Monday’s rugby news has a number of re-signings for the Brumbies, a promising number 8 to France, Pocock trying new rehab procedures and France suffering a disappointing loss.
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Brumbies secure three stars
Wallaby representatives Scott Fardy, Sam Carter and Tevita Kuridrani are all believed to have signed new contracts with the Brumbies ahead of the Rugby World Cup. The trio would have been heavily sought on the overseas market but were determined to chase further success in Australia.
The signings will be an important boost to the ACT team, who won a hard fought victory over the Rebels over the weekend in which Christian Lealiifano becoming just the third Brumby to reach 500 points. Coach Stephen Larkham cited the inside centre’s resurgence in kicking form as vitality important to the team’s title hopes.
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‘Next Palu’ off to France
Patrick Sio, the brother of Wallaby prop Scott Sio and a player dubbed by some ‘the next Wycliff Palu’, has signed with French side Stade Francais after failing to secure a contract with any of Australia’s Super Rugby franchises.
Sio was a standout in the Shute Shield competition last year with Eastwood coach John Manenti commenting, “He was player of the year in the team that won the grand final, but obviously other people aren’t seeing what I am seeing.” The Australian number 8 stocks are looking grim after the World Cup, with former captain Ben Mowen playing in France, Scott Higginbotham heading overseas and Wycliff Palu also linked to Japan.
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Pocock tries altitude rehab
David Pocock and other injured Brumbies are now the first players to test out the team’s state of the art altitude simulation room. The facility is part of the the University of Canberra’s exercise research institute, simulating an altitude two kilometres above sea level and combining it with humidity and high temperature to add an extra edge to fitness work.
“It’s hard to breathe once you start working. You’re in there for an hour and as soon as you walk out you feel all this oxygen pump back into your body,” said Fotu Auelea. The entire Brumbies squad will be using the facilities to prepare for their two-game tour of South Africa later this season.
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French coach disheartened
France has suffered its second defeat in three matches in this season’s Six Nations as Wales rekindled its title hopes with a 20-13 win in Paris. After the match French coach Pierre Saint-Andre was disapointed with the team’s recent performances in relationship to World Cup preparations, commenting, “I’m not going to say we are a great team,”
Wales lost its home opener to England but having edged out Scotland and now beaten France, its is back in the title battle with top two Ireland and England meeting in Dublin. France though are basically out of contention.
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