Compiled by John O'Sullivan.

Harrington puts one over on rugby fan Els

Apart from the South African team, management and supporters who would have been very disappointed following Saturday's 17-12 defeat to Ireland at Lansdowne Road, there would have been one other: golfing icon Ernie Els.

Els attended the game and then stopped by the players' marquee at the back of the West stand at Lansdowne Road to catch up with some of the South African players. As one observer pointed out: "He was surrounded at one stage by almost the entire South African team and they just about stopped short of asking him for an autograph. You could see the awe in which he is held."

In a curious, almost Twin Peak-ish symmetry, across the other side of Lansdowne Road stood Ireland's own golfing colossus, Padraig Harrington, a guest in the corporate hospitality village.

Another friend of this column admitted: "He was absolutely superb and so approachable and amenable. He just stopped short of conducting a full-scale golfing clinic in the tent. He made time for everyone and it's easy to see why he is so popular."

This column isn't sure whether Els and Harrington were aware of each other's presence at the game or whether they managed to hook up later but we're pretty sure who has the bragging rights when they next meet on the US or European Tours.

John McCall honoured

The Ireland squad which travelled to South Africa for the Under-19 World Championships earlier in the year but returned home after the tragic death of young John McCall during a game against New Zealand were honoured by the IRFU at a lunch in the Berkeley Court Hotel before Saturday's Test between Ireland and South Africa.

IRFU president Barry Keogh presented caps to all the players and also to Ian and Caroline, parents of the late John McCall. They were then guests at the international later that afternoon.

White's clock-up

Wondering why South African coach Jake White made a host of changes late on in his team's Test match against Wales last Saturday week? Well the reason is that he thought there were only a few minutes left when he looked up at the clock in the Millennium Stadium. Unfortunately that clock is not stopped for injuries or hold-ups which would be the case in most international Southern Hemisphere grounds (also Lansdowne Road).

So White was horrified to see how much longer there was actually to go as he watched Wales come back to within a couple of points to lose 38-36 against a relieved Springboks. It will be one of the topics under discussion this week when the IRB meets in Dublin. Another will be the trying to guarantee uniformity in terms of pitch dimensions.

O'Driscoll talks the talk

Brian O'Driscoll is beginning to show the sort of leadership qualities that could earn him the Lions captaincy - and not just on the pitch. O'Driscoll's oration at the post-match banquet at Saturday night following Ireland's win over South Africa drew plaudits from several quarters for its eloquence and graciousness without a hint of triumphalism. If he adds brevity, the boy's a shoo-in.

Steelers cut up rough

A recent match between the Provo Steelers and Snake River in America seems to have gotten out of hand, judging by the number of players injured in a free-for-all and the fact that four police cars were eventually summoned to restore the peace.

Gashes and teeth knocked out were just some of the injuries sustained and according to USA's Rugby magazine and the referee's report it appears that the Utah-based Steelers certainly didn't turn the other cheek.

The Steelers claimed that their frustration with the referee caused tempers to boil over and that they were more sinned against than sinning. The referee's report doesn't quite substantiate that assertion. Craig Parish, the man in question, began by explaining his background as an official and his problems in getting the Steelers to abide by his interpretation of the laws.

These are just snippets from the referee's report. "Then I spotted two Provo players stomping on a Snake player on the ground. My whistle went immediately - but too late - as a Snake River player had jumped on top of the maul and delivered a punch to the head of one of the stomping Provo players.

"That's when the state of affairs changed markedly for the worse. Punches were exchanged by several players. I blew my whistle loudly several times and instructed the teams to, "Grab your own players - get them back!" We had an uncomfortable 'lull' after the first round of physical reaction. I repeated the instruction - but the touchlines were clearing on both sides now."

Having catalogued what degenerated into something akin to gang warfare in minute detail, Parish then observed: "Provo then took it to another level, as they became very aggressive as a group. They surrounded isolated Snake players - attacking from behind with punches and kicks to the head. If Snake players went to ground, they would be kicked in the head and ribs by a group of Provo players.

"If a Snake player looked aggressive, the Provo players in proximity would back up. When that same Snake player looked to move on to protect, collect or reach one of his own team, he would be attacked by those same Provo players as the Snake player was otherwise engaged."

The report goes on to detail more of what was a shockingly violent encounter. We'll try and find out what happened as a result, although the fact the Steelers have 'previous' suggests they may be in big trouble.

Clash of Colours

The 53rd Annual Colours Match will take place in Donnybrook on Friday (6.30). This is the first year that the fixture will double as an All-Ireland League Division One match, highlighting the strength of college rugby and the success of the respective sports' academies.

UCD may have the use of three contracted players in Brian O'Riordan, David Blaney and James Norton but Trinity have Jamie Heaslip, nominated for the IRB Under-21 Player of the year award, and Forrest Gainer who has been capped by Canada.

UCD have won the last eight Colours matches.

Connacht fans meet

Continuing the good fight, the Dublin-based Connacht Supporters Club will be holding a meeting, to be attended by some of the the Connacht players, at the Bankers Club, 93 St Stephen's Green, next Friday, November 19th.