22 THE IRISH TIMES Tuesday, October 4, 2005 SportsNews

Rugby News round-up French flair makes skills Munster camp a tour de force passed up chance to sign Lomu

Gerry Thornley given they are idle the following Gerry Thornley weekend, this is ’s Munster, it has emerged, may have last opportunity to try out combina- On Rugby been favourites at one stage of tions and see players back from ’s long-running transfer injury before their opening kills, skills, skills. More than anything, saga to a European club to sign the European Cup tie, away to the high- that’s what teenage rugby players should legendary All Black winger. Cer- flying Sale Sharks. be learning in the years that are the tainly that was the belief within the Hence, Pitout – who has under- windows of opportunity. But are they? Is , and Munster sources gone four operations after a pin Sthe much-vaunted Irish schools/underage have confirmed they were in inserted in the leg he broke playing system, which undoubtedly helps produce great advanced negotiations with Lomu’s for the Springbok Sevens last players, achieving this aim as much as it could? agent before Cardiff signed him last January became infected – may well The bottom line, are they even enjoying the week. come into the Munster side after game as much as they could? “Yes it’s true that we were a long arriving from South Africa Sure, they’re often playing for schools that way down the road with him and yesterday. have a great tradition and are the lifeblood of perhaps might have had first option Kidney might also give Shaun rugby in this country. They often compete in on him at one point,” admitted a Payne, and/or front of big crowds and, for better or worse, are Munster spokesperson yesterday. David Wallace game time if any or exposed to more media coverage than their And Lomu himself is believed to all of them recover from recent counterparts in any other sport. They learn much have been in contact with his old All short-term injuries. He is expected about the nature of high-profile, knockout rugby, Black team-mate Christian Cullen. to announce his squad tomorrow how to perform in the context of team patterns However, Munster were ulti- and his team later in the week. and how to win. But winning isn’t everything at mately reluctant to gamble on a His counterpart underage level. It’s not even the most important player who has played only one will definitely be without Guy thing. Nurturing talent is, especially if it leads to game in the last three years, Martin Easterby not only for next Sunday’s fulfilment in a senior career. Johnson’s testimonial last May at game but also for the opening two Summertime, away from competition, Twickenham. rounds of the European Cup after provides the best opening, and, along with the To even be back on a pitch confirmation the scrumhalf schools and others, into this breach boldly steps playing was a miraculous achieve- suffered a broken jaw in Leinster’s the Rugby and French camp in Soustons, north ment for a player who, after the 1995 hard-earned win over Ulster. of Biarritz (www.rugbyandfrench.com). Held Jonah Lomu, here on the charge in New Zealand’s 40-29 win over Ireland in November 2001, was in talks, through his agent, with Munster and 1999 World Cups, was undoubt- Easterby will be sidelined for an over July and August, and recently having and might have ended up playing alongside David Wallace (left) and had Cardiff not stepped in. – (Photograph: Getty Images) edly the biggest name in the global estimated six to eight weeks, which completed a sixth summer, it is run by the game, but since then his career has would rule him out of Ireland’s former Wanderers centre Nigel Osborne and the been blighted by nephrotic syn- opening autumn international, one-time Harlequins back-five forward Bill drome, which necessitated a kidney against the All Blacks, and probably Davison at the impressive Camp Nautique de transplant last year. the ensuing games against Australia L’Isle Verte, and is attended by mostly Irish and Dallaglio bounces back Munster were committed to and Romania. English kids between the ages of 12 and 