Author: Hugh Adams

Thursday’s rugby news has Will Genia returning to the Wallabies starting team, Bernard Foley home at flyhalf, Brumbies sign Tom Banks and All Blacks make 12 changes. [one_half last=”no”] Genia Returns Will Genia is the only change to the Wallabies starting team to face Scotland this weekend. “I think Phipps had two really good games, I do, against New Zealand then against Wales. But Genia, I thought he’s been one of our best all season,” Cheika said. “I just feel that this is a good game for him to play, come back in and get straight into it and then Nick will…

Thursday’s rugby news has Israel Folau backing Marika Koroibete, 50 test caps for Israel Folau, Simon Cron to coach Aussie u20’s and All Blacks criticism deserved. [one_half last=”no”] Folau Backs Koroibete Wallabies fullback Israel Folau has backed Marika Koroibete’s potential as he makes the switch to Rugby Union. Koroibete has been included in the Wallabies squad but it remains to be seen whether he will play a test match whilst on tour. “He’s an exceptional player,” Folau said. “His speed and natural talent is all there. Just having a quiet chat to him, I think [he’s] trying to learn the similar things to what…

Wednesday’s rugby news has the ARU to review its strategic plan, no expectations for Will Genia, Wallabies moving on from Scotland quarter final and player of the year nominees announced. [one_half last=”no”] ARU Review The ARU has committed to a review of its strategic plan following a meeting with representatives from across the game on Tuesday. The meeting was a result of a number of former Wallabies and coaches expressing their concerns about the ARU’s commitment to grassroots rugby. ARU chairman Cameron Clyne and former Wallaby Simon Poidevin chaired the meeting which resulted in an agreement for the ARU to examine its policies…

Tuesday’s rugby news has Tatafu Polota-Nau signing with the Western Force, Will Genia joins Wallaby squad, second rowers improving and injuries for Springboks and All Blacks. [one_half last=”no”] TPN Signs with Force Wallaby Tatafu Polota-Nau has signed a one year deal with the Western Force for 2017. Polota-Nau is currently recovering from a broken arm, an injury which affected his chances of going overseas. “I’m really looking forward to getting across to the west and joining the Force,” said Polota-Nau. “(New Head Coach) Dave Wessels is very impressive and there is a really good environment within the playing group with some great…

Monday’s rugby news has the Wallabies staying grounded, Tolu Latu pays tribute, Luke Morahan scores a double for the Barbarians and no excuses for the All Blacks. [one_half last=”no”] Wallabies Staying Grounded Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says the Wallabies won’t be getting carried away after dominating Wales at Cardiff. The Wallabies are looking to complete a Grand Slam but they won’t be lured into any false confidence before their match with Scotland next week. “I think it’s a good start, obviously, for us,” Cheika said of the win over Wales in Cardiff. “We’ve said this from the very start so we’re not going to…

Friday’s rugby news has David Pocock starting at blindside flanker, June 2017 test schedule announced, Jack Dempsey re-signs with the Waratahs and Gethin Jenkins to captain Wales. [one_half last=”no”] Pocock on Blindside David Pocock has been selected to play at blindside flanker for the first time in his test career against Wales this weekend. With Dean Mumm suspended, Michael Hooper and Lopeti Timani round out the backrow. “I still think that our lineouts are good and we’ve been working hard on the options. Lopeti’s worked hard on his jump as well, he’s jumped in Melbourne so he’ll have role, a jumping role,” said…

Thursday’s rugby news has Scott Sio endorsing Stephen Larkham, Dane Haylett-Petty backing himself, the Western Force re-sign locks and Warren Gatland slams New Zealand media and fans. [one_half last=”no”] Sio Endorses Larkham Wallabies prop Scott Sio has endorsed Stephen Larkham following his announcement to move into a full time assistant role with the Wallabies. Sio, however, maintains that Michael Cheika is still the man to lead the team at the moment. “I think he’d be great, he could definitely step up in the head coach role, though obviously Cheik’s our guy now,” he said. “He stepped into that in the brumbies after Jake…

