England deny heroic Azzurri

England made it two from two with a 17-12 win over Italy in Rome on Saturday, but the result can not disguise what was a massive backwards step for Martin Johnson's side.

It seldom happens in rugby, but the better team lost at the Stadio Flaminio.

With the visitors seemingly bereft of a gameplan and Jonny Wilkinson suffering a rare off-day with the boot, Italy sensed an upset and grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Alas, the locals lacked the luck of the Welsh -- that one killer break failed to materialise.

England seemed to be in two minds about what they were trying to do -- put width on the ball or play it tight.  In the end they did neither.

It was Italy who showed adventurous intent with ball in hand, and their bravery struck England dumb.

Johnson had spent all week warning his team they would have to be patient, that if there is one thing the Italians do well it is to drag their opponents into an arm-wrestle.

That is exactly what happened for long periods and it was the Azzurri who were far more comfortable and had they sealed a first ever victory over England, Johnson could not have complained.

England spent long periods of the first half embroiled in turgid bouts of tactical kicking that was reflected in the 6-6 half-time score.

However, when England brought their strike runners into the game, they caused the Italian defence problems.

Riki Flutey made an immediate impact on his return to the team at inside centre, sparking a first minute attack which almost led to a try for Delon Armitage.

The England full-back, so critical of his own performance last week, stabbed a grubber kick behind the defence but Italian scrum-half Tito Tebaldi slid in with a last-gasp clearance.

Craig Gower, the Italian fly-half and former Australia rugby league international, orchestrated a positive response and the Azzurri were one pass from scoring after Alessandro Zanni had claimed a cross-kick above Ugo Monye.

England moved up field and took the lead with a Wilkinson penalty after the Italian line-out, so poor against Ireland, malfunctioned again.

Bergamasco immediately levelled the scores after Nick Easter was penalised for not releasing.

The game was not much of a spectacle but when England did spot an opportunity they brought the likes of Armitage, Monye and Mark Cueto into the game far more than against Wales.

All three combined in a familiar England move, with Cueto bursting on to Armitage's inside ball, but Monye was stopped by an excellent cover-tackle from Gonzalo Garcia.

Wilkinson missed one long-range penalty attempt and then, inexplicably, booted a simple effort wide after another powerful run from Monye had put England on the front foot.

England were conceding too many penalties at the breakdown but they too escaped when Bergamasco's attempt from wide right drifted across the face of the posts.

Mathew Tait got himself involved for the first time after another dominant line-out take from Easter, attacking the blindside to link with Armitage and Dylan Hartley.

Italy scrambled well to halt the attack and then proved why they are considered one of the most formidable packs in the world game by shoving the England scrum back and winning the turnover and a penalty.

When Monye was penalised for being in front of the kicker, Gower pushed England back into their 22 and the Italians attacked from clean lineout ball.

Under pressure, England conceded another penalty in the shadow of the posts and Bergamasco made no mistake to put Italy 6-3 ahead.

England were still showing flashes of adventure and when Wilkinson launched a counter-attack from his own 22, Armitage sent Flutey clear on a 50-metre break.

Wilkinson levelled the scores just before the interval and England finally broke the back of the Italian defence early in the second half.

Monye skipped out of a tackle on halfway, shovelled the ball inside to Armitage who found Tait and the Sale centre raced clear to score the game's only try.

Wilkinson missed the conversion but extended England's lead to 14-6 with a penalty after Martin Castrogiovanni had been sin-binned for killing the ball.

Despite being a man down, Italy refused to concede defeat and Bergamasco struck back swiftly with another penalty after England were caught offside.

Lewis Moody escaped a yellow card for taking Luke McLean out in the air but England were under the cosh and conceded another penalty which allowed Bergamasco to bring Italy within two points.

But England had the last say, with Wilkinson slotting a drop-goal which sealed the ugly win.

Man of the match:  Only one visitor covered himself in glory:  Mark Cueto.  The wing was assured in defence and ran some great lines in attack.  Riki Flutey wins a mention in dispatches -- he rustled by some sumptuous moments from just scraps.  Italy were heroic to a man, which speedy recycling and impeccable hands springing from the collective.  But it was the monumental effort of Alessandro Zanni that stood out.  He almost made Sergio Parisse's absence bearable.

Moment of the match:  Not much for posterity here.  How about Jonny Wilkinson's miss in front of the sticks?  It summed up England's day.

Villain of the match:  Martin Castrogiovanni was the only man approaching villain status -- or at least that what referee Christophe Berdos thought.  We'll reserve judgement.  Lewis Moody also ran into a little trouble with the ref -- and the crowd -- but we're not sure there was any malice in his challenge on Luke McLean.  No award.

The scorers:

For Italy:
Pens:  Mirco Bergamasco 4

For England:
Try:  Tait
Pens:  Wilkinson 3
Drop:  Wilkinson

Yellow card(s):  Castrogiovanni (Italy) -- killing the ball, 57.

The teams:

Italy:  15 Luke McLean, 14 Andrea Masi, 13 Gonzalo Canale, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Mirco Bergamasco, 10 Craig Gower, 9 Tito Tebaldi, 8 Alessandro Zanni, 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Josh Sole, 5 Marco Bortolami, 4 Quintin Geldenhuys, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini (capt), 1 Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements:  16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Matias Aguero, 18 Valerio Bernabo, 19 Paul Derbyshire, 20 Pablo Canavosio, 21 Riccardo Bocchino, 22 Kaine Robertson.

England:  15 Delon Armitage, 14 Mark Cueto, 13 Mathew Tait, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Lewis Moody, 6 James Haskell, 5 Steve Borthwick (capt), 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Dan Cole, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements:  16 Steve Thompson, 17 David Wilson, 18 Matthew Mullan, 19 Louis Deacon, 20 Steffon Armitage, 21 Paul Hodgson, 22 Toby Flood.

Referee:  Christophe Berdos (France)
Assistant referees:  Romain Poite (France), Pascal Gauzere (France)
Television match official:  Hugh Watkins (Wales)
Assessor:  Dave Herbert (Wales)

Painful lesson in Paris for Ireland

Ireland were forced to hand over their 2009 Grand Slam bragging rights on Saturday as a top-class French outfit proved a point in Paris, winning 33-10.

The purists will be delighted to hear that the Stade de France was blessed to watch Les Bleus in full swing and it was apparent that the champions had no answer to what was thrown at them.

They lost the battle up front and also out wide in a physical contest that in patches slipped over what is right and wrong on a rugby field.

I am alluding to the possible, make that probable citing for hooker Jerry Flannery, whose blatant first-half trip on Alexis Palisson forced the young winger off the field and could have similar repercussions for the Munster front-rower.

And so to the free-flowing French.  Francois Trinh-Duc and Morgan Parra were the men who ran the show, the latter kicking eighteen points as Ireland crashed to their first defeat since 2008.

William Servat scored the game's first try on 27 minutes while Ireland were down to fourteen men through the sin-binning of prop Cian Healy for obstruction and centre Yannick Jauzion added a second before half-time.

Ireland, who like their hosts with Palisson, lost a player to injury in the shape of British & Irish Lions full-back Rob Kearney, became increasingly ragged and conceded a third try to Clement Poitrenaud before David Wallace grabbed a consolation effort on 65 minutes.

Victory will taste all the sweeter for France knowing that Ireland arrived genuinely believing they could end their decade-long wait for a success at Stade de France.

Instead, the holders failed the first significant examination of their title defence and missed the chance to head to Twickenham with their tails up.

Ireland in the end trudged off shell-shocked, yet a promising opening suggested they might finally be ready to improve their record of just one win in Paris in 28 years.

Early surges from returning flanker Stephen Ferris and Jamie Heaslip swept them five metres short of the line.  France's defence reacted sharply, however, with Jauzion bottling up O'Driscoll before the attack became lateral and fizzled out.

A busy Gordon D'Arcy was then denied by the bounce of the ball after he charged into space and chipped ahead with winger Vincent Clerc coming to the rescue of the side in blue.

Then came Flannery's indiscretion which he was lucky to stay on the field for as frustration mounted and tempers began to fray in the contest.  Instead it was Cian Healy who went to the sin-bin for holding back the supporting Trinh-Duc when France were on an attack.

Parra landed the penalty before the hosts cranked up the volume with four successive five-metre scrums leading to hooker Servat going over for a converted try.  Ronan O'Gara reduced the deficit to 10-3 -- until France produced their second try the on the half-hour mark.

The imposing Mathieu Bastareaud was then at his best as he bulldozed his way through midfield before being stopped ten metres short, but the ball found its way to Jauzion who slipped over untroubled.  Parra's conversion compounded Ireland's problems to go with the departure of Kearney.

Ireland were desperate to get themselves on the try-scoring board but instead found themselves defending, which ultimately led to Bastareaud using his strength to set up France's third try.  He slipped the scoring pass to Poitrenaud with Parra converting before the number nine added a drop-goal.

The wounded holders replied with a try of their own through flanker Wallace but there was no fightback as substitute Frederic Michalak landed a drop goal in what proved to be the salt in the wound for the Irish.

Man-of-the-match:  This one goes to former captain Lionel Nallet.  The Racing-Metro lock was a colossus in Paris as he carried, won lineouts and was also solid in the scrum.

Moment-of-the-match:  Winning in France after surrendering an early lead is rarely easy.  You cannot frustrate a side if they are winning so William Servat going over on 26 minutes had a massive impact on how this one panned out.

Villain-of-the-match:  No debate with this unwanted award as Jerry Flannery seriously lost his cool in the first-half.  A horrible trip on Alexis Palisson summed up Ireland's frustration.

The scorers:

For France:
Tries:  Servat, Jauzion, Poitreneaud
Con:  Parra 3
Pen:  Parra 2
Drop:  Parra, Michalak

For Ireland:
Tries:  D Wallace
Con:  O'Gara
Pen:  O'Gara

France:  15 Clement Poitrenaud, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Yannick Jauzion, 11 Alexis Palisson, 10 François Trinh-Duc, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Imanol Harinordoquy, 7 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Pascal Pape, 4 Lionel Nallet, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 William Servat, 1 Thomas Domingo.
Replacements:  16 Dimitri Szarzewski, 17 Sylvain Marconnet, 18 Julien Pierre, 19 Julien Bonnaire, 20 Frederic Michalak, 21 David Marty, 22 Julien Malzieu.

