World Cup Digest

Logan's Irish run: After 40 pool matches, most self-respecting pundits should by know what they are talking about at the World Cup.

But that premise was blown out of the water by panel members from a Sydney radio station, discussing performances from the Australia and Ireland game.

One expert proffered the view that Kenny Logan was the best player for Ireland - a view widely accepted by the rest of the on-air crew.

In truth, Logan had little impact on affairs, busy as he was with his own Scotland squad.

Equipped for success

World Cup hosts Australia are certainties to be heavyweights in the competition for many years to come.

Those prospects will have been done no harm either by the donation of the world-class training equipment used by the 20 teams at this year's tournament to local rugby communities in Australia.

It is a goodwill gesture from organisers determined to thank clubs, schools and the Australian rugby community for their help in the running of the tournament.

The Australian Rugby Union is co-ordinating the donation of scrum machines, tackle bags, bump shields, agility polls and marker cones to clubs.

Old boys target Jones

Australia coach Eddie Jones has been busy defending his team and tactics as they head into their World Cup quarter-final against Scotland on Saturday.

The Wallabies have come under fire from local media for some sloppy handling in the backs and a perceived lack of authority in the pack and former Test players have been lining up to attack Jones's selection policies as well as individual players.

David Campese and Nick Farr-Jones, both World Cup winners in 1991, have led the attacks, while the coach from that year, Bob Dwyer, has also laid into the team, but Jones is remaining steadfast.

"If six weeks ago you asked us where we wanted to be, this is where we want to be," said Jones, who has been growing increasingly frustrated with claims he is too conservative.

"There's opinions made but selection can only be done in two ways. It can be done with all the information available, or you can have opinions that don't necessarily take into consideration all information," he said.

Hill still a worry

England coach Clive Woodward had mixed news when he got all his medical reports in yesterday, with flanker Richard Hill's niggling hamstring remaining his major concern.

There was better news about winger Iain Balshaw, who should be fit for Sunday's quarter-final against Wales, while the jury is out on utility forward Martin Corry.

"We won't know finally until Wednesday but it looks like Iain Balshaw is going to be fine," Woodward said yesterday.

Corry is progressing well with his hamstring strain.