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Post by Bismarck on Jan 4, 2008 14:13:17 GMT
Shaun Edwards makes no bones about it: the London Wasps head coach, even at a lower ebb than usual after a post-Christmas virus, is insistent that Lawrence Dallaglio – “one of the greatest captains in rugby history” – will be sent on his way at the end of this season with a sixth successive trophy.
Dallaglio, 35, confirmed yesterday his retirement from international rugby with immediate effect and from all rugby in May, even though he has one more year on his playing contract. “It was always my intention to retire from rugby full stop at the end of this season,” Dallaglio said, neatly sidestepping suggestions that he might not have been wanted by England when the training squad for the RBS Six Nations Championship is announced next week.
“You know as a player when the right time to stop is,” he said and this time – unlike 2004, when he stood down from the international game, only to reverse his decision less than a year later – there will be no return. Indeed Ian McGeechan, the Wasps director of rugby, believes that his enhanced form at No 8 for the club now is a direct consequence of the decision having been made, allowing Dallaglio to relax and concentrate on his game.
“I think Lawrence has been part of a quite exceptional group of England players,” McGeechan, who has coached so many of them in Lions colours, said. “He will remain a key part of the club going forward, we can’t do without someone of Lawrence’s capabilities. He will have a lot of opportunities, not just in coaching, but I have no doubt he can make it as a coach – though he’ll have to get used to the drop in salary!”
Edwards, as iconic a figure in rugby league as Dallaglio has been in union, emphasised the need for humility in the transitional stage now rapidly approaching a man capped 85 times for his country, who was integral to England’s World Cup success of 2003 and made three tours with the Lions. “It’s hard to accept that you’re not No 1 any more, that you’re going back to being a student,” Edwards said.
“If Lawrence has that attitude, he has every chance to become a great coach. But stuff like managers’ roles are tailor-made for him. People like Lawrence allow you to sell a great game. He’s one of the reasons I came to Wasps from Wigan. To me he goes down as one of the greatest captains in the history of rugby and he’s a shining example of coming through adversity to achieve great things.
“Lawrence has endured not only injuries but worse things than that and become a stronger person. He’s inspired me at times, he’s part of the driving force of this club. My main focus is to make sure he goes out with another trophy. He’s done it in five successive seasons and I would love to make it six.
“But there will never be another Lawrence, other players have to step up now and impose their personalities. ‘Gats’ [Warren Gatland, the former Wasps coach now coaching Wales] said Lawrence was the best captain he had ever seen, and he’s known a few.”
Dallaglio recognises the need to step back from Wasps, with a view to returning at some future date in either a coaching or commercial capacity. “I’m looking forward to assisting the club in various capacities,” he said. “After 17 years of being here, you can’t just walk out of the door. Coaching is something I would like to do in the future, but not the immediate future.”
Wasps have to grow away from his lengthy shadow, though McGeechan is reluctant to part company in five months’ time with a player whose tactical judgment remains as sharp as ever. “Lawrence has that coal-face tactical acumen about what works,” McGeechan said, which has been of such benefit to players such as Tom Rees and James Haskell, young back-row forwards expected to enjoy long careers with club and country, too.
First, though, there is a painstaking haul for Wasps up the Guinness Premiership table, which resumes against Leeds Carnegie tomorrow, and the defence of the Heineken Cup. Whether there will be a final celebration match akin to that for Martin Johnson, the former England captain, three years ago remains to be seen but, in the last knockings of his active career, Dallaglio will aim to leave with his followers calling for more.
Jostling for position
Dallaglio, a blind-side flanker of the highest calibre, became a No 8 when Clive Woodward streamlined his back row in 1999 to include the complementary talents of Richard Hill – also a No 8 by upbringing – and Neil Back. Dallaglio, who scored 17 tries in his 85 games between 1995-2007, has only one genuine rival as England’s greatest player in that position, Dean Richards.
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Post by hallmackem on May 3, 2008 13:53:19 GMT
Toby Flood and Matthew Tait are leaving Newcastle Falcons.
Sale Sharks have cofirmed they have signed Tait on a three year deal beginning at the start of next season.
I'm unsure where Flood is going.
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Post by Lukiebakercafc on May 3, 2008 14:11:03 GMT
Bit old but London Irish were just beaten by Toulouse last weekend in the Heineken Cup semis. Great performance by the lads but couldn't quite get that vital try at the end. We surpassed everyone's expectations by even reaching the semis and now we must focus on the league and making the top 6, to qualify for the Heineken Cup again.