Ireland:  15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (capt), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Leo Cullen, 3 John Hayes, 2 Jerry Flannery, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements:  16 Rory Best, 17 Tom Court, 18 Donnacha Ryan, 19 Sean O'Brien, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Jonathan Sexton, 22 Paddy Wallace

Referee:  Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees:  Nigel Owens (Wales), Stuart Terheege (England)
Television match officials:  Giulio De Santis (Italy)
Assessor:  Michel Lamoulie (France)

Welsh break Scottish hearts

Wales fought back from 21-9 down to secure an extraordinary 31-24 win over Scotland in the Six Nations in Cardiff on Saturday.

Lee Byrne's try started the fightback in a second half of which nearly 80 per cent was played in the Scottish half.

Yet with four minutes to go at 24-14 ahead, the Scots must have believed it was theirs.  Few others could have believed what came next.

Leigh Halfpenny finished off a move racing down the right wing as the Welsh pressure finally told.  Stephen Jones converted to make it 24-21.

Then Phil Godman was yellow-carded for pulling James Hook back as he chased a clever kick through and Stephen Jones levelled the scores.  The teams went back for the restart knowing there was only one play to go.

Wave after wave of Welsh pressure came again, with Sam Warburton making ground, clever handling keeping the ball alive and the Scots, down to thirteen men, stretched across the field.  Alun-Wyn Jones took the ball on after Roberts and Hook had made the ground down the right and then out came the quick ball to Shane Williams, who accelerated under the posts for the winner.  It was heady stuff alright!  17 points in the final four minutes is some going.

That was just as well, for the Welsh delivered a first half of withering ineptitude.  In the first ten minutes alone they gifted the Scots a try with some lame tackling, left a high ball to each other, cost themselves a free kick on their own scrum and lost a line-out.  Scotland must have thought it was their day.

The Scots were just as classy as the Welsh were ponderous.  John Barclay took his early gift-wrapped try with aplomb and both sets of brothers -- the Lamonts and the Evanses -- were constant menaces, while Dan Parks' astute kicking ensured that the Welsh were kept guessing.

Once they had built their lead, with Max Evans finishing off a brilliant cross-kick from Parks and every entry into Welsh territory seeming to yield some form of score, the Scots did what we all know they can do:  dig in.  The tackling and coverage of the XV was marvellous.  Ultimately though, not quite enough.

Andy Robinson was visibly fuming at the final whistle -- we'll see if he can keep his temper in the post-match conference -- but whether with frustration at his own team or at the officiating is a poser.  He might have a few things to say about George Clancy, who never quite got a hold on everything that went on at the rucks, but he will undoubtedly have a few things to say on the subject of why the game was not irretrievably wrapped up.  They had enough first-half chances.

There was also a change in the game with the exit of Thom Evans, carted off with what looked to be a nasty neck injury.  With him went a fair bit of the threat and momentum.

Paterson led Scotland out, in tribute to him becoming the latest member of Test rugby's 100-cap club, joining such illustrious names as George Gregan, Philippe Sella and David Campese.

An open stadium roof -- a rarity these days for Wales home games -- revealed a leaden sky, but no sign of the rain which Wales boss Warren Gatland suggested Scotland had been hoping for.

The Scots quickly showed they did not require wet weather to assist them tactically as they stunned Wales with a ninth-minute try.

Paterson, who had received lengthy treatment for a knock to his shoulder, regained his feet in time to see Barclay smash through the combined defence of James Hook and Gareth Cooper.

Barclay's power was too much for them as he sprinted over for Scotland's first try since their opening autumn Test victory over Fiji three months ago.

Paterson added the conversion -- his 35th successful Six Nations kick in a row -- and blundering Wales could have few complaints at an early seven-point deficit.

And it got worse for the home side, despite Jones opening their account with a 15th-minute penalty.

Wales were horribly disorganised in defence, and Scotland took advantage with a second try after Parks played the role of creator following a neat drop-goal.

His clever kick behind the Welsh defence saw Max Evans -- on the field as a blood replacement for his brother Thom -- react quickest and ground possession just before the dead-ball line.

Referee George Clancy needed confirmation from television match official Geoff Warren before the try was awarded, and although Paterson's long kicking sequence ended through a missed conversion, Scotland quickly extended their lead.

Parks cancelled out Jones' second penalty for an 18-6 advantage, and Paterson then departed the action with Evans returning as a permanent, rather than temporary, substitute.

It was a sad way for Paterson's afternoon to end, yet he would have been thrilled with Scotland's dominant performance as he made his way off.

Wales pressed in search of a try, but the game was held up when wing Thom Evans suffered his injury following a shuddering midfield collision with Byrne.

The Glasgow player was carried off on a stretcher, appearing to be in a bad way, and it meant scrum-half replacement Mike Blair being pressed into emergency wing duty.

Wales piled on the pressure as half-time approached, but their game continued to be spiked by basic handling errors prior to Jones slotting a third penalty.

Scotland were good value for their 18-9 interval advantage, and Parks immediately extended it through another penalty after Cardiff Blues scrum-half Richie Rees replaced Cooper.Gatland, his patience close to running out, then made a triple substitution, sending on lock Bradley Davies, prop Gethin Jenkins and hooker Huw Bennett as Wales looked to lift the tempo.

And it had the desired effect as Shane Williams' arcing run and superb pass allowed to Byrne to cross in the corner, cutting Wales' deficit to seven points with 24 minutes left.

Parks though, the game's dominant figure, booted a second drop-goal, before Lawson was sin-binned and Halfpenny's late try, converted by Jones, set up a nerve-shredding finale as Jones drew Wales level with a penalty.

Then Williams struck during the game's final passage of play -- raising his arm in triumph before crossing the line -- and mayhem broke out around the stadium.

Man of the match:  He had a hand in every Welsh try, including scoring the killer one.  Arise, Shane Williams, your country salutes you!

Villain of the match:  Phil Godman's moment of idiocy might well have been the costliest of all.  Why bother?

Moment of the match:  Only one possibility in a game like this:  that winning try!

The scorers:

For Wales
Tries:  Byrne, Halfpenny, S.Williams
Cons:  S.Jones 2
Pens:  S.Jones 3

For Scotland:
Tries:  Barclay, M Evans
Con:  Paterson
Pens:  Parks 2
Drop goals:  Parks 2

Yellow cards:  Lawson (73, Scotland, slowing the ball down), Godman (79, Scotland, pulling chasing player back)

Wales:  15 Lee Byrne, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 James Hook, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Gareth Cooper, 8 Ryan Jones (capt), 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Andy Powell, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Jonathan Thomas, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Gareth Williams, 1 Paul James.
Replacements:  16 Huw Bennett, 17 Gethin Jenkins, 18 Bradley Davies, 19 Sam Warburton, 20 Richie Rees, 21 Andrew Bishop, 22 Tom Shanklin.

Scotland:  15 Chris Paterson, 14 Thom Evans, 13 Sean Lamont, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Rory Lamont, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Chris Cusiter (capt), 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Al Kellock, 4 Jim Hamilton, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Alastair Dickinson.
Replacements:  16 Scott Lawson, 17 Allan Jacobsen, 18 Richie Gray, 19 Alan MacDonald, 20 Mike Blair, 21 Phil Godman, 22 Max Evans.

Referee:  George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant referees:  Alain Rolland (Ireland), Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)
Television match official:  Geoff Warren (England)
Assessor:  Tappe Henning (South Africa)

Ooh la la Bastareaud!

Mathieu Bastareaud scored his first two Test tries to help France to a 18-9 Six Nations win over Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday.

France lived up to their status as tournament favourites as Marc Lièvremont's team rode roughshod over their hosts in the first half to get their Six Nations campaign off to an ideal start.

The Scottish scrum had no answer to Les Bleus' heavies and the French rush defence left the home backline with no time to work with and moving backwards more often than not.

Bastareaud was lethal on attack and frightening in defence, answering his critics in the best possible manner with a barnstorming performance.

Once again Scotland made too many errors at vital moments, leaving their best hopes in Chris Paterson's metronomic boot.  But even another flawless display from the kicking tee from the full-back wasn't enough to trouble the Tricolors.

In this age of conservative kicking, what a refreshing sight it was to see France cut loose on the counter attack.  And they did it with ruthless efficiency.  Ireland, beware!

Bastareaud's double first-half strike gave the visitors a 15-6 lead;  it could have been a lot more but for an unlucky bounce here and a dodgy ruck there.

The second half was far less exciting as France's intensity seemed to drop a notch with their comfortable lead.

Scotland were able to string together plenty of phases but never threatened out wide.

As expected, the teams tore into each other with ferocious intensity early on.  Aurélien Rougerie put in two massive hits in the first two minutes -- so big in fact that he was forced to leave the field two minutes later.

France were looking dangerous from kick-off but Scotland were first to get on the scoreboard when Imanol Harinordoquy was penalised for hands in the ruck on his own try line after Max Evans intercepted a Yannick Jauzion pass.

Scotland were handed a lifeline when Thom Evans brilliantly prevented Vincent Clerc from touching down after breaking clear from a sweeping French attack.

A succession of French five metre scrums was followed by the first try as Bastareaud had an easy run in for his first Test try after Harinordoquy had bashed it up.

The hosts' front row was getting worked over at scrum time and referee Nigel Owens saved them from further punishment by giving France a penalty.  Morgan Parra landed it from 40 metres only to see Paterson do the same a few minutes later to leave the score 6-8.

Bastareaud was far from done though and when he got a pass from Harinordoquy 25 metres from home, he turned on the afterburners.  None of the Scottish defenders seemed to be brave enough to even try to tackle him and the big centre's second try was made to look much too easy.

Scotland were relieved to survive a siege on their line to end the half but were put further behind after the break when Parra found the target again.

Scotland's only reply was another Paterson effort from the tee.  The home back three did tireless work carrying the ball up, but Scotland's attacks lacked any real pace and would inevitably fizzle out after a handling error.

More than ever, France's showdown with Ireland in Paris next weekend looks set to be a possible tournament decider.

Man of the match:  Some might disagree with me here considering the number of penalties he gave away at the rucks, but Imanol Harinordoquy was immense.  The number eight is the kingpin of French attack and a man-mountain in defence.  He hit the line harder than anyone else and made a bag-load of huge tackles.

Moment of the match:  Scotland never looked like getting back in the game after Bastareaud's second try.  Not only did it take the breath away from the spectators, it took the wind out of the Scottish sails.

Villain of the match:  Nothing to report.

