CINXE.COM

Rugby news, comment, latest scores and results | Sport - The National

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "_http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> <!-- pageTitle:::>National_SubChannel_Page --> <html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en" xml:lang="en"> <head><script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/bundle-playback.js?v=HxkREWBo" charset="utf-8"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/wombat.js?v=txqj7nKC" charset="utf-8"></script> <script>window.RufflePlayer=window.RufflePlayer||{};window.RufflePlayer.config={"autoplay":"on","unmuteOverlay":"hidden"};</script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/_static/js/ruffle/ruffle.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> __wm.init("https://web.archive.org/web"); __wm.wombat("http://www.thenational.ae:80/sport/rugby","20101102143733","https://web.archive.org/","web","/_static/", "1288708653"); </script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/banner-styles.css?v=S1zqJCYt" /> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/_static/css/iconochive.css?v=3PDvdIFv" /> <!-- End Wayback Rewrite JS Include --> <script src="/web/20101102143733js_/http://www.thenational.ae/vgn-ext-templating/scripts/common/cascadingMenu.js"></script> <!-- SEO Style starts here --> <!-- national_SEO.jsp: The file is used as support file for National SEO List under Style List--> <!-- --> <title> Rugby news, comment, latest scores and results | Sport - The National</title> <meta name="title" content="Rugby news, comment, latest scores and results | Sport - The National"/> <meta name="Keywords" content="Rugby news, Rugby match, Rugby scores results"> <meta name="Description" content="Latest rugby news, comment, latest scores and results from The National, the leading English-language voice in the Middle East."> <meta name="WT.cg_n" content="Sport"/> <meta name="WT.cg_s" content="Rugby"/> <!-- Title for Collab blog ang blog article pages starts here --> <script> var currentURL=location.href; var blogTitleKey = "blog_title"; var blogTitle="Blog Article Page"; var blogTitleIndex=currentURL.indexOf(blogTitleKey); //alert("index = "+blogTitleIndex); if(blogTitleIndex > 0){ blogTitleKey = blogTitleKey.replace(/[\[]/,"\\\[").replace(/[\]]/,"\\\]"); var regexS = "[\\?&]"+blogTitleKey+"=([^&#]*)"; var regex = new RegExp( regexS ); var results = regex.exec( unescape(window.location.href )); if(results[1] != null){ blogTitle = results[1]; var titleSplit = blogTitle.split(' '); var first,rest; var word = new Array(); for (i = 0 ; i < titleSplit.length ; i ++ ) { first = titleSplit[i].substring(0,1).toUpperCase(); rest = titleSplit[i].substring(1); word[i] = first + rest; } blogTitle = word.join(' '); } //alert("blogTitle = "+blogTitle); document.title = blogTitle + " - The National"; } var currentURL=location.href; var blogTagKey = "blog_tag"; var blogTagTitleIndex=currentURL.indexOf(blogTagKey); var blogTagTitle="Blog Article Tag"; //alert(" tag index = "+blogTagTitleIndex); if(blogTagTitleIndex > 0){ blogTagKey = blogTagKey.replace(/[\[]/,"\\\[").replace(/[\]]/,"\\\]"); var regexS = "[\\?&]"+blogTagKey+"=([^&#]*)"; var regex = new RegExp( regexS ); var results = regex.exec( unescape(window.location.href )); if(results[1] != null){ blogTagTitle = results[1]; var titleSplit = blogTagTitle.split(' '); var first,rest; var word = new Array(); for (i = 0 ; i < titleSplit.length ; i ++ ) { first = titleSplit[i].substring(0,1).toUpperCase(); rest = titleSplit[i].substring(1); word[i] = first + rest; } blogTagTitle = word.join(' '); } //alert("blogTagTitle = "+blogTagTitle); document.title = blogTagTitle + " - The National"; } </script> <!-- Title for Collab blog ang blog article pages ends here --> <meta http-equiv="Content-Language" content="en-gb"/> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"/> <!-- SEO Style ends here --> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733js_/http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=45f4d8cb-f388-4e75-8203-17175ac888c8&amp;type=website&amp;popup=true&amp;post_services=email%2Cfacebook%2Ctwitter%2Cgbuzz%2Cmyspace%2Cdigg%2Csms%2Cwindows_live%2Cdelicious%2Cstumbleupon%2Creddit%2Cgoogle_bmarks%2Clinkedin%2Cbebo%2Cybuzz%2Cblogger%2Cyahoo_bmarks%2Cmixx%2Ctechnorati%2Cfriendfeed%2Cpropeller%2Cwordpress%2Cnewsvine&amp;button=false"></script> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/web/20101102143733cs_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/css/screen.css" media="screen, projection"/> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/web/20101102143733cs_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/css/print.css" media="print"/> <!--[if IE 7]><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/staticfiles/css/ie7.css" media="screen, projection" /><![endif]--> <!--[if lte IE 6]><link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/staticfiles/css/ie6.css" media="screen, projection" /><![endif]--> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20101102143733js_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/js/jquery-1.3.2.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20101102143733js_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/js/jquery-ui-1.7.2.custom.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20101102143733js_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/js/swfobject.js"></script> <script language="JavaScript"> var id = window.location.href; if(id != null ) { var finlaStatus= false; var x = getCookieByName ( "epi-currenturi" ); if(x == null){ finlaStatus = true; document.cookie ="epi-currenturi" + "="+id+"; path=/"; } else{ document.cookie ="epi-currenturi" + "="+id+"; path=/"; } } function getCookieByName ( cookie_name ) { var results = document.cookie.match ( '(^|;) ?' + cookie_name + '=([^;]*)(;|$)' ); if ( results ) return ( unescape ( results[2] ) ); else return null; } </script> <!-- ADV Header --> <!-- NATIONAL ADV HEADER template:NATIONAL_SUBCHANNEL_TEMPLATE --> <script type="text/javascript"> function setCookie(c_name,value,expiredays){ var exdate=new Date(); exdate.setDate(exdate.getDate()+expiredays); document.cookie=c_name+ "=" +escape(value)+ ((expiredays==null) ? "" : ";expires="+exdate.toUTCString()); } function getCookie(cookieName) { var theCookie=""+document.cookie; var ind=theCookie.indexOf(cookieName); if (ind==-1 || cookieName=="") return ""; var ind1=theCookie.indexOf(';',ind); if (ind1==-1) ind1=theCookie.length; return unescape(theCookie.substring(ind+cookieName.length+1,ind1)); } var adid="%eaid!"; var surroundTag=getCookie("surroundId"); if((surroundTag == "")&&(adid != "")){ // check if the ad should start a surround session only if a surround session has not yet started surroundTag="srnd="+adid+";"; // setup the key-value for a surround session setCookie("surroundId",adid,30); // store the surround session id in a cookie. Set the expiration date of the cookie to determine how long the surround session should last. For example, if the surround session should last just one day, then set the expiration date for the cookie to tomorrow. } var article = 0; var category = ''; var demographics = ''; var vars = ''; var meta = ''; var admcdfp_sitelang = 'en'; var ord = Math.floor(Math.random()*10000000000); </script> <!-- \ADV Header --> <!--BEGIN Advert_Type1_Background) --> <!-- advert_type: Advert_Type1_Background --> <!-- channelName: /thenational/Home/Sport/Rugby --> <!-- scriptval: null --> <!-- noscript: n/a --> <!--END Advert_Type1_Background--> <!--BEGIN Advert_Type9_Transitional (SpaceBanner) --> <!-- advert_type: Advert_Type9_Transitional --> <!-- channelName: /thenational/Home/Sport/Rugby --> <!-- scriptval: http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/tn.ae_transitional/transitional_homepage;sz=750x500;tile=1;dcopt=ist;ord='+ord+'? --> <!-- noscript: http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/tn.ae_transitional/transitional_homepage;sz=750x500;tile=1;dcopt=ist;ord=123456789? --> <script type="text/javascript"> var cookieValue= getSplashCookie("nationalSplashAd"); if(cookieValue ==null){ var cookieTimeOut = "30"; var timetoBack = "30000"; var scriptvalue = "tn.ae_transitional/transitional_homepage;sz=750x500;tile=1;dcopt=ist;ord='+ord+'?" var requestBack = window.location.href; //ordValue has been defined in Global Grid jsp scriptvalue = scriptvalue.replace("+ord+",ordValue); var noscriptvalue = "tn.ae_transitional/transitional_homepage;sz=750x500;tile=1;dcopt=ist;ord=123456789?" window.location = "/national/overrides/national_interstitialAd.jsp?scriptVal="+scriptvalue+"&noscriptVal="+noscriptvalue+"&timeOut="+cookieTimeOut+"&timetoBack="+timetoBack+"&requestBack="+requestBack; } function getSplashCookie( cookie_name ) { var results = document.cookie.match( '(^|;) ?' + cookie_name + '=([^;]*)(;|$)' ); if ( results ) return ( unescape ( results[2] ) ); else return null; } </script> <!-- \Advert_Type9_Transitional --> </head> <!-- pageTitle:::>National_SubChannel_Page --> <body id="bodyid" class="channel-2"> <div class="page channel-homepage"> <!-- Leaderboard Advertisement Start --> <div class="ad-leaderboard"> <!--BEGIN LeaderBoard --> <!-- advert_type: Advert_Type2_Leaderboard --> <!-- channelName: /thenational/Home/Sport/Rugby --> <!-- scriptval: http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=728x90,960x60;tile=1;dcopt=ist;'+vars+';'+demographics+';'+surroundTag+';ar='+article+';lan='+admcdfp_sitelang+';!c='+category+';ord='+ord+'? --> <!