Monday’s Rugby News has Link committed to running rugby, Jake White speaking about his sudden move, the NRL looking at JOC and reports of Nonu going to the Blues.
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Link to stay on the attack
Despite the disappointing 41-33 loss to the All Blacks on Saturday, Wallabies coach Ewen Mckenzie has backed the team’s adoption of a more expansive style since the axing of Robbie Deans. ‘The players are really enjoying the way they’re going about it,’ McKenzie said after the loss. ‘We’re not going to depart from the fact that we want to express ourselves,’ Link emphasised, believing that his side will continue to mature on the international stage.
Australia’s focus now turns to their punishing five-Test tour of Europe. McKenzie has labelled the tour an opportunity for his Test pack to enhance its reputation. After a six month break due to injury, the Wallabies will see the return of hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau. Breakaway Liam Gill, second-rower Kane Douglas and prop Paddy Ryan will also join the touring squad. [/one_half]
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White breaks silence
After suddenly resigning from his successful job at the Brumbies, Jake White has broken self-imposed silence after being named the as the new Director of Rugby at the Sharks. White acknowledged that he was feeling ‘a little bit disillusioned about being involved in Australian rugby,’ after it became apparent that he would not be involved in international competition.
As for the Brumbies, although White thought that his departure left the franchise in a ‘fantastic state,’ he regretted the way that the players were forced to find out. ‘I’ve written a letter to the boys explaining my reasoning,’ White said. ‘I would have liked to have been able to tell them face to face.’ Many instead were shocked to hear of the move on social media. [/one_half]
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O’Connor draws interest from league
With his stock plummeting, James O’Connor is now being looked at by at least three NRL clubs. After a number of off-field incidents, O’Connor’s price tag has tumbled from his previous $750,000 ARU contract to closer to $500,000. In fact, many rugby sources claim that the young playmaker could not get more than $250,000 for a Super Rugby contract next year. Only the Western Force seem willing to take the gamble at the moment.
Former rugby league star, and Wallabies assistant coach Phil Blake, has stated that O’Connor will need some work in defence but could be successful. ‘He has got some obvious talent that would suit the game of rugby league,’ said Blake. [/one_half]
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Nonu linked to Blues
There are reports in New Zealand that Ma’a Nonu has signed with the Blues for the 2014 season. While these rumours remain unconfirmed, Clermont has recently reported that they have been unsuccessful in bringing Nonu to France. With Sonny Bill Williams staying with league, and the Chiefs signing Crusaders midfielder Robbie Fruean, the Blues have been looking to bring in the All Black centre.
Another international superstar, Bismarck du Plessis, has been cited for stamping on an opponent in a Currie Cup fixture on Saturday. The Sharks and Springbok hooker received a yellow card in the 65th minute of his team’s semifinal against the Free State Cheetahs. The time of Du Plessis’ disciplinary hearing has yet to be finalised. [/one_half]
