tim Barker, Ryan Caldwell, Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry, Pedrie Wannenburg.

Replacements: Andi Kyriacou, BJ Botha, Paddy McAllister, Dan Tuohy, Willie Faloon, Ian Porter, Niall O'Connor, David McIlwaine.

Leinster eventually claim the spoils

Jennings opens the scoring

Leinster coughed up another healthy half time lead, but this week it did not cost them as they battled on for a 34-23 bonus point win over the Cardiff Blues at the RDS.

Jonathon Sexton  was a late absentee due to injury and Ian Madigan was drafted in to operate at fly-half. It looked as if Sexton would not be missed as the hosts took a lead of 14 points inside 10 minutes, thanks to tries from Captain, Shane Jennings and the Virtuoso man of the match Isa Nacewa.

After taking some stern criticism from his coach midweek the kiwi winger was evidently out to impress. And he did that in spades, demonstrating brilliant athleticism to chase, catch, tackle and score expertly.

Despite trailing 20-6 at the break, the Blues could have snatched victory, with a solidified scrum they battled back to lead the game 20-23 with less than 20 minutes to run. But scores from Fergus McFadden and Madigan ensured the hosts earned maximum points.

Improvisation from |saac Boss carved open the defence inside just three minutes, he released his captain to race to the line before Chris Czekaj could smother him.

The fullback was left frustrated again minutes later when Nacewa lined him up and hit him with a powerful square tackle to drive him backwards.

It was thanks to the former Auckland Blue that Leinster were under the posts again minutes later. Bustling play on the left from Richardt Strauss, whose perfect, back handed, offload unleashed Luke Fitzgerald. And the fullback made no mistake in allowing Nacewa finish.

As the first half wore on, Dan Parks had clawed the visitors back into contention with a pair of penalties. Casey Laulala was sniffing out chances to test Brian O'Driscolls fitness. He proved that fitness on 30 minutes, flying through the air performing an awe inspiring tackle, forcing Sam Warburton to hold on for a penalty. 40 metres out and that man again, Nacewa, dispatched it perfectly.

Tom Davies was coming under serious pressure in the scrum from Mike Ross and Leinster's wing was able to add another three before the break. Davies, meanwhile was substituted minutes before halftime. Fearing, after a warning from Andy McPherson, that he would be sin binned on the impending scrummage.

Nacewa was at it again after the break, sliding to mark Tom James' chipped kick, he did however slice his clearance, the only blot on his copybook for the night.

The welsh scrum , which threatened to derail them in the opening period was a much firmer base thanks to Tau Filise's introduction. The hosts battered at the door in the third quarter but just could not increase the lead.Instead they gave it up.

First, Bradley Davies bundled over the line and before the hour, the Blues were level. Thanks to a scintillating burst from Richard Mustoe, who then fed Richie Rees to touch down under the posts.

With Brian O'Driscoll substituted and the visitors resolve growing, it was difficult to see where winning scores would come from. But driven on by a raucous crowd of 15,890, concerted pressure paid, and Fergus McFadden broke the resistance to spark jubilant scenes in the South stand.

Then as 80 minutes approached, the celebrations were repeated when Madigan raced clear to seal the bonus point

LEINSTER: L Fitzgerald; S Horgan, B O'Driscoll, F McFadden, I Nacewa; I Madigan, I Boss; H van der Merwe, R Strauss, M Ross, N Hines, E O'Donoghue, S O'Brien, S Jennings (capt), J Heaslip. 

Replacements: J Fogarty (R Strauss '55), C Healy (H Van Der Merwe '60), S Shawe (M Ross '66), M Galarza (E O'Donoghue '78), D Ryan (S Jennings '60), E Reddan (I Boss '53), D Kearney (S Horgan '49), E O'Malley. (B O'Driscoll '60)

CARDIFF BLUES: C Czekaj; R Mustoe, C Laulala, D Hewitt, T James; D Parks, R Rees; T Davies, T Rhys Thomas, S Andrews, B Davies, D Jones, M Paterson, S Warburton, X Rush (capt). 

Replacements: R Williams, J Yapp (S Andrews '49), F Filise (T Davies '39), J Down, B White (S Warburton '72)), L Williams, C Sweeney, G Evans (C Laulala '72.) 

Referee: Andy Macpherson (SRU)

Magners League Preview: Gameweek 2

He's back!

Three out of four wasn't bad, except that the missing piece was well within grasp. As the provinces marched to victory, Leinster collapsed in the second half against Glasgow, conceding up a huge number penalties in the process, this week however, the big boys are back.

The same cannot be said for Munster, who retain much the same line-up that handed Aironi Rugby their first defeat. The only change is the omission of second row Billy Holland. Donncha Ryan will take his position and allow Alan Quinlan to take his place in the back row.

Paul Warwick and Peter Stringer continue at half back but lying in wait are international pair Ronan O'Gara and Tomas O'Leary. Marcus Horan, John Hayes and Donncha O'Callaghan are the other big names being eased back into the action from the bench.