Wednesday’s rugby news has a switch for Israel Folau on the cards, Will Genia out for this weekend, Sam Warburton ruled out and Dan Carter takes legal action. [one_half last=”no”] Folau Switch on the Cards Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says a midfield switch for Folau is possible following an injury to Samu Kerevi but maintains his best position is fullback. “It’s always fullback, for mine,” he said. “That doesn’t mean that I can’t, last week we played him up in the front line a bit as a different type of threat and then we could pull him back and do something different…

Tuesday’s rugby news has Saracens setting their sights on Will Skelton, Wallabies taking it a day at a time, Tim Wash signs 18 year old Shanice Parker and Eddie Jones keeping his distance. [one_half last=”no”] Saracens Interested English premiership club Saracens have declared their interest in Wallaby second rower Will Skelton. Saracens have already suffered injuries this year to second rowers George Kruis and Maro Itoje who will be out until December. “Skelton is one of the players we are looking at,” the Saracens director of rugby, Mark McCall, said. “He is in Australia’s touring party and what we want, given the young…

Monday’s rugby news has Toutai Kefu backing Lopeti Timani, Western Force implement new financial strategy, Kyle Godwin inspired by Stephen Larkham and Eddie Jones meets with England clubs. [one_half last=”no”] Kefu Backs Timani Former Wallaby number 8 Toutai Kefu has claimed that Lopeti Timani has the ability to claim the number 8 position for the Wallabies. Timani was recently promoted to the Wallabies starting side following injuries to David Pocock and Sean McMahon. Kefu says Timani could be the best number 8 since Wycliff Palu. “The way that they played the other night (against New Zealand), they tried to go through him and…

Friday’s rugby news has Michael Hooper keen to end the hoodoo, Reece Hodge is contention to start in the centres, Tom Lawton backs Stephen Moore’s leadership and Nigel Owens praises rugby players. [one_half last=”no”] Hooper Keen Wallabies vice captain Michael Hooper is keen to break the hoodoo of personally never having won at Eden Park. Hooper says the win would be a significant in his career. “It’ll only ever go down as a win but I think as far as individual goal it’d be very nice to win,” he said. “I haven’t won there for the Tahs either. It’s  a tough place…

Thursday’s rugby news has Bill Pulver disappointed with some former Wallabies, Brumbies sign Lolo Fakaosilea, Sean McMahon happy to play anywhere and Toulon to be sold. [one_half last=”no”] Pulver Disappointed ARU CEO Bill Pulver says he’s disappointed that a number of former Wallabies have openly criticised the ARU and particularly their support of grassroots rugby. Former Wallaby Brett Papworth has written a letter addressed to the ARU board addressing a lack of community support and urged as many former Test players as possible to co-sign. “Brett’s put a few stories out of that ilk over the last couple of years,” he said. “I’m…

Wednesday’s rugby news has Matt Giteau denying retirement rumours, Cheika’s plan for Bernard Foley, Pocock inspired by Paralympian Kurt Fearnley and Dan Carter cleared of doping [one_half last=”no”] Giteau Denies Retirement Matt Giteau has denied a reporting claiming he will retire at the end of the European season. A report from French newspaper Midi Olympique claimed the 34 year old is set to hang up his boots. A twitter user asked if the report was true to which he responded ‘pas vrai’ which is French for ‘not true’. The ARU has also not heard as to whether Matt Giteau will be retiring. Giteau is currently…

Tuesday’s rugby news has Wallabies staying positive, Cheika pays tribute to Anthony Foley, Nick Phipps to step up and Aaron Smith rules himself out for this weekend’s match against the Wallabies. [one_half last=”no”] Wallabies Positive Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says the Wallabies are looking forward to playing the All Blacks this weekend at Eden Park – a place they have not won since 1986. “I’m old fashioned, I look forward to it,” Cheika said. “I think bring it on. “It’s a great opportunity and it’s going to be a tough environment, but that’s where you want to be. “If you don’t want to be there…

