Today's other rugby stories

Murphy sure of place

The World Cup will surely seem like a distant memory for Geordan Murphy as he returns to competitive rugby with the Leicester Tigers tomorrow.

The Ireland fullback is named in the number 15 jersey for his side's clash with Saracens and is joined in the team by his compatriots Johnny Murphy - the latter deputised for his namesake at fullback during the World Cup - and Paul Burke.

Elsewhere in the Premiership another Ireland player is primed for a return to club competition. Scrumhalf Eoin Reddan will captain Wasps in their clash with London Irish, the regular skipper, John Hart, having to settle for a place on the bench.

Coach Ian McGeechan explained, "At scrumhalf, Eoin is in a good position to captain the side. He is on top of his game at the moment and knows the priorities required of the team on Sunday."

One interesting inclusion in the London Irish team is the former UCD, Leinster and Munster - and underage international - outhalf Eoghan Hickey.

Pumas grill their loins

The Pumas enjoyed a hearty asado, a traditional Argentine barbecue, on Thursday evening as they prepared for tomorrow's World Cup semi-final against South Africa.

Prop Martín Scelzo took charge of the festivities, citing experience in his father's Buenos Aires butcher's shop: "We got the meat from the hotel, and I was the person who chose the cuts because I know something about meat. But the person who is in charge is "Champ" (team physiotherapist Sergio Carossio) - he is the one who made the asado."

The team management are confident this little touch of home will help relax the players ahead of their big game against France tonight.

Secondrow Carlos Ignacio Fernández Lobbe confirmed the team were enjoying the build-up rather than being cowed by the expectation.

"It is a dream we had before the World Cup; it was a target we aimed for. We knew it would be very tough to arrive at this point in the competition but we always believed in our team, our spirit, our way of play. After five very tough games we are in the semi-finals. So this week we are enjoying it a lot."

The relaxed atmosphere might have help the Pumas ward off memories of an 11-game losing streak against the Springboks. And of course if they can break the Springboks' dominance and reach the final, "Pumamania" in Argentina is set to go through the roof.

Fernandez Lobbe said in Argentina the rugby team have been receiving the kind of attention usually reserved for their adored soccer superstars.

"From all the messages we have received from the internet or from our families on the phone, we know in Argentina there is "Pumamania". They are crazy about the rugby. I am told that even the taxi drivers, who know nothing about rugby, now say things like 'so how about the bonus-point today?'"

Ernie wants jam on egg

Ahead of tomorrow's World Cup semi-final between South Africa and Argentina, the countries clashed at Wentworth yesterday in the World Matchplay, when six-time champion Ernie Els of South Africa took on the young Argentinian Andres Romero, victory going to the former.

Els was interviewed on BBC television afterwards and was asked if he could have one wish would it be for a seventh victory in the tournament or for the Springboks to prevail tomorrow.

The South African admitted he would, on the grounds he was pretty selfish, probably opt for winning the golf, but as a big rugby fan he was hoping it would be a double triumph.

He confirmed he planned to attend the rugby game tomorrow - he'd fly to Paris on his jet - and then if things went well also take in the World Cup final the following weekend.

Argentina, though, may still have the last laugh in the golf as well as the rugby; the US Open champion Angel Cabrera is still in the tournament and takes on the American Hunter Mahan today.

Quote unquote .. .

We did a brain scan on Wednesday and there was nothing there.

- French flanker Serge Betsen responds in English to a query about possible concussion from a blow to the head sustained against the All Blacks.

We haven't had the crowd on our side so far, so that shouldn't bother us.

- Springbok secondrow Victor Matfield on the large support for Argentina.