Dallaglio’s men took to the pitch in the morning following a snow storm and Gregan’s men battled a thunder storm in the afternoon, and if some of the players enjoyed a light-hearted snowball fight there is nothing light-hearted about their commitment to this match. In a poignant reminder of the very real events that brought about this unique rugby match both captains were also presented with gifts of thanks by World Food Programme ambassador Nick Farr-Jones, on behalf of the children of Banda Aceh in Indonesia.
In a role reversal from the norm, Dallaglio and Gregan received balls signed by children from the Indonesian outpost ravaged by the Tsunami on 26 December 2004, and Farr-Jones was on hand to relay the children’s appreciation and thanks.
“It is with great pleasure that the children of Banda Aceh signed these rugby balls as a message of thanks to the international players who will be playing at Twickenham,” he said.
Changes to both squads
Since Thursday’s team announcement both sides have undergone some slight changes. For the South, Ulster’s New Zealander Matt Mustchin replaces countryman Simon Maling as a starting second row and Shane Drahm, formerly of Queensland and now playing for Northampton Saints, has been confirmed as the final replacement.
For the North, Frenchman Damien Traille has been forced to pull out by a niggling injury, and is replaced in the centre by Ceri Sweeney. Sweeney’s place on the North bench is taken my fellow Welshman Mark Taylor.
