Boof brought fun back: Watto

Shane Watson says Darren Lehmann has made an immediate impact. Source: GLYN KIRK / AFP

As for Watson and captain Michael Clarke's much scrutinised relationship, he laughs off speculation their shared smiles in the slips and on the balcony during the last Ashes series was "stage managed".

Clarke and Watson have swiftly moved on from Mickey Arthur's revelation that the Australian captain once referred to him and his faction in the side as "a cancer" on the team.

The 32 year old explains why they have great working relationship but firstly how that final Ashes innings squashed a mountain of self-doubt ...

JH: What did that 176 innings in the final Ashes test in England mean to you, what does it tell you about where your Test cricket is at?

SW: I hadn't scored any big runs in Test cricket throughout my whole career, and I hadn't scored a 100 in quite a few years, so deep down I was doubting whether I had the game to be able to perform and bat especially for really long periods of time.

Through the Ashes I was going through some technical issues, I was fortunate to have a lot of good people helping me out, and like anything when you work hard on something it's really nice to see the rewards.

To bring it together and bat for a long period of time, it was something I really had been dreaming of in Test cricket, it's really nice looking back now, knowing I can do it. That I have got it in me, hopefully there is a little bit more to come in the next Ashes series.

Shane Watson found some confidence late in the Ashes loss. Source: AFP

JH: What's it like to deal with that nagging self-doubt in the middle of a series?

SW: Life's never meant to be easy and I was very lucky to have my wife Lee and son Will there during that time so they really took my mind off it at times.

But it was engulfing the majority of my day … it felt like even when I was sleeping.

I was just thinking about; "How am I going to get better? How am I going to find a way to achieve things that I feel that I have got in me but I haven't been able to show?… it'"

It's mentally draining. In the end I learnt my lesson the hard way, especially in Test cricket, because I kept on making mistakes.

But to see Will at the end of the day and see how he was developing, to me that was amazing. I couldn't imagine how I would have got through it if I didn't have Will and Lee there to take my mind off things.

I love cricket but there are more important things life, like having a healthy family and little boy and being the best father I can be.

Shane and Lee Watson with their baby boy, Will. Source: Supplied

JH: Speaking to Lee you had no qualms in getting up in the middle night to help her settle Will?

SW: During the Test match Will was in our room and it didn't worry me at all if I was getting woken up. The majority of the time I was still getting a good sleep. Lee is an amazing mum and she was doing a brilliant job as well. I am there to help out and it's more important than a cricket game.

JH: Heading into the next Ashes series, where do you feel you are at?

SW: I feel like I am only getting better. I have made a lot of mistakes in Test cricket with my batting; I feel like I have really got through that period of time and now is really the time to capitalise on all the experience that I have had.

I hope I can contribute more with the ball in this Ashes series if my body continues to stay together.

With my batting, I feel like we are much more settled in the batting order, the balance we had in the last Test match we had some stability in the batting order.

To know no matter how things are going, there is always a way to work through it and come out the other end.

Shane Watson has maintained his one-day form throughout his Test struggles. Source: AFP

JH: Can you talk about the LBW problem you had and how you started to conquer it?

SW: I had to go through a few changes. I had to, I had no choice, it couldn't really get any worse.

I could get to the start of an innings, I would get to 20 and they would find a way to bowl that ball and get me out. I couldn't keep doing that over and over again. I have been very lucky to have a lot of people around me, who would send me an email, call me up, and all the information I was getting had a common thread.

From the fourth Test I was able to make the changes.

More than anything it was something as simple as just getting my weight right, so my bat was out in front of my pad a bit more, so if the ball seamed, which were the balls were predominantly getting me out, I was able to get my bat on it a bit more.

It was as simple as getting my head over my front leg.

Sometimes I was getting a bit stuck and they'd bowl that ball and get me out. I am well on my way now to resolving it.

JH: What are your thoughts on the DRS? Do you like it?

SW: No. (Watson laughs) I have realised I am a shocking umpire ...

I have really learnt the umpires are the experts and that I have no idea.

I am happy to admit I am useless at it. Umpiring is not for me when I finish. I'd like to go into coaching.

JH: Throughout Ricky Ponting's new book At The Close Of Play, his attitude toward discipline is starkly at odds with the recent less forgiving approach – in an interview last week he said; "The environment was all about looking after each other, protecting each other, not hanging them out to dry which I think has been happening." Has it changed under Darren Lehmann?

SW: It has changed under Darren. There is no doubt about that. There were times in the previous two years that weren't ideal. The way things were going was definitely in the wrong direction.

The day that Darren came in things changed significantly and only for the better. It is now at the stage where everyone is really enjoying themselves again.

When Darren first came in, the first meeting we had, he said: "This should be the time of your life." That it was a privilege to be able to play for your country, and when I first started playing and training for Australia that's how it was, but we had gone away from it.

JH: What exactly did he bring back to create a happier team environment?

SW: Experience about what it is to play for Australia – it is that simple.

He knew what environment you needed to get the best out of the Australian team.

He knows the Australian way of playing cricket and living that day to day. That's what he brought in. I was lucky enough to play with Darren when he first came into the team and that's the way he played. He was a genius of a player himself. Off the field everyone really enjoyed themselves and it meant guys were a lot closer.

Everyone was enjoying each other's success. It is a really exciting time, for not just me who has been through what it was originally, then been through that other period, now it is back to a really exciting time.

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Bledisloe III: Dunedin, done & dusted

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IT wasn't the result the Wallabies were after, but they showed enough against the All Blacks on Saturday night to suggest they're settling into Ewen McKenzie's gameplan.

Mistakes at crucial times gave the All Blacks the opportunities they needed, and the world champions punished the Wallabies with pin-point attacking raids to run out 41-33 winners.

However there was plenty in the Wallabies' performance to like, especially the efforts of Quade Cooper, and centres Matt Toomua and Tevita Kuridrani.

Check out our review of the match below.

Action-packed

The Wallabies made a fast start and looked good in the opening stages, only to repeatedly turnover possession through loose handling and poor communication. The All Blacks stamped their authority on the match with some brilliant tries to Julian Savea, Sam Cane and Aaron Cruden with fullback Israel Dagg showing his class in all three five-pointers. The Wallabies stayed in touch with their hosts through the boot of Quade Cooper and closed the gap to just 11 points at half-time when the fly half found Adam Ashley-Cooper with a wide ball after a Matt Toomua linebreak. The Wallabies had to be the first side to score after the break and they did through Toomua, the Brumbies star finishing off a crucial intercept from provincial teammate Tevita Kuridrani. The All Blacks virtually answered straight back through skipper Kieran Read however, and would maintain a comfortable margin until Kuridrani grabbed a late consolation try with three minutes left on the clock.

Wallabies' best

The Wallabies backline enjoyed one of its better nights this season and much of that was down to Quade Cooper. Not only did the Wallabies No.10 go perfect with the boot but he also rediscovered some of the attacking brilliance that made him one of the game's most electrifying players back in 2011. Cooper played up flat at the advantage line, which opened up space for the impressive Kuridrani out wider. His defence was solid and even when he was bumped by Ma'a Nonu, the much-maligned No.10 came again to assist with the tackle. Elsewhere, Toomua and Kuridrani showed they look like a centre combination worth persisting with while Stephen Moore overcame an early defensive lapse to get through a mountain of work up front.

