Warren Gatland ready to shake up Wales’ selection for Samoa Test

Rugby Correspondent SIMON ROBERTS expects Warren Gatland to gamble again for Wales’ Samoa test

WARREN GATLAND has a reputation for making bold selections as Wales coach.

The New Zealander, who masterminded Wales’ Grand Slam in 2008, is not afraid to take a calculated gamble when it comes to team selection.

But can we expect him to do the same for Wales’ clash with Samoa at the Millennium Stadium on Friday night?

Gatland’s decision to select 13 Ospreys for his first game in charge for the 2008 Six Nations opener against England resulted in Wales’ first victory at Twickenham for 20 years.He was widely criticised for the move but it proved to be a masterstroke and set Wales up for a second Six Nations clean sweep in four years.

Gatland’s gambling instincts were on view again 12 months ago when Wales emerged with a low-key 34-13 victory over Canada in Cardiff.

Ditto last March when Gatland made nine changes for the Six Nations trip to Italy, Wales edging home 20-15 in Rome.

Gatland was widely accused of throwing away the Six Nations title with that selection but the Kiwi has always had his sights on the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

All three selection gambles ended in victory, but does Gatland do the same against Samoa?

Or does he pick the same side which lost to New Zealand en bloc just to get a morale-boosting win?

Gatland is a born winner but, with the World Cup only a couple of years away, he knows he must add to the depth of his current squad.

That is why it is a pretty safe bet that a host of the young guns named in his 28-man squad for the Autumn Test series will get the nod today.

Yet this Samoa side are not to be taken lightly. The perception that they are a side Wales should
be beating at the drop of a hat is arrogance beyond belief.Most of their best players are scattered across the top sides in Europe and should not be underestimated.

They have travelled to Wales with a squad full of northern hemisphere-based players and will include Seilala Mapusua and George Stowers in their line-up, even if a third London Irish star, the powerful wing Sailosi Tagicakibau, will be missing.

In their original 27-man squad there were 10 players from England’s Guinness Premiership, five based in France and Glasgow’s Justin Va’a. The rest play in New Zealand or Samoa.

What they lack in organisation and time to really bring a side together, they make up with sheer passion for the Samoan jersey.

There is the added emotional dimension of this being the first game played by Samoa since the tsunami there at the end of September, which wiped out whole villages and left the death toll at 100 and rising.

Samoans are a proud and emotional people and they won’t be playing against Wales, but for those who lost their lives back home.

Gatland, as a coach, knows how important emotion is at Test level and he will be wary of Samoa’s extra incentive on Friday.

But his primary focus will be on Wales and seeing what he has coming through the system behind his frontline players.

He will also be under no illusions that selecting an inexperienced side against the tough-tackling Samoans could be yet another gamble.

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Scotland's rugby team given a make-over by Andy Robinson

Head coach Robinson – who succeeded Frank Hadden this summer – has selected just five of those who started March's RBS Six Nations Championship defeat to England for his first match in charge against Fiji on Saturday. "The guys that haven't been selected that are on the bench, they've got an impact to make as well. It's about the whole squad and how that works."

Asked if the team represented the Robinson blueprint going forward, he replied: "It's a team to play Fiji and win the game and the key for us is that we understand that rugby is a physical game; you have to win the collisions, you have to establish a go-forward.

"But it's also to be able to have the skill levels to open up the spaces.

"I'd like to think that we've got the balance there in the 22 to be able to deliver that."

The Scarlets and Wales back row forward Dafydd Jones will undergo surgery on Tuesday on the shoulder injury he suffered against New Zealand on Saturday.

Jones, who came on as a second-half replacement for Andy Powell, sprung his A/C joint and will ultimately miss the rest of the four-match series in Cardiff. He is also likely to be out of action until the new year, at the earliest.

The injury means 21 year-old Dragons flanker Dan Lydiate is certain to make his debut against Samoa on Friday with coach Warren Gatland likely to make wholesale changes after the 19-12 defeat at the hands of the All Blacks.

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Jeremy Guscott | Six Nations

Jeremy Guscott Q&A
Former England and Lions star Guscott is a BBC rugby union pundit

The autumn internationals are in full swing, and it's been a depressing start for the northern hemisphere with both England and Wales falling to defeat in their opening matches.With seven defeats from 12 Tests, England boss Martin Johnson and his coaching set-up comes in for particular scrutiny, while Wales' latest near miss is also up for discussion. Other topics include former Australia star Lote Tuqiri's arrival in the Premiership, the absence of Saracens players from the England squad and the perils of signing autographs. If you have a

question for Jerry, you can submit it by using the form in the top right-hand corner of the page. He will answer as many as possible next week.

