Rugby 2004 (EA Sports, PC)

Reviewed by PETER ELEY

Herald rating: * * * *

Rugby 2003 exceeded sale's expectations, making US-based EA realise that this strange, to them, sport played without the frills, helmets or excessive padding of gridiron had true potential.

The result has been that more staff and money have been put into developing the series. It might not be as slick as EA's flagship Madden game, but judging by Rugby 2004, it's getting there.

It has a huge database of teams, from the European Trophy sides such as Llanelli, Munster and Toulose, through the Super 12, to the full complement of World Cup teams, minnows and all.

You can play at Eden Park, Twickenham or Australia's World Cup grounds. There are 62 teams, with 2000 named players and 67 stadiums.

Featured competitions are Tri Nations, Super 12, Six Nations, Bledisloe Cup, European Trophy and the gritty British Isles Tour.

EA has done its homework as far as the All Blacks are concerned, considering the long lead-in time for games.

While the World Cup squad contained some unlikely names, pressing the team autofill button for a quick game against England produced a lineup close to the one John Mitchell is picking during this stage of the World Cup.

EA have produced a playable computer version of rugby, with realistic lineouts, scrums, kicking and tactics.

The graphics don't quite match up to Madden, but you can recognise some of the better known players, especially if they have distinguishing features such as Tana's dreads.

* Email Peter Eley