All Blacks' best

There were two excellent Israels on Forsyth Barr Stadium turf, but the one wearing black probably just shaded the Wallabies' great attacking hope. Israel Dagg got the All Blacks on the front foot in the first half with a brilliant blindside charge that resulted in a try to Julian Savea and then popped up again to play linkman for the pick of the night's five-pointers, which was scored by Sam Cane. Dagg picks his opportunities to chime into the backline with aplomb while his positional play ensured the Wallaby kickers found little grass when they opted for territory. Honourable mention must also go to winger Charles Piutau, Cory Jane's late replacement having a fine game opposite Wallaby debutant Peter Betham. Cane, too, ensured the All Blacks lost little in the absence of Richie McCaw.

Wallaby woes

Handling errors, an inconsistent scrum and opposition restarts should be top of the agenda when the Wallabies prepare for their five-Test trip to Europe. The restarts, in particular, are of grave concern. Too often the Wallabies handed momentum straight back to the All Blacks in the first half after they were unable to secure the hosts' kick-off. Then, when restarting after All Blacks points, they kicked too deep and allowed their opponents a safe journey out from their own half. Some loose handling on the part of skipper James Horwill and halfback Will Genia will hopefully just have been an issue for a solitary Test while the scrum, it seems, is set to be a big talking point throughout the November action.

Heading north

The Wallabies can at least head to Thursday night's John Eales Medal – which is almost certainly going to be taken out by Michael Hooper – with their heads held high. When they held the ball they looked dangerous and, like the Springboks, showed the All Blacks' defence can be exposed if you move them around the park. The world champions remain a cut above the rest at the moment however, and you'd back them to sweep their spring Tests against Japan, France, England and Ireland to finish the year with a perfect 14-0 record.

The good news for the Wallabies is that they're done with the All Blacks for 2013. Ewen McKenzie will want five victories from the trip north and if they show more of what they produced on Saturday night, it might not be too far from reality either.

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Arnie keen, but only on his terms

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SCARRED by his experience as interim Socceroos boss, Central Coast coach Graham Arnold has said he would only return to the national team post if it were on his terms.

Football Federation Australia last week declared their intention to hire a local to replace sacked Holger Osieck with chairman Frank Lowy declaring it a three-horse race, now confirmed to be between Ange Postecoglou, Tony Popovic and Graham Arnold.

FFA has contacted the three respective A-League clubs in recent days and plans to interview each candidate in the next few days.

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Postecoglou is the favourite with Melbourne Victory officials already planning contingencies, but Arnold spoke extensively after the Mariners' 2-2 draw away to Melbourne Heart last night.

Arnold replaced Guus Hiddink after the 2006 World Cup and led the Socceroos during a disappointing 2007 Asian Cup as interim before he was replaced by Pim Verbeek although he continues as assistant.

"I had a period of six or seven months when I was interim coach and it was murder because it's so hard if you can't do things the way you want to do it," Arnold said.

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"Whether it's Ange or Tony, and I worked with Pim and Guus Hiddink, they want their own people and ones they know they can work with and trust.

"I'm sure Ange would want his own people around him and that's the only way you can be successful.

"It's a big job, it's a job that a lot of people would like but from my side I don't need the job. They have to want me to be the manager and they have to want me to take the job.

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"I'm honoured to be a candidate for the national team but there's a lot of water to go under the bridge.

"I haven't haven't been out of international football for that long. You've also got to think from the coach's side of it, we didn't apply for the job and it's just been put out there that we are candidates so whether it's Tony, myself or Ange we also have a say in what the job's about if we do want the job.

"It's all up in the air at the moment. It would be an honour but there's a lot of thinking to do on my side of it.

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"I'm happy doing what I'm doing and my ambition's never changed. I had 10 years with the national team, I've been to two World Cups and enjoyed every minute and I've got an ambition to go overseas. I really enjoy club coaching."

Arnold said the Australian trio were supportive of each other.

"I think Ange is a fantastic candidate, Popa's a great candidate and they (FFA) will make their own decision and part of their decision will also be my decision," he said.

"I'm a great friend of Ange's and got the greatest respect and regard for him. This isn't an Ange versus Arnie situation at all, I would be so happy if Ange got it and I'm sure he'd be happy if I got it.

"Both of us have put a lot of effort and work into Australian football over a lot of years and we're just passionate about the sport and we just want to see it go forward in Australia."

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Frosty hopes luck continues

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THEY say good things happen in threes. Mark Winterbottom is hoping life-defining things happen in threes.

With 2013 already bringing him a son and a Bathurst trophy, the man they call "Frosty" wants to cap off the most remarkable year of his life with a V8 Supercars championship.

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Fresh from his debut Bathurst triumph, Winterbottom has declared he can once again put Jamie Whincup in his rear view mirror and keep him there to add the championship trophy to his 2013 haul.

"I have the baby, I have Bathurst, and now I want the championship,'' Winterbottom said.

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"Good things happen in three and those three things sound pretty good to me.''

A 1000km drive last Sunday changed Winterbottom's life with a career defining Bathurst win leaving him with an everlasting legacy.

The Doonside racer shook off ten years of Mount Panorama misery to realise a childhood dream and become a Bathurst immortal. Winterbottom also ensured his legacy earlier this year when his wife Renee gave birth to his son Austin.

"The year started off with a little boy,'' said the now father of two.

"So I knew it was going to be a good one. I knew I would have a shot at Bathurst, but to finally get it is just unreal. A dream come true."

But Winterbottom's celebrations were short lived with the Bathurst conqueror immediately turning his sights to the V8 championship, which resumes on Friday when the Gold Coast 600 roars to life.

"Bathurst is our grand final,'' Winterbottom said.

Mark Winterbottom crosses the top of Mt Panorama. Source: Getty Images

"There is no doubt about that. But it is not like other sports where it is at the end of the year. Bathurst is right at the business end of the championship and usually the person that wins has a pretty good shot at landing the sport's other big prize. There is no time to go out and booze or anything like that because the Gold Coast race is just 11 days later. To be honest, I started thinking about the championship not long after I got of the Bathurst podium.''

Winterbottom shed his long lasting bridesmaid's tag last week with his Bathurst win. But he won't completely throw out the dress until he seals a V8 championship after a career of near misses that has seen him live in the shadow of bitter rival Whincup.

"Bathurst is great,'' Winterbottom said.

"That's the one we all win. But a championship is as important for different reasons. Bathurst is one race and the championship is a reward for an entire year. It is about dragging a result out on your bad days and winning on the good. A year is a long time in this sport and to overcome all the challenges and win the championship is a huge deal. I always said I wanted a championship more than a Bathurst, well, until I won Bathurst. But I now have a shot and I will be going all out to have both.''

Winterbottom is hoping his giant slaying Bathurst performance upsets the Red Bull Racing machine and lead man Whincup.