15. signing Anton Pitout – the Brian O’Meara will thus be Similar camps are held there by the French 28-year-old winger-cum-centre expected to start, with Brian Federation for young rugby players in the Lawrence Dallaglio promised on Initial estimates placed his the modern game. ability we’ll have to wait and see. from the Cheetahs’ Currie Cup team O’Riordan back on the bench after southwest/Landes region. Their players stay in the day after having a plate and five recovery time at between four and But he made himself available for “No matter who you are or what – so their interest switched to Gary recovering from a pre-season ankle chalets, the Irish and English in tents, which screws inserted into his broken six months, but Dallaglio insisted a third Lions tour, and after that was you have done in the game, form Connolly. The former Britain and injury to play in the A game Osborne believes is more conducive to a family ankle that he would be back in from his hospital bed that it would wrecked by his injury just 17 min- and fitness are very, very impor- Ireland rugby league international between Leinster and Ulster last atmosphere as well as keeping down costs action by October – and he has been be sooner rather than later. utes into the opening game the pros- tant.” was signed at relatively short notice Friday. Sunday’s game should also (excessive at just over ¤1,000, due in the main to true to his word. After four months of intense pect of an England return began to England head coach Andy Rob- in time for the Heineken European see make his 50th the cost of flights). Wasps have confirmed Dallaglio physio, he is ready to take his first formulate. inson would welcome Dallaglio Cup deadline last Thursday after appearance for Leinster. There are three billiard-top pitches adjacent will be in the squad for Friday’s step on what could be the final “When you have had a long-term back into the fold. Declan Kidney noticed his possible ● Welsh outhalf Stephen Jones to the lake, a short walk from Soustons village Anglo-Welsh Cup clash with Car- journey of his career, one the injury the main priority is to get “I would love Lawrence to put availability just over a week ago. faces a race against time to be fit for and a 20-minute cycle from the beach, as well as diff at the Causeway Stadium. former England captain hopes will back on to the rugby pitch in a black himself forward to play for England Connolly duly scored twice on his country’s clash with New an array of nautical equipment and qualified Dallaglio underwent surgery in lead to more World Cup glory. shirt, playing for Wasps. Then we’ll again. He is still a great player,” he his debut in the win over Connacht Zealand on November 5th. He badly instructors, to help keep the players in camp Auckland on June 5th after he was Dallaglio retired from England be able to see what level I am at,” said this weekend. last Saturday. twisted an ankle playing for his club busy with kayaking, windsurfing and the like. caught awkwardly under a pile of duty as captain in September 2004, Dallaglio said recently. “The crucial thing is for him to Munster entertain Leinster in an side, Clermont Auvergne, on All overseen by the professional, unflustered bodies in the Lions’ opening tour just days before Clive Woodward “I have the desire to play interna- get back playing and get back to eagerly awaited Celtic League clash Saturday and has been told he needs Christophe Andignac, even the restaurant match against Bay of Plenty. quit, citing the “brutal demands” of tional rugby, but whether I have the where he used to be.” at Musgrave Park next Sunday and four weeks to recover. provides three healthy, well-balanced meals a day that Jamie Oliver would approve of. But what else would you expect from the French? There are also daily conversational Sports Digest Soccer News National League Premier Division French lessons run by two of Osborne’s eight-strong staff, Sara McDonald (formerly Francois Pienaar’s assistant at Saracens) and Elaine Coughlan. But most of all the emphasis is very much on the rugby skills instilled by Museeuw Mikel transfer Still