Author: Zeb Holmes
Tuesday’s rugby news has the Wallabies’ injury concerns, Cheika’s ‘juniors’, Hansen criticising the northern hemisphere and World Rugby’s review of Joubert. [one_half last=”no”] Wallabies still under injury cloud The Wallabies’ World Cup hopes could rest on the medical reports of injured trio David Pocock, Israel Folau and Scott Sio – all of whom are in doubt for next week’s semi-final against Argentina. The Brumbies prop was seen late in the match with his right arm in a sling and will have further assessment on Monday. While replacement Ben McCalman and Kurtley Beale stepped up for the Wallabies, Cheika will be sweating on the fitness of…
Monday’s rugby news has the Wallabies into the semi-finals, a controversial penalty call, and the All Blacks and Pumas advancing. [one_half last=”no”] Australia scrape through A Bernard Foley penalty goal has saved Australia’s World Cup campaign from the brink of a quarter-final exit in a thrilling 35-34 victory over Scotland at Twickenham on Sunday. The Wallabies will play Argentina in the World Cup semi-final this weekend but not before Australia regroup after the narrowest of escapes against the Scots. The penalty came minutes after James Slipper gifted Scotland what appeared to be the match-winning try with a horror intercept converted in front of the posts. “I…
Friday’s rugby news has Beale ready to fill in, Horne with an amazing recovery, Scotland appealing their suspensions and Nonu returning. PLUS – listen to the latest podcast from last night! [one_half last=”no”] Beale ready to step up Kurtley Beale has been standing in for the injured Israel Folau this week at training and has emphasised that he will be ready to step up if called upon for the Wallabies’ quarter-final. “I’ve been getting a bit of time there (in training). I understand the role and the job at hand. If I’m picked I’ll be ready to go,” Beale said. David…
Thursday’s rugby news has a mixed bag for Wallaby injuries, JOC criticised, Cheika sympathising with the Scottish and the English warned over their coaching situation. [one_half last=”no”] Wallaby trio struggle through Centre Matt Giteau, who hurt his ribs in last weekend’s victory over Wales, returns to training on Wednesday but David Pocock and Israel Folau are still in doubt after missing the session. Folau is trying to shake off an ankle problem that forced him off in the 33-13 win against England and appeared to restrict his movement against Wales. Pocock, a massive boost to the Wallabies breakdown, is still battling a calf muscle…
Wednesday’s rugby news has a milestone for two Wallabies, more troubles for JOC, Scottish forwards at risk of suspension and calls for more injury study. [one_half last=”no”] Wallaby duo reach 100 tests Wallabies captain Stephen Moore and recalled centre Matt Giteau are poised to win their 100th caps in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final against Scotland but the pair have emphasised that they will not be dwelling on the personal milestones. “For me, it’s not really a week to be reflecting on things,” 32-year-old Moore said. “These personal achievements are things you probably look at when you hang up your boots.” Giteaua…
Tuesday’s rugby news has Pocock cleared, Cheika playing a full squad, more praise for the Wallabies scrum and some issues for the Irish team. [one_half last=”no”] No citing for Pocock Australia will have David Pocock available for their quarter-final with Scotland after he wasn’t cited for an alleged knee to Wales hooker Scott Baldwin. The star flanker was caught on camera lifting his right knee into Baldwin’s torso to free himself from the ruck area near the Wallaby goal-line. Neither the officials or the TMO spotted the incident but there were calls on social media for Pocock to be cited for dangerous play. However,…
Monday’s rugby news has all the fallout from the win against Wales, with Folau confident of backing up, Cheika wary of the Scots, the Brumbies criticising the NRC and a massive blow for the All Black scrum. [one_half last=”no”] Folau a probable starter Wallabies full-back Israel Folau is confident he will be fit to face Scotland in next Sunday’s quarter-final. Folau sustained an ankle injury in Australia’s victory over England and was doubtful to play against Wales, playing through pain to finish the match. Michael Cheika also gave an optimistic report on David Pocock, who sustained a calf injury and struggled…
Friday’s rugby news has McMahon starting, Folau declared fit, Welsh changes and English selection drama. [one_half last=”no”] McMahon in at 7 Flanker Sean McMahon will replace Michael Hooper in Australia’s side to take on Wales at Twickenham in Saturday’s Pool A decider. The selection of McMahon means that Australia will continue to deploy two openside flankers in the back-row, as opposed to promoting number 8 Ben McCalman and moving Pocock to 7. Wales have also gone with two opensides in their back row, with Justin Tipuric starting the game at 7 and Sam Warburton playing at blindside. The suspended Hooper praised the replacement starter, saying, “He was…
Thursday’s rugby news has Hooper reacting to his suspension, more injury concerns, McCaw rested and a new World Cup record. [one_half last=”no”] Hooper ‘gutted’ Michael Hooper has expressed his disappointment after being slapped with a one-match ban which will see him miss Australia’s crunch clash against Wales on Saturday. Australia have already qualified for the quarter-finals, and Hooper will be free to play in their knockout fixture, but the Wallabies need to beat Wales if they are to top Group A “Obviously I’m gutted I won’t be able to be in the mix for selection. It really hurts. You always want to be in…
Wednesday’s rugby news has Hooper out, Folau questionable, Ledesma committing to the Wallabies and more contenders for the English coaching job. [one_half last=”no”] Hooper to miss Wales match Australia flanker Michael Hooper has been suspended for one week after admitting an act of Foul Play contrary to Law 10.4(h). Following a review of video footage, Hooper was cited by Independent Citing Commissioner Steve Hinds for charging into a ruck or maul without the use of arms during the 39th minute of Australia’s World Cup win against England . The Judicial Officer determined that the offence was low-end, with an entry point of two weeks.…
