Friday’s rugby news has the Brumbies line-up announced, Hunt reportedly at the Reds, Cheika supporting Super Rugby changes and the Blues keeping hold of their stars.
[one_half last=”no”]
Full fitness Brumbies won’t target Folau
Wallaby halfback Nic White has said that the Brumbies would be “poking the wrong bear” if they try to unsettle superstar Israel Folau in their semi-final this weekend against the Waratahs. Folau has said that the Brumbies targeted some sledging at the competition’s top try scorer in their last encounter, which NSW won 39-8.
The Brumbies will be boosted by full availability, with the side unchanged after last week’s 32-20 victory over the Chiefs. “To have got through last weekend injury free, it’s great for us to be playing again this weekend to maintain momentum,” Laurie Fisher said. [/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
Hunt rumours building
The Reds have reportedly signed code-hopper Karmichael Hunt on a contract worth between $600,000 and $700,000 after the ARU denied their request for a contract top-up. The 27 year-old has represented the Australian schoolboys rugby union side and also played 15 matches for French side Biarritz in the 2009/10 season.
Wallabies coach Ewen Mckenzie said that the switch to union may be made difficult but also added, “The fact that Hunt has got some background may make that transition easier. It depends on the individual and how they think and how coachable they are.” [/one_half]
[one_half last=”no”]
Cheika backs global expansion
Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has emphasised that the international growth of rugby requires an integration of northern and southern hemisphere seasons. “Rugby, if it wants to go forward as a sport, has to have a global season,” Cheika said.
The International Rugby Players’ Association had previously supported the shift, which would see the southern hemisphere Test window moved from June to July, with Super Rugby consequently running from Feruary straight through to July. The plan was blocked by the member nations of the Six nations but is still on the table. [/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
Blues re-sign key players
The Auckland Blues have taken the positive step of re-signing four important players for the next Super Rugby season, headlined by captain Luke Braid. Flanker Brendon O’Connor, Braid and wing Frank Halai have all signed one-year deals while halfback Bryn Hall has re-signed until the end of 2016.
The Blues captain underwent shoulder surgery two weeks ago but will be available for the start of the 2015 campaign. He joins All Blacks Jerome Kaino and Steven Luatua as flankers under contract with the Blues. “I feel we’re heading in the right direction and am keen to stick around and keep working hard to achieve our goals,” Braid said. [/one_half]
