The announcement was made in the presence of the Webb Ellis Cup, won by FORU Member Union New Zealand at RWC 2011. It is the first time that the Game’s ultimate prize has visited the Cook Islands.

All Full Member Unions of the IRB in the Oceania region will have an opportunity to compete for a direct qualification place at Rugby’s showcase event, which will take place in England and provides the financial platform for the development of the Game across the IRB’s 117 Member Unions.

The popular Oceania Cup, FORU’s regional championship for Development and Targeted Unions, will again be the first step on the road to England 2015. American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti and Vanuatu will battle it out at the 2013 Oceania Cup with the winner progressing to the next stage of qualification.

The Oceania Cup champion will then take on Fiji in a one-off match in 2014 with the winner gaining direct qualification to RWC 2015 as Oceania 1. Australia, New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga have already qualified automatically for RWC 2015 after finishing in the top three of their respective pools at RWC 2011 in New Zealand.

FORU President Lefau Harry Schuster said: "The Oceania Cup is a very important tournament for FORU and it is fitting that it is being used again to kick-off the Oceania regional qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2015."

"Rugby World Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events and we are delighted that all Pacific Island Member Unions will be able to fight it out at the Oceania Cup for the right to take on Fiji for a place at England 2015."

Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset added: "The IRB invested over AUS$24 million in the Pacific Islands in the last Rugby World Cup cycle and we are committed to significant levels of investment within the next cycle in order that more teams in the region can push for Rugby World Cup qualification. The competitiveness of the Oceania Cup is testament to that investment and the shared vision of development and collaboration between IRB and FORU."

The tender process for the right to host 2013 Oceania Cup will commence in May 2012. The Oceania Cup is a round-robin tournament hosted by a single Host Union.

Farrell said: “It has been a special privilege for me to be involved in the Saracens coaching staff for the past two-and-half seasons. We have made decent progress during this period but, in truth, as a club, we have barely scratched the surface of our potential. The job isn’t anywhere near half done, and I have decided I want to help finish the job.”

The RFU’s Ian Ritchie said: “Whilst Andy was clearly an important part of the coaching team during the course of the RBS 6 Nations, we fully respect his wishes to continue as a coach at Saracens.

“We will continue to work hard with Stuart Lancaster to build a world class coaching team as we look towards the Rugby World Cup in 2015.”

The awarding of the marquee international tournament demonstrates the JRFU’s commitment to successfully delivering major Rugby events in the run up to Rugby World Cup 2019. It also underscores the massive growth potential within Asia – a Region that has experienced an 18 per cent uplift in participation since 2007.

The announcement comes off the back of the JRFU’s successful hosting of the Tokyo leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series – the first international Sevens event to be hosted in the country in 11 years. It is also a strong endorsement of the Union’s operational and organisational skills as Rugby World Cup 2019 planning and preparation continues to advance on track.

It also provides a welcome and timely boost for Rugby across Japan after the 2011 IRB Pacific Nations Cup was reluctantly moved from the country to allow the Union to concentrate on assisting the Rugby community affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March last year.

Five of the six matches will be played in Japan with double-headers featuring in the first two rounds of matches giving fans the opportunity to see the stars from all four teams. The opening matchday on June 5 will see Samoa v Tonga (17:10 local time) and Fiji v Japan (19:10) in Nagoya while the second matchday will take place on June 10 in Tokyo with Fiji v Samoa (12:10) and Japan v Tonga (14:10). The final round will be split over two weeks to accommodate Scotland’s tour to the Pacific Islands with Samoa v Japan in Tokyo on June 17 (14:10) and Fiji v Tonga rounding off the action in Lautoka, Fiji on June 23 (15:40).

“We are delighted that Japan is to host this major international championship. The awarding of this event not only underscores the great appetite for showcase Rugby events in Japan, but also demonstrates the JRFU’s intentions to reach out to new Rugby fans across Japan and wider Asia as we look towards Rugby World Cup 2019," said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

“These are exciting times for Rugby in Asia and the Pacific Islands. The IRB Pacific Nations Cup was introduced in 2006 to provide an expanded high-level competition calendar for Fiji, Japan, Samoa and Tonga and therefore increase the competitiveness of Rugby World Cup. In that regard it has been a success story for the IRB and Participating Unions, demonstrating that our strategic investment programme is working. The IRB Pacific Nations Cup is now a hugely anticipated event in the Rugby calendar in its own right.”