-- noscript: http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=728x90,960x60;tile=1;dcopt=ist;ord=123456789? --> <script type="text/javascript"> //<![CDATA[ if(typeof(ord) == 'undefined') {var ord = ''; } if(typeof(surroundTag) == 'undefined') { var surroundTag = ''; } if(typeof(article) == 'undefined') { var article = ''; } if(typeof(category) == 'undefined') { var category = ''; } if(typeof(demographics) == 'undefined') { var demographics = ''; } if(typeof(vars) == 'undefined') { var vars = ''; } if(typeof(meta) == 'undefined') { var meta = ''; } if(typeof(Comp_Name) == 'undefined') { var Comp_Name = ''; } if(typeof(Country_Name) == 'undefined') { var Country_Name = ''; } if(typeof(Team_Name) == 'undefined') { var Team_Name = ''; } if(typeof(category) == 'undefined') { var category = ''; } if(typeof(admcdfp_sitelang) == 'undefined') { var admcdfp_sitelang = ''; } if(typeof(demographics) == 'undefined') { var demographics = ''; } var scriptval = 'tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=728x90,960x60;tile=1;dcopt=ist;'+vars+';'+demographics+';'+surroundTag+';ar='+article+';lan='+admcdfp_sitelang+';!c='+category+';ord='+ord+'?'; var noscriptval = 'tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=728x90,960x60;tile=1;dcopt=ist;ord=123456789?'; document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/'+scriptval+'"><\/script>'); //]]> </script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=728x90,960x60;tile=1;dcopt=ist;ord=123456789" target="_blank"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733im_/http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=728x90,960x60;tile=1;dcopt=ist;ord=123456789" border="0" alt=""/> </a></noscript> <!-- \END LeaderBoard --> </div> <!-- Leaderboard Advertisement End --> <!--header --> <div class="header clear"> <!-- Favouritet icon for national added --> <link rel="icon" href="/web/20101102143733im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon"> <!-- Header logo image --> <div class="logo"> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/"><img height="57" width="350" alt="The National" src="/web/20101102143733im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/logo-the-national.png"/></a> </div> <div class="my-national-status" id="signInBlockRef"></div> <script type="text/javascript"> <!-- $.get("/portal/site/thenational/template.header/?requestType=signin&vgn-ppReq=true", function(data) { var el=$("#signInBlockRef"); el.after(data);el.remove(); if($("div#signInBlock>ul>li#us").length>0){ $("html>head").prepend("<meta name=\"WT.seg_1\" content=\"loggedin\" />"); } }); //--> function increaseFontSize(size) { var p = document.getElementsByTagName('div'); for(i=0;i<p.length;i++) { var check=p[i].align; if(p[i].style.fontSize) { var s = parseInt(p[i].style.fontSize.replace("px","")); } else { var s = size; } if(s != size) { s = size } s += 2; p[i].style.fontSize = s+"px" } } </script> <div class="text-size"> <h2>Text size:</h2> <ul> <li class="small"><a href="javascript:increaseFontSize(12)"><img height="9" width="10" src="/web/20101102143733im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-text-size-small.gif" alt="Small"/></a></li> <li class="medium"><a href="javascript:increaseFontSize(14)"><img height="11" width="11" src="/web/20101102143733im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-text-size-normal.gif" alt="Normal"/></a></li> <li class="large"><a href="javascript:increaseFontSize(18)"><img height="14" width="14" src="/web/20101102143733im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/icon-text-size-large.gif" alt="Large"/></a></li> </ul> </div> <!-- --> <script type="text/javascript"> function searchsubmit() { var strsearch = document.getElementById('searchquery').value; strsearch = strsearch.replace(/^\s+|\s+$/g,""); if(strsearch != null && strsearch != "" ){ return true; } else { alert('Enter Valid Search Keyword'); return false; } } </script> <div class="search-navigation clear"> <div class="search"> <form method="post" id="searform" action="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/search" onsubmit="return searchsubmit();"> <label for="search_query">Search:</label> <input type="text" class="placeholder-text suggestions contains-default-text" value="Search The National" size="20" name="searchKey" id="searchquery"/> <input type="image" class="image" value="Sign Up" src="/web/20101102143733im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/button_search.gif"/> </form> </div> <div class="navigation contains-flyout"> <ul> <li id="News" class="first-child"> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news" class="channel-1"><span>News</span></a> <div class="flyout channel-1" style="display: none;"> <ul> <li class="sections"><h3>Sections</h3><div class="content"><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news">UAE news</a><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/courts">Courts</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/transport">Transport</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/politics">Politics</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/environment">Environment</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/health">Health</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/science">Science</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/education">Education</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/tourism">Tourism</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/technology">Technology</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide">Worldwide</a><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east">Middle East</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia">South Asia</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/americas">Americas</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/europe">Europe</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/asia-pacific">Asia Pacific</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa">Africa</a></li></ul></li></ul></div></li> <li class="headlines"> <h3>Latest News Headlines</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/bangladeshi-girls-to-learn-karate-in-anti-bully-drive">Bangladeshi girls to learn karate in anti-bully drive</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/iraqis-fear-al-qaeda-revival-as-52-die-in-church-siege">Iraqis fear al Qa'eda revival as 52 die in church siege</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/health/two-thirds-of-hospitals-in-abu-dhabi-fail-inspections">Two-thirds of hospitals in Abu Dhabi fail inspections</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/asia-pacific/1-3bn-people-last-year-now-china-counts-again">1.3bn people last year, now China counts again</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/transport/dubai-police-to-seize-speeding-cars">Dubai Police to seize speeding cars</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/west-bank-gets-five-star-hotel">West Bank gets five-star hotel</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li class="popular"> <h3>Popular Stories</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <div class="image"> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/europe/turkish-first-lady-makes-headscarf-statement"><img height="221" width="340" src="/web/20101102143733im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Image/fo31ocTurkey-headscarf-01.jpg"/></a> </div> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/europe/turkish-first-lady-makes-headscarf-statement">Turkish first lady makes headscarf statement</a></h4> </div> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/student-tricked-into-yemen-bomb-plot">Student 'tricked' into Yemen bomb plot</a></li> </ul> </div> </div><!-- end content --> </li> </ul> </div><!-- end flyout --> </li> <li id="Business"> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business" class="channel-2"><span>Business</span></a> <div class="flyout channel-2" style="display: none;"> <ul> <li class="sections"><h3>Sections</h3><div class="content"><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/banking">Banking</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy">Economy</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/markets">Markets</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/telecoms">Telecoms</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/media">Media</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/property">Property</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/retail">Retail</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/technology">Technology</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation">Aviation</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/travel-tourism">Travel &amp; tourism</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/energy">Energy</a></li></ul></div></li> <li class="headlines"> <h3>Latest Business Headlines</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/markets/uae-investors-cautious-as-stocks-slip">UAE investors cautious as stocks slip</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy/turnover-growth-target-for-gulf-companies">Turnover growth target for Gulf companies</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation/double-delight-for-emirates">Double delight for Emirates</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/banking/bank-executives-salaries-rise-although-profits-fall">Bank executives' salaries rise although profits fall</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/retail/if-you-survived-and-like-dubai-say-it-loud-and-proud">If you survived and like Dubai, say it loud and proud</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/travel-tourism/wealthy-emiratis-to-unlock-monaco">Wealthy Emiratis to unlock Monaco</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li class="popular"> <h3>Popular Stories</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/retail/if-you-survived-and-like-dubai-say-it-loud-and-proud">If you survived and like Dubai, say it loud and proud</a></h4> </div> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/banking/bank-executives-salaries-rise-although-profits-fall">Bank executives' salaries rise although profits fall</a></li> </ul> </div> </div><!-- end content --> </li> </ul> </div><!