---

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Injured Jones in Six Nations race

MARK Jones is facing a Six Nations fitness race after he was ruled out of rugby for at least three months.

The Scarlets captain has undergone keyhole surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee following an injury sustained in training with Wales last week.

Jones has been told he will not be back in action until at least the start of February, putting a major doubt over his participation in the Six Nations.

It is the latest in a long line of injury setbacks for Wales coach Warren Gatland, who is already without the services of Mike Phillips, Lee Byrne, Adam Jones and Ian Evans.

And it is a major blow for the Scarlets ahead of their Heineken Cup encounters with reigning European champions Leinster next month.

The region's head coach Nigel Davies said: "It is very disappointing for Mark at this particular time. It's one of the curses of modern-day rugby unfortunately. It is a hugely physical sport and these boys train intensively on a daily basis.

"However, Mark is one of the most positive players I know in terms of coming back from injury. He deals with these setbacks more positively than most people. He's been a huge asset for us already this season in his role as captain, is totally respected by all the players and leads by example.

"Mark will be back with us in a week or so for his physio treatment. Despite the injury, I know he will continue to play a key leadership and motivational role off the field with the players."

Australia bask in victory over England at Twickenham

Australia bask in victory over England at Twickenham


It's been grim down Australia's way on the rugby front, having been battered black and blue by New Zealand and South Africa this season. Little wonder then that few gave the Wallabies - minus a few injured stars themselves, lest we forget - a chance against England at Twickenham. Even less wonder that Monday's papers back home were reams of joy and praise.

Australia's win over England in six nation would boost confidence ahead of Sunday's crunch clash with Ireland - seen as potentially the most difficult leg of their four-match grand slam bid - newspapers agreed down under.

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Australia's rugby press were more optimistic of the Wallabies' grand slam hopes after dominating England. "The importance of this win cannot be over-estimated," The Sydney Morning Herald said.

"It will revitalise their spirits, intensify their belief, and give the young players an important boost of self-confidence when they come up against the marauding Irish at Croke Park."

The press also praised heavily-under-fire coach Robbie Deans for bringing off his bold selection punt of Quade Cooper and Digby Ioane as his centre pairing.

"The coach took an enormous gamble with Cooper and Ioane," the Herald said. "If the move had backfired, the repercussions would have been enormous. But both players stepped up to produce inspirational performances, with Cooper a crucial member of the team's impenetrable defence."

The Australian described the midfield pair as "accidental heroes". "Had it not been for the tour-ending injuries suffered by Stirling Mortlock and Berrick Barnes over the past week, the Wallabies would have employed a fairly conventional back division for their tour.

"Deans was forced to roll the dice with Cooper and Ioane as his centre pairing and they came up as winners, both individually and as a threatening midfield combination."

The Daily Telegraph said the grand slam quest was up and running but warned that Six Nations champions Ireland would be a sterner test than the 'old enemy' England.

"There is no other way but to storm Croke Park against Brian O'Driscoll's Irishmen. "

Jonny will give Autumn internationals a good Twicking

RUGBY UNION
Jonny will give Aussies a good Twicking
ENGLAND'S coaches are backing a reborn Jonny Wilkinson to terrify Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

Wilkinson, back to his best since his move to Toulon, is making his first appearance at HQ since coming on as a sub against Ireland in March 2008 in Six Nations.

He is the man the Wallabies fear most - just the memories of his rugby World Cup final performance against them in 2003 and quarter-final impact in 2007, sends shudders through Aussie bones.

England attack coach Brian Smith said: "Jonny is a real factor in this game. He is lethal as a points-scorer, he is a general and his distribution is phenomenal.

"He is one good reason why Pommie bashing in Australia is a thing of the past.

"What England achieved there six years ago earned enormous respect throughout the Aussie nation."

And defence coach Mike Ford added: "Jonny is the best tackler in the squad - and that includes our back-row. In his desire to cover every position on the field, the lad has very few betters.

"Jonny's technique is first-class, as is his dedication and professionalism."

Meanwhile, manager Martin Johnson insists there will be no repeat of the 'yellow peril' that undermined England's ambitions last season.

His side had no fewer than 11 players sin-binned during their three autumn Tests and five in the Six Nations.

But Johnson is convinced having RFU referee Wayne Barnes working with his squad daily will help eradicate their problems at the contact area, where most offences occurred.

Johnson said: "I really hope our yellow card problems are behind us because it is harder to win games with only 14 players.

