SARU has today let out a statement that they will be making a major test match announcement next week, Wednesday, 7 July 2010, but Graham Henry has tried to go one up on them and let the cat out of the bag in a recent interview.

Following the recent fenomenal success of the Super 14 Semifinal, as well as the 2010 Super 14 final, played at Orlando stadium in Soweto, it was inevitable that a test would soon be played in Soweto.

Henry let slip that the All Blacks would face the Springboks in a venue that holds 97 000 spectators, and in doing so revealed that the test is planned for Soccer City, Soweto.

Henry was quoted as saying, “Yeah, that’s official isn’t it”, before turning to media manager Joe Locke and asking “Am I allowed to say that Joe?” He then continued, “I’ve just said it, haven’t I? It’s been speculated … No, I’m not allowed to say that. No, it’s only speculated we’re playing in a stadium that holds 97 000. Gee, that would be great, wouldn’t it? I can’t wait.”

It remains to be seen whether or not the local community will embrace the idea of the Springboks facing the All Blacks, who are widely supported there, in Soweto. My guess is that they will get behind the home team, their team, and that the atmosphere will be electrifying, like never before. What a great decision.

Following months of bullshit political mambo-jumbo, South Africa’s (yes, I can now say South Africa’s) Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira is now a fully fledged citizen of the Republic.

Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira has been actively tweeting his feelings about wanting to represent the Springboks again, and how he desperately wanted to become a South African citizen. Despite having fulfilled the minimum IRB requirements to represent the Springboks, and having previously represented them, South Africa’s Ministry of Sport reaffirmed the government’s position idiotic views, that no foreign player can be selected to represent a national team.

One would think they would have their hands full trying to decrease the murder and violent crimes rate in the country, but the issue of a neighbouring countrie’s citizen representing the national team was clearlytoo much for them to deal with.

Enter, minister for Home Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma who, last week, granted South African citizenship to the man known as Beast.

Beast, who I previously mentioned is quite active on social networking site, Twitter, can be followed @No1Beast. He recently posted this photo on the site, and had the following to say:

Here we got my green card . Feels good to finally have one .got it yesterday. Come Tri nations http://twitpic.com/21f7mm:

Boom! That just happened

By now everyone is aware that Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira has been selected for the 2010 Springbok Tri Nations squad. Let’s remind ourselves what he is capable of!

A Tribute to Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira [CombatBok]

That’s passion right there! Bring on the Tri Nations!

I’m busy moving house at the moment. Tension levels are at an all time high, so you’ll just have to be content with some video highlights from this past weekend. Enjoy

NZ Maori VS England – 23 June 2010: [WRNrugbynews]

All Blacks VS Wales – 26 June 2010: [WRNrugbynews]

Wallabies VS Ireland – 26 June 2010: [WRNrugbynews]

Springboks VS NZ Italy – 26 June 2010: [WRNrugbynews]

Argentina VS France - 26 June 2010: [itsjuuune2010] 

The two form sides so far in 2010, current Tri Nations and World Champions, the Springboks, along with long time IRB #1 team, the All Blacks, have named their respective squads for the 2010 Tri Nations series.

There have been a few surprise omissions from the respective squads, for the Springboks most noticeably the exclusion of Francois Steyn, giving fuel to the rumours of a rift between him/his agent and Springbok coach, Peter De Villiers, who seems to prefer the, erratic at best, Zane Kirchner for the Springbok #15 jumper.

Other perplexing,  possible problems will be who PDV now considers to be his first choice centre pairing, and whether he will play highly experienced players like his namesake, Jean De Villiers out of position.

2010 Springbok Tri Nations squad:

Backs: Gio Aplon (Vodacom Stormers), Juan de Jongh (Vodacom Stormers), Jean de Villiers (Vodacom Western Province), Jaque Fourie (Vodacom Stormers), Bryan Habana (Vodacom Stormers), Francois Hougaard (Vodacom Bulls), Butch James (Bath), Ricky Januarie (Vodacom Stormers), Zane Kirchner (Vodacom Bulls), Wynand Oliver (Vodacom Bulls), Ruan Pienaar (Sharks), Morné Steyn (Vodacom Bulls).

