North Vs South

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ARU supports North-South Match to raise funds for Tsunami Appeal

January 19, 2005 - 11:24am

Story by: ARU

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A North-South match in Sydney

to coincide with the Lions tour

to NZ is on the cards

The Australian Rugby Union has thrown its support behind a proposed North-South match that would feature the world's best Rugby players coming together to raise funds for the Asian Earthquake and Tsunami appeals.

While the details of the match, including the date and location are yet to be decided, a match during the inbound Test season (June-July) is seen by the ARU and the NZRU as the best option to secure the superstars of World Rugby.

ARU CEO & Managing Director Gary Flowers spoke with his counterpart at the New Zealand Rugby Union, Chris Moller this morning and agreed that playing the match in Sydney would be the best option, given its large market, the size of Telstra Stadium and the potential commercial support for the match.

A match in Sydney in June or July would also coincide with the British Lions' tour to New Zealand, which will bring the majority of Rugby's superstars from the Northern Hemisphere to the region.

The match also has the support of the Australian and New Zealand Players Associations.

Gary Flowers said the efforts of the international cricket community in raising $15 million for the tsunami relief effort had provided Rugby with a lot of inspiration.

"It is early days yet, but the idea of bringing together the world's best Rugby players to raise funds for such an international tragedy is a very solid one.

"It is good to see the Rugby world getting behind this idea, including the IRB, SANZAR and the players.

"We still need to discuss the options with the IRB, the British Lions and our SANZAR partners, but the idea of a match in June or July is seen as a better option than March to ensure we have the cream of Southern Hemisphere Rugby available.

Qantas Wallabies Captain George Gregan says the proposed North v South match would be another great initiative to raise funds for Tsunami relief.

"The cricketers showed us just what they could do to assist with the Tsunami appeal by raising over $15 million and it would be good to get a similar opportunity," said Gregan.

"The proposal sounds like a chance for the Rugby community to show its support, alongside what the Brumbies, Waratahs and Reds are doing, and I'm sure all the players will get behind it."

On the domestic front, the Australian Rugby community continues to dig deep to support the victims of the Boxing Day Tsunami disaster.

• The ARU has already made a $50,000 cash donation to the Australian Red Cross and ARU staff have donated a proportion of their salaries to the appeal.
  

• The NSW Waratahs will attend the Sydney Sevens for Tsunami Relief tournament at Concord's Waratah Rugby Stadium this Sunday, 30 January. The tournament sees the cream of the Sydney Club Rugby competition play in the special sevens tournament and whilst the Waratahs won't be playing on the day, they will be out amongst the crowd, meeting fans, selling raffle tickets and collecting donations.
  

• The ACT Brumbies will play the Canberra Raiders in a charity cricket match at West Belconnen Oval next Tuesday, 1 February. The match will start at 4:30pm with entry costing a donation at the gate.
  

• The QLD Reds are expected to announce details of their tsunami relief fundraising activity ahead of their opening trial match against the Brumbies at Ballymore on 29 January.
  

• Rugby clubs around Australia are undertaking various fundraising initiatives.
  

australian rugby

Tsunami relief game headache

January 19, 2005

AN international rugby union match to aid tsunami relief could be announced within the next week.

It depends on when northern and southern hemisphere unions can agree on a format and, more contentiously, a date.

The International Rugby Board raised the matter with its member unions and the prospect of a north versus south match is being discussed by Six Nations and SANZAR unions.

But with both Europe's Six Nations tournament and the provincial Super 12 series in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia (SANZAR) starting next month, finding an appropriate date will be a problem.

The enormous logistics behind such a match, whether it is held in London, Cardiff or Sydney as suggested, ensures a decision must be made quickly.

"We put the concept on the table and would like it to happen," said IRB spokesman Greg Thomas.

"But of course it depends on the players, so it's for the unions to decide.

"The Six Nations have discussed it and are very keen on it. There's a groundswell of support for a charity match, people want to see it. But there's no set date and no set venue.

"Some of the Six Nations are having talks with SANZAR.