The scorers:

For Scotland:
Pens:  Paterson 3

For France:
Tries:  Bastareaud 2
Con:  Parra

Pens:  Parra 2

The teams:

Scotland:  15 Chris Paterson, 14 Thom Evans, 13 Max Evans, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Chris Cusiter (c), 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 John Barclay, 6 Kelly Brown, 5 Alastair Kellock, 4 Nathan Hines, 3 Moray Low, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Alasdair Dickinson.
Replacements:  16 Scott Lawson, 17 Allan Jacobsen, 18 Richie Gray, 19 Alan MacDonald, 20 Rory Lawson, 21 Alex Grove, 22 Hugo Southwell.

France:  15 Clement Poitrenaud, 14 Benjamin Fall, 13 Mathieu Bastareaud, 12 Yannick Jauzion, 11 Aurélien Rougerie, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Imanol Harinordoquy, 7 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Pascal Pape, 4 Lionel Nallet, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 William Servat, 1 Thomas Domingo.
Replacements:  16 Dimitri Szarzewski, 17 Luc Ducalcon, 18 Julien Pierre, 19 Julien Bonnaire, 20 Frederic Michalak, 21 David Marty, 22 Vincent Clerc.

Venue:  Murrayfield
Referee:  Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees:  Chris White (England) and Tim Hayes (Wales)
Television match officials:  Geoff Hughes (England)

Job done for smarter Ireland

Ireland got their Six Nations defence up and running with a slightly stagnant 29-11 victory over Italy on Saturday.

While there was little to trouble the Grand Slam winners of 2009, even they will know that sterner tests are to come, starting in Paris next weekend.

But they got the job done and dusted with a little to spare in the end thanks to tries from Jamie Heaslip, Tomas O'Leary and the boot of Ronan O'Gara, making sure that the other nations would be playing catch-up in Round One's other fixtures taking place in London and Edinburgh.

What is clear for the Azzurri, however, is that they will need to show a lot more creativity wider out if they are to avoid another wooden spoon, which looks extremely likely without the presence of their injured number eight Sergio Parisse.  Like it or not, he is a vital cog to their cause.

The game itself kicked off under glorious conditions without a breath of wind and on an ideal surface that Brian O'Driscoll and Ireland will not be playing under next year as the old Lansdowne Road nears its second coming.  Speaking of BOD, the Leinster centre was one of the standouts on the day alongside David Wallace and Cian Healy, who enjoyed his personal battle with Martin Castrogiovanni.

Of course the battle up front was always going to be where this one centred around yet that does not excuse the lack of ideas in the Italian back-line.  Do they have a coach wider out?  Do they have backs at all?

Ireland certainly did in the first half and following an early chip apiece from Craig Gower and Ronan O'Gara, it was the hosts who got on the front foot thanks to Healy winning a scrum scrap with the Tigers tighthead.  O'Gara knocked over the three points from 40 metres.

Coached/Consultant Alan Gaffney had obviously given his backs strict instructions to run plenty of decoys in the game but while it looked pretty, Italy were not buying the green flashes and defended well before a pass from O'Gara allowed Andrew Trimble to cut loose down the left.  That break sparked a lovely passage that saw support runners joining the attack and ultimately led to Jamie Heaslip strolling over and with the conversion, Ireland were 10-0 to the good and looking impressive.

But it was far from the floodgate opener as Italy found their feet at scrum-time to get on the board.  O'Gara swiftly cancelled that out though and when Gonzalo Garcia was yellow-carded by Romain Poite, Ireland had opened a 16-3 lead on 34 minutes.

Then came a see-saw end to the first period.  Ireland probably believed they had themselves a match-winning cushion when Tomas O'Leary burrowed over for what became seven points.  But they would be ruing a sloppy error in the dressing rooms after Rob Kearney took too long to clear his lines.  The Lions full-back found himself charged down by wing Kaine Robertson and the lead was cut to fifteen at the break.

Craig Gower was absent for the remainder of the game which meant wing Mirco Bergamasco had taken over the kicking duties and though he missed the extras from the end-of-half score, he landed a penalty five minutes after the interval.

But Italy's problems continued at the scrum with Castrogiovanni once again conceding to Healy, allowing O'Gara to continue his flawless run with the boot.

Italy were at their attritional best in the third quarter but Ireland also contributed to the lull in proceedings with some poor kicking, O'Gara the main culprit.

And with one eye on the big game in France next week, Declan Kidney brought off a returning Jerry Flannery, Trimble, Paul O'Connell and O'Gara.

Paddy Wallace took over the kicking duties and was on-target with a penalty before Gordon D'Arcy made a break in what was a rather lifeless final 40 minutes in the capital.

Man-of-the-match:  His ability to get over the gain-line always surprises defences and fans alike and David Wallace was once again an outlet for Ireland.  Another solid performance from the Munster flank before he was taken off as a precaution late on.

Moment-of-the-match:  Italian fans will not be happy that Ronan O'Gara's "very flat" ball out to Andrew Trimble, which led to Jamie Heaslip going over was a huge decision at Croker.

Villain-of-the-match:  Nothing really jumps out from the 80 minutes but maybe referee Romain Poite's decision to send Gonzalo Garcia to the sin-bin for his tackle on Brian O'Driscoll could be construed as being slightly harsh by the Frenchman.

The scorers:

For Ireland:
Tries:  Heaslip, O'Leary
Con:  O'Gara 2
Pen:  O'Gara 4, Wallace

For Italy:
Tries:  Roberston
Pen:  Gower, Mi Bergamasco

Ireland:  15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (capt), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Leo Cullen, 3 John Hayes, 2 Jerry Flannery, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements:  16 Rory Best, 17 Tom Court, 18 Donncha Ryan, 19 Sean O'Brien, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Paddy Wallace, 22 Keith Earls.

Italy:  15 Luke McLean, 14 Kaine Robertson, 13 Gonzalo Canale, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Mirco Bergamasco, 10 Craig Gower, 9 Tito Tebaldi, 8 Alessandro Zanni, 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Josh Sole, 5 Quintin Geldenhuys, 4 Carlo Antonio Del Fava, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini (capt), 1 Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements:  16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Matias Aguero, 18 Marco Bortolami, 19 Paul Derbyshire, 20 Simon Picone, 21 Riccardo Bocchino, 22 Andrea Masi.

Referee:  Romain Poite (France)
Assistant referees:  Christophe Berdos (France), Jérôme Graces (France)
Television match official:  Geoff Warren (England)
Assessor:  Clayton Thomas (Wales)

Careless Welsh moments of madness

A ridiculous yellow card and a wayward pass were the margins that cost Wales dear in the Six Nations opener on Saturday, England winning 30-17.

Alun-Wyn Jones' pointless trip on Dylan Hartley five minutes before half-time was England's catalyst in what had been a tight game up until then.  While he reflected on the importance of discipline in the sin-bin, England scored two tries.  Wales nearly pulled the 17-point deficit back, only for Stephen Jones to throw a pass for Delon Armitage to intercept and set England away for the game-clinching try.

The Welsh are going to have to pick themselves up from this one.  There'll probably be a little honesty session on Monday, followed by a swift call of "get back to work", for a good deal of what they offered here was spot on.

Conversely, although England will no doubt be able to relax as they head into their second week, they'll also have to temper their glee with a little reality.  With that much possession, England ought to have put the game away long before the final five minutes.  Instead, had the pass Armitage intercepted gone to a Welsh hand, England could even have lost it.  It was better than November, but it was not that good.

As if to illustrate the point:  England had 74 per cent of the possession of the first ten minutes, but Wales had 67 per cent of the territory.  Whatever England did made absolutely no headway at all.  When Wales got the ball with their first two meaningful Martyn Williams broke the gain-line significantly both times -- the second time ended with a cheeky chip that saw Shane Williams bundling Jonny Wilkinson into touch.

Balls that went to touch were also a problem for the Welsh, who lost no fewer than six line-outs on their own throw.  That seems ludicrous for a team boasting the beanpole figure of Luke Charteris and a British and Irish Lion in Alun-Wyn Jones, but the throwing was out of kilter, Steve Borthwick and Simon Shaw were excellent and James Haskell and Lewis Moody were much better at mopping up the mess than their counterparts.

With James Hook and Stephen Jones unable to land four relatively long shots at goal between them, Welsh penalties were not really punitive measures, more irritants for the English.  On the flip side, Jonny Wilkinson's punishing boot and England's superior set piece meant the Welsh were frequently under pressure in their own half.

Wilkinson controlled the game excellently, with his longer kicks close enough to the touchline to cause Lee Byrne all sorts of consternation, his high kicks delicately measured and his goal-kicking 100 per cent accurate.  That was another significant difference between the teams.

The Welsh scrum was on top, the defence stronger and the attack functioning just fine, but it was all undermined.  When Jones saw yellow, the line-out fell apart properly, but it was the lack of Jones' presence in defence that was most keenly felt.  England scored 17 points in his absence.

Wilkinson booted England into an 11th-minute lead after Wales forward Andy Powell was punished for being off his feet in a ruck, yet there remained little to choose between the sides.

England had started to exert some dominance at the line-out, taking three of Wales' first five throws, but their indiscipline at an attacking scrum -- prop David Wilson was punished -- blew a promising position.

Wales had two long-range penalty chances during the opening 22 minutes, yet both were sent wide by centre James Hook as neither team settled.

Jones replaced Hook when Wales gained another long-range chance thirteen minutes before the break, and he found the target with an equalising strike.

Wilkinson applied an immediate punishment for Jones' transgression, kicking the resulting penalty, but worse was to come for Wales as Jones pondered his responsibilities from his seat in the stand.

Despite some heroic defensive work, especially from Adam Jones, Wales could not hold England out and Haskell stretched over for a close-range try.

Wales initially did well to thwart England's efforts, before Haskell squeezed through the combined challenge of scrum-half Gareth Cooper and Wales captain Ryan Jones right on half-time.

Wilkinson added the conversion, lifting England into a 13-3 lead and underlining Alun-Wyn Jones' crass indiscretion.

But worse was to come for the Ospreys lock as England scored again before he could return to the field.

England skipper Steve Borthwick stole possession superbly for his side, creating an attacking platform that Care prospered from by racing through an absent Welsh defence.

Wilkinson's conversion put England 20-3 ahead, and Wales knew they had to score next or face oblivion.

