A tournament originally devised to ward off enemy forces continues, in its 14th season, to be a volatile beast.
The Tri Nations began in 1996 primarily because of the threat of Super League, and the necessity to produce something lucrative to keep the major southern hemisphere players within the establishment and a code that had just officially turned professional.
The lead-up to the original Tri Nations series were heady times, with threats of key performers heading to the breakaway World Rugby Corporation organisation, and uncertainty whether the three parties involved - Australia, New Zealand and South Africa - could remain unified to ensure it became the second best international rugby tournament behind the World Cup.
There were endless disputes and inevitable complaints about one nation getting more than the other in the cutting up of the lucrative financial pie, brought about by the Rupert Murdoch's millions pumped into rugby in exchange for News Corporation having the television rights to southern hemisphere rugby. And the organisation formed to run the tournament - Sanzar - remained a mysterious entity.
They had no head office. It was often difficult determining who at Sanzar, which stands for South Africa New Zealand Australia Rugby, was actually running the tournament. And whenever there was a dispute, buck-passing between the countries was the norm. Even for some years it appeared the whole operation of the Super 12 competition and Tri Nations was being run out of the back office of a New Zealand travel agency.
Somehow the Tri Nations continued to survive, primarily because the product was so good. For rugby supporters and the growing pay TV market it was an instant attraction. Having New Zealand, Australia and South Africa playing regularly in a round-robin fixture was tantalising, especially as it involved the strengths of world rugby, and involved a simple formula that was easy to understand, and which encouraged attacking play.
A bonus points system that supported those teams whose prime pursuit was scoring tries, and even when losing encouraged a team to continue to be competitive, made certain that the Tri Nations trophy was regularly not determined until the last match of the series.
It also worked on traditional rivalries. For decades, South Africa and New Zealand regarded each other as the ultimate rugby foe. They looked upon each battle as a determination of world supremacy. This had been going on for decades.
And Australia's gradual improvement saw their duels against New Zealand from the 1980s take on extra meaning and sting, with even the All Blacks treating the Bledisloe Cup fixtures - which for a lengthy period were regarded as a bit of joke - into an ultra serious exercise. This may have had something to do with the Wallabies gloating whenever they won the cup, even resorting to doing laps of honour in front of their humiliated Trans Tasman rivals.
The All Blacks hated that, especially as their officials had not forgotten when the Australian Rugby Union were so impoverished they had to rely on New Zealand's financial support to remain afloat.
Now the Wallabies had appeared to become upstarts, and suddenly the Cup became the be all and end all. That the Bledisloe Cup was tied up into the Tri Nations series just added to the allure and the edge of the tournament.
But those with long memories still laugh about how the Bledisloe Cup, which is so closely intermingled with the Tri Nations, is now surrounded by security guards whenever it makes a public appearance.
After all, the same cup was lost for years, and no one really seemed to care about its existence, until someone remembered that it had been given on loan to the New Zealand Tourist Bureau in Melbourne, as part of a promotional display. Sure enough, it was found by a cleaner on its side in a forgotten cupboard, with the lid leaning up against the wall, hidden away behind some cardboard cut-outs of sheep and Maori huts.
The big silver monstrosity is now looked after far more carefully these days, as is the nondescript Tri Nations trophy. But each still inflames passions.
The World Cup remains the prize reward, but the Tri Nations trophy is not that far behind. New Zealand have been the dominant party, winning the series nine times - including in the past four years straight - ahead of Australia and South Africa who both only boast two Tri Nations series wins.
And as the 14th series is about to start, some elements have changed, but some have remained the same. As usual the off-field relationship between the three countries remains a snake pit.
A few months ago even the Sanzar alliance was under serious threat because of a major rift involving the future of the Super 14 and Tri Nations tournaments. With the News Corporation broadcasting deal up for renegotiation, Australia have been pushing for expansion.
