Wednesday’s rugby news has a new Waratahs coach, Queensland receiving reinforcements, Cheika backing Pocock and Messam spared suspension.
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Gibson to be named head coach
Daryl Gibson is expected to be promoted to the NSW head coaching job to replace Michael Cheika at the end of the current Super Rugby season. Gibson has had two successful seasons at the Waratahs, and also benefited from rival candidate Nick Scrivener’s decision to take a job offer in Japan.
The Waratahs will host the Blues this Saturday, with the New-Zealand side failing to notch a victory yet this season. Wallabies Tatafu Polota-Nau will rejoin the team after a head knock kept him out against the Brumbies, while Adam Ashley will continue to be rested for his knee injury.
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Reds welcome back stars
The Reds will welcome back up to seven stars for Friday’s home match against the Lions. Flyhalf Quade Cooper (collarbone), utility back James O’Connor (knee/calf), outside back Lachie Turner (concussion), prop Greg Holmes (thumb), prop Ben Daley (shoulder), centre Samuela Kerevi (hamstring) and flanker Beau Robinson (calf) will all be available for the cellar-dwelling Reds.
Queensland will hope that their stagnant attack is revitalised by the changes to the backline, with O’Connor likely to rejoin the side on the wing, Cooper starting at 10 and Turner at fullback.
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Cheika supporting Pocock
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has definitively stated that he had no issue with David Pocock’s decision to complain to referee Craig Joubert regarding the use of homophobic slurs, saying that such outspokenness would in no way affect any deliberation on the Test captaincy.
Former Wallaby Greg Martin had previously commented that Pocock’s stance would limit his chances of getting back to a leadership position. Cheika instead asserted, “I respect people who have their own opinions…The only thing about players getting in the team is about how they play.”
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Messam escapes suspension
Chiefs skipper Liam Messam has escaped suspension after being cited for a dangerous tackle made during his side’s clash with the Sharks. The Chiefs captain was cited after the match for tackling and gripping Sharks flank Renaldo Bothma around the neck in a ruck.
Messam instead admitted to a lesser charge of acts contrary to good sportsmanship for his choke hold. Judicial officer Jannie Lubbe took Messam’s “exemplary disciplinary record” into account and he will be free to play the Cheetahs in Hamilton this weekend.
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