Monday’s rugby news has some SBW speculation, Larkhma urging patience to Wallabies selectors, some All Black changes and an injury scare for Toby Flood
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SBW back to rugby?
It has been reported over the weekend that Sonny Bill Williams may return to the Chiefs next year, tired of the extended physical punishment he faces as a league forward. SBW is contracted with the Roosters until the end of the season, with NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew confirming that the Chiefs have presented the marquee signing a generous three-year offer.
Rugby league is pulling out all stops to keep the dual-international, with Roosters CEO Brian Canavan apparently presenting a proposal to the NRL which seeks ‘flexibility in the salary cap for unique situations.’ But according to Sky Sport NZ commentator Andrew Voss, Williams is definitely on his way back to Hamilton. ‘Whether it gets announced publicly I dont know but Sonny Bill Williams will sign with Chiefs this week,’ Voss tweeted. [/one_half]
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Larkham backs Wallaby rookies
Wallabies legend Stephen Larkham has urged Wallabies selectors to be patient and stick with Brumbies pair Jesse Mogg and Matt Toomua for Saturday’s match against South Africa. There is pressure on Ewen McKenzie to shift his lineup to include Quade Cooper and Israel Folau at fullback. But Larkham has asserted, ‘I think if this team’s given more time together, they will start to string wins together. You’ve got to give [Mogg and Toomua] some time to find some combinations out there.’
Although McKenzie kept the pair after the first Bledisloe defeat, emphasising the need to build experience, he also said, ‘you only get a finite number of chances at Test level so it’s important that you don’t let the moment pass.’ Should McKenzie make changes for the Third Rugby Championship match? Let us know your thought in the comments below. [/one_half]
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ABs facing lineup changes
The All Blacks resumed training in Hamilton yesterday, with a few changes to the team that defeated the Wallabies in the first two Rugby Championship matches. Tighthead Owen Franks has been ruled out with a groin concern, while Liam Messam will once again miss out on selection with his persistent hamstring injury. Ma’a Nonu continues to be in doubt for the round three clash against Argentina with an ankle injury.
If Nonu is out, and with both Dan Carter and Beauden Barrett now fit for Test inclusion, New Zealand might feature a second playmaker at centre. If Hansen does not wish to tinker with the team’s successful backline forumula, Francis Saili or Ryan Crotty are also in contention for a maiden Test start. [/one_half]
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Injury scare for Flood
Leicester Tiger’s flyhalf Toby Flood has been stretchered off the field with the assistance of an oxygen mask in the team’s pre-season clash with Ulter this weekend. The England playmaker was struck in the face in a sin-bin offence by Ulster Lock Dan Tuohy early in the match. Flood remained motionless during a 12-minute stoppage as he received treatment and his injury was assessed.
This injury was especially concerning as Flood’s last game with the Tiger’s ended with a serious concussion. Despite this, the playmaker played down the significance of the injury, sending a Twitter message ‘How’s everyone else’s day going?’ accompanying a selfie showing the damage. New Tigers signing Ryan Lamb filled the void at fly-half. [/one_half]
