Rugby: Gatland loses loosie ahead of two-test tour

Powerful loose forward Andy Powell has been ruled out of Wales' two-test tour of New Zealand.

The Cardiff Blues No 8 had been recalled by coach Warren Gatland following the infamous golf buggy incident during this season's Six Nations Championship, but tore a thigh muscle in training.

Newport-Gwent Dragons flanker Gavin Thomas will take Powell's place on tour, which features games against the All Blacks in Dunedin and Hamilton this month.

Powell was due to play in last night's international against a weakened South Africa but was replaced, even as Welsh hopes rode high of another piece of silverware.

After the Cardiff Blues lifted the Amlin Challenge Cup in Marseilles and the Ospreys hoisted the Magners League trophy in Dublin, the Prince William Cup was on the line on home soil at the Millennium Stadium overnight (NZT).

Only six of the Springbok XV that beat England in the 2007 World Cup final are playing - and only three starting in the same position.

Not that there would be less celebrating if Ryan Jones' side downed a weakened South Africa. The whole of Wales would be partying like it was 1999. As Warren Gatland, the national head coach, pointed out: "No one talks about the fact South Africa left 10 or 11 players at home on that occasion when Wales won."

That was on June 26, 1999, the opening event at a yet to be fully completed Millennium Stadium: a 29-19 success secured with tries by Mark Taylor and Gareth Thomas and 19 points from the boot of Neil Jenkins. It remains the only Welsh win in 104 years of playing the Springboks.

"I don't care who we're playing against in terms of individuals," Gatland said. "We just want to win. If we can win against South Africa it gives us great confidence going on tour."

After this, Gatland will bring his players to his native New Zealand for tests against the All Blacks in Dunedin on June 19 and Hamilton on June 26.

Wales have never won in this country and their prospects of making history are not helped by the absence of several key players: the injured prop Gethin Jenkins and winger Shane Williams, rested flanker Martyn Williams.

James Hook is due for shoulder surgery but at least Wales had the inside centre against the Boks last night.

Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers, handed debuts to the Stormers trio Juan De Jongh at inside centre, Gio Aplan on the right wing and Francois Low at blindside flanker.

"There are guys here who have the opportunity to prove themselves and become contenders for places in the squad going forward," he said.

So no Bryan Habana or Schalk Burger, but no Springbok coach contemplates defeat.

"We come here as a full-blooded Springbok team and we expect to perform. Our aim is to be successful."

Meanwhile Springbok first five-eighths Morne Steyn has agreed a new contract with the Super 14 winning Bulls, saying he is "not very keen" to play rugby overseas despite offers from Europe.

Steyn will stay in Pretoria until 2013 after the South African team announced a new deal. The 25-year-old Steyn said he had no reason to leave after scoring a single-season record 263 points in this year's Super 14 as the Bulls won their third title.

Steyn said he had been approached by European clubs but said "the grass is not necessarily greener on the other side."

The prolific Steyn, who also kicked a record 51 penalties this season, was been rested for last night's one-off test against Wales.

- INDEPENDENT