Issue 147

Are you ready?

23rd October 2006

The Autumn Internationals are back! Once again teams from the Southern Hemisphere invade our beloved home nations determined to stamp their authority on the International Rugby scene. However, this year is more critical as, with the 2007 World Cup looming large, there is the added incentive of 'puttingone- over' some of your closest competition.

All the home nations are sure to be put through their paces, particularly against the big three Southern Hemisphere sides, and arguably the top three favourites for the World Cup; New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. So, the big questions are; how will our boys fair against the biggest and toughest teams around? And can they shake the very foundations of the International scene? Let's see how they shape up.

England

The news that Olly Barkley will be out of the first test against New Zealand is a big blow to Andy Robinson. Barkley's absence, along with Stuart Abbot's knee injury, could see Robinson favour Jamie Noon and Matthew Tait in midfield. England kick-off against New Zealand on 5 November, followed by Argentina 11 November and then back-to-back fixtures against South Africa on 18 and 25 November, which will be a good indictor of what to expect from the reigning champions in the upcoming World Cup.

Ireland

Eddie O'Sullivan has no major injury doubts as he prepares his Irish contingent for the Autumn Internationals. Ireland will be looking to improve on their sixnations showing with a strong run in these internationals. They start against South Africa 11 November, before facing Australia 19 Nov, and they finish against Pacific Islands 26 November.

Wales

Gareth Jenkins preparations have been hampered by the news that Rhys Williams and Rhys Thomas have both been ruled out of all four Autumn Internationals. Thomas has picked up chest problem, whilst Williams has torn is thigh muscle. The Welsh begin their Internationals with Australia 4 November, followed by Pacific Island's 11 Nov, Canada 17 Nov, and they finish against New Zealand 25 Nov.

Scotland

Frank Hadden is sweating on the fitness of scrum-half Chris Cusiter and back-row forward Simon Taylor. Glasgow Warriors' Sam Pinder is on stand-by to replace Cusiter. Scotland begin against Romania 11 November, before entertaining Pacific Islands 18 November, before their big test against Australia 25 November.

New Zealand

The All Blacks are obviously gearing up for the world cup and the policy of squad rotation is now deceased. They will be nearly impossible to beat and all the home teams will do well to get close to them. They have strength and depth in all areas. The only chance is to stop Richie Macaw and to get to Dan Carter. Neither of these tasks will be easy.

South Africa

The Springboks have four new caps to unleash on the northern hemisphere. However this is no indication that the Boks are bringing a weak side for the tour. They always give you a physically demanding game but have never quite had the flair of the other Tri-nation teams. Leaving quality such as Schalkt Burger and Percy Montgomerie behind could prove costly and they are beatable if, and only if, the home nations play very well.

Australia

The Golden jersey men will be keen to avoid the disasters of the last time they toured these shores. The quality of their backline has never been in doubt and now they have worked on the scrimmaging aspect of their game they have a pack to match. Easier to beat New Zealand but that doesnt mean easy. They are not playing England this time around and can therefore expect to perfrom well come scrum time.

All the Home Nations look in good shape for the upcoming internationals, and with one eye on the six-nations, which start in February, and the World Cup in France, this should be an exciting time for Rugby Union, my advice – DON'T MISS OUT!

Sam Pettit