"Whether it will be a north-south match, or just a south match or some other sort of compromise, we don't know yet.

"We're just waiting to hear from the unions and hopefully we can make an announcement in the next few days."

A match between the best of the northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere has been on the agenda for some years, but sticking points over player payments and scheduling killed off the idea.

A full house at Twickenham or the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff would raise millions of dollars and could match the $14m raised by the one-day international cricket match between an Asian XI and Rest of the World XI at the MCG earlier this month.

International Players' Association president Tony Dempsey said players in Australia, England, New Zealand, France and South Africa support the proposal.

"Everyone's very supportive of having a game that raises money for the tsunami relief fund," Dempsey told the Nine Network.

"We've heard a little bit of a whisper about it," said Wallaby back Mat Rogers. "Certainly after seeing what the cricket was able to achieve and accomplish as far as raising money for the victims of the tsunami, it was a bit of an inspiration for everyone."

AAP

fox sports

[GTRSRULE!!!]

it's gonna b a F*CKEN CRACKER OF A GAME. CAN'T WAIT

:aroused: :drooling: f#ck if it goes ahead I MUST GO. its a f*cken must no exceptions. its like the mecca, the holy grail, the lost treasure, the most heavenily match EVER!!!

Rugby supports wave aid

January 19, 2005

THE Australian and New Zealand rugby unions have thrown their support behind a proposal to pit the best players from the northern and southern hemispheres against each other in a match to raise money for Indian Ocean tsunami victims.

Details of the proposal remain sketchy but Australian Rugby Union (ARU) chief executive Gary Flowers said the match could be played at Sydney's Olympic Stadium in June or July, coinciding with the British and Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand.

"It is early days yet, but the idea of bringing together the world's best rugby players to raise funds for such an international tragedy is a very solid one," he said.

Wallabies captain George Gregan said the rugby world had been inspired by the success of the Asia versus Rest Of The World cricket match in Melbourne earlier this month, which raise more than $15 million in tsunami relief.

"The cricketers showed us just what they could do to assist with the tsunami appeal by raising over $15 million and it would be good to get a similar opportunity," he said. "The proposal sounds like a chance for the Rugby community to show its support."

New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) chief executive Chris Moller said the match would have to be arranged around existing rugby commitments such as the Super 12 competition, run by the South Africa New Zealand Australia Rugby (SANZAR) organisation..

He said the NZRU supported the idea of holding one match in Sydney in June-July, with a return fixture in the northern hemisphere when southern hemisphere are next on tour.

"This idea could be a better fit for the SANZAR countries and would likely raise more money than the option of a one-off match in March, which has been floated,'' he said. Flowers said both the Australian and New Zealand players' associations supported the proposal.

Agence France-Presse

Possible North v South teams

January 19, 2005

A NORTH v South rugby match would be a mouth-watering prospect – an unprecedented chance to see the world's best players on the same field.

The selection process has yet to be finalised, and with such an array of talent from so many countries, the most difficult problem would be who to leave out.

How do you choose, for instance, between Southern Hemisphere wingers as exciting as Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Lote Tuiqiri, Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor and Jonah Lomu, provided he can get fit in time.

The answer may be to pick as many as possible on the replacements bench.

To ensure the widest possible appeal, the teams should contain players from the second-tier rugby nations like Argentina, Fiji, and Italy.

With the match almost certain to be played at Telstra Stadium in Sydney – venue for the 2003 World Cup final, it would be difficult to go past George Gregan as Southern Hemisphere skipper.

Ireland's brilliant centre Brian O'Driscoll, who may lead the Lions team in New Zealand this winter, appeals as a likely captain of the Northern Hemisphere.

Brumbies captain Stirling Mortlock said today he would be delighted to take part, though he would be no certainty to get a game.

"A Southern Hemisphere team would have a very, very strong line-up and there are so many great players that could fill each of the positions," he said.

"To be selected in the team would be a huge honour."

He said he had no doubt players and sponsors would support the plan.

