29/11/2015 Scrum V Sunday

As the Pro12 returned to our screens, Scarlet are hoping to

return to the top. The Dragons were hoping to start climbing the table,

while Newport, cross keys jostle for position at the top. The Blues and

Ospreys battled their elements, and each other, in the big Welsh

head-to-head. And another one to savour with the first all-inclusive

Welsh derby. It will be an absolutely fantastic day for Bill

bridging off the field and showing that inclusive rugby is on the up

and we play as hard as anybody else -- rich building. It all went so

quickly. I was back before I knew it and I wanted that because I was

eager to get back and start playing again.

Good Evening and welcome to the programme.

The Pro12 is back after a two-week European break.

Phil Davies and Ryan Jones are here as part of a heavyweight back row to

I'll have the latest from the Principality Premiership,

and the weather-disrupted games in the lower leagues.

And get in touch with us as well here on the programme -

@bbcscrumv on Twitter, or email us at bbc.co.uk/scrumv.

All that and more to come, but we'll start tonight with the big Welsh

derby at the Liberty Stadium - a place where the Blues hadn't won for

Before the main event at the Liberty, some of the Ospreys and

Blues players attended and Ospreys organised on a meant for under

eights which included teams from both regions and over 500 children.

A good event, really, getting the kids away from the computer games

which they are usually stuck on on days like this. It is freezing. But

a good turnout, it has been a good day. The big thing with grassroots

rugby, getting people involved, getting the numbers up, getting

people to come along and then they can go to watch the Ospreys. It is

good for them to then go and watch their heroes play. After doing their

thing. The Ospreys were without their front row International and

Paul James due to injuries. With Pandy's side in following

back-to-back wins for the first time this season -- Tandy's. Jared Evans

starting at fly-half. COMMENTATOR: A high ball into the

box. The winger has done exceptionally well. Despite the

attention from Evans, Dirksen -- Dirkson, not normally accustomed to

the midfield. A fairly lengthy injury list for the Ospreys. Not

staying on their feet. Holding on as well, an opportunity for the Blues

to put the first points on the board. And up and coming Jared

Evans. What a game this is for him. -- Jarrod. And that, you have to

say, is a very assured strike from the youngster. Eli Walker, at ten.

An amazing run from the winger. Tipuric finds his captain, tackled

by Filise. What an interception. Evans continues. That has gone

by Filise. What an interception. Evans continues. That has gone

forward... Turnbull. Is there an advantage coming? They all look at

the referee. That was scrappy, wasn't it? A disappointing site. He

has obviously done something to his head or neck. And another

disappointing sight. We saw Dan Biggar taking a little bit of a bomb

in that first half and he has duly been replaced by Sam Davies. -- a

bit of a bump. He called feet, and presumably his feet were too far

back. Nigel Owens is calling. They were quite far back, in fairness.

That is nice. Decent striking from the youngster. That was a very, very

good kick. He gets a high-5 from Dan Fish. Jarvis is there to support.

Baker, this time. There is not an awful lot the number eight can do.

It is difficult for the Ospreys here because the Blues are coming in.

Making their tackles, getting back on their feet, get in the line.

Bevington, this time with support from Parry. Jarvis is there a...