But the visitors delivered, lock Jones going a small way to atoning for his sin-binning by delivering the scoring pass to prop Jones that gave Wales a glimmer of hope and had captain Jones rousing his troops while fly-half Jones converted (if ever there was a sentence born in Wales, this one is it).

Hook then increased Welsh optimism with a darting score, but England finished them off when Armitage intercepted, Tait took the ball on and Haskell rounded it off with his support for his second.  Wilkinson iced the cake with a late penalty.

Both sides need vast improvements if they are to contest the Six Nations title, but England are up and running, which is all Martin Johnson will worry about.

Man of the match:  It's not often this happens, but we'll opt for a member of the losing side here, with Adam Jones putting in a flanker's share of running in defence and attack, delivering a sterling scrummaging performance and capping all that off with a try.

Moment of the match:  James Hook's try was the finest moment of individual skill, but a close second was the angled run and change of pace Mathew Tait used to capitalise on the Armitage interception and set up Haskell for the clinching try.

Villain of the match:  Alun-Wyn Jones' yellow card rendered all Wales' good defensive work until then null and void and gave the Welsh too much to do.  That's a fine ...

The scorers:

For England:
Tries:  Haskell 2, Care
Cons:  Wilkinson 3
Pens:  Wilkinson 2

For Wales:
Tries:  Adam Jones, Hook
Cons:  Stephen Jones 2
Pen:  Stephen Jones

Yellow card:  Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales, 35, tripping)

England:  15 Delon Armitage, 14 Mark Cueto, 13 Mathew Tait, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Lewis Moody, 6 James Haskell, 5 Steve Borthwick (c), 4 Simon Shaw, 3 David Wilson, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements:  16 Steve Thompson, 17 Dan Cole, 18 Louis Deacon, 19 Steffon Armitage, 20 Paul Hodgson, 21 Toby Flood, 22 Ben Foden.

Wales:  15 Lee Byrne, 14 Tom James, 13 James Hook, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Gareth Cooper, 8 Ryan Jones (c), 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Andy Powell, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Gareth Williams, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements:  16 Huw Bennett, 17 Paul James, 18 Bradley Davies, 19 Jonathan Thomas, 20 Richie Rees, 21 Andrew Bishop, 22 Leigh Halfpenny.

Referee:  Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Assistant referees:  George Clancy (Ireland), Simon McDowell (Ireland)
Television match official:  Jim Yuille (Scotland)
Assessor:  Michael Lamoulie (France), Tony Spreadbury (England)

Habana treble sinks All Blacks

New Zealand ended 2009 on a slightly sour note on Saturday as a Bryan Habana hat-trick-inspired Barbarians beat them 25-18 at Twickenham.

The dashing Springbok winger was treated to a standing ovation at HQ as reward for a dazzling display of finishing that saw him named man of the match.

Ben Smith and lock Anthony Boric crossed for New Zealand -- the world's top ranked side -- but it was not enough to prevent the Barbarians from clinching a famous victory.

Australia fly-half Matt Giteau must have pushed Habana close for the man of the match honours after booting seven points and proving a thorn in the All Blacks' side throughout.

Barbarians fixtures are traditionally preceded by a discussion over their relevance in the modern game, though the 63,554 crowd that descended on Twickenham clearly thought they still have a role to play.

As a spectacle the contest just about lived up to expectation, though it was fascinating throughout and was more akin to a Test match than a crowd-pleaser.

The Barbarians' line-up contained 925 caps including six Springboks and while they sought to honour their swashbuckling tradition, New Zealand provided typically resilient opposition.

The All Blacks fielded what was effectively their second string -- skipper Richie McCaw aside -- and suffered the first defeat of a gruelling five-match tour that ended on Saturday.

The crowd had come to be entertained so New Zealand's decision to take an early kick at goal -- Stephen Donald landed the points -- drew a chorus of boos.

Provoked by the response, both teams began running at each other with intent and it was unfortunate the All Blacks' ambition proved their undoing in the eleventh minute.

Hooker Corey Flynn surged into the 22 and placed the ball down in the hope of recycling it -- but there was no support.

Showing quick thinking, Wallaby full-back Drew Mitchell scooped up possession and dashed 30 metres before supplying the scoring pass to Habana.

Matt Giteau made the tricky touchline conversion and kept the pressure on with a muscular run that swept him within five metres of the line.

Scrum-half Fourie du Preez almost wriggled over but was denied by McCaw in the nick of time.

The Barbarians were on the rampage, but New Zealand responded with a precise series of moves that restored their lead.

Luke McAlister made the initial break that stretched the Barbarians' defence, creating an overlap that straight running and quick hands exploited to send Smith over.

New Zealand seemed in control but Habana pounced for his second try, grabbing a loose pass by Donald to race home after juggling with the ball and giving the Barbarians a 14-10 half-time lead.

Only a try-saving tackle by McAlister prevented Rocky Elsom from crossing in the right corner after being teed-up by a crossfield bomb from Giteau.

It was then Habana's turn to come to his side's rescue, preventing Brendon Leonard from crossing after the All Blacks has spent several minutes pounding at the line with a series of scrums.

The Barbarians' determination to win was underlined when Giteau slotted his first penalty with three points sparking a period of domination from the invitational team.

But once again McAlister strode into space, starting a move that was finished when Boric crashed over.

Leading 17-15, the Barbarians raced in their third try with Habana inevitably accepting the crucial pass after Giteau's slippery run has caused doubt in New Zealand's defence.

Substitute Mike Delany landed a penalty with nine minutes to go but Morne Steyn stepped off the bench to respond in kind and the Barbarians successfully closed out the game.

The scorers:

For Barbarians:
Tries:  Habana 3
Con:  Giteau 2
Pen:  Giteau, Steyn

For New Zealand:
Tries:  Smith, Boric
Con:  Donald
Pen:  Donald, Delany

Barbarians:  15 Drew Mitchell, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 George Smith, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Victor Matfield (capt), 4 Carlo del Fava, 3 WP Nel, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements:  16 Stephen Moore, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Quintin Geldenhuys, 19 Andy Powell, 20 Will Genia, 21 Morne Steyn, 22 Leigh Halfpenny.

New Zealand:  15 Cory Jane, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Jason Eaton, 3 John Afoa, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements:  16 Andrew Hore, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Adam Thomson, 19 Tanerau Latimer, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Sitiveni Sivivatu.

Referee:  Christophe Berdos (France)
Assistant referees:  Romain Poite (France, David Changleng (Scotland)
TMO:  Andrew Turner (England), Graham Hughes (England)

Fiji win in Romania

Fiji visited Romania for the first time on Saturday and scored a 29-18 at Stadionul Arcul de Triumf in Bucharest.

The match was played in chilly 11 degrees in the Romanian capital.  The sides have only ever met once before, when Romania won 17-15 in Brive at the Rugby World Cup in 1991

With neither side at full strength due to club commitments with the Fijians missing the services of Deacon Manu, Nicky Little, Seremaia Bai and Mosese Rauluni.

Fiji outscored their hosts four tries to two with teenage fly-half Josh Mataves adding three conversions and a penalty.

The hosts moved into an 8-0 lead thanks to a penalty from full-back Florin Vlaicu and a try from Ovidiu Tonita.

Fiji replied with a try from Vereniki Goneva just before half time.

Vlaicu landed a second penalty to put Romania ahead 11-7 at the break.

The second half belonged to Fiji however as two fantastic counter attacks gave them a 29-11 lead.

Romania fought back as prop Bogdan Balan scored a try despite flank Stelian Burcea being sent to the sin bin for a late tackle

The result caps a bad year for Romania who are yet to qualify for the World Cup.  Their hopes of doing so rest with success in the European Nations Cup.

Scorers:

For Fiji:
Tries:  Goneva, Naikadawa, Nagusa, Ratu
Cons:  Matavesi 3
Pen:  Matavesi

For Romania:
Tries:  Tonita, Balan
Con:  Dumbrava
Pens:  Vlaicu 2

Fiji:  15 Norman Ligairi, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 11 Semi Tadulala, 10 Josh Matavesi, 9 Waisale Vatuvoka, 8 Asaeli Boko, 7 Jimilai Naikadawa, 6 Samu Bola, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Apolosi Satala (captain), Capt, 3 Viliame Seuseu, 2 Vereniki Sauturaga, 1 Aisake Tarogi
Replacements:  16 Isireli Ledua, 17 Alefoso Yalayalatabua, 18 Graham Dewes, 19 Viliame Veikoso, 20 Kelemedi Bola, 21 Jonetani Ratu, 22 Nasoni Roko

Romania:  15 Florin Vlaicu, 14 Stefan Ciuntu, 13 Ionut Dimofte, 12 Dan Dumitru, 11 Catalin Nicolae, 10 Iulian Dumitras, 9 Lucian Sirbu, 8 Ovidiu Tonita, 7 Vasile Rus, 6 Stelian Burcea, 5 Augustin Petrichei, 4 Sorin Socol (captain), 3 Paulica Ion, 2 Andrei Radoi, 1 Bogdan Balan
Replacements:  16 Petrisor Toderasc, 17 Bogdan Zebega, 18 Valentin Ursache, 19 Viorel Lucaci, 20 Valentin Calafeteanu, 21 Csaba Gal, 22 Dan Dumbrava, 23 Mihai Lazar

Referee:  Jérôme Garces (France)

Ireland claim Springbok hat-trick

Ireland claimed a hat-trick of wins over South Africa with a well-deserved 15-10 victory in an enthralling Test match in Dublin on Saturday.

In an international match built up to the highest of standards, the 80 minutes played in the blinding mist at Croke Park was as tough and physical as you would expect from these two rugby heavyweights.

There was no love lost between the Six Nations and Tri-Nations champions, as both sides threw everything at each other.  But it was the South Africans that were left to do the dirty dishes afterwards, after succumbing to their fourth defeat on tour.

Ireland refused to be bullied by the brutal Boks and tackled their way to a well-earned victory over the world champions, who head back home with their reputation taking a small knock backwards.

Having led 10-6 at the break, South Africa were kept scoreless in the second half and watched helplessly as Irish fly-half Jonathan Sexton slotted over three match-winning penalties to seal the deal for his country.

The visitors had a chance to end their tour on a high in the final act of the game, but just could not bring to bear the necessary energy and team-work as they stumbled to another defeat on European soil.

In bitterly cold conditions, South Africa defended bravely but continued to lose badly in the possession and territory stakes.  The Springboks tried hard to pull it out of the fire with a try, but just did not have the depth or variation to break through.

