If there are still plenty of people unaware that the Rugby World Cup is underway, one look at the morning's papers should set them straight. While there is plenty of excitement lined up in the Premiership this weekend, England's much-anticipated clash with South Africa earns its share of headlines.
And the expected ferocity of the Perth encounter might be why Rio Ferdinand's return to action, at Leeds of all places, gets relatively subdued coverage.
"The most ferocious game I'll ever play," is how Lawrence Dallaglio describes the match to The Sun, which goes on to describe "41 years of hate".
The Daily Mirror leads the flag waving with "Go Jonny, go go go" and the Daily Telegraph goes the whole hog with "Once more unto the breach for England and Prince Harry".
 | BACK PAGE HEADLINES The Times: Once more unto the breach for England and Prince Harry The Guardian: What it is really like to play Martin Johnson The Daily Telegraph: England ready for Springboks onslaught The Independent: Sense of adversity threatening the England dream The Sun: Brain dead - Storm as official United website urges fan aggro The Daily Express: We're such dopes - Wenger slams tests fiasco The Daily Mail: Get Becks - Chelsea plan record bid for England hero The Daily Star: �180m Ron The Daily Mirror: Dopes - Wenger demands drugs purge |
The presence of the young royal in Perth has excited press both here and in Australia, although it has apparently not gone down so well with England coach Clive Woodward. Friday was "one of the most chaotic days in World Cup history," according to the Daily Mail, which describes how local TV crews refused to stop filming training because they thought Harry was watching.
As for football, it is Ferdinand who remains the centre of attention as he prepares to head back to Elland Road, with Sir Alex Ferguson telling Leeds fans to "forgert about trying to rattle Rio" in the Daily Express.
Meanwhile, on the morning of the top-of-the-table meeting with Chelsea, Arsene Wenger reveals in nearly all the papers that some of his players have never had a drugs test.
One story that looks destined to remain on the back pages all season is the speculation surrounding possible transfer targets for Chelsea.
And this Saturday provides a rich crop, with Ronaldo leading the way in a potential �180m move, according to the Daily Star.
If not Ronaldo, the Daily Mail suggest a �33m bid for David Beckham could be on the cards, while The Sun confirms Chelsea want Wayne Rooney.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
