Wednesday’s rugby news has Hooper out, Folau questionable, Ledesma committing to the Wallabies and more contenders for the English coaching job.
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Hooper to miss Wales match
Australia flanker Michael Hooper has been suspended for one week after admitting an act of Foul Play contrary to Law 10.4(h). Following a review of video footage, Hooper was cited by Independent Citing Commissioner Steve Hinds for charging into a ruck or maul without the use of arms during the 39th minute of Australia’s World Cup win against England .
The Judicial Officer determined that the offence was low-end, with an entry point of two weeks. Accounting for mitigating factors such as Hooper’s early admission and relatively clean record shifted the suspension to only one week. Captain Stephen Moore has emphasised that Australia’s depth will allow for short term cover, with Moore heaping praise on replacement flanker Sean McMahon.
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Folau under injury cloud
Australia could also be without full-back Israel Folau for Saturday’s World Cup Pool A decider against Wales at Twickenham. Folau suffered an ankle injury during the Wallabies’ 33-13 victory over England last weekend and the 26-year-old is being monitored closely by Australia’s coaching staff after missing training on Monday.
“He came off the field in the game with a bit of a sore ankle and didn’t train yesterday. We’re going to wait and see how he pulls up today,” Wallabies attack coach Stephen Larkham said. Wing Rob Horne, meanwhile, is set to miss the Wales match due to a shoulder injury that forced him off early on against England, with Drew Mitchell or Joe Tomane his likely deputy.
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Ledesma in for the long haul
The man credited with resurrecting the Wallabies’ dormant scrum has declared his intentions to extend his posting under coach Michael Cheika.Following his miracle job in turning the Wallabies’ pack into a force again, including a dominant display against England where the Wallaby pack secured six penalties at scrum-time, Mario Ledesma is expected to be a man in high demand.
Ledesma has spoken of his desire to stay with the Wallabies until at least the three-test series they host with England in June next year. “I’m enjoying myself so much. This is the place I want to be, here, right now,” he said.
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Jake White keen on England job
Former Brumbies coach Jake White, who guided South Africa to the World Cup Title in 2007, is reportedly interested in the English coaching job. With current coach Stuart Lancaster expected to quit or be sacked after England’s disastrous World Cup, White revealed that he had been approached in the past.
“It’s one of the biggest jobs in world sport and you would be crazy not to consider it,” said White, currently head coach at French side Montpellier. “England have everything going for them in terms of resources, players and history,” said the 52-year-old South African.
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