no luck Osborne and Davison as well as Henric Gervais, Simon O’Hare, Niall Best, Peter Burns and Ron Boucher, five of Osborne’s protégés during his four-year stint as Wanderers under-20s coach. “Primarily it’s a rugby holiday,” says Osborne. faces charges saga continues for St Patrick’s “It’s the first real rugby tour for virtually all of them, with all the good elements of rugby tours, meeting and making mates for life, while ■ CYCLING: The 1996 world ■ EQUESTRIAN: Jessica Kurten Daniel Taylor and St Patrick’s played off the front enjoying their rugby and developing their skills.” champion, Johan Museeuw of won a car for finishing third in the Bohemians 1 foot until the break. Divided into junior and senior sections, each Belgium, is among 11 former Euroclassics final at Bremen yesterday criticised The breakthrough was made morning there is an intensive skills session of cyclists and their associates who yesterday, reports Grania Willis. Chelsea for their behaviour over St Patrick’s Athletic 1 seven minutes into the second half. about 90 minutes. Initially very basic, passing in face charges in a court in Courtrai, Kurten had picked up a succession the John Obi Mikel transfer by Larsen held up play inside the area, groups of four off both hands unopposed and Flanders, relating to banned of placings, including a win with describing the situation as “dis- Paul O’Hehir but when attempting to offload he then with an emphasis on running at the inside performance-enchancing drugs, a Quibell on Sunday at the German gusting”. was upended by James Keddy and shoulders of one, two and ultimately three prosecutor in the Belgian town said fixture, and was one of eight double The Manchester United manager And so the search continues for Michael Foley blasted the penalty defenders, the progress is eye-catching. yesterday, reports William clears in yesterday’s final. Once is convinced Mikel wants to fulfil luckless St Patrick’s. Without a win past Gregg. With communication the key, the mantra of Fotheringham. again teamed up with Quibell, the contract he signed in April to since July, they came close to But Bohemians levelled after 69 the week appears to be Osborne loudly intoning A formal request that Museeuw Kurten retired the mare against the become a United player in January amending that unwanted record minutes when Tony Grant fired “two hands, two hands” as the players become and the others face a court hearing clock when Ludger Beerbaum’s 2006. Mikel has since claimed he last night, but, having taken the more adept at running straight, passing before or will be made on October 11th, said target time of 35.59 proved out of would rather join Chelsea and that lead, they were reduced to 10 men out of contact, keeping the ball alive and moving Tom Janssens, a spokesman for the reach. he regrets saying he would move to and restricted to a share of the HowTheyStand ● at tempo, but their tackling techniques and how Courtrai prosecutors’ office. Details in SPORTS ROUND-UP , but, in private, he has night’s prize. P W D L F A Pts to take a hit (with an emphasis on safety) and Neither Museeuw nor the team ■ ATHLETICS: Barcelona has assured Ferguson he still wants to Judging by the performance, City ...... 2517 6 2421357 rucking, also improve collectively. They are also that currently employs him as a offered itself as a replacement for play for him but has been forced to John Obi Mikel: tug of war though, it won’t be long before they Derry City ...... 2617 6 3462257 encouraged to try things and make mistakes. public relations officer, Quickstep, Madrid as a possible venue for the say otherwise. between United and Chelsea get the victory that eases their rele- Shelbourne ...... 2614 6 6482548 And this particular group benefits from having was available for comment 2010 European Championships “I don’t believe it’s true that gation fears. Drogheda Utd ...... 26 911 6342738 Longford Town ..... 2610 8 8242138 Gary Foley, a mature, driven and talented yesterday but the cyclist has denied after the Spanish capital withdrew Mikel doesn’t want to join Man- of the world’s most precocious tal- Both sides played enterprising Bohemians...... 