"We beat them at their best,'' Winterbottom said.

"Hopefully that gives us confidence and unsettles them a bit.''

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Hoffman 'not right' for fullback

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HE may be World Cup defending champion New Zealand's first choice fullback, but Josh Hoffman "is not the right guy" to wear the Broncos No.1 jersey, Brisbane teammate Justin Hodges says.

Hoffman has been named fullback for the Kiwis' warm-up clash with the Cook Islands in England this weekend and is considered a key to their title defence.

However, a question mark looms over Hoffman's place in the Broncos backline next year after the signings of Dally M Medallist Ben Barba, Canberra's Daniel Vidot and Cronulla's Stewart Mills.

Hoffman was a shining light at fullback in the final seven NRL rounds in an otherwise dismal season for Brisbane.

But Hodges said the Kiwi speedster must work on his passing game if he is to become a world class No.1.

"Hoffy is a great player, but at the moment I don't think he is the right guy for fullback," he said.

"He's one of the best runners I have seen with the football, but he just has to work on his passing game. That's where I think he falls down.

"You look at guys like Greggy (Inglis) and Billy (Slater), all the great fullbacks we have in our game, they have those real fast hands.

"And Hoffy just hasn't learned that yet."

Hoffman was reportedly upset when told of Barba's three-year deal in August and contemplated a release from his contract, which expires at the end of 2015, before backing down.

However, Hodges - battling back from an Achilles injury - believed being kept honest by Barba would only benefit Hoffman's game.

"I think Barba's arrival will be good for him,'' he said.

"It will be good competition.

"It (picking fullback) will be a real tough choice for Hook (Broncos coach Anthony Griffin).

"But it will be good for the Broncos having those two guys firing.''

However, Hodges said Griffin may already possess the blueprint to best utilise Hoffman after Barba's arrival.

Hodges and Hoffman successfully rotated between right centre and fullback this season before serious injury again struck down the Broncos veteran.

The recovering Hodges believed swapping first choice fullback Barba with Hoffman on either the wing or centres would prove a masterstroke for Brisbane.

"Maybe that same role Hoffy and I played towards the end of the year, swapping over, I think they can still do that,'' Hodges said.

"There's no word that Hoff has to stay on the wing forever.

"Him and Benny swapping all the time will put the defence in two minds.''

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Warner stars, but Blues fall to Bulls

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Test opener David Warner kept the wolves from the door with a timely century, but it couldn't stop Queensland Bulls from cruising to a five-wicket victory in the domestic one-day clash at North Sydney Oval on Thursday.

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Warner blasted a dynamic 139 from 126 balls, but NSW suffered an embarrassing collapse around him.
They lost their last seven wickets for 39 runs and 6-30 after Warner spooned one to long on, to be all out for a below par 253.

The capitulation gifted Queensland a comfortable run chase, which they achieved with six overs remaining.

Usman Khawaja (63 from 52) continued to do everything in his power to fight his way back into the mix for a Test return, scoring his third consecutive half century for the Bulls.

Warner declined to talk at the customary media conference after the match, angered at reports suggesting he needed runs to guarantee his place for the first Test.

It's largely been a year to forget for the 26-year-old.

He's been involved in a list of off-field controversies including his infamous punch in Birmingham, and most recently a slap on the wrist from NSW cricket for missing a grade game and a directive from chief executive Andrew Jones to cut out external "distractions''.

He's been dropped from the Australian one-day side for poor form and started the domestic Cup competition with scores of 4, 0 and 17.

But with the pressure building, Warner responded in style, belting 13 fours and six massive sixes.

Warner is always one to back his ability, and he has scored five half centuries from his past 10 Tests - more than any other player.

ODD - Drummoyne Oval

17 October 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

South Australia 1st Innings

A. Ross	24	19	2	0	126.32
J. Botha	24	14	4	0	171.43

But his jubilant reaction upon bringing up three figures from 96 balls suggested the innings meant a lot.

It was a timely reminder to selectors about his capabilities at the top of the order, but it was captain Steve Smith, run out for 4, who had to deliver the verbal message.

"He played pretty well. A bit slow early on but he struck the ball nicely today," Smith said.

"He was pretty happy with the way he hit them. Hopefully he can go off in the next couple of games as well."

Warner will certainly need to.

The loss means the Blues will most likely need to win their last two matches to make the one-day Cup preliminary final.

Queensland openers Khawaja and James Peirson (52) put on 118 to set the platform, before middle-order batsmen Chris Lynn (78 not out) and Jason Floros (38) saw the Bulls home for their third win of the tournament and up into second place on the table with a bonus point in their favour.

The Bulls' were up against the ropes with Warner taking advantage of every corner of the tiny North Sydney Oval to hit boundaries.

But led by captain and man-of-the-match James Hopes (4-38), Queensland stuck to their guns and eventually NSW went to water, despite some tidy bowling from Nathan Lyon (2-38).

"At one stage we thought they could go close to 400 the way they were going. Davey was on fire," said Khawaja.

"But it was a massive wicket when we got Davey out. Hopesy bowled beautifully at the end there."

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Big partnership gives Redbacks win

Cooper cracked 101 in a superb partnership with Klinger. Source: News Limited

A season-high partnership between Tom Cooper and Michael Klinger has lifted South Australia to a six-wicket win over Western Australia in their one-day Cup match at Drummoyne Oval.

ODD - Drummoyne Oval

17 October 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

South Australia 1st Innings

A. Ross	24	19	2	0	126.32
J. Botha	24	14	4	0	171.43

Cooper scored 101 and along with the in-form Klinger (91) the pair added 185 for the second-wicket.

The partnership - the highest for any team in this season's tournament - gave South Australia the perfect base to chase down Western Australia's competitive tally of 5-285.

Klinger further pressed his claims for Australian selection and he is now the competition's top run-scorer, having accumulated 338 runs at an average of 112 with two 50s and a century.

Late quick runs from Alex Ross and Johan Botha, who both remained 24 not out, saw the Redbacks home with nine balls to spare as Western Australia's attack struggled with the unrelenting high winds.

Earlier, former Australian Test opener Simon Katich again proved his quality with a sparkling rapid-fire innings of 66 for WA.

Having top-scored for the Western Warriors with 67 in Tuesday's defeat against Victoria, Katich again led the way for his side.

The West Australians had three batsman reach 50, with Cameron Bancroft (63) and Shaun Marsh (54) putting on a century opening partnership, while Marcus North added 44 late in the innings.

But it was Katich that again was the pick of the batsmen with his 66 coming off just 39 deliveries, in a chanceless innings that included five towering sixes.peThe 38-year-old veteran of 56 Test matches, discarded by Australian selectors in 2011, recently completed a stellar season in English country cricket scoring over 1,000 runs at an average of 73.

Peter George claimed the wicket of Katich, and was the pick of the South Australian bowlers with 2-41 off his ten overs.

The win keeps the Redbacks' slim finals hopes alive but ends Western Australia's one-day Cup ambitions.

Cooper said the conditions presented a massive challenge for his side.

"This wind was probably something that none of us had ever played in before,'' he said.