A win in Edinburgh would be hard fought, the southern province lost the corresponding fixture 12-7 last season, not one for the purists, with the home side winning thanks to four Chris Paterson penalties.

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt has now lost four out of four games this season, and he has named a strong team to change that. Brian O'Driscoll, Jonathan Sexton and captain Shane Jennings all come into the starting XV to give it a much more threatening look.

The elite internationals may not have been rushed back for this game had the team not coughed up a 10 point half time lead last week.

The Blues will arrive in D4 in bullish mood. Coach Dai Young had said that Welsh sides no longer fear travelling to Ireland, but as the prospect draws nearer he has taken back that statement somewhat now saying: "Anyone who starts to write the likes of Leinster and Munster off are foolish."

Ulster have the dubious honour of being the first visitors to Stadio Zaffanella. Aironi are unchanged from defeat against Munster. But at time of writing Ulster have not named their starting XV. Niall O'Conner should start in Viadana after his supreme accuracy in the 27-26 win over the Ospreys last week.

If we have learnt anything about Italian Rugby since they entered the Six Nations, it's that they start extremely strong. With that in mind, Ulster are unlucky to be the first visitors to what is sure to be a fired up Italian outfit, desperate to prove that they belonged in this league all along.

Connacht will travel to Parc y Scarlets in confidence this weekend after their 40-17 win against the Dragons last week. The only change from that side is down to the injury of Ezra Taylor, who is having surgery on his injured knee. 

Ian Keatley will add to last weeks performance which saw him overtake the record points tally for a Magners League game. The 23 year old notched  25 points, overtaking Paul Warwick's 21 point haul.

MUNSTER XV (v Edinburgh): F Jones; D Howlett, J Murphy, S Tuitupou, I Dowling; P Warwick, P Stringer; W du Preez, D Varley, T Buckley; D Ryan, M O'Driscoll; A Quinlan, N Ronan, D Leamy (capt). 

Reps: D Fogarty, M Horan, J Hayes, D O'Callaghan, P O'Mahony, T O'Leary, R O'Gara, D Barnes.

LEINSTER (v Cardiff): L Fitzgerald; S Horgan, B O'Driascoll, F McFadden, I Nacewa; J Sexton, I Boss; H van der Merwe, R Strauss, M Ross, N Hines, E O'Donoghue, S O'Brien, S Jennings (capt), J Heaslip. Reps: J Fogarty, C Healy, S Shawe, M Galarza, D Ryan, E Reddan, I Madigan, E O'Malley

Ulster squad (v Aironi)Tom Court, Paddy McAllister, Bryan Young, Declan Fitzpatrick, Adam Macklin, Neil McComb, Nigel Brady, Andi Kyriacou, Johann Muller, Tim Barker, Chris Henry, Ryan Caldwell, Willie Faloon, TJ Anderson, Robbie Diack, Pedrie Wannenburg,

Adam D'Arcy, David McIlwaine, Nevin Spence, Tommy Seymour, Jonny Shiels, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Paddy Wallace, Ian Humphreys, Niall O'Connor, Ian Porter, Paul Marshall, Jamie Smith

Connacht XV (v Scarlets) G Duffy, T Nathan, N Ta'auso, K Matthews, F Carr, I Keatley, F Murphy (capt.) B Wilkinson, S Cronin, J Hagan, M Swift, B Upton, M McCarthy, R Ofisa, M McComish.

Reps: A Flavin, R Loughney, R Sweeney, D Nolan, S Coneely, C Willis, M Nikora, T O'Halloran

White ready to take old job back "next week"

I htink thats Jake White on the right

Former South Africa coach Jake White is keen to retake the reigns as he "can't bear" to watch his team continue down the path which Peter DeVilliers is leading them.

DeVilliers has overseen a horrendous Tri-Nations campaign, encompassing five defeats, including Saturday's 41-39 home loss to Australia. And his confrontational persona has done little to reassure the watching public that he knows how to remedy the situation.

White claims he has already spoke with the the South African Rugby Union (SARU) about the possibility of taking back the blazer on a short term basis, until the end of next years World Cup.

"I'm ready to do a hospital job and coach the Springboks to the World Cup in 2011 if the SARU wants me.

"I'm saying I'm available because what we've seen with the Springboks in the past 10 months is worrying.

"I've already made contact with SARU president Oregan Hoskins but he keeps telling me he has to run the idea past the executive council."

White led the Springboks to their 2007 World Cup win in France and he is a man lamenting, what he sees as, the dismantling of his hard work:

"We were the strongest defensive team in world rugby a short while ago, now suddenly we are conceding 22 tries in a Tri-Nations season," he said. "That is unacceptable, and there are such elementary mistakes that are being made. It's extremely frustrating to watch it happen and it saddens me to see it."

