Friday’s rugby news has Waratahs weighing up Hayne decision, Brumbies wary of Highlanders tactics, Home ground advantage for Brumbies and Julian Savea dropped from Hurricanes starting team.
[one_half last=”no”]
Tahs Hesitant
Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson and Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore are cautious about jumping into a decision surrounding Jarrad Hayne joining the Waratahs.
It is understood if Hayne were to switch to rugby he would only be interested in playing for the Waratahs.
“I found it a little bit premature for anyone to be going out and saying what we’d be doing with him at the moment,” Hore said.
“There’s still a lot of water to go under the bridge at this stage.
“With any of these kind of decisions. It would require significant third party investment
“There are a number of factors we need to consider as to whether signing Jarryd Hayne would be in the best interests of NSW Rugby. There’s also other variables in and around team fit and that kind of thing.”
[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Brumbies Wary
The Brumbies are not concerned with the Highlanders tactics of not engaging with the Brumbies rolling maul as they did last time the team’s met.
The rolling maul has proved to be a key attacking element of the Brumbies game in recent years but they believe they have other options up their sleeve if the Highlanders decide not to engage.
“I think it’s part of the tactic of every team and until the law changes, it will always be that way,” Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham said.
“I certainly expect that they will have thought about it and whether they use it or not, we’ll wait and see.
“We’re getting there and making sure the referees are clear with their interpretations around the set-up. It’s up to the boys on the night to manage the situation and I think they’ve been doing that quite well lately.”
[/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
Home Ground Advantage
The Brumbies will have the benefit of a home ground advantage when they take on the Highlanders which will be hugely important according to Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham.
“It’s massive, particularly when we get a good crowd out here,” he said.
“The familiarity of captain’s run of training at home the whole week is certainly a bonus.
“Just thinking back to the Auckland game, we had 10 hours of travel the day before the game which made it really difficult.
“So, we don’t have to do that. And then, I guess the home crowd who generally lift us and we’re expecting a very good crowd tomorrow night.
the game.”
[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Savea Dropped
All Blacks winger Julian Savea has been dropped from the Hurricanes starting team to take on the Sharks in this weekend’s Super Rugby quarter final.
Savea has been replaced by former Melbourne Rebel Jason Woodward after a strong performance against the Crusaders.
“We had some tough choices, but we believe we’ve picked the best team to play the Sharks,” Boyd said.
“We’ve got some real depth and at the end of the day we pick the team on form and what we think is best for the team.
“Loni Uhila, Jason Woodward and Willis Halaholo were all very good against the Crusaders and they’ve forced our hand for this match.”
[/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