The Australian Rugby Union argued that if the three countries - who rely on the broadcasting revenue to finance the game including player payments - wanted a boost in funding, they had to offer something in return.
Realising the broadcasters were seeking extra products, the ARU proposed an expanded tournament featuring 15 to 18 teams.
This included expanded finals series and a far longer season. New Zealand agreed, but resistance came from South Africa for concerns it would affect their local tournament - the Currie Cup.
Promises were made and broken. Compromises were achieved, and then ignored, and for some time it appeared South Africa would walk out of the alliance, and instead head to Europe. Australia and New Zealand virtually dared them to, and South Africa stayed put.
South Africa argued Australia and New Zealand did not understand their needs. Australia and New Zealand found it hard dealing with South Africa, as their administration appeared to change everyday.
Due to the never-ending political upheaval within South African rugby, Australian officials would complain that they would attend a meeting with South Africa, come to an agreement with their various heads, but the next time they went into discussions, they would have to deal with new officials. It was a bewildering period but eventually peace was achieved.
They eventually all agreed that the Tri Nations was safe, and that Super 15 was the way to go. The next big argument was where the extra team would be located. It must be in the Australian conference, but South Africa continued to argue the team should come from one of their provinces. Highly illogical, but nothing unusual when Sanzar political wrangling is concerned. And Australian officials repeatedly shake their heads when asked how they are faring with their South African counterparts.
Thankfully South Africa are able to get their act together on the field. As shown by their recent success against the British & Irish Lions, when the Springboks have their best team on the field they are far and away the most capable line-up in international rugby. They have every area covered - power, passion, desperation and depth.
They boast the best half-back in Fourie du Preez, and he is surrounded by an endless line of intimidating performers, including Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers, Adrian Jacobs, Victor Matfield, Pierre Spies and Danie Rossouw.
They also have the required menace as shown by their forwards Schalk Burger and Bakkies Botha.
Their only weak link is their leader. How Springboks coach Peter de Villiers holds on to his position is beyond belief. He is the master of the stupid statement, the loony line and the embarrassing quip. It is almost as if the Boks continue to produce in spite of him, as his often incoherent ramblings at media conferences defy description.
De Villiers's defence of Burger after his forward eye-gouged Lions winger Luke Fitzgerald during the second Test was unforgivable. Lions centre Brian O'Driscoll had every right to describe De Villiers's comments as a "disgrace". This followed De Villiers uttering that Burger had done nothing on purpose, adding: "Do we really respect the game? If not, why don't we all go to the nearest ballet shop and get some nice tutus [skirts], get a great dancing show going on, no eye-gouging, no tackling, no nothing and then we will all enjoy it."
This is typical of De Villiers's stand-up routine, with his other crazy recent lines including: "We went wild, wild, wild - some of the guys went wilder than that"; and "I know dancing is a contact sport, but rugby is far from dancing".
The All Blacks also have their coaching concerns, but it revolves around the New Zealand people's choice being elsewhere and even more infuriatingly in charge of the other Tri Nations country. There is no surprise that in his other life, Graham Henry was a school headmaster. His dominant stance does not endear him to all, and after the All Blacks collapse at the 2007 World Cup - where they were outright favourites but faltered badly before the final - the New Zealand public wanted Henry gone.
That he survived did not make him any more a favoured figure in New Zealand. Adding to the agony was that the country's most successful coach, Robbie Deans, who had turned the Canterbury Crusaders into the most dominant provincial team in the world, was lured away by the Australian Rugby Union to be the Wallabies coach.
Since then the country has been riding Henry, waiting for him, almost wishing for him to falter. There were indications that would happen last year, but the All Blacks picked their act up late in the season to keep the detractors at bay.
Again this season, there has been disconcerting signs that under Henry the All Blacks are strangely rudderless - but at least he has some valid excuses, including that his two best players - Richie McCaw and Dan Carter - have been sidelined. Carter may miss the Tri Nations, but McCaw is scheduled to be back, so at least the All Blacks will be working on one motor.
