Mitchell escapes without further punishment

Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell has escaped further sanction after being sent off in Saturday night’s Tri Nations thrashing by the All Blacks.Mitchell had to face a judiciary hearing on Sunday morning after being marched in the 43rd minute for his second yellow card offence during the 49-28 defeat at Etihad Stadium.However SANZAR judicial officer Peter Ingwersen obviously felt missing almost half the match was penalty enough as he decided no further penalty was required.Mitchell had earlier been sinbinned for a late, no-arms tackle on All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and was red carded by referee Craig Joubert when he slowed down play by knocking the ball from Kiwi fullback Mils Muliaina’s hands as he gestured to take a quick throw-in.

Watch the red car of Mitchell:

Rugby: Players dig in over Cup pay

Rugby players want more money from the Rugby World Cup and are not going to agree to play unless they get it.This issue is not new - it has flared at the past two World Cups. But this time it has produced an unusual situation. Tickets are being sold; stadiums are being finished; and even Party Central has just about been sorted; but New Zealand's World Cup is in danger of not securing any players.At the heart of the feud - as always - is money. Leading national unions want a bigger part of the profits while the players want a bigger portion of funds directly allocated to them.Leading nations dispute the draconian terms of the IRB's participation agreement and no player is going to sign it unless there is a big change. At the last two World Cups, the IRB was at war with the players right up to the deadline, only for the latter to cave in because they had no real choice.Unlike other major World Cups such as football and cricket, the participating players in rugby are not get reward directly. The participating unions are - and then it is up to them to determine how much they give the players.In New Zealand's case, the collective agreement has been locked in at paying every All Black squad member $100,000 if they win. In comparison, the All Whites received, on average, between close to $100,000 for just getting to the Fifa World Cup, let alone winning it. Senior hands in the All Whites pocketed about $200,000.There is a growing sense among rugby players that they are not being treated fairly and properly; that their contribution towards the World Cup's continued commercial growth is not recognised.Some players end up out of pocket as a consequence of playing at the World Cup even they are not paid by their clubs while they are away and receive little from their national union.The various players' associations are pushing for the introduction of a payment that is assigned directly to those players involved.This could be a participation fee, prize money or some form of revenue sharing agreement. Predictably, the IRB are refusing to budge. They are in talks with the leading national unions and will no doubt argue that, if they assign more revenue to the tier one unions, then it will be up to them to make sure a greater share of that goes directly to the players.In New Zealand's case, that will happen anyway. The collective agreement means that about 36 per cent of all New Zealand Rugby Union revenue goes into the player payment pool.But the players want acknowledgement of their contribution as much as they want financial reward.Under the existing financial model, the IRB effectively uses the majority of its World Cup booty - the hosting fee of £48 million, broadcast and sponsorship rights - to fund development of the game. Established unions such as New Zealand receive about $500,000 a year to help fund development programmes, about a $6 million handout in the year of the tournament and a token fee of between $300,000 and $650,000 depending on how far they proceed. It might sound generous but it does little to offset the costs incurred. A rough estimate suggests New Zealand loses out on about $15 million of revenue every World Cup year. The Tri Nations has to be truncated - which is factored into the broadcast deal - and while arguably an intangible cost, it does make it hard for local sponsors to commit to the domestic provincial competition in World Cup years.Players also have to be paid for seven weeks at the World Cup, along with all associated costs."I don't think it is any secret that we [tier one] nations are talking to the IRB about this," says New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew. He also said,"The money we receive is effectively to compensate us for loss of income but that gap is getting ever bigger.""There is some work going on to determine the true cost of participating and we are asking whether the current financial model is the right one."The national unions are the IRB and have an automatic seat at the negotiating table. The players don't. Their participation agreements don't have to be signed until the World Cup squads are named.The battle continues.

Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell to face SANZAR judicial hearing

Qantas Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell will face a SANZAR judicial hearing on Sunday morning after he was sent off in the Bundaberg Red Tri Nations/Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks.Mitchell was ordered from the field in the 43rd minute by referee Craig Joubert after being issued with a second yellow card.SANZAR Judicial Officer Peter Ingwersen will hear this matter.The Australian was initially sin binned in the first half under Law 10.4 (e), a late and dangerous tackle.He was sent off for a second yellow card for an alleged breach of Law 10.2 (a), intentionally offending.The hearing will take place at 10:30am Melbourne time.