Here are two possible line-ups:

POSITION NORTH SOUTH

FULLBACK Gareth Thomas (Wal) Mils Muliaina (NZ)

WINGERS Jason Robinson (Eng) Rupeni Caucaunibuca (Fij)

Shane Williams (Wal) Doug Howlett (NZ)

CENTRES Brian O'Driscoll (Ire – c) Tana Umaga (NZ)

Gavin Henson (Wal) Matt Giteau (Aus)

FIVE-EIGHTH Jonny Wilkinson (Eng) Stephen Larkham (Aus)

HALF Jean-Baptiste Elissalde(Fra) George Gregan (Aus – c)

No.8 Martin Corry (Eng) Sione Lauaki (Ton)

FLANKERS Olivier Magne (Fra) George Smith (Aus)

Serge Betsen (Fra) Schalk Burger (Saf)

SECOND ROW Fabien Pelous (Fra) Victor Matfield (Saf)

Paul O'Connell (Ire) Chris Jack (NZ)

PROPS Julian White (Eng) Os du Randt (Saf)

Pieter de Villiers (Fra) Kees Meeuws (NZ)

HOOKER Fabio Ongaro (Ita) Keven Mealamu (NZ)

REPLACEMENTS:

NORTH: Steve Thompson (Eng), Reggie Corrigan (Ire), Nathan Hines (Sco), Colin Charvis (Wal), Stephen Jones (Wal), Chris Cusiter (Sco), Clement Poitrenaud (Fra). SOUTH: Jeremy Paul (Aus), Omar Hasan (Arg), Bakkies Botha (Saf), Richie McCaw (NZ), Agustin Pichot (Arg), Dan Carter (NZ), Lote Tuiqiri (Aus).

AAP

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Twickenham hosts tsunami game

From correspondents in London

February 1, 2005

TWICKENHAM will host the IRB Rugby Aid match between teams from the northern and southern hemispheres on Saturday, March 5.

And the International Rugby Board is hoping to raise between £3 to £4 million ($7-$8m). IRB chairman Dr Syd Millar said overnight: "The IRB is delighted that the international rugby community has come together to support this very worthwhile cause.

"This is highlighted by major unions agreeing to release players for the match that will be played between a Northern Hemisphere XV and a Southern Hemisphere XV at Twickenham.

"The IRB is very grateful to the RFU for providing Twickenham as the venue, the Six Nations Committee for agreeing to the scheduling of the match within the RBS Six Nations Championship and Southern Hemisphere countries involved in the Super 12 tournament for supporting the match.

"It is also very gratifying that clubs and players from around the world have throw their full support behind the match.

"The proceeds from the match will go to the IRBs humanitarian partner, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) to support their vital work in affected areas following the devastating Tsunami on Boxing Day," added Dr Millar.

Just how many of European rugby's leading stars feature in a match which takes place a week before the fourth round of matches in the Six Nations remains to be seen.

But Rugby Football Union chief executive Francis Baron remains confident the game can still raise substantial funds.

"On behalf of the RFU we are honoured to have been asked by the IRB to host this unique game for such a worthwhile cause," he said.

"Everyone was touched by the tragic events in the Indian Ocean and its essential that as much money as possible is raised to help the relief effort.

"Our aim is to deliver three to four million pounds to the fund by providing the stadium free of charge and donating all the match day profits from ticket sales, TV rights, sponsorship, hospitality, bar and Rugby Store to the fund."

Howard Thomas, chief executive of Premier Rugby Ltd, the umbrella body for England's top-flight clubs, said: "Premier Rugby will be providing the players required from England for the game and were delighted that we can help such a worthwhile cause.

"I would encourage all sports fans to buy a ticket. By doing so they will be helping to raise vital revenue for the victims of the tsunami."

Damian Hopley, chief executive of the Professional Rugby Players Association, added: "This is a tremendous opportunity for the players to have a significant impact in helping victims of the tsunami disaster. "None of the players taking part from the Premiership will be accepting any match fees and we will announce the names of those taking part, with the RFU and PRL in due course," he added.