Even in Australia, where they have for so long been intimidated by the All Black menace, there is the belief that New Zealand are vulnerable. This is as much due to New Zealand's inconsistency as it has with the Wallabies transforming their game, changing the complexion of the team by introducing new blood, and becoming a more adventurous, creative side under Deans.
There is no doubt that the shackles have been removed, and the Wallabies are playing an enlightening brand of football, based on finely tuned ensemble work.
Deans preaches to the players that they have "to play what's in front of you", and that has prompted an end to their long-time structured and highly predictable game. They appear to believe in themselves, and two years out from a World Cup, that is an encouraging sign.
The Wallabies fans are returning, believing that while the Springboks are justified tournament favourites, they may be some unexpected upsets this season.
That is part of the Tri Nations charm: it thrives on surprises, drama, tension, moments of madness and old-fashioned bickering.
Just ask the administrators of the three countries who have been at each other's throats, but get it together when it counts to provide a tournament that matters.
ggrowden@thenational.ae
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Tour de France 2017: Stage 5
Vittel - La Planche de Belles Filles, 160.5km
It is a shorter stage, but one that will lead to a brutal uphill finish. This is the third visit in six editions since it was introduced to the race in 2012. Reigning champion Chris Froome won that race.
The flights: South African Airways flies from Dubai International Airport with a stop in Johannesburg, with prices starting from around Dh4,000 return. Emirates can get you there with a stop in Lusaka from around Dh4,600 return.
The details: Visas are available for 247 Zambian kwacha or US$20 (Dh73) per person on arrival at Livingstone Airport. Single entry into Victoria Falls for international visitors costs 371 kwacha or $30 (Dh110). Microlight flights are available through Batoka Sky, with 15-minute flights costing 2,265 kwacha (Dh680).
Accommodation: The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel by Anantara is an ideal place to stay, within walking distance of the falls and right on the Zambezi River. Rooms here start from 6,635 kwacha (Dh2,398) per night, including breakfast, taxes and Wi-Fi. Water arrivals cost from 587 kwacha (Dh212) per person.
RESULTS FOR STAGE 4
Stage 4 Dubai to Hatta, 197 km, Road race.
Overall leader Primoz Roglic SLO (Team Jumbo - Visma)
Stage winners: 1. Caleb Ewan AUS (Lotto - Soudal) 2. Matteo Moschetti ITA (Trek - Segafredo) 3. Primoz Roglic SLO (Team Jumbo - Visma)
'Young girls thinking of big ideas'
Words come easy for aspiring writer Afra Al Muhairb. The business side of books, on the other hand, is entirely foreign to the 16-year-old Emirati. So, she followed her father’s advice and enroled in the Abu Dhabi Education Council’s summer entrepreneurship course at Abu Dhabi University hoping to pick up a few new skills.
“Most of us have this dream of opening a business,” said Afra, referring to her peers are “young girls thinking of big ideas.”
In the three-week class, pupils are challenged to come up with a business and develop an operational and marketing plan to support their idea. But, the learning goes far beyond sales and branding, said teacher Sonia Elhaj.
“It’s not only about starting up a business, it’s all the meta skills that goes with it -- building self confidence, communication,” said Ms Elhaj. “It’s a way to coach them and to harness ideas and to allow them to be creative. They are really hungry to do this and be heard. They are so happy to be actually doing something, to be engaged in creating something new, not only sitting and listening and getting new information and new knowledge. Now they are applying that knowledge.”
Afra’s team decided to focus their business idea on a restaurant modelled after the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Each level would have a different international cuisine and all the meat would be halal. The pupils thought of this after discussing a common problem they face when travelling abroad.
“Sometimes we find the struggle of finding halal food, so we just eat fish and cheese, so it’s hard for us to spend 20 days with fish and cheese,” said Afra. “So we made this tower so every person who comes – from Africa, from America – they will find the right food to eat.”
rpennington@thenational.ae
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Australia (15-1): Israel Folau; Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Kurtley Beale, Marika Koroibete; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; David Pocock, Michael Hooper (capt), Lukhan Tui; Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda; Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson.
