Monday’s rugby news has Cheika gambling with two hookers, the NRC Horan-Little shield retained, Nic White on standby and a surprising French exclusion.
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Hooker selection questioned
England has questioned the legitimacy of Michael Cheika’s World Cup squad, after the Wallabies coach picked just two specialist hookers. Without a recognised third hooker in the squad, if skipper Stephen Moore or back-up hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau were to suffer a one-match or more injury, they could have to send them home in order to bring in replacement James Hanson.
“I suppose you could say there is a bit of a risk, but we feel we have got enough back-up that can cover in the short-term,” Cheika said. England had previously left hooker Dylan Hartley out of their squad because he would not be available for the first match against Fiji due to suspension, with tournament rules emphasising that “sufficient front-row players” must be brought on tour.
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Rising win against Country
The Melbourne Rising have opened their 2015 NRC campaign with a thrilling 39-31 victory against Queensland Country to retain the Horan-Little Shield. Despite conceding two yellow cards and the loss of prop Tim Metcher to injury, the Rising scored six tries to Country’s five. Scrumhalf Ben Meehan impressed with two tries, whilst back-rowers Jordy Reid, Colby Fainga’a and captain Scott Fuglistaller dominated in general play.
In the round’s other notable results, defending champions Brisbane City defeated Perth Spirit while NSW Country Eagles edged out Greater Sydney Rams in a thriller winning 32-31 at Granville Park.
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Nic White on standby
Wallabies assistant coach Stephen Larkham says that Nic White could still play a major role in the World Cup. White and his Brumbies teammate Christian Lealiifano were the surprise ommissions from coach Michael Cheika’s squad, and Larkham said that White will be called on if either Will Genia or Nick Phipps get injured.
“They [the players] are aware the campaign is a long one and anything can happen,’ Larkham said. ‘There is still a good chance [White] will play in the World Cup.’ The Brumbies coach also denied calls for a selection panel outside of the coaching staff, saying that the coaches were best placed to decide the direction of the team.
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Trinh-Duc left out
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has left out fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc from his 31-man World Cup squad announced on Sunday, in favour of Frederic Michalak. Saint-Andre has dropped four other players from his preliminary squad, axing Sabastien Vahaamahina, Xavier Chiocci, Loann Goujon and Remi Lamerat.
Trinh-Duc started against England at Twickenham earlier this month and was praised by Saint-André. “We wanted to include three top goal-kickers and they were Michalak, Parra and Rory Kockott,” the coach said. “In the end Michalak and Talès have been with the group more often than him [Trinh-Huc] and Talès is solid defensively.”
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