Friday’s rugby news has some changes to the Tahs, Woodward injured, the Force lineup set and Weepu heading overseas.
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Force team set for must-win clash
Western Force coach Michael Foley has made a number of changes to his team to take on the Brumbies, knowing that a win will propel the Force into their first Super Rugby Finals appearance. Foley has inserted back-rower Brynard “Rhino” Stander, replacing the suspended Hugh McMeniman at 6. The pack will also be boosted by flanker Chris Alcock, who is returning after early season shoulder surgery.
In the backline, Junior Rasolea returns to outside centre, where he started the first six matches of the season before breaking his wrist. Both regular halves are questionable, although scrum-half Alby Mathewson is set to come off the bench while fly-half Sias Ebersohn will have a late fitness test for his bicep injury. [/one_half]
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Cheika rests Folau for final round
While Tahs coach Michael Cheika previously called for a full-strength effort against the Reds, it now appears that star fullback Israel Folau will have to be rested on Saturday night’s match due to a corked thigh. With Folau out, Cam Crawford will start at fullback.
Cheika has also made an important change to the forward pack, including Wallaby Will Skelton at the starting lock position alongside Kane Douglas, with Jacques Potgieter moving to the bench. The Waratahs coach will also hand Skelton some of the lineout calling duties for the first time in the youngster’s Super Rugby career after hearing Rob Simmons assert that NSW would be weaker in the lineout with Skelton starting in the second-row. [/one_half]
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Woodward out for final Rebels game
Jason Woodward’s Rebels career will come to a disappointing end after he was forced out of the final Super Rugby round with a back injury. The Rebels’ leading all-time points scorer and New Zealand native recently made the decision to sign with Wellington.
“I’m pretty gutted,” Woodward said. “To not be able to run out there one more time with the boys, it’s pretty devastating.” Woodward will be replaced at fullback by Telusa Veainu, who moves from the wing. Alex Rokobaro, making his final appearance for the Rebels, switches from the bench to the wing as lock Sam Jeffries is promoted to the bench for his first game. [/one_half]
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Weepu heading overseas
All-Blacks halfback Piri Weepu is understood to have committed to a two-year contract with English premiership side London Welsh. The 30-year-old comes off contract with the NZRU this season and the announcement that Weepu is heading overseas is expected sometime today.
Weepu played 71 Tests and was the first-choice halfback when New Zealand won the World Cup in 2011. But he lost his spot in the All Blacks squad ahead of last year’s Rugby Championship and has been unable to regain it. Blues coach John Kirwan said Weepu would be greatly missed, asserting, “he’s been a great servant of the game. It’s great for him to go overseas and get a new experience.” [/one_half]
