Monday’s rugby news has the ARU holding Folau back, Moore let off for his punch, the Reds low on backs and a major injury to Brad Thorn.
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Folau sidelined by ARU
The ARU have taken control of the immediate playing future of Israel Folau after ruling him out of Saturday’s match with the Western Force. “The decision-making process takes into account all factors around an injury, including the risk of re-injury, further serious complications and permanent damage,” said the ARU’s chief medical officer, Warren McDonald. “We continue to be comfortable with our decision, which was centred on player welfare.”
Waratahs coach, Michael Cheika was left seething by the ARU’s intervention, which came less than 24 hours out from Saturday’s match. Folau previously made it through the team’s contact session and saw a specialist in Perth, being given the all-clear on Wednesday. [/one_half]
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Moore cleared after punch
Stephen Moore has been cleared of any wrongdoing over the weekend after he punched Reds player Eddie Quirk in the 49th minute of the Friday night match. SANZAR opted against sending the matter to the judiciary, despite the fact that Reds coach Richard Graham was reportedly fuming and set to speak to the game commissioner.
The Brumbies have used the non-action to emphasise the need for officials to stamp out illegal holding tactics at the ruck. “You want to be measured against each other side to side who’s the better footy team and when that other stuff comes in – blocking off the ball, holding players in and all that – it’s not footy,” said Brumbies captain Ben Mowen. [/one_half]
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Reds send out SOS
Reds coach Richard Graham has revealed on Sunday night that the team may opt for a short-term international signing to boost their depleted backline stocks. The Reds went into the match with the Brumbies with just nine fit backs available, with Mike Harris (achilles) the latest sidelined starter, joining Dom Shipperley (hip), Aidan Toua (pectoral) and Lachie Turner (ankle) on the injured list.
“We’ll check the fitness of Mike and ‘Ships’ but we will definitely spend time this week discussing further the idea of signing a pinch-hitter to help the squad,” Graham said. [/one_half]
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Thorn suffers major setback
All Black legend Brad Thorn will miss the remainder of the Super Rugby season after tearing his bicep in the Highlanders’ 27-20 win over the Bulls in Dunedin at the weekend. Thorn is set to undergo surgery only a few weeks after his return from a lengthy rib cartilage injury suffered during the opening round.
Thorn has recently said that his goal was to continue to keep playing at the top level after he turns 40 next week, with a decision to suit up for a final year with either a European club or his Highlanders team to be made at the end of 2014. [/one_half]
