Friday’s rugby news has a possible RWC points reduction, Slipper promoted to captain, Toby Smith to debut and Warburton back for Wales.
[one_half last=”no”]
World Rugby warn of points deduction
World Rugby have warned Wales and Australia about the consequences of having insufficient cover at the front row position, with both squads featuring only two specialist hookers. World Cup regulations prevent a player being called up as a replacement from outside the squad during the 48 hours preceding the kick-off of a match, with pool stage points being docked for any contravention.
An injury to either Stephen Moore or Tatafu Polota-NauShould would see Scott Sio fill in at hooker, although Law 3.5 requires any front-row replacement to be “suitably trained and experienced” and it is unsure where this discretionary cut-off extends.
[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Slipper in charge
Australia head coach Michael Cheika has named James Slipper as Wallabies captain for this weekend’s historic clash with the USA Eagles at Soldier Field, Chicago. Slipper takes over from Stephen Moore who has been rested alongside several Wallabies regulars including vice-captains Michael Hooper and Adam Ashley-Cooper.
“There is no greater honour for a player than to lead his country and I am excited to be able to do it with this incredible group of players,” said Slipper, whose vice-captains will be Matt Giteau and Ben McCalman for the match.
[/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
Toby Smith promoted against U.S
Toby Smith has been named on the bench against the US and could be a bolter to make his Test debut. The 27 year old prop and barnstorming winger Taqele Naiyaravoro are the two uncapped players who were named in the Wallabies’ line-up on Thursday.
In the starting side, Matt Giteau has been named at inside centre with Brumbies winger Henry Speight alongside him at outside centre with Joe Tomane and Rob Horne on the wings. Ben McCalman is the blindside flanker with Sean McMahon the openside, while Wycliff Palu gets a much-needed hitout at No8. Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps have been named in the halves.
[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Warburton returns for Wales
Wales captain Sam Warburton is set to make his first appearance of the Rugby World Cup warm-up campaign after he was named Thursday to lead the side in Saturday’s match against Italy. The openside flanker suffered a shoulder injury in training last month and was rested from Wales’ 16-10 win away to Six Nations champions Ireland.
Wales coach Warren Gatland has named a strong side for the match, with fullback Leigh Halfpenny, wing George North, half-backs Dan Biggar and Rhys Webb and prop Gethin Jenkins all starting. “With our opening Rugby World Cup fixture just two weeks away, this weekend is an important run-out and opportunity for fine-tuning,” said Gatland.
[/one_half]
