Author: Zeb Holmes
Monday’s top rugby news has Warburton’s dodgy hamstring, Horwill sweating an IRB investigation, a possible Benji code-switch and Sevens dominance for the Kiwis. [one_half last=”no”] Warburton in doubt for series decider Lions captain Sam Warburton has undergone scans on his injured hamstring on Sunday, putting him in grave doubt for next weekend’s third Test against Australia. Warburton, who had a stellar game two, was assisted from the field 68 minutes into the 16-15 defeat. ‘Coming off in a Test match like that is devastating,’ assistant coach Andy Farrell said. ‘As a captain, you want to be there for your troops…
In a second week of wet weather rugby, Eastwood didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits, or their ambition, as they retained pole position with a 29 to 7 away win over Randwick. The wet weather had its affect elsewhere though. With Northern Suburbs’ game against Penrith postponed, several other teams struggled to cope under the conditions. Manly managed to post a convincing 33-14 win over Parramatta, Southern Districts proved their strength against Warringah winning 44 to 17, and Gordon couldn’t stop a resurgent West Harbour, going down 26 to 6.
Tuesday’s rugby news has a Lions legend out, Wallaby injury updates, Digby on the lam and some dubious clean-outs in the Samoan squad. [one_half last=”no”] Major blow to Lions squad Veteran Irish lock Paul O’Connell will play no further part in the Lions’ tour. O’Connell was injured during Saturday’s 23-21 victory and further scans have revealed that the 33-year-old has suffered a displaced fracture of the right forearm. O’Connell is regarded as a cornerstone of the forward pack and is on his third Lions tour. ‘Paul’s a massive loss,’ Lions assistant coach Graham Rowntree said. ‘He’s such a big influence on…
Monday’s rugby news has some Wallaby replacements, Horwill innocent, the Rebels going hard and Gatland whinging. [one_half last=”no”] Three call-ups for battered Wallabies The Wallabies have called-up flanker George Smith, fullback Jesse Mogg and centre Ben Tapuai ahead of the second Test against the Lions. Australia suffered a shocking injury toll from the first Test, and are facing a number of imminent changes heading into Saturday’s series-decider. Pat McCabe (neck), Christian Lealiifano (concussion), Berrick Barnes (jaw) and Digby Ioane and Adam Ashley-Cooper (shoulder) are all in serious doubt for the second Test, with scans to determine their fate early this…
The British and Irish Lions arrived in Suncorp for the first Test, hoping to avenge their upset loss during the 2001 Australian series.
Tuesday’s rugby news has Deans keeping the peace, White providing some mind-games, Wallaby pep-talks and Barnes keeping a stiff upper lip [one_half last=”no”] Deans side-steps cheating allegations Robbie Deans has steered clear of cheating allegations made by former Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer against the British and Irish Lions. ‘I’m not interested in discussing it,’ said Deans. ‘It’s a Test match and every side pushes the boundaries.’ A cheating advantage shouldn’t be an issue as, according to Dwyer, all Kiwi coaches are bound to play outside the laws of the game Deans seemed to be more concerned about the minimal preparation…
Monday’s rugby news has some young Brumbies additions, more Lions injuries, Sir Clive whinging and Folau selection talk
Northern Suburbs v Parramatta Northern Suburbs downed a courageous Parramatta side in the curtain raiser to yesterday’s historic match between the HSBC Waratahs and The British & Irish Lions at Allianz Stadium. Spurred on by one of the largest crowds of the Shute Shield season, the Shoremen ran in five tries to two in a scintillating exhibition of attacking rugby. Relishing the experience, Northern Suburbs coach Scott Fava said of the opportunity, “I think it gives them a taste of what the next level’s about. It really brought the spirit and the team together as a solid side.” Although disappointed…
Tuesday’s rugby news has the final Wallabies squad unveiled, concerns for Kurtley, QC shenanigans and some love for the refs. [one_half last=”no”] Final Wallabies announced In a long-awaited announcement, the final position in Robbie Deans’ 31 man squad will be given to (drumroll please)…Hugh McMeniman. The Western Force flanker proved his fitness during last weekend’s Australian only Super Rugby round, making a successful return from a shoulder injury. As expected, McCabe, Kimlin, Sio, Ioane and Beale were also added to the squad, while Melbourne scrum-half Luke Burgess and Queensland hooker James Hanson will remain as injury cover at their Sunshine…
Here it is – the G&GR writers’ Super Rugby team of the week for round 17. With four Aussie sides having round 17 to themselves, who makes this week’s team? NOTE: Reds not included in this round as they weren’t playing in the Super Rugby competition [one_third last=”no”] 1. Scott Sio Well and truly deserving of a Wallaby squad call-up with another strongattacking game. Also showed outstanding mobility to make 11 tackles and consistently disrupt opposition ball at the breakdown.[/one_third] [one_third last=”no”] 2. Siliva SilivaSiliva slotted in aslmost seamlessly for Wallaby Moore. Threw well in lineouts, provided some damaging running and…
Monday’s rugby news has Lion’s injuries, Wallaby call-ups, an Aussie 20’s loss and charges of espionage. [one_half last=”no”] Lion’s injury woes The Lions have suffered a spate of injuries, losing three key players before their first test match. Irish winger Tommy Bowe’s Lions tour was announced over after he broke a bone in his right hand during the 22-12 win over the Reds on Saturday and will require surgery. This news comes less than 24 hours after props Cian Healy and Gethin Jenkins were also ruled out of the tour with ankle and calf injuries respectively. Gatland has demonstrated remarkable stoicism…
Tuesday’s rugby news has a fresh Lions squad, Burgess playing Rebel saviour, Sevens drama and a man in a chicken costume being awesome. [one_half last=”no”] All-new Lions squad announced The British and Irish Lions will unleash a fresh line-up for Wednesday night’s clash with the Western Force, with coach Warran Gatland resting all players who participated in Saturday’s domination of the Barbarians. The 23-man squad will be captained by Brian O’Driscoll in the continued absence of Sam Warburton, who is now likely to make his return from injury against the Reds next Saturday. Ireland full-back Rob Kearney was also omitted with a…
Monday’s rugby news has a new-look Wallabies squad, a healthy and reportedly disciplined Lions & a possible call-up for Beale. [one_half last=”no”] Three new additions to Wallabies squad Wallabies coach Robbie Deans has made three injury-enforced changes to his preliminary 25-man British & Irish Lions squad. Rebels halfback Nick Phipps, Waratahs lock Kane Douglas and Western Force loose forward Ben McCalman have been called up following injuries to second rower Sitaleki Timani (broken thumb) and in form back-rower Scott Higginbotham (shoulder) over the weekend. This unfortunate news follows reports that Reds winger Digby Ioane is still undergoing rehab for a cartilage issue…
Here it is – the G&GR writers’ Super Rugby team of the week for round 16. With two good wins and an excruciating Waratahs loss, who makes this round’s team of the week? [one_third last=”no”] 1. Scott Sio Once again showed himself to be a damaging runner, also earning numerous penalties for his side at scrum time.[/one_third] [one_third last=”no”] 2. Steven Moore Always reliable performer. An important cog in the Brumbies’ overall set-piece strength. Added some strong running close to the ruck and a tremendous 11 tackles[/one_third] [one_third last=”yes”] 3. James Slipper The Red’s scrums were generally neutral but Slipper…
All the scores, reviews and a few photos from Shute Shield round 9
Tuesday’s Rugby News
Today’s rugby news sees Hartley gooone, Jones batting for Quade, Cranbrook on steroids and the Badger back
With the Rebels and Force getting wins, who should make the G&GR team of the week?