Even as the Boks disastrous season was in its embryonic stage DeVillier was courting controversy, accusing SANZAR of conspiring with match referees to favour New Zealand to boost interest in the 2011 showpiece. 

Even less tact was shown at the end of last month when he staunchly defended Blue Bulls prop Bees Roux after he was accused of murdering a Police Sergeant.

It is White, who speaks for the Bokke nation, saying: "I can't bear to watch the Springboks playing like this any more."

He has given his backing to Western Province coach Allister Coetzee to take the job on a long term basis. But feels it would be unfair for any new coach to take over in such circumstances. Instead, he has volunteered himself and Eddie Jones, who was also part of the '07 coaching team:

"Neither myself or Eddie are in contract with anyone at the moment, we can start next week if SARU want us to. The players we have in this country are good enough to win a World Cup, they just need guidance."

Schmidt: New prop "doing a bloody good job"

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt, cited a 'lack of hunger' and naivety as the reason for his sides second half collapse in Glasgow last Friday. But the Kiwi had nothing but praise for his new recruit from amateur rugby, prop Simon Shawe.

The eastern province led the Warriors 16-6 at the break but conceded a host of penalties in the third quarter, eventually leading to a 3 point defeat and Schmidt was clearly unhappy with the manner of the turnaround:

"I thought we were naive, in that we probably didn't look after the ball as much as we needed to. We were not well enough disciplined, we gave away penalties that were a bit naive, I think we gave it up to easily.

The former Clermont Auvergne coach, standing next to a soaked training surface in UCD added:

"Glasgow really out-hungered us in the end, they chased harder, they were more proactive on the ball. And I think that's a disappointing thing when we led by 10 points at half time.

One man who is not about to go hungry is Shawe. After moving from the amateur game he is trying to bulk up, in order to cope with the demands of the continental competition. Schmidt was visibly enthused by what he has seen so far of the prop:

"Simon Shaw is just still eating a lot, staying big ,and holding the scrum up and he's doing a bloody good job of it." 

"We're really delighted that Simon came down from Ballymena. There's a big difference between playing AIL (division) two, to suddenly going out in the Magners League and having to front up against guys who've played international footie." Adding: "We're really happy with where he's started and we hope we can push him on a bit together.

The crowd gathered close under sodden umbrellas, desperate for more information on Shawe. Had the man been close by, his face may have turned bright red with embarrassment: "what's he like? Where does he live? What's his phone number?" Schmidt laughed off the inquisition:

"Top man, he's a dead solid fella, I could tell you literally (he is) still an amateur, he's come along and joined us just because he wants to play footie."

And his whereabouts?: "I don't know if I can give you a specific address... he's commuting, staying either with other players or in a hotel during the week.

How much tactical advice could be given to an amateur new to the team? A simple answer from the coach:  "Push harder."

When the Cardiff Blues visit the RDS on Saturday the eastern province are likely to be able to introduce some more Irish internationals to the fray. And the Kiwi's criticism of stand in fly-half Isa Nacewa's kicking from hand, could signal a call for one of Leinster's up and coming 10's. Provided Jonathan Sexton is still held back.

"Isa (Nacewa) kicked one into touch on the full, missed a penalty, when he was going for touch and I think Lukey (Fitzgerald) kicked one out on the full aswell." Said Schmidt, before admitting:

"We toyed with the idea of going with Ian Madigan or Ian McKinley, one of the younger guys. But we just thought, mostly for organisation, Isa's been around for a number of years some of the other guys are young. 

"We sort of lost shape in the second half against Leicester and Wasps so we thought that might give us more organisation - and less kicking."

Leinster fall to defeat in Magners opener

Difficult return for Fitzgerald

Leinster got their Magners league season off to a disappointing start, falling to a 22-19 defeat to the Glasgow Warriors at Firhill on Friday night.

Duncan Weir proved the hero for the hosts, he replaced the misfiring Ruaridh Jackson after an hour and managed to kick 8 points, consisting of a penalty a conversion and a drop goal in that time.

Leinster will be most disappointed by the fact that they were in so much control in the first half. Asserting authority at every set piece. Dominic Ryan and Isaac Boss scored tries which had the visitors leading 16-6 at half time.

But the hosts got their act together after the break, and would have won by more had Jackson taken more than one penalty opportunity in the third quarter, but Weir arrived in the frame with his side trailing by seven and constructed the try for DTH Van Der Merwe before adding his own points.

The visitors got the scoreboard rolling thanks to the boot of Fergus McFadden. But Luke Fitzgerald failed his first real test as a fullback, dropping Jackson's high ball, and conceding a penalty which the fly-half converted to level the game.

Dominant at the set piece, it was only a matter of time before the visitors crossed the try line. It was Jamie Heaslip, peeling off the back of a lineout, who fed his back row partner, Ryan. The flanker showed tremendous pace to finish the score from 30 yards. 

