Friday’s rugby news has Cheika changes up side, Wallabies fought not to play Wales in Cardiff, Shute Shield final to be broadcast on Channel 7 and Wales cut big names from World Cup squad.
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Cheika Makes Changes
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has made several changes to the starting side to face the All Blacks this weekend.
Quade Cooper will start at five-eight, Wycliff Palu goes to number 8 and Henry Speight will move onto the wing.
“We know this week will be another huge challenge for the team and our biggest test to date, and we need to improve again on what we’ve produced in our previous matches.
“Wycliff, Henry and Kane have all worked hard for this opportunity and have brought a lot of energy to the group this week.”
David Pocock is also set to bring up 50 test caps from the bench this weekend.
“David has had to overcome some hurdles with regards to injury to reach this milestone but the way in which he’s got there through perseverance and a lot of hard work and patience is a great measure of his character.
“He has been one of our best players this season, and the respect he commands from his teammates and peers is a testament to the way he approaches the game.
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O’Neill Fought Against Cardiff
It has come to light that former ARU CEO John O’Neill successfully fought to avoid facing Wales in Cardiff during the group stage of the World Cup.
“The point I made was: there was only one host, England,” O’Neill said in The Times.
“So there should only be one team who should enjoy home advantage. If the hosting rights had been spread, the argument disappears, but the Millennium Stadium was just included as another stadium. I didn’t think it was fair to have home-ground advantage going with it. The principle was to ensure that all visiting teams were treated equally. The end result is a good one.”
The Wallabies will face Wales in Twickenham on October 10.
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Shute Shield on Channel 7
Following the success of the Shute Shield on 7Two, the Seven Network have announced that Saturday’s grand final between Manly and Eastwood will be broadcast on Channel 7.
‘The Instrust Super Shute Shield has proven to be one of the most entertaining sports television products available in Australia,” said Club Rugby TV co-director Nick Fordham.
“More than not, we have delivered close scores of high intensity running rugby and our audience reflects that.”
Manly were minor premiers this year and defeated a strong Sydney University team last weekend whilst Eastwood overcame a 21 point deficit to beat Southern Districts last weekend.
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Wales Cut Squad
Wales have cut some big names from their World Cup squad including Richard Hibbard, Mike Phillips and James Hook.
Nicky Smith, Rory Thornton, Dan Baker, Rhys Patchell and Jack Dixon were the other players to be cut from the squad and will return to their respective regions and clubs.
“It’s been a difficult task reducing the squad down and deciding who will meet up with us again on Monday,” said head coach Warren Gatland.
“All the players involved over the past eight weeks have put a huge amount of effort in. The intensity and dedication from the players out in Switzerland and Qatar has been really impressive.
“That makes our job a lot harder but as we continue to move into our rugby focused phase of training its important we reduce the squad number down.”
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