Tri Nations 2010: All Blacks smash Wallabies in Melbourne

The All Blacks have beaten Wallabies by 49-28 in Melbourne in the opening Bledisloe Cup game for 2010.Nathan Sharpe equalled John Eales record when he took the field, great player, scary eyes! Kiwi nerves were tested before the match as Carter appeared to hurt his groin in the warm up.The Wallabies had the first chance to score after a great break from Matt Giteau from deep in their 22, they were unable to score the try, but Giteau slotted a well won penalty.It did not take long for Dan Carter to draw the teams level with a penalty goal of his own.From the kick off Drew Mitchell charged down a Carter clearance kick, he regathered and crossed in the corner for the games opening try. Minutes later, Carter charged down a Barnes kick he regathered for the score, then converted for a 10-8 lead.Then Corey Jane produced a miracle kick as he was being taken into touch, Mils Muliaina picked up the loose ball and crossed for the All Blacks second try, Carter missed the conversion and the all blacks led 15-8 in the 15th minute.Giteau reduced the gap in the 19th minute. and that was second penalty goal.Owen Franks was yellow carded in the 21st minute. Despite being down to 14 men Richie McCaw picked up a ruck ball and sprinted home from 25 metre's. Carter converted for a 22-11 lead.It got worse for the Wallabies as Drew Mitchell was yellow carded for a shoulder charge in the 19th minute.Giteau slotted his third penalty goal in the 32nd minute. Two minutes later Carter restored the gap with his second penalty.The All Blacks had their bonus point for the fourth try in the 35th minutes. Corey Jane crossed out wide on the missing Mitchell's wing. Carter converted magnificently for a 32-14 lead.The All Blacks started the second half the better and couldn't believe their luck when Drew Mitchell was red carded for a deliberate foul in the 44th minute. Possibly the softest red card in est match rugby history.It did not take long for the All Blacks to get advantage as Muliaina crossed in the 45th minute, Carter converted for a 39-14 lead.The Wallabies thought the gave themselves hope when Pocock burrowed over from close range, but the TMO ruled no try.The Wallabies built tremendous pressure before releasing Ashley-Cooper to score outwide once again using his famed right hand fend. Giteau converted 39-21 to the All Blacks.Within two minutes Joe Rokocoko has restored his teams lead as he finished off a move started by the restart win.The Wallabies continued to fight and were rewarded when Rocky Elsom crashed over in the 71st minute. Giteau converted and the lead was 44-28.Any hope the Wallabies held for a comeback were dashed as the New Zealanders regained the ascendancy for the remainding minutes. The All Blacks fittingly finished the game with a Corey Flynn try.

Scorers
New Zealand - Tries: Mils Muliaina (2), Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Cory Jane, Joe Rokocoko, Corey Flynn. Conversions: Carter (4). Penalty goals: Carter (2).
Yellow card: Owen Franks
Australia - Tries: Drew Mitchell, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rocky Elsom. Conversions: Matt Giteau (2). Penalties: Giteau (3).
Yellow card: Drew Mitchell
Red card: Mitchell (second yellow)
Teams (15-1)

Referee: Craig Joubert (RSA)

Crowd: 51,409

Davids resigns from Saru executive council.

Francois Davids, a member of the Executive Council of the South African Rugby Union (Saru), announced his decision to resign from his seat on the Council on Friday. Davids said he had decided to concentrate his attention on the Boland Rugby Union, of which he is president."When I was elected to the Executive Council, the Saru constitution required that I resign from the presidency of my union," said Davids. He also said "I have wrestled with that choice - whether to take up the seat on the Executive and resign from Boland, or to remain with my union."After much thought and prayer I have decided that I can make a greater impact in rugby in the Boland, which is one of the largest and most important development provinces in the country.""We have 132 senior clubs and 100 zonal clubs in the Boland that need support and are also at an exciting stage of the development of our professional team as we have just taken on an equity partner. For those reasons I have decided to resign my seat."An election will be held at the next General Council meeting in December to elect a replacement for Davids.

