Pugh gets match wish

By WYNNE GRAY

A proposed Pacific Lions tour to New Zealand in June has been vetoed by the International Rugby Board, which wants to fund Pacific rugby through a Northern Hemisphere-Southern Hemisphere match.

That game will be played in Cardiff on November 30, with the Tri-Nations countries expected to supply most of the southern side.

Chairman Vernon Pugh succeeded in his bid to convince the IRB the match should be held every two years.

But New Zealand Rugby Football Union chairman Murray McCaw said yesterday there would have to be consultation with the Players Association about the extra game.

After being opposed to the hemisphere challenge last year but buoyed by his recent World Cup hosting victory at the IRB council, Australian chief executive John O'Neill yesterday was complimentary about the new fixture.

As the IRB revealed the November game, it also recommended elite players have a minimum eight-week break from rugby each season.

It was expected that of the eight weeks, one break should be at least four clear weeks and that no break should be less than two weeks.

Two law changes mean that from June 1, all games will begin and restart with drop kicks and referees will be allowed to award a freekick against sides causing delays in forming lineouts.