Writing in The New Zealand Herald, Wynne Gray wonders if there is a place for Sonny Bill Williams in the All Blacks squad.

"I'm with Khoder Nasser all the way. Couldn't quibble with the bloke - even if some of his methods, from a distance, seem a bit agricultural.

"Nasser is the bloke who manages boxer Anthony Mundine and Sonny Bill Williams, the yet to get started Cantab in the ITM Cup.

"There was his manager, talking recently through a range of his topics associated with his two main clients and predicting impending All Black status for SBW.

"No worries, said Nasser, SBW would be picked for the All Blacks and would be a star.

"I half agree at least. Star? Dunno, but it will be 29 blokes plus SBW for the end-of-year tour with the All Blacks.

"Nothing will surprise unless the bloke is damaged.

"Why else would the NZRU and All Black selectors go through all their ingratiation unless they thought SBW was of international calibre? That done, the investment will have to be used on the end-of-year tour."

In a stinging editorial, The New Zealand Herald vents it fury at Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully over his use of taxpayer's money to wine and dine IRB officials.

"The scenario is not hard to imagine. Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully is hosting the International Rugby Board at one of the Viaduct Harbour's most upmarket restaurants to celebrate the official launch of World Cup ticket sales.

"These grandees are accustomed to the very best. Not for no reason were their meetings held in London's exclusive East India Club for many years. Why, in the words of a spokesman for Mr McCully, would you not use this occasion to showcase the "best" New Zealand has to offer?

"The cost to the taxpayer might be one reason. The latest release of ministerial credit-card spending records shows Mr McCully spent $2855 wining and dining his 14 IRB guests.

"Included in the bill were four bottles of Ata Rangi pinot noir '06 for an eye-popping $740, or $185 each. Judith Tizard, the former Consumer Affairs Minister, must be mortified."

Gavin Cummiskey of the Irish Times looks forward to the first game to be played at the new Lansdowne Road.

"Come 2.30pm this afternoon rugby returns to its ancestral home. It was December 31st, 2006, that a rugby ball, or any ball for that matter, was last kicked around Lansdowne Road. The ground has since been modernised and rechristened the Aviva Stadium, with today’s O2 Challenge seeing a combined Connacht/Munster selection face a Leinster/Ulster equivalent.

"All the players on show will be under-20, many of them the best talent to come from the schools game in the past 12 months, but it should be pointed out that of the 44, only 10 are presently contracted to provincial academies as pre-season training has prohibited the cream of young Irish talent being showcased on the first historic outing.

"This is a shame and a missed opportunity with this date only really being utilised so the IRFU could ensure that rugby was the first sport in the new stadium, not soccer."

ARU boss John O'Neill is facing an ongoing fight to restore the sport's popularity in Australia © Getty Images

Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, Richard Hinds paints a depressing picture for Australian rugby in the wake of some alarming research.

"If you are going to win the war, it is a good idea to understand that one has been declared. Otherwise you might find yourself in the position the Australian Rugby Union once did. Sitting at the desk back at headquarters, blithely assuming the sound of gunfire was just backfiring cars. ''Another cup of tea, colonel?''

"In becoming collateral damage in Australia's battle of the codes, rugby union was in some ways a victim of its strengths. It was lulled into a false sense of security by the entrenched elite school and top-end-of-town support, and the high-profile international competition fostered the smug delusion that a successful 2003 World Cup would automatically accelerate the game's growth, or at least allow it to tread water.

"Yet, figures published recently that showed rugby union's share of the Australian sporting market had slipped from 22 per cent in 2003 to 13.7 per cent merely put a number on what rugby's rivals have long thought. Interest outside the hard-core constituency had diminished to the point that a once-thriving, nationally focused game was being reduced to its pre-professional status as a niche-market introvert."

Sporting espionage is an increasing trade according to the New Zealand Herald's Wynne Grey.

"Those who discount it are living in lala land, have no interest in the topic or wear rose-tinted glasses all year round.

"As sport has moved deeper into the commercial world the results-driven stakes have become even greater.

"There are weighty sponsorship deals to protect and promotions to foster, with all roads leading to the glittering business and sporting prize at next year's World Cup.

"There are also some unwritten rules those who cover the sport, and those who report on other codes, understand.

"If you are invited into a private All Blacks training session or the Wallaby or Springbok runs, it is expected you will not bug their team talks, reveal secret tactics or film images of their moves.

"It is a different issue if that information lobs into your lap from elsewhere."

Writing for Sport24, Rob Houwing has urged against any major change of approach by the Springboks.

"The rest of the rugby world, believe me, would love to see South Africa respond to their trio of Tri-Nations defeats by going violently against their long-standing, feared tradition and attempting to toss the ball around with some abandon.

"They famously tried it once in Buenos Aires, after all, with a clear-cut Harry Viljoen instruction “not to kick” … and yes, they did score some pretty tries initially but also found themselves out on their feet and clinging on for dear life for the 37-33 result in 2000 against ordinary Argentina.

"I’m all for flair, X-factor and spectacular tries. But I also unashamedly subscribe to the “beauty in brawn” school, because significant levels of physicality, applied intelligently, are part and parcel of rugby’s appeal.

"There has always been something appealingly “blunt instrument” in South African rugby, given the big-boned individuals we produce, especially in the engine room.

"Besides, what is wrong with an intriguing contrast or two in styles when rugby’s biggest teams meet?"

Springbok supporters should hope the team’s coach, Peter de Villiers, does not follow in the footsteps of his predecessor Jake White this year, according to Sport24's JJ Harmse.

"An analysis of the two coaches’ careers at the highest level also shows interesting statistics on the claims that De Villiers is achieving success with “White’s team”.

"White only had four of the 38 Springboks that became internationals under him in his starting line-up for the World Cup final in 2007. They were JP Pietersen, Frans Steyn, Bryan Habana and Fourie du Preez.

"Eleven of the players were therefore not White’s “products”.

"For his part, De Villiers had three of the 24 new Springboks under him in his starting line-up for Saturday’s Test in Brisbane. They were Zane Kirchner, Gio Aplon and Morné Steyn.

"Seven of the Brisbane team became Boks under White. They are Habana, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, Pierre Spies, Ryan Kankowski, BJ Botha and Gurthrö Steenkamp.

"Statistics show that both coaches did well on transformation."

The glaring inconsistencies of the SANZAR citing and judiciary system are cause for concern according to the Sydney Morning Herald's Greg Growden.

"...Tackles more dangerous than the one which will put Wallabies five-eighth Quade Cooper out of Saturday night's Bledisloe Cup match have been overlooked.

"While Cooper's appeal over his two-match suspension was dismissed last night, meaning he will also miss Saturday week's Bledisloe Cup match in Christchurch, other notable players have got away with considerably more alarming tackles. The Herald can reveal Hurricanes and All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu received only a yellow card for a dangerous spear tackle on Cheetahs captain Juan Smith in a Super 14 match in Bloemfontein last March, and was not cited.

"This is just one of four tackles of a similar nature in the past two Super 14 seasons, in which players were either guilty of lifting a player in the tackle, or making a spear tackle, receiving just a yellow card, and with no further action by the citing commissioner."

All Blacks coach Graham Henry is pictures holding a tactics sheet © Getty Images

In an embarrassing development ahead of Saturday's Bledisloe Cup clash, the All Blacks' tactical cheat sheet has been revealed, The Australian reports.

"All Blacks coach Graham Henry was holding the page of diagrams and plans as he directed training at Melbourne's Trinity Grammar School. The first diagram shows a "dummy axe" move from a full lineout involving inside centre Ma'a Nonu and fullback Mils Muliaina with outside centre Conrad Smith receiving a short ball on the outside.

"This is a two-phase play with the ball coming back to left winger Joe Rokocoko on the blindside where he will take on James O'Connor, who is starting on the right wing for only the second time.

"By shifting the ball wide and then switching back again the All Blacks will hope to take Pocock out of the first two phases, which will allow them to gain momentum.

"Playing the game beyond Pocock's access to the breakdown appears to be a key feature of the All Blacks' strategy.

"The second play revealed by the photograph is also from a full lineout. Five-eighth Dan Carter, Nonu, Smith and Rokocoko line up in a box formation. Depending on how he reads Pocock in defence, Carter will link with Nonu or Smith in the midfield or slip a short ball to Rokocoko to run "inside 10 or around him".

All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen has said the photographer that snapped an image of coach Graham Henry holding a page of notes broke the trust between team and media. The Sydney Morning Herald's Duncan Johnstone reports.

"The Age, Herald Sun and the Australian newspapers have published photographs of what appear to be All Blacks tactics for Saturday night's clash with the Wallabies in Melbourne.

Photo agency Getty Images snapped a page of notes being held by Henry at the team's training in Melbourne yesterday.

The image had highlighted notes of All Blacks moves from scrum and lineout situations.

"At the end of the day you guys and photographers come to training and there are a few unwritten rules and the photographer has breached the trust. There's not too much we can do about it," Hansen said.

"The good thing about it yesterday was a defensive training day so we won't have to change our tactics too much.

"There are a whole lot of things that are going to happen on Saturday night and I don't think one photo is going to make too much difference."

The Sydney Morning Herald's Greg Growden previews a mouth-watering showdown between New Zealand Richie McCaw and Australia's David Pocock.

"Richie McCaw has wrestled, mauled and burrowed under some of Australia's most notable scavengers during his nine-year tussle with the Wallabies, during which he has enjoyed an extraordinary 84 per cent success rate.

"The standout head-to-head opponent for McCaw has been the Wallabies' greatest openside breakaway, George Smith, and for the New Zealand skipper to still tally 16 Test wins from 19 encounters against Australia is testament to the power of the All Blacks and the broad abilities of their leader. However, yesterday McCaw revealed it was getting no easier keeping Australia's No.7s at bay, with Smith's successor, David Pocock, providing special problems.

"That was shown in Pocock's effectiveness in stifling McCaw in Perth three months ago during the Super 14 when the Western Force upset the Crusaders, 24-16.

"Pocock's efforts that night have the Wallabies convinced that McCaw won't have everything his way on Saturday night. ''David is no slouch and he has now played well against Richie McCaw a number of times. I'd back him all the way,'' said Richard Brown, a Force teammate and fellow Test back-rower."

Writing for SuperSport, Gavin Rich has a word of warning for those Springboks fans expecting their side to return to top form on home soil.

"How to get out of this mess? Some would say they can redeem themselves during the home leg of this Tri-Nations season, which to some extent they can. They will not win the competition from where they are now, but three wins will regain some pride.

"But what will it mean to the building process towards next year’s World Cup? Everyone knows that the Bulls’ kicking orientated strategy invariably comes up trumps on the Highveld, and even though they quite clearly miss Fourie du Preez, they can probably rely on that edge to give them at least two wins from the remaining three matches.

"For a start, can you really imagine the Australians being able to keep up their high tempo game for 80 minutes at altitude? If they did, it would be a first. The last time a team tried to run the Boks ragged at altitude it was the British and Irish Lions in the second test at Loftus. It worked for the first half, but in the second they collapsed in a heap and the Boks were able to pull off one of rugby’s great fightbacks.