 A comedy of errors stretched Leinster's lead further. After another scrum overwhelmed the Warriors, Isaac Boss caused havoc down the right wing before chipping a kick, which after landing on the foot of Max Evans, went sideways in the dead ball zone where Federico Aramburu's attempted clearance hit the prostrate Jackson and allowed Boss to get a vital fingertip to score a try on his debut.

McFadden missed both of his conversion attempts so the dominant side led by just 10 points at half time. It should have been enough, but the hosts provided more resistance in the second half.

The gap was erased on 68 minutes when the Warriors finally turned dominance into a Van Der Merwe try. Evans making up for his first half errors by manufacturing good go forward ball before Weir invited his winger to touch down in the corner.  then Weir really put the game into gear when he took over kicking duties,dissecting the posts from a difficult touchline conversion.

With the home side in the ascendancy and Jamie Heaslip substituted, last years runners up were hanging on. And when Weir hit what Paul O'Connel may have called a' manky drop goal' the writing was on the wall.

The extent of the Warriors dominance was such that, even when Isa Nacewa leveled the score with three minutes to go, the result was not in doubt and the hosts trundled right up the other end and won an unmissable penalty 25 metres out.

A late drop goal attempt from Nacewa would have leveled the game but it went right and wide of the posts, to give victory to the better side.

Leinster: L Fitzgerald; S Horgan, E O'Malley, F McFadden, N Morris; I Nacewa, I Boss; H van der Merwe, R Strauss, S Shawe; N Hines, E O'Donoghue; D Ryan, S O'Brien, J Heaslip.

 Replacements: J Fogarty, J McGrath, B Prescott, M Galarza, S Keogh, P O'Donohoe, I Madigan, E Sheridan. 

Glasgow Warriors: B Stortoni, DTH van der Merwe, M Evans, G Morrison, F Aramburu, R Jackson, H Pyrgos, J Welsh, F Thomson, M Low, T Ryder, R Gray, R Wilson, C Forrester, R Vernon

Substitutes: 16 Pat MacArthur, 17 Ed Kalman, 18 Ryan Grant, 19 Aly Muldowney, 20 Rob Harley, 21 Duncan Weir, 22 Hefin O'Hare, 23 Peter Murchie

Fahey gets Ireland's Euro 2012 hopes off the ground

Goal hero Keith Fahey

On a sticky night in Yerevan, Ireland did the job they arrived to do. A 1-0 win courtesy of substitute Keith Fahey's well taken, 76th minute goal. It was just reward for a performance which, on another night, could have yielded a larger winning margin.

The signs looked ominous for the visitors before Fahey struck. Dominating possession, territory and doing everything but score. But with the game level, Armenia's counter attacks carried an increasingly worrying threat. The heat clearly hampering the Boys In Green the longer they were subjected to it.

Robbie Keane created the most danger, a dis-allowed goal and a strike against the woodwork sandwiched a stonewall claim for a penalty. It was Keane who created the pivotal chance for Fahey, cutting inside Robert Arzumanyan, who did enough to muddle the situation. However, the ever superb, Kevin Doyle was on hand to toe the ball back to Fahey who, with the composure of a man with 50 international goals, coolly side footed his first into the corner.

The only down side on the night, was a poor showing from Paul Green. Dropped into the side to sink or swim, he unfortunately did the former. Criminally gifting possession to the opponents, mistakes which against slightly better players will cost his team dearly.

Ireland began brightly and had a great chance to take the lead via route one in the eighth minute. Doyle flicked on Shay Given's goal kick, but Keane could not find the angle to beat Roman Berezovsky.Shortly after, Keane was the centre of attention again, going down a little easily under pressure from Arzumanyan, whom he tormented all night. Not least when he hung out a leg to trip the Spurs striker shortly before half time, somehow, no penalty was given. 

On the counter attack, Armenia were threatening, never more so than when Green gifted them possession when he was one of just three green shirts on the halfway line. The host's two serious attack's in the first half came directly from Green's mistakes, and perhaps the step up in standard is too drastic for a man midway through his career.

As the first half had worn on, Armenia, were slowly gaining a foothold in the game thanks to the searing heat. There were worrying signs five minutes into the second half as the Boys In green desperately sought water during an injury stoppage.

As the hour mark approached, Irish hearts were in mouths again: Artur Edigaryan sneaked into the right side of the six yard box. A first time shot was called for but he rolled back to Henrik Mkhitaryan, who pulled all the stings for his side, then picked out Yura Movsisyan to crash a right foot shot against Kevin Kilbane.

Mkhitaryan was finding increasing amounts of space, and in another flowing attack tested Given with a low shot to the bottom left corner. But the most worried Ireland's back four looked was when Richard Dunne powered a kamikaze header towards Given's top right hand corner. 

Luckily the ball cleared the bar, and after Fahey calmly took his opportunity, Ireland, in true Trapattoni style, held on for the win.

Next up, Andorra at the Aviva.