Surprisingly, it was at the line-out that the Springboks struggled.  The influence of Ireland assistant coach Gert Smal, who just two years ago was working with John Smit and Victor Matfield, was patent as the Irish disrupted the Bok feed regularly.

If not for the Boks' dominance in other areas and the visitors' heroic defence, Ireland may have led at half-time.  But Sexton landed five of his seven kicks to justify his selection ahead of record scorer Ronan O'Gara, that completed an unbeaten month for the Six Nations champions.

The Springboks, who last won in the Emerald Isle in 2000, scored the only try of the game through flanker Schalk Burger.  Although the Irish struggled to get a try of their own, their pressure on the green and gold attack was enough to keep Sexton potting over the necessary points.

South Africa can consider themselves lucky to have kept fifteen men on the field for the entire game as their discipline crumbled under pressure, gifting Ireland two thirds of possession and three quarters of the territory.

Sexton's counterpart, Morne Steyn, missed several kicks in his most hesitant performance of the season and gave away a crucial 48th-minute penalty with a high tackle to make it 9-10 to the hosts.

Lock Andries Bekker was then lucky to stay on the field when he dropped his knee and forearm on Ireland hooker Jerry Flannery.  Sexton struck the resulting penalty to put Ireland 12-10 in front.

South Africa's other second row, Victor Matfield, was then called for not releasing on the ground after a turnover and Sexton kicked Ireland into its winning five-point lead.  Game, set and match!

The injury-hit Springboks were hit by the late withdrawal of influential lock Bakkies Botha because of a back injury.  Bekker stepped up from the bench, where there was no specialist second row cover, but there was little evidence of fatigue amid a frantic opening.

Although Sexton drew first blood for the Irish with a penalty, one had the impression that the Boks had the measure of the home side and would push on to victory.

This view was confirmed when the tourists scored a well-worked try in the fifteenth minute as centre Jaque Fourie popped the ball up to Burger crashing through on a straight line to score.  Steyn converted Burger's try and slotted a drop goal to extend the visitors' lead to 10-3 after 24 minutes.

But the scoreline didn't tell the story.

South Africa resisted a couple of Irish surges thanks to the defensive feats of Burger, Danie Rossouw and Wynand Olivier.  Heinrich Brussow also obliged with some steals off his own line.  Ireland coach Declan Kidney must have been fuming, while the South African coaches would have been breathing a collective sigh of relief.

However the little errors and lack of discipline were seeping into the play of the Springboks as assuredly as the fog was making their fingers numb with cold.

Sexton kicked his second penalty for Ireland in the 29th minute but missed opportunities, poor discipline and decision making by South Africa -- which would account for eventual defeat -- were starting to mount.

Steyn squandered six points by missing two long range kicks in the closing minutes of the first half.  Another penalty was conceded at the scrum and once again the Bok number ten missed the kick, though it was a third penalty that tested his range to the limit.

Ireland's scrum encountered further problems but they restored morale with two Sexton penalties that nudged them 12-10 ahead.  Winger Keith Earls was bundled into touch in the left corner by Steyn and JP Pietersen as the Irish began to dictate things again with ball in hand.

Gordon D'Arcy, on as a replacement for the injured Paddy Wallace, and young flanker Sean O'Brien, who came on for Stephen Ferris, added their ball-carrying abilities as the men in white began to pour forward.

South Africa, wilting beneath the relentless pressure, conceded another penalty but this time Sexton missed.  The Leinster pivot made it 15-10 in the 65th minute and, in truth, it might have been worse for the Boks because the Irish kicker pushed two other attempts.

The Bok management sent on Ruan Pienaar in a clear signal that the decision had made to go over to carrying the ball but instead he continued to hoof the ball away.

South Africa managed to launch one final do-or-die assault that saw Tendai Mtawarira rampage down the right wing, but Ireland doggedly defended their line -- their efforts summed up by Brian O'Driscoll's crucial last-minute tackle on Zane Kirchner.

It was a Test the Boks could, and probably should have won but in the end they just did not have the gumption to coax anything more out of tired legs and tired minds.

Man of the match:  Continuing where he left off on the Lions tour, Rob Kearney was assured throughout under the Springboks' high balls and showed just why he is rated as one of the best full-backs in world rugby.

Moment of the match:  In an absorbing encounter, it was a shame the only try was supplied by Bok flanker Schalk Burger.  The man the Irish love to boo after the infamous eye-gouging incident hoofed the ball into the crowd after grounding the try.

Villian of the match:  The fog!

The scorers:

For Ireland:
Pens:  Sexton 5

For South Africa:
Tries:  Burger
Cons:  Steyn
Drop-goal:  Steyn

Ireland:  15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (c), 12 Paddy Wallace, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Jerry Flannery, 1 Cian Healy
Replacements:  16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Leo Cullen, 19 Sean O'Brien, 20 Peter Stringer, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Gordon D'Arcy.

South Africa:  15 Zane Kirchner, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Danie Rossouw, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 BJ Botha, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements:  16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Dewald Potgieter, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Jean de Villiers.

Referee:  Nigel Owens (Wales)

Pumas burst Scotland's bubble

The joy at Scotland's win over Australia last week was short-lived as a late Martin Rodriguez drop goal saw Argentina to a 9-6 win at Murrayfield on Saturday.

It was a cold cold day in Edinburgh and the first half did nothing at all to warm the digits of the hardy souls who had braved Murrayfield's icy gates.

Scotland ran the ball with purpose of mind early on but despite some stretch marks appearing on the surface of the Pumas' defence, it held firm.  Scotland soon ran out of ideas -- indeed when it came to creative moves actually designed to create and cut a gap, there were few real ideas on show.

Ben Cairns and Sean Lamont came closest to breaching the wall, with the former taking a good drift ball but looking the wrong way for support and the latter making a swerving incisive run which did cause some panic but also swerved away from support.

Argentina offered nothing beyond grunt and kicking.  Federico Martin Aramburu dazzled with a turn of pace at one point under a Scottish kick but nobody ran any kind of threatening supporting line.

The forwards did pressure some penalties but the territory counted against them and Scotland's willingness to at least try and keep the ball in hand starved them of much opportunity.  After 27 minutes, Argentina had made 50 tackles and Scotland had made just eight.

Scotland also forced penalties, with the tactic of running the ball back from deep into Argentina's half ensuring that they were in kickable range.  Phil Godman missed two easy ones (Martin Rodriguez missed one too, is there something about Murrayfield this year?) but landed two others and Scotland led 6-0 at half-time in an utterly forgettable game of rugby.

The second half began no better.  Rodriguez's restart did not go ten metres and there was a hail of aerial balls punctuated by 16 phases of Argentinean forward drives, that punctuated by a penalty to Scotland.

Boredom may have been the motivation behind Nathan Hines' decision to upend Lucas Borges and dump him onto his shoulder-blades, whatever it was it earned Hines a needless yellow card and Rodriguez a second shot at goal, which he took well to make it 6-3.

In the interim, Rory Lamont left the field with what looked like a nasty ankle injury.  The game was interrupted for a while and when it resumed, Argentina were better, a lot better.  The forwards got some cohesion and began to bulldoze inroads, with one lengthy move culminating in an easy match-levelling penalty.

On that went for a bit, but Chris Cusiter's 50m break changed the momentum again.  Scotland again stretched the fibre of the Puma defence, this time with all sorts of little tears and holes beginning to open up.  Twelve minutes remained.

Fernandez had a stab at a lead-grabbing drop goal but it fell short and left, while Scotland continued to spread the ball again, seeing if tired legs could cover as well as the fresher ones at the start of the match.  Time ticked on and it eventually became evident they could.

Then came the sucker punch Argentina were always in danger of delivering.  Good territory, well-driven ball and a sweetly-struck drop goal from Rodriguez with two minutes left sealed the deal.

Last weekend was supposed to be some sort of rebirth of Scottish rugby but this match made all the more apparent how freakish that win over Australia might have been.

Man of the match:  Well, nobody really stood out.  But Alan Lewis did pretty well in testing conditions.

Moment of the match:  The winning drop goal might be about the only thing anybody will remember of this game in a couple of months' time.

Villain of the match:  That was an ugly tackle, Nathan Hines ...

The scorers:

For Scotland:
Pens:  Godman 2

For Argentina:
Pens:  Rodriguez 2
Drop goal:  Rodriguez

Yellow card:  Hines (Scotland, 50, dangerous tackle)

Scotland:  15 Rory Lamont, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Ben Cairns, 12 Alex Grove, 11 Thom Evans, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Chris Cusiter (c), 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 Alan MacDonald, 6 Alasdair Strokosch, 5 Alastair Kellock, 4 Nathan Hines, 3 Moray Low, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements:  16 Dougie Hall, 17 Kyle Traynor, 18 Jason White, 19 Richie Vernon, 20 Rory Lawson, 21 Chris Paterson, 22 Nick De Luca.

Argentina:  15 Horacio Agulla, 14 Lucas Borges, 13 Gonzalo Tiesi, 12 Martin Rodriguez, 11 Federico Martin Aramburu, 10 Santiago Fernandez, 9 Alfredo Lalanne, 8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (capt), 7 Alejandro Abadie, 6 Alejandro Campos, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Manuel Carizza, 3 Martin Scelzo, 2 Alberto Vernet Basualdo, 1 Marcos Ayerza.
Replacements:  16 Agustin Creevy, 17 Rodrigo Roncero, 18 Estaban Lozada, 19 Tomas Leonardi, 20 Agustin Figuerola, 21 Benjamin Urdapilleta, 22 Horacio San Martin.

Date:  Saturday, November 28
Venue:  Murrayfield
Kick-off:  14.30 GMT
Referee:  Alan Lewis (Ireland)
Assistant referees:  Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland), Stuart Terheege (England)
Television match official:  Tim Hayes (Wales)
Assessor:  Michel Lamoulie (France)

All Blacks cruise past France

New Zealand will finish 2009 as the world's number-one ranked team thanks to an impressive 39-12 win over France at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille on Saturday.

A lot has been said about the state of the game over the past few days, but I challenge anyone calling for a change in the laws to go back and watch this game and then tell me that running rugby is dead.

Tries are there to be scored if you've got the balls to have a go ... and the skills to pull it off.

This is what Test rugby should be all about.  A ding-dong battle in the scrums, creativity amongst the backs and, most of all, a high-paced game that tested the skills of both attackers and defenders rather than just the kicking capabilities of the fly-halves and full-backs.