"All the South African coastal teams would be in agreement with the following point – taking on the Bulls at home with a game that requires all-out attack for 80 minutes is suicide. The Sharks and the Stormers have tried it at stages of their history, they have invariably failed.

"However the next World Cup is not being played at altitude, it is being played in New Zealand. It’s why the lessons that have been learned, and the fault lines that have become all too apparent on this most recent tour and through the preceding months cannot be ignored. They must be addressed, and addressed now."

Former Wallabies coach and now Rebels boss Rod Macqueen believes the All Blacks are on the verge of something special. Sport24 reports.

"New Zealand are the litmus test for teams with World Cup ambitions and have assembled a side that stands on the cusp of greatness, former Australia coach Rod Macqueen said on Wednesday.

Macqueen, who led the Wallabies to their second World Cup triumph in Wales in 1999, said the All Blacks possessed the hallmarks of the Sean Fitzpatrick-captained sides of the 1990s.

"I suspect that it's a side at the moment that's probably on the verge of greatness and looking back at the last decade, probably getting back to the Fitzpatrick-type days -- that kind of team that's quite measured and doing very well," Macqueen told reporters.

"(New Zealand's) Achilles heel in the past has been not having a plan B, when things start to go wrong, they continue to go wrong.

"But we're seeing instances now within the New Zealand side that they're making decisions themselves within the team and they seem fairly confident and when things start to go wrong they come back pretty quickly."

James Hook has opened make-or-break talks about his future with the Ospreys as crack French clubs line up to offer him the No 10 dream he craves with Wales. The Western Mail's Andy Howell reports.

"The Lions star’s contract runs out in May and it will take a massive pay-rise to keep him at the Liberty Stadium and out of the clutches of one of Perpignan, Toulouse or Toulon.

"Hook’s representatives are expected to hold more discussions with power-brokers at the Ospreys on Friday.

"However, it would almost certainly require a record pay packet for a Welsh player if they are to prevent Hook from upping sticks and moving to France.

"Hook is unhappy at being shunted from outside-half to centre by the Ospreys and wearing 13 and 15 for Wales.

"Hook could expect to be paid £500,000 a year to play in the French Championship and a two-year deal the other side of the English Channel should set him up financially."

England's leading clubs could learn a thing or two from this year's Tri-Nations according to The Independent's Peter Bills.

"Last weekend in Australia witnessed a quite extraordinary statistic, one of the most remarkable the old game can ever have known.

"In a major rugby Test match, one outside half kicked the ball just ONCE in the entire 70 minutes he was on the field. Quade Cooper of Australia is renowned as a player who likes to keep the ball in hand. Yet it wasn't just the Wallaby No. 10 who scorned the use of the boot.

"The entire Australian team managed to put boot to ball just 11 times in the whole match against the South Africans in Brisbane. What is more, the previous two weeks, the All Blacks had similarly adopted a running policy against the Springboks, outscoring them by eight tries to two.

"Figures such as this would doubtless send shock waves through English rugby where such innovative thinking is shunned, with the exception of a few notable club sides. But those who are wise in the northern hemisphere will take great heed of this year's Tri-Nations tournament and learn valuable lessons from it."

South Africa came up short against Australia in Brisbane last weekend © Getty Images

South Africa's 'clownish' behaviour has a sinister intent - to kill running rugby, according to Spiro Zavos in The Age.

"The loose cannon of world rugby is not the gregarious Brendan Cannon, a Fox Sports commentator, but the Springboks and their coach, Peter de Villiers.

"It is now an infamous rugby incident that Cannon was required by the Springboks to apologise for calling de Villiers a ''clown''. Fox Sports was wrong to force Cannon to grovel.

"De Villiers and the Springboks are not just clowns, they are dangerous clowns. Their attacks on referees, their refusal to accept the laws of the game or the just punishments handed their thuggish players, their abuse of other coaches and the absurd claim of a conspiracy against the Springboks are part of a sinister attempt to undermine the best elements of modern rugby.

"This sinister attack is inflaming Springboks supporters to unacceptable levels of paranoia. Even more importantly, the attack is a direct challenge to changes in the way the tackled ball is refereed. These changes represent the best reform since the introduction of the ''use-it-or-lose-it'' principle.

"The Springboks want a return to the negative game that rewarded kicking sides and punished sides trying to run the ball."

Glasgow are paying a heavy price for success after confirming Scotland No.8 Johnnie Beattie will be out for up to six months due to a shoulder injury. The Scotsman's David Ferguson reports.

"Beattie was one of a large number of Glasgow players who pushed their way into Andy Robinson's international plans last season, a reflection of a Warriors improvement that also took the team into the inaugural Magners League play-offs. The cost, however, has been that a host of Sean Lineen's players have struggled to recover from the toll exacted on their bodies through a season that began last June and ended with an intense RBS Six Nations Championship, league run-in and June tour schedule.

"Beattie has been battling a shoulder problem for some time and it has been decided that he must now undergo an operation to give him a chance of being fully fit for next year's World Cup in New Zealand. While he remains hopeful of being back in full training before the autumn Tests, he has been told his recovery period could be as long as six months.

"Beattie is almost certain to miss the November Tests with New Zealand, South Africa and Samoa and will face a race to regain his match fitness and form for the 2011 Six Nations."

John Eales is confident Australia can beat New Zealand © Getty Images

Former Wallabies skipper John Eales said the Springboks could take a leaf out of England’s book in persevering with their elder statesmen if they want to build for the World Cup in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Eales also believes Australia are well capable of beating the All Blacks next week.

“I would not be in the sluice room prepping for surgery just yet, but I also would not wait until next year. Ultimately, age is not the measure, effectiveness is. England won the World Cup with an older squad than the Springboks but they were still effective. Nathan Sharpe is the elder statesman of the Wallabies but he is playing superbly. The senior Boks must command similarly if they are to keep the big trophies they hold.

“If the Wallabies replicate both their accuracy and enthusiasm, they can beat the All Blacks next week. When front row forwards are tackling like back-rowers and the big men like Rocky Elsom are claiming territory with the desperation of a prospector seeking fortune in the gold rush, it makes the job of the backs so much easier.”

Could Mickey Rourke play Gareth Thomas in the big screen version of the player's life? © Getty Images

Hollywood actor Mickey Rourke is interested in bringing the life of Wales and Lions star Gareth Thomas to the big screen - but the Western Mail's Carolyn Hitt believes he hasn't got the stomach to play Alfie.

"Rourke has apparently been interested in putting the oval ball on the silver screen for some time but struggled for his perfect plot until he discovered the Alfie narrative. The story of the 35-year-old’s life and career is undoubtedly a riveting tale, but is it one 57-year-old Rourke can do justice to? Without even contemplating the linguistic challenge of replicating Alfie’s Pencoed patois – hearing the Hollywood hard man chirping “Alright butt?” would be worth the cinema ticket alone – is he up to it physically?

"Sculpted and muscular Alfie prides himself on one of the best six-packs in the game. Judging by the last topless glimpse we had of Rourke – playing Randy “The Ram” Robinson in The Wrestler – he is rather more party pack.

"The most successful sport films are the ones that use sport to explore a bigger theme – the miraculous triumph of the unlikely team or the individual who proves every underdog has his day if he wants it badly enough.

"The story of a gay man becoming one of the most successful players of all time in a sport characterised by machismo has obvious Hollywood script appeal."

The race to finish in the top seven of the ITM Cup has seen some unions aggressively recruit players - but it's not without risk according to the New Zealand Herald's Michael Brown.

"The finishing order of the 14 teams in the competition will determine which seven teams qualify for the Premiership and which seven teams will play in the Championship in 2011. This battle for a top-seven place is what some have described as the "competition within the competition" and it has shaped many unions' recruitment.

"Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Southland and Hawke's Bay have been four of the most active provinces in the off-season.

"Each province must fit under the new salary cap regulations, set at $1.35 million or 36 per cent of a union's commercial revenue based on audited accounts from the previous two years - whichever is the least.

"Bay of Plenty, who finished seventh last year, have recruited a number of newcomers including All Black wing Lelia Masaga, former Hurricanes lock Luke Andrews, Highlanders centre Brett Mather and former Auckland halfback Taniela Moa, who was a late signing after Junior Poluleuligaga was lured back overseas. It means the Steamers could field an entire starting line-up of players with Super rugby experience."

The bitterness the rest of the world feels towards Richie McCaw is increasingly hard to contain according to the New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul.

"There's barely disguised contempt for the All Black captain these days, as if his brilliance is neither real nor sustainable but for his unparalleled capacity to cheat.

"McCaw the cheat is the subject of choice in any test build-up; invariably the theme that dominates the post-match analysis.

"The skipper was ludicrously good in Wellington - something the South Africans were keen to dismiss as they questioned the legality of his work and the leniency of the referee.

"Springbok captain John Smit at least gave the impression he harboured a begrudging professional respect for McCaw; that the South African hooker would love to have the same favoured status among the world's leading referees.

"From Smit's perspective, the frustration is not that McCaw bends and occasionally breaks the rules, operating in the decidedly grey areas all quality opensides consider home. It's the fact he seems so regularly to win the benefit of the doubt; that referees are almost in awe of his reputation and powerless in his presence."

Australia sent out an unambiguous message about how seriously their challenge should be taken at next year’s World Cup when their young and inexperienced team thoroughly outplayed the Springboks, according to Supersport's Gavin Rich.

"In the end a loss in Wallaby intensity in a sloppy second half saw the try count squared at two apiece, and the difference on the scoreboard was the penalty goals slotted by the Australian duo of Matt Giteau and James O’Connor.

"But if anyone points to that as an indication that there wasn’t much between these teams it would be disingenuous -- from the opening 10 minutes it was obvious that the Wallabies were just several steps quicker and smarter than a Bok team that struggled to keep pace."

Denis Leamy feared for his future in rugby as he battled to come back from the devastating injury which sidelined him last season. The Irish Independent's Phil Cadden reports.

"Leamy, who has previously undergone two shoulder operations, is targeting a pre-season return to training and insists he will be raring to go for the Magners League opener against Italian newboys Aironi in six weeks' time.

"I'm not quite 100 per cent but I'm getting there. I only started running six weeks ago but it's good to be back. I'm no stranger to being on the sidelines and it is frustrating. The amount of time and then the boredom of having to stick to a programme made this the most difficult of all the injuries.

"But I've managed to dig it out and all the hard work seems to have paid off. It's a massive lift for me to be back in training. My aim is to start the season."

"Before then, Leamy, along with the injured Irish stars such as Paul O'Connell, Rory Best and Stephen Ferris, who missed the summer tour to Australasia, will meet up with head coach Declan Kidney for a one-day camp in Enfield.

"And the 41-cap star, who hasn't figured for the national side since the convincing victory over Fiji last autumn, believes the call-up is a big boost with the World Cup only 14 months away."

