Thursday’s rugby news has Pocock winning a personality contest, the Reds with a playmaker, Japan making good progress and some changes for France.
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Pocock wins ABC award
Australian rugby union star David Pocock has won the ABC Sports Personality of the Year at the AIS Sport Performance Awards. The ceremony was held at The Star casino in Sydney on Wednesday night – with Pocock winning the public vote to take out the top honour.
The 27 year-old had a stand-out 2015 season, culminating in an impressive World Cup performance. Pocock has also garnered a wide public following for his strong stance on social justice issues. The openside flanker will start his 2016 Brumbies season against the Hurricanes on Friday night.
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McIntyre confident
Reds playmaker Jake McIntyre has emphasised that he is ready to lead the team after a difficult mid-season initiation last year. The 21 year old will run out with his halves partner, 23 year-old Nick Frisby, against the Waratahs in Sydney tomorrow night.
“I feel fortunate I got to talk and train with Quade last year because the way he bossed the players around him was great insight because all teams need that from a good No.10,” McIntyre said. The Reds will be hoping to get their season off to a good start, with four of their opening six games at Suncorp Stadium giving the team an opportunity to win back some fans.
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Japan prepared for RWC
Japan is on track for 2019 Rugby World Cup preparations, with organisers overcoming a stadium setback last year, when the Japanese government pulled the plug on the original agreement to build a new stadium in Tokyo
World Cup officials were forced to organise replacement venues for the tournament. “We’re very excited and pleased about the progress that is being made here in Japan,” the Head of the World Cup Alan Gilpin said. “In many respects, the preparation here is ahead of the preparation at the same stage of previous World Cups.”
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France make five changes
France head coach Guy Novès has opted to make five changes for Friday’s Six Nations game against Wales in Cardiff. Three of those come in the pack, with Rabah Slimani returning at tighthead prop in place of Uini Atonio.
Paul Jedrasiak comes into the second row as Yoann Maestri drops to the bench, while there’s also a change in the back row as Antoine Burban takes over from Yacouba Camara. Racing 92’s Maxime Machenaud is given the nod at scrum-half ahead of Sébastien Bézy, while the final change sees Stade Français wing Djibril Camara earn a start.
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