Friday’s rugby news has at least one big exclusion, the Brumbies looking for stadium inspiration, The Pool of Death getting more morbid and a former Welsh skipper retiring.
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Nic White to be left out
Nic White will reportedly miss out on a World Cup spot, as Michael Cheika seems poised to name just two specialists in the position with Matt Giteau covering in the event of injury. This will mean that Nick Phipps and Will Genia will have won the two halfback slots in the 31-man squad.
Meanwhile, Wallaby great George Smith has emphasised that he remains available for consideration, while conceding that his lack of involvement in recent Test makes any participation a long shot. “Michael knows if there was a spot for me I would be ready to fulfil that,” the 35-year-old said. “I think they know me well enough that I’d be ready if the opportunity was there.”
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Brumbies stadium shopping
The ACT Brumbies are touring stadiums across the southern hemisphere to ensure that their proposed Civic Stadium will meet the needs of fans. Brumbies chief executive Michael Jones has already looked into top arenas in Dunedin and the Gold Coast and is in discussions with the ACT government over the new stadium deal.
Jones also said ticket prices would be reduced next year to return crowds to their early 2000s levels. “The Brumbies need to be a world-class sporting organisation in everything we do … at the moment the stadium is the worst aspect of our operation,” he said. “It ties together with out ticketing strategy where every ticket, every seat is cheaper next year.”
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Folau weary of Fiji
Israel Folau has warned his Test team-mates against underestimating Fiji in their concern for the other sides which make up the World Cup’s definitive Pool of Death. While England is currently fourth on the World Rugby standings, Wales are sixth and Fiji are ninth.
“Fiji are a bit unpredictable how they play,” Folau said. “So you can’t really train for the certain style of [how] they play footy.” He also emphasised that, despite his success throughout his rugby league career, his first Rugby World Cup will be the pinnacle of his career so far.
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Welsh veteran retires
Wales and Lions back row Ryan Jones has been forced to retire from rugby after failing to recover from a shoulder injury requiring surgery. The 34-year-old has now been advised by medics to call time on his career to avoid the risk of significant damage.
“I’ve had to recognise, and come to terms with, the fact that while the mind is still very willing, the body is no longer able to do what I want it to on a rugby pitch,” he said. Jones captained Wales on 33 occasions, was part of three Grand Slam-winning teams between 2005 and 2012 and was included in the 2005 Lions squad.
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