Ahead of the first Bledisloe Cup encounter of the year, the Sydney Morning Herald's Josh Rakic asks whether New Zealand's Richie McCaw gets an easy ride.

"Phil Waugh and Rod Kafer have weighed into the debate surrounding Richie McCaw's activities at the breakdown, but far from branding the All Blacks skipper a repeat transgressor have urged the Wallabies to follow his ''smart'' style of play.

"As Robbie Deans's men prepare to face the seemingly unstoppable All Blacks at Etihad Stadium next Saturday, Waugh said the Wallabies shouldn't read much into comments by Springboks coach Pieter de Villiers that referees are turning a blind eye to McCaw's foul play.

''It's about responding to how the referees interpret the breakdown during the game - and obviously all referees are different,'' Waugh said. ''And the quicker you get the interpretations right for the game the better you're going to perform in the game.

''Richie's a very astute and smart rugby player who picks that up very early in the game, which allows him to push the limits. And that's what he's out there to do."

The Wallabies again showed why they regard Suncorp Stadium as their spiritual home when they produced yet another spectacular Brisbane performance to blow away the Springboks, according to the Sydney Morning Herald's Greg Growden.

"Elsewhere the Wallabies flounder. But not here. They produced one of their best efforts for some time, outmuscling, outrunning and out-defending the Tri Nations holders for a victory that had its dramas, especially when the Springboks had a revival with two late tries.

"It was a mighty team triumph, highlighted by outstanding individual performances, particularly from captain Rocky Elsom and openside David Pocock, who completely out-enthused their opponents.

"...The frustrated Springboks correctly identified Pocock's try-saver on Bryan Habana and then follow-up ruck penalty on his line as a massive turning point in the match."

Few things are guaranteed to get a barstool ruckus up and running quicker than selecting your all-time greatest team, but that does not deter The Scotsman's Richard Bath.

"The Scottish Rugby Union's recent decision to launch a Hall of Fame has been framed in a less straightforward fashion than simply choosing the Greatest Scotland XV Of All Time, but we at Scotland on Sunday are simple souls, so we've distilled the debate down to selecting our favourite 15 players to have pulled on the thistle since 1871.

"A couple of years ago I wrote a small book called the Scotland Rugby Miscellany, which involved scouring history books and talking to anyone with a long-term perspective on Scottish rugby, the older the better.

"The sheer breadth of characters and achievements was absolutely remarkable, which is perhaps why there was virtually no unanimity. However, I eventually boiled the list down to 15 legends, with the proviso that current players are ineligible."

John Smit finds himself one tantalising Test away from 100 Springbok caps … yet arguably under the harshest scrutiny of his illustrious international career, according to Sport24's Rob Houwing.

"Captain of a Bok team that has been walloped in three successive overseas matches in the Vodacom Tri-Nations and out of contention now to retain their crown, the 32-year-old is, sadly, very high on the list of players whose shelf-lives are looking incredibly tenuous.

"That is the unpalatable truth after the latest near-debacle, Saturday’s 30-13 reverse in Brisbane to a Wallabies side supposedly still in a state of transition but simply too good for the wobbling World Cup champions.

"I have little doubt that, come August 21 and South Africa’s first shot at restoring some pride against the All Blacks back home in Soweto, Smit will be invited to lead the troops into battle and simultaneously post his poignant century. He has been a genuinely distinguished servant of the Springbok game, both as leader and player.

"But I’ll also bet you this much: a strong lobby during the merciful hiatus over the next few weeks will also howl that being on 99 caps is no special reason for sentiment and that Smit ought to be among several customers dropped on the grounds of rank indifferent form – even if not necessarily permanently."

Will Boks coach Peter de Villiers have the last laugh? © Getty Images

It will be a great shame if the Boks ever ditch Peter de Villiers as their coach according to the New Zealand Herald's Wynne Gray.

"On several fronts de Villiers is gold. He is automatic copy for journos on a slow news day, full of unusual quips, retorts and observations. He is also priceless for opponents who know some de Villiers outbursts will rile his own team.

"How much longer the ever-so-sensible captain John Smit and his crew put up with de Villiers will be a fascinating part of the Springboks' timeline towards the next World Cup.

"South Africa are required to have a number of black players and staff but they need some more astute selections. De Villiers is the bloke who wants to be in top rugby, who wants to "run with the big dogs and lift his leg" as well. Get the picture?

"The bloke carries a permanent entertainment rating if you can decipher his high-pitched intonation but he is harmless compared to some of his predecessors."

Survivors of the Andes plane disaster nearly 40 years ago want to play in next year's World Cup in New Zealand to commemorate the anniversary and their special rugby sporting bond. The New Zealand Herald reports.

"Roberto Canessa, a survivor from the October 1972 crashed flight which was carrying the Old Christians Club from Uruguay to play the Old Grangonian Club in Chile, says they have petitioned the International and New Zealand Rugby Boards to play a curtain-raiser to the opening test between the All Blacks and Tonga at Eden Park next September.

"So far no response. However, former All Black loose forward Paul Henderson, who coaches a private club in Chile, believes a short match would be a great way to showcase rugby's camaraderie and has taken up the cause. "I think it would be a marvellous way to honour the whole episode, those who died, the survivors and the game they play," he said."

Writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, former Wallaby Matt Burke believes the All Blacks exposed a soft underbelly in the Springboks during their recent clashes and took full advantage.

"A close look at the Springboks reveals they are a little limited in parts. They have had a lot of success using Morne Steyn as the kicking platform, then chasing hard and putting pressure on opponents. But when teams finally find a way to counter this tactic, as New Zealand did, they can make a good team look quite ordinary. This tactic shouldn't win you a Tri Nations title. Having Bakkies Botha missing from the opposition could be a bad thing for the Wallabies. He is good for three penalties and a yellow card a game. His replacement, Danie Rossouw, offers more around the park, too.

"The way for the Wallabies to get their Tri Nations off to a good start is to include a few players back from injury. Benn Robinson, Stephen Moore, Nathan Sharpe and Will Genia will all contribute significantly to the way the Wallabies play and the decision-making. They can't just rely on these guys to do all the work and thinking though; everyone has to contribute.

"The forward replacements will bring a quiet confidence to the starting pack and also some calmness. We can already pick that the scrum will be targeted but I say go after them."

Bath's new performance director Ian McGeechan is relishing his return to rugby's front line. He talks to The Scotsman's Stuart Bathgate.

"At Murrayfield this week for the second meeting of the group which will nominate the first wave of inductees to the Scottish Rugby Hall of Fame later this year, the former Scotland coach and director of rugby explained why he believed his new job at the Recreation Ground was ideal for him - and why he had been unable to stay away from rugby for long.

"I needed it, I think," he said of the sabbatical he took after the Lions tour had ended in a 2-1 series loss to the Springboks. "Twenty-nine years on the bounce was a long time. So for about a month I thought, yeah, this is all right,

"After about four months I was thinking it less so, and after six months a bit less. That was the decision I had to make - how much involvement did I want? And having said yes, looking at the game I still feel ideas that I think are worth discussing and being part of it."

"I like the hands on. After you've had the rest, that's the bit I miss most. It's nice I've got the opportunity to keep that involvement up."

Shane Williams last night vowed to dazzle for Wales right through to the World Cup after revealing: “I feel 10 years younger.” The Western Mail's Delme Parfitt reports,

"Wales’ record try scorer insists a summer of rest and recuperation has given him a new lease of life as he embarks on the countdown to New Zealand 2011.

Williams agonised over whether to pull out of the summer tour to New Zealand before deciding to rest his troublesome shoulder. And, when Warren Gatland praised James Hook’s willingness to play through the pain barrier against South Africa, delaying shoulder surgery in the process, it seemed like a veiled swipe at Williams.

But the Lions winger, 33, says he has no regrets now about his decision to stay at home.

“The shoulder’s really good, I’ve had the ideal summer to be honest.” said Williams as he steps up preparations for the new campaign.

“I was disappointed not to go on the tour, but I think it’s done me the world of good.

“I’ve come back in to start training this week and I’m feeling fresh. I feel 10 years younger."

Springboks lock Victor Matfield watches his coach Peter de Villiers in action during a recent press conference © Getty Images

There's good reason why the Waratahs want Victor Matfield as a coach, writes the Sydney Morning Herald's Greg Growden.

"No wonder the Waratahs are sniffing around Victor Matfield - not as a player, but as a member of their coaching staff - in a bid to bring poise to the organisation.

"Matfield, 33, has intimated that he is interested in a coaching career after he finishes playing, most likely at the conclusion of next year's World Cup. And the Waratahs have good reason to pursue him, believing the very traits that have made him a standout Test performer will transform him into a great teacher and adviser.

"The essential ingredients of a successful off-field leader are there. He is forever composed. He is a master tactician. He knows the game backwards. He immediately pounces on an opposition frailty. He abounds in confidence, and knows how to get the best out of all those around him. Most importantly, he is intelligent."

Writing in the Irish Times, Johnny Watterson believes any side hoping to make an impression in this season's Magners League has to come flying out of the traps.

"Leinster and Munster in particular will be looking for a strong start as the increase in team numbers means there will be four extra rounds of matches in the league phase of the tournament. In order to accommodate this, some games are scheduled to be played during the international windows in November and when the RBS Six Nations championship is being played. Both Leinster and Munster have two scheduled matches in November.

"Leinster will have their eye on going one step further this time around, having fallen flat against Ospreys in last season’s Grand Final at the RDS. Bowe was one of the Ospreys’ two try scorers in their 17-12 victory in May and also grabbed a vital bonus-point try at his old stomping ground as the Ospreys beat Ulster 38-27 in April to stay on course for the play-offs.

"The 22-round league season kicks off on the first weekend in September and runs through until the weekend of May 6th of next year. All games in Round 22 will kick-off simultaneously to ensure no teams have advantage when vying for play-off places or European qualification."

Wallaby coach Robbie Deans expects an increasingly desperate South African side to "throw everything they've got" at the Australians at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night. The Brisbane Times' Daniel Nancarrow reports.

"With their recent performance history they won't be enjoying their current circumstance in this tournament and they'll be hell bent on changing that," Deans said.

"[We] expect them to be fully committed, fully prepared. They've chosen a mix that is vibrant and they'll throw everything they've got at us."

"Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom agreed tomorrow night's Test – the first of the Tri Nations campaign for Australia – would be the team's biggest challenge so far this year

"He indicated the Wallabies were looking forward to playing at Suncorp Stadium, a venue reserve forward Stephen Moore referred to as the team's "new spiritual home" earlier this week.

"We definitely like playing here - the whole group does," Elsom said."

A Soweto rugby administrator says offers of discounted tickets for township residents to attend South Africa’s historic match against New Zealand at the National Stadium (formerly Soccer City) next month was “an insult”. Sport24 reports.

"The South African Rugby Union (SARU) said in a statement on Thursday that 5 000 tickets costing R100 each for the first-ever rugby match at the venue of the FIFA World Cup final would go on sale to Soweto residents on Monday. The price of all but 9 000 of the iconic stadium’s 88 000 seats has been set at R500, with a first phase of 44 000 tickets selling out within 48 hours last week.

