The Wallabies seemed to have been caught napping this weekend when they took on Wales at the Telstra Stadium on Saturday evening. Within three minutes from kick off, Matt Giteau (left) made an almighty fumble, just yards away from the try line allowing Gareth Thomas to take advantage and put Wales in front.

Wales had been given a hard time from the Australian press leading up to the match and they almost made the whole nation eat their words, at one stage leading by 0 - 17!

However, the Wallabies showed their class and fought their way back to take the lead with a last minute try from Stephen Hoiles. A heartbreaking finish for Wales who thought they were on their way to the first win against the Wallabies in Australia since 1969. Never mind, they have another chance next Saturday when the second test takes place in Brisbane.

Wales' young fly half James Hook (right) was disappointed to miss the penalty in front of the posts but felt he redeemed himself with an impressive drop goal within the last 10 minutes. It was still not enough though.

Australia's Matt Giteau (9) was interviewed after the match and he agreed that the Wallabies performance was far from acceptable. When asked what changes he felt would be made for next weeks match, he replied 'Catching the ball would be good'!


The Welsh squad next week will be without hooker Matthew Rees (left) who flew home straight after the match to be with his wife Becky for the birth of their first child. It is likely also that we will see more of glamour boy, Gavin Henson in the second test due to injury stricken Sonny Parker and Jamie Robinson. Gavin played impressively when he came off the bench at the weekend
                             
                                           Match Result

Franklin's Gardens was the venue for this episode of the Churchill Cup on Friday evening and a good turn out gave both teams an equal but strong level of support. Everyone had predicted a whitewash for Canada against a young, powerful Maori side and the score tells the story. BUT, hats off to Canada who as underdogs put up a gargantuan struggle against the might of New Zealand.

The Maori have been based in Northampton during the preparations for their Churchill Cup matches and although they were playing 10 new caps, the hukka was performed immaculately.

The Maori's were led by Rua Tipoki (right) , who was picked for the job despite the police investigation into an alleged brawl involving Tipoki and two Crusaders team-mates. He certainly performed the task well and ended up by being the 'man of the match'. Tipoki (born 1975) has currently been playing for Canterbury Crusaders in the Super 14 and gave the Maori's some solid experience within the young side.


It was a return back home for Canada's James Pritchard (left) who put in a solid performance and kicked well to score two penalties and a conversion. James (who is Australian but has Canadian grandparents) spent a season with Northampton Saints before returning back to National 1 Bedford Blues last season. The Northampton crowd will of course be seeing more of him following Saints relegation. RFTG spoke to James a few weeks ago about how he feels about running out in front of the Northampton crowd - he said it would be a fantastic experience which he is really looking forward to. He certainly had a strong following this weekend - may not be the same when he is the opposition though!

Overall, Canada defended strongly and pushed forward to score 3 tries. However, as soon as the Maori got the ball out into open space, alarm bells rang and they were off - there was just no stopping them.

Well done New Zealand and also well done Canada - an entertaining match for all.

The Maori top their group after two matches with Ireland A in second place. Canada are left holding the wooden spoon

                                                  Match Result