“Scotland will tour Samoa and Fiji as the 10-year IRB tours and test schedule kicks off which highlights the IRB’s commitment to providing the likes of Fiji, Tonga, Samoa and Japan with more tests than ever before in a calendar year. In total we have invested more than GBP 15 million in Rugby in Oceania between 2009-2012."

Growing the Game in Asia is a key priority for the IRB ahead of Rugby World Cup 2019 and the JRFU continues to make significant progress towards hosting Rugby’s showcase event. The IRB Pacific Nations Cup 2012 follows successful hosting of a record-breaking IRB Junior World Championship in 2009 and Tokyo’s debut as a HSBC Sevens World Series venue.

Japan Rugby Football Union Chairman Tatsuzo Yabe said: "These are exciting times for Rugby in Japan and throughout Asia and I am delighted that the Japan Rugby Football Union will host this year’s IRB Pacific Nations Cup, one year after the difficult decision was taken to relocate the tournament following the Tohoku earthquake. This will be a tournament for the people of Japan in memory of all who tragically lost their lives and were affected."

"We are fully committed to delivering a very successful tournament that will showcase international Rugby as we continue to build towards Rugby World Cup 2019. Working in partnership with the IRB and RWCL, the JRFU has a long term plan to grow Rugby and host major international Rugby events that will continue to lay the operational and management foundations for a successful Rugby World Cup 2019 that will be the gateway to Rugby’s boom across Asia."

"The IRB Pacific Nations Cup will also provide valuable opportunities for the Japan national team, led by newly appointed head coach Eddie Jones, to compete with top level Rugby nations," added Yabe.

Eddie Jones commented: "This is a new era for Japan Rugby and the Japan national team as we build towards Rugby World Cup 2019. The hosting of the IRB Pacific Nations Cup on home soil represents a great opportunity for us to move forward – to develop a truly Japanese style of Rugby with a young squad full of talent.

"We are looking forward to competing in the competition and bringing top class international Rugby to the Japanese people. Samoa and Tonga are ahead of us in the IRB World Rankings and we respect Fiji greatly. It will be very competitive."

The IRB Pacific Nations Cup dovetails with the sister IRB Pacific Rugby Cup to deliver a local player and coach development pathway for the Pacific Island Nations. This year A sides from each of the three nations have played against Super Rugby development team opposition in Australia and New Zealand. The competition resumes in October with the final round robin matches between the Island teams.

After a comprehensive selection process, Cosslett was chosen for his international business experience and leadership skills built over 30 years in consumer facing industries. In addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer of InterContinental Hotels Group, between 2005-2011, Cosslett was a Board member of the Executive Committee of the World Travel and Tourism Council, a member of the President’s Committee of the Confederation of British Industry and a Board member of the International Tourism Partnership.

Before this Cosslett spent 14 years with Cadbury Schweppes in roles including: Chairman, Australia; Chief Executive, Asia Pacific; Managing Director, Great Britain and Ireland and President, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Cosslett, together with Paul Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer ER 2015, will lead the ER 2015 Board which includes: RFU Chief Executive Officer, Ian Ritchie; RFU Chief Financial Officer, Stephen Brown; Professional Game Board Chairman, Ian Metcalfe; Injured Players Foundation Chairman and former RFU President, John Owen; RFU Council member and Chairman of the Championship Clubs Geoff Irvine and Permanent Secretary in the Cabinet Office and the Government’s Chief Operating Officer, Ian Watmore.

Ian Ritchie, Chief Executive Officer Rugby Football Union, said, “Andy Cosslett’s attributes and experience will no doubt bring huge benefits to the role of England Rugby 2015 Chairman. The Rugby World Cup in England provides a unique and very exciting opportunity and we look forward to working closely with Andy, England Rugby 2015 and Rugby World Cup Limited to help create a legacy that will benefit the sport for generations to come.”

Andrew Cosslett, newly appointed Chairman England Rugby 2015, added, “I am passionate about the game and delighted to be able to play my part in delivering Rugby World Cup 2015.  England 2015 is a great challenge but a tremendous opportunity and I look forward to working with Paul Vaughan, England Rugby 2015, the Rugby Football Union and Rugby World Cup Limited to deliver what we intend to be the best Rugby World Cup yet.”