Forwards: Andries Bekker (Vodacom Stormers), Bakkies Botha (Vodacom Bulls), BJ Botha (Ulster), Schalk Burger (Vodacom Stormers), Jannie du Plessis (Sharks), Ryan Kankowski (Sharks), Francois Louw (Vodacom Stormers), Victor Matfield (Vodacom Bulls), Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks), Dewald Potgieter (Vodacom Bulls), Chiliboy Ralepelle (Vodacom Bulls), Danie Rossouw (Vodacom Bulls), John Smit (Sharks, captain), Pierre Spies (Vodacom Bulls), Gurthrö Steenkamp (Vodacom Bulls), CJ van der Linde (Vodacom Cheetahs).

In a similar sequence of events, the All Black selectors opted to omit All Blacks, Aled de Malmanche, Neemia Tialata, Adam Thomson and Zac Guildford, as well as the devastatingly in-form, Hosea Gear, who was at the forefront of the Maori’s superb three match clean-sweep, in the recent New Zealand Maori Centenary Series.

Gear’s omission, which by now has to start raising rumours that Graham Henry is either smoking pot or a member of some sort of underground Neo-Nazi brotherhood, is absolutely bazaar, as New Zealand are struggling to find an in form winger, and Gear has been on fire in recent weeks!

The All Blacks first Test of the Tri-Nations is the highly anticipated, sold-out Test, against South Africa at Eden Park, Auckland, on Saturday 10 July 2010.

2010 All Black Tri Nations squad:

Forwards: John Afoa (Auckland), Anthony Boric (North Harbour), Tom Donnelly (Otago), Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Ben Franks (Tasman), Owen Franks (Canterbury), Jerome Kaino (Auckland), Richie McCaw (Canterbury, captain), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Liam Messam (Waikato), Kieran Read (Canterbury), Brad Thorn (Canterbury), Victor Vito (Wellington), Samuel Whitelock (Canterbury), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour).

Backs: Daniel Carter (Canterbury), Jimmy Cowan (Southland), Aaron Cruden (Manawatu), Israel Dagg (Hawke’s Bay), Cory Jane (Wellington), Richard Kahui (Waikato), Mils Muliaina (Waikato), Ma’a Nonu (Wellington), Rene Ranger (Northland), Josevata Rokocoko (Auckland), Conrad Smith (Wellington), Benson Stanley (Auckland), Piri Weepu (Wellington).

• The Wallabies have not yet announced their squad. Watch this space though.

Yet another action packed weekend of international rugby fixtures await us. Get the fridge stocked with beer, fire up the grill and warm up the HD screen. Here are all the teamsheets and broadcast times for your teams:

All Blacks VS Wales:

26June 2010 19h35 [GMT+12]

New Zealand: 15. Mils Muliaina, 14. Cory Jane, 13. Richard Kahui, 12. Benson Stanley, 11. Zac Guildford, 10. Daniel Carter, 9. Jimmy Cowan, 8. Kieran Read, 7. Richie McCaw (capt), 6. Jerome Kaino, 5. Tom Donnelly, 4. Brad Thorn, 3. Neemia Tialata, 2. Keven Mealamu, 1. Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: 16. Aled de Malmanche, 17. Owen Franks, 18. Sam Whitelock, 19. Adam Thomson, 20. Piri Weepu, 21. Aaron Cruden, 22. Rene Ranger.

Wales: 15. Lee Byrne, 14. Leigh Halfpenny, 13. Jonathan Davies, 12. Jamie Roberts, 11. Tom Prydie, 10. Dan Biggar, 9. Mike Phillips, 8. Ryan Jones (capt), 7. Gavin Thomas, 6. Jonathan Thomas, 5. Alun-Wyn Jones, 4. Bradley Davies, 3. Adam Jones, 2. Matthew Rees, 1. Paul James.

