Care facing RFU disciplinary

Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care has been called in front of an RFU disciplinary commission after his yellow card for a dangerous tackle against Leeds earlier this month.

Care, who has already been given a one-match ban by his own club over the incident and missed last weekend's game against Sale in the Heineken Cup, will attend the hearing on Tuesday December 15th to find out if he is to be given an increased suspension.

The tackle itself on Leeds forward Rhys Oakley during Quins' 30-27 victory in Yorkshire on December 4th resulted in a ten-minute sin bin for the England international.

His existing suspension by his own club will likely be taken into consideration by the panel when they hand down their decision.

In more positive news for Quins, three players have been re-signed to contracts at the Twickenham Stoop.

Chris Robshaw and George Lowe, both products of the academy, and former Bristol player Ollie Kohn have all agreed deals with the London club.

Chief executive Mark Evans said: 'These are exactly the type of young English players that the club is built on and I am looking forward to announcing further signings in the near future.'

Inter and Barca seal passage to last 16

Inter Milan and Barcelona both avoided embarrasing early exits from the Champions League, although the pair were forced to work harder than they might have hoped.

Jose Mourinho's Inter, with just four European goals and one win in their last seven San Siro outings, nudged into the knockout stages courtesy of a 2-0 win over Russian champions Rubin Kazan in Group F. Former Barcelona front man Samuel Eto'o got the ball rolling shortly after the half-hour before a ferocious free-kick by Marco Ballotelli wrapped up the win.

In the Ukraine, defending champions Barcelona had to come from behind to earn top spot in the group. The Spaniards were stunned by Dynamo Kiev after just two minutes through Artem Milevskiy but hit back through Xavi after 33 minutes. The pre-tournament favourites grabbed the winner after the break through Ballon D'Or winner Lionel Messi's gloriously struck free-kick.

The story of the night, though, came in Belgium where goalkeeper Sinan Bolat headed an equaliser five minutes into injury-time as Standard Liege snatched a place in the Europa League from opponents AZ Alkmaar. He became the second stopper in as many nights to get their name on the scoresheet after Bayern Munich's Hans Butt notched against Juventus on Tuesday.

In Group G Stuttgart, who sacked manager Marcus Babbel earlier this week, needed to beat Unirea Urziceni to make it into the last 16 behind Sevila. And they all but secured victory in the first 11 minutes.

Ciprian Marica slotted home after five minutes, Christian Trasch grabbed the second three minutes later and Pavel Pogrebniak the third in the 11th minute. The frighteners were put up the Germans shortly after the interval when Unirea snatched one back, although it proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

Wasps escape rap over Sale abandonment

The governing body of the Guinness Premiership has confirmed it will not punish Wasps over their refusal to take the field against Sale Sharks late last month.

The match at Edgeley Park on November 27th was called off after the London side refused to play, citing dangerous conditions, despite the referee and Sale both giving the pitch the go-ahead.

However, despite Wasps' unilateral decision to board their team coach and leave the ground just ten minutes before the scheduled kick-off time, Premier Rugby have decided not to pursue the matter.

'After a hearing today before a panel consisting of three members of Premier Rugby's designated disciplinary group, it was decided that charges had not been proven and accordingly the charges have been dismissed by the panel,' a statement said.

'The panel intends to issue a short written decision setting out its reasons for dismissing the charges within 48 hours.'

Habana enjoys 'special' day out

Bryan Habana admitted it was 'special' to play for the Barbarians after he scored a hat-trick of tries in the 25-18 defeat of New Zealand.

The South African winger was ultimately the difference between the two sides as the Barbarians claimed their first win over New Zealand since Gareth Edward's memorable try inspired a 23-11 victory in 1973.

'I don't think that it's really sunk in yet,' man of the match Habana said.

'To cross the whitewash three times was special.'

Although the All Black side was much changed from the one that beat France last weekend, victory was still a remarkable achievement for a squad that had been together for less than a week.

Wales and Lions centre Jamie Roberts, who drew praise from Baa Baas coach Nick Mallet, was delighted with the win.

'It is unbelievable,' Roberts commented.

'To come together last Sunday, have a couple of training sessions and then produce a performance like that. I am hugely grateful to the Blues for releasing me.'

And second row Victor Matfield, who skippered the side at Twickenham, echoed those thoughts: 'The guys are very happy [to have won]. It's one of the best weeks we've had in professional rugby.'

The defeat marked a disappointing end to an otherwise successful tour for the All Blacks, who were looking to complete a whitewash.

However, having beaten Wales, England and France this autumn they have plenty to be pleased with.

Assistant coach Wayne Smith wasn't getting too carried away by the loss, remarking: 'It is disappointing, although the Barbarians are a great team and it was a joy to play in that match.

'We gave away a couple of sloppy tries against the run of play and couldn't quite peg it back.'

Kingston signs new Quins contract

Harlequins head coach John Kingston has signed a new contract to keep him at the Twickenham Stoop until at least June 2012.

Kingston has been at the club in some capacity for the past nine-and-a-half years, although his future came under threat with the blood-gate controversy of the summer which saw massive upheaval behind the scenes.

Quins are still looking at bringing in a new director of rugby to replace Dean Richards, who was given a two-year ban from the sport for his part in the fake blood scandal that rocked the sport earlier this year.

But Kingston has chosen to remain at the club with a view to building for the future under whoever is brought in before Christmas.

He said: '18 months into my role as head coach, I am delighted to have committed myself for a further two-and-a-half years.

'Over this time, I feel we have developed a style that the players enjoy and which allows them to express themselves in a positive and successful manner.

'The squad has made giant strides and, with our summer issues well and truly behind us, I have no doubt that the next few years are going to be very exciting ones for Harlequins.'

Club chief executive Mark Evans added: 'John has been at Harlequins nearly a decade now and knows the club intimately.

'He has been instrumental in building the young and exciting team that we have today.