"It's all about adapting to the referee and sticking to our game-plan.

"I have already spoken with Saturday's ref Bryce Lawrence and we discussed various areas where I sought some clarification. But what we discussed remains confidential."

Fly-half Wilkinson, 30, and the world-record Test points scorer with 1,032, will partner Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care in a new-look England.

One that has been forged by a combination of injuries and Johnson's desire to develop the next generation.

Johnson signalled his blueprint last night when he sent 10 members of his 32-man Elite Player Squad back to their clubs for domestic weekend duties.

Out go George Chuter, Mathew Tait, Nick Kennedy, David Barnes, Ben Foden, David Strettle, Ben Kay, Richard Wigglesworth, Steffon Armitage and Joe Worsley.

The remaining 22, however, face a serious challenge at Twickenham.

Johnson warned: "Australia have beaten world champions South Africa this year and they come to us battle-hardened after the Tri-Nations now in Six Nations.

"I have no doubts about the severity of our task because Australia have some new young bloods on board and huge self-belief.

"We took it easy in training last week because of the growing injury situation.

"But you cannot afford that luxury in the week building up to an international. You have to get the balance right which is why we have trained with intensity and speed.

"I delayed naming the team by 24 hours to allow some players extra time to recover.

"Dylan Hartley, for example, tweaked a hamstring and while I'm sure he'll be fine, it's important to be 100 per cent sure."

Johnson lost 13 of his original EPS 32 to injury, including Harry Ellis, Phil Vickery, Delon Armitage, Andrew Sheridan and Riki Flutey.

Which is why a new-look England will carry a nation's hopes as they run out in front of 82,000 at Twickenham on Saturday.


AUSTRALIA tuned up for the clash with a 36-5 win at Guinness Premiership outfit Gloucester last night.

But they were given a thorough examination by an unheralded Cherry and Whites side.


First-half tries by centres Ryan Cross and Tyrone Smith put the Wallabies on their way.

Then wing Drew Mitchell's late double and a Quade Cooper solo score finished the home side off.

Aussie head coach Robbie Deans, who has seen his side lose five of their last six Tests, promised the Wallabies will take the battle to England up front this weekend.

He said: "Gloucester showed a lot of spirit but we won the game at the breakdown, where it was a ferocious contest. The game against England will be just the same, so that was a very satisfactory exercise for us."

Freddie Burns scored Gloucester's only points with a 25th-minute try.

Autumn Internationals rugby star

ALL eyes will be on David Wilson at Westoe Rugby Club today as he runs out for England against the Aussies.


The club is televising the Twickenham clash, which will see the 24-year-old, from South Shields, make only his second Test start.



Wilson came through the junior section at Westoe and returned to realise his dream of playing for the first team as he recovered from injury while at Newcastle Falcons.



Now playing for Bath in the Guinness Premiership, the 6ft 1in prop is tipped for a promising international career.



Westoe chairman and first-team manager Duncan Murray said: "I think it is a fantastic day for everyone at the club.



"Everyone will be watching him. He's a big, strong prop and he's there to represent his country."




Wilson, who now lives in Gloucestershire, regularly comes back to South Shields to visit his family in Marsden and catch a game at Westoe.



He also takes a keen interest in what is going on at his former school, Harton Technology College, where he honed his rugby skills.



Head of boys' PE and rugby coach Paul Byrne said: "He always had outstanding potential. Realising that potential is the difficult bit.



"Everything he's achieved, he's had to work incredibly hard for.



"The position he plays is unforgiving and demanding – it is probably one of the most physical positions on the pitch.



"To play at the level he's at, you have got to be incredibly committed, fit and have a mental toughness."



Mr Byrne said both he and the school are delighted and proud to see Wilson picked by England manager Martin Johnson – including 100 rugby-playing pupils who look up to him.



"There are an awful lot of people in South Shields who will be rooting for him," he said. "He has such a bright future ahead of him.



Headteacher Ken Gibson added: "David is yet another high-profile success story for Harton Technology College and an inspiration to our current crop of rugby players.



"He is a lovely lad and an incredible talent who fully deserves his continued national recognition."



Wilson played for his school, in Lisle Road, South Shields, and at county level as a youngster, joining the England under-16s at the age of 14.



He was called into the England Saxons side in 2008 and made his full England debut against Argentina at Old Trafford in June, donating his shirt to Mr Byrne afterwards.

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Touchline duel: Wales V New Zealand

Wales coach Warren Gatland is absolutely right, New Zealand have lost their aura but whether this was the right week to express that view is another question. Gatland should simply concentrate on producing a team which truly believes they can beat New Zealand. The All Blacks coaches are swapping roles for the autumn which will be all fine and dandy as long as they keep winning. Lose and the knives will be out.