“I think 5 000 tickets is an insult,” Soweto Rugby Club secretary Zola Ntlokoma said. “This is a community of close to two million people and I think we deserve better. We are rugby people and 5 000 tickets are not much compared to the stadium’s capacity. Maybe they could have given us 20 000."

While Jamie Roberts’ injury and Gavin Henson’s future have been the talk of Welsh rugby, Tom Shanklin has busy preparing to play in a third World Cup campaign. The Western Mail's Simon Roberts reports.

"Shanklin, Wales’ most-capped centre, appears to have become Wales’ forgotten man ahead of New Zealand 2011.

"Shanks, one of the real warriors of the Welsh game, hasn’t even been mentioned in dispatches and his return has been typically low key.

"While there has been a gnashing of teeth about Roberts’ injury and much head-scratching about Henson’s self-enforced absence, Shanklin has been busy in the gym in a bid to prove himself where it matters – on the field.

"For a double Grand Slam winner and a Lion, it’s been a new experience for Shanks watching Andrew Bishop of the Ospreys and Scarlets rookie Jonathan Davies move centre stage as candidates for the forthcoming autumn Tests.

"The 30-year-old, who won the first of his 66 Wales caps against Japan in Tokyo in 2001, is clearly bemused by his current predicament."

Can Robbie Deans turn the Wallabies around? © Getty Images

Peter Bills believes that Robbie Deans has struggled to recover following his criticism of his side at the back end of the Tri-Nations in 2009 in The Irish Independent.

"He must wish now that he had never said them. Just two little words -- but will they come back to haunt Robbie Deans and ultimately condemn to failure his Australian coaching tenure?

"They were uttered by Deans in September 2009 to describe his Australian team following their 33-6 Tri Nations defeat by the All Blacks in Wellington and remain a painful sore that just won't heal.

"Deans accused his players of "rolling over," the worst sin an Australian sportsman can commit. And he went on: "The most disappointing thing from our perspective was, we essentially capitulated once the game was gone."

Stuart Bathgate talks to former Scotland fullback Gavin Hastings about the steps forward taken this summer in Argentina in The Scotsman.

""For them to follow up a great opening Test victory with another shows that they have mentally crossed that divide. I think that this was a very, very significant step forward.

"I sent a text straight away to Scotland coach Andy Robinson, saying much the same thing. I've seen him since then and reiterated that. I think it's great and I think the guys will take a huge amount of confidence on the back of that."

"Scotland won last month's first Test 24-16, then followed it up a week later with a 13-9 win to record their first ever series victory in the Southern Hemisphere. That compared with back-to-back matches in the Autumn Tests at Murrayfield last year, when Robinson's team claimed a historic win over Australia, but then lost to the Pumas a week later."

Supersport's Matt Pearce is on tour with the Springboks, taking in 'The Jedi and The Cake Tin' in his latest blog.

"The stinging criticism of the Boks from back home after their second loss hit hard. Although there were serious issues with the one-on-one defending against a pacy and strong New Zealand team playing with great confidence, no-one can dispute the unfortunate role played by the referee. Not a single patriotic New Zealand pundit could justify the call against Danie Rossouw, nor the leniency allowed to Richie McCaw.

"It got me thinking that by winning in New Zealand two years in a row – having not done so for 10 years previously – this team have created a sense of expectation of victory against the ABs. However, what those victories in Dunedin (Ricky Januarie’s all-time moment of brilliance) and Hamilton (Frans Steyn’s three penalties from inside his half and some wicked bounces for the All Blacks in the dying moments) proved is that to win in New Zealand, you need absolutely everything to go your way, the minutiae, the bounces of the ball, the 50-50 calls. That was never going to be the case in Wellington."

Greg Growden calls on Wallabies flanker David Pocock to strangle the Springboks at the breakdown in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"David Pocock's Test initiation is over, with the Wallabies calling on their openside breakaway to be a Tri Nations match winner by strangling the Springboks at the breakdown during the Test in Brisbane on Saturday night.

"The message from the Wallabies camp yesterday was that this was the season for Pocock to step up and be as authoritative as his predecessor George Smith by taking advantage of a shaky opposition, which has been criticised this week for messing up the balance of its back row.

"As Pocock is the only specialist openside breakaway on the field, and with the Springboks so obsessed with how they are being persecuted by northern hemisphere referees at the breakdown, the Wallabies know that the scavenging skills of their 22-year-old could destabilise the South Africans for the third week running. They realise that this could be the moment where Pocock, in his third Test season and 11th starting Test, arrives as a top-quality international back-rower."

Is Springboks skipper John Smit the only one talking sense in the wake of his side's Wellington loss? © Getty Images

The outcry over the refereeing furing New Zealand's victory over South Africa in Wellington seems like a not so subtle attempt to deflect attention away from the reality that the Springboks have been overtaken by the All Blacks, according to Gavin Rich of Supersport.com.

"The most sensible words to come out of the Bok camp this week have predictably come from John Smit, and he is 100% on the money when he says that losing a player from the tight five in the first 10 minutes is crippling as that is when the two sides are trying to establish physical ascendancy.

"It is difficult to change momentum once it is established, and the Boks found themselves in a similar position to the one that they found themselves in when Schalk Burger was removed from play for the initial 10 minutes of last year’s second test against the British and Irish Lions.

"But mention of the Burger incident only serves to remind us that the Boks have been in this situation too often recently and that it is starting to become a malaise. It might serve the Bok purpose far more if instead of bleating in an unedifying fashion about external factors they took a long, hard look inwardly."

The compelling Tri-Nations series has become a tale of the scrum-halves according to the New Zealand Herald's Wynne Grey.

"The All Blacks have seen a resurgent Piri Weepu, the Springboks have felt the pain without the injured Fourie du Preez, and the Wallabies are trusting in the repair work on Will Genia's knee and hand.

"...Without du Preez the Boks looked uncertain. Their talisman was missing and so was their sting. Weepu, given his chance to start because of Cowan's injury and his average form at Eden Park, strutted a form portfolio at the Cake Tin which had been hidden for large segments of the Super 14.

"That form will give the selectors plenty of thought about changing their philosophy on the starting halfback for Melbourne when the All Blacks travel across the Ditch next week."

The South African Rugby Union are to take action in addressing what is believed to be bias against the Springbok team when it comes to refereeing and the judicial process in the sport. The Cape Times' Ashfak Mohamed reports.

"Saru president Oregan Hoskins told the Cape Times yesterday that he has instructed South Africa's representative on the Sanzar legal committee, Judge Lex Mpati, to "take up" the apparent inconsistent rulings against the Boks during the Tri-Nations.

"On the judicial side, I have asked Judge Mpati to take it up," Hoskins said. "A number of stakeholders have complained to me about the lack of consistency in the rulings of the judicial officials in rugby.

"I have stressed to Judge Mpati the seriousness of the matter, and he has promised that he will come back to me in writing hopefully by next week. I don't want to say too much further, as previously I have spoken about the issue in the media and nothing has been done about it."

Despite threats of major changes, the Wallabies have opted for more of the same for their Tri-Nations match against the Springboks in Brisbane on Saturday night. The Sydney Morning Herald's Greg Growden reports.

"In a glaring example of how Australian rugby is shackled by lack of players, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has, shortly after calling for more aggression, stuck with all but the same pack. And after initially dropping Drew Mitchell, he has been forced to select him on the wing.

"Due to injuries and a lack of serious competition for numerous positions, several players who are suffering from form fluctuations have held their spots because the alternatives are simply not enticing enough.

"Clearly the push to show more mongrel has been put on hold, with Scott Higginbotham and Ben McCalman not included, although Reds second-rower Rob Simmons has made the bench."

Glasgow Warriors head coach Sean Lineen is not looking any further than the opening match against the Dragons after the Heineken Cup fixture schedule for 2010/11 was announced. The Scotsman's Gary Heatly writes.

"Many Warriors' supporters may have an eye on the glamour double header against reigning champions Toulouse in December, but Lineen is urging his side to focus on the Firhill match against the Welsh side on Friday, 8 October.

"He said: "We can't really look beyond the first game. The Dragons know our strengths and weaknesses and they'll be confident about coming up here and getting a result. There is a healthy respect there. We both try and play rugby and I think this is the first time we've had them at home first up. They are a good side and they certainly had a good season last season."

If the Ospreys are going to finally lift the Holy Grail of European rugby this season, they are going to have to do it the hard way, according to the Western Mail's Simon Roberts.

"Welsh rugby’s new flag bearers in Europe, Heineken Cup quarter-finalists in the last three years, will start their ‘Pool of Death’ campaign by taking on the most talked about team in European rugby.

"Jonny Wilkinson’s Toulon, who have been dubbed ‘the Harlem Globetrotters of European rugby,’ will host the Magners League champions in the glamour tie of the opening round of the Heineken Cup. The clash will bring together two of the genuine ‘rock star’ teams of European rugby, packed with world-class talent and some of the biggest names in the game.

"...Scott Johnson, the Ospreys Director of Coaching, already believes only one team will qualify from Pool 3, but he is undaunted by the prospect of an away trip to France.

“It’s a tough group and I think it’s a similar story to last year, whoever goes through from that group will be in a pretty good place,” said Johnson."

Mils Muliaina - front and centre in the war against loose kicks © Getty Images

Peter Bills believes that the All Blacks could soon inspire a revolution in rugby, one where old-school counter attacking is the order of the day, in The Independent.

"A strange, alien sighting was glimpsed in the skies above Wellington's Westpac stadium last Saturday night. Or rather, it was something that wasn't there that was so bewildering, so baffling.

"A rugby Test match was played without any aerial ping-pong, the great kicking plague of the modern game. Well, that isn't strictly true. One side did still try it. But they lost by 31 points to 17, four tries to two. So they don't matter, do they?

"Well, let's hope not. It might be stretching credulity to suggest that the rugby played by New Zealand these past two weekends in the Tri-Nations, at Auckland and Wellington, has been of a revolutionary nature."

Peter Grant salutes the transformation of Auckland's Eden Park into a top-notch stadium in The New Zealand Herald.

"Sounds like a TV period costume drama; maybe it was. My wife and I had been shouted a trip to Auckland for the night with tickets to the All Blacks v South Africa test match.

"We stayed at Newmarket so that we could wander down the road to catch the train to Eden Park.
First mistake, as the trains were not running from Newmarket, but had been replaced with a free bus service departing from Remuera Rd off Broadway.

"My wife was adamant that we catch the free bus instead of walking to Grafton station to catch the train, as the bus was closer."

Spiro Zavos has no time for the complaints of the Springboks in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Saloons in the Wild West often carried a notice: "Do not shoot the pianist, he is doing his best." This instruction came to mind when the madcap coach of the Springboks, Peter de Villiers, tried to explain his team's two comprehensive losses to the All Blacks.