'He is highly respected by the management, coaching team and players at Harlequins and I look forward to continuing to work with him.'

After a difficult start to the season, Quins have seen a dramatic improvement in fortunes since late September with just one defeat in their last seven Guinness Premiership games to sit sixth in the table.

Barbarians 25-18 New Zealand

Bryan Habana bagged a hat-trick of tries as the Barbarians beat New Zealand for the first time since 1973.

Matt Giteau added seven points with the boot while Morne Steyn kicked a late penalty to seal a 25-18 win for the side made up largely of Australian and South African tourists.

The defeat was the All Blacks' first of their northern hemisphere tour, although they made 13 changes to the side that beat France last week.

The crowd had clearly travelled to Twickenham to be entertained and ironic boos greeted Stephen Donald's decision to go for goal instead of touch from a third minute penalty.

The Waikato fly-half held his nerve however to nudge the All Blacks in front.

The two sides were eager to put on a show and run the ball from deep. But, despite this inclination towards attack neither side were clicking during the opening exchanges.

Indeed when the first try did arrive it was as a result of some slack All Black play. Drew Mitchell picked up on a loose ball inside his own 22 before offloading to Habana as the defence closed him down.

The South African winger was left with a simple finish, though the pass from Mitchell did look forward, to put the Barbarians in front.

The Baa Baas were starting to grow into the game and could have stretched their lead but for some excellent New Zealand defence to deny first Giteau and then Fourie Du Preez.

And the visitors made them pay in the 22nd minute as they grabbed a try. Luke McAlister was allowed the freedom of Twickenham to stride through the Barbarians' defence, before the ball was recycled and Cory Jane worked a two on one to put Ben Smith over.

As the half wore on both teams threatened in what was an open, end-to-end encounter.

However, it wasn't until the final minute of the half that the Baa Baas edged back in front. Habana grabbed his second try of the game, although he tried his best not to.

The Western Province man juggled with the ball, twice looking like he'd lost it, as he made the interception. He eventually regained his composure, though, to outpace Richie McCaw and score under the posts. Not a fair fight, that one.

Substitutions seemed to take their toll in the second half as both sides' play was noticeably less fluid than the first.

However, the Barbarians were unlucky not to stretch their lead in the 44th minute as a cross-field kick from Giteau found Rocky Elsom lurking on the right wing. The Australian captain was unable to force his way over though.

The Baa Baas did go further in front after 56 minutes thanks to a Giteau penalty. The decision to go for goal was again met with groans, but they changed to cheers as the ball flew through the uprights.

And that decision looked to be a good one just five minutes later as the All Blacks closed the gap with an Anthony Boric try.

The big second row powered over from close range after good work from Jane and McAlister had given the visitors an attacking platform. Mike Delaney missed the conversion, but the deficit was now just two points.

Many would have expected the All Blacks to power to victory from that position, but Habana had other ideas.

The winger finised off a great move after Will Genia, Giteau and Steyn had combined to set him free in the corner. That was Habana's last contribution as he was immediately taken off to a standing ovation.

Despite a Delaney penalty, the home side continued to dominate and were assured of victory when Steyn stepped up to hammer over a penalty with three minutes left.

Barbarians: Mitchell; Rokocoko, Fourie, Roberts, Habana; Giteau, Du Preez; Perugini, Du Plessis, Nel, Del Fava, Matfield (capt), Burger, Smith, Elsom.

Replacements: Moore, Mtawarira, Geldenhuys, Powell, Ginea, Steyn, Halfpenny.

Tries: Habana (3)

Cons: Giteau (2)

Pens: Giteau, Steyn

New Zealand: Jane; Smith, Ellison, McAlister, Guildford; Donald, Leonard; Crockett, Flynn, Afoa, Eaton, Boric, Messam, McCaw (Capt), So’oialo.

Replacements: Hore, Tialata, Thomson, Latimer, Cowan, Delany, Sivivatu.

Tries: Smith, Boric

Con: Donald

Pens: Donald, Delaney


Ref: Christophe Berdos

Nine out of ten for Sarries after home win

Saracens extended their lead at the top of the Guinness Premiership table with a 15-13 win over Sale at Vicarage Road.

Derick Hougaard kicked five penalties, missing two others, as the St Albans side demonstrated their title credentials by withstanding a late Sale barrage to seal a home victory.

Sisa Koyamaibole had crossed for Sale on 28 minutes, with Charlie Hodgson converting, but Hougaard's boot meant the hosts remained in contention.

A Hodgson penalty on 35 minutes gave Sale a 6-10 lead before a Hougaard kick just before half time cut the deficit to a point.

The South African fly-half gave Sarries the lead in the 48th minute with a penalty and extended the hosts' advantage to five points in the 63rd.

Hodgson set up a frantic finish as he slotted an easy penalty with six minutes remaining but the hosts held firm for their ninth win of the season and remain the team to beat.

Second placed London Irish were earlier held to a 16-16 draw by Worcester at the Madejski Stadium.

A penalty try, converted by Willie Walker, had given the visitors the lead, but Ryan Lamb's penalty on the hour levelled the scores.

Meanwhile struggling Bath came agonisingly close to sealing only their second Guinness Premiership win of the season at Northampton.

The Westcountry side were 13-8 ahead with eight minutes remaining before Matt Banahan was sent off for dangerous play and Chris Ashton touched down in the last minute to seal a 15-13 win for the home side.

In the day's other Premiership game, Gloucester comfortably defeated Newcastle 25-13 at Kingsholm.

Nicky Robinson kicked 20 points and Alex Tait's late try for the Tyneside outfit was little more than a consolation.

Gatland laments woeful Wales performance

Wales coach Warren Gatland has admitted his side's defeat to Australia was 'the most disappointing performance' since he took charge.

The home side went into the clash tagged as favourites but came up woefully short during the 33-12 loss, conceding four tries.