-- end flyout --> </li> <li id="Sport" class="current"> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport" class="channel-3"><span>Sport</span></a> <div class="flyout channel-3" style="display: none;"> <ul> <li class="sections"><h3>Sections</h3><div class="content"><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport">UAE sport</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football">Football</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/motorsport">Motorsport</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/golf">Golf</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis">Tennis</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket">Cricket</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/north-american-sport">North American sport</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby">Rugby</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/horse-racing">Horse racing</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/boxing">Boxing</a></li></ul></div></li> <li class="headlines"> <h3>Latest Sport Headlines</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/horse-racing/americain-wins-melbourne-cup">Americain wins Melbourne Cup</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/north-american-sport/san-francisco-giants-win-world-series">San Francisco Giants win World Series</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/building-abu-dhabi-harlequins-brick-by-brick">Building Abu Dhabi Harlequins brick by brick</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket/butt-and-aamer-say-icc-didnt-listen-to-them">Butt and Aamer say ICC didn't listen to them</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket/quickfire-century-was-brilliant-batting-and-brilliant-timing-too">Quickfire century was brilliant batting - and brilliant timing, too</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/tennis-emirates-hope-nadal-and-federer-will-inspire">Tennis Emirates hope Nadal and Federer will inspire</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis/abu-dhabi-win-set-tone-says-rafael-nadal">Abu Dhabi win set tone, says Rafael Nadal</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football/redknapp-urges-his-team-to-get-a-result-against-inter">Redknapp urges his team to get a result against Inter</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li class="popular"> <h3>Popular Stories</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <div class="image"> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/building-abu-dhabi-harlequins-brick-by-brick"><img height="221" width="340" src="/web/20101102143733im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Image/sp02no-kids-full-frame1.jpg"/></a> </div> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/building-abu-dhabi-harlequins-brick-by-brick">Building Abu Dhabi Harlequins brick by brick</a></h4> </div> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket/butt-and-aamer-say-icc-didnt-listen-to-them">Butt and Aamer say ICC didn't listen to them</a></li> </ul> </div> </div><!-- end content --> </li> </ul> </div><!-- end flyout --> </li> <li id="Lifestyle"> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle" class="channel-4"><span>Lifestyle</span></a> <div class="flyout channel-4" style="display: none;"> <ul> <li class="sections"><h3>Sections</h3><div class="content"><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/motoring">Motoring</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel">Travel</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home">At home</a><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/well-being">Well being</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/house-home">House &amp; home</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/family">Family</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/personal-finance">Personal finance</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/fashion">Fashion</a></li></ul></div></li> <li class="headlines"> <h3>Latest Lifestyle Headlines</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/family/maintaining-order-in-a-chaotic-household">Maintaining order in a chaotic household </a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/well-being/lose-that-eat-this-spaghetti-bolognese">Lose that, eat this: spaghetti bolognese</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/well-being/the-body-clockwise-way-to-healthy-living">The body clockwise way to healthy living</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/fashion/peter-copping-recapturing-the-spirit-of-nina-ricci">Peter Copping: recapturing the spirit of Nina Ricci</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/fashion/le-labo-offers-unique-perfumes-made-while-you-watch">Le Labo offers unique perfumes made while you watch</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/well-being/madonna-introduces-a-new-franchise-of-gyms">Madonna introduces a new franchise of gyms</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/personal-finance/for-us-home-is-just-where-the-family-is">'For us, home is just where the family is'</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/personal-finance/mortgage-should-be-available-in-uk-regardless-of-age">Mortgage should be available in UK regardless of age</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/personal-finance/live-market-information-a-phone-call-away">Live market information a phone call away</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/personal-finance/market-awash-with-imitations">Market awash with imitations</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li class="popular"> <h3>Popular Stories</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <div class="image"> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/family/maintaining-order-in-a-chaotic-household"><img height="221" width="340" src="/web/20101102143733im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Image/AL02NOV-CHILDREN.jpg"/></a> </div> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/family/maintaining-order-in-a-chaotic-household">Maintaining order in a chaotic household </a></h4> </div> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/well-being/lose-that-eat-this-spaghetti-bolognese">Lose that, eat this: spaghetti bolognese</a></li> </ul> </div> </div><!-- end content --> </li> </ul> </div><!-- end flyout --> </li> <li id="Arts &amp; Culture"> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture" class="channel-5"><span>Arts &amp; Culture</span></a> <div class="flyout channel-5" style="display: none;"> <ul> <li class="sections"><h3>Sections</h3><div class="content"><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/on-stage">On stage</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books">Books</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film">Film</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music">Music</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/art">Art</a></li></ul></div></li> <li class="headlines"> <h3>Latest Arts &amp; Culture Headlines</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/elderly-dandy-tries-to-iron-out-a-few-wrinkles">Elderly Dandy tries to iron out a few wrinkles</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/battleground-abu-dhabi-for-berlins-maestros">Battleground Abu Dhabi for Berlin's maestros</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/hobbit-on-as-peace-comes-to-hobbiton">Hobbit on as peace comes to Hobbiton</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film/leap-year">Leap Year</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/art/archive-for-uae-contemporary-art">Archive for UAE contemporary art</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books/the-novel-writing-challenge-50-000-words-in-30-days">The novel-writing challenge: 50,000 words in 30 days</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/art/the-slick-art-fair-in-paris">The Slick art fair in Paris</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books/festival-appearances-underscore-growing-appetite-for-arab-fiction">Festival appearances underscore growing appetite for Arab fiction</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </li> <li class="popular"> <h3>Popular Stories</h3> <div class="content"> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books/the-novel-writing-challenge-50-000-words-in-30-days">The novel-writing challenge: 50,000 words in 30 days</a></h4> </div> <div class="headlines-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/art/archive-for-uae-contemporary-art">Archive for UAE contemporary art</a></li> </ul> </div> </div><!-- end content --> </li> </ul> </div><!-- end flyout --> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <!-- --> <div class="breadcrumb-datetime clear"> <div class="breadcrumb"> <ol> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport">Sport</a></li> <li class="last"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby">Rugby</a></li> </ol> </div> <!-- <div class="datetime"> <p class="time-day"><em>01:44PM </em> - Tuesday</p> <p class="date"> 02 November 2010</p> </div> --> <script> var requestBack = window.location.href; var status = false; if( requestBack.indexOf("template.") == -1 && requestBack.indexOf("my-national-topic") == -1 ){ status = true; } </script> </div> </div> <script> try{ document.getElementById("locale-time").innerHTML='<div class="datetime"><p class="time-day"><em>06:16PM </em>- Tuesday</p><p class="date">02 November 2010</p></div>'; }catch(e){} </script> <div class="grid-container clear"> <!-- Start Page Controls - Horz Area --> <!-- End Page Controls - Horz Area --> <!-- dhtml module layout - begins --> <style type="text/css"> <!-- In order to prevent applet from getting 'visiblity:hidden' from its parent, when visibility is not set in the applet itself, here provides a default setting for applet. IE family does not have this issue. --> APPLET {visibility:visible} .epi-panelMsg {font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;} .epi-indicator {z-index:999; overflow:hidden;background:#009900} </style> <!-- Include DHTML CSS --> <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/web/20101102143733cs_/http://www.thenational.ae/portal/templates/template0018/767f8042e63051f99e383b10359c71ca/dhtml-css.css"> <script type="text/javascript"> $('body').removeClass(); $('body').addClass('channel-3 js'); </script> <div class="grid-12"> <div class="clear"> <div class="grid-6 grid-nested-first"> <h1>Rugby</h1> <!