AAP

f*cken hell no sydney leg? :hellpisd: :cuss: :bs!:

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ARU to consult over Tsunami match

February 1, 2005

THE Australian Rugby Union (ARU) said today it would need to consult with the three Super 12 provinces on player availability for a southern hemisphere v northern hemisphere match at Twickenham on March 5.

The International Rugby Board (TRB) announced overnight the date and location of a Rugby Aid match, which will raise funds for Tsunami relief, but it remains to be seen whether top level players from both hemispheres will be available for the encounter.

ARU managing director Gary Flowers said today the match fell on a weekend when all three Australian teams were involved in Super 12 games.

"Clearly our preference was for a June/July fixture, but the March date has been set and we have to work from that."

"Our provincial unions have already made significant contributions to Tsunami relief but I am confident that Australian rugby broadly can make a further contribution.

The March 5 date is not ideal, so we need to work through the issues with the unions and the players,'' he said in a statement.

Flowers said that it's possible Australian players currently contracted to overseas clubs in Europe and Japan may also be involved.

"There are a number of options. We have spoken to the prospective coach (former Wallaby mentor) Rod Macqueen and have offered him whatever assistance he needs. There are also doubts over the availability of European rugby's leading players as the game takes place a week before the fourth round of matches in the Six Nations tournament.

AAP

bloody england i was so looking forward 2 going 2 it in Sydney. now i have to settle with watching it on tv.

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North, south aid divide

By Bret Harris

February 2, 2005

AUSTRALIA's three Super 12 teams have slammed the timing of the tsunami appeal match between the northern and southern hemisphere to be played at Twickenham next month and are threatening not to release their leading players for the game.

The International Rugby Board caught Australian officials by surprise when it announced in Dublin on Monday that the charity match would be played at the time of the second round of the Super 12 series on March 5, which falls on a bye weekend for Six Nations and the English club competition.

NSW Waratahs play the Sharks in Durban, Queensland Reds meet the Blues in Auckland and ACT Brumbies host the Bulls in Canberra on that weekend.

The Australians had expected the game to be played in the southern hemisphere in June or July with a return match in the northern hemisphere in November.

"We always thought we were headed down the June path because that was the logical date for everyone to hold matches," NSW Rugby Union chief executive Fraser Neill said.

"We have serious concerns about releasing players on that date given the nature of Super 12. It is cut-throat ... you can't afford to drop a game.

"We will talk to Gary Flowers (ARU chief executive) before we decide our position on the whole thing, but at the moment we are very loath to be releasing anybody.

"We certainly wouldn't be wanting to release any of our starting players at all."

Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Theo Psaros said the timing of the match was "totally inappropriate".

"We are not comfortable with it," Psaros said. "England and South Africa did not send their players to the cricket tsunami appeal match in Melbourne."

Brumbies chief executive Rob Clarke said June-July was a good time for the match because the British and Irish Lions were touring New Zealand during that period.

"It suits the northern hemisphere more than us," Clarke said. "It makes sense to play the game in June or July because it coincides with the Lions being in this part of the world (New Zealand)."

In a veiled reference to Lions coach Clive Woodward, an Australian official suggested the reason the game was not being played in June was because "one northern hemisphere coach has too much say".

Flowers will consult with the Super 12 teams on the tsunami match when he returns from London tomorrow, while the NZ Rugby Union will also hold talks with their five Super 12 teams on player availability.

"The March 5 date is not ideal so we need to work through the issues with the unions and the players," Flowers said.

The ARU is expexcted to approach northern hemisphere-based Australians such as Toutai Kefu, Matt Burke and Joe Roff about playing for the southern hemisphere team, which will be coached by former Wallabies coach Rod Macqueen.

The Australians also want to ensure that their SANZAR partners, New Zealand and South Africa, supply an equal number of players to the team. It is anticipated that each country would provide four players each with the rest of the squad made up of Argentinians and Pacific Islanders.

The Australian

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O'Driscoll leads tsunami side

From correspondents in London

February 26, 2005

SIR Clive Woodward has announced his northern hemisphere squad for a tsunami rugby aid match against the southern hemisphere at Twickenham on March 5.

