Surface water problems will be fixed, say IRFU

IRFU chiefs have pledged that surface water problems at Lansdowne Road will be rectified by a new two-phase drainage system.

Record rainfall over the past six weeks has led to concerns about the ability of the new pitch at Lansdowne Road to clear surface water. The pitch looked less than healthy during last weekend’s test against Australia, with the IRFU accepting that the new pitch is not able to percolate the volumes of water quickly enough to avoid water logging.

IRFU chief executive Philip Browne explained: “At present the first phase of the two-phased drainage system being installed allows only for the first phase main drainage being laid on a five-metre grid across the pitch, and without the secondary stage gravel slits, the current volumes of water cannot discharge quickly enough. When the secondary gravel drainage slits are installed in 2003, on a one-metre grid pattern, the pitch will then be capable of removing any excess volumes of rainfall that occurs.”

The IRFU say when the current schedule of matches is finished and the pitch is rested, and allowed to “dry-down” naturally, further deep aeration works will be effected to ensure playability in spring 2003.

It is only 12 months ago the planning of a new pitch for Lansdowne Road was accelerated, after a physical break up of the old pitch.

Meanwhile, injury has sidelined Trevor Woodman from the England side that take on world champions Australia tomorrow.

His place will be taken by Jason Leonard and Northampton rookie Robbie

Morris moves onto the bench.

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has reacted to Australia’s shock 18-9 defeat to Ireland by making six changes, including one positional switch.

Four of the alterations are in the pack with Jeremy Paul, Justin Harrison, Dan Vickerman and Bill Young all handed starting places.

Behind the scrum, Queensland outhalf Elton Flatley will line up at inside centre, with Stirling Mortlock moving to the wing.

Hooker Paul has recovered from a hamstring strain that ruled him out of the Ireland clash.

Jones was forced to make a change at lock because Owen Finegan has returned home for a detailed examination on a major shoulder injury.

Jones, though, has gone the whole hog by naming a new second row partnership of Harrison and relative newcomer, 23-year-old Vickerman, an imposing presence at 6’10” tall.