South Africa v New Zealand: The South Africa coach Jake White has asked Clive Woodward for advice on how to defeat New Zealand, the Springboks' opponents in Saturday's Tri-Nations match in Cape Town.
White describes himself as a "mate" of Woodward and was not deterred by the one-sided series between New Zealand and the Lions earlier this summer. The Lions suffered their worst Test results for 22 years under Woodward, but White believes that the Englishman could help South Africa follow up last weekend's victory over Australia in Pretoria.
"This is our biggest game of the year," said White. "New Zealand are rated the best side in the world, and while the Lions did not come up to expectations, they played as well as they were allowed to. I spoke to Clive last week and he was clearly disappointed about the results in New Zealand. If there were things he could change if he had to do it all again, he would. I will be talking to him again this week, but I do not want to compromise him because he is out of rugby now.
"If I do not use the link I have with a mate and try to find out a few things, I am not doing my job. I am hoping he will tell me what worked, and what did not."
The New Zealand coach Graham Henry watched the victory over the Wallabies and believes South Africa will be better than the Lions. "They look a better side than the Lions by quite a margin," he said. "They have ball-runners in the forwards and you know you will have to defend because they produce quality ball."
Outhalf Daniel Carter has recovered from his shoulder injury and has been named in the New Zealand team. The side shows four changes from the team that beat the Lions 38-19 to clinch the series 3-0 last month. Besides Carter, who is back in place of Luke McAlister, Aaron Mauger returns at inside centre with Conrad Smith dropping out. Captain Tana Umaga will shift to the number 13 jersey to accommodate Mauger.
Because of a calf injury to Sitiveni Sivivatu, Mils Muliaina moves across to left wing with Leon MacDonald recalled at fullback. There is just one change in the pack where tighthead prop Carl Hayman is preferred over the more experienced Greg Somerville.
"There was definitely a lot of discussion among the coaching staff when it came to the three-quarters, the loose forwards and tighthead," Henry said. "But we are satisfied with our decisions. Greg Somerville has been playing very well but we believe Carl is the right choice for this match."
Scrumhalf Byron Kelleher and loosehead prop Tony Woodcock were both suffering from a virus but were in quarantine. "We expect them to be fully fit by Saturday," added Henry.
Meanwhile, the Australia coach Eddie Jones is facing calls for his resignation following the Wallabies' 13th defeat in their last 15 internationals away from home against top-five nations and the disciplining of four players for staying out drinking until 3.30am two days before the friendly against South Africa the week before.
"It's not a decision I make," said Jones, whose contract ends after the 2007 World Cup. All I can do is carry out my job the best I can. We were in a good position to beat South Africa last Saturday, but did not close out the game. It is never easy to beat a top nation away, and in the next World Cup only France will be at home."
Fiji are considering banning the Agen wing Rupeni Caucaunibuca after he missed last weekend's World Cup qualifier against Samoa. Caucaunibuca, one of the leading players in the 2003 World Cup, tried to switch his allegiance to New Zealand last year but was rebuffed by the International Rugby Board. He did not play against New Zealand Maori in June, though he was released by Agen.
"Caucau faces a fine or a ban", said Fiji rugby's acting chief executive, Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua. "If he is suspended, it would only be from international rugby.
NEW ZEALAND: L MacDonald; R Gear, T Umaga (capt), A Mauger, M Muliaina; D Carter, B Kelleher; T Woodcock, K Mealamu, C Hayman, C Jack, A Williams, J Collins, R McCaw, R So'oialo. Replacements: D Witcombe, G Somerville, J Ryan, M Holah, P Weepu, L McAlister, J Rokocoko.
Guardian Service