ARMENIA: Berezovski; Hovsepyan, Arzumanyan, Mkoyan, Arthur Yedigaryan ( Manoyan 68); Artak Yedigaryan ( Manucharyan '70) ), Mkrtchyan; Mkhitaryan; Pachajyan, Movsisyan, Manucharyan.

IRELAND Given, O'Shea, Dunne, St Ledger, Kilbane, Lawrence, Whelan, Green, McGeady (Fahey '68), Doyle, Keane (Keogh '85)

Rugby Returns

Heaslip brings out 'the good china'

A Fresh start, Irish Rugby has exactly 13 months to erase the disappointments of their post Grand Slam glow. From now, the start of the Magners League season, until the end of the 2011 World Cup.

Leinster, the most successful of the provinces last season will turn over the new leaf in Glasgow on Friday night. 

Coach Joe Schmidt is still without a win after heavy pre-season defeats to English opposition. But if you have to travel to face the Warriors, a warm September evening is preferable. 

The Eastern province have managed to name five Irish internationals in the starting line up, chief among them being Jamie Heaslip, who had the shortest summer tour due to an early red card against the All Blacks.

Luke Fitzgerald and Shane Horgan will bring some real try-scoring know-how to the table. When combined with the half pack pairing of Isa Nacewa and new recruit, Isaac Boss, the visitors are sure to run the ball if they can get on the front foot.

Despite the presence of these core elements, the Leinster XV has inexperienced look to it. Sean O'Brien will captain the side while debutantes, Ed O'Donoghue and Heinke Van Der Merwe (along with Boss) could need some time to bed in. 20 year old prop, Jack McGrath is amongst a youthful look bench.

Defending Champions, the Ospreys will travel to Ravenhill. Ulster may expect a much improved season this time around but the Welsh side will still be feeling the confidence of lifting the trophy last May.

The hosts have named Stephen Ferris in the pack, and by that virtue have a real chance of winning  Rory best is available to captain the side from hooker but Tom Court and Paddy Wallace will start from the bench.

Australian trialist Adam D'Arcy continues at full back, after the league convert impressed in pre-season run outs. But the summers big signings; Springbok's BJ Botha and Ruan Pienaar remain with their country. Niall O'Connor faces a rough ride in the cockpit as he pits his wits against last years star out-half Dan Biggar.

Former All Black Jerry Collins will captain the visitors in a pack containing Ian Gough, Marty Holah and Johnathan Thomas. Shane Williams and Lee Byrne are deemed fit enough for the replacements bench.

On Saturday, Munster will be the first opposition for the newly formed Aironi Rugby.

The Italian outfit have been able to bring in some big names to help further the cause. Including Munster old boy, Nick Williams at number eight. Italian internationals Fabio Ongaro, Salvatore Perugini, Carlo Del Fava and Quintin Geldenhuys. Former France international fullback Julien Laharrague will also feature.

Munster, like the other provinces will have a mixed bag available, the experienced half back pairing of Peter Stringer and Paul Warwick should guide them to victory despite a light looking backline. The pack will be solid with captain Denis Leamy, Niall Ronan, Mick O'Driscoll and Tony Buckley all present and correct.

Buckley and his fellow prop Wian du Preez are not likely to be required for 80 minutes because legends; John Hayes and Marcus Horan will be waiting in the wings.

Connacht are facing down the barrel as they welcome the Newport Gwent Dragons to Galway. 

The entire squad are on one year contracts and, as a result, the whole province is shifting uncomfortably as they ponder whether IRFU cutbacks could spell the end for a professional structure in the west.

John Muldoon and Johnny O’Connor are ruled out through injury, so the arrival of new number eight, Ezra Taylor will give the back row a much needed fillip. Another boost will come with the return of Internationals Sean Cronin and Gavin Duffy to the starting positions, scrum half Frank Murphy will captain the side in Muldoon's absence.

A good omen for Elwood is that Welsh sides seem to hate travelling to The Sportsground. Connacht have won their last five games against Welsh opposition and the Dragons will be out to end a run of defeats along the Atlantic coast stretching back to 2004.

Leinster XV (v Glasgow): L Fitzgerald; S Horgan, E O’Malley, F McFadden, N Morris; I Nacewa, I Boss; H van der Merwe, R Strauss, S Shawe; N Hines, E O’Donoghue; D Ryan, S O’Brien, J Heaslip. Replacements: J Fogarty, J McGrath, B Prescott, M Galarza, S Keogh, P O’Donohoe, I Madigan, E Sheridan. 

Ulster XV (v Ospreys): A D’Arcy; T Seymour, D Cave, I Whitten, D McIlwaine; N O’Connor, P Marshall; B Young, R Best (Capt), D Fitzpatrick, J Muller, T Barker, S Ferris, W Faloon, P Wannenburg. Replacements: N Brady, T Court, P McAllister, R Caldwell, R Diack, I Porter, P Wallace, J Shiels.