Replacements: 16. Huw Bennett, 17. Craig Mitchell, 18. Deiniol Jones, 19. Rob McCusker, 20. Richard Rees, 21. Stephen Jones, 22. Will Harries.

• Date: Saturday 26 June 2010
• Kick-off: 19h35 [GMT+12]
• Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
• Expected weather: Moderate rain (6mm) forecast, with 20km/h winds. Temp 11°C
• Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa) 
• Assistant referees: Craig Joubert (South Africa), James Leckie (Australia)
• Television Match Official: George Ayoub (Australia)

Wallabies VS Ireland:

26 June 2010 20h05 [GMT+10]

Australia: 15. James O’Connor, 14. Drew Mitchell, 13. Rob Horne, 12. Matt Giteau, 11. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10. Quade Cooper, 9. Luke Burgess, 8. Richard Brown, 7. David Pocock, 6. Rocky Elsom (capt), 5. Mark Chisholm, 4. Dean Mumm, 3. Salesi Ma’afu, 2. Saia Faingaa, 1. Ben Daley.

Replacements: 16. Huia Edmonds, 17. James Slipper, 18. Mitchell Chapman, 19. Matt Hodgson, 20. Josh Valentine, 21. Berrick Barnes, 22. Kurtley Beale.

Ireland: 15. Robert Kearney, 14. Tommy Bowe, 13. Brian O’Driscoll (capt), 12. Paddy Wallace, 11. Andrew Trimble, 10. Jonathan Sexton, 9. Tomas O’Leary, 8. Chris Henry, 7. Shane Jennings, 6. Niall Ronan, 5. Mick O’Driscoll, 4. Donncha O’Callaghan, 3. Tony Buckley, 2. Sean Cronin, 1. Cian Healy

Replacements: 16. Damien Varley, 17. Tom Court, 18. Dan Tuohy, 19. Rhys Ruddock, 20. Eoin Reddan, 21. Ronan O’Gara, 22. Geordan Murphy

• Date: Saturday 26 June 2010
• Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
• Kick-off: 20h05 AEST [GMT +10]
• Expected weather: Mostly fine, possible showers. Max 22°C, min 12°C.
• Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
• Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Chris Pollock (New Zealand)

Springboks VS Italy:

26 June 2010 15h00 [GMT+2]

South Africa: 15. Gio Aplon, 14. Jean de Villiers, 13. Jaque Fourie, 12. Juan de Jongh, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Ricky Januarie, 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Francois Louw, 6. Schalk Burger, 5. Andries Bekker, 4. Bakkies Botha, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. John Smit (capt), 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp.

Replacements: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17. BJ Botha, 18. Flip van der Merwe, 19. Dewald Potgieter, 20. Ruan Pienaar, 21. Butch James, 22. Wynand Oliver.

Italy: 15. Luke McLean, 14. Michele Sepe, 13. Gonzalo Canale, 12. Andrea Masi, 11. Mirco Bergamasco, 10. Craig Gower, 9. Simon Picone, 8. Sergio Parisse (capt), 7. Manoa Vosawai, 6. Paul Derbyshire, 5. Marco Bortolami, 4. Carlo Antonio Del Fava, 3. Lorenzo Cittadini, 2. Fabio Ongaro, 1. Salvatore Perugini.

Replacements: 16. Leonardo Ghiraldini, 17. Franco Sbaraglini, 18. Quintin Geldenhuys, 19. Alessandro Zanni, 20. Tito Tebaldi, 21. Riccardo Bocchino, 22. Matteo Pratichetti.