"It was quite tough, especially for bowlers running into it.''

"It was good to be able to help the team get in a position where we could get over the line for our first win for the season.''

WA captain Michael Beer was dissatisfied with his team's bowling effort.

"It was not good enough,'' he said.

"We did enough with the bat, even though we could have got a bit more. If we had have bowled well enough we would have won the game, but that didn't happen.

"Bowling at the death is a big one for us (to improve on). Leaking runs in that phase is what is hurting us.''

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Lions tour saved 'precarious' ARU

The Lions may have left with the trophy, but their presence boosted Australian rugby. Source: AAP

THE Wallabies may not have won the Test series, but ARU boss Bill Pulver has revealed the British and Irish Lions tour saved Australian rugby financially.

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One of the year's biggest sporting events, the Lions tour put rugby back on the map in Australia with a red wave of British and Irish rugby fans creating a wonderful atmosphere throughout June and July.

And while the Wallabies became the first side to lose a series to the Lions since 1997, the six-week rugby feast injected crucial funds into the ARU's "precarious" coffers.

"It would have been very precarious," Pulver told Fox Sports' Rugby HQ when asked about the ARU's financial position had the Lions not toured this year.

"Basically, historically, we have survived on periodic windfalls right. At the end of the 2003 World Cup Australian rugby had $35 million in the bank. We lost some money, pretty significant money in 2011 and 2012, then along came a Lions Tour.

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"In essence, what you've got to understand is the next big windfall for Australian rugby is 2025. So that's why the key issue we've got to grapple with is we've got to create a sustainable financial model for the game."

That sustainable model has already seen a major cleanout at ARU headquarters and also is rumoured to include pay cuts for Wallabies players, who've long enjoyed a favourable contracting system.

The biggest change is likely to come in the form of Wallabies' match payments, which are guaranteed at $14,000 regardless of the result.

And while Pulver rejected suggestions Wallabies players would be more motivated to perform if their finances were to suffer through a defeat, he did admit he's a fan of an incentive-based payment structure.

"Look, in the ideal organisation - forget rugby - in any organisation I like the concept of performance-based pay," Pulver said.

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"And we actually have that in some cases. In relation to the World Cup in 2015, there are performance-based bonuses. There are bonuses surrounding certain series.

"While that's an element I would like to develop, I have no doubt in my mind that the Wallabies who run on in that gold jersey give 100 per cent regardless.

"I know there's been some commentary about the team would benefit, the performance would benefit, as a result of a performance-based pay system. I don't believe that.

"I go into a change-room after the games, I see the pain those guys feel when they lose a game and I have zero question about the amount of effort they're putting in."

Pulver also said the ARU were keen to explore a similar model to that of Cricket Australia, where only the country's top 25 players are awarded a national retainer.

"Yes look I can and that's one of the issues we're talking to RUPA (Rugby Union Players Association) about; how the entire contracting process works," he said.

"But I don't mind telling you that I quite like a model where the ARU has more direct involvement in the entire contracting of those players. So that's on the agenda."

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Guelph continues Darley juggernaut

Kerrin McEvoy gives super filly Guelph a well-deserved pat after her comfortable Thousand Guineas win. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey / HeraldSun

SYDNEY'S super filly Guelph continued Darley's absolute domination of this season's three-year-old classics when she outclassed her rivals in the Group 1 $500,000 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield yesterday.

Guelph's led throughout and was simply in a different league to her rivals, giving trainer Peter Snowden his fourth Group 1 win in 11 days.

Guelph started the stable's big-race winning momentum with her Flight Stakes win on Epsom Day, then last Saturday Long John won the Caulfield Guineas and stablemate Complicate claimed the Spring Champion Stakes.

Snowden's tremendous run of success makes the stable's slow start to the season just a distant memory now.

"We were going through a very quiet time a few weeks back but we kept saying to ourselves that we knew we had the 'goods' once they got to their right races," Snowden said.

"It was a matter of just hoping they come up as well as we expected and they have -  it is great when the plans we set come off like they have in the last couple of weeks."

As Snowden reflected on Guelph's latest demonstration of her sheer class and quality with her Thousand Guineas romp, the inevitable question was posed: "Would she line up alongside Long John in the Cox Plate?"

The Darley Crown Lodge supremo believes Guelph has "done her job" for the spring and he favours sending her for a spell but quickly added the final decision is up to owner Sheikh Mohammed.

"It is what the 'boss' wants and what the team wants," Snowden said. "I think we will know about the Cox Plate in the next 48 hours.

"If she was to have another race this spring, then personally I believe the Myer Classic on Derby Day is the perfect race for her."

Guelph ($1.45 favourite) jumped straight to the front and was never seriously challenged to beat May's Dream ($7.50) comfortably by nearly two lengths with Gregers ($10) four-and-a-quarter lengths away third.

Guelph makes it look easy as she records an all-the-way win in the Thousand Guineas. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun

She became the first filly to win the Flight Stakes-Thousand Guineas double since Dashing Eagle in 1996 and enabled Snowden to be the first trainer to complete the Caulfield Guineas-Thousand Guineas double since Bart Cummings won the two races with Alfa and Dashing Eagle.

Stable rider Kerrin McEvoy said he took the bad luck out of the equation by taking Guelph to the lead early.

"Once she bounced out so well, I wasn't worried going to the front because she comes back so well underneath me," McEvoy said.

"She has so much ability, a great nature, and a very good cruising speed. She is the best filly I've ridden.

"But it wasn't a walk in the park. The wind was an issue, it blew her off stride a couple of times around the bend - it was arduous conditions out there.

"She probably felt the ground today and she knew she had a run. The race took a little out of her."

Guelph recorded the fourth Group 1 win of her career improved her overall record to seven wins from 11 starts for more than $1.6 million prizemoney.

Nick Hall, rider of runner-up May's Dream, summed it up best after the race.

"My filly has run as well as she could but has been beaten by a superstar," Hall said.

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Dokic preparing for comeback

Jelena Dokic is planning a comeback. Source: News Limited

JELENA Dokic is in the throes of another comeback.

The Wimbledon semi-finalist hit at Melbourne Park today with Todd Woodbridge and is hopeful of returning to competition.

At 30 and without an official ranking, Dokic will have to rely on wildcard assistance to gain entry into tournaments.

But her willingness to carry out promotional work for Tennis Australia - she is travelling to Perth at the weekend as part of the "AO Blitz" and will also take part in the Australian Open trophy tour - is sign of a good relationship with TA.

Infamously abused by her erratic father Damir, Dokic has not played a grand slam event since the Australian Open last year.

Once ranked fourth in the world, Dokic has been sabotaged by a spate of injuries.

She last contested an official WTA tournament in Charleston in April, 2012, retiring in the first round because of chronic wrist pain.

In May this year, Dokic outlined plans for a comeback, warning her physical condition was inferior.

An All-England Club semi-finalist in 2000, Dokic maintained a rollercoaster habit by roaring back from the brink nine years later to fashion an incredible Australian Open campaign.

