ABs send SOS
JOE Schmidt has been called up to help prepare the All Blacks for Saturday’s first Test against his former charges Ireland at Eden Park after Ian Foster and two of his assistant coaches tested positive for COVID-19.
Schmidt coached the Irish for six years from 2013 and his reign included Ireland’s first two wins over the All Blacks.
Foster, John Plumtree and Scott McLeod are isolating at home after positive tests for COVID-19, which has also forced centres David Havili and Jack Goodhue out.
Ireland have also had a COVID-19 case in their squad with Australia-born outside back Mack Hansen forced into isolation.
Before Saturday’s opening Test Ireland will play the Maori All Blacks today.
Spain loses RWC appeal
SPAIN’S appeal against their disqualification from next year’s Rugby World Cup in France for fielding an ineligible player during the 2021-22 Rugby Europe Championship has been dismissed. The independent appeal committee said that with respect to RWC qualification, the 10-point deduction applied to the European qualification table by the Independent Judicial Committee stood, meaning Romania qualifed as Europe 2 into Pool B replacing Spain. Portugal will replace Romania in the Final Qualification Tournament in November 2022.
Watford calls off UAE trip
ENGLAND football club Watford has cancelled a friendly match against the Qatar national team, after two supporters’ groups voiced concerns about the country’s human rights record. The two groups – Women of Watford (WOW) and Proud Hornets – had urged the club to display its support for “all human rights, the LGBT+ community and women’s rights” at the game but the fixture will no longer take place.
Wales at full strength
WALES are at full strength ahead of the first Test against South Africa at Loftus Versfeld this weekend after prop Tomas Francis recovered from a back problem and flyhalf Gareth Anscombe belatedly arrived in the country. The full squad were put through their paces with the recovery of Francis a particular boost for coach Wayne Pivac.