Head to head: Great match ups all over the park, not least Martyn Williams taking on Richie McCaw again, but the clash worth the admission price alone will be the thunderous tete at tere between Jamie Roberts and Ma'a Nonu. Both blockbusting centres are much more skilful than often given credit but it will be the bone on bone crunch of combat that draws the eye.


 Talking tactics: South Africa have mastered New Zealand by dominating the All Blacks in the setpiece but Wales don't have the heavy artillery to achieve that although they have been working like Trojans at their scrummaging. Wales have a very useful back division and need to play to that strength, even if it opens up the game for the equally dangerous Kiwi runners.


And another thing: Wales have conceded an average of 37 points per game in their five matches - and five defeats - against New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium.



Wales: J Hook (Ospreys); L Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), T Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), J Roberts (Cardiff Blues), S Williams (Ospreys); S Jones (Scarlets), G Cooper (Cardiff Blues); G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), M Rees (Scarlets), P James (Ospreys), A-W Jones (Ospreys), L Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), A Powell (Cardiff Blues), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), R Jones (Ospreys, capt).


Replacements: H Bennett (Ospreys), Duncan Jones (Ospreys), B Davies (Cardiff Blues), Dafydd Jones (Scarlets), M Roberts (Scarlets), J Davies (Scarlets), T James (Cardiff Blues).


New Zealand: M Muliaina (Waikato Chiefs); C Jane, C Smith, M Nonu, Z Guildford (all Wellington Hurricanes); D Carter (Canterbury Crusaders), B Leonard (Waikato Chiefs); W Crockett (Canterbury Crusaders), A Hore, N Tialata (both Wellington Hurricanes), B Thorn (Canterbury Crusaders), J Eaton (Wellington Hurricanes), J Kaino (Auckland Blues), R McCaw (capt), K Read (both Canterbury Crusaders).


Replacements: C Flynn, O Franks (both Canterbury Crusaders), T Donnelly, A Thomson, J Cowan (all Otago Highlanders), S Donald (Waikato Chiefs), B Smith (Otago Highlanders).


Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa).


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A real battle starts between Wales V New Zealand

SO after a week of claim and counter claim, we’re down to the real business at the Millennium Stadium.

What was already going to be an intense battle, played out in a pressure-cooker atmosphere, has been cranked up several notches further as a result of Warren Gatland’s mischievous pre-match comments.


Let’s just say the Wales coach has stoked up the heat with his claim that New Zealand had lost their “aura of invincibility”.


It’s been the talking point of the last few days, but the time has come for actions to speak louder than words as Wales seek a first triumph over their old foe since 1953.


Gatland’s comments might have been made to instil real belief into the minds of his own Wales players they really can overcome the psychological barrier and end 56 years of hurt.


But what they have undoubtedly done is serve to whip up a storm with New Zealand accusing Wales of trash talk.


It was a typical ploy of Gatland. His modus operandi in the build-up to a big match is to create controversy ... and then blame the media for it!


He’s got form, doing likewise the last time he was in charge of preparations for a Wales game when we met Ireland in the Six Nations decider.


Gatland’s claim that the Welsh players “disliked” their Irish counterparts more than any other team caused a pre-match frenzy and backfired spectacularly once the two sides lined up for battle.




Gatland’s remarks were probably designed to fire up his own players and rile the opposition, but they were widely condemned in Wales and Ireland and he was forced to backtrack.


However, the damage had been done. Gatland had fired the Irish up to produce a performance which enabled them to summon up the courage to seize victory with a last gasp drop-goal from Ronan O’Gara.


If Ireland didn’t ram Gatland’s words down his throat, Paul O’Connell made scathing reference to them after the game.


This time, in my view, Gatland has gone and handed Graham Henry his team talk by questioning the ability of the New Zealand class of 2009.


If nothing else, it will certainly have focused Kiwi minds on beating Wales after comfortably defeating Australia in Tokyo and having to endure a gruelling journey to Cardiff.


Had their eye been off the ball, so to speak, it might have helped the Welsh cause. But there is no chance of complacency on the part of New Zealand now. Gatland has ensured that.


Of course, he was perfectly entitled to make his remarks and he has a point, for this is a New Zealand team in transition.


They certainly aren’t the supreme side of 1989 or 2005, with supermen thin on the ground these days, the sublime Dan Carter and Richie McCaw apart.


