Friday’s rugby news has McKenzie relying on incumbents, talking down the Bledisloe record, McCabe set for an amazing comeback and Juan Smith finally back with the Boks.
[one_half last=”no”]
Wallabies dismiss record
The Wallabies have emphasised that they are unconcerned with the All-Blacks recent record, with the Kiwis potentially claiming the longest ever Test-match winning streak if they defeat Australia next weekend. Australia’s vice-captain James Slipper said the team was focusing on their own preparation rather than hyping the aura of the All-Blacks.
“The cue for us is just to train hard,” he said. “They are the best team in the world and we’re going to have to be at our best, so all our energy is going into training.” Slipper also backed the improved Australian scrum as well as his front-row teammate Sekope Kepu, who retains his starting spot at tighthead ahead of Ben Alexander. [/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
McKenzie resists team changes
Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie looks poised to resist wholesale changes to the side that swept France, despite several Waratahs players including Kurtley Beale and Nick Phipps making claims for starting positions during their Super Rugby finals campaign.
The team looks like it will only include two forced changes, with Pat McCabe moving onto the wing position vacated by the Nick “Honey Badger” Cummins and Nathan Charles moving to hooker after knee injuries to Stephen Moore and Tatafu Polota-Nau. Sam Carter will also retain his spot at lock ahead of Waratahs giant Will Skelton and former captain James Horwill after missing the final two matches against the French with a sprained ankle. [/one_half]
[one_half last=”no”]
McCabe makes amazing comeback
The return of Pat McCabe to the Test arena will mark the culmination of an amazing return, after the Brumbies winger broke his neck twice in 14 months. “I think I’ve just really found my enjoyment for it again, and it has been a much better year,” McCabe said, emphasising that he has finally overcome the mental obstacles of previous injuries.
Meanwhile, McCabe’s inclusion forms part of a mixed Brumbies-Waratah backline, a fact with Wallaby 10 Bernard Foley believes will not have any effect on the team’s cohesion. “If we can get time together and string a few games together, the class will show,” Foley said. [/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
Juan Smith gets call-up
Juan Smith has been drafted into the Springboks’ squad preparing for the Rugby Championships after an injured Victor Matfield was ruled out of the opening match against Argentina.
“Juan has been in sublime form and recently won the very tough French Top 14 league and the European Cup with Toulon,” said Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, emphasising the Smith is able to cover lock, loose-forward and can be a valuable line-out option. “I’ve always held him in very high esteem and I know he will add value to our squad,” Meyer added. [/one_half]