Replacements: Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Pete Samu, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Jack Maddocks.
Dunbar
Edward St Aubyn
Hogarth
Match info
Athletic Bilbao 0
Real Madrid 1 (Ramos 73' pen)
Celta Vigo 2
Castro (45'), Aspas (82')
Barcelona 2
Dembele (36'), Alcacer (64')
Red card: Sergi Roberto (Barcelona)
Manchester United v Club America
When: Thursday, 9pm Arizona time (Friday UAE, 8am)
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
Get inspired
Here are a couple of Valentine’s Day food products that may or may not go the distance (but have got the internet talking anyway).
Sourdough sentiments: Marks & Spencer in the United Kingdom has introduced a slow-baked sourdough loaf dusted with flour to spell out I (heart) you, at £2 (Dh9.5). While it’s not available in the UAE, there’s nothing to stop you taking the idea and creating your own message of love, stencilled on breakfast-inbed toast.
Crisps playing cupid: Crisp company Tyrells has added a spicy addition to its range for Valentine’s Day. The brand describes the new honey and chilli flavour on Twitter as: “A tenderly bracing duo of the tantalising tingle of chilli with sweet and sticky honey. A helping hand to get your heart racing.” Again, not on sale here, but if you’re tempted you could certainly fashion your own flavour mix (spicy Cheetos and caramel popcorn, anyone?).
The biog
Marital status: Separated with two young daughters
Education: Master's degree from American Univeristy of Cairo
Favourite book: That Is How They Defeat Despair by Salwa Aladian
Favourite Motto: Their happiness is your happiness
Goal: For Nefsy to become his legacy long after he is gon
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last-16. first leg
Atletico Madrid v Juventus, midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports
RACE CARD
5pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival Purebred Arabian Cup Conditions (PA); Dh 200,000 (Turf) 1,600m
5.30pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Cup Conditions (PA); Dh 200,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Cup Listed (TB); Dh 380,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Group 3 (PA); Dh 500,000 (T) 1,600m
7pm: Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan National Day Jewel Crown Group 1 (PA); Dh 5,000,000 (T) 2,200m
7.30pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Racing Festival Handicap (PA); Dh 150,000 (T) 1,400m
8pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 100,000 (T); 1,400m
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Sting & Shaggy
44/876
(Interscope)
RESULTS
Argentina 4 Haiti 0
Peru 2 Scotland 0
Panama 0 Northern Ireland 0
Uefa Nations League: How it works
The Uefa Nations League, introduced last year, has reached its final stage, to be played over five days in northern Portugal. The format of its closing tournament is compact, spread over two semi-finals, with the first, Portugal versus Switzerland in Porto on Wednesday evening, and the second, England against the Netherlands, in Guimaraes, on Thursday.
The winners of each semi will then meet at Porto’s Dragao stadium on Sunday, with the losing semi-finalists contesting a third-place play-off in Guimaraes earlier that day.
Qualifying for the final stage was via League A of the inaugural Nations League, in which the top 12 European countries according to Uefa's co-efficient seeding system were divided into four groups, the teams playing each other twice between September and November. Portugal, who finished above Italy and Poland, successfully bid to host the finals.
The low down
Producers: Uniglobe Entertainment & Vision Films
Director: Namrata Singh Gujral
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Nargis Fakhri, Bo Derek, Candy Clark
Rating: 2/5
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Men from Barca's class of 99
Crystal Palace - Frank de Boer
Everton - Ronald Koeman
Manchester City - Pep Guardiola
Manchester United - Jose Mourinho
Southampton - Mauricio Pellegrino
FIXTURES
All kick-off times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Friday
Sevilla v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
Athletic Bilbao v Real Sociedad (7.15pm)
Eibar v Valencia (9.30pm)
Atletico Madrid v Alaves (11.45pm)
Sunday
Girona v Getafe (3pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7.15pm)
Las Palmas v Espanyol (9.30pm)
Barcelona v Deportivo la Coruna (11.45pm)
Monday
Malaga v Real Betis (midnight)
Race card
1.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,200m.
