Sport

'Honest cheaters' claim

Wales lock Ian Gough has dubbed New Zealand "honest cheaters" just four days before the countries clash at the Millennium Stadium…

Wed Nov 22 2006 - 00:00

Wales lock Ian Gough has dubbed New Zealand "honest cheaters" just four days before the countries clash at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

The All Blacks have been accused of exploiting grey areas in the rules. France assistant coach Jacques Brunel, whose side were beaten in back-to-back Tests against New Zealand, claimed they "benefit from a lot of indulgence" by referees at lineouts and scrums.

Former Wales international Ieuan Evans described the tourists as "the best cheaters in the world", and Gough shares his compatriot's admiration. "They are honest cheaters," said Gough.

"Whatever you get away with is brilliant. If the referees don't pick them up, then you have to take your hat off to New Zealand and say they are brilliant at it and better than anyone else.

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"Hopefully the referee will pick things up against us at the weekend, but we have to do things to stop them cheating."

Gough's forward colleague Martyn Williams was more diplomatic, preferring to describe the All Blacks as "streetwise".

"I wouldn't say they are cheaters," Williams said. "We all go out there and play to the referee as well as you can. I would say they are streetwise.

"They know the rules of the game inside out and I think that shows the way they play. They are not cheaters at all."

Williams and Gough are expected to be in Wales's starting line-up.

Gough's selection is more certain with Robert Sidoli having been sidelined with a shoulder injury and Brent Cockbain having just ended a suspension.

And Gough will learn his fate when coach Gareth Jenkins unveils his line-up this morning.

New Zealand's team for Saturday shows seven changes from their last outing against France.

But captain Richie McCaw, outhalf Daniel Carter and flanker Jerry Collins will all start despite suggestions they would be rested.

Conrad Smith and Luke McAlister are reunited at centre, but Mils Muliaina is at fullback in place of Leon MacDonald. Rico Gear replaces winger Joe Rokocoko, while Neemia Tialata, Anton Oliver and Keith Robinson come into the pack.

NEW ZEALAND (v Wales, Cardiff, Saturday): M Muliaina; R Gear, C Smith, L McAlister, S Sivivatu; D Carter, B Kelleher; N Tialata, A Oliver, C Hayman, K Robinson, A Williams, J Collins, R McCaw (capt), R So'oialo. Replacements: A Hore, T Woodcock, J Ryan, R Thorne, P Weepu, N Evans, M Nonu.