Sports Illustrated» Rugby

Testing For Terrorism Lands Editor In Trouble

jaya — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:39:34 +0000

The rugby stadium in Christchurch.

An Australian Sunday newspaper editor is under fire from the police minister for getting journalists to pose as terrorists to test rugby stadium security has defended his paper’s investigation.

Sunday Star-Times managing editor Mitchell Murphy said Police Minister Judith Collins “grossly” overstated the paper’s actions and had not checked her information with the paper before launching her public attack.

Earlier, Collins had launched a stinging attack on the paper for organising groups of people dressed as terrorists to infiltrate restricted areas at Hamilton and Christchurch rugby matches last weekend. The stunt was believed to have been an effort to test security at key stadiums ahead of the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

Collins said a number of people were involved in the operation, which had people carrying fake bombs to restricted areas.

But Murphy said the minister’s statement that the Sunday Star-Times organised for groups of people dressed as terrorists to infiltrate stadiums was “completely false”.

But the paper had sent reporters to carry out the investigation. One had false explosives, but carried a letter outlining the investigation in case he was stopped.

“Our investigation, which is a matter of significant public interest, was well planned and carefully considered,” he said.

“We sought legal advice prior to commencing our investigation and the journalists involved worked under strict protocols.”

Murphy said the public was at no stage put at risk and the newspaper did not break the law – which has been confirmed today by police.

“We have discussed our investigations openly with police over the past two days and stand by our offer to debrief them and the minister in order to assist with fixing flaws we have exposed in security levels,” he said.

Police spokesman Jon Neilson said at this stage there did not appear to have been any offence committed by the newspaper. Police had spoken with the editor of the newspaper, however.

“Police do not approve of this sort of tactic,” Neilson said.

Asked if police were aware of any further stunts planned for this weekend, Neilson said: “You’d have to ask them that, they’re part of your stable.”

Collins said: “Common sense would tell you that running around a stadium dressed as a bomber has the potential to end very badly.

“If there had been panic there was the very real possibility that people – particularly the elderly, children and those less mobile – could have been hurt.

“Police are taking this matter very seriously.”

Collins said security at major events was based on risk.

“The only thing people masquerading as bombers will achieve is an unnecessary increase in security at considerable cost and inconvenience to the public,” she said.

“The last thing people want is the situation where people have to be body searched before attending provincial rugby matches.”

Angers Stadium Management

A Hamilton City Council spokesman admitted that the bogus terrorists’ actions had embarrassed the council, which owns the stadium, but pointed out that the incident had wider ramifications.

”We’re angry that the reputation of the stadium has been put at risk, that potentially people’s lives were put at risk by this action because who knows what could have happened if we’d had to do a stadium clear, and the fact that New Zealand’s reputation is damaged internationally.”

The council had consulted the police, Waikato Rugby Union, Canterbury Rugby Union and Rugby World Cup organisers over the security breach.

As a result security at the ground was to be beefed up for tonight’s home game against the Crusaders but the spokesman said Rugby World Cup security was not handled by the council and was unlikely to include ”pat downs”, metal detectors and sniffer dogs as a result of the incident.

Council events facilities manager Olly Te Ua called the actions ”totally irresponsible”.

V-Base chief executive Bryan Pearson, the head of Christchurch’s AMI Stadium, said the Sunday Star-Times’ action was a “stupid stunt”.

He said the primary concern of stadium security was keeping alcohol out as “there is no threat from suicide bombers or people bringing explosive devices into the stadium and therefore we are not in a position where we are scanning and checking for those threats”.

The stunt could have led to the matches being called off and the stadium evacuated, Pearson said.

“Evacuating the stadium when the threat that’s been identified is in relation to explosive devices could lead to wide scale panic and in a panic situation anything can happen and there can be real potential for injury.”

Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd is currently developing security measures for the World Cup in 2011, he said.

Courtesy of stuff.co.nz

HAVE YOUR SAY: Irresponsible or ensuring everyone’s safety?

Super 14 Fantasy League: Round 5

jane smith — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:37:05 +0000

The Bulls are back in Round 5, so make sure you’ve picked the best team for your fantasy league… here!

With the Highlanders losing comprehensively to the Stormers last week, it will be tough for the team from Otago to pip the high-flying Bulls – especially since the Men from Pretoria have had a week off to rest and recover. The Highlanders are also without flyhalf Michael Hobbs and flanker Adam Thomson, who have been axed from the team due to indiscipline.

The big clash from New Zealand sees team’s two and five on the log – the Chiefs and the Crusaders – go head-to-head in Hamilton. It’s a tough one to call, and is bound to be cracker. Note, the Chiefs are without Sione Lauaki, who has been suspended.

On SA soil, the Saturday match-up between the Stormers and the Hurricanes (third and fourth on the log) is sure to provide fireworks. Both teams have players returning from injury and illness – for the Stormers it’s ‘Stormin’ hooker Tiaan Liebenberg, who missed out last week’s game due to flu, while the Hurricanes see the return of two dangerous backs to their starting line-ups, namely Conrad Smith and Tamati Ellison.