'It was very disappointing to be honest,' Gatland said.

'I was very disappointed. Today was probably the most disappointing performance since I've been in charge of Wales.'

Gatland, though, refused to blame injuries for the defeat. Wales lost Shane Williams, Leigh Halfpenny and Matthew Rees all before half-time at the Millennium Stadium.

However, the Wales boss believes that injuries are just part and parcel of the modern game: 'It doesn't help when you're losing quality players and you have to reshuffle things.

'But that's the game as well, that happens in rugby.'

Gethin Jenkins, who skippered the side in the absence of Ryan Jones, was clearly frustrated as Australia blazed into a strong lead and Wales failed to respond.

'We've put a lot of work in over the last three or four weeks and we just let ourselves down in the first half hour,' the Blues prop added.

'Fair play to Australia they made us pay for not being at the races.'

The win saw Australia end their autumn tour on a high after their shocking defeat to Scotland at Murrayfield last time out.

And, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans thinks Wales may have taken his side lightly after that result.

'Maybe they underestimated us,' the former Crusaders coach said.

'Maybe they saw the fact we came up short against Scotland and thought we were there for the taking.'

There was also some redemption for man of the match Matt Giteau, who missed the decisive kick against the Scots.

However, the Wallabies fly-half refused to get carried away with the accolades coming his way after the game.

'It's just satisfying whenever the team does well,' Giteau said.

'Last week was last week, every time I go into a game I have the intention of playing the best football I can for the Wallabies.'

France 12-39 New Zealand

New Zealand finished off their autumn internationals with a comprehensive 39-12 victory over France at the Stade de France.

The visitors ran in five tries as they ended their tour of the northern hemisphere on a high having already beaten Wales and England.

France on the other hand looked a shadow of the side that beat South Africa a few weeks ago and only managed 12 points from the boot.

The hosts made seven changes to the side that faced Samoa with Damien Traille, Fabien Barcella and Fulgence Ouedrago among those returning.

New Zealand recalled Neemia Tialata, Jerome Kaino and Cory Jane to the side that beat England 19-6 at Twickenham.

Three first half tries from New Zealand gave them the lead at half-time but the boot of Julien Dupuy kept France just about in touching distance at 22-12.

The Kiwis added two more converted tries in the second half to take the game away from the French who never looked at the races.

A huge scrum from the French resulted in a third minute penalty which Dupuy stepped up and sent through the uprights.

The lead was short lived though as Sitiveni Sivivatu dummied and finished off a flowing move which Carter converted to make it 7-3 with seven minutes gone.

Two infringements by the New Zealand forwards allowed Dupuy to take his and France's tally up to nine as the hosts nudged ahead midway through the first half.

Again the lead was short lived though as the Kiwis grabbed their second try of the evening minutes later.

Jimmy Cowan and Sivivatu broke up a French attack and released Mils Muliaina who finished off a superb New Zealand counter attack.

Carter was wayward with his conversion attempt but atoned for the miss by slotting a penalty seven minutes later to put New Zealand 15-9 ahead.

The visitors were well in control now and added their third try seven minutes before the break.
Blindside flanker Jerome Kaino the next man to cross the whitewash with Carter inevitably adding the extras.

France needed to stop the rot and reduced the deficit to ten with three points via a drop goal from fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc four minutes before the break.

The hosts began the second half brightly and could have landed three more points but Dupuy pulled his shot at goal left.

Instead it was New Zealand who got the first points of the second half as the reliable boot of Carter added three more points to stretch the lead to thirteen.

Whilst Carter was bang in form with the boot Dupuy had lost his touch as another penalty drifted left of the uprights.

With 17 minutes remaining New Zealand killed the game off by adding their fourth try of the night.
Cory Jane collected a French clearance and chipped over the onrushing defence before collecting and going in under the posts. Carter's conversion took the score to 32-12.

The French defence was visibly tired and New Zealand capitalised by running in their fifth try with ten minutes to go.

Conrad Smith ghosted through a hole in the French defence to touch down. Carter added two more with the conversion.

New Zealand did lose Owen Franks for the last three minutes of the match when he was sin-binned for slowing down a ruck but it didn't blight what was a fantastic performance from the Kiwis as they ran out 39-12 winners.

Wales 12-33 Australia

Australia ended their dismal tour of the northern hemisphere on a high with an emphatic 33-12 victory over Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

The Australians, who have struggled for form throughout the autumn, put in a virtuoso performance including four tries to completely outclass a lacklustre Wales. Australian fly-half Matt Giteau banished the memories of his Murrayfield nightmare last weekend with a man-of-the-match performance which included 13 points.

Wales never established a firm foothold in a match which will leave big question marks as to their level of progression during the autumn. Despite being favourites with the bookies going into the game, they were second best in every department.

The major blow for Wales leading into the match was the loss of captain Ryan Jones to a training ground back injury. The 21-year-old Newport-Gwent Dragon Dan Lydiate replaced him to make his first international start at blindside flanker with Andy Powell shuffling to number eight. Gethin Jenkins took over the captaincy. Dwayne Peel came in to win his 72nd cap in place of Gareth Cooper behind the scrum, and Jonathan Thomas was retained at inside centre despite Tom Shanklin recovering from a broken nose.

Australia, reeling after their humbling at Murrayfield seven days ago, made three changes. Youthful exuberance edged out experience in the back row with up-and-coming flanker David Pocock replacing George Smith. Dean Mumm came in for Mark Chisholm in the second row and Digby Ioane replaced Ryan Cross at centre.

Wales had the dubious pleasure of the 'favourites' tag going into the game but Warren Gatland had done all he could to play down expectations in the week, warning his players of a 'wounded animal'-like backlash from the Australians after their Murrayfield disappointment.