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Post by Lukiebakercafc on May 3, 2008 14:12:19 GMT
Toby Flood and Matthew Tait are leaving Newcastle Falcons. Sale Sharks have cofirmed they have signed Tait on a three year deal beginning at the start of next season. I'm unsure where Flood is going. Flood's been linked with Leicester but nothing confirmed. Newcastle are unhappy about always losing their key players to international duty, so are letting them go and bringing in non-internationals.
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Post by hallmackem on May 10, 2008 10:15:20 GMT
Any truth in the rumours that Dan Carter could be joining Saints?
I know Vicor Matfield recently turned them down.
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Post by Lukiebakercafc on May 10, 2008 21:00:32 GMT
Not a chance Ben...surely... Would be awesome to see him week-in week-out in the Prem but i can't see it. Why would he leave super 14? Hope it's true but unlikely imo.
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Post by hallmackem on May 10, 2008 23:29:13 GMT
Not a chance Ben...surely... Would be awesome to see him week-in week-out in the Prem but i can't see it. Why would he leave super 14? Hope it's true but unlikely imo. Because Northampton are throwing money around big time. They were going to give Matfield more than he's already earning and he's the top earner in Rugby Union.
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Post by Lukiebakercafc on May 13, 2008 17:40:04 GMT
Steve Borthwick is the new England captain - appointed by Martin Johnson. Not sure about this one to be honest - not even sure he should be in the starting XV tbh. Here's the link with squad at the bottom: news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/7396322.stmPlenty of London Irish representation with David Paice (hooker), Nick Kennedy (second row), Peter Richards (scrum half) and Topsy Ojo (winger) all getting the nod with Shane Geraghty missing out cos of injury. London Irish have statistically and actually by far the best line-out in the Prem - so it makes sense that Paicey and Kennedy make it. Ojo has been awesome this season - one of the best wingers in the Premiership without a shadow of a doubt. Hope they all get a chance. Only disappointment is that Paul Hodgson only made the Saxons squad but you can't win them all.
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Post by hallmackem on May 13, 2008 18:17:22 GMT
So the best lock we have hasn't been selected. It had better just be for this tour.
Having said that, we have one of the most exciting group of back row forwards in the world.
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Post by Lukiebakercafc on May 14, 2008 19:30:24 GMT
If you mean Simon Shaw Ben, then he's not there because of injury. That back row is missing Moody as well due to injury.
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Post by hallmackem on May 19, 2008 11:03:48 GMT
I thought it said Shaw was being rested.
Also... Cipriani out for about six months, NOOOOOOO!!!
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Post by hallmackem on Jun 4, 2008 16:51:59 GMT
Sunderland RFC have finally got their finger out and will be organising an U-19 side for next season. It's effectively going to be a Bede college team in different colours, at least we'll all be training and playing together regularly.
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Post by hallmackem on Jul 1, 2008 13:58:07 GMT
England's 32 man elite performance squad has been announced today.
Notable omissions include word cup winners Ben Kay, Joe Worsley and Mike Tindall. As well as Dave Strettle and Nick Easter who have been dropped to the 'Saxons.'
Josh Lewsey (thank God) and James Simpson-Daniel have earned recalls whilst New Zealand born centre Ricky Flutey has been included.
Danny Cipriani has been dropped to the Saxons while he recovers from injury. However, Lewis Moody and Harry Ellis have been included in the elite squad despite also being injured.
The only specialist fly half in the squad is Johnny Wilkinson, who is currently recovering from surgery. Cover is provided by centres Olly Barkley, Toby Flood and Shane Gerraghty.
Surprisingly, Richard Wigglesworth and Topsy Ojo have been dropped alongside Michael Lipman.
England elite squad:
Forwards: Tim Payne (Wasps), Andrew Sheridan (Sale), Matt Stevens (Bath), Phil Vickery (Wasps), George Chuter (Leicester), Dylan Hartley (Northampton), Lee Mears (Bath), Steve Borthwick (Saracens), Nick Kennedy (London Irish), Tom Palmer (Wasps), Simon Shaw (Wasps), Tom Croft (Leicester), James Haskell (Wasps), Lewis Moody (Leicester), Tom Rees (Wasps), Jordan Crane (Leicester), Luke Narraway (Gloucester).
