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Messam and Jane extend contracts

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SYDNEY, Australia -- Flanker Liam Messam and fullback Corey Jane were among a group of promising young players to extend their New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) contracts on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old Messam has signed up until 2011, while Jane was joined by hookers Aled de Malmanche and Ti'i Paulo, halfback Alby Mathewson, back-row forward Kieran Read and winger Rudi Wulf in committing to the All Blacks until 2009.

The signings offset New Zealand's disappointment at losing experienced players such as lock Chris Jack and prop Carl Hayman to English clubs after this year's World Cup.

"These young players have already offered much to New Zealand rugby and their decision to continue their careers here is a good one for New Zealand rugby," NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew said in a statement.

"These signings are a reflection of our ongoing work to develop and retain players in New Zealand."

Wallabies prepared

Australia will not under-estimate a depleted Wales team in two home tests starting in Sydney on May 26, the Australian Rugby Union said on Tuesday.

Wales named an inexperienced 28-man squad on Monday, with 18 players left at home to rest and prepare for this year's World Cup in France.

"Welsh rugby has greatly increased in depth in recent years and the team they are bringing out is brimming with international experience and are highly suited to test rugby," Wallabies assistant coach Scott Johnson said in an ARU statement.

Johnson coached Wales in 2005 and believes experienced players like forwards Colin Charvis and Michael Owen, fullback Gareth Thomas and center Gavin Henson will provide a formidable challenge for Australia in Sydney and in Brisbane on June 2.

"Based on the number of changes I think the Welsh coaching staff will use these matches to draw out their best 30 and will be testing as many players as they can before the World Cup," Johnson said.

"Six of this squad has played with the British & Irish Lions and they will be chomping at the bit to have a crack at the Wallabies," he said.

"They know a good tour in Australia will put them into a strong position to be in the squad in France."

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