Author: Zeb Holmes
Tuesday’s rugby news has the Wallabies ready for battle, the Boks taking it one game at a time, a Digby interview and some French squad changes. [one_half last=”no”] Wallabies ready for gruelling tour The Wallabies have left for their arduous stretch of overseas matches, departing for South Africa yesterday, before heading to Argentina and New Zealand and a spring tour of Europe. During the tour, the core of the Australian group may be required to play eight consecutive overseas matches in the space of ten weekends. As for Saturday’s match, Micheal Hooper has emphasised the importance of vastly improving the…
Monday’s rugby news has the Wallabies reacting to JOC’s dumping, more Heineken Cup developments, Irish rugby struggling and some punishments in order for ACT front row pair. [one_half last=”no”] Horwill supports O’Connor axing While Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie did not consult any of the team before making his decision to stand down repeat off-field offender O’Connor, captain James Horwill has made it clear that Link has the players’ complete backing. ‘I fully support Ewen’s decision and I guess it’s for the best of the team,” Horwill told AAP. ‘That’s what we’re about, the team comes first in these situations.’ As…
Friday’s rugby news sees another JOC controversy, some Shute Shield banter, a worrying claim of ‘widespread’ steroid use in Scotland and some Aviva updates. [one_half last=”no”] O’Connor in trouble again James O’Connor’s latest disciplinary breach could not come at a worse time, according to Wallabies captain James Horwill. O’Connor was escorted from Perth airport at around 5am on Sunday. The Wallabies winger is denying being intoxicated, despite allegations from the Australian Federal Police, but did admit to engaging in a heated argument over seating arrangements for himself and his girlfriend. O’Connor’s actions let the side down at a ‘critical…
Tuesday’s Rugby News has some back three injury dramas, a captaincy conundrum, refs actually admitting they were wrong and an English centre injured. [one_half last=”no”] Injury bug hits back three Wallaby fullback Jesse Mogg will undergo season-ending reconstructive surgery on Thursday. Mogg has been battling a lingering shoulder injury which sidelined him for three weeks during the the Super Rugby season. After starting the opening two matches of the Rugby Championship, the 24-year-old was benched after some shaky performances in favour of Israel Folau. To make matters worse, winger Nick Cummins is in doubt for the upcoming Wallaby tour after…
Monday’s Rugby News has captain Horwill trying to rejoin the squad, Folau moving positions for Tahs, Bismark awaiting a judiciary hearing and Dan Carter injured again. [one_half last=”no”] Big Kev’s race against the clock Wallabies captain James Horwill has until Saturday to prove he is fully fit and ready to rejoin the squad for its two-game tour of South Africa and Argentina. Horwill has missed Australia’s last two games against SA and the Pumas with a hamstring injury. ‘There’s no evidence to say [Horwill] wouldn’t be fit by the weekend,’ said coach Ewen McKenzie, also adding, ‘I think he…
Friday’s Rugby News has Nick Farr-Jones’ take on the Wallaby slide, JOC about to sign, Tom Croft doing an ACL and some depressing stats about former players. [one_half last=”no”] Farr-Jones weighs in Wallabies legend Nick Farr-Jones has proposed a novel idea for preventing more poor performances within the Rugby Championship. The acclaimed halfback says Wallabies players should be put on incentive contracts or take a 50% pay cut if they deliver another ‘debacle’ in Saturday’s match against Argentina. Farr-Jones has also weighed in on Ewen McKenzie’s decision to drop Will Genia. While many regard Genia as one of the world’s…
Thursday’s Rugby News has McKenzie discussing his team changes, some more Heineken Cup drama, All Blacks line-up changes and some Aussie S15 contract developments. [one_half last=”no”] McKenzie defends Genia snub Ewen McKenzie has explained his decision to drop fill-in captain Will Genia, emphasising the readiness of replacement half-back Nic White and the need to be proactive in arresting the Wallabies’ losing streak. ‘I’m not sitting around hoping something is going to change. I’m actually in there trying to drive an outcome,’ said McKenzie, who also discussed Genia’s form slump and the need to foster a competitive culture. The other change to…
Wednesday’s Rugby News has Genia set to be benched, some Puma line-up changes, Leinster snapping up Tuqiri and Welsh rugby debating their international selection policy. [one_half last=”no”] Genia axed Replacement Wallabies skipper Will Genia will be benched for Saturday’s Test against the Pumas, according to Greg Martin. This move would thrust Nic White into the starting side, with Ben Mowen to assume the captaincy role. While Genia has provided brief visions of brilliance, his form has been notably down from past Test series. On the other hand, Nic White was very impressive in the Brumbies finals run, his effective kicking game…
Tuesday’s Rugby News has some huge club rugby and third tier developments, the Wallabies considering changing tactics, Clermont offering Nonu a home and biting charges for Leicester prop Dan Cole. [one_half last=”no”] Massive club rugby changes The ARU are considering widespread reforms to return club rugby to its amateur traditions. The ARU wants to make its funding levels consistent at around $60,000 for each premier club, contingent on eliminating player payments which can currently reach up to $10,000 a season. Under these reforms, Sydney clubs will have their funding cut if they continue to pay players. The ARU will also…
Monday’s Rugby News has some harsh criticism for the Wallabies, Link considering some changes, more Heineken Cup drama and a Richie McCaw injury update. [one_half last=”no”] Lynagh lays into beaten Wallabies After a third straight Wallabies thumping, the gloves have come off for critics, with Australian great Michael Lynagh laying into Ewen McKenzie’s team. ‘We didn’t look like scoring, our defence was very poor, our scrum has gone backwards, our attack is too predictable and there were many handling errors,’ Lynagh said. With the honeymoon period said to be over for Link, there has been pressure to simplify his gameplan.…