26 10 6 10 31 34 36 15-year-old, and his CBC sidekicks Steve Boucher all charges against him. following its unsuccessful bid to chester United; I believe he has ents. Chelsea had been convinced football during a bright opening UCD ...... 26 6 1010 21 32 28 and David Lewis, as leaders. After their busy Museeuw is “accused of hold the 2012 Olympics. been forced to say it,” said Fer- he would sign for them, having spell. Bohemians were perhaps Bray Wanderers .... 26 7 514304526 afternoons and French lessons, the players put possession of the blood boosters “The (EAA) European Athletics guson. “His family have been put received verbal assurances. more adventurous in their applica- Shamrock Rvrs ..... 26 9 611294025 into practice what they’ve learnt with evening erythropoietin and aranesp, and Association Council decided that under huge pressure and the Relations have also been tested tion and winger John Paul Kelly typ- St. Patrick’s...... 26 5 912202824 Waterford Utd...... 26 5 516204220 games. An abiding image is of the barefoot, dexomethasone (a steroidal the RFEA may substitute the city of circumstances are very sad. The between United and their League ified their willingness to stretch the Finn Harps ...... 25 4 615203618 shirtless Osborne and his fellow coaches among anti-inflammatory)”, Janssens said Barcelona for Madrid,” the EAA manner in which he and his family Cup third-round opponents Barnet. visitors. He sprayed superb cross- their willing pupils as they go through those yesterday. said yesterday. The evaluation have been treated and pressurised The League Two club, racked with field balls which had the St Patrick’s early evening practice games, the heat having by Museeuw was banned in procedure will start with Barcelona is, quite frankly, disgusting.” debt, have refused to be cowed by players scrambling, but, more often home from the spot after Seán then relented slightly. October 2004 for two years by the and the decision on the venue will United feel so strongly about the United in a David and Goliath than not, the player on the receiving O’Connor was sent off for a foul on They absorb like sponges, the learning curve Belgian Cycling Federation for the be taken in April 2006. matter they have asked Fifa to ratify dispute over ticket prices for their end spurned the chance. Stephen Rice in the area. is rapid, and proof of this comes with games use of performance-enhancing ■ MOTOR SPORT: Rain has Mikel is their player and extinguish forthcoming tie at Old Trafford. St Patrick’s too were keen to get In the end, St Patrick’s were some- against their French counterparts on the eighth drugs but by then he had been forced BAR to put on hold an any hopes Chelsea may have of Anticipating the biggest payday forward, and strikers Ger Rowe and what fortunate to escape with a day, played in 28 degrees, complete with retired for six months. attempt to run a Formula One car signing him. Ferguson said recently in their history, Barnet have Glen Larsen looked to probe. The point as Bohemians bombarded anthems, refereed by Osborne and one of the Museeuw’s distinguished career faster than ever before. Water the “problem” emanated from angered United by turning down a duo combined for their first chance, their goal until the end. French staff. The Irish juniors are up against a included two victories in the covered the track on the Bonneville where Mikel’s agent John Shittu request from Old Trafford to cut but when goalkeeper Matt Gregg BOHEMIANS: Gregg; Rice, Oman, Collins, Byrne; Hunt; Kelly; Harkin, Keddy, Ward; Grant. Subs: more talented and bigger French team, but keep season-long World Cup series and Salt Flats in north-west Utah and was taking his orders and he prices for the tie. Fearing the match parried Rowe’s stinging shot, O’Brien for Collins (60). Booked: Kelly (24), Byrne their heads to score one try after conceding six. 13 wins in one-day Classic races. forecasts suggested it would not expanded on that yesterday, saying will otherwise be played in a half- Larsen headed the rebound over. (39). But the seniors are