The loss of scrum-half Mike Phillips and full-back Lee Byrne could be significant with incoming No 9 Gareth Cooper searching for his best form and James Hook a novice as a last line of defence.


It’s got the potential to be a rip-roaring contest, but I fear New Zealand, having had a warm-up against Australia, will settle it in their favour.

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A battle of England V Argentina at Twickenham

LONDON — World Cup-winning hooker Steve Thompson was recalled on Monday to an injury-hit England squad for next month's Tests at Twickenham having himelf briefly retired from rugby because of a neck problem.


England manager Martin Johnson, who was Thompson's World Cup winning captain six years ago, has lost nearly two teams' worth of players because of injuries for next month's Tests against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand, including his first-choice front row.


Thompson retired in April 2007 after a neck operation but the now 31-year-old returned months later to play for Brive, having initially joined the French club as a coach.


He did make a brief England return with an appearance off the bench late-on in June's 37-15 win over Argentina but this was seen as a stop-gap effort.


Ironically, given his injury problems since landing the winning drop-goal in the 2003 World Cup final, fly-half Jonny Wilkinson - also now playing his club rugby in France, for Toulon - was fit enough to be included in the revised 32-man squad.


Johnson's selection saw him pick three uncapped players in forwards David Barnes, Richard Blaze and Courtney Lawes while prop Duncan Bell returned after a gap of four years.


"The whole squad is looking forward to three very tough games in November," Johnson said. "We've had to make a number of changes because of injuries but we have strength in depth.


"Each of the players coming in has the opportunity to push themselves into contention for the 2nd match England v Argentina on November 14."



Highly-rated lock Lawes, still only 20, got his chance after Nick Easter tore a calf muscle during Harlequins's 26-22 Premiership win over Worcester on Saturday that saw him ruled out for four weeks.


That day also saw veteran Leicester prop Julian White sidelined after tearing a hamstring in the 18-12 Premiership loss to London Irish.


Veteran prop White's injury came just days after it was confirmed ex-England captain Phil Vickery was ruled out for three months because of back surgery.


Fellow prop Andrew Sheridan was already sidelined for at least four months with a dislocated shoulder.

With hooker Lee Mears already out because of knee ligament damage, Johnson had to revamp what was an all British and Irish Lions front row while experienced lock Simon Shaw is currently injured as well.


And there have been injuries behind the scrum, with full-back Delon Armitage (shoulder), centre Riki Flutey (shoulder), fly-half Toby Flood (knee) and scrum-half Harry Ellis (knee) seeing their squad spots taken by David Strettle, Shane Geraghty, Andy Goode and Richard Wigglesworth respectively.


Saracens second-row Steve Borthwick, England's captain last season, has retained the leadership of the team for all three Tests.


"Steve has been appointed captain and I'm sure he will continue to do an excellent job," Johnson said.

Revised England 32-man squad for the November internationals against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand:

Backs


Matt Banahan (Bath), Danny Care (Harlequins), Mark Cueto (Sale), Ben Foden (Northampton), Shane Geraghty (Northampton), Andy Goode (Brive/FRA), Dan Hipkiss (Leicester), Paul Hodgson (London Irish), Ugo Monye (Harlequins), David Strettle (Harlequins), Mathew Tait (Sale), Mike Tindall (Gloucester), Richard Wigglesworth (Sale), Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon/FRA)


Forwards

Steffon Armitage (London Irish), David Barnes (Bath), Duncan Bell (Bath), Richard Blaze (Leicester), Steve Borthwick (Saracens, capt), George Chuter (Leicester), Jordan Crane (Leicester), Tom Croft (Leicester), Louis Deacon (Leicester), Dylan Hartley (Northampton), James Haskell (Stade Francais/FRA), Ben Kay (Leicester), Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Lewis Moody (Leicester), Tim Payne (Wasps), Steve Thompson (Brive/FRA), David Wilson (Bath), Joe Worsley (Wasps)


Fixtures (all matches at Twickenham):



Nov 07: England v Australia (1430GMT)


Nov 14: England v Argentina (1430GMT)


Nov 21: England v New Zealand (1430GMT)

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South Africa: autumn internationals form guide

For South Africa, 2009 has been another hugely successful year. Can the world champion Springboks cap it off with a clean sweep in Europe during the November Tests?


South Africaholds its breath every time Peter de Villiers opens his mouth, such is the unpredictability of their maverick coach. But results speak louder than (ill-advised) words, and he has kept the Springbok machine on track since taking over after their 2007 World Cup win. <br>

 Key men:


The Bokke uncovered a ready-made international fly-half in Morne Steyn this summer, and despite his relative inexperience at Test level, the Blue Bulls star has been nerveless with the boot and made the right decisions for his side.