Backs: Josh Lewsey (Wasps), Mathew Tait (Sale), Paul Sackey (Wasps), James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), Tom Varndell (Leicester), Dan Hipkiss (Leicester), Jamie Noon (Newcastle), Olly Barkley (Gloucester), Toby Flood (Leicester), Riki Flutey (Wasps), Shane Geraghty (London Irish), Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle), Danny Care (Harlequins), Harry Ellis (Leicester), Pete Richards (London Irish).
England Saxons squad:
Forwards: Jack Forster (Gloucester), Jason Hobson (Bristol), David Wilson (Newcastle), Nick Wood (Gloucester), David Paice (London Irish), Andy Titterrell (Gloucester), Joe Ward (Wasps), Richard Blaze (Leicester), Louis Deacon (Leicester), Chris Jones (Sale), Ben Kay (Leicester), George Skivington (Wasps), Steffon Armitage (London Irish), Tom Guest (Harlequins), Michael Lipman (Bath), Nick Easter (Harlequins), Joe Worsley (Wasps).
Backs: Nick Abendanon (Bath), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Matt Banahan (Bath), Ugo Monye (Harlequins), Topsy Ojo (London Irish), David Strettle (Harlequins), Mike Tindall (Gloucester), Dominic Waldouck (Wasps), Anthony Allen (Gloucester), Danny Cipriani (Wasps), Andy Goode (Leicester), Ryan Lamb (Gloucester), Ben Foden (Northampton), Paul Hodgson (London Irish), Richard Wigglesworth (Sale).
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Post by hallmackem on Jul 1, 2008 14:02:19 GMT
Looking at it, England's back row is mightily impressive. Tom Croft, Luke Narraway, Tom Rees and James Haskell are all immense players and very young too.
Since New Zealand have lost Jerry Collins and now Richie McCaw to injury only the Springboks rival it.
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Post by Lukiebakercafc on Jul 1, 2008 19:26:04 GMT
Good call putting Flutey in, he is awesome (former London Irish ) What more could Topsy Ojo have done to get in - deisgraceful call, Simpson-Dnaiel should be in the Saxons and Topsy in the 32! And Varndell in as well - Johnson is a twat. Geraghty is a good player and can change a game but how did David Strettle not get in? Some very poor calls - Topsy and Strettle in for Varndell and Simpson-Daniel imo. Worried about Johnno now, dodgy callings.
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Post by hallmackem on Jul 1, 2008 21:53:23 GMT
I'm bit unsure about Strettle. Maybe Ojo and Varndell would have been a better call.
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Post by hallmackem on Oct 1, 2008 10:43:45 GMT
Wasps have been terrible in the Premiership so far which is strange.
They beat Leicester recently though and have Cipriani back tonight a whole six weeks ahead of schedule.
In other Union news, Johnny Wilkinson is injured again.
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Post by Lukiebakercafc on Oct 1, 2008 16:48:46 GMT
Wilko is always injured...
I went to see Harlequins-London Irish at the weekend - what a game...
Irish 20-3 down at half time but we rallied to 28-20 up, the Quins got a try with 2 mins left to make it 28-27, got the ball back but couldn't quite score. Absolutely sensational makes me wonder why i watch the passionless crap served up at the Vallley...
On another note i was the only Irish fan surrounded by mainly Quins fans (although there were a couple of Irish fans a few rows back) happily wearing my London Irish shirt. No trouble at all, just a great bit of banter, shame football can't be like that...
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redordead
Reserves Player
[M:0]
Always been a red always will.
Posts: 264
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Post by redordead on Oct 2, 2008 20:54:07 GMT
Puffs game.
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Post by Bismarck on Oct 2, 2008 22:23:47 GMT
In what way red?
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Post by hallmackem on Oct 3, 2008 8:26:02 GMT
Don't you just love these remarks. I'd love to see you call Andy Sheridan, Sebastien Chabal, Paul O'Connell or someone a puff to their face. In fact, they'd probably just laugh at you for being a moron and a homophobe.
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Post by Bismarck on Oct 3, 2008 20:02:38 GMT
Anyway-tough game for Bath tomorrow-At home to the Leicester Tigers-I wish I was going...
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Post by Lukiebakercafc on Oct 3, 2008 20:40:21 GMT
Don't you just love these remarks. I'd love to see you call Andy Sheridan, Sebastien Chabal, Paul O'Connell or someone a puff to their face. In fact, they'd probably just laugh at you for being a moron and a homophobe. To be fair redordead is right - Cristiano Ronaldo for example is in no way a puff... whereas of course Chabal... Uninformed comments like red's do make me laugh at the sheer ignorance of them, like when people say that American Football is Rugby for wimps and they wear pads because they can't take the pain...