Joseph wants team to rediscover edge.

Jamie Joseph, who was officially named as the coach of the side yesterday, said in a rugby sense, it was not a hard decision to move to the Highlanders.But off-field matters made it a tough choice, although once his family was in "boots and all", he knew it was a no-brainer.He also said there appeared to be something wrong within the Highlanders side as it lost so many close games.He had been widely tipped to take over from Glenn Moore and it was finally confirmed by the Highlanders and the NZRU yesterday.An assistant coach to join Joseph was not declared yesterday but it is expected within the next few days that Southland co-coach Simon Culhane will join his former All Black team-mate in a new management team next year.Jamie Joseph, the former All Black said he was excited about the challenge and returning south."Dunedin and the South, with Southland, are proud rugby provinces. They gave me something as a person and I learnt my trade down there, learning lots about life from the likes of Laurie and Gordy [former Otago coaches Laurie Mains and Gordon Hunter]," he said."Otago provincial rugby in recent years has not played as well as they have played previously. Dave [Latta] and Phil [Mooney] have got a massive job on their hands to get the team back up to being what they should be and develop the players to being the best they can be, wanting them to be professional athletes and perform at their best."If I can help do that then I will help out as much as I can."Joseph studied at the University of Otago.He stayed in the South for eight years before he left to coach and play rugby in Japan.He said as an outsider looking in, there appeared to be something wrong with the make-up of the Highlanders.He said,"I think there is some discord within the team. You can see that when they lose so many tight games. There is an edge missing. That is something we really need to sort out."With the Highlanders finishing as the bottom New Zealand side in Super rugby competitions over the past six years, getting wins is the first priority for Joseph. Highlanders chairman Ross Laidlaw said the franchise could not think of anyone better to be head coach."We all know how hard he played the game and we don't think he has changed his approach in coaching," Laidlaw said.He felt Joseph would do a good job in breeding a culture and identity for the Highlanders.Joseph said it took a while to decide upon the position, though the Highlanders had identified their man at an early stage."Obviously, we need somewhere to sleep and things like that. As a rugby decision, it was pretty straightforward because it is a higher level of rugby and in many ways I wanted to return to the South at some stage," Joseph said.He also said,"But I've got four children and an established business and and I'm contracted with a team which is just about to start the season, so it was difficult."But the family are in boots and all and I couldn't do the job without the support of my family. Once they were on board it was all go."

Joseph to coach Highlanders,

Former All Blacks flanker Jamie Joseph has been confirmed as the new coach of the Highlanders, the New Zealand Rugby Union said on Friday.Joseph had been expected to be named as the coach of the team for next year's Super 15 after the New Zealand Rugby Union said earlier the position would be advertised, effectively ending incumbent Glenn Moore's tenure."The Highlanders are an exciting team with a great mix of experience and plenty of new potential," Joseph said. "This is a great opportunity for me and one I am looking forward to."The 40-year-old Joseph will continue coaching Wellington in New Zealand's domestic provincial championship until the end of August when he begins his Highlanders role, the NZRU said.New Zealand's provincial championship began on Thursday.Joseph also coached New Zealand Maori during their successful centenary series in June. They recorded victories over the New Zealand Barbarians, Ireland and England. He played 20 test matches for the All Blacks from 1992-1995. He also played 10 matches for New Zealand Maori.

