All Blacks fury over doping claims

LONDON, England (Reuters) -- New Zealand rugby officials have angrily dismissed disparaging claims made by French coach Bernard Laporte about their anti-doping policies.

Laporte told a French newspaper that he could not be certain New Zealand and England rugby players were drug-free because their anti-doping tests were not as thorough as in France.

Laporte's comments were immediately rebuked by both New Zealand and England officials, who defended their testing programs.

"We find (Laporte's comments) very disappointing," New Zealand Rugby deputy chief executive Steve Tew told reporters on Tuesday.

"It doesn't reflect a very good understanding of the commitment that New Zealand in general, and rugby in particular, has made to a drug-free environment in this country."

Tew said New Zealand players were subjected to independent and random testing from an appointed government agency. "Players can be visited anywhere and at any time and asked to give a urine sample, and that happens."

New Zealand are favorites to win this year's World Cup, which is being hosted by France from September 7 to October 20.

France have never won the World Cup but reached the final in 1987 and 1999.

South Africa have secured the services of former Australia coach Eddie Jones as their technical advisor for the World Cup finals, SA Rugby confirmed on Tuesday.

"We believe that his vast knowledge of the game and his outstanding coaching credentials will be of great benefit and significance to the Springboks as they prepare their challenge for the Rugby World Cup crown," SA Rugby's manager of national teams, Andy Marinos, said in a statement.

Jones was publicly criticized in Australia last month after media reports of his imminent appointment but he told a news conference he was comfortable with the decision.

"I don't think I've done anything disloyal," Jones said in Durban where he has been working with the South African squad at a training camp.

"I gave Australian rugby good service, and Australian rugby served me well," he added.

Jones has a great knowledge of the Australian players and coaching staff. He took the Wallabies to the 2003 World Cup final and was coach of the Queensland Reds until he quit three months ago.

However, South Africa coach Jake White said he would not ask Jones to expose the Australians' secrets.

"I'll never compromise him," White said. "I don't want to know about the Wallabies, I want to know about how he can help us improve. Eddie is very astute, and he's going to spend a lot of time analysing the opposition.

"I've got someone who has been there and done it," White said. "I can't get (World Cup-winning England coach) Clive Woodward, but to get the guy who was runner-up in 2003 is probably first prize.

"He's analysed us, he knows where we're weak and where we're strong. He has a wealth of information, it would be a sin not to use it."

Jones was impressed with what he had seen from his new charges so far. "There's a very positive atmosphere in the squad," he said. "The coaching staff is excellent, and the players are very focused on winning the World Cup."

Jones will join English club Saracens after the World Cup.

South Africa have been drawn in Pool A along with England, Samoa, the United States and Tonga for the tournament which starts in France on September 7. E-mail to a friend

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