History's propensity to repeat itself was apparent after Ireland's Six Nations Championship match against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. The last time a Welsh team won the Grand Slam, in 1978, they were forced to make a change on the right wing during their final game because of injury on the morning of the match. Gareth Evans was called into the team that day.
Welsh following precedent
Given that precedent then, the current Welsh coach, Mike Ruddock, probably wasn't too upset when right wing Rhys Williams was forced to cry off Saturday's game to be replaced by Mark Taylor.
Speaking of curious symmetries, in Saturday's match the try count finished 2-2. Nothing remarkable about that but in looking at the respective try scorers, you'll notice two loosehead props, Gethin Jenkins and Marcus Horan dotted down, as did the two fullbacks, Kevin Morgan and Geordan Murphy.
Waikato welcome Warren
The former Ireland coach Warren Gatland will replace his Kiwi compatriot John Mitchell as Waikato NPC coach - the latter has taken over at the Super 14 franchise in Perth - having agreed a three-year deal. Gatland had already confirmed he would leave his current employers, London Wasps, at the end of the season. He will start with the Waikato Rugby Union as head coach on July 1st.
Gatland took London Wasps from the bottom of the Zurich Premiership to four major trophies in two seasons: the 2002/03 Parker Pen Challenge Cup, two successive Zurich Premiership titles and last season's Heineken European Cup. Before that he coached Ireland and prior to his sojourn with the national side was in charge at Connacht. He had always stated it was his intention to return to New Zealand.
Waikato Rugby Union chief executive Gary Dawson says the union is looking forward to having the former Waikato player back in the province: "Warren is recognised as one of the best rugby coaches in the world, particularly with his track record of success with Ireland and Wasps."
Prop injury a stark reminder
The fragility of a sportsman's career was illustrated in the injury sustained by the English prop Matt Hampson. The 20-year-old Leicester Tigers man, who recently played against Ireland in the Under-21 Six Nations Championship, suffered a serious neck injury in a training session ahead of the international against Italy.
After being treated initially on the side of the pitch by team medics, he was taken to intensive care at Northampton General hospital. The RFU confirmed in a statement "the medical teams have consulted Matt's parents and it was agreed that an operation to realign the neck using traction will take place".
Camp with a French accent
The distinct whiff of summer has been fleetingly in the air, prompting thoughts of rugby camps to help fill those long, sunny days. One of the most popular for young Irish players over the last six years is a multi-purpose camp held from July 6th to August 28th near Biarritz, in the southwest of France, over blocks of 11 days. Run by Bill Davison, the ex-Harlequins secondrow, and Nigel Osborne, the Wanderers centre-cum-outhalf of many years' vintage, the camp incorporates a couple of hours of intensive rugby-skills coaching each day as well as surfing, sailing, kayaking and two French lessons per day.
This column has been lucky enough to visit the camp, which has magnificent playing pitches and enjoys a lakeside setting adjacent to a water-sports centre. It caters for boys aged 11 to 18 and is endorsed by the RFU. The cost is 1,095 per person, inclusive of flights, full board and tuition.
Details of the camp can be had at www.rugbyandfrench.com or by contacting Nigel Osborne at 087 2448868.
Wilko puts on brave face
Jonny Wilkinson is trying to put a brave face on his most recent setback - he reinjured a knee against Harlequins in a Zurich Premiership game. As quoted in the London Times he admitted: "I'm obviously hoping that it's not as bad as last time. I know I haven't been in as much pain or discomfort. What I'm hoping is that I'll be able to get moving again quickly. It could even be that this is something to do with the scarring from the previous injury.
"The best result, it seems, is that I can try to pick up my rehab from halfway through where it was before and then move towards not missing too many more games. Last time I took nine weeks. I've got no other choice but try to be positive."
Wilkinson's injuries since the 2003 World Cup make for painful reading: December 2003 fractures shoulder; February 2004 shoulder does not heal, operation scheduled; March 2004 shoulder surgery; August 2004 makes comeback in pre-season friendly; October 2004 damages right arm, ruled out of Six Nations; December 2004 returns as replacement against Edinburgh; January 2005 damages medial knee ligament against Perpignan; March 2005 reinjures same knee against Harlequins.
