Former New Zealand All Blacks coach GRAHAM HENRY has revealed that he "suspected possible match-fixing" in their loss to France in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Henry's suspicions are revealed in advance excerpts from his soon-to-be released biography "Graham Henry: Final Word." Henry, who stepped down from his position after guiding the team to win the 2011 World Cup, said that he was "stunned by the lopsided penalty count, which heavily favoured France." He analyzed video of the game, and in a report to the New Zealand Rugby Union he urged it to "pressure the Int'l Rugby Board to institute an inquiry." However, despite his "plea for an investigation," the NZRU chose not to seek one out (AFP, 7/29). ... MICHELLE OBAMA gave the U.S. powerful support Sunday, reserving a post-game hug for every player and coach after the 98-71 win over France (LONDON TIMES, 7/30). ... Ukrainian Premier League Dynamo Kiev FC striker ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO "quit football to begin a career in politics." Shevchenko did not say whether he planned to join one of Ukraine's existing political parties or create his own ahead of October's parliamentary election. Another popular Ukrainian athlete, heavyweight boxing champion VITALI KLITSCHKO, already runs a political party called Udar (Strike) (REUTERS, 7/28).
