18/03/2008 11:29

Sydney - Justin Marshall has made no secret that he has found a new lease of life in Wales and he has become a vocal advertisement for All Blacks - former or current - contemplating a move abroad.

In an interview with The Independent, the Ospreys scrumhalf reiterated rumours that Dan Carter was still interested in a stint in Europe and that Richie McCaw, who is contracted to the NZRFU until the end of next season may not be far behind.

Marshall returned to New Zealand recently for his brother's wedding and filmed an interview with Carter for the IRB's Total Rugby show who reportedly hinted at an imminent move overseas.

The 81-Test veteran has been a keen observer of Warren Gatland's stunning short-term success with Wales, but as much as the Cantab is a staunch supporter of northern hemisphere rugby since his move here, he expects the Waikato man to find the going much tougher when he takes Wales to South Africa in June and faces the three southern hemisphere giants in November.

"Wales under Warren Gatland look a lot less rudderless than last year, they have direction and purpose," Marshall said.

"But I'd say - and from the noises he has made - Gatland realises that the standard of the Six Nations has been pretty average. Wales go to South Africa in the summer, then in the autumn they play the Tri-Nations (teams), which will be the true test."

The Ospreys are the only Welsh side left in the Anglo-Welsh Cup (a championship between the English Premiership and Welsh Magners League clubs) which reaches the semi-final stage this Saturday.

They take on Saracens and Marshall, who will find heated competition for the No 9 jersey from Mike Phillips, the Wales Grand Slam winner, believes the Kiwi triumvirate of himself, Filo Tiatia and Marty Holah are the right men to guide the club into the final.

"The experience the three of us have got of big games in New Zealand can't be coached," he said.

"The Ospreys are full of young players and the balance with us adds something different. It causes the selectors headaches. I always know the lines Filo and Marty are running are the ones I'm looking for."

Fantastic challenge

There has been fighting talk from Brian Ashton after a dismal Six Nations. As speculation continues to circulate around the elfin Ashton as to whether his job is safe, the England head coach maintains that he relishes the prospect of taking on the All Blacks in three months' time.

"The next two games are away in Auckland and Christchurch, so if you're looking to get on a bit of a roll you wouldn't pick those," he said after England's 33-10 victory at Twickenham on Saturday that ensured second place in this year's Six Nations. "But what a fantastic challenge now to finish a tournament like we did and then go down and play against New Zealand.

"It is terrific. From my point of view it's fantastic."

The Super 14 is coming to England which for Carl Hayman, Joe McDonnell and Mark Mayerholfer may not be all that exciting. John Mitchell's Western Force will travel to Newcastle in August for a northern club's pre-season friendly.

The Falcons are struggling in the English Premiership at present, having sacked their director of rugby John Fletcher last week. Steve Bates, his interim replacement, could not stop a slide of four defeats in the past five matches with a 28-8 loss at home to Bristol.

London Wasps were grateful to have Riki Flutey back to his best after a lengthy lay-off with a hamstring injury. The former Hurricane utility back cut through the London Irish defence - which featured Clarke Dermody in the front row - to score Wasps' only try of their hard-fought victory.

Andrew Mehrtens returned to kick three penalties and convert as many tries in Toulon's 30-13 victory over Tarbes.