Elsewhere South Africa have two modern-day legends in the pack in skipper John Smit and Victor Matfield. These two men hold the key to their dominant line-out, which in turn holds the key to their entire game.


Target area:


Where to start? It's hard to find holes in this set-up but the only team who have got close in recent months were the British and Irish Lions. They did this by playing positive rugby with the ball in hand and going hell for leather in the process. South Africa look weak whenever a side moves the game away from the Boks' favoured territorial kicking game.


Form:


World champions, Tri-Nations champions, Sevens champions, they beat the Lions with a Test to spare and the Blue Bulls are Super 14 champions. It's safe to say that this lot are on form.


Likely XV:


Mtawarira, Du Plessis, Smit, Botha, Matfield, Brussow, Burger, Spies, Du Preez, Steyn, Habana, Olivier, Fourie, Pietersen, Pienaar


Fixtures:


Nov 6 v Leicester Tigers, Welford Road, Sky Sports 2

Nov 13 v France, Stade Municipal Toulouse, ESPN

Nov 17 v Saracens, Wembley, Sky Sports 2

Nov 21 v Italy, Stadio Friuli Udinese

Nov 28 v Ireland, Croke Park, BBC1


Prediction:


South Africa are sure to bring the best out of all their opponents, and with a large number of Rainbow Nation ex-pats now living in Britain they can expect wholehearted support wherever they go. France and Ireland represent the hardest Tests but it would be foolish to bet against anything other than an unbeaten tour.

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Novelty and nostalgia reign as England v Australia goes back to the BBC

England may need something from the BBC highlights reel if they are to beat Australia in autumn internationals 2009.

Richie Myler would have been just five years old during England's 1995 World Cup campaign, which marked the end of regular terrestrial coverage. Photograph: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto


Remember Jason Robinson scoring two tries on his Great Britain debut against New Zealand in 1993? Or Ellery Hanley chipping, regathering and linking with Daryl Powell to send Paul Eastwood over for a crucial try in the historic home victory against Australia three years earlier? Or perhaps best of all, Jonathan Davies rounding Brett Mullins to score the match-winning try in the first Test of the 1994 Ashes series for a Lions team who had been reduced to 12 men by the first-half dismissal of Shaun Edwards for a high tackle?


Those three rousing rugby league occasions had a few things in common which have been all too rare in recent years: they were all at Wembley; they each involved British victories over southern hemisphere opposition; and they took place on Saturday afternoons in front of a terrestrial television audience.


Those memories will be stirred this weekend as England play Australia in Wigan with a 2.30pm kick-off in the first international to have been screened live by the BBC for nine years, and only the second since 1995. That has left the older players in the squad grappling with a strange combination of novelty and nostalgia – while most of them grew up watching Ashes Tests on Grandstand, only the captain, Jamie Peacock, has played in a Saturday afternoon international.


Even then, it was an afternoon he would rather forget, as he came on as a substitute in the humiliating 49-6 defeat by New Zealand in the 2000 World Cup semi final. (Adrian Morley, the only other thirtysomething in the current England squad, was ruled out of that game by a rib injury.)


It is an even more chastening thought that the youthful majority of the current squad may struggle to recall the pre-Sky and Super League days when the national team were seen regularly on terrestrial TV. Kyle Eastmond and Sam Tomkins were all of six during the 1995 World Cup that was effectively the end of the era of live international league on the Beeb; Richie Myler and Tom Briscoe, the two teenagers in the current squad, were just out of nursery school.


It is dangerously simplistic to suggest that Messrs Hanley, Davies, Edwards, Robinson and Martin Offiah were bigger stars in Britain than any rugby league player has been over the last decade or so, just because their deeds were seen more regularly by a terrestrial television audience than those of the likes of Andy Farrell, Sean Long, Keiron Cunningham and Robbie Paul. But the reversion to a Saturday afternoon international on the BBC, especially against Australia, could provide a major boost for the game in this country – if England can at least be competitive this weekend.


That's a worryingly big "if", given the most recent evidence – England's performances at last year's World Cup, including the 52-4 humiliation by the Aussies in Melbourne, and their unconvincing victory over France last weekend. Any danger of Australian complacency was blown away by New Zealand in their 20-20 draw at The Stoop, and the Kangaroos will surely be more cohesive for their second match of the tournament.


In Morley, Peacock, Sam Burgess, Gareth Ellis, James Graham and James Roby, England have the players to be reasonably hopeful of matching them in the pack.