The squad, to be captained by Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll, includes players from all the Six Nations countries.

The North's starting XV will be announced next week, with South head coach Rod Macqueen having already named his line-up.

The former England head coach, who will lead the British Lions on their tour of New Zealand, said: "The guys that have been named are world class, and I am looking forward to working with such an outstanding group of players.

"The game promises to be a great spectacle. Both teams are fielding top-quality sides, and I really hope that the rugby public and community get behind this game so that we are playing in front of a packed out Twickenham to raise as much money as possible for such a deserving cause."

North squad: Lawrence Dallaglio (England), Ben Cohen (England), Aurelien Rougerie (France), Damien Traille (France), Fabien Pelous (France), Raphael Ibanez (France), Pieter de Villiers (France), Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland, capt), Paul O'Connell (Ireland), David Humphreys (Ireland), Chris Paterson (Scotland), Chris Cusiter (Scotland), Gordon Bullock (Scotland), Simon Taylor (Scotland), Andrea Lo Cicero (Italy), Marco Bortolami (Italy), Sergio Parisse (Italy), Dwayne Peel (Wales), Ceri Sweeney (Wales), Jonathan Thomas (Wales), Rhys Williams (Wales), John Yapp (Wales). South squad: Chris Latham (AUS); Rupeni Caucaunibuca (FJI) Jacque Fourie (SA) Tana Umaga (NZ), Sireli Bobo (FJI); Andrew Mehrtens (NZ) George Gregan (AUS, capt); Toutai Kefu (AUS) Phil Waugh (AUS) Schalk Burger (SA); Ifereimi Rawaqa (FJI), Victor Matfield (SA); Kobus Visagie (SA) John Smit (SA), Carl Hoeft (NZ)

Reserves: Bruce Reihana (NZ), Brian Lima (SAM), Ephraim Taukafa (TON), Opeta Palepoi (Sam), Semo Sititi (SAM), Moses Rauluni (FJI), one player to be announced.

Agence France-Presse

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Macqueen backs all-stars idea

By Bret Harris

February 28, 2005

FORMER Wallabies coach Rod Macqueen wants to see the northern hemisphere versus southern hemisphere match become a regular event on the world rugby calendar.

Macqueen will guide the southern hemisphere against the Clive Woodward-coached northern hemisphere in the tsunami appeal match at Twickenham in London on Sunday morning (AEDT).

If the fund-raiser is successful, Macqueen believes the concept should be continued on an annual or bi-annual basis.

"I think it is important to have north versus south or Barbarians games," Macqueen said before flying to London last night.

"When you play club football you can be insular and it is the same situation at provincial level. The same even applies to the international level.

"It is wonderful to get the opportunity to play alongside some of the great players who you have played against. The reality of this game is that it was organised very quickly and the timing is not ideal. But if you had a planned situation you could play this game once a year or once every two years and it would be very special."

Four Australians are in the southern hemisphere team -- George Gregan, Chris Latham, Phil Waugh and Japan-based Toutai Kefu, a late replacement for injured New Zealand backrower Jerome Kaino.

The match will bring about what could be a slightly awkward reunion of Reds fullback Chris Latham with his old coach Macqueen.

Macqueen pulled Latham from the field after he missed a vital tackle on Jason Robinson in the first Test of the British Lions series in 2001, a call the brilliant Reds' fullback has always believed was unfair.

It took Latham a year to recover from that blow, but he has since redeemed himself so spectacularly for the Wallabies that many critics rate him as the main rival to Robinson's standing as the world's best fullback.

Somewhat less awkward will be the reunion of Latham and All Blacks captain Tana Umaga after the two locked horns in the Reds-Hurricanes match at Ballymore on Saturday.

"I was talking to Tana after the game and he told me he had phoned his brother in London earlier in the day and been told that the temperature there was two degrees and it was snowing," Latham said.

The Super 12 encounter was played in a steamy 29C.

"It's a great honour to be playing with guys like him in this match."