Bernard Lapasset, Chairman of Rugby World Cup Limited, commented: “Rugby World Cup Limited welcomes this key appointment which represents an important step in the delivery of Rugby World Cup 2015. The successful delivery of one of the world’s largest sporting events is founded on partnership, teamwork, vision and strong leadership. Andy certainly possesses all the necessary attributes to oversee the delivery of what promises to be a special tournament. We are looking forward to continuing to work in partnership with Andy, Paul Vaughan and the England Rugby 2015 team to deliver an outstanding Rugby World Cup in 2015.”

Paul Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer England Rugby 2015 added, “I am sure Andy Cosslett will make a great Chairman for England Rugby 2015. The international business and marketing skills that he brings to the Board will continue to be invaluable in his new role as Chairman. He has great empathy with the game and I think we will make a great team.”

The International Rugby Board has underscored its continued commitment to the fight against doping in Rugby by undertaking a record programme of testing and education during 2011.

With Rugby continuing to break new markets with global exposure and participation at unprecedented levels, the Game’s governing body undertook 1,714 tests (587 In Competition and 1,127 Out of Competition) across Fifteens and Sevens in every continent during a year that also saw a record blood testing programme at the flagship Rugby World Cup. The testing programme operated across Rugby World Cup 2011 (989 tests), Rugby Sevens (489 tests), Age Grade (138 tests), other IRB Fifteens tournaments (58) and regional championships (40 tests).

Despite the rigorous testing programme, there were eight Anti-Doping rule violations in 2011. That amounts to 0.46 per cent of the total testing programme. Four violations were for stimulants (Methylhexaneamine found in nutritional supplements), two were for anabolic agents (Testosterone), one for a diuretic (Probenicid) and one for a narcotic (Oxycodone) used for pain relief. There were no positive results recorded in Sevens.

The extensive testing regime was supported by the IRB’s Outreach and Keep Rugby Clean education programmes, which are run in partnership with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), with the first-ever dedicated Rugby World Cup Keep Rugby Clean Day held during New Zealand 2011.

Commenting on the record programme, IRB Anti-Doping Manager Tim Ricketts said: "The IRB and its Member Unions are committed to the fight against doping in sport."

"This record IRB testing programme, combined with over 4,000 controls administered in 2011 by our Member Unions and their respective National Anti-Doping Organisations as well as a dedicated education programme, underlines our collaborative commitment to this critical area of the Game."

"While Rugby continues to be at the forefront in the fight against doping in sport, we have a collective responsibility to ensure that our players, physicians and administrators have access to the very best educational framework."

"This includes the education around the dangers of failing to check nutritional supplements and medications thoroughly and awareness around recreational drugs and support mechanisms. All of the violations that were recorded in 2011 could have been avoided if players and their physicians had checked the ingredients of the products against the WADA Prohibited List prior to taking them."

The IRB focused on increased educational programmes in 2011, including the delivery of Keep Rugby Clean awareness campaigns at Rugby World Cup 2011 and IRB Age Grade and Sevens events delivered to over 1,000 players during the year.

The key to player education resource is the IRB’s interactive Anti-Doping website www.keeprugbyclean.com, designed to inform the global Rugby community on all aspects of Anti-Doping.

The year also saw Argentina star and Rugby World Cup 2007 Bronze medallist Felipe Contepomi appointed to the WADA Athlete Committee. Contepomi is one of seven IRB Keep Rugby Clean Ambassadors representing men’s and women’s Fifteens and Sevens.

Editors notes:

Total global programme per year (including Union and NADO tests)

2005: 4,053 tests, 48 violations
2006: 4,782 tests, 36 violations
2007: 4,127 tests, 34 violations
2008: 5,023 tests, 54 violations
2009: 5,725 tests, 29 violations
2010: 5,618 tests, 54 violations
2011: available June 2012

The Argentina captain and Rugby World Cup 2007 bronze medal winner is one of seven leading athletes, past or present, representing seven different sports to sit on the influential Committee that represents the views and rights of athletes worldwide.

A qualified Doctor, Contepomi is joined by Matt Dunn (swimming), Annelies Vandenberghe (korfball), Nina Kemppel (cross-country skiing), Frankie Fredericks (athletics), Katarzyna Rogowiec (Paralympic nordic skiing) and chairman Vyacheslav Fetisov (ice hockey) on the Committee, which will serve between January 2012 and December 2014.