All Blacks banned Photographer

Photographer Scott Barbour, who was born in New Zealand has been banned by the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) from covering the All Blacks' Bledisloe Cup build-up after he deliberately exposed the team's game plan. The NZRU's official photo agency Getty Images, which employs Barbour as a freelancer, also angered All Blacks management after his image of coach Graham Henry holding the team's tactical move was reproduced in Australian media outlets on Wednesday. The NZRU's official photo agency Getty Images is not allowed to send a replacement photographer to the team's remaining practice sessions in Melbourne ahead of Saturday's Tri-Nations match.New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) has no power to deny Getty's access to Etihad Stadium as the match is under the jurisdiction of the Australian Rugby Union, though its representatives may be banned from covering next Saturday's trans-Tasman match in Christchurch.All Blacks team manager Darren Shand today confirmed Barbour was not welcome at team media opportunities. He also said negotiations with Getty Images were continuing.All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen mentioned Barbour's actions as a "breach of trust" saying he broke an "unwritten rule" by photographing the blueprint displaying moves from lineouts and scrums. Hansen maintained the leak would not jeopardise preparations or force a tactical review but that did not spare Christchurch-born Barbour from sanctions. Shand said photographers were not instructed on what to shoot at All Black sessions but it was "just commonsense" not to circulate the game plan. New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) chief executive Steve Tew dismissed suggestions of legal action against Getty Images - and confirmed their existing commercial agreement would be honoured. But he shared Shand's concerns. "We think it is important to be open. But at international level the margins that separate the teams are so marginal that the smallest thing can make a difference." Barbour won the prestigious award in the sport category at the World Photography Awards at Cannes, France, this year. When contacted by NZPA, Barbour asked "Is this about the picture?" before refusing to comment further. His actions have been described as unpatriotic on New Zealand-based websites, in Australia the All Blacks' reaction has been used to further illustrate the team management's apparent over-sensitivity. Wallabies coach Robbie Deans sidestepped the topic but said with a smile: "I understand it was a Kiwi photographer, so I do find that amusing."

Tri-Nations: Wallabies v All Blacks.

The teams for the first 2010 Tri-Nations meeting between Australia and New Zealand in Melbourne, Australia on Saturday 31 July Kick-Off 11:00am GST Live on Sky Sports 2, have been announced. Joe Rokocoko will become New Zealand’s most-powerfull winger when he plays in their Tri-Nations game against Australia in Melbourne on Saturday. He has recovered from a hamstring injury and will play his 64th Test while Jimmy Cowan replaces new father Piri Weepu at scrum half. Quade Cooper failed in his appeal against a two-week ban and utility back Berrick Barnes has been drafted in to partner Matt Giteau who has been moved to fly-half, although the last time he and Barnes played together, the Wallabies were smashed 33-6 by the All Blacks in Wellington in last year’s tournament. Hooker Stephen has recovered from a broken jaw and replaces Saia Faingaa.

Leading referee Toft dies at age 79.

Brian Toft, a leading figure in the Oxfordshire Referees Society for more than 40 years, is no more. He has died at the age of 79. he played as a flanker for Sale before joining the Liverpool Society of Rugby Football Referees, finishing up in as an A List referee. On moving to Haddenham, near Thame in 1969, he joined the Oxfordshire Society of Rugby Football Referees. He remained an active member until his death.he moved from refereeing to becoming a national panel advisor during his 41 years association with Oxfordshire. In 2004 he chaired Oxfordshire RFU's governance and discipline committee. Two years later,he won Oxfordshire Sports Partnership volunteer-of-the-year award and he mentioned that as one of his proudest moments. Colin Baldwin, chairman of the Oxfordshire RFU, said: “Many of the players still playing the game and hundreds of those that have stopped playing, will remember him with warm affection. He also said “The Oxfordshire Committee members and I will definitely miss his dry sense of humour.” He leaves a widow, Grace, a daughter and two grandchildren. The funeral service for Mr Toft will be held at Christchurch, Upper High Street, Thame tomorrow (2.30pm).

Over $6 mln lotteries to fund NZ rugby world cup events.

A new 9.5 million NZ dollars (6. 9 million U.S. dollars) lotteries fund has been set up to support public events around next year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Rugby World Cup Minister of New Zealand Murray McCull said that a nationwide festival would showcase New Zealand's arts, food and wine, heritage, entertainment, experiences, and lifestyle during the cup. "The New Zealand 2011 Festival Lottery Fund will support all sorts of community events associated with the festival. This could include everything from concerts, fairs, and exhibitions, to street markets and parades," Murray McCull said in a statement. Funding could be used to pay for management and operating costs, publicity, and production costs and artists' fees. It will be the largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand.

"No surface tension".

