Rugby chiefs renew faith in top contests

By CHRIS RATTUE and NZPA

The heads of New Zealand, South African and Australian rugby reaffirmed their commitment to the Tri-Nations and Super 12 competitions during a four-hour meeting in Wellington.

NZRFU chief executive Chris Moller said a special point was made of re-confirming a commitment to the Sanzar partnership.

Moller said the vote of confidence was unexpected, but was deemed necessary due to the change of leadership in the South African and Australian rugby unions.

Moller and NZRFU chairman Jock Hobbs, new Sarfu president Brian van Rooyen, acting general manager of SA Rugby Ltd Songezo Nayo, ARU chairman Bob Tuckey and ARU commercial boss Brian Thorburn attended the meeting.

Thorburn, a former banker, is the frontrunner within the ARU to take over from departing chief executive John O'Neill.

An international recruiting agency is also on the hunt for O'Neill's successor.

Moller said a similar vote was taken when he and Hobbs attended their first Sanzar meeting after the turmoil that saw the previous NZRFU administration ousted.

Moller said the three countries backed the "broad concept" of the existing competitions and the need for New Zealand, Australia and South Africa to stick together.

But there could be a "tweaking" of the Tri-Nations and Super 12 competitions. There has long been a push to expand the Super 12, especially to include another Australian team, and consideration is also likely to be given to other changes such as expanding the Super 12 finals series.

* Queensland Reds centre Junior Pelesasa has dedicated tonight's Super 12 warm-up match against the Blues to his mate Michael Tabrett, who committed suicide in December.

The 22-year-old Tabrett - who made his Queensland debut against the 2001 Lions and played a further 10 games for the state - and Pelesasa were expected to compete for the centre position this year.

Queensland's former test prop Fletcher Dyson returns to action after a neck injury which sidelined him for 10 months.

For the Blues, test fullback Mils Muliaina has been selected in the No 15 jersey rather than at centre, suggesting this could be his position for the start of the season.

Interest will centre on the fitness of hard-hitting second five-eighths Sam Tuitupou, who has had a number of shoulder problems.

Blues: Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Rico Gear, Sam Tuitupou, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Carlos Spencer, Steve Devine; Xavier Rush (capt), Justin Collins, Brent Thompson, Ali Williams, Greg Rawlinson, John Afoa, Derren Witcombe, Tony Woodcock. Res: Keven Mealamu, Nathan Kemp, Greg Feek, Kees Meeuws, Bradley Mika, Bryce Williams, Jerome Kaino, Daniel Braid, Angus Macdonald; David Gibson, Tasesa Lavea, Ben Atiga, Doug Howlett, Orene Ai'i.

Reds: Chris Latham, Wendell Sailor, Junior Pelesasa, Elton Flatley (capt), Peter Hynes, Julian Huxley, Josh Valentine, John Roe, David Croft, Luke Doherty, Nathan Sharpe, Van Humphries, Fletcher Dyson, Tai McIsaac, Nick Stiles. Res: Stephen Moore, Peter Niumata, Anthony Mathison, Rudi Vedelago, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Tom McVerry, Tim Atkinson, Steve Kefu, Scott Barton, Drew Mitchell.

Kickoff: 10.30pm (NZ time)

* New Chiefs coach Ian Foster says his side's two heavy pre-season defeats count for little.

After a hiding at the hands of the Waratahs and a 61-31 defeat by the Highlanders in Oamaru on Thursday night, the long-suffering Chiefs fans may be forgiven for anticipating another dreary season.

Foster said injuries had hurt his side, and the pre-season was about working on specific aspects of their game. Scrums and one-on-one defence had disappointed but the return of Keith Robinson had bolstered the lineout in Oamaru.

* The Crusaders scored a 69-10 win over their development squad yesterday and the Hurricanes beat the Brumbies 19-12 in Wanganui.