Munster XV (v Aironi: F Jones; D Howlett, J Murphy, S Tuitupou,  I Dowling; P Warwick, P Stringer; W du Preez, D Varley, T Buckley, M O’Driscoll, B Holland; D Ryan, N Ronan, D Leamy capt. Replacements: D Fogarty, M Horan,  J Hayes, A Quinlan, P O’Mahony, D Williams, S Deasy, D Barnes 

Connnacht XV (v Dragons) G Duffy, T Nathan, N Ta’auso, K Matthews, F Carr, I Keatley, F Murphy (Capt). B Wilkinson, S Cronin, J Hagan, M Swift, B Upton, M McCarthy, R Ofisa, E Taylor. Replacements A Flavin, R Loughney,R Sweeney, D Nolan, M McComish, C Willis, M Nikora, T O’Halloran.

Spurs to face defending champions on CL odyssey

After giving Young Boys a good thrashing, Tottenham Hotspur's reward is to face defending champions Inter Milan and Dutch champions FC Twente in their group A Champions league Odyssey.

Schmidt sceptical of player availability

Leinster Coach Joe Schmidt has stoked up feelings of a club versus country row, saying he would be "pretty surprised" should his elite international players be ready for Magners League action.

Schmidt's comments contradict those made on Tuesday by Irish team manager Paul McNaughton who told the Irish Times that the management scheme this season was not 'front ended' meaning: 

"In the past there's been a situation where a lot of the players were not back until Magners League four or five. This year the vast majority of players will be back for Magners League one and all other players will be back by Magners League two."

But speaking at the league's launch in Cardiff yesterday, Schmidt seemed unconvinced by McNaughton's assurances: "I've been in pretty close talks with them (the IRFU), I would be surprised if that is the situation."

The New Zealander adding that: "They (elite internationals) are on a strength and conditioning phase, they're not even available to play rugby at the moment.

"They've been doing an eight-week pre-season, of which they're in week five, so if you do the maths they're not really training with us in the same way as the young players are, or the players returning from injury."

The report from the former Clermont Auvergne coach is directly contradicting the information given yesterday by McNaughton who said: "Barely eight or nine players will not start in Magners League one and then every player will play in Magners League two."

On Fridays pre-season defeat to Wasps, Leinster fielded a very youthful looking side with an extensive 11 man bench. Of those 26, only Luke Fitzgerald (returning from a 9 month injury layoff) could be considered a marquee name. While the likes of Brian O'Driscoll, Jonathon Sexton, Jamie Heaslip and Rob Kearney were sitting comfortably in the stand.

"They're not sort of part of our group yet." admitted Schmidt, "That's as difficult as anything, getting rhythm in preparation."

Meanwhile, the fallout continues from the 'Bloodgate' inquiry into the actions of Harlequins in Leinster's 2009 quarter final win at the stoop.

Dr Wendy Chapman was found to have cut Quin's winger Tom Williams after he left the field feigning a blood injury to allow his teams drop-goal specialist to enter the action.

Chapman's malpractice now has put her in danger of being struck off the medical register. This week she is sat before a hearing of the General Medical Council and told them of her reaction when she realised the gravity of her action:

"I was horrified, just horrified. This is a very huge game and they cheated," said Chapman. "I was very ashamed that I gave into the pressure.

"They (Harlequins coaching staff) were all saying that there was a real injury, that is all real blood, I was just desperate. To be the one person to stand up and say 'It was not'... I did not know what to do.

"There was no justification, it was the wrong thing to do."

Six month layoff for Wright

Leinster prop Stan Wright has been ruled out for six months after sustaining an Achilles tendon injury in Friday nights pre-season defeat to London Wasps.

The Cook Islander will now miss all six of the province's Heineken Cup pool matches on top of the Magners league fixtures scheduled before March.

The news could be good in the long term for Ireland and Leinster, as it should give Cian Healy and Mike Ross greater opportunity for game time in top level encounters.

However, following Wright's injury and the departure of CJ Van Der Linde back to South Africa, head coach Joe Schmidt today confirmed that Leinster have already contacted the IRFU to examine the possibility of drafting in a new prop from overseas. 

Meanwhile, Munster have dismissed reports that Keith Earls has broken his ankle. The utility back was injured in a non-contact training session with the southern province yesterday. Today, it was revealed that no break was detected by the X-ray.

However Munster Rugby has stated: "Earls will need to undergo further medical examination later in the week to determine the exact extent of the damage."

Ireland coach Declan Kidney, who today has gathered a squad for international training, will be wishing Earls a speedy recovery after impressive showings last season.

Kidney will already be without Paul O'Connell for the upcoming autumn internationals, after the second row suggested the Christmas period as rough estimate for his return from a groin infection.

"I'll be setting my sights around December, and anything else would be a bonus," said Ireland's vice captain. "I went back running 10 days ago, and I've had no problems. I need to go about 12 weeks from when I stopped the antibiotics and get back into the heavy stuff, so I'm about eight and a half weeks into that now."

"It's flying along at the moment. It was really slow at the start, but it's getting quicker now and going very well."