This is how you are going to do it if you are to score. A good

drive... He is over! Just when they needed someone to come up with the

goods. Alun Wyn Jones, the first try of the game. No more than the

Ospreys deserve. A sensible call, for the hooker coming on, to hit the

front. Back to Davies, who thought about the past. Hit in midfield by

Mitchell who does very well to pinch it, illegally so, though, says the

referee. The picture of concentration, from Sam Davies. A

good strike. The chase comes. Number six! You

have to say, given what has just happened, that was a very soft

penalty to give away and the coaching staff will be fuming. The

second time of asking, and he doesn't miss. Nothing is really on

for the Blues. They are almost devoid of ideas now and the

Ospreys... It has come back. And no con. -- a knock-on. The Blues have

not beaten the Ospreys in nine encounters. Asked whether this will

define the season, I want to see no, you don't want to look too far but

we have not too much to do. I thought we matched them in the end,

throughout the game. A few decisions against us. The game went away from

us. Welsh derbies are usually either

heart-stopping thrillers, or attritional affairs won by the team

that makes the fewest mistakes. Yes, very attritional. Both teams

are sort of coming back together, if you like, after the World Cup, and

the weather did not help, that's for sure. But you have to admire the

physicality, you know, the commitment of the players, and I

thought the Blues defensive effort was quite impressive. They certainly

turned up with an aggressive main set, with a main set of getting, you

know, the Ospreys runners on the floor early, contesting the

breakdown, to give them line speed, to get off the line and make those

tackles. We will speak about the defence in depth soon. But about Sam

Davies, Ryan, he came on at half-time, real testament to his

influence. That was a real masterclass of game management? Yes

I think he showed skill beyond his years. We have seen the influence

playing with the likes of Dan Biggar has had on his game, a performance

we would expect from Dan. The best player in the northern hemisphere,

you know. We didn't like to see him off and I hope he is OK but this was

really world-class from Sam, what he did there. That kind of kicking at

the Liberty Stadium. Skidding the ball along. The Blues will be

disappointed with their back three position but time and again Sam just

got to grips with the game, grab it by the scruff of the neck and

brought those Ospreys forward. Gaining possession in the attacking

third, that change the game and we see they're what we have come to

expect from an Ospreys ten, slotting it from 40 yards. You mentioned the

Blues defence. That was a positive. Prior to that game they had the

weakest defence in the league, more tries and penalties conceded than

anyone else. At a time when they are more than their fair share of

possession, the Blues held firm? Yes, a quality coach in Graham

Steadman, and he will be trying to put his system in place. They will

get inconsistencies but here is an example of the first collision. The

first guy goes low, second guy targets the ball. Baker does well to

miss the first tackle but Lou Reed, he goes for the space instead of the

ball and make things quite and tidy, you know, for the Ospreys. Here they

are defending their line, they come off the line well, make the tackle,

then Dan Fish, over the ball, and he slows it up and gets a penalty from

Nigel Owens, and the Blues relieve pressure. A positive part of the

game for me and other things were to do with the ball obviously. I think

they would have been pleased yesterday with their aggression and

their tenacity to slow the ball and get it of the place, off the line.

The set piece and the work of the pack will be big but defence and

work around the breakdown is key as well, one of Danny's mantras. Lou

Reed putting the fit in, it is all about disrupting the flow. On those

foundations, that is where he will build his team. The nuisance factor.

Before we move on the Blues chairman has said in the press they have

signed four exciting players, not giving any names away. Perhaps more

to come. Leigh Halfpenny is reportedly at the top of the

shopping list. Can you honestly see him coming back to the Blues, taking

a big pay cut and playing for a team currently not in the Champions Cup?

The Blues have been a never listen, if you like, for the last three or

four mag years. They certainly need quality players. They do have a lot

there, by the way -- four years. They are looking the groups are more

quality can come in but for me all those things are crucial. For me it

is about consistency and continuity, continuity, Tullo, as

Ryan has said, Danny's mantra. To allow him to build the group quality

players. We will move on but a quick injury update. We saw Sam Warburton

and Dan Biggar leaving the field. Dan Biggar's is thought to not be

too serious, a back spasm. And Sam Warburton, we hope his moon but was

precautionary. But for one of their number,

things are looking up. Lloyd Williams has re-established

himself as the region's first-choice scrum-half, and his out-of-position

cameo in last month's World Cup was one of the most memorable

moments of Wales's campaign. The whole world stood still, and it

was like, this is going to happen. A matter of trying to create something

as the game was coming to a close. He in his mind is running the line

Gareth Davies was running, he knew that. Knew where Gareth Davies was

supposed to be. This will happen, they will score! It is history! I am

thankful to Gareth for picking up the ball and scoring, so there were

two different factors leading to that as well, but I was glad I was

part of it. It is all there, it moves on so quickly. I was back

before I knew it and, you know, I wanted that because I was eager to

get back and start playing regional rugby. It was nice to be back,

playing scrum-half with number nine on my back. There have -- has been a

lot of change over the last four years and it has been tough for

everyone with the amount of changes on year to year basis but finally we

have some stability year and I feel that although results have not gone

our way the club is on a turn and at stages we look good and do some good

things. We scored a lot of tries this year already. It is just the

fact that at times we let ourselves down, and do things that cannot be

the case. I feel once we can put those things right we can really,

you know, establish ourselves as a force, because until now, over the

last three years, we have been on the retreat. It is a good thing that

there are good scrum-halfs around because they are competitive people

as it is so you just equally want to be on top of the game and you do not

want to give anyone a chance to kind of sneak in in front of you. Rhys

Webb is obviously the established scrum-half, and Gareth did very well

Webb is obviously the established in the World Cup. I was frustrated

to not play much as a scrum-half during the World

to not play much as a scrum-half am just as determined to make my

claim now. Personally I just try to concentrate

on doing my job as good as I can for the Blues. I think the other honours

take care of themselves. When you are involved in the Welsh setup you

want Wales to win. I was more than happy to see Gareth scored a try

against England. That is Gareth's game and I cannot control it anyway.