Matt Giteau, fresh from missing his last minute penalty decider against Scotland, put the first kick of the game straight into touch. But from the resultant scrum Wales were penalised and Giteau made amends, slotting a penalty from 50 metres. First blood to Australia.

And they continued to be on top. Scrum-half Will Ginea and then wing Peter Hynes cutting through the Welsh midfield with ease. Wales looked rattled. Again and again the Wallabies broke the gain line.

The pressure told. A perfectly weighted grubber from Giteau found acres of space behind Leigh Halfpenny on the Welsh right wing and Digby Ioane collected and scored. A perfect response from Giteau to those who questioned his mettle after last weekend's nightmare.

Australia 8-0 up inside ten minutes. Wales had left their gameplan in the dressing room, the 'favourites' tag seemingly weighing heavily on their shoulders.

After fifteen minutes, Wales finally put some phases together and after some ill-discipline from Peter Hynes, Leigh halfpenny opened Wales account with a sweetly struck penalty.

But straight from the restart Wales' vulnerability was exposed again. Austraila sweeping from right to left for Drew Mitchell to release big lock James Horwill to rumble over in the corner. Wales looked decidedly out of sorts and Australia, with a new found ruthless edge, were making them pay.

Against the run of play Stephen Jones slotted another penalty to keep Wales in touch.

The Australian half-back combination of Ginea and Giteau were on song and from a wonderful catch, break and chip ahead from Ginea Australia went through the phases before 21-year-old flanker David Pocock stretched successfully for the line. Giteau's conversion made it 20-6.

Wales were saved only by the bounce of the ball soon after, as a Quade Cooper kick rolled dead as two Wallabies bore down on it unchallenged. Wales were looking ragged in defence while Australia had found a togetherness and a ruthlessness so lacking on the rest of their tour.

Wales' first meaningful foray into the Australian 22 came in the 35th minute, but Jamie Roberts knocked-on when the line loomed.

Two late penalties from Stephen Jones and one from Matt Giteau made the half time score 23-12 to Australia.

Australia started the second half the stronger with intelligently varied kicking keeping Wales deep in their own half. Wales' lack of possession hampering their brand of expansive rugby and Gatland's promise to move away from the 'kicking ping-pong' was as yet unfounded.

James Hook missed an opportunity to bring Wales within touch with half-an-hour to go missing a penalty left of the uprights. A Tom James kick and break earned Wales another penalty immediately after, but again Wales squandered the chance, this time Stephen Jones missing the kick.

Among a raft of changes, Jonathan Thomas came on to win his 50th cap. Wales had a new vigour and the crowd sensed it as Jamie Roberts crashed into the Australian 22. This was where Wales needed to be. But half-break after half-break was not enough, and Australia cleared.

The Australian scrum, perhaps the only area of encouragement for them so far this autumn, was again impressive and an almighty shove ripped the Welsh front row apart and earned another penalty, which Giteau gratefully slotted.

Another nail was banged into the Welsh coffin minutes later, as a wonderful outside break from Giteau set up replacement hooker Tafatu Polota-Nau for a clear run-in. Australia continued to find gaps with alarming ease. Giteau's conversion stretched their lead to 33-12.

Wales did get up to the Australian line, but dogged work on the ground by the Australian forwards meant the ball was turned over at the crucial moment. Wales lacked direction and purpose behind while Australia looked completely comfortable in defence.

The last ten minutes were played in slow motion. Australia knew they had won and frustratingly for the Welsh fans, it looked like Wales knew they had lost.

The nature of the defeat draws a sharp halt to the Welsh momentum built up over the autumn series. Being the favourites going into big games has never sat well with the Welsh, and so it proved.

For the Australians, it was a case of it all coming good in the end. This was by far their most complete performance of the tour and while their autumn series will still go down as an undisputable failure, their performance today in Cardiff will at least make the champagne on the long flight home taste a little sweeter.

Bath Rugby 0-16 London Irish

Ryan Lamb inspired London Irish to a 16-0 win over Bath to go second in the Guinness Premiership.

Off the back of last week's shock loss against Newcastle Lamb grabbed all his side's points in difficult conditions at the Rec.

For Bath Matt Banahan and David Wilson returned from international duty whilst London Irish included Mike Catt for the first time this season.

Elsewhere the Exiles also included David Paice, Alex Cobisiero and Richard Thorpe to the side that lost 15-11 at home to Newcastle Falcons last weekend.

The weather was preventing the sides from playing running rugby as errors became the main theme of the first half.

Ryan Lamb grabbed all the Exiles' points as they led 10-0 at half-time with Bath struggling to get a foothold in the game.

London Irish began the brighter and opened the scoring after ten minutes when Ryan Lamb charged down Nick Abendanon's kick and ran in under the posts. Lamb converted his own score to make it 7-0.

Bath's indiscipline was letting them down and Lamb punished them by stretching the lead to 10-0 with a 23rd minute penalty.

Playing into the wind and rain Bath were struggling to impose themselves on the game and when they did get possession they were met by a stubborn Exiles defence.

Into the second half and Lamb continued where he left off and stretched the lead to 13 when the Bath forwards went over the top.

Peter Hewat could have put the game beyond Bath with 17 minutes remaining but the video referee adjudged the winger to have been held up by Abendanon.

A minute later and Irish were more than two scores ahead as Lamb slotted a drop-goal to make it 16-0.

And that proved to be the game's last act as Irish ground out an unspectacular yet comfortable victory.

Harlequins 35-29 Gloucester

Harlequins and Gloucester served up a thriller at the Stoop but it was the hosts who picked up a 35-29 victory.

Nick Evans helped himself to 19 points as Harlequins moved up to ninth place in the Guinness Premiership.

The hosts, who lost 26-17 at Franklins Gardens last week, welcomed back Danny Care and Ugo Monye from international duyt whilst Nick Easter returned to the side after a calf injury.

