Briefs: Dragons fearless, England confident, Wallabies happy

Rugby Enews.com - Friday, November 06, 2009 1:08 PM

Leigh Halfpenny believes Wales is no longer in awe of the All Blacks.

But the Welsh and Lions wing and company need to walk the walk on Saturday following a demoralising run of 20 successive defeats that has seen New Zealand amass almost 700 points at Wales' expense.

There were occasions when it was close - 13-12 in 1978 and 26-25 in 2004 - yet Welsh rugby history is also littered with the wreckage of some fearful maulings by rampant All Blacks teams.

During a miserable spell between 1988 and 1997, Wales played New Zealand five times, losing 52-3, 54-9, 34-9 (twice) and 42-7, scoring just two tries in the process.

It is that overwhelming statistical history which points to the All Blacks making it business as usual when their well-oiled machine rolls into the Millennium Stadium this weekend.

Wales though, gained considerable belief from its showing a year ago when leading New Zealand 9-6 at halftime before an irresistible All Blacks power-play saw them score 20 unanswered points.

And Halfpenny (pictured), who won his third cap that November afternoon, insists the lessons learnt have not been forgotten.

"I think the time where players were in awe of them has gone. It's definitely about us and not them this year," he said.

"We have moved on as a team. Before, we would be playing the All Blacks and trying to keep the score down. Last year, we got confidence out of it that we had them on the ropes until halftime.

“We didn't manage to play in the second half then, but we have learnt from that and we are confident. From last season, we have definitely gained belief that they are not invincible.

“Every game you play you learn from, and we definitely learned from that experience. We have to have the belief now that we can go out and play for the full 80 minutes and get a result."

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BRAZIL TOUTS FOR RWC SEVENS

Brazil is among eight nations to express interest in hosting the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens.

Brazil, which will welcome sevens to the Olympics at the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016, Argentina, Australia, Germany, Hong Kong, Russia, Scotland and USA also revealed its intention to the IRB in time for the October 30 deadline.

Tendering unions for RWC Sevens 2013 have been asked to follow the same format as the 2009 tournament which took place in Dubai with 24 men's and 16 women's teams competing over two or three days.

"The IRB is delighted with the phenomenal level of interest in hosting Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013," said Rugby World Cup Limited chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"At a time when we look forward to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, such a strong level of interest from countries across five continents clearly highlights the global prestige of a tournament that has grown to become a major event on the global sporting calendar."

The nations must decide by December 15 whether to proceed with a tender, which must be submitted by mid-February. The IRB will select the host nation in May next year

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ENGLAND CONFIDENT OF BETTER AUTUMN

Martin Johnson is confident England has developed the spirit and trust necessary to prevent another gruesome autumn from unfolding.

One year on from his torrid baptism as manager when England slumped to heavy defeats to Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, Johnson believes he is presiding over a more harmonious squad.

An alarming injury crisis has caused disarray, robbing England of half its first-choice team and forcing the selection of a makeshift side for Saturday's series opener against Australia.

The return of World Cup winners Jonny Wilkinson, Steve Thompson and Lewis Moody has added some experience to an otherwise unseasoned line-up.

For all the disruption to his plans, however, Johnson believes his philosophy will ensure the team are better prepared for the coming month that when he first took control.

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CARTER FIT, ZAC GIVEN NOD

DAN Carter is fit for New Zealand's clash against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, while Zac Guildford wins a test debut.

The genial No 10, who has scored 92 points in five previous appointments with Wales, suffered a calf muscle haematoma during New Zealand's victory over Australia in Japan last weekend. But after a light training week, Carter has been given the green light from New Zealand's coaching team.

All Blacks boss Graham Henry has made six changes from the side on duty in Tokyo.
Guildford (pictured) replaces the suspended Sitiveni Sivivatu, who collected a one week ban after a dangerous tackle on Wallabies centre Adam Ashley-Cooper.

And Wyatt Crockett takes over from another suspended player, loosehead prop Tony Woodcock, who misses the Wales game for striking Wallabies flanker George Smith.

Three other changes in the pack see starts for lock Jason Eaton, flanker Jerome Kaino, a tryscorer against Wales last year, and No 8 Kieran Read.

And there is also a switch at halfback, where Brendan Leonard replaces Jimmy Cowan.
New Zealand has not lost to Wales since 1953, winning 20 tests in succession and totalling almost 700 points during that time.

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WALLABIES ENJOY NON-TEST OUTING

AUSTRALIA coach Robbie Deans relished the opportunity of a rare midweek tour fixture after his Wallabies side saw off Gloucester 36-5 at Kingsholm.

"We would love to do it again," said Deans, following Australia's five-try triumph.

"The blokes really enjoyed it. It was great for us to have the opportunity of rugby outside of a test match. Gloucester played with a lot of spirit and asked quite a bit of our guys, but we finished strongly."

First half tries by centres Ryan Cross and Tyrone Smith sent the Wallabies on their way, before wing Drew Mitchell's late double and a Quade Cooper solo score finished Gloucester off. Flyhalf Cooper booted four conversions and kicked an early penalty, although Gloucester deserved much more than fullback Freddie Burns' well-worked try.

Despite fielding several fringe first team players and only a handful of internationals, Gloucester displayed character and commitment by the bucketload.

Had it shown more composure in attack, then the game could have proved distinctly uncomfortable for a Wallabies outfit that faces another midweek outing against Cardiff Blues in three weeks' time.

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REF UNDER SPOTLIGHT

WELLINGTON coach Jamie Joseph reckons Canterbury has historically had the rub of the green when it comes to close calls at the breakdown and is calling for a consistent approach from referee Vinny Munro in this weekend's Air New Zealand Cup final in Christchurch.

"I've found that they always have the 50-50 decisions go their way," said Joseph.

"Certainly in the final last year there were a lot of marginal calls with Richie [McCaw] but he's a professional and probably the best in the world at doing it.

"That's always an area of contention and what teams seek in that area is just consistency. If the ref is seeing something, as long as he is consistent with both sides, it should be fine."