But if they are to convert that into the sort of stirring performance and result that the likes of Hanley, Edwards and Davies managed late in the last century, they will need Shaun Briscoe to be heroic on his return to Wigan as the country's No1 full-back – another one in the eye for his home-town club; Lee Smith to make a real nuisance of himself against Greg Inglis; Ryan Hall to avoid any of the defensive errors that have marred his recent performances for club and country; Danny McGuire and Kevin Sinfield to reproduce their confident, dominant Super League performances on the international stage; and the three bright young half-back talents of Eastmond, Myler and Tomkins to respond positively to the greatest challenge of their brief careers.


If you want a pre-match pep-talk, I can steer you towards the Gareth Ellis quotes that appeared in the Guardian earlier this week, the Sam Burgess piece we'll be carrying on Saturday morning, and perhaps also the following names: Eastwood, Carl Gibson, Paul Loughlin and Allan Bateman, all backs who appeared in previous against-the-odds British wins against Australia.


The stakes for British rugby league would be huge anyway, but are raised another notch by the terrestrial exposure. Your best (and worst) CHG rugby league memories are welcome below – in fairness to Sky, we shouldn't pretend it was a golden era, and my earliest recollection is that the Beeb could only be bothered showing the second halves of the landmark 1982 Ashes series. Also any thoughts on the England team to be announced around the time this blog appears, or even the Pacific Cup and European Cup competitions, both of which will be shown on Sky this weekend as they build towards a decent climax.


It's certainly going to be a good feeling driving into Wigan on Saturday lunchtime, hoping for something approaching a rugby league miracle. The only thing missing now is the crumbling terraces and river caves of Central Park.

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sets up the next month's Four Nations brilliantly.

Australia's defeat to New Zealand in the final of the World Cup was one of the biggest shocks in world sport. England's epic failure at the event was by no way a shock of the same magnitude, but a setback that has since seen a massive overhaul to the national side.

This weekend Tony Smith's new-look England play Bobby Goulding's France, and the Aussies and Kiwis go toe to toe again to kick off the first ever Gillette Four Nations. I spent some time in the Kangaroos camp this week. They - like England, are much changed since the World Cup shortcomings.


"This tournament will tell us how big the gap is between England and the southern hemisphere super powers," coach Tim Sheens told me at their plush west London hotel.


"You are playing the tournament in England - their conditions - their crowd. That has to be an advantage."


There is no doubt England won't be as badly off color as they were during that dreadful trip Down Under. Coach Tony Smith is a pal of mine and I'm loathe to criticise one of the game's good guys. He told me on arrival back from the World Cup that his team went over ranked third in the world and returned still as number three, and therefore talk of a failure was massively overhyped. While a fair point in establishing perspective, in all honesty we thought we were a lot closer to the big two than that.


Smith has wielded the axe since then, Friday night's opener with France again sees young half back Stephen Myler get his chance, while livewire St Helens scrum half Kyle Eastmond gets a first taste of the famous jersey from the replacements' bench. Hull teenager Tom Briscoe is a shock selection on the wing and Peter Fox can count himself very unlucky. I'm pleased to see Leeds Rhinos Grand Final-winning captain Kevin Sinfield get his place back in the side, and the back row of Gareth Ellis and Sam Burgess is as exciting as it gets. Gaz was Wests Tigers' Player of the Year in his first season in Australia's NRL this year, while Burgess will chance his arm in Oz next season. England will win this handsomely and are therefore predictably unbackable at 1.03. There is a full market available to Betfair punters, and I'd be looking at England to win this by around the 30-point mark. There is value to be had in backing individual England players to run in a try during the 80 minutes. I would look at Danny McGuire at 1.68 and Eastmond off the bench at 1.9.


On Saturday night I'll be down at the Stoop to watch Australia and New Zealand lock horns in a repeat of the World Cup final. The teams have actually met since then in the Anzac Test and Australia won it convincingly. There was the usually infectious optimism bordering on arrogance around the Aussie camp this week and I side with their new-look team to edge a bruiser. We discussed the revenge word and the very fact that the coach and players mention that it isn't a factor proves it is at the forefront of their minds.



The green and golds are backable at a miserly 1.18 on Betfair with the Kiwis trading around the 7.2 mark. It should be far closer than that and while I expect an Aussie win the odd fiver may be worth floating on another New Zealand shock.