For the first time three observers, who are all current athletes, have been appointed and will give additional support during the Code review process. The observers are sailor Tania Calles, boxer Ken Egan and rower Andréanne Morin.

Rugby has been at the forefront in the fight against doping in sport and Contepomi will perform a key role in helping WADA review the Anti-Doping Code and develop more effective detection, education and awareness programmes as well as how better to understand the challenges faced by athletes.

“I am honoured to be representing Rugby on the WADA Athlete Committee and representing the interests of Rugby players and athletes all around the world in the critical area of Anti-Doping,” said Contepomi.

“As role models we have a big role to play in educating and informing. The ethos of fair play is essential to the spirit of sport and athletes should have the peace of mind that they are competing on a level playing field.” 

With Rugby participation expanding by 18 per cent since Rugby World Cup 2007, Rugby’s governing body increased its testing programme to record levels in 2010, undertaking 1,288 tests across men’s and women’s Fifteens and Sevens competitions in every continent with Member Unions undertaking more than 4,000 controls. The extensive regime was supported by the IRB’s Outreach and Keep Rugby Clean education programmes which are run in partnership with WADA.

IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "Felipe’s appointment to the WADA Athlete Committee further reflects Rugby’s commitment in the fight against drugs cheats in sport and ensuring a level playing field for all athletes at all levels.”

“The IRB and its Member Unions operate extensive annual testing and education programmes and as a respected role model, a qualified doctor and an IRB Keep Rugby Clean Ambassador, Felipe has played a central role in educating the global Rugby community about the importance of maintaining a level playing field and the pitfalls of doping.”

“While Rugby has been at the forefront in the fight against doping in sport, it is important that we continue to develop policies that put the player first and ensure that our players have access to the best possible educational framework in the area of Anti-Doping. This includes education around the dangers of using nutritional supplements, performance enhancing and recreational drugs.”

For more information on the IRB’s Anti-Doping testing and education programmes and Anti-Doping rule violations, visit www.keeprugbyclean.com.

Kaino, 28, pipped two of his All Blacks team mates ­– captain Richie McCaw and second five-eighth Ma’a Nonu – to win the award, which was presented by Pam Tremain to Jerome’s brother Kaino Kaino on his behalf.  The award was one of 13 presented at the New Zealand Rugby Union’s annual premier awards event at the Langham Hotel in Auckland.

Kaino’s relentless work rate and ball skills made him almost irreplaceable and he played all but 55 seconds of Rugby World Cup 2011.  Kaino was also nominated for the IRB Player of the Year.

The 2011 Investec Super Rugby Player of the Year award went to Crusaders and All Blacks loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett.

The World Champion All Blacks emerged as the 2011 adidas Team of the Year, edging out the ITM Cup-winning Canterbury team, Investec Super Rugby Finalists, the Crusaders; and the World Series-winning New Zealand Sevens team.

Auckland and Black Ferns forward Fiao’o Fa’amausili took out the Women’s Player of the Year award reflecting her status as one of the leading hookers in the women’s game on the international stage.

All Blacks Head Coach Graham Henry won the 2011 New Zealand Rugby Coach of the Year.  Henry retired from the job as one of the most successful coaches of all time, guiding the All Blacks to an 85 per cent winning record – a remarkable 88 victories from 103 Tests, during his eight years.

Henry headed off a field which included Canterbury Coach Rob Penny who guided his team to a fourth successive national provincial title in this year’s ITM Cup and Gordon Tietjens who steered the New Zealand Sevens team to their ninth HSBC Sevens World Series win.

Henry was the sole nominee and recipient of the 2011 IRB Coach of the Year award – the fifth time he has won the accolade.

Nominated for the IRB’s Junior Player of the Year after showing outstanding form at the Junior World Championship, New Zealand Under 20 and Bay of Plenty flanker Sam Cane picked up the NZRU Age Grade Player of the Year; Waikato’s Tim Mikkelson won the Richard Crawshaw Memorial Sevens Player of the Year; and All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu capped off a remarkable comeback to be named the Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year.

Test referee Bryce Lawrence won the NZRU Referee of the Year award for a fourth time; and Canterbury Rugby’s Andy MacDonald was named the Charles Monro Rugby Volunteer of the Year Award for his services to community rugby, which include administration and groundsman duties, and coaching the Parklands Rugby Under 13s, Shirley Boys’ High School Under 16 and Canterbury Under 13 representative teams.

