Tuesday’s top rugby news has some Chiefs pre-match mind-games, Folau’s future still uncertain, McCaw included in the All-Blacks squad and new criticism of rugby’s concussion testing.
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Chiefs talk up travel factor
The Brumbies and Chiefs have weighed in on the potential impact that discrepant travel schedules may have on Saturday’s Super Rugby final. The Brumbies’ arrival in Hamilton will be the last stop in an arduous 30,000 kilometre journey from South Africa. Worryingly, the Sharks were belted 37-6 at Waikato Stadium in last year’s final after making a similar trek. ‘Travel does play a little factor,’ said Chiefs co-captain Craig Clarke, speaking from experience. ‘It’s awesome to be able to prepare in your own facilities and have that extra day of training.’
Meanwhile, the Brumbies have stuck to their guns, citing their imposing away record as a definite confidence-booster. When the Brumbies beat the Sharks in March, they set a record for the longest winning streak away from home – seven – in Super Rugby’s 18 seasons. [/one_half]
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Folau drama trudges on
Speculation as to where Isreal Folau will play next year continues as the code-hopping superstar refused to give any definitive answers on Monday. ‘I’d love to be here next year…there’s no timeline to it, but hopefully we can get something done pretty soon,’ Folau said, giving rugby fans hope. The dual international also nominated the mateship and travel opportunities in rugby as key factors that could keep him in the code.
These statements were somewhat tempered by the fullback declaring that league remains an option, ‘purely because of the enjoyment of the game.’ The 24-year-old has been linked to a return to the NRL with Canterbury. Folau was more interested in discussing his recovering hamstring injury, which may inhibit him from participation in the Rugby Championship opener on August 17. [/one_half]
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McCaw included in All-Blacks squad
Veteran flanker Richie McCaw has been included in New Zealand’s 30-man squad for the team’s upcoming training camp. The announcement was otherwise devoid of any surprises, with coach Steve Hansen staying true to his initial wider squad named two months ago, including Ma’a Nonu who is without a Super Rugby team and the soon to be Frenchman Rene Ranger.
McCaw is expected to regain the captaincy for the first Test of the Rugby Championship against Australia despite a lack of rugby this year. Since ending his six-month sabbatical, McCaw has played three games this month, most recently having 13 minutes off the bench in the 20-19 semi-final loss on Saturday. Hansen will name his Rugby Championship squad on Sunday, with a number of Chiefs players to be included after this week’s preparations for Saturday’s Super Rugby Final. [/one_half]
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Players cheating concussion tests
There has been further controversy surrounding the Pitchside Suspected Concussion Assessment (PSCA), as former Scotland international Rory Lamont has confirmed that players regularly cheat the test to be declared fit. Lamont has called for a return to the mandatory three week lay-offs which were formerly implemented for obvious concussions such as that suffered by George Smith.
While coaches were critical of the excessive rest for minor head knocks, this system would take pressure away from medics and coaches to rely on faulty testing mechanisms, as well as players worried about the bravado of rugby culture. ‘Some players will deliberately do stuff in the baseline test so that their results are low, making it easier to pass after concussion,’ Lamont said. As a result, players can easily return to baseline test levels and play, despite serious injury and long-term danger.
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