Friday’s rugby news has Cheika trying to keep Gill, the Rebels boosted by some big names, Dennis trying for Test inclusion and some changes for the French.
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Cheika holding onto Gill hope
Michael Cheika will try to convince Reds flanker Liam Gill to abandon his plans to join Toulon next year and chase David Pocock’s vacated Wallaby spot instead. Stuck behind Pocock and Michael Hooper — and overlooked for the 2015 Rugby World Cup — Gill signed a two-year deal with Toulon last month.
Cheika has said he will be speaking with Gill to try “to get him to change his mind”, a move that is whole-heartedly supported by Reds interim coach Matt O’Connor. “He’s a quality player,” O’Connor said. “We’ve missed his presence around the ball over the last couple of rounds, so if there is an opportunity for that to happen we will have to wait and see.”
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Rebels stars return
The Rebels will welcome back Nic Stirzaker and Scott Fuglistaller for Saturday’s game against the Sunwolves in Tokyo. The pair have been named as reserves in the 23-player team with Stirzaker returning from a shoulder reconstruction and Fugistaller overcoming a hip injury to be selected for the first time this season.
‘It’s been great to have Nic and Scott back, they bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the team,’ McGahan said. Melbourne also have veteran centre Tamati Ellison back in the line-up after he missed their last round win over the Reds with concussion.
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Dennis eager for final Test cap
Wallaby loose forward Dave Dennis is eyeing a final appearance for Australia before he joins Premiership side Exeter Chiefs next season. The 30-year-old, who last played for his country in 2013 against Wales, wants to play against England during their three-Test tour.
“When I negotiated to go over I made the decision that it (international rugby) would be something I’d be giving up,” he said. “As hard as it was you probably can’t have the best of both worlds in terms of experiencing something different and being in a foreign country, and then also playing for your country.” If Dennis completes the entire Super Rugby campaign before heading overseas, he would effectively have an 18 month season
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France change backrow
France head coach Guy Noves has made two changes to his starting line up for their final Six Nations match at the Stade de France on Saturday. Noves has brought in Loann Goujon and Bernard Le Roux to the back row replacing Yacouba Camara and Wenceslas Lauret.
“We need to bring the freshness in the team for Saturday’s game in Paris,” Noves said. “I believe in our team. I am sure that our team can take on great challenges. I believe our team can compete with the power of the English. This team is young, but we give them our confidence.” England will be going for their first Grand Slam since their World Cup winning year of 2003, while France will want to deny them that honour and finish with three wins against two defeats.
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