Monday’s rugby news has a call for more NRL players, Cheika realistic, the crowds leaving the Brumbies and a massive All-Black injury.
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Jones wants more poaching
Eddie Jones has called for the ARU to step up its efforts to sign NRL stars given the tremendous success of Israel Folau. Jones’ first choice superstar would be Greg Inglis, but the former Wallabies coach insists there are many Origin-level stars who would be worth considering. ‘Look at all the best athletes in Australia at the moment, they all go to NRL and Aussie Rules,’ he said.
Jones also emphasised the economic impact that cross-code superstars have, citing the beneficial off-field profile of Folau and the media attention it brings. A signing like Inglis, although obviously a pipe-dream, would be analogous to the effect that Australian soccer felt with the signing of Alessandro Del Piero. [/one_half]
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Cheika downplays win
Despite the Waratahs joining the Crusaders over the weekend as the only teams to win after making the trip to South Africa, coach Michael Cheika has remained realistic about the nature of the victory. ‘To be fair to the Stormers, I think we got them at just the right time,’ Cheika said. ‘They’ve come back from a long tour, they’re missing several key players.’
After the win, the Tahs will enjoy having a number of starters back for this week’s match with the Force. Israel Folau and Wycliff Palu will be returning from injury, as well as Rob Horne, who served a one-week suspension. From the weekend’s match only Peter Betham appears to have sustained serious injury with an ankle issue possibly keeping him out of the Force game. [/one_half]
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Fans deserting Brumbies
Brumbies director of rugby Laurie Fisher has called for a renewed push for fan support after the club’s lowest crowd in 15 years turned up to witness the 26-9 defeat of the Blues on Friday night. Dismal weather contributed to only 7129 fans watching the match, with the tiny attendance set to cost the franchise up to $30,000.
‘We’ve got a hardcore group and then there’s a group that comes on entertainment and spectacle,’ Fisher said, emphasising the dual need to increase the base of hardcore fans while actually getting less invested groups to the ground. [/one_half]
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Cruden sidelined
The Chiefs have confirmed that their co-captain and All Black five-eighth Aaron Cruden will miss six to eight weeks with a broken thumb. Cruden sustained the injury during the Chiefs 43-all draw against the Cheetahs this week, with post-match x-rays confirming the damage.
The injury will mean that Cruden will likely miss the upcoming three-test series against England, a massive blow for the Kiwis as Dan Carter remains unavailable while he completes his sabbatical. The Hurricanes’ Beauden Barrett looks like the likely replacement in the national team, while the Chiefs no.10 jersey will be filled by Gareth Anscombe. [/one_half]
