SPORT

The Northern Hemisphere Rugby Internationals season got under way last weekend, with the Welsh and the Scots both losing (tee hee hee). This weekend England get under way against Canada.

In many ways it's the perfect opening game.

Only 4 of the world cup winning team remain, with Jason Robinson captaining the side. Missing through either injury or retirement are Martin Johnson, Neil Back, Richard Hill, Trevor Woodman, Jonny Wilkinson and Jason Leaonard, and Matt Dawson and Will Greenwood have been overlooked, the former for disciplinary reasons and the latter in favour of Henry Paul, who Hong Kongers should know through his huge contributions to Englands winning streak in the HK 7's.

The team therefore is very raw, with 2 new caps featuring - Mark Cueto on the wing and Andy Hazell on the flank.

Even so England should have way too much firepower for the Canadians mix of amateurs and semi-pros (including such luminaries as Stirling Richmond who plays here in HK for DeA Tigers) and should put 40 - 50 points on them.

I expect a gritty first half of forwards slugging it out then England's strength and fitness will tell in the second half.

Swing low, sweet chariot.....