• Date: Saturday 26 June 2010
• Kick-off: 15h00 [GMT +2]
• Venue: Buffalo City Stadium, East London
• Expected weather: 20% chance of rain, max 21°C, Westerly wind of 28 km/h .
• Referee: Keith Brown (New Zealand) 
• Assistant referees: Andrew Small (England), Andy Macpherson (Scotland)
• TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

Argentina VS France

26 June 2010 15h45 [GMT -3]

Argentina: 15. Martín Rodríguez, 14. Lucas González Amorosino, 13. Gonzalo Tiesi, 12. Santiago Fernández, 11. Rafael Carballo, 10. Felipe Contepomi (capt), 9. Nicolás Vergallo, 8. Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, 7. Alejandro Campos, 6. Genaro Fessia, 5. Patricio Albacete, 4. Manuel Carizza, 3. Martín Scelzo, 2. Mario Ledesma, 1. Rodrigo Roncero.

Replacements: 16. Agustín Creevy, 17. Marcos Ayerza, 18. Juan Figallo, 19. Mariano Galarza, 20. Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 21. Agustín Figuerola, 22. Horacio Agulla.

France: 15. Jerome Porical, 14. Vincent Clerc, 13. Florian Fritz, 12. Lionel Mazars, 11. Julien Malzieu, 10. Francois Trinh-Duc, 9. Morgan Parra, 8. Julien Bonnaire, 7. Louis Picamoles, 6. Thierry Dusautoir (capt), 5. Lionel Nallet, 4. Pascal Pape, 3. Nicolas Mas, 2. Dimitri Szarzewski, 1. Fabian Barcella.

Replacements: 16. Guillem Guirado, 17. Jean-Baptiste Poux, 18. Julien Pierre, 19. Gregory Lamboley, 20. Dimitri Yachvili, 21. Maxime Mermoz, 22. Clement Poitrenaud.

• Date: Saturday 26 June 2010
• Venue: José Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires
• Kick-off: 15h45 [GMT -3]
• Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia) 
• Assistant referees: Dave Pearson (England), Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

The following from SARU: The Springboks will once again show their support for the victims of serious and/or catastrophic rugby injuries when they take to the field in Saturday’s Test against Italy in East London wearing the logo of the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund on their shorts.

The Fund commemorates its 30th anniversary this year, and the entire Springbok squad have once again shown their commitment to the cause by volunteering to man the phones during the annual Players’ Fund telethon to be held in Johannesburg.

The hugely popular televised fundraiser forms part of the 14th annual Bell’s Night of the Stars Rugby Extravaganza, to be held at the Ballroom at Montecasino on Tuesday 17 August – four days before the Springboks take on the All Blacks in a Vodacom Tri-Nations clash at Coca-Cola Park.

The Fund, which currently looks after 102 recipients around the country, is hoping to break last year’s record of R1-million raised at the event through table sales and telephonic pledges from fans.

Table bookings are now open for what has become one of the most popular events on the South African social calendar. World Cup winner Joel Stransky will be the keynote speaker with Dan Nicholl acting as master of ceremonies on an evening where fans can enjoy an unforgettable night by socialising with their past and present Springbok rugby heroes.

“I know I speak on behalf of the entire Springbok team when I say that I’m incredibly proud to wear the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund logo every time I run onto the field for a Test match,” said Springbok captain John Smit. “Everyone involved in rugby can be very proud of what the Fund has achieved over the past 30 years and as always we’ll be right behind them in their efforts to raise funds for  those guys who have been injured playing the game they love.”

The Fund was established in 1980 by former Springbok captain Morné du Plessis after his teammate Chris Burger was fatally injured playing for Western Province.

“The Fund is something very close to my heart and this event really can make a difference to the players of all ages and levels who have to spend the rest of their lives in a wheelchair,” said chairman Du Plessis. “What started out as a tribute to a fallen team-mate has grown into something special, of which the entire South African rugby fraternity can be truly proud.”

In 2009, five players died and another four became quadriplegics after being injured on the field. However, that number has sharply decreased in 2010, thanks to the partnership between the Fund, SARU and the BokSmart National Rugby Safety Programme, launched last year.

“All the behind-the-scenes hard work that the Fund and its team has put in over the past 30 years has ultimately contributed to the development of the BokSmart programme,” said Dr Wayne Viljoen, SARU’s Project Manager for BokSmart. “This great Bok side showing their support and wearing the Fund logo will hopefully continue to raise awareness of the safety issues of the game and make our job of keeping players out of wheelchairs much easier.”

