Monday’s rugby news has the Aussie Sevens progressing, Beale given a new role, Eddie Jones cleaning house and Dan Carter with a dream start at Racing 92.
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Sevens through to quarters
Australia will play hosts South Africa in the quarter-finals of the Cape Town leg of the Rugby Sevens after going undefeated on the opening day. Australia downed Portugal (45-0), Wales (21-14) and an in-form United States (26-21) on Saturday to top Pool C and set up the clash with South Africa, who have won the past two events in their home country.
“We had three good performances today,” Australian coach Scott Bowen said. “We showed a real hunger to both save points and support our teammates when line-breaks were made.” Fiji and Australia were the only sides to win all three of their matches, with both South Africa and New Zealand suffering surprise losses.
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Beale embracing new role
Wallabies utility back Kurtley Beale said he has absolutely no qualms about playing at full-back for the Waratahs during the 2016 Super Rugby campaign. Beale is expected to take over from Israel Folau, who will move into the midfield for NSW next season.
“I’m pretty used to the idea of being moved to different positions, wherever the coach feels he needs me to be,” Beale said. “I wouldn’t be disappointed about it because what matters is the team moving forward and getting wins.” Beale was used in a roving utility role largely from the fullback/wing positions by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika during the World Cup.
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Eddie Jones using new assistants
Eddie Jones will look to secure the signatures of Bristol forwards coach Steve Borthwick and Saracens defence coach Paul Gustard in the next 48 hours after axing the backroom team he inherited. England’s new coach has told the RFU that Stuart Lancaster’s assistants— defence coach Andy Farrell, attack coach Mike Catt and forwards coach Graham Rowntree — will not be kept on.
Jones met the trio last Monday, but after sounding out a raft of figures from inside and outside the RFU, he has dispensed with existing team, who were handed six-year contracts only 15 months ago, for the upcoming Six Nations and beyond.
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Carter stars at Racing 92
Former All Blacks star Dan Carter has made the perfect start to his post-international career in France. The two-time Rugby World Cup winner was named man of the match on debut for Racing 92 as they romped to a 33-3 home win over leading English club Northampton Saints.
“Dan’s been great all week, he’s obviously world class and will get better and better each training session, each game,” said half-back Mike Phillips. “He’s certainly a quick learner, today was as if he’s been here for a long time.” The 33-year-old was assisted by a dominant forward pack but injected himself well, mixing his astute kicking game with some typically dangerous runs and offloads.
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