2.15pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,200m.
2.45pm: Handicap Dh95,000 1,200m.
3.15pm: Handicap Dh120,000 1,400m.
3.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,400m.
4.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,800m.
4.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,950m.
The National selections:
1.45pm: Galaxy Road – So Hi Speed
2.15pm: Majestic Thunder – Daltrey
2.45pm: Call To War – Taamol
3.15pm: Eqtiraan - Bochart
3.45pm: Kidd Malibu – Initial
4.15pm: Arroway – Arch Gold
4.35pm: Compliance - Muqaatil
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Scorecard
Scotland 220
K Coetzer 95, J Siddique 3-49, R Mustafa 3-35
UAE 224-3 in 43,5 overs
C Suri 67, B Hameed 63 not out
Results
6.30pm: Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh195,000 1,400m | Winner: ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcock (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer)
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 1,400m | Winner: Al Shamkhah, Royston Ffrench, Sandeep Jadhav
7.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 1,200m | Winner: Lavaspin, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
8.15pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 1,200m | Winner: Kawasir, Dane O’Neill, Musabah Al Muhairi
8.50pm: Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 1,600m | Winner: Cosmo Charlie, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
9.20pm: Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 1,400m | Winner: Bochart, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
10pm: Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 2,000m | Winner: Quartier Francais, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
If you go
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Seattle from Dh5,555 return, including taxes. Portland is a 260 km drive from Seattle and Emirates offers codeshare flights to Portland with its partner Alaska Airlines.
The car
Hertz (www.hertz.ae) offers compact car rental from about $300 per week, including taxes. Emirates Skywards members can earn points on their car hire through Hertz.
Parks and accommodation
For information on Crater Lake National Park, visit www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm . Because of the altitude, large parts of the park are closed in winter due to snow. While the park’s summer season is May 22-October 31, typically, the full loop of the Rim Drive is only possible from late July until the end of October. Entry costs $25 per car for a day. For accommodation, see www.travelcraterlake.com. For information on Umpqua Hot Springs, see www.fs.usda.gov and https://soakoregon.com/umpqua-hot-springs/. For Bend, see https://www.visitbend.com/.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMascotte%20Health%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMiami%2C%20US%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Bora%20Hamamcioglu%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EOnline%20veterinary%20service%20provider%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241.2%20million%20raised%20in%20seed%20funding%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Florida Project
Director: Sean Baker
Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe
Four stars
The biog
Name: Marie Byrne
Nationality: Irish
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption
Book: Seagull by Jonathan Livingston
Life lesson: A person is not old until regret takes the place of their dreams
SCORES
Yorkshire Vikings 144-1 in 12.5 overs
(Tom Kohler 72 not out, Harry Broook 42 not out)
bt Hobart Hurricanes 140-7 in 20 overs
(Caleb Jewell 38, Sean Willis 35, Karl Carver 2-29, Josh Shaw 2-39)
UAE SQUAD
UAE team
1. Chris Jones-Griffiths 2. Gio Fourie 3. Craig Nutt 4. Daniel Perry 5. Isaac Porter 6. Matt Mills 7. Hamish Anderson 8. Jaen Botes 9. Barry Dwyer 10. Luke Stevenson (captain) 11. Sean Carey 12. Andrew Powell 13. Saki Naisau 14. Thinus Steyn 15. Matt Richards
Replacements
16. Lukas Waddington 17. Murray Reason 18. Ahmed Moosa 19. Stephen Ferguson 20. Sean Stevens 21. Ed Armitage 22. Kini Natuna 23. Majid Al Balooshi
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.