The All Blacks answered their critics with a wonderful display of positive rugby, and were rewarded with five tries.

While Tri-Nations champions South Africa have looked tired and uninspired on tour in November, New Zealand were full of zip and zest in Marseille.

Unlike against the Springboks, the French were unable to grab a stranglehold on the game with their powerful forwards as the visitors were eager to take the ball out wide at pace.

In fact both sides should be commended for the positive spirit with which they approached the game -- the All Blacks however made the difference with their near-flawless execution.

Perhaps most the impressive aspect of New Zealand's tour is the fact that -- just like last year -- they have yet to concede a try on this tour.

The French front row looked a like a pack of hungry wolves after winning their side a penalty at the first scrum and Julien Dupuy obliged by slotting the three points to give France the early lead.

New Zealand however replied with a brilliant try from Sitiveni Sivivatu who simply blitzed Vincent Clerc and Damien Traille, slicing between the two Frenchmen who could little but watch him sail by.

Les Bleus kept coming as Dupuy added two more penalties, including a second against the Kiwi scrum to take the lead back at 9-7.  But not for long.

The All Blacks' second try was even better than the first as Sivivatu turned on the gas from his own 22 before finding Mils Muliaina up in support.

Dan Carter added the conversion and then a penalty to give the visitors some breathing space before the All Black scrum took their revenge by pushing the Tricolor pack backwards on the French line.

Under the pressure Julien Bonnaire fumbled his pick up, allowing Jerome Kaino to dot down the loose ball.

Francois Trinh-Duc landed a long distance drop goal shortly before the half-time whistle to make the scores 22-12.

But, the second half however belonged solely to New Zealand.

When Dupuy missed two early attempts at goal it became clear it wasn't to be France's night.

Cory Jane was next to get on the scoreboard with a classic individual try, collecting his own kick ahead from the touchline to score under the posts.

With France running out of ideas and leaving gaps all over the park, Conrad Smith snuck away down an unattended blindside to rub salt into the wounds.

A late fling from France produced no more points.

Marc Lièvremont and his team with have to continue building if they are to challenge their group partners and hosts at the next World cup.

Man of the match:  He's had a tough year and was distinctly out of form during the Tri-Nations but Sitiveni Sivivatu was back to his very best -- scoring one try, setting up another and putting in some big hits.

Moment of the match:  For half an hour it was anyone's game, but when the All Blacks scrum stepped up and earned Jerome Kaino's try, New Zealand moved out of France's reach.  It wasn't the prettiest of tries, but it had a telling effect on the match as a whole.

Villain of the match:  Plenty of handbags were flung about, but there was no clear bad guy.

The Scorers

For France:
Pens:  Dupuy 3
Drop:  Trinh-Duc

For New Zealand:
Tries:  Sivivatu, Muliaina, Kaino, Jane, Smith
Cons:  Carter 4
Pens:  Carter 2

Yellow cards:  Franks (NZ -- 77th -- foul play)

France:  15 Damien Traille, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 David Marty, 12 Yannick Jauzion, 11 Maxime Médard, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Julien Dupuy, 8 Julien Bonnaire, 7 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Romain Millo-Chluski, 4 Sébastien Chabal, 3 Sylvain Marconnet, 2 William Servat, 1 Fabien Barcella.
Replacements:  16 Dimitri Szarzewski, 17 Nicolas Mas, 18 Lionel Nallet, 19 Julien Puricelli, 20 Morgan Parra, 21 Yann David, 22 Cédric Heymans.

New Zealand:  15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements:  16 Corey Flynn, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Tanerau Latimer, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Luke McAlister.

Venue:  Stade Vélodrome
Referee:  Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Assistant referees:  George Clancy (Ireland), Simon McDowell (Ireland)
Television match officials:  Nigel Whitehouse(Wales)
Assessor:  Paul Bridgman (England)

Four-try Australia dominate Wales

Australia answered so many questions at the Millennium Stadium as they outplayed Wales 33-12 on Saturday.

Say what you will about the Wallabies but they do possess a class and zest that can dominate anyone on their day.  This was one of those unfortunately for the shell-shocked Welsh, who were left chasing gold shadows and falling off tackles for large parts of the Cardiff contest.

Pre-tour injuries to the tourists' starting centre duo were finally put behind them while the lateral hosts were hampered by losing Leigh Halfpenny, Shane Williams and Matthew Rees to go with the absent Mike Phillips, Ryan Jones and Tom Shanklin.

But one suspects that not even a full-strength Welsh under the roof would have stopped this rampant Australian outfit in this kind of form, as they were simply in another league on their final 2009 outing.  And yes, it went a long way to banishing any lingering memories of Murrayfield.

It was also to be a much-improved performance from fly-half Matt Giteau as his combination with Quade Cooper looked a cut above opposite numbers Stephen Jones and Jonathan Davies.

Quickly into his stride, the Brumby knocked over the opening three points from 50 metres after Ospreys tighthead Paul James was penalised at scrum-time.  And that proved to be the catalyst for the visitors, with centre Cooper spotting some lazy inside defence to put a racing Peter Hynes up to the home 22-metre.

What followed was a script that Wales' worst nightmare could not even match.

The departure of last week's double try-scorer Williams -- due to what looked like an innocuous injury -- was then followed up by fellow Lions Halfpenny and Rees leaving the field.  Now it really looked like being Australia's day.

More and more pressure was consequently being applied on the fragile-looking Welsh line and with Giteau intent to put things right, one sensed there was plenty more defending to do with 70 minutes remaining on the matchday clock.

Giteau was of course the orchestrator when the hosts were caught flat-footed soon after while the then-present Halfpenny left his job of watching the space in-behind.

The fly-half spotted this blunder and slid through a perfectly-weighted grubber that sat up nicely for man-of-the-match Digby Ioane.  But moments later the playmaker's vision was penalised by Barnes, who adjudged Hynes to be in front of a second cross-field kick that came across to the right.  Halfpenny slotted over the points with aplomb from 50 metres.

Then came an Australian double score, seconds later I might add.  Benn Robinson was able to stretch his legs down the left before feeding Drew Mitchell in support, who in turn sent James Horwill over for the visitors' second five-pointer.

Gold pressure continued to come in front of a quiet Cardiff support and following sustained pressure, it was then the turn of David Pocock to reach over and cross after a smart ball from hooker Stephen Moore.

An sign that mission was firmly accomplished had to be the sight of the impressive Pocock being held back on the bench for the whole second period, a second period that had a depressing air of inevitability about it from a home perspective.

Wales were predictably finished off in a clinical manner in the end when Giteau carved them open and Polota-Nau touched down on 61 minutes.  The on-song number ten added the extras, putting a seal on a high-class display packed with flair and deadly attacking execution while Wales must now regroup ahead of their Six Nations opener against England on February 6.

Man of the match:  So many Australian names come to mind.  The impressive first-half effort from David Pocock, the constant threat of Peter Hynes coming off his wing, Matt Giteau, both Benn Robinson and Ben Alexander.  But for his all-round showing in Stirling Mortlock's shoes, Digby Ioane picks up the award for his dynamism that had Wales struggling for answers.

Moment of the match:  Wales had a gilt-edged chance to get themselves back in the contest when Jamie Roberts was put through a hole.  All he had to do was back himself or offload possession to the supporting Tom James, but the winger slid from the pass and the chance to close matters had gone.

Villain of the match:  A game played in good spirits.  No award.

The scorers:

For Wales:
Pens:  Halfpenny, Jones 3

For Australia:
Tries:  Ioane, Horwill, Pocock, Polota-Nau
Con:  Giteau
Pen:  Giteau

Wales:  15 James Hook, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Jamie Roberts, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Dwayne Peel, 8 Andy Powell (c), 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Dan Lydiate, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 3 Paul James, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements:  16 Huw Bennett, 17 Duncan Jones, 18 Jonathan Thomas, 19 Sam Warburton, 20 Martin Roberts, 21 Andrew Bishop, 22 Tom James.

Australia:  15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Digby Ioane, 12 Quade Cooper, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Will Genia, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (c), 5 Dean Mumm, 4 James Horwill, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements:  16 Tatafu Polota Nau, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Mark Chisholm, 19 George Smith, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 James O'Connor, 22 Kurtley Beale.

Referee:  Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees:  Romain Poite (France), Peter Allan (Scotland)
Television match officials:  Geoff Warren (England)
Assessor:  Patrick Robin (France)

Losing run finally over for Italy

Italy ended a painful thirteen-game losing streak on Saturday with a morale-boosting 24-6 victory over Samoa at the Stadio Del Duca.

Despite being without inspirational captain Sergio Parisse due to long-term injury, the Azzurri were a cut above their opponents with Luke McLean's score and a penalty try adding to Craig Gower, Mirco Bergamasco and Tito Tebaldi's kicks.

Nick Mallett's Italy side went into the game at Ascoli Piceno looking to pick up their first win since June 2008.

Mallett made six changes to the team which lost 32-10 to South Africa last weekend and the new line-up responded with a determined display, building a 14-6 lead by half-time

Bergamasco kicked two penalties and Gower one for the home side, while Tebaldi sent over a drop.  Bergamasco also converted the penalty try.

Samoa were unable to register a score after in the second 40 minutes and to make matters worse had Henry Fa'afili sent off for a high tackle on McLean.

The scorers:

For Italy:
Tries:  McLean, Penalty
Con:  Mi Bergamasco
Pen:  Mi Bergamasco 2, Gower
Drop:  Tebaldi

For Samoa:
Pen:  Esau 2

Italy:  15 Luke McLean, 14 Kaine Robertson, 13 Gonzalo Canale, 12 Gonzalo Garcia, 11 Mirco Bergamasco, 10 Craig Gower, 9 Tito Tebaldi, 8 Alessandro Zanni, 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Josh Sole, 5 Quintin Geldenhuys, 4 Carlo Antonio Del Fava, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini (c), 1 Salvatore Perugini.
Replacements:  16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Ignacio Rouyet, 18 Antonio Pavanelli, 19 Simone Favaro, 20 Simon Piccone, 21 Riccardo Bocchino, 22 Alberto Sgarbi.

