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Hemispherical hostilities England threatens southern superiority
LONDON (Reuters) -- England has the best chance to make a dent in the dominance of the powerful Southern Hemisphere nations when the world's top teams are all involved in fascinating international clashes at the weekend. In its first outing since beating South Africa on tour during the European summer, England takes on world champion Australia at Twickenham. England has not beaten the Wallabies since the 1995 World Cup quarterfinals but after the Australians showed some weaknesses in the first half of their defeat of Scotland last weekend, Clive Woodward's team could have its best opportunity in recent years of a win. England has been very close to upsetting the Wallabies in the last three seasons. The two teams drew 15-15 at Twickenham three years ago and Australia just won 12-11 there in 1998. It appears to have a better chance of making a point for European rugby than France or Ireland. France will need to lift its form and tactics to beat New Zealand in the second test in Marseilles on Saturday even though the All Blacks, who won last week's Paris encounter 39-26, are without injured winger Jonah Lomu. Ireland faces the most formidable task when former world champion South Africa begins its European test series in Dublin on Sunday. The Springboks will also meet Wales and England in the next few weeks. Scotland takes on Samoa at Murrayfield while Wales warms up for its clash with the Springboks by playing the United States in Cardiff. Scotland's forwards upset the Wallabies, especially in the lineouts, in a tight first half at Murrayfield. The Australians did not look as dangerous in attack without the halfback partnership of George Gregan and Stephen Larkham who have missed the tour through injury. Deprived of the option of bringing in Elton Flatley at flyhalf because of injury, Australian coach Rod Macqueen has kept with Sam Cordingley and Rod Kafer in the number nine and 10 shirts respectively. His only change in the line-up is to bring in flanker Jim Williams for Matt Cockbain. England's preparations have been hit by the death of the father of winger Ben Cohen who has pulled out of the test. Utility back Austin Healey replaces Cohen on the wing. Healey is a gifted replacement who can also play at scrumhalf and flyhalf. It was a surprise that the diminutive Leicester back was dropped and he will be highly motivated to prove coach Clive Woodward wrong. French tactics French coach Bernard Laporte has made two changes for the Paris match with the All Blacks, recalling veteran winger Philippe Bernat-Salles in place of injured Thomas Lombard and prop Pieter De Villiers for Christian Califano. Laporte said France had been naive in its two recent test defeats, by Australia 18-13 and by the All Blacks in Paris. "I'm clearly not satisfied with the performance of some players. There is a lot of heart and enthusiasm in this team, but no tactical intelligence," he said. "It's serious, we don't do any thinking about the game. The tactical idea is lost. If French flair means rushing forward four times and dropping the ball, I'd rather play bowls." The French expressed mixed feelings about the absence of Lomu who flew home on Wednesday to undergo surgery after fracturing his cheekbone. "In his good days, Lomu can knock over four guys and score a try," team manager Jo Maso said. "But he's not really good at defending and it can be a great help." Bruce Reihana will take over on the left wing in the only change in the All Black team. Ireland faces stern challenge Ireland coach Warren Gatland has dropped forwards Paddy Johns and Andy Ward in four changes to his side to play South Africa. The Irish routed Japan 78-9 last weekend but Gatland has also made two changes to the backs as Ireland prepares for a far sterner battle. Girvan Dempsey, a regular in the Six Nations last season, returns at fullback in place of Geordan Murphy while powerful Rob Henderson comes in for Shane Horgan in the center. Among the forwards, veteran Johns makes way for the inexperienced Gary Longwell in the second row. British Lion Eric Miller replaces Ward as blindside flanker. The South Africans struggled to beat Argentina 37-33 in Buenos Aires last weekend and will be looking for a more convincing win against the Irish.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
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