The hero of the Manawatu Turbos and All Blacks first five-eighth Aaron Cruden was named the ITM Cup Player of the Year.

The Heartland Championship Player of the Year Award went to Wanganui’s Jon Smyth. A member of the 2011 Heartland XV and the Meads Cup-winning Wanganui team, the lock has played 50 consecutive first-class matches for his Provincial Union.

Special Presentations

The Steinlager Salver, a special presentation to a person who has made an outstanding contribution to New Zealand rugby, was presented to former All Blacks captain and recent NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs.

Acclaimed for his leadership in New Zealand’s 2005 winning bid to host the 2011 Rugby World Cup, illness forced Hobbs’ early retirement from his roles as Chairman of the NZRU and the RWC tournament body, Rugby New Zealand 2011.

A Canterbury flanker in his playing days, Hobbs debuted for the All Blacks in 1983 and after captaining 16 matches including four Tests, he continued to utilise his leadership skills as an influential administrator. The successful bid to host the Rugby World Cup and the resounding success of the tournament, are testament to Hobbs’ personal integrity and the mana he commands on the international stage.

The IRB this year also honoured Hobbs with the Vernon Pugh Award for Distinguished Service.

In another special presentation, pounamu mere were presented to Graham Henry, Assistant Coach Steve Hansen, Team Manager Darren Shand and in his absence, Assistant Coach Wayne Smith, in recognition of reaching the milestone of 100 Tests with the All Blacks.

NZRU Chairman Mike Eagle congratulated all the winners from tonight’s awards and reflected on the year that saw rugby touch millions of people.

“In hosting Rugby World Cup 2011 we took major steps toward rugby’s vision to inspire and unify New Zealanders.  There were many challenges this year, but I am proud to say that we met every one of them head on, and the high standard of nominations and excellence of our winners tonight are evidence of the wonderful success rugby has enjoyed,” he said.

Judging Panel

The judges for the 2011 Steinlager Rugby Awards were former All Blacks captain and former NZRU President Andy Leslie, another former All Blacks captain and current NZRU Board member Graham Mourie, SKY Sport rugby commentator Grant Nisbett and former All Black and current NZRU General Manager Community and Provincial Union Rugby Brent Anderson.

**********

The full list of winners at the 2011 Steinlager Rugby Awards is as follows:

NZRU Age Grade Player of the Year

• · Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty, New Zealand Under 20)

Richard Crawshaw Memorial Sevens Player of the Year

• · Tim Mikkelson (Waikato, New Zealand Sevens)

NZRU Referee of the Year

• · Bryce Lawrence

NZRU Women’s Player of the Year

• · Fiao’o Fa’amausili (Auckland, Black Ferns)

Charles Monro Rugby Volunteer of the Year

• · Andy MacDonald (Canterbury)

Investec Super Rugby Player of the Year

• · Wyatt Crockett (Canterbury, Crusaders, All Blacks)

Tom French Memorial Maori Player of the Year

• · Piri Weepu – Whakatohea (Wellington, Hurricanes, All Blacks)

Heartland Championship Player of the Year

• · Jon Smyth (Wanganui, Heartland XV)

ITM Cup Player of the Year

• · Aaron Cruden (Manawatu)

adidas Team of the Year

• · All Blacks

NZRU Coach of the Year

• · Graham Henry (All Blacks)

Steinlager Salver for an Outstanding Contribution to New Zealand Rugby

• · Jock Hobbs

Kelvin R Tremain Memorial Player of the Year

• · Jerome Kaino (Auckland, Blues, All Blacks)

Martin Johnson yesterday informed the RFU that he is resigning as national coach, following England’s poor showing in recent months and in particular the car crash performance of the team on and off the field at the Rugby World Cup.

Johnson has always set himself high standards and failing to meet those self-imposed standards left him with no option but to walk away. He has called a coaching team meeting for today to explain his decision and he will appear at a press conference today at 4pm alongside Rob Andrew, presumably to officially announce his departure.

The RFU says: Martin Johnson today stepped down as England Team Manager.

After three-and-a-half years Johnson has decided not to seek a new contract.