"De Villiers suggested the Springboks had been persecuted by the referees. He threatened to "prepare guys to cheat" to turn this around. For the record, the penalty/free kick count at Wellington under the Irishman Alain Rolland was 10-9 in favour of New Zealand. One penalty to South Africa was turned around after Danie Rossouw was given a yellow card for flicking Richie McCaw in the eyes and then kneeing him.

"This hardly seems like the persecution of a team that was outplayed. And at Auckland in the first Tri Nations Test, the Springboks were awarded seven consecutive penalties in the middle part of the match, and were well ahead in the penalty count despite being thrashed on the scoreboard."

Handbags: Danie Rossouw and Richie McCaw get to grips with each other © Getty Images

Chris Rattue laments the performance of Alain Rolland in Saturday's Tri-Nations showdown between the All Blacks and Springboks in The New Zealand Herald.

"Sky started coverage of the clash between the All Blacks and Springboks by getting referee Alain Rolland's nationality wrong - putting the French colours alongside the Irishman's name.

"Sounds French so must be French - a mistake a few of us have been close to making with Rolland over the years. Rolland was French by suspicion, which is the sort of justice he meted out to Danie Rossouw, the Springbok lock, a few minutes later.

"The sinbinning of Rossouw was diabolical, the distorting of a major international sporting contest on scant evidence."

Peter Bills salutes another scintillating All Blacks performance, and sounds a note of warning prior to the World Cup, in The Irish Independent.

"So now we know it wasn't a fluke. And the challenge New Zealand's attacking game plan will present to every team in next year's World Cup has been spelled out in clear, exciting terms.

"Two defeats of world champions South Africa, a points tally of 63-29 and a try count of 8-2 in their favour speaks volumes for the All Blacks' attacking prowess and their determination to play a fast, penetrative game with ball-handling, and not kicking, at its core.

"They have thrown down a challenge to world rugby. To play such a compelling a style of rugby in perfect conditions at Auckland nine days ago was one thing. The Springboks were surprised, shocked by it. But to repeat the feat in wet, windy conditions at Wellington on Saturday night was something else altogether."

Brendan Nel, writing on Supersport, believes that whining about the performance of Alain Rolland against New Zealand will not help the Springboks' cause come the World Cup.

"Baying for Referee Alain Rolland’s blood after Saturday’s defeat at the hands of New Zealand won’t get us anywhere. Rolland was not at his best on Saturday, and that is an understatement. For a referee who handled the 2007 World Cup final, he clearly is no slouch. But on Saturday he was the type of referee we all complain about – inconsistent.

"The Boks have the right to ask questions about the breakdown, where the All Blacks slowed the ball down, went off their feet and fell over at will, while the same indiscretions by the Boks were penalised by the ref.

"They also have a right to ask why Richie McCaw can get so many “official” warnings while Bakkies Botha was yellow carded last weekend for his first breakdown offence. But here’s the problem with whinging over the ref. One, it papers over the fact that the Boks simply weren’t good enough in both games. And two, it won’t help much as the Springboks will encounter these same refs at next year’s World Cup in New Zealand."

Greg Growden believes that the Wallabies can beat South Africa in Brisbane on Saturday, but only if they play as a team, in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"It is obvious why the All Blacks are standing tall at the top of the Tri Nations ladder. They play as a team.

"They do everything as a team. They are there in numbers. They back up. They support each other. They perform as a finely tuned ensemble.

"The All Blacks know when to lift the intensity, how to help each other to ensure they are in control of the combat zone. And when they reveal an opposition weakness, they know how to be there in numbers. Just watch how many times the swarming All Blacks score tries, with attacking options either side of the scorer. That is confidence. That is self-belief. That is being part of a real team."

The All Blacks delight in Israel Dagg's try against the Springboks in Wellington © Getty Images

Writing in the Sunday Herald, Gregor Paul analyses what the All Blacks learnt from a difficult 2009.

"As hard as it was to stomach back then, the 3-0 blitzing by the Boks last year was the making of this All Black side. In their darkest hour, they were forced down a different path and the All Blacks of 2010 would not be the side they are now had it not been for the pain of 2009.

"The glaring deficiencies in their game had to be addressed. No one was immune - not even Richie McCaw, nor Dan Carter, nor the coaches.

"As much as he hated it, McCaw had to learn how to attack the ball in the air. He hated it because most of the 80 minutes could be spent virtually standing still, watching the aerial ping-pong play out. To get involved, he had to be able to time his run, get off the ground and challenge for the ball.

"Carter had to work on his kicking repertoire. He had the length and range; he needed to improve his tactical implementation. He had to better judge when to bang the ball long and when to stick it high and give his players the chance to retrieve.

"The coaching panel had to re-evaluate their selection templates and the emphasis they placed on basic skills."

The Wallabies' engine-room woes may be over with the return of prop Benn Robinson. The Sydney Morning Herald's David Sygall reports.

"Robinson successfully negotiated a stern test on his return to competitive rugby yesterday for Eastwood against West Harbour in a Shute Shield thriller at Concord Oval.

"Robinson was seeking to prove his fitness for Australia's Tri Nations opener against South Africa in Brisbane next Saturday. The Waratahs' loosehead had been out of the game for more than two months with a fractured forearm. He was forced to miss the Wallabies' opening four Test matches and, though he had recently resumed training with the national side, this was his first hit-out in match conditions.

"Robinson played with his arm strapped but showed no discomfort and came through unscathed before being replaced after a solid 65 minute hit-out. Robinson believed he showed enough yesterday to pressure for selection. ''I've definitely put up my hand,'' he said. ''My arm feels 100 per cent now, I really bashed it around, so I'm just looking forward to the weekend now.''

The Scotsman's David Ferguson reports on fears that the Murrayfield museum may never see the light of day again.

"A long-running campaign to restore Murrayfield's rugby museum has prompted the SRU to begin work this month on erecting new glass cases to show more of the stunning array of memorabilia and artifacts languishing in a store room.

"A permanent site for a new museum is still to be found, however, and a leading campaigner for its restoration fears he may not be around to see it re-open. George Russell, a volunteer at the stadium's popular old library and a former steward at the royal box, became quite emotional at the SRU annual general meeting last month as he recollected how he had assured now-deceased colleagues that he would continue to push the union for a museum.

"I don't have much time left but I will keep fighting," he told The Scotsman. "A museum encourages youngsters and attracts people to the sport. It also provides a history lesson that educates people in what Scottish rugby has contributed, and who has contributed which I think is a valuable part of our game."

Writing in the Western Mail, Gareth Griffiths reports that all four Welsh regions are claiming to be winning the battle to attract bumper crowds, something which in truth have eluded all of them since the inception of the regional game in 2003.

"It's become one of the rarest sights in Welsh sport.

"Not the rugby team beating the All Blacks, not John Toshack fielding a full-strength side in a friendly match in eastern Europe, not Bradley Dredge winning a golf tournament with a late Sunday afternoon surge.

"No, I’m talking about the seats being filled behind the posts at one of our four rugby regions, all of whom have attracted derision for the relatively paltry numbers through their turnstiles between September and May.

"In fairness, the gaps are more pronounced at the more cavernous homes of the Blues, Scarlets and Ospreys, with the sight nowhere near such a regularity at the Dragons’ more modest Rodney Parade base. But still, last season, the dwindling number of people prepared to shell out to watch the four Welsh regions became a hot topic, especially given the soaring attendances of Leinster and Munster."

Matt Giteau insists he is happy in the Australia camp © Getty Images

Matt Giteau has denied he is disenchanted with the Australia camp and coach Robbie Deans in particular, according to The Australian

"The frustrating thing is that one person (a media critic) is coming out saying I'm unhappy and from that people are trying to work out the reasons why.

"The actual case is that I'm not unhappy, I'm not down at all. I'm enjoying my football. I've always loved my football. As soon as that enjoyment stops, I stop playing. But I still love my football and want to be involved as much as ever.

"That's one that people throw up but I've loved working with Robbie," he said. "He's certainly taught me a lot while I've been here (in the Wallabies). I've thought I've played some of the best rugby of my career under Robbie."

Can John Smit inspire the Springboks? © Getty Images

Gavin Rich expects Springbok skipper John Smit to shoulder plenty of responsibility against New Zealand this weekend on Supersport.

" His ability to dig his team out of a crisis meant that at the Wanderers there used to be a saying that “cometh the hour, cometh Clive Rice”. In the Springbok rugby context, it could be adapted to John Smit, as it is the captain’s ability to take the world on his shoulders and stand up and be counted that holds the key to South Africa’s chances of redemption in Wellington on Saturday.

"The Boks take on the All Blacks in the second Vodacom Tri-Nations test under the sort of pressure they haven’t faced since the first match of last year’s British and Irish Lions series. Since then the winning momentum has tended to be with them, they have been on a roll, and the step back that appeared to be taken on the last end-of-year tour was hidden behind the excuse of fatigue.

"But as Jean de Villiers said during the week, the big defeat in Auckland seven days ago, where the Boks not only lost by 20 points but also conceded four tries to nil, had the effect of taking the Boks 10 steps backwards."

Wynne Gray is expecting renewed fire from the Springboks when they take on New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday in The New Zealand Herald.

"In the cyclops world in which some New Zealand rugby followers dwell, the All Blacks will repeat their vast Eden Park-winning margin tomorrow.

"For those with greater peripheral vision, this looms as a much tougher contest than a week ago. Why? There are a multitude of reasons. Last Saturday was a hell of a beating - a 20-point thumping, though it was well short of the record 52-16 walloping they delivered in Pretoria in 2003.

"The All Blacks will do well to play or be allowed to play to the standards they showed in this start to the Tri-Nations. The Tri-Nations champions, who include the core of the Bulls side which won the Super 14 crown this season and others who annexed the last World Cup, are not a dud team."

Bakkies Botha's nine-week ban could be the turning point in his career according to those who know the Springbok and Vata Ngobeni in The Star.

"On Thursday, Botha met with Bulls coach Frans Ludeke, with an affirmation by the Bulls to support their beleaguered lock.

"Botha, 30, has one more year to run on his Bulls contract and speculation is rife that he could leave for big money overseas after next year's World Cup.Meanwhile, there has been some closure following the head-butting incident.

"Bakkies did go on TV on Monday night and apologised to the nation and we back him 100 percent in this," said Ludeke. "He put his hand up, accepted responsibility for his actions and said his actions weren't good enough."

Rene Ranger makes his first start for the All Blacks in Wellington © Getty Images

Marc Hinton believes that the real test of the All Blacks' credentials will come this weekend in Wellington, when the odds are not so heavily stacked in their favour, on stuff.co.nz.

"This week is the real indicator for the All Blacks. This week we get a genuine sneak peek at whether Graham Henry's men have reclaimed their place at the top of world rugby's pecking order.

"I believe it's only after Saturday night's Blacks-Boks II at the capital's Cake Tin that we'll really be able to pass judgment on Richie McCaw and co, and just how well they're travelling a year or so out from the big party at their house.

"Sure enough last week at Eden Park was pretty damn impressive, 32-12, four tries to nil, and the Boks outplayed in pretty much every facet of the game as the Tri-Nations was opened in style."