The telethon will be televised live on SuperSport 1 from 8-10pm. The public are encouraged to call in to 082 235 0420 and speak to a Springbok and pledge an amount to the Fund. During the telethon, there will be live television crossovers to the banquet, allowing viewers to feel part of the evening’s activities.

“We are extremely proud of our association with the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund and the Bell’s Night of the Stars,” said Dominic Malan, marketing manager of Bell’s Extra Special Old Scotch Whisky. “We have been involved in raising funds for this charity for the past decade and the Night of the Stars is an event that not only aids the raising of these all-important funds but is a celebration of all the hard work that the Fund does to enrich communities through their charitable efforts.”

Tables cost R10,000 with Gauteng based ex-Springboks filling one of the 10 seats. To book or for more information, visit www.playersfund.org.za, phone Gail or Alison on (+27 21) 659 5615 or email events@playersfund.org.za.

For more information about BokSmart and how you can help make the game safer, please visit www.boksmart.com or phone (+27 21) 659 6732.

Smit back where he belongs...?

The Springbok selectors have named their team to face Italy in the last of two test matches, to be played this weekend, 26 June 2010,  in East London.

John Smit has recovered from his hamstring injury and will lead the Springboks on Saturday in the second Test against Italy, at the Buffalo City Stadium in East London.

Smit’s inclusion at hooker is one of seven changes to the starting team, five new players and two positional switches, that beat Italy by 29-13 in Witbank last weekend. There are a further six changes on the bench.

Speaking at a press conference in East London today Smit said he was excited to be back at the helm.

“It is important for us to refocus for Saturday’s Test. It is quite strange to be watching from afar one week and then be back in the thick of things the next. We have a good team and have to make sure that what we do in training translates on the field on match day. We had a good session on Monday and an even better on today and we have to carry that attitude into the game on Saturday,” Smit said.

With Victor Matfield getting a break this week, Andries Bekker is back at lock for his first Test of 2010, while Schalk Burger is also fit again and takes over at flank in the place of Dewald Potgieter.

The only players that started the first Test against Italy and are selected in the same positions, are Bryan Habana (left wing), Morné Steyn (flyhalf), Ricky Januarie (scrumhalf), Pierre Spies (No.8), Francois Louw (flank), Bakkies Botha (lock), Jannie du Plessis (tighthead prop) and Gurthrö Steenkamp (loosehead prop).

Gio Aplon moves from right wing to fullback and Jean de Villiers from centre to wing, while Bekker, Burger, Jaque Fourie, Juan de Jongh and Smit will all get their first start against Italy this season. 

BJ Botha, Danie Rossouw and Wynand Olivier have been included on the bench after not featuring in Witbank.

Matfield, Zane Kirchner, Bandise Maku, CJ van der Linde, Alistair Hargreaves, Ryan Kankowski and Bjorn Basson drop out of the 22.

Asked if the Boks’ mental approach for a lower ranked team was any different, Smit replied: “It is important that we prepare the same every week regardless of who we play. We concentrate on what we do well and on how we want to play. We have to fix some of the problem areas from last week but generally we want to make sure we are good in all departments.”

Smit expressed appreciation for the support of the East London community after hundreds of people turned out to watch the open training session at Grens High School on Tuesday.

“The buzz was massive at today’s session. It shows how much people appreciate the fact that Test rugby has come to their city and it is important that we make time to meet people and sign autographs.”

• The Bok 22 to face Italy boasts a total of 732 Test caps, with 545 caps amongst the run on XV.

