Bush tipped to watch game amid tight security

US President George W. Bush may attend a Rugby World Cup game while he is in Sydney next month.

There is speculation that Bush could take in a match during his flying visit.

If he does, it will add to the already-tight security being set up for the cup games.

Anti-war and student groups have planned major protests against Bush during his visit to Australia.

And cup security officials have also been alarmed by on-field violence against players and referees, including South African fan Pieter van Zyl's assault on Irish referee David McHugh during the All Black-Springbok test last year.

Such incidents - and other less harmful but still disruptive antics, such as streaking - will be targeted by the New South Wales Government's new Sporting Venues (Pitch Invasions) Bill.

The bill will give added teeth to police and security agencies already armed with sweeping powers.

The law will impose maximum fines of A$5500 for disruption of games in the state, and outlaw political protests and banners.

Anyone thrown out of one stadium would be banned from all other World Cup games.

More serious problems and threats will be dealt with by an army of specialist counter-terror soldiers and police.

The Australian Defence Force is mobilising its units under the code-name Operation Scrummage.

Tactical assault groups based in Sydney and Perth, the Sydney-based Incident Response Regiment and Army helicopters will be on standby throughout the cup.

"While there is no known specific threat of terrorism against the Rugby World Cup, Defence's counter-terrorism units are well prepared and positioned to assist police with highly-trained, well-equipped and capable forces should the need arise," Defence Minister Robert Hill said.

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