Friday’s rugby news has the Wallabies still up-beat, BOD resentful, some Pro-12 pre-season news and Umaga in trouble. [one_half last=”no”] New look Wallabies still positive After the devastating news that Wallabies captain James Horwill will miss the upcoming Test with a hamstring injury, a number of starters have publically emphasised their strident confidence. While also commenting on the quality play of replacement Kane Douglas, new vice captain Ben Mowen asserted, ‘Anytime you lose a guy of James’ leadership and what he brings, it’s then up to the rest of the guys to lift their game.’ Meanwhile, newly promoted captain Will…
Thursday’s rugby news has the Boks reacting to Wallaby lineup changes, some changes to the All-Blacks side, the incoming scrum laws facing criticism and news from the Top 14 race. [one_half last=”no”] Meyer praises Wallaby line-up Ewen McKenzie’s new Wallaby line-up has been given the Springbok tick of approval. South African coach Heyneke Meyer has emphasised, ‘It’s a really full-on attack team, without talking them up too much, I truly believe it is one of the best back lines we have faced, not just this year.’ With Quade Cooper being promoted to the starting No.10 position and Israel Folau shifted to…
Wednesday’s rugby news has Turner leaving NSW, Palau going under the knife, BOD’s retirement announced and some squad changes for the NZ-Pumas match. [one_half last=”no”] Palu’s season over Wallaby number eight Wycliff Palu has had his season cut short by a persistent knee injury. Recent scans have revealed that Palu will require surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. Not only will he miss the remainder of the Rugby Championship, but is also out of contention for the the Wallabies’ end-of-year tour of the United Kingdom and Europe. This setback comes after previous injury-plagued seasons with the Waratahs,…
Tuesday’s rugby news has more Wallabies line-up speculation, an SA legend starting again, McCabe back to running and some international roster movements. [one_half last=”no”] McKenzie flags changes In an update to yesterday’s comments from Stephan Larkham, Ewen McKenzie has instead flagged a potential line-up shift for Saturday’s Test. Link has emphasised competition and opportunity over patience as a means of arresting the Wallabies current three-match losing streak. ‘We’ve won one Test in the last five, that’s the reality of it, so I’m going to keep searching,’ he said yesterday. Perhaps the most notable statement from McKenzie came on the topic…
Monday’s rugby news has some SBW speculation, Larkhma urging patience to Wallabies selectors, some All Black changes and an injury scare for Toby Flood [one_half last=”no”] SBW back to rugby? It has been reported over the weekend that Sonny Bill Williams may return to the Chiefs next year, tired of the extended physical punishment he faces as a league forward. SBW is contracted with the Roosters until the end of the season, with NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew confirming that the Chiefs have presented the marquee signing a generous three-year offer. Rugby league is pulling out all stops to keep…
Friday’s Rugby news has more Folau signing news, the findings of Argentinean disciplinary hearings, news from the Aviva Premiership and Cliff Morgan passing away. [one_half last=”no”] Folau reacts to signing Israel Folau has revealed that he had not seriously considered returning to league and has known for four or five weeks that he would be part of the Wallabies 2015 World Cup plans. ‘From the day I came to the Waratahs and started playing rugby I really enjoyed it, so it would have been really hard to leave after a year,’ Folau said. The dual international also reiterated that he has much…
Thursday’s top rugby news has Folau set to sign, Pulver backing two-conference S15, ARU board changes and some Bath rugby disciplinary action. [one_half last=”no”] Folau signing inches closer The ARU and Waratahs have called a press conference for 8.45am (AEST) Thursday morning at which Israel Folau is set to commit to the 15-man game. Despite fielding an offer from the NRL club, Bulldogs Chief executive Raelene Castle on Wednesday ruled the club out of the signing race, asserting, ‘My understanding is that Israel Folau is going to sign for rugby and that’s where it’s at.’ Folau will form a lethal backline…
Wednesday’s top rugby news has the Rebels looking to sign Timani, Nonu still being difficult, an unexpected code-switch and some Gloucester roster difficulties. [one_half last=”no”] Rebels eye Timani The Rebels have confirmed that they are interested in signing Wallabies lock Sitaleki Timani for the 2014 season. With the 26-year -old’s move to Top 14 club Montpellier reportedly falling through, Timani may be forced into a diminished role at the Waratahs with the recent signing of Bulls enforcer Jacques Potgieter. ‘We wanted to at least let him and the Australian Rugby Union know that we have an opportunity for a lock…
Tuesday’s top rugby news has more McKenzie hindsight, Force roster movements, Tuqiri eyeing code-switch and key Springboks allowed to play French rugby over the weekend. [one_half last=”no”] Link disappointed in bench Ewen McKenzie has lamented the poor performance of the Wallabies bench in Saturday’s second Bledisloe Test loss. Particularly disappointing were the error-filled performances of Kuridrani, Kane Douglas and Sekope Kepu, with McKenzie emphasising, ‘You want guys who come on and actually improve the performance; it’s no good if they’re coming on and knocking-on and missing tackles, and that’s effectively what happened.’ To pile on for Link, New Zealand commentators…
Monday’s top rugby news has a Link-Hansen showdown, more injuries for the All-Blacks, the Pumas fighting dirty and Jonothan Davies playing hard ball. [one_half last=”no”] Hansen defends shoulder charge All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has publically proclaimed that Ma’a Nonu’s shoulder charge on James Slipper should not warrant further official review. ‘We’re not playing tiddlywinks. It’s a man’s game and I think sometimes we get a wee bit carried away,’ said Hansen. Neither referee Jaco Peyper or his assistants took any action at the time and for the citing commissioner to act he would have had to adjudge Nonu’s tackle…