Friday’s rugby news has Mortlock battling NRL poaching, the Rebels stout defence tested, the Reds revolving door of players and an English injury ahead of their NZ tour.
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Mortlock urges sabbaticals
Another former Wallaby has come out in support of extending the idea of sabbaticals for Wallaby representatives. Stirling Mortlock says that the ARU needs to allow star players some leave between World Cups to combat the incoming threat posed by the NRL.
The recent announcement that NRL clubs will be able to sign certain marque players with salary cap concessions has been heralded as a threat to union stars such as Kurtley Beale and convert Israel Folau. Mortlock pointed to the effective use of sabbaticals or overseas stints within the All-Blacks as an important measure to retain Australian rugby talent. [/one_half]
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Rebels defence under pressure
Rebels coach Tony McGahan has said that the team’s defence will be tested over the weekend against the Hurricanes, who lead the competition in overall points. While the Rebels have improved their tackle success percentage this year (up to 88.2 per cent), McGahan commented, “Individually all their players in the back line can attack from anywhere, so we’ve got a big job to do defensively.”
The Melbourne franchise has made two changes, with Nic Stirzaker sidelined with an ankle injury, replaced on the bench by Ben Meehan. Pat Leafa will also take over the No.2 jersey of Shota Horie. [/one_half]
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More changes for Reds
The Reds have been forced to make a number of changes to their starting line-up to play the Crusaders on Sunday. Australia under-20 captain Curtis Browning will make his run-on debut, replacing injured blindside flanker Eddie Quirk (rib). With Liam Gill suffering a newly injured calf, Beau Robinson will step into the openside flanker role, while Ben Daley replaces the suspended James Slipper at prop.
James Hansen has also been recalled to the starting hooker position and in the backline, Dom Shipperley will return from a hip injury to relegate Rod Davies to the bench. [/one_half]
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England lose Twelvetrees
It appears that England centre Billy Twelvetrees will miss the team’s opening test against New Zealand after suffering an ankle injury while playing for Gloucester over the weekend. “It’s not ligaments, it’s a relatively minor injury in his ankle, but it will stop him from playing for between four to six weeks,” said Gloucester boss Nigel Davies shortly after the London Irish match.
England coach Stuart Lancaster is already missing a number of predicted starters with Heineken Cup injuries, including Alex Corbisiero, Christian Wade, Tom Croft and Jack Nowell.
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