Friday’s rugby news sees JOC being a pirate, Lions defensive concerns, Gregan’s inspirational words and new faces for the All Blacks & Boks
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In tight defence a concern for Lions
The British and Irish Lions well and truly drubbed the Western Force on Wednesday night. But that does not mean there were not some defensive issues raised for the touring side. Lions defence coach Andy Farrell highlighted the gains that the Force were able to make around the ruck as cause for concern. ”They had quite a bit of success in tight with the pick-and-goes around the ruck, which is quite an important area, so it’s a good lesson for us” Farrell stated. Force halfback Alby Mathewson also pinpointed it as an area that the Wallabies should be looking to exploit saying “the Wallabies could get some gains through the forward pack. We made some inroads through there so it might be somewhere for the Wallabies to think about attacking.”
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JOC a Pirate
In news sure to set tongues wagging, but which will quite possibly be close to meaningless, James O’Connor has signed to play in the Shute Shield with Sydney club West Harbour for the next three years. Already people are discussing what it means for the Super Rugby future of the Wallabies fly half in waiting – he’s coming to the Tahs, he’s definitely not going to the Brumbies, he’s just staying at the Rebels. All of these, and probably more are possible.
But all the coup for the Pirates really means is that on the very rare days when O’Connor is playing club rugby, it will be for West Harbour. Indeed for all the press it will get the club, I don’t think they are expecting too many on field gains. According to Fox Sports, O’Connor has not played a game of club rugby since joining the Force as a 17 year old.
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George’s Brumbies advice
Whilst in Canberra opening a new coffee shop, Brumbies great George Gregan took some time out to fire up his old troops. George wants blood, demanding that the Brumbies “put someone to the sword”, presumably the Rebels in tonight’s match. In George’s words, the Brumbies have become quite adept at the “nail-biter” this season and it is time to blow someone off the park with a big win. Tonight would be a perfect time for them to start too. A bonus point win would give the Brumbies at least a little breathing space over the second placed Reds in the Australian conference.
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Championship selections
The Wallabies’ Rugby Championship foes will soon kick off their international seasons, with the All Blacks and Springboks naming their first teams for the year. As expected, the All Blacks will be without Dan Carter through injury, with fellow veterans Piri Weepu and Tony Woodcock also ruled out. In the absence of Richie McCaw, Kieran Read will captain the All Blacks while Jeremy Thrush and Ben Afeaki will debut from the bench.
On the Springbok side of things, Willie le Roux and Jano Vermaal will make their first ever test appearances. Starting fly half Morne Steyn is back in favour with the Boks after a strong Super Rugby season thus far.
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