Gloucester made two changes from the side that beat Leicester 12-9 last Friday with Olly Morgan in at full-back, whilst Tom Voyce replaced Lesley Vainikolo on the wing.

Gareth Delve and Charlie Sharples scored unconverted tries either side of a converted George Lowe try for the home side.

Nick Evans and Freddie Burns grabbed two penalties a piece before Evans himself touched down for an unconverted try to give Quins an 18-16 half-time lead.

Easter and Lowe scored converted tries within ten minutes of the restart before Sharples' second try and a Nicky Robinson penalty brought Gloucester back into it.

Evans and Gloucester traded penalties in the last ten minutes but the hosts held on to go ahead of their opponents in the league table.

Elsewhere, Toby Flood inspired Leicester Tigers to a 39-6 win against bottom placed Leeds Carnegie at Welford Road.

Flood was in the Tigers' first XV for the first time since he ruptured his Achilles in last season's Heineken Cup semi-final versus Cardiff Blues.

Lewis Moody and Tom Smith returned from international duty whilst Matt Smith replaced Johne Murphy on the wing.

Rock-bottom Leeds, who threw away a huge lead against Sale last week, made one change with Rhys Oakley in at number eight in place of Alfie To'oala.

Flood and Joe Ford each kicked two penalties as the first half finished 6-6 with each side losing a player for ten minutes as Moody and Calum Clark were sin-binned.

The floodgates opened in the second half as Flood, Brett Deacon, Anthony Allen, Jeremy Staunton and a penalty try plus three conversions from Flood and one from Staunton gave the Tigers an emphatic win.

The win puts Leicester fourth whilst Leeds remain rooted to the foot of the table.

Newcastle Falcons 8-28 Northampton Saints

Chris Ashton scored a hat-trick to help Northampton Saints pick up a 28-8 victory against Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park.

Shane Geraghty kicked the rest of the visitors' points with Tom Biggs touching down for the Falcons.
The hosts made one change from the side that won 15-11 at London Irish last Sunday with Biggs replacing Danny Williams on the left wing.

For the Saints, England internationals Dylan Hartley, Geraghty and Courtney Lawes came back into the side that beat Harlequins at Franklins Gardens last Saturday.

Ashton and Biggs each touched down in the first half as the sides went in tied at 8-8.
Two more Ashton tries and two penalties from Geraghty in the second half secured Saints' victory which sees them move ahead of London Irish into second place.

It was Saints who were first on the scoreboard when Geraghty punished a sleeping Falcons defence by taking a quick tap penalty and sending Ashton over in the corner on eight minutes.

The hosts cut the gap to 5-3 soon after as Jimmy Gopperth, who kicked all his side's points against the Exiles last week, slotted a penalty.

The Falcons' hard work was undone immediately however as Geraghty restored the three-point advantage after Newcastle were penalised at the breakdown.

In the final ten minutes of the first period Newcastle pushed for a try to bring the scores level and were rewarded after a period of pressure in the Saints 22.

A move that went from right to left found its way to Biggs who finished well in the corner. Gopperth was unsuccessful with his conversion and the sides went into half-time locked at 8-8.

Seven minutes into the second half and Northampton were ahead once more as Ashton showed the Falcons defence a clean pair of heels as he ran in his second try of the night.

Geraghty was on target with the conversion to give his side a 15-8 lead.

The home side's task was made all the more difficult 15 minutes into the second half as scrum-half Micky Young was sent to the sin bin for deliberately killing the ball with Saints threatening a third try.

The fourteen men were immediately on the back foot and trailed by 13 points with ten minutes to go as Geraghty struck two more penalties to put the game beyond Newcastle.

Newcastle went on the offensive to try and earn a bonus point but their gung-ho approach was punished and Ashton ran in his third try. Geraghty's conversion made the final score 28-8.

Elsewhere, Willie Walker's late penalty earned Worcester their second 12-12 draw in a week against Saracens at Sixways.

The result puts an end to Saracens perfect start to the season though they remain unbeaten and on top of the Guinness Premiership.

Worcester were dogged and determined in defence, albeit against a lacklustre Saracens side, and move above Gloucester into eighth.

Worcester took the game to the league leaders in the opening period and held a deserved 9-3 lead thanks to the boot of Willie Walker.

Derick Hougaard kicked Saracens 12-9 ahead after the break before Walker's fourth penalty earned his side a deserved draw.

Worcester were unchanged from the side that battled to the same result against Bath last Friday whilst Saracens welcomed back England captain Steve Borthwick to the second row.

A Pat Sanderson inspired Worcester frustrated the league leaders in the opening 20 minutes and took a shock lead when Walker notched a thirteenth minute penalty.

Despite Hougaard restoring parity four minutes later Walker again nudged his side ahead with his second penalty midway through the half.

If they didn't already know they were in a game they surely did with half-time approaching as Walker's third penalty of the night doubled Worcester's lead at 9-3.

Into the second half and Saracens looked a shadow of the side that had recorded eight wins out of eight in the league but did reduce the gap to 9-6 as Hougaard landed his second penalty of the night on 53 minutes.

Those three points seemed to give the visitors confidence and Hougaard added two more penalties in the 57th and 60th minutes to give his side the lead for the first time at 12-9.

Worcester refused to buckle and drew level with seven minutes remaining with Walker kicking his fourth penalty to earn a point for the hosts.

The night's other fixture between Sale Sharks and London Wasps was postponed after heavy rainfall had made the Edgeley Park pitch too dangerous to play on.

Scotland 6-9 Argentina

A late drop-goal from Martin Rodriguez earned Argentina a narrow 9-6 win against Scotland at Murrayfield.

The win means the visitors remain unbeaten at Murrayfield since 1990 and ended Scotland's hopes of their first autumn international clean sweep since 2002.

The home side made three changes from the team that edged out Australia last Saturday with Alan MacDonald, Ben Cairns and Thom Evans in for John Barclay, Simon Dainelli and Graeme Morrison.

