Monday’s rugby news has Smith warning against the French exodus, Graham under pressure, Cheika optimistic and the Heineken Cup final decided.
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Smith warns ACT stars
Wallaby legend George Smith has warned Brumbies stars against signing with French clubs to “cash in” after the World Cup. The average French Top 14 salary is $250,000 compared to Australian Super Rugby franchise’s $160,000, but Smith said, “Missing the chance to play for Australia is something you will regret if you choose money over Test jerseys.”
Smith also believes that the ARU should relax the Test exclusion policy for long-serving Wallabies, allowing them to increase their earning potential overseas in the wake of the French expansion. [/one_half]
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Graham feeling the pressure
The Reds’ finals hopes have seemingly slipped away after a 35-21 loss to the Hurricanes which left them last in the Australian conference and 13th overall. Coach Richard Graham refused to concede that the season was lost, saying, “We’ve got to continue to believe that we’re a bloody good side capable of turning this around and gathering some momentum.”
Graham will be feeling the pressure though after presiding over the team’s fall from three straight finals campaigns and a title under Ewen McKenzie’s watch. Meanwhile, Graham’s former side, the Force, have experienced a resurgence and are at 4th place. [/one_half]
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Cheika still looking at top 2 finish
Michael Cheika still believes that his team can finish in the top two and secure a home semi-final, despite suffering their third loss in five games to the Blues over the weekend. The Waratahs are now clinging to sixth spot, but Cheika has remained optimistic.
“There is no point in changing your goals,” Cheika said, citing the upcoming schedule for the top 2 teams. The Brumbies are yet to undergo the difficult South African trip and will play the Waratahs while the Sharks have 6 games on the road remaining. [/one_half]
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Heineken Cup final set
The Heineken Cup smei-finals were played over the weekends, with Toulon and Saracens emerging victorious, set to face off in the competition’s final in Cardiff next month. English side Saracens belted last year’s finalists Clermont at Twickenham 46-6. “Nothing went right for us. It’s a strange feeling,” said Clermont coach Vern Cotter after the six tries to none rout.
Meanwhile, Jonny Wilkinson has booted Toulon into the final, kicking six penalties and a drop goal in the team’s 24-16 win over Munster. [/one_half]
