Monday’s rugby news has Robinson’s exclusion explained, Izzy giving no guarantees, Cooper excited by new back-line and no NPC for SBW.
[one_half last=”no”]
Link explains Robinson snub
Ewen McKenzie has revealed why Benn Robinson has long been excluded from his Wallabies squads, saying that the former Test loosehead was a slow learner when it came to the new scrum laws. Robinson was omitted from the French series and the opening of the Rugby Championships, before being recently recalled.
“In the scrum area with the transition of laws over the last 12 months, some people have reacted in different ways. He has taken a bit long to adjust,” McKenzie said. Link also emphasised his preference for the consistency of Western Force front-rower Pek Cowan.
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
Izzy gives no guarantees
Israel Folau has praised the new clause in Wallaby contracts that allow overseas stints, but the Test fullback stopped short of guaranteeing that the change will prevent him from signing elsewhere following the Rugby World Cup. ARU eligibility rules now allow players signing contracts over three years to join a foreign team for one season in that time.
“I will assess all options, it comes down to what you want during that time, things change over time,” Folau said. “I will determine how things go and how I feel during that time.”
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”no”]
Cooper backs new signings
Quade Cooper has put his faith behind the new back-line additions for the Reds. The injured Test flyhalf has said that James O’Connor’s inclusion will make “a huge difference” while backing Karmichael Hunt to make next year’s World Cup.
As for his own playing prospects, Cooper estimated broadly that he was “anywhere from two to five weeks away,” adding that he had completed team runs but no tackling practice.
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
SBW goes without NPC stint
With the Rooster’s one-point finals win over the weekend, Sonny Bill-Williams will not play any NPC rugby but, as NZRU boss Steve Tew has emphasised, the All Blacks will be willing to make an exception to include the dual-code superstar in their squad.
SBW’s push for a Test spot recieved a boost when veteran centre Ma’a Nonu broke his left forearm in New Zealand’s 14-10 defeat of the Springboks in Wellington. Nonu wont play until the Super Rugby season, leaving SBW room to possibly carve out a position.
[/one_half]