The Blues and Cheetahs are having byes this week.

Note: some teams still to announce line-ups – come back later for updated information.

Chiefs vs Crusaders, Friday March 12, 8:35am

Chiefs: 15 Mils Muliaina (captain), 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Callum Bruce, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Brendon Leonard, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Liam Messam, 5 Romana Graham, 4 Craig Clarke, 3 Nathan White, 2 Aled de Malmanche, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Vern Kamo, 17 Ben Afeaki, 18 Culum Retallick, 19 Luke Braid, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Mike Delany, 22 Dwayne Sweeney.

Crusaders: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i, 8 Kieran Read, 7 George Whitelock, 6 Richie McCaw (c), 5 Isaac Ross, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Ti’i Paulo, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Thomas Waldrom, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Adam Whitelock, 22 Colin Slade.

Waratahs vs Lions, Friday March 12, 10:40am

Waratahs: 15 Sosene Anesi, 14 Lachie Turner, 13 Tom Carter, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Daniel Halangahu, 9 Luke Burgess; 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Phil Waugh (c), 6 Dave Dennis, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements: 16 Damien Fitzpatrick, 17 Sekope Kepu, 18 Will Caldwell, 19 Ben Mowen, 20 Josh Holmes, 21 Kurtley Beale, 22 Rob Horne.

Lions: 15 Earl Rose, 14 Tonderai Chavhanga, 13 Walter Venter, 12 Doppies la Grange, 11 Wandile Mjekevu, 10 Carlos Spencer, 9 JP Joubert, 8 Todd Clever, 7 Derick Minnie, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar (captain), 5 Willem Stoltz, 4 Franco van der Merwe, 3 Kevin Buys, 2 Hannes Franklin, 1 Heinke van der Merwe.
Replacements: 16 Charles Emslie, 17 JC Janse van Rensburg, 18 Jacques Lombaard, 19 Robert Kruger, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Wigan Pekeur.

Brumbies vs Sharks, Saturday March 13, 10:40am

Brumbies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Stephen Hoiles, 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Ben Hand, 3 Salesi Maafu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Justin Harrison, 19 Mitchell Chapman, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Matt Toomua, 22 Tyrone Smith.

Sharks: 15. Stefan Terblanche 14. Odwa Ndungane 13. Adrian Jacobs 12. Riaan Swanepoel 11. JP Pietersen 10. Andy Goode 9. Ruan Pienaar 8. Ryan Kankowski 7. Willem Alberts 6. Jacques Botes 5. Johann Muller 4. Steven Sykes 3. John Smit (Capt) 2. Bismarck du Plessis 1. Tendai Mtawarira Replacements: 16. Craig Burden 17. Jannie du Plessis 18. Alistair Hargreaves 19. Jean Deysel 20. Keegan Daniel 21. Rory Kockott 22. Waylon Murray

Bulls vs Highlanders, Saturday March 13, 5:05pm

Bulls: Zane Kirchner, Gerhard van den Heever, Stephan Dippenaar, Wynand Olivier, Francois Hougaard, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez, Pierre Spies, Dewald Potgieter, Derick Kuun, Victor Matfield (capt.), Danie Rossouw, Werner Kruger, Gary Botha, Grthro Steenkamp.

Highlanders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Kenny Lynn, 12 Jason Shoemark, 11 Fetu’u Vainikolo, 10 Mat Berquist, 9 Sean Romans, 8 Steven Setephano, 7 Alando Soakai, 6 Tim Boys, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Chris King, 2 Jason Macdonald, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (captain).
Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Hayden Triggs, 19 John Hardie, 20 Scott Cowan, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 James Paterson.

Stormers vs Hurricanes, Saturday March 13, 7.10pm

Stormers: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Sireli Naqelevuki, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger (captain), 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Anton van Zyl, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Wicus Blaauw.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 JC Kritzinger, 18 De Kock Steenkamp, 19 Pieter Louw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Lionel Cronjé, 22 Gio Aplon.

Hurricanes: Cory Jane, Tamati Ellison, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, David Smith, Willie Ripia, Piri Weepu, Rodney So’oialo, Scott Waldrom, Victor Vito, Michael Paterson, Bryn Evans, Neemia tialata, Andrew Hore (captain), Jacob Ellison.
Reserves: Dane Coles, John Schwalger, Jeremy Thrush, Karl Lowe, Tyson Keats, Aaron Cruden, Alapati Leiua.

Reds vs Force, Sunday March 14, 8:30am

Reds: TBC

Force: TBC

Pumas To Join Tri Nations

ernie4bogey — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:16:45 +0000

An agreement in principle has been reached for Argentina to join Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri Nations by 2012.

The Pumas, who finished third in the 2007 World Cup, are to receive funding from the International Rugby Board to ease their introduction into the tournament, with IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset saying they will provide a one-off financial contribution of around US $2 million (R14.9 million).

