Ella is confirmed as coach

RUGBY/News: As expected the IRFU and the Leinster Branch have confirmed that Australian Gary Ella will take over as head coach of Leinster.

Ella has signed a three-year contract and will take up his position on August 1st.

Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson said: "Leinster are delighted that Gary Ella is our new head coach. Gary has tremendous qualities as a coach and his rugby knowledge is immense.

"There is no doubt Leinster has a team capable of winning the Heineken Cup; last season proved a huge disappointment. Next year we expect to be in contention for Heineken Cup and Celtic League honours.

"We are confident that, with Gary Ella, Willie Anderson and Roly Meates pushing the buttons, our skilled squad can go further. Felipe Contempomi, and all our other signings to date are also expected to enhance our challenge next season. Our preparations are on schedule; our one outstanding contract should be finalised shortly and our new home jersey launches today and goes on sale tomorrow."

Looking forward to his appointment Ella (speaking from Sydney) said: "The Leinster Lions are one of Europe's top teams and their already strong squad has been added to since last year. My aim is simply that Leinster will be the most successful team in every competition.

"I am genuinely eager to get back to Dublin, where I've had three tours (1978 Schools, '81 Wallabies, '96 Waratahs). I've had the privilege of working with Keith Gleeson and Christian Warner already here in Sydney and I'm keen to renew contact."

Meanwhile, utility back Aaron Mauger will play his first Test in 11 months when New Zealand take on South Africa in the Tri-nations in Pretoria on Saturday.

Mauger will win his 12th cap at inside centre in place of Daniel Carter in a New Zealand line-up that shows three changes from the side that beat France 31-23 in Christchurch on June 28th.

In the other changes, Keven Mealamu starts at hooker in place of Anton Oliver while Carl Hoeft takes Dave Hewett's place at loosehead prop. Carter has been relegated to the bench.

Mauger (22), last donned an All Black jersey on August 10th last year, when New Zealand beat South Africa 30-23 in Durban. A heel injury he sustained during the 2003 Super 12 prompted New Zealand's management to rest him for the first three Tests of the season, all in June.

He filled four back-line positions for the Crusaders in the Super 12 this year and is a recognised place-kicker. But New Zealand coach John Mitchell said outhalf Carlos Spencer would be his first-choice goalkicker.

Australia's indifferent form may be giving Wallabies coach Eddie Jones headaches but it is making tickets for the World Cup, which starts on October 10th, easier to sell. World champions and tournament hosts Australia have lost to England and South Africa in the past month and have eased from 7 to 4 to 13 to 4 in one local betting market.

"The feeling is that it's probably the most open tournament yet and that certainly assists us in selling tickets," said World Cup marketing chief Shane Harmonid yesterday.

TAB Sportsbet lists New Zealand as 5 to 4 favourites ahead of England at 2 to 1 and the Wallabies at 13 to 4. France are 8 to 1 fourth favourites and Ireland 30 to 1 with Argentina at 60 to 1 after one Queensland punter bet A$200 (€117) at 100 to 1.

The ARU have sold more than one million World Cup tickets and are waiting on the International Rugby Board to hand back up to 300,000 more that remain unsold. The ARU are also holding a further 200,000 tickets.

NEW ZEALAND: M Muliana; D Howlett, T Umaga, A Mauger, J Rokocoko; C Spencer, S Devine; C Hoeft, K Mealamu, G Somerville, C Jack, A Williams, R Thorne (captain), R McCaw, J Collins. Replacements: C Ralph, D Carter, J Marshall, R So'oialo, B Thorn, K Meeuws, M Hammett.