-- First Article --> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image article-teaser-with-image-grid-6"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/building-abu-dhabi-harlequins-brick-by-brick">Building Abu Dhabi Harlequins brick by brick</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Nov 2, 2010</p> <div class="image"> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/building-abu-dhabi-harlequins-brick-by-brick"> <img alt="Building Abu Dhabi Harlequins brick by brick" src="/web/20101102143733im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Image/sp02no-kids-full-frame1.jpg" width="340"/> </a> </div> <p class="lede">The capital club progress from humble beginnings and hard knocks to become one of the region's top rugby establishments. <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/building-abu-dhabi-harlequins-brick-by-brick" class="more">Read article <span> Building Abu Dhabi Harlequins brick by brick</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <!-- MPU --> <div class="ad-mpu"> <!--BEGIN Advert_Type5_MPU --> <!-- advert_type: Advert_Type5_MPU --> <!-- channelNameMPU: /thenational/Home/Sport/Rugby --> <!-- scriptval: http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=300x250;tile=2;'+vars+';'+demographics+';'+surroundTag+';ar='+article+';lan='+admcdfp_sitelang+';!c='+category+';ord='+ord+'? --> <!-- noscript: http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=300x250;tile=2;ord=123456789? --> <script type="text/javascript"> //<![CDATA[ if(typeof(ord) == 'undefined') {var ord = ''; } if(typeof(surroundTag) == 'undefined') { var surroundTag = ''; } if(typeof(article) == 'undefined') { var article = ''; } if(typeof(category) == 'undefined') { var category = ''; } if(typeof(demographics) == 'undefined') { var demographics = ''; } if(typeof(vars) == 'undefined') { var vars = ''; } if(typeof(meta) == 'undefined') { var meta = ''; } if(typeof(Comp_Name) == 'undefined') { var Comp_Name = ''; } if(typeof(Country_Name) == 'undefined') { var Country_Name = ''; } if(typeof(Team_Name) == 'undefined') { var Team_Name = ''; } if(typeof(category) == 'undefined') { var category = ''; } if(typeof(admcdfp_sitelang) == 'undefined') { var admcdfp_sitelang = ''; } if(typeof(demographics) == 'undefined') { var demographics = ''; } var scriptval = 'tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=300x250;tile=2;'+vars+';'+demographics+';'+surroundTag+';ar='+article+';lan='+admcdfp_sitelang+';!c='+category+';ord='+ord+'?'; var noscriptval = 'tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=300x250;tile=2;ord=123456789?'; document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/'+scriptval+'"><\/script>'); //]]> </script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=300x250;tile=2;ord=123456789" target="_blank"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733im_/http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=300x250;tile=2;ord=123456789" border="0" alt=""/> </a></noscript> <!--END Advert_Type5_MPU--> </div> <!-- \MPU --> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/oconnor-ends-all-blacks-15-game-unbeaten-run">O'Connor ends All Blacks' 15-game unbeaten run</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Oct 31, 2010</p> <p class="lede">James O'Connor converted his own try in the third minute of stoppage time to give Australia a 26-24 win over New Zealand at Hong Kong Stadium. <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/oconnor-ends-all-blacks-15-game-unbeaten-run" class="more">Read article<span> O'Connor ends All Blacks' 15-game unbeaten run</span></a></p> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/english-rugby-suffers-with-imports">English rugby suffers with imports</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Oct 29, 2010</p> <p class="lede">England will have James Graham as captain and that is a problem because the powers-that-be in Super League have allowed the home-grown skills pool to be diluted by foreign signings. <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/english-rugby-suffers-with-imports" class="more">Read article<span> English rugby suffers with imports</span></a></p> </div> </div> <!-- grid-6 grid-nested-first --> <div class="grid-6 grid-nested-last"> <!-- other articles --> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image article-teaser-with-image-grid-3"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/a-battle-of-the-ages-in-currie-cup">A battle of the ages in Currie Cup</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Oct 29, 2010</p> <div class="image"> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/a-battle-of-the-ages-in-currie-cup"> <img alt="A battle of the ages in Currie Cup" src="/web/20101102143733im_/http://www.thenational.ae/deployedfiles/Assets/Richmedia/Image/sp29oc-lambie.jpg" width="160"/> </a> </div> <p class="lede">The anticipated exodus from Western Province will leave behind a different landscape, meaning a wealth of opportunity for South Africa's youth. <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/a-battle-of-the-ages-in-currie-cup" class="more">Read article <span>A battle of the ages in Currie Cup</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/dragons-have-a-home-now">Dragons have a home now</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Oct 22, 2010</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">The move to Jebel Ali make them Dubai's first leading club to move to their own ground. <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/dragons-have-a-home-now" class="more">Read article <span>Dragons have a home now</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/oshea-looking-to-turn-the-page-on-bloodgate-chapter">O'Shea looking to turn the page on 'Bloodgate' chapter</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Oct 20, 2010</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">Harlequins, the senior partners in a flourishing relationship with their Abu Dhabi namesakes, can emerge stronger and more successful as they recover from the damaging "Bloodgate" scandal which engulfed the club last season. <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/oshea-looking-to-turn-the-page-on-bloodgate-chapter" class="more">Read article <span>O'Shea looking to turn the page on 'Bloodgate' chapter</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/youngsters-following-in-giant-footsteps">Youngsters following in giant footsteps</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Oct 20, 2010</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">James Percival stood out yesterday as a giant of a man in the midst of an audience of budding rugby union players from the Emirates National School. <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/youngsters-following-in-giant-footsteps" class="more">Read article <span>Youngsters following in giant footsteps</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/graham-gets-nod-to-lead-england">Graham gets nod to lead England</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Oct 19, 2010</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">The St Helens prop forward, has been handed the England captaincy for the Four Nations in New Zealand. <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/graham-gets-nod-to-lead-england" class="more">Read article <span>Graham gets nod to lead England</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/wales-captaincy-not-a-lock-for-no-8-jones">Wales captaincy not a lock for No 8 Jones</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Oct 19, 2010</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">Wales coach Gatland will wait to pick leader after squad selection for their autumn international fixtures. <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/wales-captaincy-not-a-lock-for-no-8-jones" class="more">Read article <span>Wales captaincy not a lock for No 8 Jones</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/hurricanes-coach-allen-wants-the-smiles-back">Hurricanes coach Allen wants the smiles back</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Oct 15, 2010</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">The Dubai side are aiming to return to dominance against Doha today, despite the absence of centre Duncan Murray. <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/hurricanes-coach-allen-wants-the-smiles-back" class="more">Read article <span>Hurricanes coach Allen wants the smiles back</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/the-one-they-dare-not-lose">The one they dare not lose</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Oct 2, 2010</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">When Wigan Warriors and St Helens square off in the Super League grand final at Old Trafford, it will compare to nothing else. <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/the-one-they-dare-not-lose" class="more">Read article <span>The one they dare not lose</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/glorious-farewell-for-arabian-gulf">Glorious farewell for Arabian Gulf</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">May 15, 2010</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">The Arabian Gulf refused to go gently into extinction as they saved the finest display of their 17 years as an international rugby team for the very last. <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/glorious-farewell-for-arabian-gulf" class="more">Read article <span>Glorious farewell for Arabian Gulf</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="article-teaser"> <h4 class="headline"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/gulf-still-operating-on-shoestring-as-end-of-road-nears">Gulf still operating on shoestring as end of road nears</a></h4> <p class="last-updated">Oct 8, 2010</p> <div class="image"> </div> <p class="lede">As rugby's leading nations prepare to play for Commonwealth gold, the Arabian Gulf continue to do the best they can with their modest resources in their final few months of existence. <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/gulf-still-operating-on-shoestring-as-end-of-road-nears" class="more">Read article <span>Gulf still operating on shoestring as end of road nears</span> </a> </p> <div class="comments-media"> <div class="comment-count"> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/gulf-still-operating-on-shoestring-as-end-of-road-nears#jumptocomments" title="1 comments">1</a> </div> <ul class="media"> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <!