THERE was a nasty undertone to Ireland’s victory over the Wallabies last Saturday, if reports in the Antipodean media are to be believed.

FORMER Leinster hero Rocky Elsom has labelled Ireland’s back row as one of the most underrated in international rugby ahead of Australia’s World Cup game with the Irish at Eden Park tomorrow.

New Zealand have included two uncapped 20-year-olds in their 19-man squad for Friday’s Anzac Test against Australia.

DOUG HOWLETT has warned of the threat of former All Blacks comrades Marty Holah and Jerry Collins when Munster resume Heineken Cup duty against Ospreys at Thomond Park on Sunday.

NEW ZEALAND centre Sonny Bill Williams will be one of the main box-office attractions when the tourists face Wales today, but admits he felt like an “extra” when he first joined up with the All Blacks.

NEW ZEALAND coach Ricki Herbert was ecstatic last night after world champions Italy were saved from humiliation against his team of minnows only by a controversial penalty.

Australia 20 New Zealand 34

New Zealand outplayed West Indies to coast to a seven-wicket victory and leave the hosts needing to make up significant ground if they are to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Australia kick-started their 2006 Tri-Nations campaign in emphatic style with a 30-18 victory over reigning champions New Zealand at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.

WITH a long, hard and successful season already behind them, Triple Crown won, Heineken Cup and Celtic League trophies resting in Munster and Ulster, respectively, summer beckoning, the Irish senior rugby squad members could well be forgiven for thinking — ‘to hell with this, a tour to New Zealand in the middle of their winter?

New Zealand have included two British-based Kiwis and three uncapped players in their 19-man squad for Friday’s Test against Australia in Brisbane.

New Zealand coach Brian McClennan today rounded on Super League champions Bradford Bulls after they pulled blockbusting winger Lesley Vainikolo out of their Gillette Tri-Nations plans.

New Zealand were crowned International Rugby Board Under-21 world champions when they beat Australia 21-10 at the Kassam Stadium in Oxford this afternoon.

Castleford forward Michael Smith will end his frustration by finally making his New Zealand Test debut in the last match of their seven-week European tour against France in Perpignan tomorrow.

THE Irish women’s squad face another mammoth World Cup task against powerful Netherlands in Perth today.

Ronan O’Gara suffered another goalkicking disaster as wholehearted Irish endeavour again counted for nothing in Auckland today.