Thursday’s rugby news has Mowen calling for a more stable captain, Pulver giving his two cents on NRC rules, former Wallabies in a World XV and the All-Blacks playing in the U.S.
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Mowen gives parting advice
Departing Wallabies captain Ben Mowen has advised the Australian selectors to pick a long-term successor in order to “build trust” heading into the World Cup. Stephen Moore, Michael Hooper, Will Genia and James Horwill have emerged as the front-runners for the job opening, which begins with the Wallabies three-Test series against France next month.
“The important thing is that the guy who captains through this French Test has to be locked in for the next 15-18 months,” said Mowen, who doesn’t expect to be picked for the Test series against France or the end-of-year Rugby Championships. [/one_half]
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Pulver praises NRC panel
Bill Pulver has emphasised the need for any new NRC rules to maintain the integrity of the game, downplaying the possible creativity of social media involvement. While experimental NRC laws will be put to a public vote, Pulver said of the process, “Based on the outcomes of their first panel meeting, I know they all recognise the need to maintain the fabric of the game that makes it so great.”
The new nine-team competition will be run on an annual basis for 11 weeks from late August to early November, with Pulver hoping to encourage an attacking brand of rugby across all levels. [/one_half]
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JOC joins World XV
Three former Wallabies will feature in the World XV squad to play South Africa on June 7, the opening match of the year for the Springboks. Australian backs James O’Connor, Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau have been named in the team which boasts 707 Test caps.
Meanwhile, Queensland captain James Horwill has remained personally ambivalent about the JOC rumours, putting his faith (at least publicly) in the Reds management. “I’m not sure where things with James are,” said Horwill, before adding, “But I do know the organisation and the coaches would only make the decisions in the best interest of the team.” [/one_half]
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All-Blacks to play in Chicago
The All Blacks will play the U.S. rugby team in Chicago on November 1, two weeks after the third Bledisloe Cup Test. The game will be played at the oldest NFL stadium Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears and will begin New Zealand’s end of year your.
USA Rugby chief executive Nigel Melville said the match will be a great opportunity to boost rugby’s popularity in the States, being televised by U.S. broadcaster NBC. “We have no doubt the All Blacks will raise the level of play for the Eagles as they prepare for the World Cup and create a special event for rugby supporters around the world,” Melville said. [/one_half]