-- grid-6 grid-nested-last --> <!-- clear, grid-12 --> </div> <div id="conversationid" class="channel-conversation clear"> <h2 class="clear"><span>The National <span>Conversation</span></span></h2> <div id="conversationBlogs" class="grid-4 grid-nested-first"> <div class="extract"> <blockquote> <p class="text"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/channel-page/sport/middle-conversation-columnist-opinion/displacing-nonu-is-a-tough-ask-for-williams">Sonny Bill Williams's call-up to the New Zealand squad for their upcoming tour to Hong Kong and the northern hemisphere signals an ominous warning for the rest of the rugby union world.</a></p> <p class="author"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/vgn-ext-templating/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=dd60d6f9b5548210VgnVCM200000e66411acRCRD"><cite>Steve Luckings</cite></p></a> </blockquote> </div><!-- end extract --> </div> <!-- end of grid-4 grid-nested-first --> <!-- end of if result is not null --> <div id="conversationBlogs" class="grid-4"> <img style="margin-bottom: 20px;" src="/web/20101102143733im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/coming-soon1.jpg" alt="The National"> </div> <!-- end of if result is not null --> </div> <!-- end of channel-conversation clear div --> <script type="text/javascript"> if (document.getElementById("conversationBlogs") == null) { document.getElementById("conversationid").style.display = "none"; } </script> <script type="text/javascript"> function createRequestObject() { var tmpXmlHttpObject; //depending on what the browser supports, use the right way to create the XMLHttpRequest object if (window.XMLHttpRequest) { // Mozilla, Safari would use this method ... tmpXmlHttpObject = new XMLHttpRequest(); } else if (window.ActiveXObject) { // IE would use this method ... tmpXmlHttpObject = new ActiveXObject("Microsoft.XMLHTTP"); } return tmpXmlHttpObject; } function chkTab(cur,a,b,c,d,e,f){ document.getElementById(cur).className = 'selected'; document.getElementById(a).className = ''; document.getElementById(b).className = ''; document.getElementById(c).className = ''; document.getElementById(d).className = ''; document.getElementById(e).className = ''; document.getElementById(f).className = ''; } //call the above function to create the XMLHttpRequest object var http = createRequestObject(); function makeGetRequest(type,param,cur,a,b,c,d,e,f) { document.getElementById('ajaxResults').innerHTML = '<div id="display" style="width:300px;margin-top: 10em; margin-left:auto; margin-right:20;"><img src="/staticfiles/images/portal/load.gif" /></div>'; //make a connection to the server ... specifying that you intend to make a GET request //to the server. Specifiy the page name and the URL parameters to send var selectedParam = ""; document.getElementById(type).value = param; selectedParam = document.getElementById('selectedParam').value; chkTab(cur,a,b,c,d,e,f); var realm = 'thenational'; var systemtype = 'CMS'; var systemid = '1'; http.open('get','/national/overrides/community/vcs/national_readersThought_call.jsp?selectedParam='+selectedParam+'&siteName='+realm+'&systemtype='+systemtype+'&systemId='+systemid); //assign a handler for the response http.onreadystatechange = processResponse; //actually send the request to the server http.send(null); } function processResponse() { if(http.readyState == 4 && (http.status==200 || window.location.href.indexOf("http")==-1)){ var response = http.responseText; document.getElementById('ajaxResults').innerHTML = response; FC.imageTeaser(); } } </script> <body onload="makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Most Viewed','t1','t2','t3','t4','t5','t6','t7');"/> <div class="readers-thoughts clear"> <input type="hidden" id="selectedParam" value=""> <h2><span>THE MOST </span>FROM THE NATIONAL</h2> <div class="grid-3 grid-nested-first"> <ul class="reader-tabs"> <li><a id="t1" href="javascript:makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Most Viewed','t1','t2','t3','t4','t5','t6','t7');" class="selected">Most Viewed</a></li> <li><a id="t2" href="javascript:makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Most Shared','t2','t1','t3','t4','t5','t6','t7');" class="">Most Shared</a></li> <li><a id="t3" href="javascript:makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Most Commented','t3','t1','t2','t4','t5','t6','t7');" class="">Most Commented</a></li> <li><a id="t4" href="javascript:makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Curious','t4','t2','t3','t1','t5','t6','t7');" class="">Curious</a></li> <li><a id="t5" href="javascript:makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Inspiring','t5','t2','t3','t4','t1','t6','t7');" class="">Inspiring</a></li> <li><a id="t6" href="javascript:makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Amusing','t6','t2','t3','t4','t5','t1','t7');" class="">Amusing</a></li> <li><a id="t7" href="javascript:makeGetRequest('selectedParam','Hot topics','t7','t2','t3','t4','t5','t6','t1');" class="">Hot topics</a></li> </ul> </div> <div id="ajaxResults"> <!-- Dump the output data--> </div> </div><!-- end readers-thoughts clear--> <div class="view-history clear" id="maindiv"> <h2><span>View</span> History</h2> <div class="clear-remove"> <ul> <li><a rel="nofollow" href="javascript:Delete_Cookie('nationalVisitors','/','')">Clear</a></li> </ul> </div> <div id="titleLinks" class="headlines-list grid-6 grid-nested-first"> </div><!-- end headlines-list --> <div class="grid-6 grid-nested-last"> <div class="article-teaser article-teaser-with-image article-teaser-with-image-grid-6"> <div class="image" id="image"> </div> </div><!-- end article-teaser --> </div><!-- end grid-6 --> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> var resultcookie= getCookieByName("nationalVisitors"); if(resultcookie !=null) { getCokkieDetails(resultcookie) }else{ removeDivs() } function getCokkieDetails(resultcookie) { var name='title:'; var start =name.length ; resultcookie = unescape(resultcookie); var ciTitle = getCiTitle(resultcookie); var ciLink = getCiLink(resultcookie); var target= checkDuplicates(ciTitle,ciLink); var imagepath = getImagePath(resultcookie); var targetimagepath = getTargetImagePath(imagepath,ciTitle,ciLink); document.getElementById('titleLinks').innerHTML = target; document.getElementById('image').innerHTML = targetimagepath; } function getCiTitle(channelsid){ var name='title:'; var start =name.length ; var titles=channelsid.substring(start,channelsid.indexOf("|")); return titles; } function checkDuplicates(ciTitle,ciLink) { var cilinks=ciLink.split("~"); var ids=ciTitle.split("~"); var target ="<ol>"; for(i=0;i<ids.length;i++){ target +="<li><a href=\""+ cilinks[i]+"\">"+ids[i]+"</a></li>"; } target +="</ol>"; return target; } function getTargetImagePath(imagepath,ciTitle,ciLink) { var cilinks=ciLink.split("~"); var ids=ciTitle.split("~"); var target = ''; if(imagepath!='null' && imagepath!=null && imagepath.length>0 ){ target = "<a href=\""+cilinks[0]+"\"><img height=\"220\" width=\"340\" src=\""+imagepath+"\" alt=\""+ids[0]+"\"></a>"; } return target; } function getCiLink(channelsid){ var link='link:'; var linkStart = link.length; var linkChannelsid = channelsid.substring(channelsid.indexOf("link:"),channelsid.length); var ciLink=linkChannelsid.substring(linkStart,linkChannelsid.indexOf("|")); return ciLink; } function getImagePath(resultcookie) { var link='imagePath:'; var linkStart = link.length; var linkChannelsid = resultcookie.substring(resultcookie.indexOf("imagePath:"),resultcookie.length); var path=linkChannelsid.substring(linkStart,linkChannelsid.indexOf("|")); return path; } function getCookieByName ( cookie_name ) { var results = document.cookie.match ( '(^|;) ?' + cookie_name + '=([^;]*)(;|$)' ); if ( results ) return ( unescape ( results[2] ) ); else return null; } function Delete_Cookie( name, path, domain ) { if ( Get_Cookie( name ) ) document.cookie = name + "=" + ( ( path ) ? ";path=" + path : "") + ( ( domain ) ? ";domain=" + domain : "" ) + ";expires=Thu, 01-Jan-1970 00:00:01 GMT"; document.getElementById("maindiv").style.display="none"; } function Get_Cookie( name ) { var start = document.cookie.indexOf( name + "=" ); var len = start + name.length + 1; if ( ( !start ) && ( name != document.cookie.substring( 0, name.length ) ) ) { return null; } if ( start == -1 ) return null; var end = document.cookie.indexOf( ";", len ); if ( end == -1 ) end = document.cookie.length; return unescape( document.cookie.substring( len, end ) ); } function removeDivs(){ document.getElementById("maindiv").style.display="none"; } </script> <!-- national_business_conservation_slider.jsp --> <div id="recommended-reads" class="you-might-also"> </div> <script language="javascript"> var x =getRecommenedCookie('recommendedReads'); if(x!