“It is done,” Lapasset told www.thesportbriefing.com at the Global Sports Forum in Barcelona. “The principle is to support the cost of the introduction of Argentina into the Tri Nations.

“It will be a one-off payment of around US Dollars 2 million. The principle is agreed, and we just need the IRB Council to confirm at the next meeting (scheduled for May 12).

“It will be done so Argentina can enter in 2012.

“We have an agreement with South Africa, New Zealand and Australia for the financial programme that is now in place, and the three existing nations are supportive.”

Have your say: Do you think the inclusion of Argentina into the Tri Nations is good or bad for the competition?

With thanks to SkySports.co.uk

No More Mr Nice Guy For Plumtree

Ryan Cooper — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:16:02 +0000

John Smit argues a yellow card against the Waratahs

Sharks head coach John Plumtree says he will suspend his players if they are yellow-carded in future Super 14 games.

Plumtree was reflecting on his team’s 25-21 loss to the Waratahs in Sydney when two Sharks players, prop Jannie du Plessis and flyhalf Andy Goode, were sin-binned in the first half. The Sharks have now had five players yellow-carded in four games and Plumtree said this was unacceptable.

“I was very annoyed with our discipline and have been for a while,” Plumtree told the Sharks website. “I read the riot act to the guys in our post-match analysis on Monday night.”

Plumtree said he would take action against players who are sin-binned in the future.

“I told the guys that the next player to get a yellow card gets a red card from me. When you are down on your luck, and trying really hard to get out of a hole, you can’t then make it tougher for the team by getting yourself binned. It is just silly and stresses the team unnecessarily.

“This has been creeping into our game now for a while and it has to stop right now. We were always a side that prided itself on discipline both on and off the field.”

The Sharks meet the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday and then head back across the Tasman ea to New Zealand to play the Hurricanes and Highlanders in their last two tour games.

Plumtree admitted “the big decisions” that had gone against the Sharks in the final three minutes – the knock-down of Stefan Terblanche’s pass and the penalty for lineout obstruction – had “seriously cost us”

“Everybody has been talking about the slap-down of Stefan’s pass to Ryan which would have been a try but for that act of cynical play from Kurtley Beale. There was also a pass to Bismarck du Plessis that was called forward which on analysis was shown to be legitimate and again we would have scored.”

He added that there are decisions in rugby that can be controlled, like discipline, and others that are beyond the players” control.

“We have to move on from decisions that don’t go their way and which crop up every now and again and are a part of the game. It happens and we are not focusing on it in our post-match analysis.”

From the playing point of view he said there were signs that the Sharks were starting to improve but they were still not accurate enough.

“If you can keep hold of the ball and remain accurate with it, enough to take advantage of the quicker ruck ball, you can really put the opposition under immense pressure and eventually tire them out.”

He was also encouraged by the character in the team which had seen the Sharks fight back from 25-14 down against the Waratahs to almost win the game.

“We will just carry on fighting until we get that first win and hopefully then get on a roll.”

Courtesy of The Witness

Should John Plumtree Get The Boot?

jaya — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:39:00 +0000

Sharks Coach, John Plumtree

Plumtree has been the subject of much speculation since his Durban-based Sharks side started the new Super 14 rugby season with three straight defeats.

They were narrowly beaten in their first two home matches, by the Chiefs and Cheetahs respectively, and they were then thumped 35-6 by the Crusaders in Christchurch last weekend to start their long Australasian tour.

That led to suggestions from some that New Zealander Plumtree faced dismissal unless he turned things round dramatically on their five-week tour.

There was even talk of a private meeting and finger-wagging lecture from Sharks chief executive Brian van Zyl to that effect.

The Sharks, however, have acted quickly to dispel the rumours and not only assure Plumtree of his job security, but also wave a fat new three-year contract under his nose.

Plumtree, a former Wellington NPC coach, had reportedly showed some interest in the previously vacant Hurricanes job, but then withdrew himself from that race to concentrate on his role with the Sharks.

Pietermaritzburg newspaper The Witness reported that Van Zyl had fully endorsed Plumtree and strongly denied any suggestion that the highly rated coach might be facing the axe should his side’s poor run of results continue.

“The Sharks board have agreed to extend the contract by three years and we would not have done that if we did not have every faith in him as a coach,” Van Zyl told the paper.

“Plum only has to agree to the terms now but we obviously want him to stay. A good coach does not become a bad coach overnight.”

Plumtree’s wife is from Durban and he has a long association with Sharks rugby, having ended his playing days with the province in the Currie Cup.

The Sharks meet the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday night, before continuing their road trip against the ACT Brumbies, Highlanders and Hurricanes.

And though Plumtree may now have some security around his future at the organisation, he still faces a massive challenge turning this season around after their horror start.

Courtesy of stuff.co.nz

HAVE YOUR SAY: Should Plumtree get the sack for the Sharks bad performance?