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Post by hallmackem on Oct 22, 2008 10:02:48 GMT
Johnno has made a few changes to the squad for the autumn internationals.
Mainly forced by injuries to players like Johnny Wilkinson and Lewis Moody. As well as Tom Varndell's inability to make the Leicester team.
Under the injury replacement provisions of the RFU/Premier Rugby agreement, Michael Lipman (Bath Rugby) replaces Leicester Tigers flanker, Lewis Moody, who is recovering from surgery on his left hip and left Achilles tendon. Danny Cipriani (London Wasps) comes into the squad for Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle Falcons) who has a dislocation of his left knee cap.
The final change sees Bath Rugby’s Nick Abendanon replace Leicester Tigers Tom Varndell. Changes are effective from the week of October 26.
The squad now looks like this:
Forwards: Steve Borthwick (Saracens), George Chuter (Leicester), Jordan Crane (Leicester), Tom Croft (Leicester), Dylan Hartley (Northampton), James Haskell (Wasps), Nick Kennedy (London Irish), Lee Mears (Bath), Michael Lipman (Bath), Luke Narraway (Gloucester), Tom Palmer (Wasps), Tim Payne (Wasps), Tom Rees (Wasps), Simon Shaw (Wasps), Andrew Sheridan (Sale), Matt Stevens (Bath), Phil Vickery (Wasps).
Backs: Olly Barkley (Gloucester), Danny Care (Harlequins), Harry Ellis (Leicester), Toby Flood (Leicester), Riki Flutey (Wasps), Shane Geraghty (London Irish), Dan Hipkiss (Leicester), Josh Lewsey (Wasps), Jamie Noon (Newcastle), Pete Richards (London Irish), Paul Sackey (Wasps), James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), Mathew Tait (Sale), Nick Abendanon (Bath), Danny Cipriani (Wasps).
Out of that i'd like to see this team play:
1. Andrew Sheridan (but he needs to bloody well show he is the top scrummager in the world, and not just against Australia).
2. Dylan Hartley (we aren't exactly a hotbed of hooker talent but Hartley is a good player and better than the bunch of 30 somethings to choose from).
3. Matt Stevens (has been in good form for Bath and Phil Vickery just isn't his old self, I just hope his lack of height doesn't create an imbalance with the 6'5 Andrew Sheridan on the other side).
4. Simon Shaw (there's another season in him yet and he is one of the best locks around).
5. Steve Borthwick (will probably captain the side, he's a good lineout technician as well... something that Shaw isn't)
6. James Haskell (pace and power in abundance, the future of England's new dynamic approach to Rugby... hopefully).
7. Tom Rees (can be as good as anybody in the word... if he wants it. More than held his own against Mr McCaw during the last New Zealand tour).
8. Luke Narraway (a bit like James Haskell, such a dynamic player).
9. Harry Ellis (I think he probably is our best 9, although it's close between him and Danny Care)
10. Danny Cipriani (who else really, almost back to fitness and a match against the Pacific Islanders should see him in good stead for the matches against the Tri-Nations teams)
11. James Simpson-Daniel (has been very good for Gloucester so far).
12. Shane Geraghty (probably not as solid a player as Toby Flood but that's not the direction we should take, flair is the way forward).
13. Matthew Tait (one of the stars of world rugby and will be for years to come).
14. Paul Sackey (again, he's been quality this season in a struggling side and usually delivers for England)
15. Josh lewsey (seems to play his best Rugby for England and fullback despite being primarily a winger)
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Post by Lukiebakercafc on Oct 23, 2008 11:24:57 GMT
I agree mostly with that team Ben - good choices.
However, i'd have the exciting Abendanon at full back as opposed to the average Josh Lewsey (well average when he's at full back anyway.)
Close between Care and Ellis as you say but i agree with Ellis and although i agree with Simpson-Daniel, this is only because Strettle isn't in the squad -due to injury.
Also watch out for Riki Flutey - he is sensational and could well get the start ahead of Geraghty. I love them both (mainly for their London Irish connections but also because of their ability) and it would be great if they could both play but that's not really possible.
Interestin that quite a few of that team play for Wasps even though they've had an abysmal start to the season.
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Post by hallmackem on Oct 24, 2008 9:16:41 GMT
I put Lewsey in there mainly because it is a shakey team defensively.
Tait isn't a defender, i'm not sure about Geraghty's defensive merits and Sackey is a poor tackler.
Lewsey on the other hand has been known to break ribs.
