Friday’s rugby news has a young star stepping up for the Brumbies, SANZAR concluding their Cheika investigation, the Rebels emphasizing structure and the Hurricanes without a coach.
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19-year-old to start for A.C.T
Brumbies rookie Tom Staniforth is set to make his Super Rugby debut, with the 19 year old tasked with facing off against James Horwill and the Queensland Reds at Suncorp on Friday night. The 19 year-old part-time pub glassy has been brought in as a replacement for the injured Sam Carter (knee) but could be pushing for a regular spot.
“He just tears in and he has done ever since he’s been in the squad,” captain Ben Mowen said. “I think this could be the start of a long career for him.” The 113kg lock is also tipped to captain the Australian team to the junior world championship later this year. [/one_half]
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Cheika set to face judiciary
NSW coach Michael Cheika is facing a possible sanction when SANZAR send their investigation of a sideline confrontation in Durban to a hearing on Wednesday. Cheika allegedly abused and pushed a cameraman away during the Tahs loss to the Sharks on March 29.
Waratahs captain Dave Dennis insisted that the SANZAR judiciary will play no part in the team’s performance against the Force. “He hasn’t mentioned that at all to the team and I’m sure he’ll handle that individually and not let it affect the team’s preparation,” Dennis said. [/one_half]
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McGahan calls for structure
Rebels coach Tony McGahan has highlighted the need for a tight structure and disciplined kicking in the team’s upcoming match against the defending champion Chiefs. “They certainly built their game on turnover and counter[-attack] and their ability to play really wonderful unstructured play,” McGahan said.
To limit the Chiefs opportunities, the Melbourne coach has emphasised that Bryce Hegarty, Jason Woodward and Nic Stirzaker will be told to keep possession and only kick when safe and necessary. Meanwhile, the Rebels team will be boosted by the return of Colby Fainga’a (hip) and Tom Kingston (concussion). [/one_half]
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Hammett quits Hurricanes
Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett has confirmed that he will not renew his contract at the end of the season, leaving the team on the hunt for a new coach for 2015. Hammett said he decided before the start of this season not to seek re-appointment. This week was chosen for the announcement with the team enjoying a bye, giving the players and management time to reset.
Hurricanes chairman Brian Roche has said that the team were “completely open minded” in choosing a new coach, with Robbie Deans’ name being thrown around as a contender. [/one_half]