Entrancing Melbourne Park, Dokic surged into the quarter-finals with wins over Anna Chakvetadze, Caroline Wozniacki and Alisa Kleybanova before losing a tight three-setter to world No 3 Dinara Safina.

She is now attempting what surely would be a miracle return.

Whether Dokic is capable of even returning to WTA standard, let alone grand slam contention, remains to be seen.

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Eddie Jones suffers stroke in Japan

Hospitalised ... Eddie Jones suffered a minor stroke in Japan. Source: AAP

FORMER Wallabies coach Eddie Jones has been hospitalised with signs of a minor stroke ahead of Japan's Test against the All Blacks in Tokyo on November 2, officials said on Wednesday.

The 53-year-old Australian complained of a headache late on Tuesday when he returned to Tokyo from an inspection of the Brave Blossoms' training camp, a spokeswoman for the Japan Rugby Football Union said.

"He was with the team's staff at the time and they went together to a hospital in Tokyo by taxi," Mayuko Watanabe said.

"The doctors said he was showing signs of a light cerebral infarction and he was hospitalised for examination."

Jones took over from All Black legend John Kirwan as Japan head coach in April 2012, having guided the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup final, before a poor run of form eventually saw him axed in 2005.

He has led the Blossoms to their fifth and sixth straight Asian Five Nations titles.

Jones has vowed to develop Japan into a top-10 rugby nation before the 2015 World Cup in England, as the Asian champions prepare to host the 2019 edition.

However, they finished fourth in the five-way Pacific Nations Cup last June.

The world champion All Blacks will play Japan in Tokyo, in their first Test on Japanese soil.

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Ollie drops Plate with suspension

Damien Oliver leaves the stewards' room after being suspended for 12 meetings, ruling him out of the Cox Plate. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Wayne Ludbey / HeraldSun

CHAMPION jockey Damien Oliver will miss the golden ride on Fiorente in Saturday week's Cox Plate.

Oliver was yesterday suspended for 12 meetings, beginning after he rides Jet Away in Saturday's Caulfield Cup, for causing interference when winning on Zonza at Caulfield.

He has the right of appeal but refused to comment on leaving the stewards' hearing.

The rules of racing allow Oliver to ride in the Caulfield Cup because acceptances had been taken for the race.

Oliver's ban sparked speculation Glen Boss would jump off Puissance De Lune to ride the Gai Waterhouse-trained second favourite Fiorente in the Plate, but Boss denied any such move last night.

"That's a ridiculous suggestion. I wouldn't get off Puissance De Lune for any other horse," he said.

Oliver gained the ride on Melbourne Cup favourite Fiorente only last week when Waterhouse sacked Nash Rawiller.

Damien Oliver has been in exceptional form, winning again yesterday aboard Zonza. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun

Oliver said when gaining the prized mount: "I'm very ­excited to be on him. He's been running super so far this spring and he looks a great chance in both the Cox Plate and the Melbourne Cup."

Oliver will not be back in the saddle until after the Bendigo Cup meeting on Wednesday, October 30.

He will also miss the Geelong Cup next Wednesday, as well as the ride on Bel Sprinter in tomorrow week's Manikato Stakes at Moonee Valley.

Rawiller was suspended for five meetings in Sydney yesterday. He doesn't have a mount in the Cox Plate but rides top fancy Royal Descent in the Caulfield Cup.

A disappointed Damien Oliver leaves the stewards' room. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun

Stewards deemed Oliver's interference in the high range, despite jockeys Nick Hall and Ben Melham supporting Oliver's argument that he gave everyone ample time to know he was crossing them at the 1000m.

The main interference was caused to Brett Prebble's mount Godspiel.

Oliver has just returned from a 10-meeting ban that cost him the ride on Royal Descent in the Turnbull Stakes a fortnight ago. He lost an appeal against the severity of the ban.

The dual Melbourne Cup winner returned to riding last month after serving an eight-month disqualification.
 

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We're in Trott's head: Harris

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RYAN Harris believes Australia has muddled the mind of England's batting rock Jonathan Trott and has revealed the fast bowling plans the Aussies will use to undermine him this summer.

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South African-born Trott destroyed Australia in the 2010-11 Ashes Down Under, averaging 89, but was not a factor in the recent Ashes in England where he averaged 29 with no centuries.

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Harris, who returns from a hamstring injury for Queensland in today's Ryobi Cup one-day match against Tasmania in Sydney, said Australia's plans for Trott worked so well that he changed his batting method.

Australia's blueprint of bouncing Trott early and then teasing him with full, wider outswingers could hardly have worked better. It is a plan the Australians will again use to torment Trott this summer.

"For some reason he changed his game, he was coming out and taking a big step towards us,'' Harris says.

"His mindset had changed and he was coming quite hard at us, whereas last time in Australia he didn't come as hard at us.

"We thought if we went a bit shorter it would work, we had a leg gully to him most times.

Australia's Ryan Harris celebrates the wicket of England's Jonathan Trott. Source: AP

"We didn't actually get him there but there were so many times when he just missed the fielder by a metre or two.

"Then we would look to bowl a delivery swinging away a little bit wider which he chased because he likes to feel bat on ball early.''

Harris' career record against Trott is superb – having dismissed him five times in seven Tests – and the big-hearted Queensland fast bowler will be a key for the home side this Ashes summer.

The 34-year-old quick was ruled out for eight weeks after the winter's Ashes but he confirmed the suspicion that the hamstring injury was not as bad as that. The extended spell on the sidelines was more about Cricket Australia (CA) wanting to put him in cotton wool before the Ashes.

''It was more precautionary,'' Harris said. "Cricket Australia's thoughts were to take as long as you want to get it right, whether that was eight weeks or whether it was two weeks, I guess they were probably being more cautious.''

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England chasing Socceroos friendly

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THE Socceroos may have found a way to rebuild their shattered confidence - a friendly against England.

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The Daily Mirror reports England could play the Socceroos at Wembley next month provided the Three Lions have already qualified for the World Cup in Brazil.

The match would be the first between the two nations since the Australians stunned England 3-1 in an epic encounter at Upton Park in 2003.

The Socceroos are desperate to rekindle their winning form after successive 6-0 defeats to Brazil and France. FFA officials will hope reprising memories of their Upton Park triumph - in which Tony Popovich, Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton scored for the visitors - will prove the boost the Australians need.

Football Federation Australia have previously discussed the idea of a regular Ashes-style friendly fixture with England's Football Association but a deal has yet to be struck.

"Roy Hodgson has lined up a November friendly with Australia," The Mirror reported on Monday. "The Football Association have already sounded out the Socceroos about a fixture - as long as England reach the World Cup finals."

Tony Popovic celebrates scoring a goal with teammate Harry Kewell. Source: AP

England have reportedly sounded out Australia, Argentina and Uruguay for the November friendly, however The Mirror reports the Socceroos are the front-runners to secure the glamour friendly.

The Socceroos will look to commence their rebuilding campaign against Canada on Wednesday morning under interim coach Aurelio Vidmar.

Australia will likely have just thee more games under a new manger before beginning their campaign in Brazil next year.

A Football Federation Australia spokesman said FFA was always exploring options on the international calendar ``but the preference is to play matches in Australia in November''.

