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INTERNATIONAL RUGBY

With the Six Nations Trophy and Triple Crown shield carefully tucked away Welsh coach Warren Gatland (left) would be excused for resting on his laurels but the Kiwi wants to get back into the limelight by leading the British and Irish Lions next year.

 

While the rest of Wales continues to celebrate the unexpected triumph the new boss says he's eager for more challenges .

He said " If theres a chance to get involved at some level (with the Lions) that would be a huge honour but I have to make sure I don't neglect Wales."

Should Gatland get to manage the Lions then he'll lead them into battle against South Africa next year. However he will get a chance to see the Springboks at first hand this Summer when Wales travel to face the World Champions for a two test tour in June before a return fixture at the Millenium Stadium in November.

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Welsh scrum half Dwayne Peel has confirmed he will transfer from Llanelli Scarlets to Sale Sharks at the end of the current season.

The 26 year old said in a short statement " The deal to stay at Llanelli was similar to that offered by Sale. It's about the fact that, not having lived outside Wales, I'd like to experience life in another country for a short period."

The news has come as a major shock to Welsh rugby fans expecially since the Welsh Rugby Union said just last week that players who play their club rugby outside Wales may harm their international selection chances.

Peel, who has been struggling with a shoulder injury, was named in Wales' 28-man squad for this season's Six Nations championship.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY

Welsh supporters who will make their way to the Millenium Stadium for tomorrow's clash with South Africa could be excused for fearing the worst.

While the Springboks were celebrating World Cup victory for the second time the Dragons were left scratching their heads as to where it all went so wrong - Wales crashing out to Fiji in the group stages.

Former All Black and coach of Ireland Warren Gatland is due to take over at Wales before the start of the Six Nations campaign next year but tomorrow caretaker coach Nigel Davies will be in charge of a Welsh team hoping to catch South Africa suffering from a celebration hangover.

Interestingly it emerged this week that the Wales Rugby Union (WRU) approached South African coach Jake White to replace Gareth Jenkins when the Welshman was sacked from the top job in the wake of the World Cup exit.

White explained why he was put off taking the job saying " I saw a stat which said that Wales had 16 coaches in 21 years and that is not something that you want to be putting your hand up for."

Player of the year Bryan Habana (pictured left scoring a try against Wales) is expected to play in tommorrow's clash.   

Getting over defeat in a World Cup Final takes time. But when the English management and players eventually put that loss to South Africa behind them they'll fully realise that in a few short weeks they've reinvigorated rugby in England.

To reach the last four in the world cup of rugby is a truly astounding feat for any nation.

The likes of Ireland for example have never made it past the last eight at the showpiece of the sport and so the achievement of Marcelo Loffreda's Argentina in France this year is simply out of this world.

The Pumas have arguably played the most exciting rugby at this year's tournament and they still have another opportunity to shine when they take on France in the third place play off game, a repeat of the opening game in this year's world cup which Argentina won.

And all of this from a proud nation where football is by far the number one sport and on par with a religion.

Just over a month ago in the Stade de France a South African team brimming with confidence flattened England on the humiliating score line of 36-0 to send out a clear message of intent to the world. The win ensured the Springboks were in the driving seat of Pool A and the performance of the English as well as the result was supposed to have signalled the end for the reigning World Champions.

England overcame the odds to beat Australia 12-10 in Marseille in the quarter-final clash of the Rugby World Cup, but can they now go on to retain their crown?

Pinnacle Sports has England best priced at 222/29 to hold on to their title.

If they do it looks like they will again have to rely on the boot of Jonny Wilkinson who kicked all 12 points against the Wallabies.  England will also be the first team to win the World Cup without winning all their matches as they lost a match in their pool.

After four years of mediocrity England may be on their last legs but the World Champions believe they have what it takes to break Australian hearts again in the Rugby World Cup. The finalists of four years ago lock horns in the Stade Velodrome in Marseille tomorrow to compete for a place in the semi-finals and a possible meeting with the mighty All Blacks. While England have limped into the last eight Australia have reached it with an element of ease thought Wales did put them under a degree of pressure in Cardiff. It would be the shock of shocks if Brian Ashton's side were to dump the wallabies out of the tournament and England will more than likely be parting company with the Webb Ellis trophy tomorrow evening.