Friday’s rugby news has more issues for the Reds, Campo’s RWC backline, the Tahs targetting McCalman and mass changes for the French
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JOC out for Reds
A corked leg has heaped further injury pain on the luckless Reds with James O’Connor ruled out of Saturday night’s clash against the Brumbies. With JJ Taulagi (knee) and banned Karmichael Hunt already out, the Reds have turned to centre Ben Tapuai to play fullback. Tapuai returned from a hamstring injury off the bench against the Waratahs last weekend and has very limited experience playing at 15.
After suffering a second concussion in as many games against the NSW Waratahs, winger Lachie Turner is also on an automatic one-game stand down. The Brumbies, meanwhile, have named an unchanged line-up as they seek to stay atop the Australian Conference.
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Campo names Test backline
Wallabies legend David Campese has named the backline he would take to the Rugby World Cup, emphasising creativity over strength in the skill positions. To start with, Campese would have Bernard Foley at No.10. Kurtley Beale at No.12 and Israel Folau at No.13.
As for the outside backs, Campese had Henry Speight at 14 and Drew Mitchell on the other wing, with no clear standout in the race for the Test fullback position. He also pushed the idea that coach Michael Cheika needs a voice from outside the Wallabies camp to assist with the selection process in a similar manner to Grant Fox’s role with the All Blacks..
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Tahs looking for reinforcements
With the news that Wycliff Palu will see out the rest of his career in Japan after the World Cup, the Waratahs have committed to intensifying their search for a replacement back-row enforcer. Western Force star Ben McCalman has reportedly failed to re-sign with his club despite weeks of negotiations, sparking rumours of a transition to the Tahs.
While NSW already have a strong back-up in Tala Gray, with Palu and Higginbotham both heading overseas now, McCalman will be the premier No.8 in the country should he remain in Australia.
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Mass changes for French
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has made eight changes to the team that lost to Wales for this week’s match against Italy. While many are injury-related, Saint-Andre emphasised the failure of his team to play to their potential. “I’ve been covering for them for three years,” he said. “The France jersey should bring out your best, you should be a gladiator.”
Sebastien Tillous-Borde comes in at scrum-half, while Scott Spedding returns at full-back. Noa Nakaitaci will start in place of the injured Sofiane Guitoune on the wing, while Gael Fickou and Maxime Mermoz start as a completely new centre partnership. In the forwards, Rabah Slimani, Romain Taofifenua and Damien Chouly all drop to the bench with Nicolas Mas, Alexandre Flanquart and Loann Goujon all starting.
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