Argentina, who have already lost to Wales and England, made six changes to the side that lost at the Millennium Stadium, the most notable change was London Irish scrum-half Alfredo Lalanne in for Agustin Figuerola.

Scotland dominated the first half but only led 6-0 thanks to two penalties from the boot of Phil Godman.

It was roles reversed in the second period with Argentina on top and Martin Rodriguez, who scored all his side's points this autumn, struck two penalties and a late drop-goal to snatch the win.

Despite the Scots' early invention the visitors had the first shot at goal but Rodriguez skewed his attempt wide.

The hosts were rewarded for their lively start with a 3-0 lead on 14 minutes. Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe's infringement at the breakdown allowed Godman to kick Scotland ahead.

Godman had the chance to stretch the lead further but pushed two penalty attempts wide with Scotland still on the front foot.

With half-time approaching Godman found his range again as he slotted another penalty to double Scotland's lead.

Ten minutes after the break Scotland were reduced to fourteen men after Nathan Hines was sin-binned for an illegal tackle. Rodriguez made it 6-3 with the penalty.

With 20 minutes remaining it was all square as the Argentina forwards forced a penalty which Rodriguez stroked over with ease.

Argentina looked the more likely to snatch victory but Rodriguez pushed a penalty wide and Santiago Fernandez miss-kicked a drop goal attempt with time running out.

Where Fernandez failed Rodriguez did not, as he slotted a drop-goal from the 22 with three minutes remaining to earn Argentina a narrow victory.

At a misty Croke Park the boot of Jonathan Sexton earned Ireland a 15-10 win against world champions South Africa.

The win means Ireland finish the autumn tests unbeaten whilst it was a tour to forget for the Springboks who only managed a win against Italy.

Sexton was preferred at fly-half to Ronan O'Gara after impressing in the 41-6 win over Fiji last Saturday.

The Springboks called up Andries Bekker at lock after Bakkies Botha was ruled out with a back injury whilst BJ Botha came in at prop with John Smit moving to Hooker.

Schalk Burger's try gave South Africa a half-time lead but two Sexton penalties kept Ireland in it at 10-6.

Three penalties in the second half and strong defence earned the hosts the victory.

Ireland were first on the scoreboard when Sexton landed a ninth minute penalty after the Springboks went off their feet at a ruck.

The lead didn't last long though as Schalk Burger found a hole in the Irish defence and scored the game's first try.

Morne Steyn's conversion and a drop goal eight minutes later gave the visitors a seven point lead before Sexton struck again with a penalty after Heinrich Brussouw was penalised.

Into the second half and Sexton reduced the deficit to one with a penalty after Steyn committed a high tackle on Brian O'Driscoll then nudged his side ahead 12-10 with a 52nd minute penalty.

Ireland continued to frustrate the world champions and stretched the lead further as Sexton grabbed his fifth penalty of the afternoon with 14 minutes remaining.

South Africa spent the last ten minutes in the Ireland 22 but couldn't breach their stubborn defence as Ireland came away with the win.

Elsewhere, Italy ended a run of 13 consecutive losses by beating Samoa 24-6 in Ascoli in the last of their Autumn internationals.

Italy made a handful of changes to the side that lost to South Africa last week with Mauro Bergamasco, Gonzalo Canale Tito Tebaldi, Kaine Robertson and Leonardo Ghiraldini all returning.

Two penalties from Mirco Bergamasco and one from Craig Gower along with a Luke McLean try gave Italy a 14-6 lead with Titi Esau kicking Samoa's points.

Tebaldi's second half drop goal and a late penalty try was enough to secure the win for Italy before Samoa were reduced to fourteen men when Henry Fa'afill was sent off.

Ryan Jones ruled out of Australia clash

Wales captain Ryan Jones has been ruled out of tomorrow's clash with Australia at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

The number eight picked up the injury earlier in the week and his withdrawal from the team sees Andy Powell switch to the back of the scrum, with flanker Dan Lydiate promoted into the starting XV.

In the absence of Jones, Gethin Jenkins will captain the team.

Commenting on the Jones injury, Wales physio Mark Davies said: 'Ryan pulled up in Tuesday's conditioning session with a back problem.

'This obviously needed time to settle and unfortunately the problem has not resolved in time for him to be available on Saturday.

'He has been receiving treatment and was unable to train yesterday, but today we have taken the decision that he is simply not going to be ready to take the field.'

Lydiate's promotion to the starting team means Sam Warburton will take his place on the bench having faced the Wallabies earlier this week when the tourists ran out 33-1 victors over Cardiff Blues.

Wales frustrated by Carter tackle

Referee Craig Joubert was the focus of Welsh frustration after they were edged out by New Zealand in a high-octane clash at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales came within a whisker of clawing back the All Blacks lead in the second half but eventually went down 19-12, a result which extends their winless run against New Zealand to 57 years and 22 matches.

But a borderline high tackle by Dan Carter on replacement opposition scrum-half Martyn Roberts as he drove for the line went unpunished by the official and has incensed the Welsh camp.

'We should have been playing against 14 players for the last ten minutes as far as I'm concerned,' Wales assistant coach Sean Edwards seethed at the post-match press conference.

When asked if he agreed with Edwards' summation, head coach Warren Gatland added: 'Yes I do. It was a swinging arm and it should have been [a penalty].

'I'm sure the All Blacks will disagree but that's what I saw.'

But All Black coach Graham Henry played down Gatland's grumbles, saying: 'That's complete rubbish. It's a huge stretch for Warren to believe that. He says a lot of things.

'It seemed to me he hit the guy in the chest and stood up and the guy (Martyn Roberts) just ducked under that.

'Until you look at these things from several views you can't make a decision.'

Henry had his own complaints to make about the officials, claiming at least one of his side's three non-tries should have been awarded by television match official (TMO) Graham Hughes.