All Blacks snatch victory to retain southern crown

Dagg seals victory on his 5th cap

New Zealand claimed the Tri-Nations crown by overcoming South Africa 29-22 in a pulsating match in Soweto.

The All Blacks needed just one point to claim the trophy, so that was never in doubt. But the game was. Watched by 94,000 people in the Stadium formerly known as Soccer City, South Africa produced an almighty display of high intensity rugby and led by five points with just three minutes to go.

Up stepped Richie McCaw, the captain leading by example as always, was credited with a controversial try to level the game. His foot hitting the touchline at the very same millisecond that he grounded the ball. South African TMO, Shaun Veldsman, told referee Nigel Owens: "There is no clear evidence the the player was in touch before he grounded the ball." much to the displeasure of his compatriots.

John Smit sat dejected after the final whistle, he had become only the second man to earn 100 Springbok caps, and this was one of the hardest earned. With the game level 22 all in the final minute, Maa Nonu showed no signs of tiring, bursting through props, Gurthro Steenkamp and CJ Van Der Linde, before looping a pass to allow Israel Dagg claim the glory of the win.

The opening quarter of this arm wrestle could not separate the sides, both powerhouses trundling forward and back from 22 to 22 as Dan Carter and Morne Steyn traded two penalties each.

The hosts were playing like underdogs, snapping and snarling at the visitors, who began as favourites tend to do: Doing just enough, taking time to get the swing of a game but never looked overly phased.

Suddenly the Boks found a breakthrough, Bryan Habana quick tapping a kickable penalty giving Schalke Burger a platform to crash across the try-line. The TMO was called for, but Irish assistant Alain Rollaind delighted the home crown by signaling a clean touchdown, he was right too.

Seven points clear, the Calabash was baying for Maori blood, their team huffed and puffed some more. Carter and Steyn drew another penalty apiece. But on 37 minutes the hosts looked like their extreme work rate had finally softened. Victor Matfield got a sniff of the ball, after burst of pace from Brad Thorne left him isolated on the left wing. 

It was only a sniff though, McCaw stepped in to shield. From there, it took just five passes for the champions in waiting to traverse the pitch and allow that unfamiliar wing, Tony Woodcock, an easy run in to put the visitors within two at the break.

Once Steyn had increased the margin after 43 minutes, penalties became scarce in the second half. But the green maul drew another with 20 minutes to go, it was much needed. The All Blacks had been battering at the door but were constantly met by tackles from possessed men. Carter, having an indifferent day from placed kicks, came closest to picking the lock, knocking on within inches of the corner after being caught by JP Pietersen.

22-14 down, the visitors were encamped in enemy territory, and the longer time ticked by without a score, the more they tried to do things delicately, tiring against a brutish defence. That changed when Van Der Linde was pinged for blocking at a ruck inside his 22, allowing the black side of the scoreboard to move again reducing the deficit to five points, enough to win the trophy. 

With his next kick Carter signaled the beginning of a dramatic finale, missing a straightforward 30 metre penalty. But with South African bodies limping from pillar to post having given every ounce of effort they had, McCaw popped up with Habana out of position and levelled the game and still time for Dagg to deliver the icing, Graham Henry was brave enough to introduce the youngster in place of the proven Joe Rocokoko when trailing by five points. Decision vindicated.

South Africa: 15 Gio Aplon, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 5 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.

Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Danie Rossouw, 19 Francois Louw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Butch James, 22 Wynand Olivier.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Josevata Rokocoko, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Samuel Whitelock, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Israel Dagg.

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

SCORES:

South Africa:                   New Zealand:

Try: Burger                     Woodcock, McCaw, Dagg

Pen: Steyn (5)                 Carter (4)

Conv: Steyn                    Carter

Leinster badly stung

Fitzgerald's return some consolation

A try in the opening minutes of each half allowed London Wasps cruise to a 41-6  win over Leinster at Donnybrook. 

A Gorgeous evening for rugby attracted a healthy crowd to Donnybrook. In such conditions Wasps were fitting opponents and they took little time to settle. Ben Jacobs evading Eoin O'Malley's tackle after just three minutes before unleashing Tom Varndell who, so early in the game had too much gas to be caught by David Kearney.

The writing was on the wall, and a bristling English outfit attacked the same channel straight away. This time Jacobs was hit by the tackle Luke Fitzgerald has been dreaming of making for the last nine months

Such was the heat prior to kickoff: Leinster headed to their Bective changing room sweating buckets. But all the heat from there on, was brought by the visitors, as the shadow of the main stand crept across the grass.

In that shade Eamonn Sheridan suffered a concussion midway through the first half. After laying on the 22 for a period he set off to take up his defensive position but staggered and veered back toward the physio who called on Ferguis McFadden.

That burst of pace and intensity temporarily improved the host's back line and Ian Madigan took both opportunities to kick his team in the lead. 

