Monday’s Rugby News sees the Wallabies squad cut down, Steve Hansen playing mind games, Reds changes continue and QPR comes to a finale.
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Squad Cut
Well the final squad is in and Michael Cheika has gone against his natural instincts and only named to uncapped players in the 28 player Bledisloe Cup squad ahead of next week’s opening Test.
That’s right, just two!
Tom Banks and Jack Maddocks (who have both been chosen in previous training squads) have survived the cut alongside experienced trio Scott Sio, Michael Hooper and Dane Haylett-Petty who all passed fitness tests to be included.
The squad is one of real promise and on the surface, seems to have a nice blend of youth and experience, as well as cohesion.
After completing the week long training camp in Cessnock, boom Brumbies hooker Folau Faingaa, Rebels prop Jermaine Ainsley, giant lock Rory Arnold, Reds Caleb Timu, and Rebels winger Sefa Naivalu were all left out.
Interestingly, all three of the so-called ‘alternate’ options at 13 in Curtis Rona, Billy Meakes and Jordan Petaia have also been left out from Cheika’s group.
This leaves Israel Folau and Reece Hodge the two most likely to pull on the 13 jersey, although Cheika has time and time again reiterated his beliefs that Folau is a fullback meaning Hodge is firming to start.
Reece adds a heck of a lot to the group in both his catch-pass ability in that role as well as an extra kicking option we so badly need.
Am I the only one who sees just a lil bit of Sterling Mortlock in him? Just a thought.
Foxsports spoke to Cheika about the smaller squad size and what it would add to the group.
“We’ll have some extra players in there on Monday and Tuesday, so we can get our training done and then I just think that I want to have a bit more focus on the group that’s going to play the game,” Cheika said.
“I just think that little bit of extra focus on a smaller group of players in there can build our alignment and cohesion.
“Everyone’s focused on the one task, everyone knows what their role is.”
The full Wallabies squad is:
Forwards: Allan Alaalatoa, Adam Coleman, Ned Hanigan, Michael Hooper, Sekope Kepu, Tolu Latu, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, David Pocock, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Roberston, Izack Rodda, Pete Samu, Rob Simmons, Scott Sio, Lukhan Tui, Taniela Tupou.
Backs: Tom Banks, Kurtley Beale, Israel Folau, Beranrd Foley, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, Marika Koroibete, Jack Maddocks, Nick Phipps, Joe Powell, Matt Toomua.
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Hanson Hilarious
Steve Hanson’s classic New Zealander, dry and ironic humour has struck again, this time with a great little quip about how the Wallabies are supposedly favourites heading into this years Bledisloe Cup.
Rightio Steve.
The defending Rugby Championship holders and long-time Bledisloe Cup hogs arrived in Sydney last night, six days before their match at ANZ Stadium.
Good Old Stevie wins so many games he basically does what he likes nowadays.
He had this to say to rugby.com.au about the Ireland series.
“They won that first one and the second two games they didn’t get much luck did they, so it could have gone either way that series,” Hansen said.
“I thought they got a lot of intensity, they played with a lot of skill.”
Hansen also complemented the work of skills coach Michael Byrne, who previously had a similar role with New Zealand Rugby.
“The work Mick has been doing with them, their running lines are really good, their passes have got a lot better, so it’s going to make them even more dangerous,” Hansen said.
He also thinks the Wallabies will be better prepared for the physicality and energy of a Bledisloe opener as the Leichardt Oval trial allowed some players to stretch their legs and still stay match prepared before kick off.
“I think they have learnt from that haven’t they and they’ve had a game,’ Hansen said.
“Every year we have a bit of a game for the guys that don’t make it too far in the (Super Rugby) finals and I think that’s all the difference was.”
‘It was a titanic struggle for the other two games.”
Just last week the big heffa declared Australia were worthy of favouritism this year.
A bold claim for a country who have held the prize for 15 years.
He reiterated that opinion on Sunday.
“They won the last one, they have to be (favourites) don’t they?” Hansen said.
He is also of the opinion that Reece Hodge will wear the No.13 jersey, but was irritated when reporters asked if they would try exploit this channel given the jack of all trades Hodge had not started a Test there.
“I can’t go telling you that,” Cheik (Wallabies coach Michael Cheika) will fix it up,’ Hansen quipped.
