Worst-kept secret in rugby is out

At the press conference to announce that the Boks will play the All Blacks at Soccer City in August, SA Rugby communications boss Andy Colquhoun "apologised" that New Zealand coach Graham Henry - who let the cat out of the bag in a presser last week - couldn't be there to make the official announcement in person.

Saru president Oregan Hoskins played along, calling the announcement "the best-kept secret".

• Hendrik Roodt, Griquas' 2m, 121kg lock, has been touted as a "Bakkies Botha-type enforcer" in the local media since his return from a short stint with the Waratahs. On hearing this, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Waratahs might snigger into their beer over the claim, such is their lack of regard for the big man.

• Like children, rugby writers do the dumbest things. One of our number, running late for a press conference in Australia, rushed in and thrust into a player's face what he thought was a tape recorder. Turns out it was a packet of Tic Tacs.

• It's never a bad thing when a rugby great agrees with you. We've always thought Quade Cooper was special - and Jonah Lomu concurs. "The world needs to know this - Quade Cooper is in my secret list of best rugby players in the world. Quote me, papers," tweeted Lomu. Cooper's gushing response was: "Thanks brother that's crazy man long way to go but thanks bro!!! Means a lot."

• One contributor to this column got an irate call from Bok convener of selectors Peter "Kneecap" Jooste, who took exception to our report that he and fellow selector Ian McIntosh were spotted at the casino in Welkom during Craven Week. He said this gave the impression they had spent the whole time in the casino, doing little of the selection business that brought them to the northern Free State. We obviously didn't mean that but knowing we could be kneecapped the next time we see Jooste, we think rugby folk are more sensitive than they used to be.

• Still on selectors, we note that they retain an impersonal approach. England captain Steve Borthwick was on honeymoon in Bali when he found out he had been axed.

• Leafing through the Sharks' latest magazine, we were surprised to see the interview with player Willem Alberts billed as an exclusive . In the absence of having had to barge SA Rugby magazine or SA Sports Illustrated aside for the story , what qualified it as an exclusive? We understand he may be the strong, silent type, but how exclusive are his thoughts ?

• There was a nice item in the magazine, though. Former Natal winger Christie Noble was asked to name the characters from the 1990 team. He went for Tony Watson, "for his blow dryer", and their Wallaby hooker, Tom Lawton. Noble said Lawton frequently called to him during games, saying: "Christie, did you hear, in the far corner, they were chanting 'Lawton! Lawton!'"