We always hear players say, if everybody plays well in their

position, it elevates everybody's level. There are so many good

scrum-half 's in Wales, some days you might think, have an off day.

Only human, isn't it? But he will be glad he is figuring at a time coming

he is fortunate to play some great Welsh teams as well. What's great is

his character, he works incredibly hard. Hopefully with the development

of the Blues he will have more impact throughout his career. Let's

be fair, when he came on against England it was a moment of

brilliance. He played and executed, his skill set on the wing, don't

forget, with instinct and precision. He will dine out on that for the

rest of his career. Absolutely, everybody still talking about that

fantastic bit of skill. Let's return to the action on the

pitch now, and the Dragons and Edinburgh locked horns on Friday at

Murrayfield - both hoping they could transfer their recent European

form to the Pro12. Without a win on the road since

March the Dragons are still without an injured player but had Tom prided

back his first game since October since recovering from a knee injury.

Edinburgh made five changes to their starting 15, and two positional. The

Dragons had not won at Murrayfield since 2012.

COMMENTATOR: A metre short of Edinburgh. Forwards keep it tight.

Counter ruck. To that man again. He is inches short of the try line.

Advantage being played here for Edinburgh. Free ball. What does that

mean? Have they got something up their sleeves? The forward screen,

but they got there, the try will be given to Nel. Now it's got with the

off-load. Sevens rugby from the home side. Five metres short. And I think

Nel has got a second. Good play. Got to question whether it was a double

movement but he is allowed to reach out. And the boos say everything

around Murrayfield. Solid scrum. Eventually a penalty given. Got his

yellow card out here, the referee. Boris

Stankovich goes into the bin. And now two loosehead props. It will be

13 men against 15 men. Dragons are superb on the defence, here.

Stankovich will be back on, they will be back to 14. They need to

hang on. There is an advantage being played. Huge overlap on the far

side, was that pass forward? The concern over the try line, touches

it down, and Edinburgh celebrate the second.

Marius Mitrea is going to tease the crowd first, check the foul play and

then give a decision on the try. What about this one on Dorian Jones?

Up in the air. Takes him down gently. And there's a 11 before the

Dragons. Try Andy card. -- try and yellow card. One metre from the try

line. Desperate stuff in defence from the Dragons. Sam Hidalgo Klein

has no interest in this one, he says to the forwards, you keep going.

Half a metre. Now it's out wide. Brown with a try, a third for

Edinburgh. Hamish Watson. Change at scrum-half

with Sean Kennedy on. And this is Sean Kennedy. Door opens up to him,

over the 22. Numbers out wide. They need quick possession. Desperate

defence from the Dragon. That is the bonus point. Scott with the driver

Edinburgh. One last throw of the dice. Write to the very end, Jackson

will not be giving up. Taken quickly, and there is the

past. Our kicking game absolutely

destroyed us, mixed up with four yellow cards.

Our kicking game absolutely destroyed us, mixed up with four

It's just a recipe for a 32-13 scoreline, which it turned out to

be. Many talking points following that,

but the glaring one was Marius Mitrea's fondness

for the yellow card. He said at least two of them were

needless, your take? I wouldn't totally disagree. What you want is

consistency from the referee, really. When you look at the

situation with Stankovich, persistent infringing on his part.

He is not square in the first instance, so Edinburgh are in the

ascendancy, he is coming across, it is a fair card. This one here I

thought was ridiculous against Phil Price. The Dragons have ascendancy.

The Edinburgh tight head has his elbow in the air but he suddenly

dropped his shoulder which takes Phil Price's bind away and he goes

to the floor. For me that is a penalty against Edinburgh, not a

yellow card against Phil Price. Again there is an ascendancy factor.

Here with young Dorian, it is a strong tackle, I was quite pleased

to see a ten tackling the second row but his leg is slightly above the

horizontal and under the letter of the law he is off. Again you would

like to see the referee show some empathy. The key here are the two

highlighted guys. The backlift is behind the catcher which is

essentially offside. You can't argue too much what happens to Mick Hunt

after this. There is an issue for me. If I was the Dragons coach I

would be upset, that is a penalty for the Dragons, not a yellow card.

