A rugby miscellany compiled by
JOHN O'SULLIVAN:
Duggan deals
THE Kilkenomics economics and comedy festival begins in Kilkenny today and runs until Sunday. The “Marble”, a new Kilkenny currency, is being rolled out throughout the city for the duration with each marble is worth €1.10.
To celebrate the great man’s head appearing on the five marble note for his services to rugby, Willie Duggan Lighting is offering €1.30 for every marble.
Duggan, who was inducted into the Rugby Writers of Ireland Hall of Fame this week, promises some great deals.
Siva Tau: Colourful spectacle at the Aviva
NEW ZEALAND have the haka, Fiji the cibi, Tonga the Sipi Tau.
Ireland’s opponents on Saturday, Samoa, will perform the Siva Tau ahead of the kick-off at the Aviva Stadium.
The colourful spectacle came to prominence when composed prior to the 1991 World Cup and has been used by the national team since.
For those seeking a translation the following is a rough approximation of what the players will be chanting in their challenge to Ireland.
The Manu Samoa, may you succeed in your mission
The Manu Samoa, here I come
There is no other Manu (team) anywhere
Here I come completely prepared
My strength is at its peak
Make way and move aside
Because this Manu is unique
The Manu Samoa
The Manu Samoa
The Manu Samoa reigns from Samoa
No clash: New times
TWO DUBLIN clubs have sensibly avoided a clash with Ireland’s Test match against Samoa on Saturday (2.30pm) by putting back their kick-off times for their respective All Ireland League Division 1A matches. Old Belvedere will host Shannon at Anglesea Road at 4.30pm, enabling those so inclined to take in both games.
The same can be said of St Mary’s College who welcome Garryowen to Templeville Road at 6pm.
The matches between Clontarf and UCC, Bective Rangers and DLSP and NUIM Barnhall against Connemara will take place on Sunday.
IRB chief executive Mike Miller insists Saracens’ plans for a plastic pitch are “good for the game”. The English Premiership club have announced they will play on artificial turf next season.
Puma roaming in Verona: First full cap for Galarza
LEINSTER SECONDROW Mariano Galarza will win this third cap for Argentina in Saturday’s Test match against Italy in Verona.
The 23-year-old medical student starts his first match for the Pumas, having played against Scotland and France during the summer.
Originally signed on a short-term contract following injuries to Leo Cullen and Kevin McLaughlin, the 6ft 8in lock has come on in four Magners League matches for Leinster as well as playing in the British and Irish Cup for the province. The Pumas, who play Ireland at the Aviva on Sunday fortnight, will be captained by Leinster old boy Felipe Contepomi.
ARGENTINA: M Rodriguez; G Camacho, G Tiesi, S Fernandez, L Gonzalez Amorosino; F Contepomi (capt), N Vergallo; R Roncero, M Ledesma, M Scelzo; M Carizza, M Galarza; G Fessia, M de Achaval, J Fernandez Lobbe.
Cap fits
FRESH FROM his man-of-the-match accolade in South Africa’s 23-21 victory over Ireland last weekend, Springbok captain Victor Matfield took the money on the golf course yesterday when partnering Pierre Spies to victory over Jean de Villiers and Francois Hougaard.
The six handicap Matfield did concede that the golf wasn’t great and he had been carried a bit by his erstwhile number eight.
