Friday’s rugby news has the Reds forced to make changes, Robinson talking up the Tahs, Higgers playing down star power and the latest on Weepu’s health concerns.
[one_half last=”no”]
Reds not panicking
The Reds hold a 2-3 record through the opening five matches of the Super Rugby season, placing them in fourth place in the Aussie conference standings. [/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
More Waratahs optimism
Benn Robinson has publically asserted that in his nine years with the Waratahs, this is the team’s best chance to win the competition. ‘We’re still a long, long way to go in the season and you need to have luck going your way, but at this stage I think we’re trending well,’ said Robinson, before adding, ‘I feel like this [year] is different.’
The NSW prop will first have to overcome the Sharks this week, who boast one of the best scrums in the competition. “The Du Plessis brothers [hooker Bismarck and prop Jannie] work well together and with [prop Tendai] Mtawarira there too, we know it’s going to be a big battle,” Robinson said. [/one_half]
[one_half last=”no”]
Winning formula for Higgers
Rebels captain Scott Higginbotham has wrote a column emphasising the importance of teamwork over the efforts of big name players, and promising improved performances from the team in coming weeks. ‘Whether you have 19 internationals in your squad, or one, any team is capable of winning,’ Higginbotham said, pointing to the disparate success in the loaded Waratahs and the relatively All-Black free Chiefs.
After a disappointing 32-8 loss to the Tahs, the Wallaby no.8 assured fans of a renewed effort against the Brumbies. [/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
Weepu suffers stroke
The Auckland Blues have been devastated by the stroke suffered by halfback Piri Weepu. Coach Sir John Kirwan said that it was difficult to see Weepu address the team, asserting, ‘Both of us were shocked at first and pretty upset, so that was pretty emotional.’
The Blues’ medical staff considered the minor stroke a non-rugby related condition. The 30 year-old will sit out at least four weeks of Super Rugby after having a scan on Monday to investigate migraine-like symptoms he experienced earlier this month. [/one_half]