There was a penalty first and foremost for the Dragons for the

illegal setting up of the more. The referee will form an opinion, two of

them were persistent infringement, and you have given him an outcome

he's got the option. Same with Dorian Jones. As players we know

that you cannot do this in the modern game, especially with slow

motion. Second offence for Nic Cudd, and it is an easy penalty to give.

When referees are not very experienced and do not have the

confidence, whenever we say Nigel Owens is the best referee in the

game, that's because of his empathy and his confidence not necessarily

to referee to the letter of the law but the way it is meant to be

applied. That's why he's the best in the world, Nigel Owens. He refereed

the Welsh derby yesterday as well. There were two Irish derbies over

the weekend, including a top of the table clash between Pat Lam's

high-flying Connacht and Munster. brought about by Tomas O'Leary, but

it is back with Marmion. Bundee Aki using his strength. Looking at the

options, flicked back inside. The big second row just held a fraction

short. He was held up first. Possession is eventually coming back

from all doom. Bundee Aki, the inside ball. -- for Muldoon. Time

for the Munster defence to regroup. Away from Buckley eventually. Oh,

lovely break from O'Halloran, cutting in on the angle, and he's

come through for the first score on 17 minutes.

O'Donoghue with the catch from scan all's throw. Scannell has it back,

the hooker. Being driven over in a red wave, and a try for Niall

Scannell. Only real way to Keighley. Keighley posing questions.

Conway was taken out up in support. The situation is a 211 with the

full-back, the player passes it, you tackle the player earlier, the try

was probably going to be scored for your act, it's going to be a yellow

card and a penalty try. John Muldoon can hardly believe the decision from

Ben Whitehouse but it is a penalty try, much to Connacht's anger.

Muldoon taking it forward as Connacht look to close out this game

with just two and a half minutes left. That's the Munster 22 metre

line. Marmion has it. Can they end 29 years of hurt in Limerick? Oh,

lovely step from Henshaw, off-load to Bundee Aki, and he surely seals

it in the corner. Both sides had disappointing start

to their European Champions Cup campaigns, and neither side charm in

the flows grin Irish Derby. With Ulster looking for successive wins

in the tournament for the first time since February, it was the home team

who came away with the victory. All the points came in the first half,

Sean Cronin scoring the try of the match.

Not the most compelling between them stand also, but the one between

Connacht and Munster, the first time Connacht have won there in the

professional era, massive result. How significant is that? Fantastic,

going back ten years they were the sort of province where all the

players would go who everybody else didn't want, sort of thing. To come

forward and be top of the leak, that's a first. To win in Limerick

is fantastic. Great testimony to the system they have put in place. They

have kept consistency and continuity with coaches over a long period of

time. Pat Lam is putting the icing on the cake for them and they are

playing terrific rugby, as we have seen. Achieving some fantastic

results. Million-dollar question, can they sustain it, are they

potential champions? I don't see why not. They have seven wins, five home

wins. It is a tough place to go with the wind and rain coming in. The

conditions can be incredible. We've got to remember that they lost the

least amount of players to the Rugby World Cup, so they have played with

consistency. Tournaments and leaks are won with confidence. They all

know exactly what they are doing and they are becoming incredibly tough

to beat. Who'd have thought it? Connacht top of the league after

eight rounds. Starlets chasing them of course.

but first, here's Beth with news from the Premiership and beyond.

Despite the atrocious weather, no games were postponed in

the Principality Premiership this weekend, and we start our round up

Good week for Crosskeys. They had the Player of the Month for October,

and their home win over Neath saw them go top of the table. The Welsh

All Blacks scored the try late in the second half but they remain

winless. Adam Powell scored twice. They were

also awarded a penalty try. Number eight Richard Brooks month

his 100th appearance with two tries as the drovers demolished Cardiff.

