Monday’s rugby news has mixed feelings about Jake White’s return, Foley praised by an All-Black great, more bad news for the Reds and the Blues suffering a midfield injury crisis.
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Brumbies facing J White return
Brumbies captain Ben Mowen has admitted that some players are still furious about the former coach’s sudden departure last year. While Mowen said that he understood the decision, many “would be filthy about the process because Jake did ask players to commit to Canberra and move here.”
Others such as scrumhalf Nic White were thankful that the South African coach was able to turn the ACT franchise around before he left, propelling many players from unknowns to consistent Wallaby contenders. The Brumbies, under Stephen Larkham and Laurie Fisher, now sit second on the ladder behind White’s Sharks. [/one_half]
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Mehrtens tips Foley for Wallaby 10
All Black legend Andrew Mehrtens believes that Waratahs five-eighth Bernard Foley must be considered for the Wallabies 10 jersey this year. “You know he is dangerous, he brings the ball up to the line and if he senses an opportunity he has a crack, but not in a greedy way,” Mehrtens said.
The 77-Test All Black believed that current flyhalf Quade Cooper can struggle without consistent front-foot ball and tends to “run up his own tail” in response to the pressure exerted by top teams. Ha also said that Foley’s goal-kicking has been great, so the comments will need to be taken with a grain of salt. [/one_half]
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Reds in for more pain
The plummeting Reds are set to experience another setback as Wallaby prop James Slipper looks certain to be suspended for next Saturday’s match against the Crusaders. Slipper will likely receive a single-game ban by copping an early guilty plea for “dropping or driving” Blues forward Peter Saili into the ground.
Powerful ball-runner Chris Feauai-Sautia is also back on the injured list with a dislocated left shoulder. The loss of Slipper and CFS will only make matters worse for under-pressure Reds coach Richard Graham, who has three wins and seven losses as Ewen McKenzie’s successor. [/one_half]
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Blues midfield stocks depleted
Blues centres Francis Saili and Jackson Willison will both face extended sideline stints in a double blow that will seriously test the team’s depth. Saili, who missed the 44-14 win over the Reds, has now confirmed that the injury suffered in training earlier in the week is a high ankle sprain. He is expected to be out for six to eight weeks, making him unavailable for the three home Tests against England.
Meanwhile, Willison suffered a hamstring strain while scoring a try against the Reds and is expected to miss four to six weeks. [/one_half]
