Howlett injury blow opens door for Zebo

IF you were in any doubt who calls the shots in professional rugby at present then events of the last two weekends should help to enlighten you.

The fact that Australia were willing to travel half way around the world to fulfil a meaningless fixture against the Barbarians and a Test against Wales, despite the fact their players had played no rugby since the World Cup, just shows how desperate the ARU treasurers are to accumulate badly-needed revenue.

Wales are no different. Shane Williams’ final Test at the Millennium Stadium was their 17th international in 2011. To put that in context, it took me from November 1981 to March 1985 to win 17 caps, despite playing every Test during that period. While it was a fantastic way for the mercurial Williams to bow out, the day was nothing more than a money-making exercise for the two unions involved. Wales are set to play Australia in five consecutive Tests between October and next June.