Compiled by JOHN O'SULLIVAN
Artemiev still knows a trick or two
WHAT is it about former Blackrock College schoolboy Vasily Artemiev and his facility to score a hat-trick of tries on the occasion of a big match? While at school he managed to score three tries as Blackrock won a Leinster Schools Junior Cup final - the Russian-born wing also won SCT medals - and last weekend Artemiev scored a hat-trick in the Dubai Sevens Shield final as Russia beat Portugal 17-15.
He spent time studying at and playing for UCD and was also once part of the Leinster academy before returning home to Russia. Dubai was the first time that the Russians played there and, quite apart from winning the Shield, they will celebrate beating the USA in the tournament with Artemiev scoring one try and making the other.
During the course of the Dubai Sevens, 'Vaz', as he was affectionately known during his time in Ireland, crossed for eight tries, one behind the tournament's leading finishers, Sherwin Stowers (New Zealand) and Clinton Sills (Australia).
Bath incensed at Banahan's red card
BATH look set to mount a vehement defence of their England wing Matt Banahan after he was sent off in their 15-13 defeat to Northampton. Banahan received his marching orders on Saturday at Franklin's Gardens for reckless use of the boot on Saints replacement Stephen Myler.
But Bath were aggrieved by his 66th-minute dismissal that will mean a Rugby Football Union disciplinary hearing and possible minimum two-week ban.
"We will see what happens from a judicial point of view, but from where I was sitting it didn't look like a red card," said Bath head coach Steve Meehan.
"It is even worse that Stephen Myler said that he (Banahan) made contact with his forearm, not his head. Matt's pretty down in the dumps about it."
Barbarians duty still a highlight for the very best
"The Barbarians take us back to what rugby is really about - the friendship and camaraderie."
- Barbarians and South Africa winger Bryan Habana reflects on an entertaining week with the select side that ended with a hat-trick of tries against the All Blacks at Twickenham on Saturday. The Barbarians won 25-18.
"It's an amazing feeling. The whole week we heard about the traditions of Barbarians rugby. We watched a little bit of the 1973 game last night. To be part of something that great is awesome. The guys are very happy. It's been one of the best weeks we've had as professional rugby players. We played for each other.
"We had a lot of fun but went out there and played like professionals, putting our bodies on the line to play for the traditions the Barbarians stand for."
- Barbarians captain Victor Matfield.
Henry calls for improved spectacle
NEW Zealand coach Graham Henry in a recent interview has beseeched the IRB to do something about rugby union as a spectacle before it is too late while at the same time pointing out those changes can't be governed by self- interest.
The All Blacks coach stated: "They have to do something to improve the spectacle.
"The trouble is, countries are not going to agree on changes which won't complement their style of play.
"I think you have to get a group of people together who are all respected in the game and ask them to come up with solutions, and we'll play that game, whatever it is.
"I'd like to see one point for a drop goal, one point for a penalty and the ability to make a mark in other areas of the field."
His solutions threaten to counter the current overemphasis on the kicking game and also reward those teams that score tries.
Unfortunately there would have to be so many more law changes because if tries were four times more lucrative than penalties or drop goals, can you imagine the willingness with which teams would offend rather than allow their whitewash to be crossed.
Leinster's opponents slip up at home Adam's 'honour'
THE Heineken Cup kicks in again this weekend and it is interesting to note how the oppositions to the Irish provinces fared. The Scarlets slipped to a surprising 17-16 home defeat at Parce y Scarlets against Edinburgh, something that should give Leinster a little bit of heart as they make their way to Wales this weekend.
French champions Perpignan, who travel to Thomond Park to take on Munster this weekend, had a facile 29-3 victory over Montpellier at the Stade Amie Giral with fullback Jerome Porical kicking 19 points. Ulster make a unique trip to Belgium where Stade Francais have elected to play their home fixture rather than the more familiar surroundings of Stade Jean Bouin.
The Parisian club enjoyed a bonus point 34-10 victory over Bayonne at the weekend.
AUSTRALIAN wing and Barbarians fullback Drew Mitchell dished the dirt now that "Movember" is over on who he considered had the best and the worst moustaches amongst the Wallaby squad.
"Oh, a couple of guys made a real effort. But I reckon Richard Graham - skills coach - had the best. It got really thick and bushy. As for the worst? I'd have to say definitely Adam Ashley Cooper. It was just sort of fluff on his lip . . . like two caterpillars lying on his lip."
