Monday’s rugby news has the Reds emphasizing their depth, Cheika keen to face England under Eddie Jones, Chris Robshaw’s place under question and a Barbarians loss.
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Reds coping without Slipper
Queensland Reds forwards coach Nick Stiles has backed the squad to cope without Australia prop James Slipper. The experienced Test prop is set to miss the start of the 2016 Super Rugby season after undergoing surgery. Looking within the squad, Stiles spoke highly about the potential of young props Sef Fa’agase and Sam Talakai.
There is also good news for the Reds in that Ben Daley, a Super Rugby winner with the side back in 2011, is close to full fitness after an injury-plagued campaign last year. “He’s somewhere up near 70-80 Super Rugby caps,” Stiles said. “That shows you the depth we have and the biggest reason we’ve had such an improvement in the last two years is the quality of training because of that depth.”
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Cheika looking forward to new England
Michael Cheika is looking forward to his battle with new England head coach Eddie Jones next year when England tour Australia. Jones was appointed Stuart Lancaster’s successor late last week and once the Six Nations has been negotiated, the 55-year-old will begin preparations for a three-Test tour against Australia.
“I’m really proud that we’re both Australian and from the same club (Randwick), but will be doing battle in a different arena.” Cheika said that Jones is an ideal fit for England and can bring them success. “I’m a mate of Eddie’s so I can only speak highly of him. He’ll be a good fit for what’s required over here,” he added.
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Robshaw’s place uncertain
Jones’s arrival may spell the end for skipper Chris Robshaw, who led the team for 42 of their past 46 Tests. While Jones has said that there could still be a place for Robshaw, following England’s early exit from the World Cup, Jones publicly questioned whether he was even worth his place in the side.
“Going forward, one of the first things I have to do is sit down and have a chat to him.” the former Wallaby coach said. “All the players are starting on zero. There’s always an opportunity to change things and he’s in exactly the same position.”
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Pumas defeat Barbarians
Argentina have ran in seven tries to beat a Barbarians team containing five World Cup finalists 49-31 at Twickenham on Saturday. The Pumas warmed up in black No. 11 shirts in tribute to New Zealand great Jonah Lomu, in front of a crowd of 38,101.
Winger Santiago Cordero crossed twice and set up another try for Argentina, whose entire matchday 23 are available for the newly formed South American franchise in next year’s Super Rugby tournament.
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