Tuesday’s rugby news has Hooper cited, more English misery, a coaching rule-infringement and Eddie Jones looking at more job offers. [one_half last=”no”] Hooper in doubt The Wallabies could be without vice-captain Michael Hooper for the crunch Rugby World Cup match with Wales after the flanker was cited in Saturday’s victory over England. Hooper was allegedly “charging into the ruck or maul without use of the arms or grasping the player” when he cleared out England fullback Mike Brown . Hooper, who was penalised but not yellow-carded for the incident, faces a hearing in London on Tuesday. Michael Cheika was confident there would be no…
Monday’s rugby news has the Wallabies massive win, England apologising, fines dished out for media failings and more Gatland criticism. [one_half last=”no”] Foley stars in Wallabies win Bernard Foley has described his performance against England as a “dream come true” as he guided the Wallabies to a 33-13 triumph at Twickenham. Foley finished with 28 points – two tries, four penalties and three conversions – in a near-perfect performance that has cemented his place as Australia’s first-choice No.10. Foley emphasised that his World Cup duties were far from over: “You want to take momentum into the finals. It is really important for us to have…
Friday’s rugby news has the Wallaby starters revealed, Robshaw under more pressure, Horwill still hoping for a call-up and some changes for England. [one_half last=”no”] Wallabies return to starters The Wallabies have reverted to the starting line-up that won their Rugby World Cup opener for Sunday morning’s vital Pool A clash with hosts England at Twickenham. The side was unrecognisable as a second-string unit defeated Uruguay 65-3 last weekend, but Sunday will see 14 changes with a return to the starters that sunk Fiji 28-13 to kick off Australia’s World Cup campaign. “I believe that this group has been really clear on…
Thursday’s rugby news has some scrum trash talk, Moore supporting Robshaw’s call, the threat of the English backline and a new Springbok captain. [one_half last=”no”] Wallabies scrum under pressure Ben Morgan insists England hold a match-winning advantage over Australia in the set-piece. England, threatened with a humiliating exit from their own tournament, see the scrum as the battlefield on which Saturday’s fight for World Cup survival will be decided. “They have certainly improved but we are confident going into it. Our setpiece is good and I believe Australia will definitely be concerned after reviewing our game against Wales,” said Morgan. Meanwhile,…
Wednesday’s rugby news has two massive Australian injuries, Palu calling time on his Test career, more backrow suggestions and Gatland criticising RWC scheduling. [one_half last=”no”] Wallabies suffer injury blow Australia have called up James Hanson and Sam Carter to their squad after Wycliff Palu and Will Skelton were ruled out of the Rugby World Cup with injuries sustained in the victory over Uruguay. Palu, who missed the Wallabies’ opening game against Fiji, picked up a hamstring strain while Skelton sustained a pectoral muscle injury during Sunday’s clash that Australia won 65-3. Coach Michael Cheika said he was “really gutted” for the pair…
Tuesday’s rugby news has Cooper under question, the Wallabies unconcerned with spying allegations, an English suspension lifted and a major Scottish injury. [one_half last=”no”] Cooper yet to prove himself Stirling Mortlock has emphasised the inconsistency of Quade Cooper’s play against Uruguay, commenting that it would be difficult for coach Michael Cheika to start the Reds playmaker in the team’s vital pool match against England. While Mortlock said under Cooper’s lead, “the fluidity of attack looked fantastic”, he also missed six of 11 conversion attempts and was given a yellow card. “The question is, would that be the same if it was a…
Monday’s rugby news has an easy RWC win, Cheika asking for more, spying allegations and a disappointing retirement. [one_half last=”no”] Wallabies cruise past Uruguay The Wallabies have notched a comfortable 65-3 win over Uruguay, with an impressive attacking performance setting the stage for the crucial upcoming pool matches. The win sees Australia join Wales on nine points in Pool A, while England – their opponents at Twickenham next weekend – have six. During the win, winger Drew Mitchell scored twice to become Australia’s most prolific Rugby World Cup tryscorer, moving past Chris Latham’s Wallabies record of 11. The 31 year-old was given another chance…
Friday’s rugby news has Fiji backing the Wallabies, legal action at the Brumbies, a Welsh rules breach and a vital Springbok returning. [one_half last=”no”] Fiji like Australia’s chances Fijian coach John McKee likes Australia’s odds against England, asserting that the Wallabies are a different side than that which lost 26-17 to England last November. “England certainly had the wood on them last November and dominated that game, but from what I saw of the Wallabies against us they’re a much-improved side than they were then,” he said Of particular note in that game was the strength of the English scrum. But in a…
Thursday’s rugby news has Australia’s first RWC match, Cheika happy, English selection dramas and a huge Argentinean suspension. [one_half last=”no”] Wallabies defeat Fiji The Wallabies have beaten pool rivals Fiji 28-13 win at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff yesterday. While the Wallabies were not overly convincing in victory, coach Michael Cheika was upbeat with the result. “It was physical, we covered a lot of metres and guys were blowing a bit. It was exactly what we needed, I was really pleased with some of the things in the performance.” Cheika would’ve been thrilled to see the continued success of his strategy to start both…
Wednesday’s rugby news has Genia back in the starting line-up, the NFL in recruiting mode, Burgess a possible starter and a new All Blacks captain. [one_half last=”no”] Genia ready for resurgence Will Genia has emphasized that he is ready to guide the Wallabies as starting halfback after three lean years of injury and mediocre form that saw him fall to third choice 9 behind Nick Phipps and Nic White. Coach Stephen Larkham said that the return to the side was triggered by Genia’s attitude during the preparatory World Cup camps. “You can tell that he’s been building for this campaign…I think…