Monday’s rugby news has the NRC grand final confirmed, Fiji to join the NRC, Matt Toomua yellow carded in his debut in England and Richie McCaw admits the Wallabies pushed the All Blacks to win the 2011 and 2015 World Cup. [one_half last=”no”] NRC Final Confirmed The final of the National Rugby Championship will be played in Tamworth and will be contested between the Perth Spirit and the NSW Country Eagles. The Eagles defeated Melbourne Rising 50-24 in Newcastle whilst the Perth Spirit upset the Sydney Rays 42-24 at Pittwater Rugby Park. Neither team have won the competition with Brisbane City winning…

Friday’s rugby news has Sean McMahon starting for the Wallabies, Mick Byrne praises Reece Hodge, Taliauli re-signs with the Brumbies and All Blacks make four changes for their match with Argentina. [one_half last=”no”] McMahon to Start Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has named Sean McMahon to replace David Pocock in the Wallabies match against the Springboks this weekend. McMahon is the only change to the starting side which beat Argentina in Perth. Sefa Naivalu has been named on the extended Wallabies bench with one player to be omitted. Team: Scott Sio, Stephen Moore (c), Sekope Kepu, Adam Coleman, Rob Simmons, Dean Mumm, Michael…

Thursday’s rugby news has the Wallabies hoping to break Pretoria hoodoo, Rugby can learn from AFL, Nathan Charles signs with Clermont and calls for Steve Tew to resign. [one_half last=”no”] Pretoria Hoodoo Wallaby back Henry Speight says the Wallabies will be looking to break their hoodoo at Pretoria. The Wallabies have lost all six matches they have played there but Speight has conquered it before with the Brumbies in 2013. “I’ve played a fair bit here. It’s been good and bad,” Speight said. “Pretoria was good to us in 2013 on our run to the finals for Brumbies. “It’s a hostile…

Wednesday’s rugby news has Samu Kerevi defending Marika Koroibete, Henry Speight’s worthwhile Sevens experience, All Blacks wary of Argentina at home and Pat Lambie glad to be back for the Springboks. [one_half last=”no”] Kerevi Backs Koroibete Wallaby centre Samu Kerevi has defended Melbourne Rebels recruit and fellow Fijian Marika Koroibete after he stated his move to Rugby was simply a “business decision”. “Everyone’s got a family. But for us, our extended family comes into it. Everyone in the same village, it’s kind of like a bigger family,” Kerevi said. “That’s why you see a lot of Fijians overseas. You may think they’re just…

Tuesday’s rugby news has Tolu Latu surprised by Wallabies call up, Marika Koroibete revealing his real motivation to move to Rugby Union, Sekope Kepu happy with emerging props and Nehe Milner-Skudder ruled out for the rest of the year. [one_half last=”no”] Latu Surprised Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu has admitted he was surprised by his call up to the Wallabies squad to replace the injured Tatafu Polota-Nau. Latu was apart of the Wallabies squad in 2014 but a broken arm delayed his chance of a test debut. “Pretty surprising after the season Andrew Ready had with the Reds, so yeah pretty surprising to get…

Monday’s rugby news has Michael Cheika demanding more from number eights, Jake McIntyre to challenge Quade Cooper, Ben Ryan slams Australia and Melbourne Rising claim the Horan-Little Shield. [one_half last=”no”] Cheika Wants More from 8’s Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has called for his number eight’s to stand up following an injury to David Pocock. It is expected that either Sean McMahon or Lopeti Timani will take over the role. “If we look non-traditional, like we’ve been running with, his ready replacement…[is] Sean McMahon, [he’s] slightly different, very strong running player,” Cheika said. “He took the spot the other day, he’s been knocking…