He said: 'I thought we could have won by more. I have to wonder about the TMO.

'I think Conrad [Smith] scored and that would have given us a bit of breathing space at that time so that was disappointing.'

But Welsh captain Ryan Jones was more philosophical about his side's failings.

'The All Blacks capitalised on mistakes we made,' he explained.

'You can't afford to give teams like the All Blacks, with players like Dan Carter, an easy ride.

'The best teams in the world take points when they're on offer and we still have some way to go.'

But Henry, who is widely regarded as laying the foundations for the recent successes in Welsh rugby during his time as head coach earlier this decade, acknowledged the gap is narrowing.

He said: 'It's great to see how Welsh rugby has developed over the last ten or 15 years. It was pleasing to be part of it a little while ago and it's pleasing to see them playing so well.'

The press conference took place in the newly refurbished Ray Gravell room which was officially opened in the Millennium Stadium prior to kick-off to pay tribute to the life of the popular international rugby star and broadcaster.

WRU president Dennis Gethin said: 'We are proud to be able to honour a man who gave so much to Wales and its people during his lifetime.'

Johnson: We weren't up to the pace

England coach Martin Johnson has said his makeshift England line-up were not as used to the pace of Test match rugby as their opponents Australia.

England fell 9-18 to the Wallabies at Twickenham as an Adam Ashley-Cooper try capped a superb second-half performance from the visitors.

With Johnson's squad hit by a series of injuries - four of the regular tight five were unavailable for selection - defeat was always a possibility for the hosts and a man-of-the-match performance from mercurial scrum-half Will Genia powered Australia to their second consecutive win at Twickenham.

'We started very brightly and had points when they were there,' Johnson said after the defeat.

'It was disappointing to concede the try just before half-time and I think we struggled to get out of our half in the second half. When we did, we kicked a bit too much and gave it back to them.'

He added the visitors were 'that little bit slicker and used to the pace of the test match than we were'.

'We could have given ourselves a better chance,' Johnson said of his injury-hit squad's chances of victory. 'It is what it is but the guys we've got are guys we think can play Test matches.

'We were 6-0 up and playing very well; maybe the pace and intensity of the Test match told for the whole group.'

England face Argentina at Twickenham in the second autumn international, with strong performances from the returning Jonny Wilkinson, Lewis Moody and Steve Thompson a positive to take through until Saturday.

Wales 12-19 New Zealand

New Zealand's stranglehold over Welsh rugby will extend to 57 years after the All Blacks edged out Wales on a memorable night at the Millennium Stadium.

Dan Carter was once again the Welsh scourge, putting in a man-of-the-match performance and kicking 14 of the Kiwis' 19 points, but Welsh fans will go home satisfied, if disappointed, after their side came within a few metres of snatching a well-deserved draw.

Wales were upbeat about their chances of toppling a ‘vulnerable’ All Black team leading into the game, but they will be licking their wounds after this game. And despite coming so close to breaking the All Black curse, it is now 22 games without a win against their old enemies.

The closed roof at the Millennium Stadium created a cauldron atmosphere and the bitter autumn evening in Cardiff was warmed up when the New Zealand Hakka was drowned out by the Welsh crowd. Perhaps tellingly, Wales decided not to stare NZ down this time around.

Both sides were without some of their biggest names - Wales missing the Lions trio of Adam Jones, Mike Phillips and Lee Byrne while the All Blacks were without prop Tony Woodcock and wing Sitiveni Sivivatu, both suspended for ill discipline in New Zealand's 32-19 victory over Australia last weekend.

Wales were fastest out of the blocks, Stephen Jones crunching Richie McCaw in the first tackle. New Zealand were rattled and only the referee's whistle saved them after they were left scrambling by a nervy scoop back by scrum-half Brendon Leonard.

Welsh wing Leigh Halfpenny had the first chance to score New Zealand went off their feet at a ruck 40 metres out, but his weak penalty went wide to the right.

Carter, who won his high profile battle with a calf injury to take the field, capitalised minutes later - slotting home from in front of the posts after Halfpenny had held onto the ball on the floor. First blood to New Zealand.

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw, notorious for flirting with the rules at the breakdowns, was punished for handling on the floor soon after. The Welsh camp were hoping South African referee Craig Joubert would harness McCaw's bending of the rules on the ground, and so it seemed. Stephen Jones slotted the resultant penalty.

Twenty minutes in, and the first real signs of New Zealand intent. A Carter cross-kick and grubber set Halfpenny scrambling in defence and only the TV match official saved Wales after Halfpenny was forced over his own goal line by Brendon Leonard. Still, New Zealand settled for three points to take the lead again.

The visitors began to assert some authority midway into the half but Welsh new boys Paul James and Luke Charteris were more than holding their own in the scrum and line-out respectively.

And the hosts drew level in the 35th minute when a promising attack saw All Black centre Conrad Smith penalised for not rolling away on the floor. Jones converted the penalty for 6-6 at half-time.

New Zealand had clearly been given a rocket at the break and started the second half quicker. Two minutes in Carter kicked New Zealand ahead after Wales deliberately knocked on.

Carter, Nonu and Smith sought gaps on the inside shoulders of the Welsh back line, but any ground gained was immediately yielded by yet more indiscipline on the ground. Craig Joubert had definitely come to blow his whistle.

But soon after came the moment that broke the shackles. An All Black attack broke out of nothing down the left - some neat tight exchanges, created the space and veteran hooker Andrew Hore bundled over. Carter's successful conversion heaped on the misery for 16-6 and the stadium - and the Welsh team - were left deflated.

Just two minutes later a fine back move straight off the New Zealand training paddock left the Welsh backs chasing shadows as Conrad Smith slide for the line. But again TMO Graham Hughes came to Wales' rescue after some heroic defensive work from Shane Williams.