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has announced the state of the playing surface a non-issue ahead of Saturday's trans-Tasman showdown with New Zealand, insisting his players would play on 'asphalt' if they had to. An intense Deans was forced to deflect a barrage of questions on the controversial Etihad Stadium pitch shortly after announcing two personnel changes to his starting side for the crucial Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup encounter.Berrick Barnes will line up at inside centre for the suspended Quade Cooper with Matt Giteau shifting to fly-half, while experienced rake Stephen Moore comes in for young star Saia Faingaa."I have no concerns about it, it's a level playing field for both sides," said Deans. "We'll play on asphalt if we have to, it doesn't matter." He said "It's a Bledisloe Test match happening in Melbourne this weekend and that's fantastic. It'll be a great occasion, a great game, it'll be great theatre and there'll be an awful lot for people to enjoy." The AFL Players' Association threatened a boycott of matches at Etihad Stadium on Monday before the league and stadium management agreed on a series of improvements to the ground which will also host two AFL matches this weekend.But Deans is adamant the shifting surface won't be a problem come Saturday night. All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said the Kiwis would put longer studs in their boots and hope for the best." I've heard there's a bit of talk about the surface but at the end of the day we can't change it, we've just got to get on with it," McCaw said."I guess one thing is that with the roof shut it won't be wet so that's a positive. I'm sure it will be fine."he said.

Pressure is on Joe Rokocoko.

Joe Rokocoko,The New Zealand star, has admitted he is under pressure ahead of Saturday's Tri-Nations clash with Australia in Melbourne. He missed his side's most recent match of the competition with a hamstring injury, but is back in the starting XV for the trip to Melbourne on Saturday. However, coach Graham Henry has interested to play the most experienced Rokocoko, but he is fully aware of what is expected of him if he is to keep his place in the side.Too polite but congratulatory for his team mates, Rokocoko joked that his reinstatement was unlikely to draw unanimous cheers."I'm just used to it. I'm the man most wanted at the moment in New Zealand, they'll take my head off," Rokocoko said. "It's not only Dagg, there's another 1000 wingers in New Zealand ... This is just the first tier of guys that are coming up in their careers." "If I know I can't do the black jersey justice and play to my best, then it's a better option for me to leave and carry on." he said."Obviously the World Cup (in 2011) is going to be a major goal. The main goal is just getting on this team."Henry added: "Obviously he's under pressure. There's other guys playing well in that position. We've gone for the guy who's been there and done it and done it well in the past.""Any ball that goes behind, our eyes just light up because we get excited it's our chance to get into the game."

Barnes replaces suspended Cooper for Wallabies

Australia's forgotten man Berrick Barnes has been recalled to the starting line-up for Saturday's Tri-Nations game against New Zealand in Melbourne. Barnes, who has endured a dramatic fall from vice-captain to bench player this season, will make his second start of the Test campaign at inside centre in the absence of suspended playmaker Quade Cooper. Matt Giteau and Berrick Barnes will combine in the Australian backline for the first time this year in Saturday's Tri-Nations Test against New Zealand.With Quade Cooper unavailable through suspension, Giteau moves in one position to five-eighth while Barnes gains his second start of 2010 at inside centre. Only Stephen Larkham (87) and Michael Lynagh (64) have appeared mores times as a fly-half for Australia than Giteau, who has played 39 of his 82 Tests in the position. Barnes has played 17 of his previous 23 Tests as an inside centre, replacing Giteau in that position for the final eight minutes of last Saturday's Tri Nations opener in Brisbane. Faingaa has been named on the reserves bench alongside twin brother Anthony, who earlier appeared for the Australian Barbarians in both of their tour matches against England. It is not all bad news for the Faingaa family on the selection front, with Saia's twin brother Anthony in line to make his Test debut after being elevated to the bench. Should the Faingaas take the field, they will become the 40th set of brothers to have appeared for Australia in Test matches.The only other change to the bench sees Matt Hodgson return from a groin strain at the expense of his Western Force team-mate Ben McCalman.The night will be a special one for lock Nathan Sharpe as he ties the Australian record held by former skipper John Eales for the most caps earned by a Wallabies second rower. Sharpe, who made his debut against France in Melbourne eight years ago, will be lining up in his 84th Test.

