Woodward cranks up pressure on Wallabies

CLIVE WOODWARD last night threw down the gauntlet to Wallabies coach Eddie Jones, by declaring: “Australia won’t have a better chance of beating England for a long, long time.”

The traditional pre-match mind games are up and running between two of world rugby's fiercest rivals.

England have returned Down Under for the first time since their World Cup final victory over Jones' Wallabies last November but could end up fielding only three of their World Cup final starting XV at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday Josh Lewsey, Ben Cohen and Lawrence Dallaglio especially if injuries rule out centre Mike Tindall, prop Trevor Woodman and flanker Richard Hill.

Woodward made his assumption during an upbeat press conference, while bantering with assembled Australian journalists.

"Eddie Jones has probably never had a better chance of beating England, but he hasn't succeeded yet.

"Australia won't have a better chance of beating England for a long, long time. This is their chance, and we will see whether they can take it or not," said Woodward.

England, and Woodward especially, have also received their usual warm welcome from the Australian papers.

"Woodward's England are world champs of thugby," roared the Sydney Morning Herald, recalling last Saturday's second Test defeat against New Zealand in Auckland, when Wasps forward Simon Shaw was sent off.

"You just read it and smile," said Woodward, in a general observation. "I can't write the newspapers, unfortunately. We just go about our business, and what people write, you can't control, so you don't worry about it.

"I lived in Australia for five years, and it's a fantastic country. We had a great World Cup here, and I kind of enjoy all the media banter and attention. I don't take it personally."

England scrum-half Matt Dawson has completed his widely-expected move to Wasps. The 31-year-old, who parted company with Northampton after 12 years at Franklin's Gardens, has signed a one-year contract with the London club.

Ulster's highly-rated number 8 Roger Wilson has signed a four-year extension to his contract. The new deal ties up the 22-year-old tyro until after the 2007 World Cup when he is expected to be involved with the Ireland side.

The All Blacks have named 10 new starters for their Test against Argentina on Saturday.

No 8 Mose Tuiali'i will make his debut in a forward pack that includes only Chris Jack from the team that beat England 36-12 last Saturday for a 2-0 series win.

South Africa have made two changes to their starting line-up for the one-off test against Wales in Pretoria on Saturday.

Prop Faan Rautenbach and utility back Brent Russell come in for Eddie Andrews who reverts to the bench and wing Jaque Fourie, injured during the second test against Ireland on Saturday.

*Conor O'Shea has accepted an invitation from the Mayor of London and the British Olympic Association to carry the Olympic Torch on behalf of the capital's Irish community in Saturday's relay through the city's streets.

New Zealand (v. Argentina): N. Evans, M. Muliaina, T. Umaga (captain), S. Tuitupou, J. Rokocoko; A. Mehrtens, B. Kelleher; T. Woodcock, A. Hore, G. Somerville, C. Jack, S. Maling, J. Collins, R. McCaw, M. Tuiali'i.

Replacements: K. Mealamu, K. Meeuws, J. Gibbes, M. Holah, J. Marshall, C. Spencer, D. Carter.

South Africa (v Wales): P. Montgomery, B. Paulse, M. Joubert, W. Julies, B. Russell, J. van der Westhuizen, F. du Preez, O. du Randt, J. Smit (capt), F. Rautenbach, Q. Davids, V. Matfield, S. Burger, P. Wannenburg, J. Cronje.

Replacements: H. Shimange, E. Andrews, G. Cronje, G. Britz, B. Conradie, G. du Toit, H. Mentz.