“No, I think he (Hodge) is a good footballer.”
He loves a cheeky mind game doesn’t he?
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Reds Rumours continue
The Rebels have emerged as a genuine contender for James Slipper’s services next season reports rugby.com.au.
After being exiled at Ballymore by Brad Thorn, Slipper has taken a different stance to his Queensland counterparts Quade Cooper and Karmichael Hunt, telling media in the lead up to the Wallabies trial that he’s eager to play Super Rugby in 2019.
A move away from his hometown Reds looks the only option for that to happen under Thorn and it is understood the 29-year-old has informed the Rebels they are his first preference.
The rumour that has been doing the rounds is that Ben Daley and Slipper will change places.
The Waratahs have already said they’re not in the market for Slipper and the Brumbies are well stocked for props.
This leaves the Rebels, who are well stocked across the board, the opportunity to do a player swap where maybe everyone wins, except maybe some Reds fans.
The detail of a possible move for Slipper to Melbourne is yet to be discussed but with Amanaki Mafi, Lopeti Timani and Geoff Parling all leaving, the Rebels have the financial ability to sign Slipper as well.
Any cash taken off Queensland’s hands is a massive win for the cashed-strapped organisation, given they will still be paying Cooper and Hunt for next season unless circumstances dramatically change.
Added to this, applications for the Reds’ attack coach job close on Wednesday.
Despite saying no to the job 12 months ago, former coach Phil Mooney’s name has once again been thrown up, with premiership-winning attack coach Jim McKay also in the mix.
Mooney is a wonderful coach and is the man credited with laying the platform for Queensland’s 2011 Super Rugby title. He is settled in Brisbane as Grammar’s director of rugby, so it is little surprise to see his name raised again.
It would be interesting if Phil took the job, given he turned down the role previously.
I wonder whether this has to do with having a young family, his current job or issues with Queensland Rugby, or maybe a combination of some sorts.
Jim McKay, the attack coach that led the Reds to the 2011 crown, was most recently the coach of Japanese Top League side Kobelco Steelers but departed the club at the end of last season and is available.
Another name supposedly in the mix is Shane Drahm, who is currently coaching Brisbane Boys College’s 1st XV.
Drahm led Nudgee College’s 1st XV for four years prior to that, while also running GPS’ attack alongside Shane Arnold.
Drahm would be a massive outsider for the role and a left, left, left field option, but an option, nonetheless.
Interesting times ahead.
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QPR Final Incoming
The preliminary semi-finals have wrapped up in my home state (sorry for the slight Queensland bias on this news piece) and GPS have overcome Easts 52-14 to have a shot at the big dance with the University of Queensland this Sunday.
Titled starved GPS will be looking to capture the club’s first premiership in 22 long years at Ballymore after absolutely demolishing Easts yesterday.
Eight different clubs have held aloft the Hospital Cup since Wallaby Daniel Herbert and the 1996 GPS team were good enough to reach club rugby’s summit.
Astute halfback general James Tuttle maximised the dominance of the GPS pack in the commanding 52-14 statement against Easts.
It will be the same formula to knock off Uni although GPS may be having to take the field without influential Reds prop JP Smith, who lasted just 18 minutes with a suspected cheekbone fracture after an accidental head clash with teammate Dan Gorman.
Lock Mitch King, 27, was the spiritual leader of the GPS dominance up front, scoring a hat-trick of tries.
“Playing for each other not for ourselves has been the big message of this season,” King told the Courier Mail.
“That first 15 minutes against Uni is crucial to set our tone for the grand final because you don’t want to be chasing them.”
This weekend’s fixture will see a number of bright young stars of Queensland Rugby light up Ballymore.
University have a host of Reds players in abrasive trio Angus Scott-Young, Harry Hockings, Adam Korczyk and young dynamite Tate McDermott.
Young flyer (and I mean flyer) Will Eadie will take the field along with a host of other youngsters led around by 23 year old flyhalf James Dagliesh.
GPS have Reds contracted bash brothers in JP and Ruan Smith and James Tuttle along with a hardened forward pack led by inspirational leader Michael Richards.
Tom Kibble, the young flanker, has played 1st grade all year and stood out, so look for him to shine also.
An exciting week in rugby coming GAGR’s, I’m excited!
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