He said: “I’ve obviously thought long and hard about this and it’s the right decision for me and the England team. We have come a long way in the last three-and-a-half years and a lot of credit should go to the coaches, back-room staff and players.

“We have developed some exciting young players in the last 18 months or so and I believe English rugby has a bright future. I’ve had great support from everyone involved in the England squad, the Elite Rugby Department and the whole of the RFU and I wish them all the best for the future.”

RFU Elite Rugby Director Rob Andrew added: “Martin has worked tirelessly to develop this England team, from a position where the team needed a great deal of rebuilding following the 2007 World Cup.

“A whole new group of players has been introduced to the demands of Test match rugby, including: Dylan Hartley, Dan Cole, Courtney Lawes, Tom Croft, Tom Wood, Ben Youngs, Danny Care, Manu Tuilagi, Chris Ashton and Ben Foden. They have experienced winning in the southern hemisphere against Australia and winning the Six Nations title for the first time since 2003. They have also suffered the huge disappointment of the World Cup in New Zealand and how many of these players respond to this disappointment will define their careers.

“We have always insisted that Martin would take the team to the World Cup and we would then assess what steps would be taken. Martin has made this decision and we fully respect that.

“He has handled himself with great dignity and integrity throughout his time as England Team Manager, as he did when he was England captain. He is a hugely respected figure in the English game and, although we were all disappointed with the way the World Cup turned out, we need to ensure that moving forward we learn the lessons that came out of the campaign.

“The Professional Game Board will meet to review England’s Rugby World Cup performance and Martin has obviously contributed fully to that. All aspects of the management and coaching structure will be reviewed and until then it would not be appropriate to talk about a replacement for Martin.”

RFU Acting Chief Executive Martyn Thomas said:  “I would like to thank Martin for all he has done for English rugby, both as a player and a manager. It is disappointing that he has decided to step down but we fully respect his decision. We now have to look forward and the RFU will ensure that the structure and appointments made are in the best interests of English rugby as we move towards our home Rugby World Cup in 2015.”

OPINION: The blame game is a fruitless quest, because it has no merit in a team sport like rugby union. On the field of play, the team is either more, less or equal to the sum of its parts. The big question about individuals is: do they contribute to the sum in such a way as to enhance the prospects of the team, or not?

Unquestionably, James Hook is huge talent. No doubt he will, in some teams, contribute enormously to the overall sum, giving them a dash of the unknown in a game that is all too often certain. Regrettably, that team is not Wales when he is playing at standoff half.

In all fairness, his contribution to the game against France in the semi-final of the Rugby World Cup was hampered by the loss of his captain, the main fetcher and the heartbeat of the team, together with injury to Adam Jones, the rock around which the Welsh scrum is built.

Similarly, against Australia, without the solid foundation of Adam Jones anchoring the scrum and the harrying, ball winning skills of Warburton, Hook was dealt a bad hand. Throughout the game, Wales’s scrums were being turned by Australia and Paul James, a skilled scrummaging loosehead, was exposed at tighthead, against a team not noted for its ability to turn out game winning front rows.

Nevertheless, Wales had chances to win both the games, and the wayward kicking of the erstwhile boy genius was mostly at fault. Losing to France with fourteen men would normally be something to be expected, but Wales left a fist full of points on the park. They only need one of those penalties to go over and it would Wales who walked out onto the park on Sunday, not France. That one of those was a relatively easy chance that Halfpenny, Jones or Priestland would have slotted over without a second though is particularly dissatisfying.

Likewise, the penalties we missed against Australia would have won us the game. Indeed when Wales went into the lead, it would have not be far from expectation for them to have kicked on and closed out the game. Instead, a missed conversion and several missed penalties left the Aussies in with a chance. A chance they took and Wales were never able to catch up.

Rugby is a game of clichés and there is none bigger than talk about momentum, but as much as it is cliché, it is also a basic truth. Once a team gains momentum it is very difficult to claw it back. At the point of Shane Williams scoring his try, Wales looked like they had gained momentum. Australia were looking distinctly taken aback, and it would have only taken another two scores to rob them of heart. The missed conversion must have put a glint back in their eye, a glint that turned into a sparkle when they succeeded in nailing two penalties in a matter of minutes to open up a gap. Which is when Wales lost momentum and started to flag.