Samoa:  15 Titi Esau, 14 Henry Fa'fili, 13 Gavin Williams, 12 Seilala Mapasua, 11 David Lemi, 10 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, 9 Junior Polu, 8 Henry Tuilagi, 7 Ofisa Treviranus, 6 George Stowers (c), 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Filipo Levi, 3 Justin Va'a, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Census Johnson.
Replacements:  16 Andrew Williams, 17 Sakaria Taulafo, 18 Jonny Fa'amatuainu, 19 Misioka Tomoteo, 20 Semiperive Semeane, 21 Uale Mai, 22 Lucky Munipola.

Referee:  Christophe Berdos (France)
Assistant referees:  James Jones (Wales), Pascal Gauzere (France)
TMO:  Jim Yuille (Scotland)

Japan do the double over Canucks

Japan completed a November Test match double over Canada on Saturday, beating the Canucks 27-6 in Tokyo.

Canada were much improved in comparison to last week's 46-8 loss and will hope to take that improvement into the match against Russia in Vancouver next weekend.

Alisi Tupuailei broke through the Canadian defensive line before passing onto Go Aruga, who sprinted over for the opening try early in the match.

Hitoshi Ono almost increased the lead in the 14th minute.  Phil O'Reilly ripped the ball away from a Canadian player in a maul and Ryan Nicholas bounced off a number of would-be tacklers to set up field position only for the Japan lock to be tackled just short of the line.

Six minutes later Japan did increase their lead, when Hirotoki Onozawa followed up a good chip from Shaun Webb and forced a scrum five.

Two phases later Kensuke Hatakeyama dived through a pile of bodies and was adjudged to have grounded the ball.  Nicholas added the extras as Japan went 12-0 up.

James Pritchard reduced the lead with a penalty in the 23rd minute after Japan were caught offside from a clearance kick by Webb and there was no further score in the half.

Having lost Kosuke Endo halfway through the first half, Japan were forced to make another change in the backs at half-time with James Arlidge coming on for an injured Aruga, but there was no perceptible change in the match momentum.

Michael Leitch crossed in the 48th minute after a good break from Takashi Kikutani, the Japan captain timing his run and pass to perfection.  Webb added the conversion to make it 19-3.

Ander Monro slotted over a penalty for Canada in the 56th minute to reduce the deficit to 19-6, only for Webb to reply with a penalty of his own five minutes later.

The Canadians then spent several minutes camped in the Japan 22 only to see their pressure turn into points at the other end when Webb intercepted a wayward Canada pass and raced 80 metres before being tackled.

Onozawa was in support and the ball was recycled before Arlidge and Nicholas put Ayumu Goromaru away for Japan's fourth try.

The scorers:

For Japan:
Tries:  Go Aruga, Kensuke Hatakeyama, Michael Leitch, Ayumu Goromaru
Cons:  Ryan Nicholas, Shaun Webb
Pen:  Ryan Nicholas

For Canada:
Pens:  James Pritchard, Ander Monro

Ireland put Fiji to the sword

Ireland eased their way past Fiji 41-6 at the Royal Dublin Showground on Saturday, running in five tries with Jonathan Sexton converting all of them in what was a sublime kicking display from the Irish debutant.

Centre Keith Earls bagged a double as the Six Nations warmed up for next weekend's big Test against South Africa in style.

The hosts only led 13-3 at the break but a try from Brian O'Driscoll five minutes into the second period sparked a glut of points for Declan Kidney's side.

Earls, full-back Rob Kearney and Shane Horgan added further scores after the break while Sexton's 100 per cent record with the boot earned him a personal 16-point haul.

Fiji fly-half Nicky Little scored his side's only points with a penalty either side of the break.

Sexton, making his debut at fly-half, put Ireland 3-0 ahead with a penalty after eight minutes as both sides took time to get to grips with the conditions.

A perfectly judged cross-kick from Sexton then almost brought about the first try.  Earls gathered the loose ball and fed Kearney but he was stopped just short of the line.

Ireland did not have to wait long for a try however, Earls going over beside the posts after taking Eoin Reddan's pass following a scrum.  Sexton's conversion put Ireland 10-0 clear.

Eventually Fiji began to secure some better possession, allowing Little to reduce the deficit to 10-3 with a well-struck penalty.

The visitors did well to hang in as Ireland were giving them increasing problems in the scrums, but the home team failed to take advantage and were then forced to defend close to their own line.

Fortunately, another big scrum which saw them push Fiji off their own ball relieved the pressure.  It was only then that Ireland really began to open up.

Once again Sexton was involved, breaking out from his own half, but the move finished with Gordon D'Arcy's pass being intercepted by Fiji full-back Norman Ligairi.

But the pressure told just before half-time with Sexton landing his second penalty to leave Ireland 13-3 clear at the interval.

To add to Ireland's problems, flanker Denis Leamy had to be stretchered off with an injury to his right leg.  Leinster tyro Sean O'Brien came on to make his debut at this level.

Fiji then conceded a frustrating try as Little saw O'Driscoll intercept his pass and run 40 metres to score with Sexton's conversion giving Ireland a 20-6 advantage and some breathing space.

With Tomas O'Leary on as a replacement at scrum-half for Reddan and Tony Buckley taking over from John Hayes in the front row, Ireland looked for more scores as the game went into the final quarter and the crowd was soon rewarded with a third try.

A well-worked move -- the ball travelled smoothly along from O'Leary, O'Driscoll and D'Arcy -- was finished off in the left corner by Earls.

Sexton kicked the difficult conversion, leaving Ireland 27-6 clear and in complete control.

Kearney, who did well to get the ball down under pressure from Mosese Rauluni, and Horgan, whose workmanlike performance deserved a try, added further touchdowns with the accurate Sexton landing both conversions from the touchline.

The second half against Fiji certainly saw Ireland find an extra gear or two in attack and Kidney and company will have some welcome selection headaches to work through before announcing the team to face the Springboks.

Man of the match:  Keith Earls crossed for two tries but fly-half Jonny Sexton claims this man of the match honour with an accomplished display on his way to a personal tally of 16 points.

Moment of the match:  Without taking anything away from Ireland's four try-scorers, it was the conversions that really caught the eye.  Sexton's three goals from the touchline were pure class, and really brought some sunshine to the rain-soaked crowd.

Villain of the match:  The rain.  Had it been clear skies, we're pretty sure both sides could have contributed a few more tries.

The scorers:

For Ireland:
Tries:  Earls 2, Horgan, Kearney, O'Driscoll
Cons:  Sexton 5
Pens:  Sexton 2

For Fiji:
Pens:  Little 2

Ireland:  15 Rob Kearney, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (c), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Keith Earls, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Denis Leamy, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Leo Cullen, 3 John Hayes, 2 Jerry Flannery, 1 Tom Court.
Replacements:  16 Sean Cronin, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Donncha O'Callaghan, 19 Sean O'Brien, 20 Tomas O'Leary, 21 Paddy Wallace, 22 Andrew Trimble.

Fiji:  15 Norman Ligairi, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Gabiriele Lovobalavu, 12 Seremaia Bai (c), 11 Nasoni Roko, 10 Nicky Little, 9 Mosese Rauluni, 8 Asaeli Boko, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Apolosi Satala, 5 Ifereimi Rawaqa, 4 Wame Lewaravu, 3 Viliame Seuseu, 2 Viliame Veikoso, 1 Asaike Tarogi.
Replacements:  16 Isireli Ledua, 17 Graham Dewes, 18 Leone Nakarawa, 19 Samu Bola, 20 Waisale Vatuvoka, 21 Josh Matavesi, 22 Timoci Nagusa

Referee:  Marius Jonker (South

Scotland shock the Wallabies

Scotland caused a major upset at Murrayfield on Saturday as -- after some late drama -- they won a largely dour encounter 9-8 against Australia.

There was very little to write home about in a Test fixture predicted to act as the Wallabies' ideal tonic after suffering a painful draw in Dublin.

But that was not the case as the gritty Scots managed to pounce on an off night for the tourists, who will also be concerned over Wycliff Palu after the vital number eight was stretchered from the action due to a neck injury.

The loss of Palu looks highly likely to see coach Robbie Deans bring in either George Smith or Richard Brown at the base when they tackle Wales next week.

Australia will also be slightly concerned regarding Matt Giteau's form from the kicking tee after the usually reliable fly-half converted just one attempt from a whole host of opportunities.  The one that hurt the most was his wayward conversion shot of Ryan Cross' late try that would have spared the tourists' blushes.

It was the improving Scots' first win over Australia following a tough 27 years, with the filthy weather somewhat reminiscent of their last victory back in 1981.

Giteau was on hand to open the scoring on five minutes however, after home hooker Ross Ford struggled to find his man at lineout time early on.

Then it was the turn of a succession of injury issues for both coaches.  Australia were deprived of loosehead Benn Robinson on eighteen minutes for Sekope Kepu, who was also off form in fumbling two simple passes.

Then Scotland captain Chris Cusiter hurt his shoulder with an excellent cover tackle on full-back Adam Ashley-Cooper and Rory Lawson was called into the fray, but not before the Glasgow man saved his side by holding up Stephen Moore.

But the driving maul was one area of dominance for Scotland and it won them a 27th-minute penalty which Godman arrowed between the posts to level matters, completely against the run of play.

Normal service soon resumed, Giteau pulling the strings wonderfully both with the boot and out of hand.

But with four minutes of the half remaining, he was left red-faced after missing a point-blank penalty when Scotland had infringed at a scrum.

Australia ran their next penalty but Giteau was again off-target with a simple drop goal.

Robinson withdrew the under-performing Morrison for Nick De Luca at half-time.

However, a returning Giteau's place-kicking woes continued two minutes after the restart, though his 40-metre miss was more forgivable.

Australia were picking up where they left off and captain Rocky Elsom bulldozed his way over five minutes in.  Referee Romain Poite went to the video and, after a succession of replays, the try was not given.

Under all sorts of pressure, Scotland suddenly turned defence into attack when De Luca brilliantly kicked into the space behind, forcing Will Genia to concede a penalty.  It was the start of a massive swing in territory.

The remarkable drama continued when Mitchell celebrated a 65th-minute try after more Australia pressure only to be hauled back for a horrible forward pass from Quade Cooper, much to the delight of the Scotland fans before Palu was carried off.

Scotland continued to make crucial tackles inside their own 22 to preserve their lead before replacement Chris Paterson dropped a goal from 25 metres with just four minutes to go.

That sparked the Wallabies to set up camp five metres from the home whitewash and, despite yet more heroic defending, Cross eventually went over in the first minute of stoppage-time to leave Giteau to win the game from wide out.  He missed and Scotland claimed a famous victory.