Springboks vs Italy: East London, Saturday 26 June, 2010

Springboks: 15. Gio Aplon (3),  14. Jean de Villiers (57), 13. Jaque Fourie (56), 12. Juan de Jongh (3), 11. Bryan Habana (59), 10. Morné Steyn (14), 9. Ricky Januarie (43), 8. Pierre Spies (30), 7. Francois Louw (3), 6. Schalk Burger (56) 5. Andries Bekker (21) 4. Bakkies Botha (66) 3. Jannie du Plessis (15) 2. John Smit (95) 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp (24)

Reserves: 16. Chiliboy Ralepelle (11), 17. BJ Botha (21), 18. Danie Rossouw (48), 19. Dewald Potgieter (4), 20. Ruan Pienaar (39), 21. Butch James (36), 22. Wynand Oliver (28)

• Number of test caps in brackets.

The Springboks took on Italy,  in the first of a two match series, in Witbank over the weekend, and what a dismal affair for the home team. From the outset the Springboks didn’t look as if they were too interested in being there.

From an Italian point of view, they will in all likelihood be pleased with their performance, and with the fact that they often stopped the Springboks from being able to play to their full potential. In the process, scoring their best ever result over the Springboks, made better by it being an away fixture for the Azzurri.

The referee seemed confused at best, making some of the most awkward calls I’ve ever seem, especially when “playing advantage”, and blowing the whistle as soon as the attacking team got clean ball, and looked as if they were going to use it.

The Springboks will however be pleased with their scrumming display, in which they more than stood up to the Azzurri juggernaut scrum. But if the scrums were the best of the Springbok game on the day, then the handling was the worst, with both teams having a string of handling errors. At best it was a messy performance by the world champions, and one they will most likely want to forget sooner than later.

The Springboks opened the try scoring through a Bryan Habana try, after Zane Kirchner put through an uncharacteristically good grubber kick, for Habana to scoop up and trot over the line.

After lots of aimless kicking by both sides, the Springboks put together a great maul near the Italian line and Francois Louw, who was perhaps the only standout Springbok player on the day, managed to sneak around the blind and cross for his second international try.

The scoreline may have been much closer than the home team would have enjoyed, but the truth is that even with the dismal Springbok performance, the Italians never had any real chance of recording their first ever victory over the Boks.

The highlights will tell you the rest of the dismal story.

My two cents worth:

• After watching the weekend’s games, it’s really clear that the standard of Northern Hemisphere referees is well below par.
• Zane Kirchner is showing more and more with each performance that he just isn’t the answer at #15.
• I really don’t understand the idea behind playing some of the most experienced players in world rugby out of position, especially Jean De Villiers.
• Francois Louw just keeps going from strength to strength this season.
• Ricky Januarie may have had a good couple of weeks, but he was back to his old tricks this week, looking around at the base of the ruck, and being dispossessed.

Springboks VS NZ Italy – 19 June 2010: [WRNrugbynews]

Scorecard:

South Africa:

• Tries: Habana, Louw, Steyn, Kirchner
• Conversions: Steyn 3
• Penalties: Steyn

Italy:

• Try: Parisse
• Conversions: Bergamasco
• Penalties: Bergamasco 2

Yet another action packed weekend of international rugby fixtures await us. Get the fridge stocked with beer, fire up the grill and warm up the tube. Here are all the teamsheets and broadcast times for your teams:

New Zealand Maori VS Ireland:

18 June 2010 19h30 [GMT+12]

New Zealand Maori: 15. Robbie Robinson, 14. Sean Maitland, 13. Dwayne Sweeney, 12. Luke McAlister, 11. Hosea Gear, 10. Stephen Brett, 9. Aaron Smith, 8. Colin Bourke, 7. Tanerau Latimer, 6. Liam Messam (capt), 5. Jarrad Hoeata, 4. Hayden Triggs, 3. Ben Afeaki, 2. Corey Flynn, 1. Bronson Murray.

Replacements: 16. Dane Coles, 17. Clint Newlands, 18. Romana Graham, 19. Karl Lowe, 20. Ruki Tipuna, 21. Willie Ripia, 22. Jackson Willison.