Ken Borland relays a message from Springbok scrummaging coach Os du Randt on Supersport.

" When Springbok consultant Os du Randt speaks, it is with the gravitas of a legend of the game and the two-time World Cup winner had a message for both his team and the lawmakers ahead of Saturday's Tri-Nations test against the All Blacks in Wellington.

"Messages are sometimes judged not so much by their content but who they come from, but Du Randt, with 80 test caps and two World Cup winner's medals, has impeccable pedigree."

Greg Growden ponders the various combinations at the disposal of Wallabies coach Robbie Deans in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"The Wallabies' guessing game continued when the Queensland Reds attacking midfield was given its chance to impress and flanker David Pocock scrummaged at No.8 during yesterday's training session.

"Wallabies coach Robbie Deans can never be accused of being a conservative selector, using this week's camp to try out vastly different combinations at training, while he has been assessing whether several newcomers, including Reds inside-centre Anthony Faingaa, are ready to be promoted to Tri Nations starting-XV status next week.

"Although Deans repeatedly changed his combinations at Rushcutters Bay yesterday, to keep both players and onlookers bamboozled, the Queensland midfield of halfback Will Genia, five-eighth Quade Cooper and centre Faingaa spent a long period of the opposed session together, with Cameron Shepherd, James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale acting as the back three."

Digby Ioane: A different kind of player © Getty Images

Jamie Pandaram meets Digby Ioane, a player cut very much from a different cloth, in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"His eldest sister controls all of his lucrative finances, down to giving him a $500-a-week budget. He is too scared to tell his parents he drinks alcohol. And he has one friend in the world. Digby Ioane is not who you thought he was.

"The Wallabies winger lives an off-field existence so meek it's a wonder where he finds the power and aggression that makes him one of the game's most fearsome players on it.

''You need to hang out with positive people, it's hard to trust people in life, the only people I trust are my family,'' Ioane says. ''I'll be honest, I ain't got no mates. I've only got one close mate who I met at school. Mum and Dad told me there's no good in having heaps of mates in life. The backstabbing, I've seen it a lot with my brothers. They just bring you down.''

Peter Bills believes that South Africa are getting their just desserts after failing to curb bakkies Botha's indiscipline in The New Zealand Herald.

"Bakkies Botha caught an aeroplane out of New Zealand late Sunday night, the start of a long flight home to South Africa in which shame and humiliation would have been his only companions.

"Botha's 2010 Tri-Nations tournament ended after 51 minutes, the time it took his coach to substitute him during last Saturday night's test match against the All Blacks at Eden Park, Auckland.

"In truth, it should have ended with a red card after 29 seconds, the time it took for the giant Springbok lock to head-butt from behind New Zealand halfback Jimmy Cowan."

It was All Black for the Springboks in Auckland © Getty Images

Gavin Rich goes back to work after the Fifa World Cup, and there's little to be happy about with the Springboks, on Supersport.

" The final day of the Fifa World Cup felt like the last day of a really enjoyable holiday. The enjoyment is still there, you want to make every last second count for something, but you also know that what you are feasting on you are feasting on for the last time and that the following day it will all be over.

"The Monday after the World Cup final was a bit like the day after a really excellent and absorbing cricket test match. You’ve been completely enthralled for five days, it all built up to a thrilling climax, but now somehow you feel bereft. How are you going to fill up the empty time that is suddenly available?

"For many the answer to that question will probably be that we go back to work and start concentrating on the labour that pays us. In the instance of us sports scribes I suppose it should mean we start concentrating again on rugby issues and really start being interested in it again rather than just pretending to be."

Jacques van der Westhuyzen was left "angry and embarrassed" by the actions of Bakkies Botha in South Africa's loss to New Zealand, in The Star.

"There's a fine line in rugby between being an aggressive player and being a thug. On Saturday in Auckland, Bakkies Botha overstepped the line. And if he is branded a thug for the rest of his career, it'll be no surprise.

"His headbutt on Jimmy Cowan was inexcusable and he's rightly been punished. His absence in the Bok team will, fortunately, not be felt because there are more than enough quality locks to take over the No4 jersey. In fact, Danie Rossouw and Andries Bekker have played better rugby than Botha in the last 12 months and while they may not have the "presence" of him on the field, they're just as aggressive, robust and are, in fact, far cleaner players."

Spiro Zavos believes that the Springboks were over-confident and under-prepared for their opening Tri-Nations Test against the All Blacks in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Peter de Villiers, the zany Springboks coach, dismissed talk of South Africa not winning at Eden Park since 1937 with this comment to journalists: ''If you play the field as well as the opposition, you'll lose.'' I took that remark to mean that the Springboks didn't think they had to do anything extra or different to break their Eden Park hoodoo. This was a big mistake.

"They could have arrived in New Zealand earlier than six days before the Test. They were overconfident. A spy claims that on Friday night he spotted Ricky Januarie tucking into a McDonald's hamburger. Sean Fitzpatrick said the senior players looked tired not long into the match.

"The game plan of the Springboks did not involve much high-octane play. They played their usual kicking game as if they only had to turn up to win. There was thuggishness from Bakkies Botha, but no energy or thoughtfulness in their play."

Kieran Read celebrates after scoring the All Blacks' third © Getty Images

Peter Bills reserves plenty of praise for the All Blacks after a stunning start to their Tri-Nations in The Irish Independent.

"In the land where they filmed 'The Lord of the Rings', the world champions certainly had rings run around them. South Africa's beating, by four tries to nil, was a shuddering wake-up call.Their belief, arrogance personified, that they could just rock up a few days before this first Tri Nations Test of 2010 and ignore the ruinously wasting influences of jet lag, that no matter who the opposition, they could just turn up and it would be business as usual, suffered an almighty demolition job.

"They were off the pace, surprised and stung by the snap, crackle and pop of the All Blacks' game. Bakkies Botha's early yellow-carding, not to mention his wild headbutt upon Jimmy Cowan for which he was suspended for nine weeks yesterday at a disciplinary hearing, made the South Africans' lives so much more difficult. His early absence handed an initiative to New Zealand that the Boks were never able to wrest back."

Greg Growden rolls out a few World Cup jokes after the All Blacks' brilliant dismantling of South Africa in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Despite all the euphoria surrounding the All Blacks' swashbuckling win over the Springboks, the usual jokes about the Kiwis' inability to win a certain big trophy are getting another airing. Even if some of the gagsters have blatantly plagiarised lines directed at England and the football World Cup, they are worth retelling.

"The one going around yesterday involves a genie, who has granted the person who released him from the bottle one wish. ''I want to live forever,'' the person says. The genie slowly shakes his head, saying he cannot grant such a wish. ''Fine, instead I want to die when New Zealand win the World Cup.''

Chris Rattue, writing in The New Zealand Herald, believes that the nine-week ban handed to Bakkies Botha for a headbutt is insufficient.

"Nine weeks sounds like a long rugby ban. In the case of Bakkies Botha it isn't long enough. Botha should have got a year for what he did to Jimmy Cowan at Eden Park, also taking into account his history of thuggery.

"Why a year? Well, I've plucked that figure out of the air, but it sounds about right, and much more right than nine weeks.

"The best that could be said of Botha is that he admitted to head butting Cowan from behind, on the ground, and apologised. Given the outstanding video evidence against him, there wasn't much else Botha could do but nod, politely this time, in agreement."

South Africa's Bakkies Botha trudges away to the sinbin during his side's clash with New Zealand © Getty Images

Panic-induced, wholesale changes should be avoided when the Springbok brains trust begin the regrouping process after their relative humiliation in the Vodacom Tri-Nations opener against the All Blacks, according to Sport24's Rob Houwing.

"Unless the Boks can dramatically manage a turnaround victory of similarly large proportions in the follow-up encounter, they are likely to stay behind their great rivals on the table even if they redeem themselves with the basic triumph at the Cake Tin.

"But it would also be foolhardy, I believe, for South Africa to suddenly shake the selection bag to a ludicrous degree, signalling alarm and possibly disarray. It just seemed as if the collective Bok focus was off the mark in Auckland and they must take responsibility for it as a broad group without necessarily resorting to drastic measures yet.

"We can almost certainly assume one enforced change will be required, with the ill-disciplined Bakkies Botha set for suspension anew. Ever-loyal Danie Rossouw shapes up as the logical replacement as the “enforcer” No 4, albeit minus the headless-chicken element Botha has brought to the party once too often."

Writing in the Sunday Herald, Richard Loe reflects on the All Blacks opening Tri-Nations victory over South Africa.

"I wouldn't write the Boks off. They were very unhappy with themselves, as you could see when John Smit was asked at the end of the game whether he'd been surprised by the All Black lineout. No, he said, I was disappointed with ours. It was a day where everything went right for the All Blacks.

"They attacked them hard and with meaning - and it was good to see that purpose and that physical approach, combined with their willingness to keep the ball in hand and run at the Boks.

"There were so many players who had a good day - you almost couldn't pick one out above the others. If I was pushed, as an old front rower I might have to give man of the match to Keven Mealamu - what a great, physical, willing, unbending game he had."

How much longer can South Africa afford Bakkies Botha and his crass indiscipline? Peter Bills writes in the Sunday Tribune.

"As the big Bulls lock went back to the Springboks' Auckland team hotel on Sunday night to pack his bags for home, so certain is it that he will be suspended from the game later on Sunday, major questions were emerging about big Bakkies' Test future. How can Springbok coach Peter de Villiers keep choosing Botha when he clearly cannot rely on him to keep his discipline?

"Botha's act here on Sunday was wild, cowardly and nasty. Sure, he'd been held back in chasing a ball into New Zealand territory. But if a player who has won 67 caps in a Test career dating back eight years cannot keep his discipline and control his emotions enough to ignore such niggling fouls, then he has no place in Test rugby."

With his Kiwi rugby debut in sight, Sonny Bill Williams admits it is the biggest gamble of his life - the Sydney Morning Herald's Steve Kilgallon reports.

"Sonny Bill Williams has grown up. The 18-month contract he signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union carries plenty of risk, little security, and he admits, is a huge gamble. It's precisely what he wanted. Never again will he sign a long-term contract.

''There's one line that has really stuck with me for a while now: you're only useful as long as you are necessary,'' says Williams, who still bitterly regrets the five-year contract he signed, and eventually walked away from, with the NRL's Bulldogs.

"In an extensive interview with Fairfax New Zealand he says: ''I wouldn't say I am a businessman. I would say I have become a lot smarter in the way I understand things. That line says it all. I guess sometimes it doesn't work both ways. I guess you could say I have grown up, matured. I have seen a lot and I guess that probably sums it up.''

Sonny Bill Williams faces the media © Getty Images

Canterbury recruit Sonny Bill Williams is happy to take the New Zealand media circus in his stride according to Jarrod Booker in The New Zealand Herald.

"Besieged by journalists, Sonny Bill Williams is asked if he thinks he will find any peace in his new hometown.

