Monday’s rugby news has some young Brumbies additions, more Lions injuries, Sir Clive whinging and Falou selection talk
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New Brumbies set to face Lions
Brumbies coach Jake White has named four new faces in his Wallabies-deprived team to take on the British and Irish Lions in their sixth tour match on Tuesday. White has included on the bench debutant props Chris Cocca and Jean-Pierre Smith along with halfback Mark Swanepoel. Andrew Smith has also been included at inside-centre in his first match since straining his hamstring in round nine.
‘There is plenty of history there and we know that beating the Lions will go down in Canberra’s rugby folklore for many years to come,’ White said. In turn, the Brumbies will also be bolstered by Scott Sio and Peter Kimlin, who return amid controversy over the weakness of the provincial teams facing the touring Lions.
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Lions injury enforced changes
The Lions backline has been plagued with injuries, forcing coach Warran Gatland to make a number of last minute changes to the squad. English winger Christian Wade and centres Brad Barritt and Billy Twelvetrees have been called up, along with former world player of the year Shane Williams. The 36-year-old Welsh winger retired from international Test rugby 18 months ago but has been drafted into Gatland’s side for a shock one-off inclusion into the line-up to face the Brumbies.
Winger George North (hamstring) and centres Jamie Roberts (hamstring) and Manu Tuilagi (shoulder) are all battling injuries that could rule them out of first-Test selection, while Ireland winger Tommy Bowe has already been sent home with a broken hand.
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Woodward taking his ball and going home
Clive Woodward has once again publically blasted the opposition afforded the Lions in preparation for their test-series against the Wallabies, suggesting that the Lions should consider not returning to Australia. Woodward last week accused the Australians of treating the tourists with ‘contempt’ as the Western Force side rested several first team players for their 69-17 defeat in Perth. Woodward has since labelled the Combined Country game as another ‘soft, meaningless match.’
On the other hand, Australia’s own World-cup winning coach Bob Dwyer has branded Warran Gatland’s side ‘cheats.’ Dwyer has criticized the Lions for knowingly employing illegal tactics in their scrimmaging, mauling from kick-offs, clean-outs and decoy running.
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Folau praise as Deans considers line-up
Robbie Deans has strongly indicated that Isreal Folau will line up for the Wallabies in the first Lions Test on Saturday night. Deans said the rookie fullback’s experience in pressure-filled events like State of Origin had put him in good stead. ‘He’s done really well. He’s shown what a quality player he is and a quality bloke as well. He’s been great,’ Deans said.
This praise coincides with Australia’s growing list of injury concerns. While Wycliff Palu and Kurtley Beale are battling their way back into test contention, they are among a host of key players including James O’Connor, Pat McCabe, Hugh McMeniman and Ioane, who have hardly played in the past six weeks.
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