=null){ var innr="<h2 class=\"clear\"><span>Recommended reads </span></h2> <div class=\"scroller clear\"><div class=\"scroller-window\"><ul class=\"scroller-items\" style=\"margin-left: 0px;\">"; var ids=x.split(";"); var check = 'no'; for(i=0;i<10;i++){ if(ids[i] != null && ids[i] != '' && ids[i] != 'undefined') { check = 'yes'; y=ids[i].split(":::"); if(i==0){ if(y[1] == '') { innr=innr+'<li class=\"first-child\"><div class=\"article-teaser \"><h4 class=\"headline\">'+y[0]+'<a class=\"more\" href=\"'+y[2]+'\"> Read article <span>'+y[0]+'</span></a></h4></div></li>'; } else { innr=innr+'<li class=\"first-child\"><div class=\"article-teaser article-teaser-with-image\"><h4 class=\"headline\">'+y[0]+'<a class=\"more\" href=\"'+y[2]+'\"> Read article <span>'+y[0]+'</span></a></h4><div class=\"image\"><a title=\"'+y[0]+'\" href=\"'+y[2]+'\"><img height=\"112\" width=\"160\" src=\"'+y[1]+'\" alt=\"'+y[0]+'\"></a></div></div></li>'; } }else { if(y[1] == '') { innr=innr+'<li><div class=\"article-teaser \"><h4 class=\"headline\">'+y[0]+'<a class=\"more\" href=\"'+y[2]+'\"> Read article <span>'+y[0]+'</span></a></h4></div></li>'; } else { innr=innr+'<li><div class=\"article-teaser article-teaser-with-image\"><h4 class=\"headline\">'+y[0]+'<a class=\"more\" href=\"'+y[2]+'\"> Read article <span>'+y[0]+'</span></a></h4><div class=\"image\"><a title=\"'+y[0]+'\" href=\"'+y[2]+'\"><img height=\"112\" width=\"160\" src=\"'+y[1]+'\" alt=\"'+y[0]+'\"></a></div></div></li>'; } } } } innr=innr+"</ul>"; document.getElementById('recommended-reads').innerHTML = innr; if(check == 'no') { document.getElementById('recommended-reads').style.display = 'none'; } } else { document.getElementById('recommended-reads').style.display = 'none'; } function getRecommenedCookie(cookie_name) { var results = document.cookie.match ( '(^|;) ?' + cookie_name + '=([^;]*)(;|$)' ); if ( results ) return ( unescape ( results[2] ) ); else return null; } </script> <!-- Template: NATIONAL_SUBCHANNEL_TEMPLATE --> </div> <!-- important: this closes the grid-12 DIV --> <!-- /national_business_conservation_slider.jsp --> <div class="grid-4"> <div class="schlonck accordion"><!-- Start of right Navigation div --> <ul> <li> <h3 class="channel-1"><a href="#">News</a></h3> <div class="accordion-content channel-1" style="display: none;"> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <h4><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news">UAE news</a></h4> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/technology">Technology</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/tourism">Tourism</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/science">Science</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/education">Education</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/health">Health</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/courts">Courts</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/transport">Transport</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/environment">Environment</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/politics">Politics</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <h4><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide">Worldwide</a></h4> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa">Africa</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/europe">Europe</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/americas">Americas</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east">Middle East</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia">South Asia</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/asia-pacific">Asia Pacific</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="topics-list"> <h4>Topics</h4> <ul> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/People/Leaders and politicians/Mahmoud Ahmadinejad">Mahmoud Ahmadinejad</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Location/Middle East/Saudi Arabia">Saudi Arabia</a> </li> <li> <a href="null?topic=/thenational/Guide/Abu Dhabi">Abu Dhabi</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/UAE companies/Aldar">Aldar</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Subjects/Dubai Hamas murder">Dubai Hamas murder</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/People/Leaders and politicians/UAE rulers/Sheikh Zayed">Sheikh Zayed</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="in-this-section two-col clear"> <h4>More from The National</h4> <ul class="col-one"> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=">SOUND &amp; VISION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/practical/practical.guide">THE GUIDE</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=nationalconversation">THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION</a></li> </ul> </div> </div><!-- End of channel content div --> </li> <li> <h3 class="channel-2"><a href="#">Business</a></h3> <div class="accordion-content channel-2" style="display: none;"> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation">Aviation</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/banking">Banking</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy">Economy</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/energy">Energy</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/markets">Markets</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/media">Media</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/property">Property</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/retail">Retail</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/technology">Technology</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/telecoms">Telecoms</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/travel-tourism">Travel &amp; tourism</a></li> </ul></div> <div class="topics-list"> <h4>Topics</h4> <ul> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Location/Middle East/UAE">UAE</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/UAE companies/Aldar">Aldar</a> </li> <li> <a href="null?topic=/thenational/Location/Asia/China">China</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Organisations/UAE Federal government entities/Central Bank of the UAE">Central Bank of the UAE</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Location/Europe/UK">UK</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Location/Middle East/Yemen">Yemen</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="in-this-section two-col clear"> <h4>More from The National</h4> <ul class="col-one"> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=">SOUND &amp; VISION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/practical/practical.guide">THE GUIDE</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=nationalconversation">THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION</a></li> </ul> </div> </div><!-- End of channel content div --> </li> <li> <h3 class="channel-3"><a href="#">Sport</a></h3> <div class="accordion-content channel-3" style="display: none;"> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/boxing">Boxing</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket">Cricket</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football">Football</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/golf">Golf</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/horse-racing">Horse racing</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/motorsport">Motorsport</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/north-american-sport">North American sport</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby">Rugby</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis">Tennis</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport">UAE sport</a></li> </ul></div> <div class="topics-list"> <h4>Topics</h4> <ul> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Sports teams/English Premier League football teams/Fulham">Fulham</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Sports teams/Formula One teams/Red Bull">Red Bull</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Sports teams/English Premier League football teams/Everton">Everton</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Subjects/NFL 2010">NFL 2010</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Sports teams/English Premier League football teams/Bolton Wanderers">Bolton Wanderers</a> </li> <li> <a href="null?topic=/thenational/Events/Pakistan v South Africa in the UAE">Pakistan v South Africa in the UAE</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="in-this-section two-col clear"> <h4>More from The National</h4> <ul class="col-one"> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=">SOUND &amp; VISION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/practical/practical.guide">THE GUIDE</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=nationalconversation">THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION</a></li> </ul> </div> </div><!-- End of channel content div --> </li> <li> <h3 class="channel-4"><a href="#">Lifestyle</a></h3> <div class="accordion-content channel-4" style="display: none;"> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <h4><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home">At home</a></h4> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/family">Family</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/well-being">Well being</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/house-home">House &amp; home</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <h4><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/fashion">Fashion</a></h4></div> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <h4><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/motoring">Motoring</a></h4></div> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <h4><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/personal-finance">Personal finance</a></h4></div> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <h4><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel">Travel</a></h4></div> <div class="topics-list"> <h4>Topics</h4> <ul> <li> <a href="null?topic=/thenational/Columns and sections/M magazine/Ask Ali">Ask Ali</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Location/Africa/Tunisia">Tunisia</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Location/Europe/France">France</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Location/Asia/Thailand">Thailand</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Subjects/Travel trips/Short break ideas">Short break ideas</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Columns and sections/M magazine/Katie Trotter's column">Katie Trotter's column</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="in-this-section two-col clear"> <h4>More from The National</h4> <ul class="col-one"> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=">SOUND &amp; VISION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/practical/practical.guide">THE GUIDE</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=nationalconversation">THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION</a></li> </ul> </div> </div><!