Monday’s rugby news has the Tahs struggle at 10, Marshall given a vote of confidence, O’Connor coming home and an Irish victory at the Six Nations.
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Tahs consider playmaker battle
The Waratahs’ recent 33-28 loss to the Melbourne Rebels in Saturday’s trial match has intensified the side’s selection dilemma at five-eighth. Coach Michael Cheika gave positive assessments of both new recruit Kurtley Beale and incumbent Bernard Foley, the main contenders for the position. Beale played the first 60 minutes, predominately at 10, with Cheika crediting the former Rebel for being ‘sharp’ and making ‘a few incisive breaks.’
But the Waratahs coach was also impressed by the ‘stability’ Foley brought NSW when he came on in the last 20, asserting that he would ‘definitely’ get more time against the Blues on Friday. ‘Of all the five-eighths trying out, he knows the game best,’ Cheika said, while emphasising that a decision on next week’s starter will be made closer to game-time. [/one_half]
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Marshall impresses in debut
Meanwhile, Benji Marshall has impressed in his debut for the Auckland Blues, playing 40 minutes at five-eighth in the team’s 38-35 loss to the Hurricanes on Saturday. Blues coach John Kirwan was pleased with Marshall’s first hit out and ruled out a switch to fullback. ‘He certainly put his hand up today so we’ll put him out there again next week and we’ll just keep working on him,’ Kirwan said. ‘It was a good start.’
Marshall’s performance did have a few hiccups though, with his trademark sidestep resulting in a belting from Hurricanes flanker Ardie Savea. Marshall’s performance off the ball also confirmed some criticisms of the league convert, looking awkward in contact and freely admitting, ‘I still don’t really know the rules around the ruck, so I’m guessing there.’ [/one_half]
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O’Connor leaving Irish
London Irish have confirmed that former Wallaby James O’Connor will be leaving the English Premiership team after completing his six-month contract at the end of the season. As anticipated, the 23-year old will look for inclusion into a Super Rugby franchise next year with an eye on returning to Australia’s 2015 World Cup squad. O’Connor originally headed overseas after a number of off-field incidents had him dropped from his ARU contract and without a provincial team.
The former Force and Rebels back would not elaborate on his plans for the near future, merely stating, ‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at London Irish and I’m looking forward to the next few months.’ Does O’Connor still have a place in Ewen McKenzie’s backline? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. [/one_half]
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Ireland open 6 nations with win
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has led his team to a comfortable 28-6 win over a Scotland side severely stilted in attack in yesterday’s match at Landsdowne Road. Despite losing inspirational captain Paul O’Connell just before the match with a chest infection, the aggressive Irish defence was able to shut down any attacking raids by the possession-rich Scotland side. Meanwhile, the dominant Irish side ran in three tries through Andrew Trimble, man of the match Jamie Heaslip and Rob Kearney.
Sunday’s match saw the completion of the first round of Six Nations action. In previous fixtures, Wales defeated Italy 23-15 and France was narrowly victorious over England 26-14. [/one_half]
