Piping hot out the oven, today we’ve got Cheika focusing only on the immediate future, Gatland with one eye on the World Cup, Sonny Bill winning out in the battle for the black 12 jersey, and a certain Fijian rightfully making his debut for England on the weekend.
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Cheika Taking it One Test at a Time
Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has recently admitted that his sole focus is currently to win the test against Wales on the weekend. With the World Cup still some months off, Cheika has chosen to ignore the history of recent success the Wallabies have experienced against the Welsh in favor of focusing on the immediate test,
“I am not too worried about that record. I am just looking at one (win) in a row… That is how we have to look at it at Test level”.
Remaining faithful to the side that nearly downed New Zealand only a few weeks ago, Cheika has also selected youngster Sean McMahon to make his test debut against the Welsh on the weekend. Choo-choo.[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Sonny Bill Awarded Starting Berth Against England
Love him or hate him, Sonny Bill Williams showed last weekend that he hasn’t lost much in his time away from rugby – although it came against a severely overwhelmed US Eagles side. Head coach Steve Hansen has echoed this sentiment,
“We think Sonny brings something pretty unique. We’ve seen him against lesser opposition so we need to see him against quality opposition”.
Hansen would also cite the workload which Malakai Fekitoa has been under this year to date as another reason for his non-selection. Aaron Cruden has also been selected to start at 10 over Beauden Barrett, despite a schizophrenic goal kicking performance in Chicago. Expecting some very staunch opposition from England, the All Blacks have undoubtedly named what they believe to be their strongest side at this moment in time.[/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
Gatland and Cheika: Two Coaches in Two Minds
While Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has expressed that he is only focused on the test in front of him, Wales coach Warren Gatland has indicated he will be keeping one eye on the looming Rugby World Cup clash between the two nations,
“In 10 months’ time, when they turn up for the World Cup, I think they will be a real outfit to contend with.”
Gatland also expressed his great respect for Cheika and expects the Wallabies to be more dangerous than ever following recent off-field incidents. He would also express some frustration with the inability of the Welsh side to push through tight tests against South Africa and Australia in recent years. Since 2008, five out of the nine losses to the Wallabies which the Welsh have experienced have been by 4 points or less – ouch. Wales will be keen to break the duck come Saturday.
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Lance Corporal Rokoduguni to Make Test Debut for England
While there is quite a bit of uncertainty over how the English centre pairing of Kyle Eastmond and Brad Barritt will perform against the All Blacks, there is hardly a rugby fan in England who is not ecstatic to see the debut of Semesa Rokoduguni (highlights). The 27-year old British army soldier has been the form wing of the English Premiership this season, taking a potent Bath attack to an entirely new level at times. Lancaster was keen to express his own happiness in regards to Rokoduguni’s performances to date,
“I am delighted for Roko… It’s a great step for him. He has topped the stats in virtually every category and looks ready to play”.
While the English were able to defeat the All Blacks 38-21 at Twickenham in 2012, they also were blanked on their three game Summer tour to the Land of the Long White Cloud. England have improved massively under Lancaster, but are they prepared to face off against a deadly All Blacks side? [/one_half]