"I dunno ... if you guys give me some peace," he says with a broad smile. "Nah, it's all good, bro. It just comes with the territory of being back in this part of the world, I guess."

"The media onslaught yesterday after his arrival in Christchurch is nothing new to this colourful rugby league star turned Canterbury rugby union player and All Black hopeful. Throughout the world he is hot property to journalists and the sporting public."

Simon Thomas ponders Wales possible selection at the 2011 World Cup with Gavin Henson in mind in The Western Mail.

"It’s October 8, 2011, at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington. It’s the opening quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup between Wales and Australia. Warren Gatland’s men have finished as runners-up behind South Africa in Pool D to book a last-eight clash with the Pool C-winning Wallabies.

"The question is, what team does Gatland select for this make-or-break game? It would take a crystal ball of Mystic Meg proportions to provide the correct answer this far out, but it’s a good talking point, so here goes...

"The key thing to consider is what would Gatland do if he had everyone available to him? And, of course, that issue of availability immediately turns thoughts towards a certain Gavin Henson."

Can South Africa win at Eden Park? © Getty Images

Tony Johnson ponders the Springboks' record at Eden Park, before going for a narrow All Black win, on Supersport.

"Eden Park has been kind to the All Blacks over the years. They have not lost a test match there since 1994, when the French scored arguably the greatest team try ever seen on that famous ground to snatch a win. They have not lost to the Springboks there since 1937.

"But right now, with the reconstruction project in full swing, it is half of a fortress, and the Springboks are sniffing a chance to break another hoodoo. Gradually this Springbok team is eating up a lot of old records. Two years ago they ended a run of defeats at Carisbrook that stretched back to the very beginning of great rivalry...their first victory in 8 tests there.

"A win at Eden Park must be a burning ambition, and if they can do it this year they’ll be very confident of repeating next year when it counts even more."

Greg Growden takes a look at the Australia squad for the Tri-Nations, now with added 'mongrel', in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Wallabies coach Robbie Deans wants to bring menace and mongrel back to the Australian line-up.

"His captain, Rocky Elsom, is expected to be moved to No.8 and aggressive newcomer Scott Higginbotham added to the Test back row in a bid to match the physicality of the Springboks and All Blacks packs during the Tri Nations.

"His plan of aggression is clearly behind the inclusion of Reds back-rower Higginbotham, Western Force utility forward Ben McCalman, Reds centre Anthony Faingaa and Reds second-rower Rob Simmons in the Test squad announced yesterday."

Wynne Gray is as excited as ever for the arrival of the Springboks and the Tri-Nations in The New Zealand Herald.

"All Blacks v Springboks. New Zealand against South Africa. Do the pulses quicken quite as much about duels between the superpowers as they did for those who watched the epic series in New Zealand in 1937, 1956 and 1981?

"Perhaps they do, but in a much different way from those infrequent visits of the Boks. Since the arrival of professional rugby in 1996, the men from South Africa have played annual tests in New Zealand.

"We have seen some extraordinary duels in that time in New Zealand, prefaced of course the year before by the controversy from that memorable World Cup shootout between the same sides."

Best in class: Morne Steyn © Getty Images

According to Peter Bills in The Irish Independent, the Springboks have a responsibility to cut loose against the All Blacks on Saturday.

"Whatever side Springbok coach Peter de Villiers announces for Saturday's eagerly awaited opening Test of the 2010 Tri Nations against New Zealand here in Auckland, one thing is already abundantly clear: South Africa can do the game an enormous favour by producing rugby in this tournament that sets the standards the world ought to be aiming at.

"Never has there been a greater need for the top southern hemisphere nation to do this. This year, so far, has been what they call in the wine business a vintage ordinaire. Tres ordinaire, if you come from the northern hemisphere. Sure, France won a Grand Slam. But they froze with fear at the final hurdle against England in Paris and only stumbled across the line because of England's many inadequacies."

Toby Robson believes that the arrival of Luke Rooney at Hawke's Bay points to a change in perception of the smaller unions in The Dominion Post.

"Former Aussie league star Luke Rooney's decision to head to Napier is further proof of changing attitudes to provincial unions, say Hawke's Bay rugby bosses.

"The 27-year-old has added his name to a Magpies roster that coach Peter Russell now believes is stronger than any others during his four-year tenure.

"Rooney, who can cover wing, fullback and centre, joins halfback Kahn Fotuali'i, first-five Dan Kirkpatrick, and prop Anthony Perenise as the new additions to Hawke's Bay's NPC squad."

That winning feeling: The Boks rocked Hamilton in 2009 © Getty Images

The Springboks only have themselves to fear this weekend in Auckland, according to Brendan Nel on Supersport.

"The Springboks face a tough task in Auckland this coming weekend, but the truth of the matter is that the biggest enemy they face is themselves.

"This year’s Tri-Nations is probably going to be won or lost in the next two weeks in New Zealand, and the Springbok confident frame of mind will determine just how well they do ahead of next year’s World Cup.

"While there are those of us who naturally worry that the Boks may be peaking a year too soon, the counter argument is that they are simply achieving what the All Blacks have done for so many years – consistency in victory. It could be that we are so used to a post 1992-era where the pendulum swung for and against the Springboks with such gusto that we almost waited for a fall of the Green and Gold."

Spiro Zavos, writing in The Sydney Morning Herald, believes that Robbie Deans must look to size if he is going to inspire a Wallabies turnaround.

"The key to successful coaching lies in successful selection. This is the test facing Robbie Deans tomorrow when he announces his squad for the Tri Nations series and, effectively, for next year's Rugby World Cup. Earlier this year Deans said that there would be little time next year after the completion of the Super 15 to put in place the systems and plays the Wallabies will need to win the World Cup. So this squad (aside from some injured players such as James Horwill) will carry Australia's hopes through to the end of next year.

"When all the forwards are available, unfortunately this is not the case for the Tri Nations, the starting pack should look something like this: Benn Robinson, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Ben Alexander, David Pocock, Horwill, Nathan Sharpe (or Daniel Vickerman if he can be persuaded to return), Rocky Elsom and Wycliff Palu.

"This is a pack that has or should have some strong ball-runners. It has a goodish lineout and a competent scrum. But there is a lack of mongrel and aggressive defence along the lines of the Springboks pack."

Chris Rattue believes that "there is no such thing as a vulnerable Springbok team anymore" in The New Zealand Herald.

"Get them while they are not too hot. That's the best advice for the All Blacks, when they take on the world champion Springboks at the Eden Park construction site on Saturday night.

"There is no such thing as a vulnerable Springbok team anymore. They've got world-class and often over-sized rugby players coming out of their ears, a tried and trusted game plan, the best lineout in rugby history, and an easy confidence that will help see them through tough times.

"Even their madcap coach Peter de Villiers seems to be on to something. I used to think of him as a potential weak link but with so much experience in the 'Boks, he's turned into a jaunty, lippy conductor of a mighty juggernaut."

New Zealand PM John Key and All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw celebrate the side's recent win over Wales in Hamilton © Getty Images

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw should watch his back - because Prime Minister John Key says he risks getting tasered if he fails to win the Rugby World Cup next year. The Sydney Morning Herald's John Hartevelte reports.

"Mr Key this morning addressed an audience of Kiwi businessmen in South Korea's capital, Seoul. He joked he had given Mr McCaw the hard word about clinching the World Cup when New Zealand hosts the tournament next year.

"I've tried to tell Richie McCaw that it's very important - it's an election year," Key said.

If Mr McCaw won the cup "he may well become Sir Richard McCaw".

"Now I've encouraged him to get to know the minister of police, because I've decided that if he doesn't win the World Cup, maybe we could consider tasering him as well," Key said. "There is sort of an option either way there - we are an incentive-based political party."

Everything will become clear in the next two weeks but there is no reason to believe the South Africans have drifted from the heights reached last year, according to the New Zealand Herald's Gregor Paul.

"They employ a simple game plan that begins with their set-piece excellence and physicality at the tackled ball. They take few risks, preferring to pressure opponents into mistakes.

"It would be a surprise if they deviated too far from their successful kick and chase formula, although it is expected they will be more willing to use their backs when they feel it is on. They have no obvious weaknesses and returning John Smit to hooker will only strengthen their scrum.

"Really, the hope to which everyone clings is that Smit,Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Schalk Burger and a few other senior players fall into a steep decline in the next 12 months - that physically they start packing it in and mentally, they lose their desire.

"But even if the edge does come off some of their senior performers, they have shown a remarkable ability to blood new players."

John Smit says his Springboks are braced for an "irritated" All Blacks team in the Tri Nations opener at Eden Park on Saturday night. The Sydney Morning Herald's Duncan Johnston reports.

"The touring skipper believes South Africa's whitewash of the All Blacks over three tests last year will have New Zealand primed for revenge.

Smit fronted a large media gathering in Auckland today where he left little doubt about the challenge he felt his side faced in defending their Tri Nations title this season, especially in a campaign they open in New Zealand with back-to-back tests in Auckland and Wellington.

"The All Blacks are going to be as competitive as they were last year, if not more so because of the fact that they didn't win it last year," Smit said.

"They are the team that has won the Tri Nations the most out of all three of us. Not winning it really irritates them.

"I'm pretty sure they are going to rock up pretty worked up and ready to go on Saturday."

Rob Horne is not the most imposing of midfielders © Getty Images

Greg Growden is hoping that brains can triumph over brawn in the Tri-Nations midfield battle in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"The Wallabies midfielders are praying that speed and brains, rather than size and brawn, will keep the Springboks and All Blacks at bay during the Tri Nations.

"As the Australians attempt to climb off the bottom of the Tri Nations ladder, they know their midfield will hardly scare their opponents in the height and weight category, as they are one of the smaller Wallabies attacking combinations of recent times.

"And due to injuries and lack of options, there are no glaringly obvious alternatives to help increase the size of the midfield and outside backs in the short term."

Brendan Nel has grown tired of the Fifa World Cup and is eyeing the start of the Tri-Nations on Supersport.

"Perhaps its just me, but I can’t wait for the Fifa World Cup to end so we can get back to some bone-crunching action on the rugby field.

"Don’t get me wrong. Fifa’s showpiece has been a magnificent advertisement for this country. It has inspired millions around the world and has had its fair share of drama and spectacle.

"As a sporting event I believe we can all agree that it has little equal – at least nothing that rugby could ever match. It has been a wonderful time for the country to prove to everyone how capable we are of hosting massive international sporting events."

Eamonn Sweeney reflects on Ireland's 1979 tour to Australia and finds little reason for the current crop to hope in The Irish Independent.

"I remember the 1979 Irish rugby tour of Australia very well. It came at a time when I was beginning to take a big interest in rugby, so much so that I kept a scrapbook of the newspaper reports. And my interest was richly rewarded because it was the most dramatic of tours.

"For a start, it saw the extraordinary decision to drop Tony Ward, Ireland's star player and one of the most popular sportsmen in the country, from the Test team and replace him at out-half with Ollie Campbell, who had slipped into obscurity after receiving a single cap for Ireland three years earlier.

