Friday’s rugby news has a much needed review of concussion testing, some surprising Brumbies line-up changes, the Waratahs off to Argentina and the Heinekin Cup still on shaky ground.
[one_half last=”no”]
IRB to review concussion testing
The IRB has responded to widespread criticism and will review its in-match test for concussion. While the pitch-side suspected concussion assessment (PSCA) has been in place for a year, debate was ignited by the controversial return of George Smith during the third Lions Test, just five minutes after an obvious concussion. Peter FitzSimons labelled Smith’s return a ‘disgrace’ which compromises player safety.
The IRB has responded by pointing out that the practice has led to a 25% rise, not a reduction, in players being taken off as a result of concussion. But the George Smith case highlights that the PSCA still has dangerous faults. One of which is the inability to view the test as a guide, which should not over-rule visible signs of concussion, as stated by IRB chief medical officer Martin Raftery.
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
Brumbies line-up changes
In a surprising move, Brumbies veteran Clyde Rathbone has been promoted to the starting side at the expense of Wallabies winger Joe Tomane for the Super Rugby qualifying final against the Cheetahs. The change continues Rathbone’s phenomenal comeback just four years after injuries and depression forced him into premature retirement. George Smith will also reclaim the starting openside role while halfback Nic White is expected to recover from a shoulder injury in time for selection.
Brumbies coach Jake White has also weighed in with some trademark pre-match mind games, asserting that the Cheetas are falsely perceived as playing exciting, running rugby. Instead, White has said, ‘They are probably one of the most conservative teams in the competition.’ The Cheetahs have scored just 38 tries this year, less than any Australian or New Zealand side other than the Force (26) and the Reds (31).
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”no”]
Waratahs to face Pumas
Michael Cheika will send a 34-man NSW Barbarians squad to Argentina to take on the Pumas for two matches, occurring on August 3 and August 9. Invited as preparation for The Rugby Championship kicking off on August 17, the squad will be made up of Waratahs and invited players from the Sydney premiership, with five places for Michael Cheika’s 2014 squad still on the line.
And in updated Benji news, despite the Rebels and Blues remaining frontrunners, the Tahs have left the door open to signing the Tiger’s playmaker. A well-connected Tahs insider has asserted, ‘He was a no-go, but now with the price dropped there could be a spot as Michael Cheika looks closely at possibly releasing a current fringe back.’
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
Heinekin Cup shrouded in uncertainty
Yesterday’s announcement that Cardiff will play host to the 2014 Heinekin Cup final was tempered by the uncertain future of the competition. Shortly after the 2012 final, it was reported that the English and French clubs will leave European Rugby Cup Ltd., the organization that runs the Heineken Cup, after the 2013-14 season. There remains a significant rift between the English and French clubs, who desire a new Premiership format, and the Celtic nations and Italy, who are strongly opposed.
Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Roger Lewis is hopeful a compromise will be met and the competition will be kept alive beyond this season. ‘It’s too good to lose,’ he said. ‘Everyone must come to their senses with a solution. Everyone in the game in Europe needs this competition.’
[/one_half]