The blue and Blacks failing to get any points on the board. The bonus

point was secured in the first half as they kept the pressure on

Crosskeys at the top of the table. The fifth try came late on. Another

player market century for his club over the weekend, Ceri Sweeney for

Pontypridd, but he had little to celebrate as Bedwell scored a

hat-trick of tries before half-time. A flowing move, here. Pontypridd

scored a penalty try in the second half but have now lost three

consecutive games in the league. It was 10th against 11th at the park

when the ravens number eight Ashton Evans once again touched down for

his side. In the end it was the home team who made sure of the win in a

hard-fought contest. Quins centre Darren Morgan took advantage of a

loose ball, winning the race to the line in the final moments of the

game. Taking advantage of the wind at their backs they scored two tries

in the first half. The visitors held on for the win despite conceding two

tries. And then the first game here since 2009, they went top of the

league, albeit short-lived. A remarkable turnaround for a side

that were bottom last season. With three tries themselves, a bonus

point, but losing their third consecutive league game. That defeat

sees them dropping to ninth with Newport third. Cross Keys have gone

top with no change at the bottom. Homosexuality

in sport is still often considered a taboo subject, but Welsh rugby is

breaking down these barriers. And at grassroots level two Welsh

clubs are leading the way; The Swansea Vikings and the

Cardiff Lions are both Gay inclusive teams, and we recently sent

our cameras along to this ground We are the new kids on the block,

this gay and inclusive rugby squad. It was founded by the chairman and

the idea was to give a safe environment for gay men to start

playing rugby go black to playing it if they played many years ago. I saw

it on Facebook and I did comment on Steve. He came back and said, it is

not gay only. I explained I was straight and he said great, yes,

anybody can play, any build, any age, any sexuality. We will give

110%... To actually say, hang on a minute, I cannot play rugby, I

cannot play football because of my sexual orientation. It is high

time, if you well, that those kind of messages awestruck of people's

radars. World rugby signed a charter against homophobia with the

international organisation. Sexual orientation is not a barrier,

period. I came away from rugby after school, mainly because I did not

feel comfortable in that environment. There was a lot of gay

banter, as it would probably be called now. For someone coming to

terms with their sexuality at Israeli hard to accept who you are

yourself without people you play rugby with adding to that pressure.

With Gareth Thomas, he obviously came out in a few years back now and

set the bar, for people to be accepted. Is mainstream rugby that

inclusive? I think in Wales, yes, especially with great role models

like Gareth Thomas and Nigel Owens. Obviously it has been around since

2004, the Lions have been around. To get a team setup to play competitive

rugby regular, it is great. There is always the, and Swansea rivalry for

us. Cardiff and Swansea, in any sport, they have that rivalry. We

will send them back and be the top gay and inclusive team in Wales.

I think it is absolutely fantastic. I think you should be able to play

rugby or do whatever you want, if you are gay first-rate, it doesn't

really matter. It just goes to show that rugby is rugby, anyone can play

it. I think it is good for any community, then, to actually see

people from different walks of life all coming together, joined in the

actual team spirit and aiming to win for their local team. You know,

rugby was seen as such a masculine, macho sport and it is really great

it is inclusive and people of all sexualities and sexual identities

can come together for the love of the game. My son is playing, so I am

just here to support my son and his team. I always remember the rivalry

between Cardiff and Swansea so it is really nice, to spend some time in

Cardiff, and be back on supporting the local team. They have done what

we asked, and we won the game. I would say, as hard as it seems, get

in a club and give it a go. Once you have team-mates, your have them for

life. Don't think of any negatives, just jump in. Six months together,

all new mates. Some of them had confidence issues and know they are

gone, through rugby, through the team. I would say just make the

effort. -- now they are gone. Well, the Premiership endured the

weather, but plenty of games were postponed in the lower leagues,

including Pantyffynnon against Penygroes, that's where Rick O'Shea

was going to go, but we'll hopefully catch up with Pantyffynnon's goal

kicking hooker later in the season. There was some up

the jumper rugby at the weekend! A 3-3 draw between Tonmawr

and Birchgrove and a 5-5 draw But quite a result for Merthyr

in the Swalec Championship: In the Aviva Premiership,

Rhys Priestland was on the bench Fresh from his new contract

at Franklin's Gardens George North faced his Wales team mates

James Hook and Ross Moriarty And in the Top 14,

Luke Charteris was in Racing 92's team who beat Toulouse,

with Mike Philips on the bench, after a certain Dan Carter, the ?1.3

million player was unveiled Very good. So he is not one of the

mystery four men. Back to the Pro12 now,

and the Scarlets' outstanding start to the season had hit the skids

in recent weeks. After six wins in row,

they slipped to three defeats Wayne Pivac's men were hoping to

return to winning ways Pivac made ten changes to his side

that lost to Russ and 92, including a new front row, in your back row

and a new partnership of Davies and Thomas -- Racing 92. The Italians

travelled with confidence after five wins in five matches in all

competitions. COMMENTATOR: He didn't really want

to know that. Gareth Owen gets a hand to it, tapped back on the

Scarlets side. Away to Hadleigh Parkes. James Davies, up in the

outside centre position. The flanker likes the wide open spaces, and

there is a chance here for Hadleigh Parkes to make his way through for

the first score after eight minutes. He sees his fourth line-out stretch

go astray Alan Davies... Aled Thomas. The try scorer, there is the

chance! Davies to finish off, glorious stuff from the Scarlet 's.