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Waller becomes double trouble

Trainer Chris Waller has confirmed his quartet of stayers will run in the Caulfield Cup if all make the final field announced today by the Melbourne Racing Club. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Mark Evans / DailyTelegraph

SYDNEY'S all-conquering trainer Chris Waller was the main beneficiary of owner Lloyd Williams's decision to desert the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.

Williams had seven stayers fully qualified for the $2.5 million race but has decided to start only Fawkner.

He informed Racing Victoria stewards yesterday that race topweights Green Moon and Sea Moon will not run in the Caulfield Cup, while stablemates Masked Marvel, Seville, Mourayan and Tanby are also being reserved for another day.

This means the Caulfield Cup weights will be raised 1.5kg and Manighar becomes the No.1 saddlecloth bearer with 58kg.

Waller, who already has race favourite Hawkspur ($4.40) and the well-fancied Royal Descent ($7.50) safely in the field, suddenly had his stable representation doubled with borderline entries Kelinni and Moriarty securing starts.

Waller confirmed his quartet of stayers will run in the Caulfield Cup if all make the final field announced today by the Melbourne Racing Club.

Moriarty, winner of the Brisbane Cup and Hill Stakes earlier this year, ran only fifth to Seville in The Metropolitan last start but Waller is adamant the stayer can be competitive in the Caulfield Cup.

"He ran a good race in The Metropolitan, he just wasn't suited by the slow tempo," Waller said.

Kellini, a fourth placegetter in the Melbourne Cup last spring, has been unplaced in three Sydney runs this spring but Waller has always ear-marked the Caulfield Cup as an important lead-up to the Melbourne Cup.

Waller said Hawkspur and Royal Descent continue to do everything right after their luckless unplaced runs behind Happy Trails in the Turnbull Stakes.

"They are both ready to go," he said.

Williams's decision to concentrate the bulk of his staying arsenal at the Melbourne Cup was good news for jockey Nash Rawiller.

Caufield Cup favourite Hawkspur won't be visiting The Heath until the big event. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HeraldSun

He is already wasting hard to ride Royal Descent in the anticipation the weights would be raised and she would carry 54kg - any less and the jockey would have struggled to make the weight.

Similarly, James McDonald should now have no trouble riding Dear Demi at 53kg with the raising of the Caulfield Cup weights.

Hugh Bowman had been on standby to ride one of Williams's stayers in the Caulfield Cup but the race won't be run without the jockey regarded as without peer in distances races with Adam Durrant booking him to ride Perth stayer Mr Moet.

Melbourne's premier trainer Peter Moody now has two Caulfield Cup runners with My Quest For Peace almost certain to secure a start alongside stablemate Manighar.

Corey Brown, Sydney's former champion jockey who is now riding in Singapore, has agreed to return to ride My Quest For Peace.

"I'm just waiting for the field to be announced so I can book my flight but it looks like we'll get into the field," Brown told Racenet.

"I spoke to Terry (Henderson – OTI racing) who said the horse is going better than the formguide reads and he ran fifth last year which shows he's capable at the level of a Caulfield Cup."

ATC Oaks winner Royal Descent (left) is one of Chris Waller's better chances. Picture: Mark Evans Source: DailyTelegraph

LIKELY CAULFIELD CUP FIELD
Saturday (2400m)
18 runners and four emergencies. Final acceptors 10am today.

Horse Trainer Jockey Weight Odds

1 MANIGHAR Peter Moody Luke Nolen, 58kg, $41

2 DANDINO Marco Botti Craig Williams, 56.5kg $7

3 ETHIOPIA Pat Carey Rhys McLeod, 56.5kg $31

4 WALDPARK Anthony Freedman Brenton Avdulla 56kg $41

5 GLENCADAM GOLD Gai Waterhouse Tommy Berry 55.5kg $41

6 MR MOET Adam Durrant Hugh Bowman 55.5kg $31

7 FAWKNER Robert Hickmott Nick Hall 55kg $13

8 JET AWAY David Hayes Damien Oliver 55kg $11

9 KELINNI Chris Waller Undecided 55kg $41

10 HAWKSPUR Chris Waller Jim Cassidy 54.5kg $4.40

11 MR O'CEIRIN Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 54.5kg (inc 0.5kg pen) $21

12 SILENT ACHIEVER Roger James Glen Boss, 54.53kg $9

13 ROYAL DESCENT Chris Waller Nash Rawiller, 54kg $7.50

14 QUINTESSENTIAL John Sargent Damian Browne 54kg $51

15 TUSCAN FIRE Dan O'Sullivan Luke Currie, 53.5kg $51

16 MORIARTY Chris Waller Undecided 55kg $31

17 MY QUEST FOR PEACE Peter Moody Corey Brown 55kg $51

18 DEAR DEMI Clarrie Conners James McDonald 53kg $13

Emergencies

19 JULIENAS Gai Waterhouse Kerrin McEvoy 54.5kg $31

20 FORGOTTEN VOICE Nicky Henderson Undecided 54.5kg $41

21 IBICENCO Peter Moody Undecided 54kg $81

22 KESAMPOUR Peter Moody Undecided 54kg $81
Odds: TAB

Kelinni looks likely to sneak into the Caulfield Cup field for the premier trainer. Picture: Mark Evans Source: DailyTelegraph

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Guineas win to Sheikh things up

Guelph is rated at $1.40 with TAB Fixed Odds, the shortest favourite for the fillies classic in more than 30 years. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Mark Evans / DailyTelegraph

THE final call on whether super filly Guelph runs in the Cox Plate is likely to rest with owner, Sheikh Mohammed.

If Guelph wins the fourth Group 1 of her career in the $500,000 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield tomorrow, the Darley team will consider whether to extend her spring campaign to include the Cox Plate.

"If she wins the Guineas in really good style we will leave the decision up to Sheikh Mohammed," Darley's Henry Plumptre said.

"We will give him the parameters and let him make the decision."

Trainer Peter Snowden and jockey Kerrin McEvoy, who combined to win the Caulfield Guineas last Saturday with Long John, join forces again with Guelph.

With only eight opponents in the Thousand Guineas, bookies won't hear of Guelph being beaten as she is rated at $1.40 with TAB Fixed Odds, the shortest favourite for the fillies classic in more than 30 years.

Champion fillies Alinghi (2004) and Atlantic Jewel (2011) were $1.70 favourites when they scored easy wins in the race. The main Thousand Guineas news includes:

GUELPH has drawn barrier five in the nine-horse field.

SNOWDEN is attempting to become the first trainer to complete the Caulfield Guineas-Thousand Guineas double since Bart Cummings with Alfa and Dashing Eagle in 1996.

McEVOY can complete the Guineas double last achieved by Steven King on Helenus and Macedon Lady in 2002.

DAMIEN Oliver is chasing a record sixth Thousand Guineas on outsider Worldplay.

Although Guelph seems poised to Flight Stakes-Thousand Guineas double, a feat most recently achieved by Dashing Eagle in 1996, it still may not be enough to sway the Sheikh to send his filly into the nation's weight-for-age championship at Moonee Valley on October 26.