Man of the match:  Apologies to the winning team but Australia's utter dominance in terms of possession and territory means Wycliff Palu picks up the accolade for a destructive performance from number eight.  Unfortunately, the Waratah left the field under an oxygen mask but he busted so many holes in the Scotland defence that his effort needed recognition.

Moment of the match:  An out-of-sorts Matt Giteau missing penalties and a simple drop-goal proved to be the difference at Murrayfield.

Villain of the match:  Maybe this is slightly harsh but so as not to let the gong go unassigned, Quade Cooper, after he blew a simple three on two with a long, forward pass out to Drew Mitchell when a simpler option was required.

The scorers:

For Scotland:
Pen:  Godman 2
Drop:  Paterson

For Australia:
Tries:  Cross
Pen:  Giteau

Scotland:  15 Rory Lamont, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Alex Grove, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Simon Danielli, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Chris Cusiter (c), 8 Johnnie Beattie, 7 John Barclay, 6 Alasdair Strokosch, 5 Alastair Kellock, 4 Nathan Hines, 3 Moray Low, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements:  16 Dougie Hall, 17 Kyle Traynor, 18 Jason White, 19 Richie Vernon, 20 Rory Lawson, 21 Chris Paterson, 22 Nick De Luca.

Australia:  15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Digby Ioane, 12 Quade Cooper, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Will Genia, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom (c), 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 James Horwill, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements:  16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 Richard Brown, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Ryan Cross, 22 James O'Connor.

Referee:  Romain Poite (France)
Assistant referees:  Nigel Owens (Wales), Jérôme Garces (France)
Television match officials:  Graham Hughes (England)
Assessor:  Tappe Henning (South Africa)

France demolish Samoa

France ran seven tries past Samoa on Saturday as they cruised to an impressive 43-5 victory at the Stade de France.

After crashing and bashing South Africa into oblivion last week, a virtually all-new XV de France showed they can turn on the flair when needed, giving Marc Lièvremont a couple of selection headaches leading up to next week's clash with the All Blacks.

Not that France's coach will be complaining as his 'second team' proved his squad has the variety of resources needed to adapt their game as they wish.

Most importantly play-maker François Trinh-Duc showed that he can launch his back-line as well as he can keep his pack moving forward -- and did it all without getting injured thus ensuring France will take some sort of continuity into the showdown with New Zealand.

All and any intrigue as to the result in Paris evaporated by the quarter-hour mark, by which time France has scored three tries to lead 21-0.

The hosts got off to a perfect start when hooker Dimitri Szarzewski was able to stroll over untouched from five metres out when he exploited a gap left by the Samoan defence around the fringes of a ruck after just three minutes.

France doubled the lead four minutes later when wing Vincent Clerc ran onto a neat grubber from full-back Maxime Médard.  Try number three was soon to follow as Trinh-Duc chipped over the top for centre Yannick Jauzion, who plucked the ball out of the air one-handed in a fabulous display of skill.

Samoa fought back bravely but full-back Lolo Lui and fly-half Fa'atonu Fili proceeded to miss three kickable penalties between them to leave their side scoreless.

France continued their merciless show of dominance with a textbook maul off the back of a line-out to score an essai collectif.  The TMO reckoned the ball had touched the grass somewhere at the bottom of the pile of bodies and awarded the try.  Morgan Parra added his fourth conversion to extend the lead to 28 points.

Debutant wing Benjamin Fall scored France's fifth try just before half-time when Julien Bonnaire provided a carbon copy of Médard's earlier grubber for Clerc and the Bayonne wing pounced to send Les Bleus into the changing rooms ahead 33-0.

It was much of the same after the break.  Trinh-Duc was on hand to brilliantly finish off France's sixth try with a neat step and an outstretched arm.

The fly-half also scored the number seven for the hosts, after bursting down the blindside and showing his pace down the touchline with a 30m sprint to finish untouched.

At 43-0 France understandably went into their shells a bit and Samoa dominated the final quarter.

The Islanders were rewarded with late consolation try when Castres lock Iosefa Tekori charged over to cap a period of sustained pressure.

Man of the match:  France will be able to draw a number of positives from this game:  scrum-half Morgan Parra showed he has the form to back up Julien Dupuy as a place picker, Sebastien Chabal showed he still has plenty to offer in the engine room while Yannick Jauzion showed he still has all the class that made him one of the world's most feared centres.  But we'll go with Francois Trinh-Duc who repaid the faith put in him by his coach with two tries.

Moment of the match:  If Dimitri Szarzewski's try after three minutes had punctured Samoa's bubble before it had a chance to fill up, Yannick Jauzion's one-handed catch to score after fourteen minutes truly ended the visitors' hopes.

Villain of the match:  As if it wasn't enough for Misioka Timoteo to nearly decapitate Vincent Clerc with a high tackle, he followed it up with some foul language as Clerc lay there counting stars.  Not cool.

The scorers:

For France:
Tries:  Szarzewski, Clerc, Jauzion, Dusautoir, Fall, Trinh-Duc 2
Cons:  Parra 5

For Samoa:
Tries:  Tekori

France:  15 Maxime Medard, 14 Benjamin Fall, 13 David Marty, 12 Yannick Jauzion, 11 Vincent Clerc, 10 François Trinh-Duc, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Julien Bonnaire, 7 Thierry Dusautoir, 6 Alexandre Lapandry, 5 Pascal Pape, 4 Sebastien Chabal, 3 Sylvain Marconnet (c), 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Thomas Domingo.
Replacements:  16 Guilhem Guirado, 17 Nicolas Mas, 18 Romain Millo-Chluski, 19 Julien Puricelli, 20 Julien Dupuy, 21 Damien Traille, 22 Yann David, 23 Fabien Barcella.

Samoa:  15 Lolo Lui, 14 David Lemi, 13 Henry Fa'afili, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Fa'atonu Fili, 9 Junior Polu, 8 Henry Tuilagi, 7 Ofisa Treviranus, 6 Jonathan Fa'amatuainu, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Filipo Levi, 3 Cencus Johnston, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (c), 1 Justin Va'a.
Replacements:  16 Andrew Williams, 17 Jeremiah Fatialofa, 18 Iosefa Tekori, 19 Misioka Timoteo, 20 Uale Mai, 21 Fuimaolo-Sapolu, 22 Titi Esau.

Venue:  Stade de France, St. Denis (Paris)
Referee:  Dave Pearson (England)
Assistant referees:  Rob Debney (England), Stuart Terheege (England)
Television match officials:  Geoff Warren (England)
Assessor:  David Herbert (Wales)

All Blacks conquer Twickenham

New Zealand added to their unbeaten tour trail by snatching a 19-6 victory over a spirited England on Saturday.

Martin Johnson had made a couple of tweaks for their final November fixture of 2009, with a more comfortable Mark Cueto preferred to Ugo Monye in the full-back jersey and the size of Simon Shaw taking over from Louis Deacon.

And what an impact the duo made for their under pressure Team Manager, particularly the Sale man whose combination of returning and high takes were evident for large parts of an enjoyable 80 minutes at HQ.  Twickenham even swapped its boos for echoes of "Swing Low".

But New Zealand are not the IRB world top-ranked side for nothing and demonstrated their ability to strike in short spells when Jimmy Cowan's well-taken score close to the hour pretty much sealed where this match was heading.

England knew they had to improve dramatically after words such as "dismal" -- and other less printable qualifiers -- were openly associated with that 16-9 victory over Argentina.

And that they certainly did as a new hunger and gusto carried their charge -- something that was not on show seven days ago.

Saturday's opening 40 was arguably dominated by them, despite their higher tackle count (71-45).  But England were forced into an early change on just two minutes that could have knocked their physical gameplan, with an injured Joe Worsley hobbling from the field.

Lewis Moody, Paul Hodgson and Matt Banahan stood up and were counted, throwing their differing weights around while Daniel Carter struggled to find his range and general direction -- he did become New Zealand's highest Test scorer on 24 minutes, however.

The Canterbury fly-half seemed strangely out of sorts and was the architect of many of his side's mistakes in the contest.  That didn't matter in the end thanks to his captain's dogged display being aided by Sitiveni Sivivatu and Mils Muliaina.

Steve Borthwick's outfit were unfortunate not to be further ahead than their two-time three-point advantage early on, as Jonny Wilkinson and the hit-and-miss Carter exchanged penalty goals.  The moment that comes to mind was when Monye managed to catch New Zealand cold as they tried to attack from deep -- Conrad Smith having his pass charged down but for the wing being called back by Jonathan Kaplan for that knock-on.

New Zealand had their own moment of "what if" on 20 minutes when a rare moment of class from Carter saw him stand up a defender to allow Conrad Smith to set up Muliaina for the corner.  He was just ushered into touch by early replacement Croft and centre Ayoola Erinle.  Had he carried the ball in the right hand ...

And so it came down to the All Blacks' smash and grab in the second period.  Cowan may take the plaudits but it was all about Sivivatu and McCaw on Saturday as they head to Marseille with their tour objective still on track.

Man of the match:  Plenty of players put their hand up for the accolade but his general nuisance around the park coupled with setting up Jimmy Cowan's score, Richie McCaw edges out Paul Hodgson, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Lewis Moody.

Moment of the match:  We have just covered it.  New Zealand's powerful winger stood up two tacklers deep in English territory before feeding McCaw, who shipped the ball onto Cowan in the corner.  Game over.

Villain of the match:  Nothing to report.

The scorers:

For England:
Pen:  Wilkinson 2

For New Zealand:
Tries:  Cowan
Con:  Carter
Pen:  Carter 4

England:  15 Mark Cueto, 14 Matt Banahan, 13 Dan Hipkiss, 12 Ayoola Erinle, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Paul Hodgson, 8 James Haskell, 7 Lewis Moody, 6 Joe Worsley, 5 Steve Borthwick (c), 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Duncan Bell, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Tim Payne.
Replacements:  16 Steve Thompson, 17 David Wilson, 18 Louis Deacon, 19 Tom Croft, 20 Danny Care, 21 Shane Geraghty, 22 Mathew Tait.

New Zealand:  15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Zac Guildford, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan , 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Adam Thomson , 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements:  16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Jerome Kaino, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Tamati Ellison.

Referee:  Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)
Assistant referees:  Alan Lewis (Ireland), Simon McDowell (Ireland)
Television match officials:  Nigel Whitehouse (Wales)
Assessor:  Patrick Robin (France)