To give the team credit, they fought back and came within a whisker of the Australians, but this game of ours is all about fine margins. The difference between an also-ran and a winner is a few penalty kicks. Despite coming fourth in the tournament overall, it is fair to say that Wales ended up in the also-rans enclosure come the final whistle.

All this said those who blame Hook for the defeats are wrong. He is not the right person for the role in which he was employed, but to lay the blame squarely at his door is no more adequate a response than those who blame the gods for Wales’s failings.

He lacks the composure of Jones or Priestland, but with the former looking distinctly suspect in terms of fitness, Hook was thrust into a role he has had little or no chance of gracing on a regular basis. Hopefully his time in France will allow him to familiarise himself more closely with the role. Until such a time, I would caution Mister Gatland not to utilise him in such a way.

I realise this condemns him to the role of utility player, but THAT IS WHAT HE’S GOOD AT. Bringing Hook off the bench and slotting him into 12 or 15 changes the game’s dynamic and gives the opposition something else to think about. Just like Gavin Henson, who at thirty in February is probably too old for the next World Cup. Such a shame…

Other solutions need to be created, so if we lose players, we aren’t left grasping at straws. Our options at tighthead prop are extremely limited and Paul James is no more than a stop-gap. As good as he is as a scrummager, he is not a tighthead. It’s a shame John Yapp has never shown the promise his frame surely offers, by being a pretty substandard scrummager, but nevertheless, Scott Andrews, his Cardiff team mate looks like he is capable of stepping up to the plate. He has the bulk, (6’ 2” and 18 stone 8lbs) and at 22 years of age, he has plenty of time to develop from the perspective of his own career, but from a Wales perspective, he needs to be ready sooner rather than later.

There’s no doubt, Andrews does not have the power at scrum time to compete against the very best in the way Adam Jones does, which is why Wales should be working with the young man now to build him into the long term replacement and current understudy of the imperious Jones. This is something I am sure has occurred to the Welsh management and they have no doubt put measures in place to bring him on.

What I’m arguing for is special treatment though. Clearly Andrews has been earmarked as a future Wales tighthead in the event of Adam not being available, or his inevitable retirement, Scott needs to be ready. We start building for the 2015 Rugby World Cup today and Scott Andrews needs to be taken to one side and given special treatment to build him into a scrummaging machine, so that in the next two years he is challenging Jones for his place.

Similarly, we need a decent backup to Captain Warburton. Again, there is a stand out candidate in the form of Justin Tuperic, the Ospreys flanker, who needs to be integrated into the squad and developed into a player who can slot into the role immediately. He is a fantastically talented player, who will in the next few years be challenging Warburton for his place, if he is handled correctly. So, once again, the WRU need to take him to one side and give him special treatment.

Every other top side does this. They have programs in place to develop special players for special circumstances. We should be identifying an entire shadow squad and giving them special treatment and we should be doing it now.

At standoff, Wales clearly missed the direction, cool head and game control of the young man from Llanelli. Priestland has been Stephen Jones’s pupil for a long time now, but he stepped out of his shadow and become his own man, to such an extent as I cannot see any time when Jones will be preferred to the younger man. He plays the game like Jones, only with greater pace and perhaps without the slide rule accuracy of Jones’s place kicking. Without him, against Australia, Roberts was being caught behind the gain line every time and without Roberts tying up the loose forwards and the midfield, Australia were able to take the game to Wales, with inevitable consequences.

Stephen Jones will probably not be around for the next World Cup, so he should only be used as a stop gap. He’s earned his wings a long time ago and as such should be put out to stud. Preferably with the best fillies Wales has to offer.

So, with all that in mind, here is my Wales squad and their shadows.

Wales for the six nations:

• Loosehead: Gethin Jenkins, Paul James, Ryan Bevington
• Hooker: Matthew Rees, Huw Bennett, Ken Owens
• Tight Head: Adam Jones, Scott Andrews
• Locks: Luke Charteris, Alun-Wyn Jones, Bradley Davies – and fingers crossed – Ian Evans
• Open side flanker: Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric
• Blind side flanker: Dan Lydiate, Ryan Jones
• Number 8: Toby Faletau and if he throws in his lot with us – Ben Morgan
• Scrum half: Mike Phillips, Lloyd Williams, Tavis Knoyle
• Standoff half: Rhys Priestland, Jason Tovey, Mathew Morgan, Dan Biggar
• Inside centre: Jamie Roberts, Scott Williams
• Outside centre: Jon Davies, and reluctantly Andrew Bishop
• Wings: George North, Morgan Stoddart, Tom James, Tom Prydie
• Full back: Leigh Halfpenny, Lee Byrne (fingers crossed for a return to form)
• Utility backs: James Hook, Gavin Henson