Ireland: 15. Geordan Murphy (capt), 14. Shane Horgan, 13. Gavin Duffy, 12. Paddy Wallace, 11. Johne Murphy, 10. Jonathan Sexton, 9. Eoin Reddan, 8. Chris Henry, 7. Niall Ronan, 6. Rhys Ruddock, 5. Dan Tuohy, 4. Ed O’Donoghue, 3. Tom Court, 2. John Fogarty, 1. Marcus Horan.

Replacements: TBC

• Date: Friday18 June 2010
• Venue: Rotorua International Stadium
• Kick-off: 19h30 [GMT+12]

All Blacks VS Wales:

19 June 2010 19h35 [GMT+12]

All Blacks: 15. Israel Dagg, 14. Cory Jane, 13. Conrad Smith, 12. Benson Stanley, 11. Joe Rokocoko, 10. Daniel Carter, 9. Jimmy Cowan, 8. Kieran Read, 7. Richie McCaw (capt),  6.Victor Vito, 5. Anthony Boric, 4. Brad Thorn, 3. Owen Franks,  2. Keven Mealamu, 1. Ben Franks,

Reserves: 16. Aled de Malmanche, 17. Tony Woodcock, 18. Sam Whitelock, 19. Adam Thomson, 20. Piri Weepu, 21. Aaron Cruden, 22. Richard Kahui.

Wales: 15. Lee Byrne, 14. Leigh Halfpenny, 13. Andrew Bishop, 12. Jamie Roberts, 11. Tom Prydie, 10. Stephen Jones, 9. Mike Phillips, 8. Ryan Jones (capt), 7. Jonathan Thomas, 6. Gavin Thomas 5. Adam Jones, 4. Bradley Davies, 3. Adam Jones, 2. Matthew Rees, 1. Paul James

Replacements: 16. Huw Bennett, 17. John Yapp, 18. Deiniol Jones, 19. Rob McCusker, 20. Travis Knoyle, 21. Dan Biggar, 22. Jonathan Davies.

• Date: Saturday 19 June 2010
• Kick-off: 19h35 [GMT+12]
• Venue: Carisbrook, Dunedin
• Expected weather: Rain forecast, with 15km/h winds. Minimum 10°C, maximum 11°C
• Referee: George Clancy (Ireland) 
• Assistant referees: Mark Lawrence (South Africa), Paul Marks (Australia) 
• Television Match Official: Matt Goddard (Australia)

Wallabies VS England:

19 June 2010 20h05 [GMT+10]

Wallabies: 15. James O’Connor, 14. Digby Ioane, 13. Rob Horne, 12. Matt Giteau, 11. Drew Mitchell, 10. Quade Cooper, 9. Will Genia, 8. Richard Brown, 7. David Pocock, 6. Rocky Elsom (capt), 5. Nathan Sharpe, 4. Dean Mumm, 3. Salesi Ma’afu, 2. Saia Faingaa, 1 Ben Daley.

Replacements: 16. Huia Edmonds, 17. James Slipper, 18. Mark Chisholm, 19. Matt Hodgson, 20. Luke Burgess, 21. Berrick Barnes, 22. Adam Ashley-Cooper.

England: 15. Ben Foden, 14. Mark Cueto, 13. Mike Tindall, 12. Shontayne Hape, 11. Chris Ashton, 10. Toby Flood, 9. Ben Youngs, 8. Nick Easter, 7. Lewis Moody (capt), 6. Tom Croft, 5. Tom Palmer, 4. Courtney Lawes, 3. Dan Cole, 2. Steve Thompson, 1. Tim Payne.

Replacements: 16. George Chuter, 17. David Wilson, 18. Simon Shaw, 19. James Haskell, 20. Danny Care, 21. Jonny Wilkinson, 22. Delon Armitage.