brilliant. With their first He never tested positive during evaporate before the scheduled the player’s representatives “appar- empty stadium, United say they As the half progressed, play ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC: Ryan; Prenderville, play they set the tone, outhalf Anthony Doyle his 16-year career, calling into running from October 5th-8th. ently work for Chelsea”. wanted to make tickets available for became disjointed, and the change Maguire, Caffrey, Frost; Brennan, Perth, Foley, O’Connor; Larsen, Rowe. Subs: Doyle for Rowe (81), from Newcastlewest skip-passes to Foley, who question the worth of the current Formula One’s current racetrack Although Mikel is virtually £15-£25 for adults – the maximum in pace and direction disrupted Dunne for Larsen (90). Booked: Perth (63), Rowe draws the man and puts Patrick Simpkin, a drug-testing regime. speed record of 372kph was set by unknown in England, United and price is normally £41 – and £5 for Bohemians – though Fergal Harkin (71). Sent off: O’Connor (68). fullback from Mullingar who came here two ● Guardian Service Juan Pablo Montoya. Chelsea are acutely aware he is one under-16s. ● Guardian Service did go close with a 40-yard free – Referee: I Stokes (Dublin). summers previously as a lock, into space. Crucially he has the presence to link again. Foley opens the scoring with an unstoppable SportsRound-Up straight run through the middle. Four more Irish tries follow, the last two an expression of their ■ Eathorne (Can) 69 76 67, S Louden 69 73 70, A 71 76 222 - S Turner 74 70 78, A Hung (Tha) 76 69 garvey. Ties to be played November 5th. Bye to Weston, Cooke v Midleton. Ties to be played ■ Equestrian Sport Song (Kor) 7172 69, W Ward 65 72 75, M Lee (Kor) 77, J Moodie (Sco) 73 72 77 223 - M Lovander 74 round two: Clontarf. Bye to round three: Hermes, October 15th-16th. Bye to round two: Yeats County, Tennis week in camp; awareness in possession, two EUROCLASSICS FINAL (Bremen, Germany): 1) 71 71 70, E Dahllof (Swe) 68 69 75, P Creamer 68 70 79 224 - K Weiss 73 72 79 225 - W Doolan Loreto, Railway Union, Cork Church of Ireland, Cork NUIG, Avoca, Swords, Cobh, Mallow, Wexford II and WTA RANKINGS: 1 Maria Sharapova (Rus) hands on the ball, passing at pace, offloading in Champion Du Lys; Ludger Beerbaum (Ger) Faults 72 72 213 - T Barrett 70 66 77, H Kim 71 68 74, G (Aus) 68 77 80. Harlequins, Ballymoney, Pegasus and Randalstown. Kilkenny II. 4768pts, 2 Lindsay Davenport (USA) 4619, 3 Kim the tackle until eventually they run in their 0/0/0 Time 35.59 2) Candy; Alois Pollmann- Park (Kor) 66 71 76, L Ochoa (Mex) 68 75 70, M PGA TRAINEES’ TOURNAMENT PRO-AM (at City- IRISH JUNIOR CUP (Women) — First round: ■ Soccer Clijsters (Bel) 4404, 4 Amelie Mauresmo (Fra) scores untouched. By the end, you’d have Schweckhorst (Ger) Faults 0/0/0 Time 36.38 3) Estill 69 72 72, J Rosales (Phi) 66 70 77, J Inkster west) 62 (-3) - J Foster (Malone). 63 - A O’Sullivan Wexford v Ards II, Muckross v Galway, Genesis v 3927, 5 Justine Henin-Hardenne (Bel) 2935, 6 Quibell; Jessica Kurten (Irl) Faults 0/0/Ret. 31 70 68 75 214 - J Erdmann-Crooks 70 71 73, C (Royal Dublin), K McGivern (Warrenpoint). 66 -C Skerries, Belfast Harlequins II v Diocesan, Priorians ENGLISH LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP Mary Pierce (Fra) 2908, 7 Venus Williams (USA) reasonably wondered which team was French. starters. Troche 70 72 72, S Lim (Mal) 71 71 72, K Stupples Moriarty (Donaghadee), M Staunton (Black Bush). II v Naas, Clontarf II v PSNI, Corinthian II v Loreto II, QPR ...... (1) 1 Crystal Palace ...... (2) 3 2883, 8 Elena Dementieva (Rus) 2617, 9 Nadia The feedback from the kids was proof they ■ (Eng) 68 76 70, M Hart 67 71 76, B Kim (Kor) 72 67 - T Flanagan (Heritage). 