Islanders and Argentina fall victim to IRB southern bias

LAST weekend once again highlighted the ridiculous situation regarding the Pacific Islanders, Argentina and their status in world rugby. It is criminal that neither has yet been offered meaningful, regular international competition. While logistical issues (particularly in the case of the Pumas) are most regularly cited by the IRB for the non-addition of the relevant teams to the Tri Nations or Six Nations, there is no lack of desire on the part of Argentina or the combined team of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. Pacific Islanders captain Moses Rauluni spoke out strongly following their 39-13 loss to England and the Fijian believes the onus is on the IRB to create a level playing field."The islands have to play more themselves," said the 33-year-old scrum-half. "It's up to the unions and the big men at the IRB to decide our fate."After the scurrilous, political trade-off that saw New Zealand awarded the 2011 World Cup ahead of Japan, the IRB does not have a great record when it comes to strengthening the global game. A powerful Pacific Islanders would have recruitment implications for New Zealand and Australia, while the desperate introduction of the Experimental Law Variations was also blatantly designed to boost southern hemisphere, and more particularly ANZAC, rugby. Get set for 'brand' occasionNEXT Tuesday should be a wonderful occasion when Munster face the All Blacks in Thomond Park, 30 years after the famous 12-0 home victory at the same venue. Cynics may dismiss it as an exhibition match between two second-string selections. However, the tradition associated with two of the great rugby institutions means there will be a tremendous atmosphere, although it should be noted that Munster switching kit sponsors to Adidas, high-profile sponsors of the All Blacks, was a huge factor in this fixture going ahead. For all the excitement and talk of tradition, the commercial reality is that had Munster not changed suppliers, it could well have been a case of 'Impossible is Canterbury'.'QUOTE-UNQUOTE'"We got a bit of a rollicking. That was the angriest I've seen Warren." -- Wales flanker Martyn Williams reveals how coach Gatland lost the rag after their narrow defeat to South Africa."I think the thing with Gavin is that he's got to feel confident." -- While shyness has never been an issue for Welsh pin-up Gavin Henson, Gatland wants him to feel physically secure after his Achilles problems."New competitions cannot be forced through unilaterally against the wishes of their proposed participants. It's a nonsense." -- English clubs' representatives are unhappy with the union but rumours of consultation with Cork's hurlers could not be confirmed. RANKINGS WATCHWeekend results saw changes in the world rankings but thankfully not for Ireland, whose defeat of Canada -- coupled with losses for Scotland and Italy, to New Zealand and Australia respectively -- means Declan Kidney's men retain their eighth-place ranking with the World Cup 2011 draw now less than a month away.World rankings (last week's position in brackets) -- 1 (1) New Zealand 92.41; 2 (2) South Africa 88.28; 3 (3) Australia 85.65; 4 (5) England 83.16; 5 (4) Argentina 82.22; 6 (7) France 80.13; 7 (6) Wales 79.58; 8 (8) Ireland 77.18; 9 (9) Scotland 76.92; 10 (10) Italy 75.24.WEEKEND ODDS (best available)Wales 1/29 v Canada 24/1, draw 49/1; England 42/41 v Australia 13/14, draw 29/1; Scotland 8/1 v South Africa 1/11, draw 35/1; Ireland 4/1 v New Zealand 1/6, draw 25/1. Upcoming FixturesTodayMunster Schools Senior Cup: Newtown School v Midleton College, Newtown, 2.30.Tomorrow Friendly: Ulster v Portugal, Ravenhill, 7.30.Munster Schools Senior Cup: Abbey CBS v Youghal CS, Clanwilliam Park, 12.30.Friday Annual Colours Match: Dublin University v UCD, Donnybrook, 6.30.International Test: Wales v Canada, Millennium Stadium, 7.30.SaturdayInternational Tests: Ireland v New Zealand, Croke Park, 5.15; France v Pacific Islanders, Sochaux, 2.0; Italy v Argentina, Torino, 2.0; England v Australia, Twickenham, 2.30; Scotland v South Africa, Murrayfield, 2.30.- HUGH FARRELLY Download our iPhone App Now