Thursday’s rugby news has Sean McMahon to replace David Pocock, Henry Speight injured, Paddy Ryan re-signs with the Waratahs and Israel Dagg returns to the All Blacks starting team.
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McMahon In
Sean McMahon coming in for the injured David Pocock is one of several changes Michael Cheika has made for the second test against England.
Sam Carter comes in for Rob Simmons whilst Scott Sio has been dropped from the squad.
“Based on last weekend’s performance, we decided that we wanted some new combinations for Saturday’s game,” Cheika said.
“Sean never takes a backwards step while James and Sekope add plenty of Test match experience.”
Cheika has named an extended bench with three players to be cut on Friday
Team: James Slipper, Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu, Sam Carter, Rory Arnold, Scott Fardy, Michael Hooper, Sean McMahon, Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley, Rob Horne, Samu Kerevi, Tevita Kuridrani, Dane Haylett-Petty, Israel Folau
Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, Toby Smith, Greg Holmes, Dean Mumm, James Horwill, Ben McCalman, Liam Gill, Wycliff Palu, Nick Frisby, Christian Lealiifano, Luke Morahan
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Speight Out
Brumbies winger Henry Speight has been ruled out of the Rio Olympics after sustaining a knee injury.
Speight will be out for up to 12 weeks after sustaining a Grade 3 medial ligament injury on his right knee during a practice game with the Sevens team.
“We’re all gutted for Henry. He made a commitment to the program and has done everything he possibly could to get himself in the frame for Olympic selection,” said Sevens coach Andy Friend.
“Even after the facial injury he received some ten weeks ago, Henry’s commitment didn’t waver but the rugby gods just haven’t been kind to him whatsoever. On behalf of everyone at the Australian Sevens program, we would like to wish Henry all the best in his recovery.”
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Ryan Re-Signs
Waratahs prop Paddy Ryan has re-signed with the Waratahs for a further two seasons until the end of 2018.
Waratahs assistant coach Cam Blades praised Ryan’s commitment to the team.
“Paddy continues to make a strong contribution to the team, which is a reflection of his ability to prepare himself well both physically and mentally,” Blades said.
“He made a good transition from tight-head to loosehead, and has adapted well to becoming a regular starter this season.
“His dedication to improving his game is an indication of his professionalism. Together with the likes of Sekope Kepu, he will continue to be a positive mentor to the many of the young Waratah front rowers.”
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Dagg Named
Israel Dagg has been named at fullback to take on Wales this weekend.
Dagg will win his 50th cap after being dropped from the World Cup squad last year.
World Cup winning lock Sam Whitelock also returns to the starting lineup replacing Luke Romano.
New Zealand: Israel Dagg; Ben Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Ryan Crotty, Waisake Naholo; Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith; Joe Moody, Dane Coles, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane, Kieran Read (capt).
Replacements: Nathan Harris; Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Seta Tamanivalu.
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