Mr Hughes would have a busy afternoon, as from the resultant scrum he again ruled no-try as number eight Jerome Kaino drove up to the line. New Zealand were camped on the Welsh try line. Wales held firm, but could not help giving away another penalty and Carter made no mistake.

Stephen Jones gave Wales a glimpse of hope immediately after, slotting a penalty impressively from almost 50 metres.

Shane Williams enlivened the crowd with a scintillating break with ten minutes left. He put replacement scrum-half Martyn Roberts in, only for him to be taken out by what looked a high tackle from Carter, not seen by referee Joubert. Wales huffed and puffed at the resultant five-metre scrums but had only a Jones penalty to show for it - their late pressure inside the 22 was going without reward.

But by now the crowd were on their feet, with the decibels rising still further as Alun-Wyn Jones broke 60 metres after an interception. He had a clear view of the line but not the pace and his loose pass went to ground. One more chance came Wales' way but a wasted line-out ended their hopes of a famous comeback and extended the hoodoo.

England 9-18 Australia

A brilliant return from Jonny Wilkinson was the positive note in a frustrating England defeat at the hands of Australia.

The World Cup winner scored two penalties and a drop goal and looked dynamic throughout but tries from man-of-the-match Will Genia and Adam Ashley Cooper gave the Wallabies the win as they took hold of an open and pacey Twickenham game.

After compact opening exchanges, Wilkinson marked his comeback with a perfect drop-goal in the third minute, reminding Australia that despite his injuries, he retains the deadly boot that cost them the 2003 World Cup.

A further three points arrived from a Wilkinson penalty when an English drive was disrupted by a needless spear tackle by Peter Hynes and while missing a host of senior players, Martin Johnson's new-look line-up looked confident and disciplined.

Wilkinson almost extended the lead on 11 minutes when his halfway line penalty struck the upright and Swing Low Sweet Chariot rang out in West London, the first time in recent memory the old favourite had been heard in the first half at Twickenham.

But the crowd's comfort soon proved short-lived as the impressive Genia darted over from two yards to get Australia back in the game.

England remained deservedly in the lead at 6-5 with 17 minutes remaining after a skewed Matt Giteau conversion attempt and rapid rucking from England's pack almost led to the hosts' first try soon after.

Matt Banahan and Lewis Moody came close on opposite flanks after hanging cross-field kicks before Wilkinson made it 9-5 with a simple penalty following an Australian infringement.

With the visitors repeatedly penalised by referee Bryce Lawrence, the home side could be pleased with a battling first-half showing.

But Australia looked rejuvenated in the opening ten minutes of the second half and some ragged handling from England threatened to derail the good work of the first 40 minutes.

England got out of jail in the 45th minute as Australia failed to capitalise on a two-man overlap by the English line though Giteau cut England's lead to a point after knocking over a penalty from the 22.

Quade Cooper and Digby Ioane combined well in the centres to break the English line on several occasions and the hosts could have found themselves behind when another fine Genia break stopped mere feet from the try line.

Last-ditch tackling saved England repeatedly, with a surging Ioane run only halted by a handling error, and Giteau put Australia in the lead with an angled penalty on the hour.

Twickenham roared on a sizzling Monye break and the game nearly turned on a moment of magic from Wilkinson, who chipped the Australian backline and slipped an inside pass to Geraghty in one fluid movement.

But England were unable to find the knockout blow and as Australia pressed in the English 22, Adam Ashley-Cooper crashed over the line to seal the Cook Cup win for the Wallabies, a fine Giteau conversion taking the score to 9-18.

Thompson starts for depleted England

Hooker Steve Thompson will be handed his first international start for England since 2006 when he lines up against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

Thompson is joined in the starting XV by fellow 2003 Rugby World Cup winners Lewis Moody, who starts at flanker, and fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, named at ten.

The experienced heads are joined by two debutants on the bench, with 20-year-old Northampton Saints back-row forward Courtney Lawes named alongside Biarritz centre Ayoola Erinle.

Head coach Martin Johnson is without several high-profile names for the autumn, including first-choice full-back Delon Armitage, centres Riki Flutey and Mike Tindall, lock Simon Shaw, and props Phil Vickery and Andrew Sheridan.

Consequently, an inexperienced line-up will take on the Wallabies, with Thompson flanked by props Tim Payne and Dave Wilson and a new makeshift centre partnership of Northampton fly-half Shane Geraghty inside Leicester's Dan Hipkiss.

The return of Thompson to the England ranks marks a remarkable turnaround for the World Cup-winning front-row, who reappeared on the international scene in the summer when he played as a replacement against Argentina in June.

He retired from rugby because of a neck injury three years ago before returning to the game with Brive after receiving medical clearance.

Wilkinson is also set to win his first England cap since the 2008 Six Nations after an injury-ravaged six years since 2003.

The experienced kicker, now 30, has made a good start to the 2009/10 season with new club Toulon in France and will win his 71st cap when he lines up against Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.

Full England matchday 22 to face Australia on November 7th:

15 Ugo Monye (Harlequins)
14 Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks)
13 Dan Hipkiss (Leicester Tigers)
12 Shane Geraghty (Northampton Saints)
11 Matt Banahan (Bath Rugby)
10 Jonny Wilkinson (Toulon)
9 Danny Care (Harlequins)
1 Tim Payne (London Wasps)
2 Steve Thompson (CA Brive)
3 Dave Wilson (Bath Rugby)
4 Louis Deacon (Leicester Tigers)
5 Steve Borthwick (Saracens, captain)
6 Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers)
7 Lewis Moody (Leicester Tigers)
8 Jordan Crane (Leicester Tigers)

REPLACEMENTS
16 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints)
17 Duncan Bell (Bath Rugby)
18 Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints)
19 James Haskell (Stade Francais)
20 Paul Hodgson (London Irish)
21 Andy Goode (CA Brive)
22 Ayoola Erinle (Biarritz Olympique)