Tightheads & Loose Balls

● Wales are expecting sweltering conditions in next week’s one-off test against the Springboks in Washington. The average June temperature in DC is 29 degrees Celsius, prompting Wales coach Warren Gatland to introduce drastic measures. Wales players have been wearing bin liners in training.

● The RFK Stadium, the venue for next weekend’s clash, claims to be the first stadium specifically designed as a multipurpose sports arena. Opened in 1961, it holds 45 423 spectators and is only 3km from the Capitol building. The Rolling Stones, U2, the Eagles, Stevie Wonder and Elton John have all performed there but Tightheads was more interested to learn that a venue named Scream City Haunted House is right next door.

● Tightheads this week caught up with departing Cheetahs head coach Rory Duncan just as he was leaving Bloem for Worcester, England. When Tightheads enquired whether the packing had been stressful, Duncan chuckled: “Uh, actually not. My wife’s been doing all that. She’s been up until half past four in the morning the last three nights.”

● This time James Slipper put his foot in it. Or is it his nose that slipped? The

Aussie prop has now twice tested positive for cocaine and has been fined A$27 500 (R259 000) “Last week I was advised by our integrity unit that one of our Wallabies and Reds players, James Slipper, had returned a positive test for cocaine,” said Rugby Australia chief executive Raelene Castle. What surprised Tightheads most, however, is that the Aussies have an integrity unit.