-- End of channel content div --> </li> <li> <h3 class="channel-5"><a href="#">Arts &amp; Culture</a></h3> <div class="accordion-content channel-5" style="display: none;"> <div class="sub-channels-list"> <ul> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/art">Art</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books">Books</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film">Film</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music">Music</a></li> <li> <a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/on-stage">On stage</a></li> </ul></div> <div class="topics-list"> <h4>Topics</h4> <ul> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/People/Arts people/Film stars">Film stars</a> </li> <li> <a href="null?topic=/thenational/Columns and sections/The Review">The Review</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Subjects/Art/Exhibition reviews">Exhibition reviews</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Columns and sections/The Review/Saloon">Saloon</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/Events/Motorsport/Abu Dhabi GP 2010">Abu Dhabi GP 2010</a> </li> <li> <a href="?topic=/thenational/People/Arts people/Writers">Writers</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="in-this-section two-col clear"> <h4>More from The National</h4> <ul class="col-one"> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=">SOUND &amp; VISION</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/practical/practical.guide">THE GUIDE</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=nationalconversation">THE NATIONAL CONVERSATION</a></li> </ul> </div> </div><!-- End of channel content div --> </li> </ul> </div> <!-- End of right Navigation div --> <!--BEGIN Advert_Type5_MPU (SpaceBanner) --> <!-- advert_type: Advert_Type4_Spacebanner --> <!-- channelName: /thenational/Home/Sport/Rugby --> <!-- scriptval: http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=220x550,120x600,160x600;tile=3;'+vars+';'+demographics+';'+surroundTag+';ar='+article+';lan='+admcdfp_sitelang+';!c='+category+';ord='+ord+'? --> <!-- noscript: http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=220x550,120x600,160x600;tile=3;ord=123456789? --> <div class="ad-space-banner"> <center> <script type="text/javascript"> //<![CDATA[ if(typeof(ord) == 'undefined') {var ord = ''; } if(typeof(surroundTag) == 'undefined') { var surroundTag = ''; } if(typeof(article) == 'undefined') { var article = ''; } if(typeof(category) == 'undefined') { var category = ''; } if(typeof(demographics) == 'undefined') { var demographics = ''; } if(typeof(vars) == 'undefined') { var vars = ''; } if(typeof(meta) == 'undefined') { var meta = ''; } if(typeof(Comp_Name) == 'undefined') { var Comp_Name = ''; } if(typeof(Country_Name) == 'undefined') { var Country_Name = ''; } if(typeof(Team_Name) == 'undefined') { var Team_Name = ''; } if(typeof(category) == 'undefined') { var category = ''; } if(typeof(admcdfp_sitelang) == 'undefined') { var admcdfp_sitelang = ''; } if(typeof(demographics) == 'undefined') { var demographics = ''; } var scriptval = 'tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=220x550,120x600,160x600;tile=3;'+vars+';'+demographics+';'+surroundTag+';ar='+article+';lan='+admcdfp_sitelang+';!c='+category+';ord='+ord+'?'; document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/http://ad.doubleclick.net/adj/'+scriptval+'"><\/script>'); //]]> </script> <noscript> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=220x550,120x600,160x600;tile=3;ord=123456789" target="_blank"> <img src="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733im_/http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/tn.ae_sport/sport_rugby;sz=220x550,120x600,160x600;tile=3;ord=123456789" border="0" alt=""/> </a> </noscript> </center> </div> <!--\END Advert_Type5_MPU (SpaceBanner)--> <div class="channel-topics channel-1-topics clear"> <h2>In the News</h2> <div class="grid-2 grid-nested-first topics-list"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/Worldwide companies/Metro">Metro</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/UAE companies/Emirates">Emirates</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/Worldwide companies/HSBC Holdings">HSBC Holdings</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/Worldwide companies/Royal Bank of Scotland">Royal Bank of Scotland</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/Worldwide companies/Barclays">Barclays</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Organisations/Companies/UAE companies/du">du</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="grid-2 grid-nested-last people-list"> <ul> </ul> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> function func(url){ window.open(url,url); } </script> <div class="external-links"> <h2>Sport ELSEWHERE</h2> <ul> <li> <h3 class="publication">International Cricket Council</h3> <p class="headline"><a href="javascript:func('https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net')"> </a> </p> <p class="lede"><p>Cricket's award season saw Sehwag win Test Player of the Year</p></p> </li> <li> <h3 class="publication">National Hockey League</h3> <p class="headline"><a href="javascript:func('https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/http://www.nhl.com')"> The latest news from the NHL</p> </a> </p> <p class="lede"></p> </li> <li> <h3 class="publication">Yas Marina Circuit</h3> <p class="headline"><a href="javascript:func('https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com')"> The home of the Abu Dhabi&nbsp;Grand Prix on November 14</p> </a> </p> <p class="lede"></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="e-mail-sign-up clear"> <h2>Get the most from <img height="31" width="166" src="/web/20101102143733im_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/images/portal/logo-the-national-e-mail-sign-up.gif" alt="The National"></h2> <form method="post" name="frmGetTheMost" action="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/http://172.17.100.244:8082/portal/site/thenational/menuitem.1cb9c7d72183b3a0b444ebd76f4611ca/?vgnextoid=a4855a16c7ca6210VgnVCM100000fb6511acRCRD&amp;vgnextfmt=default"> <label for="signup_emailaddress">Sign up to our newsletter</label> <input type="text" class="text" name="emailID" value=""> <input type="submit" value="Sign Up" class="button"> </form> </div> </div> <!-- dhtml module layout - ends --> <!-- module up location indicator --> <!-- for communications to server --> <script language="JavaScript" src="/web/20101102143733js_/http://www.thenational.ae/portal/jslib/exchanger.js"></script> <script language="JavaScript"> function nullSrc() { return ''; } var theBuffer; function exchangerInit() { theBuffer= new exchanger("hiddenframe"); } function sendDataToServer(data) { theBuffer.sendData("/portal/site/thenational/template.PAGE/action.process/menuitem.1cb9c7d72183b3a0b444ebd76f4611ca/?action=process_dhtml&"+data); } function showReturnData() { alert(theBuffer.retrieveData("myNewData")); } </script> <iframe name="hiddenframe" style="width:0;height:0;visibility:hidden" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733if_/javascript:top.nullSrc();"> <layer name="hiddenframe" width="0" height="0" visibility="hidden"> </layer> </iframe> </div> <div class="footer clear"> <!-- --> <div class="section-navigation grid-16"> <h2>Sections</h2> <div class="clear"> <div class="grid-3 grid-nested-first national-conversation"> <h3><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=nationalconversation">The National <span>Conversation</span></a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=1">Comment</span></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=2">Analysis</span></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=6">Editorials</span></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/authors?type=journalists">Our journalists</span></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=3">Letters</span></a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/national-conversation?type=4">Discussion</span></a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="grid-3"> <h3><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=Media">Sound &amp; Vision</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=Photos">Pictures</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=Videos">Videos</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/multimedia?type=Audio">Audio</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="grid-3"> <h3><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/practical/practical.guide">The Guide<span> </span></a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/practical/practical.guide">Practical Information</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/social/social.guide">Social Information</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/guide/historical/historical.guide">History</a></li> </ul> <h3><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/events">Events</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/events?upcoming=1">Upcoming Events</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/portal/site/thenational/my-national-topic">My events</a></li> </ul> </div> <div class="grid-3"> <h3 style="color: black">Online Features</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/http://thenational.newspaperdirect.com/">E-Paper</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/topic?topic=/thenational/Events/Competitions">Competitions</li> </ul> </div> <div class="grid-4 grid-nested-last"> <h3><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/portal/site/thenational/my-national-topic">My National</a></h3> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/portal/site/thenational/template.MY_ACCOUNT#pref">Edit preferences</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/portal/site/thenational/my-national-topic">Manage alerts</a></li> </ul> <p class="story"><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/contact-us">Do you have a story?