68 - DJ Ryan (Portmar- Greenfields v North Kildare, Univ of II v Ainsworth 19 Reich 14 17 Petrova (Rus) 2481, 10 Patty Schnyder (Swi) 2445, Golf 68 74, S Steinhauer 71 70 73, K Williams 72 71 nock), P McClelland (Portadown), L Mulligan (Bray), Pegasus II, Larne v Three Rock II, Suttonians v Car- Soares 89 11 Serena Williams (USA) 2383, 12 Anastasia loved the setting, the facilities, the activities, but LPGA TOUR OFFICE DEPOT CHAMPIONSHIP 71, H Bowie 67 70 77, M Hjorth (Swe) 68 69 77, J P Vaughan (Downpatrick), M Collins (Fermoy), D rick, Kilkenny v Randalstown II, Trinity II v Banbridge, P W D L F A Pts Myskina (Rus) 2266, 13 Alicia Molik (Aus) 1787, most of all the coaching. Provincial clubs like (Trump National GC, Los Angeles) – Final totals (US Mills (Aus) 69 72 73 215 - C Koch (Swe) 71 72 72, Gleeson (PGA National). Team: 97 pts - P McClel- Aer Lingus v Waterford, Our Lady’s v Raphoe, 14 Svetlana Kuznetsova (Rus) 1765, 15 Nathalie unless stated, par 72): 201 - Hee-Won Han (Kor) 65 Sheff Utd ...... 12100 2251230 Naas, Clonmel and Thurles send groups every J Lee (Kor) 72 71 72, G Park (Kor) 74 70 71, A land (Portadown) with Pat Doolin (11), Frank Arch- Hermes II v Kilkeel, Ballyclare II v Cork Harlequins II, Reading ...... 12 8 3 1 21 7 27 Dechy (Fra) 1693. year. And many players, such as the most recent 68 68 203 - Soo-Yun Kang (Kor) 71 66 66 205 -C Hanna 71 72 72, K Allison 68 72 75 216 - J Kang bold (13), Martin Joyce (18). UCD II v Lurgan, Lisnagarvey II v NUIG, Old Alex- ATP CHAMPIONS RACE: 1 Roger Federer (Swi) Matthew (Sco) 69 68 68 206 - K Icher (Fra) 65 68 Luton ...... 12 7 3 2 19 11 24 Blackrock wunderkind Luke Fitzgerald and his (Kor) 68 77 71, P Hurst 72 68 76, S Lee 68 74 74, ■ andra II v Knock II, Bray v Railway Union II, Cork Wolverhampton ...... 12 5 4 3 17 11 19 1245pts, 2 Rafael Nadal (Spa) 853, 3 Andy Rod- 73, N Gulbis 66 69 71 207 - J Jang (Kor) 67 66 74, C Kim 74 68 74 217 - C Kung (Tpe) 70 71 76, S Hockey Church of Ireland II v Pembroke Wanderers II, Glen- dick (USA) 548, 4 Lleyton Hewitt (Aus) 498, 5 fellow Leinster schools player David Moore, K Hull (Aus) 68 70 69 208 - M Baena 68 69 71 Watford...... 12 5 4 3 20 15 19 Arricau (Fra) 73 71 73, E Bastel 72 71 74, B IRISH SENIOR CUP (Women) — First round: anne v University of Jordanstown. Ties to be played Leeds ...... 11 5 3 3 13 10 18 Andre Agassi (USA) 455, 6 Guillermo Coria (Arg) have attended several summers in a row. 209 - M Kim (Kor) 67 69 73, A Sorenstam (Swe) 69 Morgan (Wal) 72 69 76, M Nagl (Ger) 69 76 72 Corinthian v North Down, Knock v Old Alexandra, October 22nd. Bye to round two: Bandon II, Cole- 422, 7 Nikolay Davydenko (Rus) 378, 8 Marat Safin 70 70, Y Jo (Kor) 71 67 71, K Saiki 69 71 69 210 - Crystal Palace...... 11 5 2 4 16 11 17 Admittedly, how much of what these young 218 - M McKay (Sco) 72 73 73 219 - L Walker- Owls v Ashton, UCD v UCC, Armagh v Bandon, raine II, Catholic Institute II, Fermoy, Greenfields, Southampton...... 12 3 8 1 13 10 17 (Rus) 346, 9 Gaston Gaudio (Arg) 344, 10 Mariano M Redman 68 68 74, B Daniel 69 68 73, S Hyun Galway v Priorians, Portadown v Belvedere, Bally- players learn in a mere 10 days and can be Cooper 74 71 74, K Samp 72 68 79, B Burton 71 Portadown II, Ashton II, UCC II and Victorians II. Ipswich ...... 12 5 2 5 12 17 17 Puerta (Arg) 322, 11 David Ferrer (Spa) 274, 12 Ahn (Kor) 71 68 71, R Jones 68 70 72 211 -N 73 75 220 - D D'Alessio 75 70 75, E Blasberg 75 clare v Three Rock, Victorians v Ards, Pembroke Wan- MAY COSTLEY (Women) — First round: Moyne Richard Gasquet (Fra) 266, 12 David Nalbandian Taylor (Aus) 69 73 69, Il Mi Chung (Kor) 70 72 69, J QPR...... 12 4 4 4 11 15 16 retained is debatable. But, the more the better, 68 77, S Pettersen (Nor) 75 70 75, H Lunke 70 74 derers v Trinity, Omagh v Coleraine, Cookstown v Thurles v Gorey, Enniscorthy II v Cookstown, Dro- Stoke ...... 12 5 1 6 12 19 16 (Arg) 266, 14 Fernando Gonzalez (Chi) 263, 15 one would guess. [email protected] Hullett 68 69 74, N Perrot (Chi) 65 72 74, M Dunn 76, R Higashio (Jpn) 74 69 77 221 - S Ah Yim (Kor) Univ of Limerick, Parkview v Belfast Harlequins, Bally- more v Newbridge, Univ of Ulster II v Portlaoise, Derg Juan Carlos Ferrero (Spa) 257, 15 Thomas 71 71 69, L Neumann (Swe) 72 66 73 212 -AJ Cardiff ...... 11 4 3 4 15 14 15 71 73 77, J Daniels 67 78 76, H Daly-Donofrio 74 mena v Catholic Institute, Civil Service v Lisna- Valley v Dungarvan, DCU v Athlone, Carlow v Norwich...... 12 4 3 5 13 13 15 Johansson (Swe) 257,