Thursday’s rugby news has changes to the Waratahs backline, Cheika highlights danger player for England, leroy Houston set to be named in the Wallabies squad and Hurricanes players return.
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Tahs Change Backline
The Waratahs have switched up their backline for their must win clash against the Chiefs on Friday night.
Rob Horne will start at inside centre for his 100th game for New South Wales as David Horwitz is dropped to the bench.
Zac Guildford returns to the wing in place of Reece Robinson after an impressive performance off the bench last week whilst Matt Carraro will start on the other wing.
Wycliff Palu comes into the starting team for the injured Jed Holloway as Jack Dempsey moves onto the bench.
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Cheika Highlights Itoje
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has highlighted Saracens lock Maro Itoje as a potential danger for the Wallabies.
The 21 year old has just four caps for England but could become a regular starter after strong performances in the six nations.
“Itoje’s a talent,” Cheika said.
“He’s come from the English (under)-20s team that dominated in those last 20s World Cups and just transitioned seamlessly into senior football.
“(He was) touted by many after the World Cup as the next (England) captain, straight away, like ‘go with a young guy.’
“But he’s learning his craft — you can see the talent there, there’s no doubt about that.”
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Houston Set for Call Up
Former Wallaby Greg Martin believes Bath number eight Leroy Houston will be named in the Wallabies extended squad today before being unveiled for a Super Rugby return for the Reds.
Houston first got a Wallaby call up eleven years ago by then coach Eddie Jones but he did not get a cap.
“They reckon that Leroy Houston will be announced to play for the Reds on Friday but he’ll be announced in the (Wallabies) squad (on Thursday),” Martin said.
“He was nothing outstanding at that stage (playing for the Reds in 2011) and he’s been overseas for that long but apparently Cheik has a real liking for him and Houston’s under the impression that he’s going to be named in the Wallabies squad.
“So something may have been told to him, I don’t know…
“Michael Cheika loves a surprise, he’d love to surprise Eddie Jones, surprise the Australian public.”
Naiyaravoro also set to return to Waratahs after the June international making him available for selection for the Rugby Championship.
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Canes Players Return
Victor Vito, Cory Jane and Julian and Ardie Savea have all been named in the Hurricanes starting team following their one match ban for breaking curfew.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd admitted it was a difficult team to select to take on the in-form Highlanders.
“This was a very tough team to select,” Boyd said.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who are fit and in form at the moment, which is great, but makes things tough for the coaches when it comes to naming the team.
“All indications are there will be a big crowd at Westpac Stadium and that really pumps up the guys to perform in front of their home fans.
“It adds a real edge and nobody is under any illusion that this is an important match for both teams.
“We are really looking forward to what will no doubt be a tough challenge from a quality Highlanders unit.”
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