Gregan, who will miss the Brumbies' match with the Bulls in Canberra on Friday, admitted it was difficult to leave the team amid their injury problems, but he never considered pulling out. "It is tough, but I'm committed to this," Gregan said. "We've got pretty good back-up, as we showed on Saturday night."

The Australian

Reds furious at charity withdrawals

By Bret Harris

March 2, 2005

QUEENSLAND Reds are angry and frustrated over the withdrawal of European Test stars Fabien Pelous and Shane Williams from the northern hemisphere team to play the southern hemisphere in the tsunami appeal game at Twickenham on Sunday morning (AEDT).

The Reds reluctantly released Wallabies fullback Chris Latham for the southern hemisphere side and are angry over Pelous and Williams dropping out of the northern squad to play for their respective French and Welsh clubs this weekend.

"It is bitterly disappointing," QRU chief executive Theo Psaros said.

"All three Australian provinces provided support for the charity match. A week before the game European clubs are pulling guys out. It is amateurish.

"It highlights once again how poor the timing of the match is."

The four Australian Super 14 teams face the loss of key players again next season with the ARU looking to bolster the national sevens squad for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. The ARU is negotiating an agreement with the state unions to each release a starting 15 player and a non-22 squad member to the sevens team to give it the best chance of winning the gold medal.

This means NSW, Queensland, ACT and WA could be without the likes of Latham, Mat Rogers and Matt Giteau for one or two Super 14 games next March.

"We have approached the provincial unions about fielding the highest quality team possible," an ARU spokesman said.

"The Commonwealth Games are an important showcase for Australian rugby."

The ARU showed it was taking the Commonwealth Games seriously by yesterday appointing former Wallabies fullback Glen Ella as head coach of the sevens team.

One of the best sevens strategists in the game, Ella's first assignment will be the World Cup in Hong Kong this month.

Meanwhile, ACT Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher is expected to name rookie Adam Ashley-Cooper at outside centre ahead of Wallaby Clyde Rathbone for the Super 12 game against the Bulls at Canberra Stadium on Friday night. Fisher must choose between Ashley-Cooper and Rathbone as a replacement for Wallabies outside centre Stirling Mortlock, who is sidelined for at least four weeks with a knee ligament injury.

Ashley-Cooper moved from the wing to outside centre when Mortlock left the field in the Brumbies' win over the Crusaders in Canberra last Saturday.

Veteran centre Joel Wilson has recovered from a hamstring injury and is expected to be named on the bench.

The Australian

Macqueen orders tsunmai show

March 2, 2005

ROD Macqueen will urge his Southern Hemisphere team to put on a show in Sunday's (AEDT) tsunami benefit rugby union game with the Northern Hemisphere at Twickenham.

Macqueen leads a team that includes Wallabies George Gregan, Phil Waugh and Chris Latham plus Japan-based Toutai Kefu in the match with a team coached by his old adversary Clive Woodward.

And the 1999 World Cup-winning coach says the game is a big opportunity for rugby union to show itself in its best light and raise thousands of dollars for the tsunami appeal.

At his team's hotel here, Macqueen said: "It is an honour for me to be involved with a team of this calibre.

"We are here to represent the code, entertain and raise money. Were hoping for a very big crowd and it is our role to entertain them."

And Macqueen is looking forward to locking horns with his Woodward and Ireland's superstar centre, Brian ODriscoll, who will lead the northern hemisphere side.

"Clive and I have had a few tussles over the years and this will be the last one and we have had pretty similar careers," he said.

"It is always good to come up against a respected adversary."

Macqueen has vivid memories of O'Driscoll, who scored a memorable try for the British Lions against his Australia side in Brisbane in 2001.

"He's always been a good player and he's a thinking player and those two things combined make him very dangerous." said Macqueen.

"There is a lot of respect for him amongst this team and he is still improving with every game he plays.

"He leads the players around him and had got to be one of the best players in the world."

The southern hemisphere players have rarely played together and have had minimal preparation for the contest. But that will not be a problem, according to Macqueen.

"When you look at the leadership we have in this team, its not going to be too difficult," he said. "We have players who understand what each other are doing and therefore they will be able to demonstrate their skills."