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Post by Lukiebakercafc on Oct 24, 2008 17:40:50 GMT
Disagree about Lewsey - yes he is a good defender but offers very little going forward and can be a liability under the high ball imo.
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Post by hallmackem on Oct 24, 2008 23:18:18 GMT
Needs to be there to crack Cipriani if he steps out of line
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Post by hallmackem on Nov 4, 2008 13:05:47 GMT
England team to face the Pacific Islanders on Saturday.
Backs
D Armitage (London Irish)
Sackey (Wasps)
Noon (Newcastle)
Flutey (Wasps)
Monye (Harlequins)
Cipriani (Wasps)
Care (Harlequins)
Forwards
Sheridan (Sale)
Mears (Bath)
Stevens (Bath)
Borthwick (Saracens, captain)
Kennedy (London Irish)
Croft (Leicester)
Rees (Wasps)
Easter (Harlequins).
Shame about injuries to Matthew Tait and Luke Narraway. Also i'm shocked that James Haskell has been left out.
Would like to have seen Dylan Hartley as a starter but I think Johnno plans to bring him on later to wreak havoc.
Glad Matt Stevens is starting at Tighthead though.
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Post by Bismarck on Nov 4, 2008 14:12:20 GMT
Gareth Cooper is the shock choice at scrum-half for Wales' opening autumn Test against South Africa on Saturday.
The Gloucester nine impressed against the world champions on the summer tour, but fit-again Sale and Lions scrum-half Dwayne Peel was expected to start.
Blues pair Leigh Halfpenny, 19, and Andy Powell, 27, will win first caps.
Jamie Roberts starts at 13 alongside Gavin Henson in the centre, Stephen Jones is at 10, Matthew Rees plays at hooker and Ian Evans is fit at lock.
Tight-head prop Adam Jones is set for his 50th cap, while Roberts will be winning his fourth cap in a fourth different position, having already played at wing, full-back and inside centre for his country.
Huw Bennett was favourite to start at hooker, but he was injured in the Ospreys' defeat at London Irish on Saturday, so he joins Scarlets wing Mark Jones (knee) on the sidelines.
"Both of the debutants have been form players so far this season," said Wales coach Warren Gatland, who has moved his captain Ryan Jones to blind-side flanker to accommodate Powell at eight.
"So they now get a chance to test themselves against the very best team in the world.
Cooper is the man in possession of the shirt after doing well for us, particularly in the second Test on tour this summer
Wales coach Warren Gatland "At 19 years old our message to Leigh has been to just go out there and enjoy himself, he needs to not worry about his opposite number, but just relax and play without fear and enjoy the experience.
"Andy Powell is a little different he has been around for a while and is an experienced head despite his lack of international caps, but he is most definitely in form.
"We will be looking to get the ball in his hands and see him run.
"Ryan Jones is adept on either side of the scrum, but to switch our captain does tell you a little bit about what we think of Andy.
"At scrum-half Gareth Cooper is the man in possession of the shirt after doing well for us, particularly in the second Test on tour this summer and he has been rewarded.
"In the centres Jamie Roberts and Gavin Henson form a partnership that any side would be proud of, but perhaps the most important point about this selection is the bench.
"We have plenty of talent and experience available to us to come on and change things if necessary, which was something that worked for us in the Six Nations last season.
"The likes of Ian Gough, Duncan Jones, Richard Hibbard, Dafydd Jones, Dwayne Peel, James Hook and Tom Shanklin are all able to offer up something different when required."
Gavin Henson (left) with the Wales squad Henson forges a new centre partnership with utility-man Roberts Gatland included five uncapped players in his initial squad.
Eifion Roberts (Sale), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Martin Roberts (Scarlets), Powell and Halfpenny were called up.
Preparations were disrupted by the row between the Welsh Rugby Union and the four Welsh regions over player release.
The WRU won a High Court order to ensure that selected players were made available for three days of Wales training at the start of last week.
Wales' testing autumn series at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium sees the Springboks game followed by the visits of Canada, New Zealand and Australia on successive weekends.
Wales: Lee Byrne (Ospreys); Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues), Gavin Henson (Ospreys), Shane Williams (Ospreys); Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Gareth Cooper (Gloucester); Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Ian Evans (Ospreys), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues), Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues). Replacements: Richard Hibbard (Ospreys), Duncan Jones (Ospreys), Ian Gough (Ospreys), Dafydd Jones (Scarlets), Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks), James Hook (Ospreys), Tom Shanklin (Cardiff Blues).
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