But on the stroke of half time, Dave Walder took back that advantage with a simple 20 metre penalty. The other side of the break the visitors capitalised when Leinster became easily overstretched, Jacobs, the architect of Varndell's touchdown, this time had a free run.

Along with Fitzgerald, Sean O'Brien was returning from a long lay off was. As captain for the night he will at least take solace of 80 minutes action, but not with the result which was cut and dried by 55 minutes. After 15 minutes of the second period the hosts had found just found a rhythm, probing and driving to the roars of approval from Cian Healy, sitting in the main stand.

But when the move broke down with a penalty for crossing, Haughton burned off Fitzgerald to get underneath the posts the posts. And as both sides emptied the bench, the visitors continued unabated, tearing apart the crumbling blue walls. 

The highlight for the home support was a massive hit from Dominic Ryan on Elliot Daly, but Daly had the last laugh as he put through Mark Van Gisbergen for a try. Haughton managed another before Christian Wade completed the rout with another five points.

Simon Shaw was issued a late, almost obligatory, yellow card. But it mattered little, the European champions of 2009 had conceded six tries in their opening warm up match.

Joe Schmidt and his team will seek a massive improvement when they travel to face Leicester Tigers next week.

SCORES:

Leinster:

Pen: Madigan (2)

Wasps:

Tries: Varndell, Jacobs, Haugton (2), VanGisbergen, Wade

Pen:  Walder (1)

Conv: Walder (2) Simpson  (2)

LEINSTER: 15: Luke Fitzgerald 14: David Kearney,13: Eoin O'Malley 12: Eamonn Sheridan 11: Isa Nacewa 10: Ian Madigan 9: Paul O'Donohoe 1: Heinke van der Merwe 2: Richardt Strauss 3: Mike Ross 4: Trevor Hogan 5: Devin Toner 6: Eoin Sheriff 7: Paul Ryan 8: Sean O'Brien CAPT

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Jason Harris-Wright 17: Jack McGrath 18: Stan Wright 19: Mariano Galarza 20: Dominic Ryan 21: Isaac Boss 22: Ian McKinley 23: Fergus McFadden 24: Ben Marshall 25: Michael Keating 26: Niall Morris

LONDON WASPS: 15: Jack Wallace 14: Richard Haughton 13: Ben Jacobs 12: Dom Waldouck 11: Tom Varndell 10: Dave Walder 9: Nic Berry 1: Zak Taulafo 2: Tom Lindsay 3: Phil Vickery 4: Marty Veale 5: Richard Birkett 6: Will Matthews 7: Serge Betsen 8: John Hart

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Rob Webber 17: Tim Payne 18: Ben Broster 19: James Cannon 20: Tom Rees 21: Joe Simpson 22: Riki Flutey23: Christian Wade 24: Simon Shaw 25: Sam Jones 26: Elliot Daly 27: Mark Van Gisbergen.

REFEREE: John Lacey (IRFU)

Brett to 'give it one more try'

“I have played 309 straight games, I can’t complain.”

The term legend is thrown around all to often. But, in the sport where hype is king, one man is an enduring presence that refuses to fizzle out quietly.

On Wednesday, Brett Favre confirmed that at 40 years of age he would play yet another season in the NFL. 

The legendary quarterback first planned to retire in 2006, and eventually did so in 2008 leaving the Green Bay Packers, whom he served for 16 years. 

But his retirement lasted about as long as Neale Fenn's, and he took the field with the New York Jets that year before moving on to the Minnesota Vikings last term.

He pushed the Vikings into the playoffs, where he got the better of Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboy's for the first time in his career. 

However, in the ensuing NFC Championship game against the New Orleans Saints, Favre injured his ankle in the third quarter, affecting his balance and limiting his throwing ability. 

The injury proved a decisive moment in the game, as in overtime, the limping quarterback threw an interception with seven seconds remaining. Giving the Saints the first possession in overtime. Possession they used to full effect by scoring a game winning field goal. In the meantime though, the famous number four had put himself in the record books, overtaking Joe Montana's stats for playoff pass completion and passing yards.

Now, after undergoing surgery on his troublesome ankle, Favre is ready to aim for the Vince Lombardi trophy once more:

"I'd love to win a Super Bowl. But what happens if you don't? That was the tough part (of the decision)." Said Favre before giving a glimpse of the inner turmoil that drove him to tell teammates, just weeks ago, that he would not return due to the plodding rehabilitation of that left ankle.

"I could make a case for both playing, not playing," he said. "This is a very good football team, the chances here are much greater than other places. From that standpoint, it was always going to be easier (to return)."

"Part of me said it was such a great year, it would be easy to say, 'Hey can't play any better, why even try?' Then the other part is, 'Guys are playing on a high level. Why don't I go back out?' The expectations are high here, as they should be."

But when the great architect does eventually make his mind up, he is unequivocal about the trophy he so desperately wants to win for a second time.

"I owe it to this organization to give it one more try."

After that though, a 41 year old with twenty seasons behind him..... who knows?