Friday’s rugby news has Scott Sio returning to the starting side, Pocock criticising Abbott, All Blacks name team and Sam Burgess a step closer to returning to the NRL.
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Sio Returns
Wallaby prop Scott Sio has been named in the starting team to face the All Blacks in the World Cup final this weekend.
The inclusion of Sio is a huge boost for the Wallabies scrum which struggled at times against Argentina.
Meanwhile, Cheika has backed Israel Folau at fullback despite his questionable fitness and form.
Team: Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell, Bernard Foley, Will Genia, David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Scott Fardy, Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons, Sekope Kepu, Stephen Moore (c), Scott Sio. Reserves: Tatafu Polota-Nau, James Slipper, Greg Holmes, Dean Mumm, Ben McCalman, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Kurtley Beale.
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Pocock Criticises Abbott
Wallabies star David P
ocock has criticised former Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s comments surrounding Europe closing their borders to refugees.
Pocock commented on a tweet by Julia Baird which stated “Tony Abbott denies the core of his faith when he says ‘love thy neighbour’ excludes refugees”.
Pocock responded saying “you must’ve missed the translation that says, ‘love thy (white) neighbour'”.
The message is also coupled with a YouTube video of comedian Will Ferrell mocking President Bush whilst praying to Jesus and telling him he’s the life of the party.
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All Blacks Name Side
The
All Blacks have named an unchanged side to the one that beat the Springboks for this weekend’s final.
Joe Moody will remain at prop whilst the team contains seven All Blacks who played against France in the 2011 final.
“In our minds we have never been defenders,” said coach Steve Hansen.
“We knew we would have to earn the right … so being in the final is very satisfying in its own right, as it’s the first Rugby World Cup final an All Blacks team has made in the UK.
Team: Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Julian Savea, Daniel Carter, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Joe Moody. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams.
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Burgess Closer to NRL Return
Sam Burgess is a
step closer to returning to Rugby League in Australia next year after he was granted leave by his English Club side Bath to consider his future.
A decision is expected to be made in the coming days after Bath allowed him time away ahead of their clash with Harlequins in the Aviva Premiership this weekend.
Burgess debuted for England in August and his controversial inclusion in the World Cup squad as well as his performances have been highly criticised.
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