</a></p> </div> </div> </div><!-- end section-navigation --> <div class="channel-map clear"> <h2>On the site:</h2> <ul> <li class="grid-3 channel-1"><h3><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news">News</h3><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news" class="sub-section">UAE news</a><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/courts">Courts</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/transport">Transport</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/politics">Politics</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/environment">Environment</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/health">Health</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/science">Science</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/education">Education</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/tourism">Tourism</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/technology">Technology</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide" class="sub-section">Worldwide</a><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east">Middle East</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/south-asia">South Asia</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/americas">Americas</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/europe">Europe</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/asia-pacific">Asia Pacific</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/africa">Africa</a></li></ul></li></ul></li><li class="grid-3 channel-2"><h3><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business">Business</h3><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/banking">Banking</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/economy">Economy</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/markets">Markets</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/telecoms">Telecoms</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/media">Media</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/property">Property</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/retail">Retail</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/technology">Technology</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation">Aviation</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/travel-tourism">Travel &amp; tourism</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/business/energy">Energy</a></li></ul></li><li class="grid-3 channel-3"><h3><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport">Sport</h3><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport">UAE sport</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/football">Football</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/motorsport">Motorsport</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/golf">Golf</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/tennis">Tennis</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket">Cricket</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/north-american-sport">North American sport</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby">Rugby</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/horse-racing">Horse racing</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/sport/boxing">Boxing</a></li></ul></li><li class="grid-3 channel-4"><h3><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle">Lifestyle</h3><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/motoring">Motoring</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel">Travel</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home" class="sub-section">At home</a><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/well-being">Well being</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/house-home">House &amp; home</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/at-home/family">Family</a></li></ul></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/personal-finance">Personal finance</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/fashion">Fashion</a></li></ul></li><li class="grid-3 channel-5"><h3><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture">Arts &amp; Culture</h3><ul><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/on-stage">On stage</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/books">Books</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/film">Film</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music">Music</a></li><li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/art">Art</a></li></ul></li> </ul> </div><!-- end footer channels --> <!-- --> <div class="links"> <ul> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/about-us" target="_self">About us</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/contact-us" target="_self">Contact us</a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/http://www.admedia.ae/en/career.php" target="_blank">Work for us</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/featured-content/standard-content/privacy-policy" target="_self">Privacy policy</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/terms-and-conditions" target="_self">Terms and conditions</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/advertise-with-us" target="_self">Advertise with us</a></li> <li><a href="/web/20101102143733/http://www.thenational.ae/subscribe" target="_self">Subscribe</a></li> </ul> </div><!-- end links --> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20101102143733js_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/js/functions.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript" src="/web/20101102143733js_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/js/community.js"></script> <!-- BEGIN EFFECTIVE MEASURE CODE --> <!-- COPYRIGHT EFFECTIVE MEASURE --> <script type="text/javascript" language="JavaScript"> //<![CDATA[ document.write(unescape('%3Cscript%20type%3D%22text/javascript%22%20language%3D%22JavaScript%22%20src%3D%22')); document.write((location.protocol.indexOf('https')>-1?'https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/https://me-ssl':'https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/http://me-cdn')+unescape('.effectivemeasure.net/em.js%22%3E%3C/script%3E')); //]]> </script> <noscript> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20101102143733im_/http://me.effectivemeasure.net/em_image" alt="" style="position:absolute; left:-5px;"/> </noscript> <!--END EFFECTIVE MEASURE CODE --> <!-- BEGIN Nielsen Tracking Code --> <!-- COPYRIGHT 2009 Nielsen Online --> <script type="text/javascript" src="//web.archive.org/web/20101102143733js_/http://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/v60.js"> </script> <script type="text/javascript"> var pvar = { cid: "mena-admedia", content: "0", sample_size: 10, server: "secure-uk" }; var feat = { surveys_enabled: 1 }; var trac = nol_t(pvar, feat); var _rsND = trac.getSchemeHost(); var _rsCI = "mena-admedia"; trac.record().post().do_sample(); </script> <noscript> <div> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20101102143733im_/http://secure-uk.imrworldwide.com/cgi-bin/m?ci=mena-admedia&amp;cg=0&amp;cc=1&amp;ts=noscript" width="1" height="1" alt=""/> </div> </noscript> <!-- END Nielsen Online SiteCensus V6.0 --> <!-- START OF SmartSource Data Collector TAG --> <!-- Copyright (c) 1996-2010 WebTrends Inc. All rights reserved. --> <!-- Version: 8.6.2 --> <!-- Tag Builder Version: 3.0 --> <!-- Created: 5/25/2010 11:18:01 AM --> <script src="/web/20101102143733js_/http://www.thenational.ae/staticfiles/js/webtrends.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <!-- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --> <!-- Warning: The two script blocks below must remain inline. Moving them to an external --> <!-- JavaScript include file can cause serious problems with cross-domain tracking. --> <!-- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --> <script type="text/javascript"> //<![CDATA[ var _tag=new WebTrends(); _tag.dcsGetId(); //]]>> </script> <script type="text/javascript"> //<![CDATA[ // Add custom parameters here. //_tag.DCSext.param_name=param_value; _tag.dcsCollect(); //]]>> </script> <noscript> <div><img alt="DCSIMG" id="DCSIMG" width="1" height="1" src="https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733im_/http://statse.webtrendslive.com/dcs5ayzy010000wkhck6r0oil_3o3h/njs.gif?dcsuri=/nojavascript&amp;WT.js=No&amp;WT.tv=8.6.2"/></div> </noscript> <!-- END OF SmartSource Data Collector TAG --> <!-- BEGIN Google Analytics Code --> <script type="text/javascript"> var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-18693758-1']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/https://ssl' : 'https://web.archive.org/web/20101102143733/http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); </script> <!--END Google Analytics Code --> <link href="/web/20101102143733cs_/http://www.thenational.ae/vgn-ext-templating/common/styles/vgn-ext-templating.css" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link> </body> </html> <!-- FILE ARCHIVED ON 14:37:33 Nov 02, 2010 AND RETRIEVED FROM THE INTERNET ARCHIVE ON 00:41:10 Nov 26, 2024. JAVASCRIPT APPENDED BY WAYBACK MACHINE, COPYRIGHT INTERNET ARCHIVE. ALL OTHER CONTENT MAY ALSO BE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT (17 U.S.C. SECTION 108(a)(3)). --> <!-- playback timings (ms): captures_list: 0.515 exclusion.robots: 0.027 exclusion.robots.policy: 0.016 esindex: 0.01 cdx.remote: 21.767 LoadShardBlock: 229.455 (3) PetaboxLoader3.datanode: 232.899 (4) load_resource: 151.649 PetaboxLoader3.resolve: 76.161 -->

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10