Rugby Jersey
Fans get shirty about new Wales rugby kit

THE Welsh Rugby Union yesterday unveiled its new shirt for the coming season, and it was immediately panned by fans.

Supporters hit chatrooms within hours of the launch of the new £70 replica jersey to voice their disapproval.

They said the shirt was too expensive, and that its round collar made it look like a football strip.

Even though an alternative traditional version will be available, there were still questions raised about how the skin-tight shirt would look on ordinary fans lacking the benefit of professional fitness regimes.

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NZ CUP RUGBY - Serious effort wanted by coach

Injury has forced a last minute change to the Northland rugby team heading to Hamilton to meet Waikato in an Air NZ Cup match tomorrow.

Hooker Tim Dow has withdrawn with a back injury and Jamie Pinder has stepped up from the bench to grab the No.2 jersey instead, with Jamie McQueen taking his place in the reserves.

There was also some concern for star flanker Justin Collins who has been unable to train after picking up a stomach virus. But Collins has been confirmed in the starting 15.

Not that Northland coach Mark Anscombe was perturbed by any of it on the eve of what is looming as a significant challenge against one of the competition heavyweights.

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NFL great Reed still relishes his days at KU

KUTZTOWN, Pa. - He slowly walked across Kutztown's University Field in the most casual of attire.

Faded jeans. Long rugby shirt with dark blue and light blue stripes. Shades resting on the top of his forehead. Black sneakers.

Andre Reed looked like a regular guy, not a retired NFL superstar.

Well, for a little while, anyway.

The former standout receiver at Kutztown and for the Buffalo Bills then was met with hugs and handshakes by a multitude of school bigwigs before he received a rousing ovation prior to performing the ceremonial coin toss for Saturday's game between the Golden Bears and Clarion.

At halftime, with many of those bigwigs passing by while he stood in front of his framed autographed jersey in the president's box, Reed talked about how everything at Kutztown was still the same.

All Blacks and South Africa rugby fortunes poles apart

This weekend's tri nations rugby test between the All Blacks and South Africa in Rustenburg, pits two sides that while they may both come from the southern hemisphere are poles apart.

Graham Henry's all-conquering side hasn't lost a game this year and are chasing their 16th consecutive win to crown a memorable Tri-Nations campaign which they wrapped up with three matches still to be played.

The last time the All Blacks were beaten was 13 months ago in Cape Town when South Africa won 22-16.

On the other hand South Africa have now lost five in a row, with their last win coming back in June when they beat Scotland.

Coach Jake White is under immense pressure with on going calls for his sacking and South African rugby having an emergency summit calling in former Springbok coaches, in an effort to plot the way forward.