The most damning statistic is that only one filly has won a Cox Plate - Surround in 1976 - but it is more than that, as Plumptre explained.

"The weight-for-age horses this year are above average," he said.

"You take Atlantic Jewel, Puissance De Lune, Super Cool, It's A Dundeel, Fiorente - they look a very classy group of horses.

"Plus Guelph had a tough autumn. She was ready for the Blue Diamond, had a brief let-up, and then ran all the way through the Sydney autumn in the Golden Slipper, Sires and Champagne.

"You can go to the well too often."

Guelph will be lining up for her fourth start this spring in the Thousand Guineas but trainer Peter Snowden is already on record saying after tomorrow's race he believes the filly has "done her job" this spring.

Plumptre said the expectation is that Guelph will remain in Snowden's care at least for the rest of this season.

"At the moment we are planning on training her right through to the end of next autumn," Plumptre said.

"There are no plans for her to go overseas until the end of her three-year-old career."

Guelph notches up another impressive win. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Sunday Telegraph

THOUSAND GUINEAS (1600m)
Wednesday 3.40pm (3YO fillies)
1 _ X211 Guelph (5) K McEvoy 55.5 $1.40
2 _ 1151 Gregers (2) C Schofield (a) 55.5 $10
3 _ X133 Bound For Earth (7) J B McDonald 55.5 $11
4 _ 4161 Se Sauver (4) Damian Lane 55.5 $15
5 _ 1X31 May's Dream (3) Nicholas Hall 55.5 $8.50
6 _ X348 Godiva Rock (9) D Dunn 55.5 $31
7 _ 1184 Miracle To Me (8) Chris Symons 55.5 $41
8 _ 2125 Wordplay (6) D Oliver 55.5 $15
9 _ 2X37 Gypsy Diamond (1) B Prebble 55.5 $41
Odds: TAB

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Sevens not in heaven on Coast

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PUZZLED rugby supremo Bill Pulver will discuss a possible switch to Brisbane or Sydney for Australia's premier sevens tournament in 2015 after a half-empty stadium watched Sunday's pulsating action on the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast Sevens delivered on just about every level with an underdog band of young Aussies reaching Sunday night's final against the odds, perfect weather for rugby and drinking, upsets galore and spectacular tries at a machine gun rate.

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Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver asked the big question himself as costumed GI Janes, Buzz Lightyear, a zealous Fijian contingent, young Aussie footy lovers and an ample turnout of coast Kiwis roared from all corners of the stands at Robina's Skilled Park. It was just the gaps in between.

The dream result of an Australia-New Zealand final fired up the fans. The Kiwis responded too after their 40-19 victory with a series of bare-chested hakas to their beer-fuelled worshippers in the stands.

"The product is fantastic but we are not getting the people here," Pulver said as the two-day turnout of 25,320 fans came up more than 2000 short of the 2012 crowd.

"Our market research tells us that 88 per cent of the people who do turn up for rugby sevens really enjoy the experience.

"You can hear the noise and fun but something is not quite right because so many more people should be at this event."

Pulver stressed he wasn't having a shot at the Gold Coast Sevens, just talking out loud about finding a way to lure more Australians here in 2014 or contemplate taking the high-paced spectacle to a big-city market like Brisbane or Sydney in 2015.

"Queensland Events have been a wonderful partner for the Gold Coast Sevens. We'll sit down in the next month and talk about the future beyond 2014," Pulver said of the four-year deal for the Gold Coast which ends next season.

"All ideas will be in the melting pot ... what is the best location for a sevens tournament, is there a better time of year, does it work better with a precinct nearby as there is around Suncorp Stadium, how does the ARU have to go about pushing the sevens message."

Pulver is a devout sevens rugby evangelist who believes Australia must embrace the big commercial and participation opportunities of sevens as the rest of the world is.

"The sevens game is a shot of energy worldwide and there are wonderful opportunities for rugby in Australia to grow from it in the lead-up to the game being played at the 2016 Olympics," Pulver said.

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Lealiifano in doubt for Wallabies

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GOALKICKING ace Christian Lealiifano must still prove he has fully beaten a jarred ankle before joining the Wallabies on a Wednesday flight to New Zealand for the final chance of upsetting the All Blacks this season.

The compression injury which forced Lealiifano off at halftime in Rosario during the upbeat 52-17 turnaround against Argentina recently is to the same right ankle he broke in 2012.

Coach Ewen McKenzie has been consistent in not pushing players who are less than 100 per cent fit and the talented centre will have to train with the squad at Sydney's Victoria Barracks on Monday and Tuesday to be considered for Saturday's Test in Dunedin.

McKenzie is certain to start Quade Cooper at flyhalf against the All Blacks, after using him off the bench in the two earlier Bledisloe Cup Test losses this season.

If Lealiifano remains on the doubtful list, Matt Toomua may be considered for a start at inside centre, the position where he played the second half in Rosario.

Utility back Mike Harris has not played rugby for a month since University were knocked out of the Brisbane club finals.

It would be too tall an ask to rush him in at inside centre even though his goalkicking radar would be the best way to replace Lealiifano's unerring accuracy.

Harris is just happy to have earned a call-up to Australia's 32-man tour squad to prepare for Dunedin and the five-Test European tour next month.

"I'm excited to be picked because it has been a tough year personally, very stop-start with injuries that have ruined any chance of putting two or three games together,'' Harris said.

"The boys will have taken a lot of confidence from Rosario, not just the win but the style.

"The All Blacks are in top spot right now. You always want to beat the best and that's what we are always aiming for.''

Cory Jane has been included in the All Blacks' squad for Saturday's Test after spending the season on the sideline with a serious knee injury.

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SBW wants back-to-back NRL titles

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SONNY Bill Williams has revealed why he stayed in rugby league - a burning desire for the Sydney Roosters to go back-to-back in 2014.

In an expansive interview before leaving for rugby league's World Cup in England, Williams also claimed he would quit boxing and return to New Zealand rugby union after 2014 at Bondi.

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Williams revealed his three-year plan includes representing the All Blacks at next year's World Cup and playing rugby union at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

He also spoke of the decision which left Melbourne's Tohu Harris dumped from the Kiwi squad.

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THE FUTURE
Asked did he want to play in rugby union's 2015 World Cup and then the Olympics, Williams said: ''In a perfect world, if it all went to plan and fell into place, that's how I would like to do it.

''I have made my intentions clear that I want to go back to New Zealand rugby union and try and put my foot in the door for a franchise in New Zealand, hopefully the Chiefs. I understand by staying in league one more year that may not be an option.

''It is good to have made my intentions clear about what I want to do for the next three years. I have put it all out there. I'm just as over hearing about what I am going to do this year or that year.

''I'm 28 now and the next three years have been sorted. I'm not too sure how the body will feel after that.

''Even though the past couple of days have been pretty tough, I am happy to have my future sorted.''

THE MEETING
Williams held a secret meeting last Thursday with Chiefs coach Dave Rennie, assistant coach Wayne Smith and NZRU general manager of professional rugby Neil Sorensen.

