Tuesday’s rugby news has Douglas heading overseas, Slipper given three weeks, the under-20s finalised and the Hurricanes calling for a ref review.
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Kane Douglas to Leinster
Wallaby second-rower Kane Douglas will join Irish province Leinster at the end of the Super Rugby season, ruling himself out of of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Douglas’ Waratahs team-mates emphasised the massive void that the move would create.
“I don’t think we can afford to lose players like that,” Waratahs back-rower Stephen Hoiles said. “I don’t know if Australian rugby can afford to lose the likes of second-rowers in particular.” The Waratahs forward will join emerging lock Hugh Pyle and Wallabies captain Ben Mowen overseas, both having announced their departure for France at the end of the year. With these recent losses, who will step into Wallaby contention? [/one_half]
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McMahon to captain under-20s
The Australian under-20s side is now finalised, featuring seven players with Super Rugby experience and led by Rebels flanker Sean McMahon. The squad to compete in the Junior World Championships in Auckland next month will include Allan Alaalatoa and Tom Staniforth from the Brumbies; Lalakai Foketi from the Rebels; David Horwitz of the Waratahs; Luke Burton of the Western Force and Jonah Placid of the Reds.
Head Coach Adrian Thompson said that the current crop of Aussie 20s was especially strong, asserting, “I am very happy with the squad we have selected and I am confident this side will be a real force in Auckland as we look to win the Championship.” [/one_half]
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Slipper suspended for three weeks
Reds prop James Slipper has become a victim of SANZAR’s attempts to crack-down on lifting tackles, being given a surprisingly harsh three week suspension for lifting Blues player Peter Saili beyond the horizontal on Friday. Amazingly, it could have been six weeks, but was reduced due to Slipper’s excellent disciplinary record, good character and early guilty plea.
Slipper will be out of action against the Crusaders and Rebels over the next two weeks before the side enjoys a bye in round 15. [/one_half]
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Hurricanes question Steve Walsh
Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett will seek clarification on a number of Steve Walsh’s controversial rulings with SANZAR referees boss Lyndon Bray. The Hurricanes questioned a forward pass ruling against Ardie Savea, the backchat penalty against TJ Perenara and the general officiating at set-piece in the 39-30 loss to the Waratahs.
To his credit, Hammett emphasised that his team had been their own worst enemy during the loss, squandering a a 24-7 lead with 13 handling errors stifling their attack. [/one_half]