Obviously there will be a lot of trading places in that lot – particularly in the back three. But it highlights areas that we need to address pretty soon:

We’re thin at tighthead, both flankers, outside centre and full back, although I understand that Tom Prydie is being groomed for that role at the Ospreys. So, the regions and academies need to focus their attentions on these areas and everything will go swimmingly.

As for Wales, we flattered to deceive in one sense, losing to Australia, South Africa and France has left something of a sour taste on our campaign. Next time will be better if Gatland stays, but the lure of NZ might be too much, the only question is, can the Kiwis afford Wales’s asking price. Given they can’t, the future looks relatively bright for Wales, if we can fill the gaps I have highlighted.

Gatland is not the only coach who might depart either. Edwards is keeping his cards close to his chest and I have a gut feeling he really, really wants the England job. Obviously, that is dependent on the RFU getting rid of the incumbent, Martin Johnson. Johnson has not got the best out of his team, except in patches, but whether the RFU will see Edwards as a suitable replacement is another matter. I could see Jim Mallinder getting offered the job though.

Whatever happens, we can always find a new defence coach, but whether we want to is another matter. Gatland’s prescription seems to be working, despite the medicine tasting bloody awful for the last couple of years. With luck, as few injuries as possible and a development plan that will bring adequate replacements into the picture, the future for Wales looks bright.

I’m looking forward to it.

Starting XV:

1.         Tony Woodcock (82)

2.         Keven Mealamu (91)

3.         Owen Franks (30)

4.         Brad Thorn (58)

5.         Samuel Whitelock (24)

6.         Jerome Kaino (47)

7.         Richie McCaw – captain (102)

8.         Kieran Read (35)

9.         Piri Weepu (55)

10.       Aaron Cruden (8)

11.       Richard Kahui (16)

12.       Ma’a Nonu (65)

13.       Conrad Smith (54)

14.       Cory Jane (30)

15.       Israel Dagg (11)

Reserves:

16.       Andrew Hore (61)

17.       Ben Franks (15)

18.       Ali Williams (72)

19.       Adam Thomson (24)

20.       Andy Ellis (25)

21.       Stephen Donald (22)

22.       Sonny Bill Williams (13)

Number of Test caps in brackets

The All Blacks will again field a hugely experienced team, with 708 caps in the starting XV, with the side again captained by flanker Richie McCaw in his 103rd Test.  The only change on the bench sees Adam Thomson, who has recovered from his high ankle strain, replace Victor Vito.

Graham Henry said: “This is the biggest game of the players’ lives and there is obvious excitement and anticipation at what lies ahead. To be playing in the Final of the Rugby World Cup in front of our home crowd is going to be massive and a very special occasion for the team as well as our fans. The support the team has received from New Zealanders throughout the Tournament has been incredibly humbling and we know the country will be right behind us on Sunday night.”

Meanwhile, a number of milestones will be achieved by various All Blacks this weekend.

McCaw and fellow loose forwards Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read will become the most-capped loose forward trio in All Blacks history, playing their 21st Test together, one more than the trio of McCaw, Rodney So’oialo and Jerry Collins.

Keven Mealamu will play in his 92nd Test joining All Blacks great Sean Fitzpatrick as the most capped All Blacks hooker of all time and the joint third most capped All Black behind McCaw and Mils Muliaina.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the scale, Aaron Cruden will be playing in his ninth Test for the All Blacks compared, interestingly, with Grant Fox who was playing in just his seventh Test match in the 1987 Rugby World Cup Final, while it was Andrew Mehrtens’ sixth Test match in the 1995 Final.

The All Blacks have played France 50 times since 1906, with 37 wins to the All Blacks, 12 to France and the one draw. The teams have played five times at the Rugby World Cup, with the 37- 17 Pool Play win to the All Blacks in this year’s Tournament the last match. The All Blacks beat France in the 1987 Final and in the 3rd /4th playoff match in 2003 with France scoring significant victories over the All Blacks in the 1999 Semi-final and 2007 Quarterfinal.