All Blacks have the luck of the draw. (Tri nations)

[Hawko]

AB's have six games in ten weeks, Boks have six in nine, WB's have six in eight. Fatigue means we have the worst of it but everyone is going to be utterly stuffed by the end. There will be lots of injuries and more than the 22 will be needed by all three teams because fatigue makes you more injury prone. I worry that the frequency is cheapening the product. (Yes I know we need the bucks but too much is counter-productive).

The only thing that gives me heart is that I reckon almost every position has at least three people who have put their hand up in the S14. The areas of concern are 15 after AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and Hynes, 13 after Ioane, 9 after Genia, 8 after Palu.

 

[PaarlBok]

IRB help funding the Argies into the TriNations
Sport24

Rugby

Pumas: $10m Tri-Nations boost
2010-03-29 15:44Email | Print

Tri-Nations logo (File)

Dublin - Rugby union's governing body, the International Rugby Board (IRB), on Monday pledged $10m to help fund Argentina's entry into an expanded Tri Nations in 2012.

The package will see the IRB "substantially underwrite the Pumas entry into the Southern Hemisphere's showcase international rugby competition with an unprecedented investment of $2.5m per year over the period 2012-2015 subject to SANZAR conditions being met".

The IRB's contribution is in addition to the multi-million dollar investment being made by SANZAR to facilitate the inclusion of Argentina in the Tri Nations, currently comprised of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

SANZAR conditions, set in September when the decision to admit Argentina was taken, guarantee that Argentina's best players, many of whom play for top clubs in Europe, will be available for the competition, protecting the Tri Nations as the elite competition for the Southern Hemisphere's best players.

"This announcement represents another significant milestone in the process of Argentina's integration into the Tri Nations and is an extremely exciting development for the Argentina Rugby Union and rugby fans around the world," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

"The IRB recognises the substantial strategic financial and operational commitment that the SANZAR Unions are making to assist Argentina's inclusion and we will continue to work in close collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure a sustainable financial platform to make Argentina's transition as smooth as possible.

"It is now essential that all elements are delivered, including the participation of Argentina's top players. I would like to express my thanks to SANZAR for its continued commitment to the process," added Lapasset.

In September Argentina were conditionally invited to join the Tri-Nations tournament from 2012.

 

[disco]

The areas of concern are 15 after AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and Hynes, 13 after Ioane, 9 after Genia, 8 after Palu.

Agreed Hawko,

I think Horne if he remains fit can play test rugby at 13 so can AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), I know it's early but i'd have no problems with Huxley returning to the Wallabies he played well in 2007 at that level while Latham was out.

8 & 9 are big problem as there are options but no proven replacements at test level so it may be a shock or huge surprise if someone is asked to step up.

I really have no idea who I'd pick at 8 if Cliffy Broke down probably Hodgson ATM.

 

[PaarlBok]

Picking a Wallaby team at this stage , laughable, still to much S14 rugby to be played.