It was assumed he was heading back to rugby union.

Asked what happened at the meeting, Williams said: ''It was making my intentions clear that I want to go back (in 2015).

''The deal hasn''t been done yet but it was just clearing up a few things and I guess being up-front and honest with them...how I have always been.''

THE ROOSTERS
Williams had an amazing first-year back in the NRL, pushing the Roosters to a premiership.

''The year at the Roosters couldn't have gone any better,'' he said. ''The passion and drive that I have to go hopefully back-to-back was there (when deciding on 2014).

''I just had to do whatever was right in my heart and gut.''

CRITICISM
Rightly or wrongly, Williams is among the most criticised athletes in Australia.

''I know people would take it the wrong way (staying in NRL) but I can't worry about that. I've got a lot of support as well,'' he said.

''There will always be that part (criticism) whatever I do, wherever I go.

''There is always going to be sour grapes in certain parts of the media. But I can't control that.

''All I can control is how I operate as a person and how I operate as a man.''

TOHU HARRIS
After initially saying he was unavailable for the World Cup, Williams backflipped and Harris was punted.

''Definitely it an unfortunate situation coming into the Kiwis with the Tohu situation. I am very remorseful,'' Williams said.

''But I didn't want to look back in ten years and have a regret. I just laid it all out there.

''I've got their (team-mates) backing. That was one of things that happened after it (Harris drama) came about. I said to the coach (Steve Kearney), I am willing to drop out because I felt that bad. He said I had the backing of the senior players. Now I have to go with the coach's decision.

''The way I can repay that is playing good footy and doing what I do, that's out on the field.''

BOXING
With a hectic three-years ahead, Williams has all but ended his boxing career.

''There'll be no more boxing for the next few years,'' he said. ''That's because there will be no time.

''I've got to concentrate on things I need to concentrate on. League next year is my sole focus, and this World Cup, moving forward with the brothers in this team.

''I know the pressue is firmly on myself, that's the way I like it, it seems to bring out the best in me.''

WORLD CUP
Williams revealed how he suddenly became available for the rugby league tournament.

''To be honest I hadn't made my mind up until 24 hours after I spoke to 'Mooks' (Kearney),'' he said. ''That was the hardest thing. When I spoke to him, I hadn't had much sleep after the (Roosters) celebrations, I didn't have time to think about it.

''The body was a bit sore and I didn't really know what I was going to do. There was a chance I was going to go back to rugby. At that time, if I went back to rugby, I didn't feel it was right for me to put my name forward for the World Cup.

''Twenty-four later I decided I was going to stay. As a league player, the pinnacle is playing your country, playing for New Zealand. I still haven't beaten Austtralia. I've got a draw, but not a victory. England as well. To play in a World Cup is going to be special.''

THE DESIRE
What drives Sonny Bill Williams?

''I guess just pride, pride is the biggest thing,'' Williams said. ''It is tough, especially when there are a few people that want you.

''You just try and do the right thing. Try and go with my heart all the time.

''What I have figured out in the last week is that you can't please everyone. Even though you want to, you can't please everyone.''

THE COACH
Kearney claims Williams will be treated like any other player in the squad.

''Everyone has to do their job - Sonny is no different,'' Kearney said.

''I've got no doubt he will be of assistance to us in some way. If he gets his job done, which I'm anticipating he will, he will be of assistance.

''There has been a lot said over the past week and circumstances could have been better handled.

''There will always be people who agree with the decision (to include Williams) and others who disagree. I have made the decision and we are going to put that behind us now.''

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JOC welcome in Aussie sevens side

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TAINTED Wallaby James O'Connor would be welcomed with open arms into Australia's surging sevens squad for their next tournament if he is seriously committed not a publicity stunt.

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Coach Michael O'Connor on Sunday night offered his namesake a way back into national colours, the fluro yellow sevens variety, after a gallant young Aussie team threatened a giant-killing Gold Coast Sevens triumph.

The Aussies led the world champion Kiwis 12-0 in the final despite being rattled by medicos ruling out aces Shannon Walker and Nick Malouf because of head knocks sustained in their semi-final thriller.

SCORES, RESULTS: All the Gold Coast Sevens fixtures

Five nations had scored a single try between them against New Zealand before skipper Ed Jenkins and veteran James Stannard stunned the Kiwis twice inside five minutes to open the final at Robina's Skilled Park.

Kiwi class and the undermanned Aussies running out of petrol after their pulsating 24-19 double extra-time victory over South Africa in the semi told as the defending HSBC Sevens World Series champs from NZ galloped home 40-19.

Missing Walker's pace and sparkle was pivotal too. He came of age as a bona vide sevens weapon this weekend. A quick tap and wraparound try ignited the 24-12 quarter-final win over Kenya, the Africans who vanquished Australia a year ago.

In the semi-final, a Walker fend and step produced a pure winger's try inside 40 seconds.

Flanker Sean McMahon and big moments man Jenkins, player-of-the-tournament, were also weekend standouts.

"One thing I'm proud of saying is that this team sure has some ticker," coach O'Connor said.

"We held our nerve to beat South Africa in the semi with some big plays and we took it to the Kiwis to open the final with two of our starters sidelined.

"The Aussies have been the youngest and least experienced on the world sevens circuit for the past three or four years and I hope this performance shows Australia what we are capable of in the future."

A tie-breaking Jesse Parahi try to kill off South Africa was the highlight of his big-hitting weekend at Skilled Park where inexplicably there were 2000 fewer fans over the two days than last year. The festive 25,320 who were there made the din of twice that number.

"James would have to be genuine about sevens and committed to the harder training but if he was I'd definitely like him on board. It can't be a publicity stunt," O'Connor said of the uncontracted Wallaby.

"We have a close-knit team culture which he would have to conform to."

A solid training block could have O'Connor primed for the Dubai Sevens (November 29-30).

Rookie Junior Laloifi, just 19, was a big learner. The winger ignored unmarked Jenkins outside him when the South Africans could have been finished earlier but became "Senior" Laloifi when regrouping to throw the winning pass to Parahi.

Parahi's five-pointer broke a pulsating 19-all deadlock in the Cup semi-final against South Africa with just over 70 seconds to play in the second five-minute extra time period.

Both sides were exhausted and depleted with the Australians losing both try-scoring ace Shannon Walker and bloodied forward Nick Malouf to head knocks.

It meant players like 19-year-old rookie Junior Laloifi and forward Paul Asquith, 20, having to step up in the clutch closing minutes for a wildly enthusiastic crowd at Robina's Skilled Park.

Winger Laloifi bungled a perfect chance to put the South Africans to the sword in the first period of extra time when he ignored unmarked skipper Ed Jenkins outside him. He took on two defenders himself and was crashed to the ground deep inside the attacking quarter.

The Australians commanded possession and showed greater authority in the collisions. With just over two minutes to play, the Aussies elected to take a drop-kick penalty goal attempt but Cam Clark miscued.

It was left to a rousing surge through multiple sets of hands to get the ball to Laloifi in the closing seconds. He redeemed himself admirably by throwing the final pass to the powerful Parahi who shed a tackle before plunging over.

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