Australia: Adam Ashley Cooper, James O'Connor, Rob Horne, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Will Genia, Benn Robinson, Stephen Moore, Salesi Maafu, Dean Mumm, Nathan Sharpe, Rocky Elsom (capt), David Pocock.

Replacements: Saia Faingaa, James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Matt Hodgson, Luke Burgess, Anthony Faingaa, Kurtley Beale.

Australia lose Cooper ban appeal

Australia will be without Quade Cooper for its Bledisloe Cup opener against New Zealand on Saturday night after the exciting playmaker lost his appeal against suspension.Australia's appeal against fly-half Quade Cooper's two-match ban has been turned down by a review panel.The Wallabies appealed the ban on the basis that it was a comparatively harsh punishment compared to those handed out to similar offences by two South African players.They had been hoping the penalty would be reduced to one match, but after a five-hour hearing the SANZAR officials opted to uphold the initial ban. Meanwhile Cooper was cited in the Wallabies' 30-13 trouncing of South Africa in Brisbane last weekend for a dangerous tackle on Springbok Morne Steyn.Cooper says he is disappointed with the decision.Coach Robbie Deans believes Cooper had a fair hearing."The critical message out of this for Quade is, and for any subsequent players who find themselves in this circumstance is, that once you get into this arena and you're in this predicament, you lose control of your own destiny," he said.

Jaque Fourie banned for four weeks.

Springbok Jaque Fourie has been banned for four weeks for a dangerous tackle in Saturday's 30-13 defeat to Australia. The suspension, which ends on August 22, covers three matches, including South Africa's Tri-Nations' Test against New Zealand in Johannesburg on the previous day and two domestic Currie Cup games.Australia fly-half Quade Cooper was also cited for a dangerous tackle but was only handed a two-week ban because of "mitigating circumstances".Cooper's previous good disciplinary record was one factor taken into consideration, but the 22-year-old will now miss next Saturday's match against New Zealand in Melbourne and the 7 August Bledisloe Cup test in Christchurch following his spear tackle on opposite number Morne Steyn, for which he was sin-binned.South African winger Jean de Villiers was suspended for two weeks for a dangerous tackle during the Springboks' 31-17 defeat to New Zealand last week in Wellington, while lock Bakkies Botha was banned for nine weeks for headbutting scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan in their 32-12 loss to the All Blacks in Auckland on 10 July.The world champions are struggling to retain the Tri-Nations' title they won last year.

2010 Tri-Nations, Melbourne: Joe Rokocoko fit to face Australia.

Joe Rokocoko will become New Zealand's most-capped winger when he plays in their Tri-Nations game against Australia in Melbourne on Saturday. He has recovered from a hamstring injury and will play his 64th Test while Jimmy Cowan replaces new father Piri Weepu at scrum half."I'm the man most wanted in New Zealand at the moment," he mused, in relation to public criticism that he is past his best."Everyone wants to take my head off."Fellow elder statesman Mils Muliaina has already survived a challenge by Israel Dagg -- the talented fullback then showed wing was not beyond his capabilities when he scored a fine individual try against South Africa in Wellington.Rokocoko has been preferred to specialist wing men Zac Guildford, and Hosea Gear - and his experience guaranteed inclusion against the Wallabies though even his loyal defender Graham Henry acknowledged the scorer of 46 Test tries was still on trial.

Australia Squad: AA Cooper, J O'Connor, R Horne, B Barnes, D Mitchell, M Giteau, W Genia; R Brown, D Pocock, R Elsom (captain), N Sharpe, D Mumm, S Ma'afu, S Moore, B Robinson.

Replacements: S Faingaa, J Slipper, R Simmons, M Hodgson, L Burgess, A Faingaa, K Beale.

New Zealand Squad: M Muliaina, C Jane, C Smith, Ma'a Nonu, J Rokocoko, D Carter, J Cowan, K Read, R McCaw (captain), J Kaino, T Donnelly, B Thorn, O Franks, K Mealamu, T Woodcock.

Replacements: C Flynn, B Franks, S Whitelock, V Vito, P Weepu, A Cruden, I Dagg