If Australia get up a head of steam they could well walk it but I don't expect that to happen. Stephen Kearney has assembled a terrific young squad with the added boost of man-mountain Fuifui Moimoi returning for his first international in two years. He is worth the entrance fee alone. The Aussies have three debutants in Brett Morris, Brett White and Ben Hannant and coach Sheens will hope to see youthful exhuberance rather than rabbit-in-headlights inexperience at a Twickenham venue bound to be rammed full of antipodeans.


The Kiwis beat Tonga 40-24 last week and with the exception of Moimoi, Kearney fields an unchanged surprise. They could spring a shock but I'm expecting Australia to remind New Zealand that they want their world title back with a bruising win.

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England name three uncapped players in squad for autumn internationals

• David Barnes, Richard Blaze and Courtney Lawes get call-ups

• Martin Johnson praises England's strength in depth

The England team manager, Martin Johnson, has named three new faces in a 32-man squad. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images

Three uncapped players have been named in the England squad for next month's internationals against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

The Bath prop David Barnes, Leicester's Richard Blaze and Northampton's Courtney Lawes are included in Martin Johnson's 32-man squad for the trio of games. A plethora of injuries also means call-ups for Duncan Bell, Ben Foden, Shane Geraghty, Andy Goode, Lewis Moody, David Strettle, Steve Thompson and Richard Wigglesworth.


"We've had to make a number of changes to the squad because of injuries but we have strength in depth," said Johnson. "Each of the players coming in has the opportunity to push themselves into contention for the match against Australia on 7 November."

Steve Borthwick retains the captaincy. "Steve has been appointed captain and I'm sure he will continue to do an excellent job," said Johnson.


England squad for the autumn internationals

Forwards: S Armitage (London Irish), D Barnes (Bath), D Bell (Bath), R Blaze (Leicester), S Borthwick (Saracens, captain), G Chuter (Leicester), J Crane (Leicester), T Croft (Leicester), L Deacon (Leicester), D Hartley (Northampton), J Haskell (Stade Français), B Kay (Leicester), C Lawes (Northampton), L Moody (Leicester), T Payne (Wasps), S Thompson (Brive), D Wilson (Bath), J Worsley (Wasps).

Backs: M Banahan (Bath), D Care (Harlequins), M Cueto (Sale), B Foden (Northampton), S Geraghty (Northampton), A Goode (Brive), D Hipkiss (Leicester), P Hodgson (London Irish), U Monye (Harlequins), D Strettle (Harlequins), M Tait (Sale), M Tindall (Gloucester) R Wigglesworth (Sale), J Wilkinson (Toulon).

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Backroom role at Wolves for Carney

Warrington Wolves have named former Great Britain and Ireland international Brain Carney as their player welfare and services officer.



The role is the first of its kind in rugby league and will include developing the off-field talents of the players as well as their athletic ability.



"The Wolves are working hard to Autumn Internationals 2009 and strengthen their future by developing both the on-field and off-field activity," said a statement.



"The recruitment of Carney into the backroom staff is another example of the Wolves investing in the future of the club, having already appointed Chris Baron as head of strength and conditioning from Leicester Tigers and the three big on-field signings in Richie Myler, Ryan Atkins and David Solomona along with the up-and-coming talent of our youth teams."



Carney played over 100 times for Wigan Warriors before changing codes in 2007 to represent Munster.



He made four appearances for Ireland during his two years in rugby union until he joined Warrington this year.



The 33-year-old will take up his new role at the Wolves on a part-time basis.



"A role such as this is long over due in Rugby League clubs and I am excited about being involved with a Club pioneering a designated welfare officer position," said Carney of his appointment.



Wolves boss Tony Smith added: "Brian has a lot to give to the game, I'm pleased he will be staying with us in the future and adding his wealth of knowledge and experience to the club."


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England Difficulty in Autumn Test

England manager Martin Johnson has confirmed that his squad is expecting a difficult trio of games on the Autum Internationals 2009 started next month.



Johnson stated that despite a recent run of injuries causing him to bring in new faces, the squad still has "strength in depth".



Facing Tests against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand on consecutive Saturdays starting from November 7th, England are without Andrew Sheridan, Phil Vickery, Nick Easter, Riki Flutey and Delon Armitage, among others.



The England coach said: "Each of the players coming in has the opportunity to push themselves into contention for the opener against Australia."



Despite this, Johnson commented, the squad is still "looking forward" to the series and predicted that Saracens lock Steve Borthwick - who has been appointed skipper - will do an "excellent job".



The opener against the Wallabies will be held at Twickenham, with Betfair (Go to Betfair ») offering odds of 11/10 for an England win.



Looking ahead to the 2011 World Cup, Paddy Power (Go to Paddy Power ») considers Johnson's men a 14/1 shot to be champions.

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