"Campbell then proved the decision correct with a record 19 points in Ireland's 27-12 victory in the first Test, that most exciting of scrum-halves Colin Patterson completing the points total with two trademark tries."

Dylan Cleaver believes that the battle for the Tri-Nations could be done and dusted by July 17 if the Springboks get off to a flyer in The New Zealand Herald.

"Nobody will be so bold as to say it, but most know it to be true - the fate of the 2010 Tri-Nations could be known by July 17.

"A scheduling quirk has the Springboks playing two tests in two weeks in New Zealand to kick-off the Tri-Nations and if they are to continue their All Black-beating ways in Auckland and Wellington, you might as well crown them champions.

"It's a different scenario for the home team who will be mindful of the old golf adage that you can't win a tournament in the first round, but you can lose it."

Paul Ackford talks to England's latest second-row hope, Gloucester's Dave Attwood, in The Daily Telegraph.

"I feel like one of those Wagyu cows," he says. "You know, the ones that produce Kobe beef, the ones that get fed on beer and get massaged daily with rice wine. I haven't quite managed to stay out of the gym, though."

"Whether he likes it or not, Attwood has come to represent Martin Johnson's new England. The uncapped second-row is only 23, and like Dan Cole, Ben Foden, Chris Ashton and Ben Youngs, has leapt from obscurity to, if not global recognition, then a position of some prominence.

"Attwood is everything Johnson wants in a rugby player: a bristling lump of a lock who puts himself about, operating with an energy and an enthusiasm which makes a difference to the outcomes of games. Rather like the old maestro himself in fact."

Davies says the WRU must look at Gatland's long-term future © Getty Images

Alan Davies says Wales rugby chiefs have been told they must have an eye on the 2015 World Cup when they consider the future of Warren Gatland, in the Wales On Sunday.

“It is human nature to get passionate about the future of the Wales coach and we always get that passion whenever the subject is brought up,” said the former Nottingham and England B coach.

“But in terms of whether Warren Gatland stays or goes, I think the WRU need to be thinking very long term. There are teenagers playing junior rugby now who are going to be in contention to play in the 2015 World Cup and Wales needs to ask itself how we want those guys to play.

“We must have an idea about where we want to go in that period, how we want to play. It needs to be a blueprint that everyone, including the regions, buys into. If Warren Gatland’s way is seen as the right one, then of course they should try to get him to stay. But, if he decides to go back to New Zealand, then Wales has to find someone who can deliver on the same things.”

The Calcutta Cup remains a major draw © Getty Images

David Ferguson looks at the importance of TV rights to Scottish rugby in The Scotsman.

"Talks between the SRU and the BBC in London over a rights fee to screen Scotland's games with New Zealand, South Africa and Samoa and cover the Melrose Sevens next April are ongoing, with both sides keen to thrash out a deal this month and avoid a switch to satellite, cable or internet broadcasters. However, while BBC Scotland is exploring a Magners League highlights package on its website, rugby supporters in Scotland will need BBC Wales, S4C, the Welsh language channel, and BBC Alba to see Glasgow and Edinburgh live, despite increased pressure from the Scottish Parliament this week, and can forget about club rugby returning any time soon.

"The audience figures show starkly the value of the RBS Six Nations Championship, and Calcutta Cup match in particular, to Scotland's oxygen of TV publicity. A total of 650,000 people tuned in for the Scotland-England clash this year, which equated to 37 per cent of the total BBC Scotland audience at that time. The game also captured 5.4m of the UK audience (29 percent).

"Scotland's opening match with France and the triumphant finale with Ireland drew an audience figure of 460,000, 31 per cent of the BBC Scotland viewers, dropping by 15,000 for the match with Wales and to 390,000 for Italy v Scotland. These games also attract a significant share of the UK audience, underlining why the BBC in London pays to have the entire tournament on its channel. But, outside of those seven weeks, Scotland's attraction dips locally and across the UK and, now that the SRU are no longer part of a combined rights deal with Wales and Ireland, Gordon McKie's board face a mammoth effort to compete for air-time."

Greg Growden looks at the out-of-sorts Matt Giteau prior to the Tri-Nations in The Sydney Morning Herald.

"Giteau's position in the Wallabies' starting XV is under threat following several average perform-ances, including missing some easy kicks at goal - against England in Sydney and late last year against Scotland at Murrayfield - resulting in two Test losses.

"Giteau's relationship with Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is not as close as he has had with some of the Kiwi's predecessors, in particular Jones, who picked him from left field for the 2002 end-of-season northern hemisphere tour. Giteau also appears uncomfortable with some sections of the ARU's hierarchy.

"When Jones was asked yesterday what he thought Giteau was doing wrong, in particular with his goalkicking, he replied: ''I think it's inside his head gear.''

Despite New Zealand franchises now being able to recruit two overseas players, Dylan Cleaver can't see major changes to the Super Rugby landscape, in The New Zealand Herald.

"Confirmation that Super rugby franchises will be allowed to contract two imports ineligible to play for the All Blacks might look like a giant leap into a brave new world, but it is likely to be a very small step instead.

"Rather than herald a cosmopolitan era of Super rugby, the effect of the rule change, which does not include the New Zealand Rugby Union-approved Pacific Island players, is likely to be minimal.

"There's about as much chance of basketball phenom LeBron James using his free agency to sign for the Waikato Pistons as there is of Brian O'Driscoll, Mike Phillips or even Felipe Contepomi making their way Downunder for a season or two."

John Afoa sees his main role as a prop © Getty Images

John Afoa is enjoying his new task training to be a backup All Blacks hooker, but he still sees his main role in rugby as a prop in the Dominion Post.

"Playing all three (front row positions) is a great option for me and I guess I'm lucky enough to have the skills and body shape for it. But I'd still rather be a prop than a hooker, really specialise in that tighthead and loosehead and then be someone that can cover hooker.

"I don't think there's much difference from around the field and just the way the structure is. It's just about getting the confidence about throwing and nailing it."

All Black legend Sean Fitzpatrick has appealed to Warren Gatland to call time on his Wales tenure after the World Cup and go home to his native New Zealand in the Western Mail

“I would love to see him back in New Zealand. The one area we are struggling with is strength in depth in coaching – and Gats is a world-class coach.

“He needs to do whatever he thinks is best, but, if I was him, I would have my sights set on the All Blacks job. When Graham Henry came back from Wales he worked with the Blues (Auckland) and then got his opportunity. I would imagine Gats would like to do that too.”

Sidelined Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock believes criticism of Matt Giteau is unwarranted and his former centre partner has been affected by a lack of line-breaking teammates in the Sydney Morning Herald.

"When you lose someone like Digby Ioane and a couple of other guys who give you that gain line (advantage) it's going to affect the balance of the backline a little bit.

"I think the main thing is getting the balance right with the whole entire backline, for me that's the key. When that's happening, with a guy as good as Gits, there's going to be nothing to worry about as far as questioning his form."

Scotland's Thom Evans receives treatment during the clash with Wales earlier this year © Getty Images

Scotland win Thom Evans has been forced to retire from rugby after accepting medical advice that he could never rediscover the feats that made him an international star. The Scotsman's David Ferguson reports.

"The 25-year-old winger seriously damaged two vertebrae in an awkward collision with Lee Byrne in the international between Wales and Scotland at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium. He was stretchered off the field in a neck brace and as the severity of his condition emerged it was reported that the on-field care by physios and Dr James Robson, the experienced Scottish medic, had played a significant role in ensuring he did not suffer permanent paralysis.

"Evans underwent an operation within hours of the game and was given the option of further surgery to stabilise his spine later in the week, but aware that this would severely limit his chances of returning to the athletic fitness and movement necessary to play again at the top level of international sport.

"In the four months since the operations, he has impressed family, friends and teammates with his desire and commitment to return to full health and while he still cannot sprint at the speeds with which he once shredded Test defences he has been walking and jogging for some time."

Ireland should ideally have at least three players per position and, following the recent tour, they are closer to that goal than ever before, writes the Irish Times' Gerry Thornley.

"Given Ireland play Scotland, France (twice) and England in the August before the 2011 World Cup, casualties are inevitable and Ireland should ideally have at least three players per position, or alternatively a notional base of 45-plus.

"They are a little closer to that now than ever before though it would help if the IRFU took a leaf out of the Australian manual (who are now adding on a fifth ‘Super’ franchise) and allowed Connacht to be competitive rather than use them to prop up the other three. Irish rugby is handicapping itself there.

"Of course the primary purpose of the tour was to register an overdue Tri Nations scalp in the Southern Hemisphere. That’s how it was sold to us and it didn’t happen, and the All Blacks game will remain an embarrassment. It was very unlike a [Declan] Kidney team to appear so tame, a Gert Smal pack so disorganised and a defence under [Les] Kiss which was caught so flat-footed. But one ventures nothing like it will ever happen again; perhaps these past few results have been a step back in order to take a couple forward. We shall see."

Writing in the Irish Independent, Peter Bills fears for the demands on top players like Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll.

"I thought of a player like O'Driscoll when I listened to the words of self-congratulations coming from the IRB when they announced that longer-term tours, something like the old-fashioned variety, were coming back. Great, said most people in the game. Wonderful; another link with tradition restored.

"But it will only be great for the best players, like O'Driscoll, if it means they aren't going to be driven even harder. If some recompense is to be made for the fact that they may need to play in a three-Test series in the southern hemisphere in June, where will the slack be cut in the preceding months?

"The fact is, if the return of so-called 'traditional' tours means loading ever more commitments onto the shoulders of the world's greatest players, all the IRB will be doing is hastening their demise. And from where I sit, that doesn't look a terribly clever idea."

Former Wales captain Mervyn Davies believes current coach Warren Gatland will head home to take the All Blacks' reins after next year's World Cup. He talks to the Western Mail's Gareth Griffiths.

"I don’t think Warren Gatland will stick around after the World Cup,” said the former Wales captain, who led his nation to the Grand Slam in 1976. “My guess is he will be back in New Zealand coaching the All Blacks. I think he’s using the Wales job as a stepping stone to coaching New Zealand.

“I am not being critical there and I don’t have anything against the southern hemisphere guys. I have met Warren and he seems a nice enough bloke. He has tried hard with Wales, but I believe his main goal would probably be to hold the reins for his own country."

Robin Brooke was set to become All Black captain until he was accused of having sex with a drunk teenage girl according to the New Zealand Herald's Jared Savage.

"The claim that Brooke was to take over from Randell was made by rugby journalist Phil Gifford on a television panel.

"And in an interview with the New Zealand Rugby Monthly soon after, Randell said Hart had told him Brooke would replace him.

"...But TVNZ's Close Up last night reported that Brooke lost his chance to be captain after he allegedly had sex with a drunk and "comatose" teenage girl 12 years ago.

"The current affairs show earlier said the alleged incident took place in 1998 - a year after the girl first met Brooke in July 1997 and they had consensual sex. She was 17 at the time. He was 30 and had been married for eight months."