AAP

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[Sumo]

piss off with the spam

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spam? ur the 1 spaming my thread. if u dont like the thread u PISS OFF & ignore the thread then.

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1 hour til kick off fox sports 2

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30 mins til kick off

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south beat north 54 - 19

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Southerners overwhelm north

By Julian Guyer in London

March 6, 2005

Northern Hemisphere 19 Southern Hemisphere 54

THE southern hemisphere has comfortably defeated the northern hemisphere in the International Rugby Board (IRB) Rugby Aid tsunami fundraiser at Twickenham.

The south outscored their opponents eight tries to three, with New Zealand fly-half Andrew Mehrtens landing all six of his conversion attempts and man of the match Wallaby full-back Chris Latham, who scored two tries, one other.

Latham was delighted to help victims of the devastating December 26 tsunami.

"It was definitely great to be able to do something," he said.

"The devastation was unbelievable. You sit at home and think about what you can do. As for the game that is the best rugby match I have played in for a while."

Latham was also happy to have played alongside several players, who are normally opponents in Super 12.

"Usually they're knocking seven bells out of me! Its been a phenomenal week for me meeting up with the guys and playing with them. Its been awesome. The aim was to have fun first and foremost ...and win."

With the northern hemisphere being coached by England World Cup-winner Sir Clive Woodward, the man who will lead the British and Lions in New Zealand later this year, the game had been billed as a "trial" match for that tour.

But how much he gleaned from a fixture where, in the early stages of the second-half many spectators in a half-full stadium amused themselves with the questionable gesture of a 'Mexican Wave' was debatable.

Both scratch teams treated the match like a Barbarians game, running and kicking to touch penalties they would otherwise have tried to strike between the posts had the game been a full international.

Inevitably, there were plenty of handling errors all round early on as the sides tried to run the ball from all angles, although England centre Ollie Smith, pushing for a Test starting place, showed glimpses of class,

The south took the lead in the 13th minute when veteran Samoa wing Brian Lima linked well with All Blacks captain and centre Tana Umaga, who crossed for a try.

However, the north hit back to level the scores seven minutes later.

Uncapped Worcester prop Chris Horsman burst forward and found north skipper and former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio in support.

The veteran back-row almost crossed the line himself but he was hauled down a yard short by Latham.

However, Dallaglio's pop-up pass found England reserve hooker Andy Titterrell. His try was converted by Ireland fly-half David Humphreys.

Five minutes later the south, who put in by far the more crunching tackles throughout, went ahead when Lima sprinted clean through down the blindside.

The north responded minutes later when Humphreys' towering cross-kick was palmed back short of the line by Italy right-wing Mirco Bergamasco and former England back-row Pat Sanderson pounced for the try.

Humphreys, however, missed the conversion and the south were 14-12 ahead.

Two more converted tries then saw the south extend their lead to 28-12 at the break.

First Latham, following a pass from Samoa lock Opeta Palepoi sprinted clear for a try under the posts.

And just before half-time Springbok flanker Schalk Burger, the IRB's world player of the year, burst through off the back of a ruck with the north defence again flat-footed.

After some uninspired play at the start of the second period, the south went further ahead when replacement forward and Samoa skipper Semo Sititi was on the end of an overlap out on the left created by Fiji wing Sireli Bobo and Latham.

Mehrtens converted and at 35-12 the south, coached by 1999 Australian World Cup-winning chief Rod Macqueen, had ended the match as a contest.

Woodward effectively conceded as much by bringing on all his remaining replacements in quick succession.

As space opened up, Bergamasco restored some northern pride with a try on the hour mark, which Wales's Ceri Sweeney, the replacement fly-half converted.

But the south were far from finished and after Mehrtens's high kick landed over the goal-line, Latham touched down for his second try.

Springbok centre Jaque Fourie and Sititi again both added further tries before the finish. The IRB hoped the match, which followed similar charity cricket and soccer matches in Melbourne and Barcelona respectively, would raise at least £1 million ($2.4m).

Agence France-Presse