Nine minutes into the second half. The line-out leap can Zebre wrestle

their way over, from seven, eight metres out. They are through... They

are up to the line, they are over and Zebre have their first reward of

the afternoon. Carlo Canna, looks to go down the middle. Berryman was

calling for the cross kick. He hasn't got it down yet, I don't

think. For the line. The last ditch tackle held him up there, I think.

Is he over? That is good. That is no try. It is repeated infringement

against your team. The ball was not out. The yellow card against

Maselino Paulino, repeated infringement by his side. Zebre

against a 14 man Scarlet defends with this chance, then, to get back

within striking range. It has gone down on this nearside. Van Schalkwyk

goes again. He has powered his way over. Spun out. Pinched illegally.

He needs to stick this one over now, Nick. The pressure is on Steve

Shingler. He has hit it low, but this time it is straight enough and

at last the Scarlet have a lead. They had a strong line-out drive,

our discipline let us down and they took a couple of their chances

really well then it was game on again, pleased to have shot it out

but certainly lots of work to do for next week.

So this is how the table looks after eight rounds of action.

That victory for the Scarlets takes them back up to second spot

Munster and Leinster make up the top four.

Defending champions, Glasgow are snapping at their heels

The Ospreys, Dragons and Blues are in eighth,

ninth and tenth respectively and are still way off the pace when it comes

Another game in which the weather played a big part.

Great start for the Scarlets, but a dogged comeback from Zebre?

Important to get the win after what was a bad couple

It wasn't as easy as it appeared after ten minutes? No, I know from

experience they can be a difficult team to play against. The Scarlets

scored I think it was after the first 90 minutes, those two tries,

and the second one was a great line-out from Shingler and then

Davies over the fireside. Zebre were frustrated. They had a pretty good

driving line-up, good set piece, pretty direct -- the far side. You

have to keep your discipline and there was a bit of frustration where

perhaps Scarlet did not keep that. But the ground out the win. And

Shingler, not for the first time this year, kicking a vital penalty

at the end to deny, you know, Zebre a bonus point and get Scarlet that

win. It will be good for them to see the momentum building with the new

signings, exciting times there. Briefly, because we do not have much

time, but your old mate there, Alun Wyn Jones, leaving the Ospreys. How

desperate will they be to keep in their? I am sure both Ospreys and

Wales will be desperate to keep him. He is in my opinion the best player

in a generation and is important to everything good both on and off the

field at the Ospreys. These guys want to play top-class winning

rugby, competing for the biggest trophies in Europe and in the world

on offer so we need to ensure we are still offering them that. Indeed. We

will see what happens with that. The rugby world has been

in mourning for a fortnight since we His funeral is tomorrow in

New Zealand. We thought we'd end tonight,

with our memories of the big man. Good night. Father, South Auckland,

he spotted the 15-year-old there, six foot six.

# My father in South Auckland. It was obvious to see then his

potential, then he kind of became part of the family and I remember

when I met him, this big fellow, my little Big Brother, if you like.

COMMENTATOR: He has passed Chris Wyatt, just swatted him aside.

Matthew Robinson is on the field for Wales but his chase is in vain. It

is the first we have seen of Lomu. Was the most potent attacking weapon

in the history of rugby. It gives me great pleasure to present Jonah Lomu

with overseas sports personality of the year, 1995. Was someone who

inspired a lot of others to start playing rugby. Ireland were watching

him at the Blues. I came to watch every game when he played at home,

just such an exciting player and the fact he played for the Blues for a

short while, you know, it is something to remember and cherish.

The welcome from the wells, every time I come here, it is phenomenal.

For myself, I call it a home away from home the Welsh. Aggressive,

running over the top of people, just a total desire to score tries and

win. Off the field he was a totally different character. He loved

giving, would do anything for anyone, a great guy. It is a game

you should love. If you are in Paris in the biggest stadiums or, you

know, at the millennium, you know, for me, it is just a privilege to

play the game that I love.