• Date: Saturday 19 June 2010
• Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney
• Kick-off: 20h05 AEST [GMT+10]
• Referee: Romain Poite (France)
• Assistant referees: Nigel Owens (Wales), Vinny Munro (New Zealand)

Springboks VS Italy:

19 June 2010 15h00 [GMT+2]

South Africa: 15. Zane Kirchner, 14. Gio Aplon, 13. Jean de Villiers, 12. Butch James, 11. Bryan Habana, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Ricky Januarie, 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Dewald Potgieter, 6. François Louw, 5. Victor Matfield (capt), 4. Bakkies Botha, 3. Jannie du Plessis, 2. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp.

Replacements: 16. Bandise Maku, 17. CJ van der Linde, 18. Alistair Hargreaves, 19. Ryan Kankowski, 20. Ruan Pienaar, 21. Juan de Jongh, 22. Bjorn Basson.

Italy: 15. Luke McLean, 14. Kaine Robertson, 13. Andrea Masi, 12. Matteo Pratichetti, 11. Mirco Bergamasco, 10. Craig Gower, 9. Tito Tebaldi, 8. Sergio Parisse (capt), 7. Alessandro Zanni, 6. Simone Favaro, 5. Quintin Geldenhuys, 4. Valerio Bernabò, 3. Martin Castrogiovanni, 2. Leonardo Ghiraldini 1. Salvatore Perugini.

Replacements: 16. Fabio Ongaro, 17. Lorenzo Cittadini, 18. Marco Bortolami, 19. Paul Derbyshire, 20. Simon Picone, 21. Riccardo Bocchino, 22. Gonzalo Canale.

• Date: Saturday19 June 2010
• Venue: Puma Stadium, Witbank
• Kick-off: 15h00 [GMT+2]
• Expected weather conditions: Clear with a high of 13°C, dropping to 0°C and enough wind to take the windchill temperature down to -2°C.
• Referee: Andrew Small (England)
• Assistant referees: Keith Brown (New Zealand), David Changleng (Scotland)
• TMO: Graham Hughes (England)

Argentina VS Scotland:

19 June 2010 15h45 [GMT-3]

Argentina: 15. Martín Rodríguez, 14. Lucas González Amorosino, 13. Gonzalo Tiesi, 12. Santiago Fernández, 11. Horacio Agulla, 10. Felipe Contepomi (capt), 9. Agustín Figuerola, 8. Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, 7. Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 6. Genaro Fessia, 5. Patricio Albacete, 4. Manuel Carizza, 3. Martín Scelzo, 2. Mario Ledesma, 1. Rodrigo Roncero.

Replacements: 16. Agustín Creevy, 17. Marcos Ayerza, 18. Santiago Guzmán, 19. Alejandro Campos, 20. Nicolás Vergallo, 21. Rafael Carballo, 22. Lucas Borges.

Scotland: 15. Hugo Southwell, 14. Sean Lamont, 13. Max Evans, 12. Graeme Morrison, 11. Simon Danielli, 10. Dan Parks, 9. Rory Lawson, 8. Johnnie Beattie, 7. John Barclay, 6. Kelly Brown, 5. Alastair Kellock (capt), 4. Jim Hamilton, 3. Moray Low, 2. Ross Ford, 1. Allan Jacobsen

Replacements: 16. Scott Lawson, 17. Alasdair Dickinson, 18. Scott MacLeod, 19. Alasdair Strokosch, 20. Mike Blair, 21. Phil Godman, 22. Nick De Luca

• Date: Saturday 19 June 2010
• Venue: Jose Maria Minella Stadium, Mar del Plata
• Kick-off: 15h45 [GMT-3]
• Expected weather: Heavy rain, High of 11°C, low of 5°C.
• Referee: Christophe Berdos (France)
• Assistant referees: Stuart Dickinson (Australia), Dave Pearson (England)

The following from SARU: Flanker Schalk Burger has been withdrawn from the Springbok team to face Italy at the Puma Stadium in Witbank on Saturday.

Burger had been receiving treatment for an ankle sprain sustained during last week’s Test against France. 

The Springbok medical team advised that Burger be withdrawn as there remained a risk of further injury.

Burger’s place in the starting XV will be taken by his Vodacom Stormers teammate Francois Louw.