English dummies taking big hits from psyched up Boks

SOUTH AFRICA have been psyching themselves up for their World Cup clash with England next month by slamming into tackle bags fitted with England jerseys.

Rudolf Straeuli's side have been focusing on their Pool A game against England in Perth on October 18 during their private training camp.

The tackling dummies, sporting labels such as 'Martin Johnson' and 'Jonny Wilkinson' were part of an intensive tackling session in Durban.

Other England players names written on the white jerseys included Lawrence Dallaglio, Neil Back and Jason Robinson in the side's bid to produce some tough tackles ready for their meeting with Clive Woodward's men.

Those six players have been identified by the Springboks as key opponents for the clash, and those who the South Africans will have to stop if they are to win in Perth.

The Springboks will play their final World Cup warm-up game against the Falcons in Springs tomorrow night.

France were unscathed in their last World Cup warm-up match when, competing as the President's XV, they thrashed the French Barbarians 83-12 on Saturday.

The only nervous moment for coach Bernard Laporte in this match, which was of little importance in sporting terms, was when flanker Serge Betsen had to leave the pitch after a clash with Christian Labit after half-an-hour's play.

Betsen was able to return in the second half however following treatment from the French medical staff though his right eye was completely closed.

France, who scored 13 tries, had achieved their main objective of getting no further injuries before the real action starts on October 11 when they face Fiji in Brisbane, Australia.

Laporte unfortunately gained little news on the form of Tony Marsh, who played for the Barbarians in his first match of any description after six months on the sidelines.

The 31-year-old New Zealander, who helped France win the 2002 Six Nations Grand Slam, was picked for the World Cup although he has only recently defeated testicular cancer.

The French squad flies out to Brisbane on September 29 for the October 10 to November 22 festival of rugby Down Under.

Former Wales scrum-half Rob Howley has thrown his hat into the ring for a place in the British and Irish Lions squad when they tour New Zealand in 2005, despite having retired from international rugby.

The 32-year-old Howley is currently skippering English club London Wasps, having retired from Test rugby last year, but he said that the prospect of coming up against the All Blacks is still one that appeals.

"If I'm still playing that season I would make myself available to go on the tour to New Zealand," said Howley, who featured for the touring side on their 1997 trip to South Africa and their 2001 tour of Australia his 1997 expedition being cut short due to injury.

"I have been on two Lions tours and it would be fantastic to make a third. I know not playing international rugby may hinder that but I would like the opportunity.

"Not many players from the British Isles have done three Lions tours in all three countries. But it's a long time away and all depends how I was playing. You just never know what is around the corner."