Monday’s rugby news has O’Connor denying tension with Adam Thompson, Quade move to Toulon more likely, Latu and Skelton cited for dangerous tackle and Bath reach the finals of the Aviva Premiership.
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JOC Denies Tension
Queensland Reds player James O’Connor has denied tension between himself and Adam Thompson after they had a heated exchange in the dressing room at half time during their match against the Sharks.
“Thommo is one of my best mates in the team,” O’Connor said.
“We had a bit of a disagreement about a play down the left side of the field just before half-time. That’s what teammates do sometimes … there’s not a drama.”
Will Genia appeared to separate the two during the argument but also played down the incident.
“James and Thommo had a few words so I did make a point of talking to our young backline guys who saw it and told them exactly what it was … passion from two players trying to get the best out of a play and themselves,” he said.
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Quade Move Likely
Quade Cooper is expected to publicly announce his move to Toulon within the next fortnight which will see him turn down a deal with the Reds.
Cooper visited France earlier this year and was photographed in a Toulon jersey with millionaire owner Mourad Boudjellal who claimed he had signed a deal for two years.
If the deal is confirmed, Cooper will join other big names, Will Genia and James Horwill to leave the Reds at the end of the season.
Cooper is also expected to return from injury this weekend against the Western Force.[/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
Latu, Skelton Cited
Waratahs players Tolu Latu and Will Skelton have been cited for a dangerous tackle following the Waratahs win over the Crusaders on Saturday night. Latu was yellow carded for the incident whilst Skelton was lucky to stay on the field following a couple of other incidents as well.
The Waratahs are expected to fight the charges after they rejected an offer for a guilty plea offer by SANZAR on Sunday morning. They will now face a judicial hearing on Monday afternoon before they head to South Africa on Tuesday morning.
Waratahs coach Michael Cheika spoke about the incident after the match.
“The match officials were all there and they all took a long look … He [Whitelock] didn’t land on his head. It was an awkward combination of the two, they were trying to hold him up for the maul, one was up top. Sometimes it just happens, so I wouldn’t expect anything was going to happen,” he said. [/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Bath Reach Final
Sam Burgess’ team, Bath, have reached the final of the Aviva Premiership after defeating the Leicester Tigers 47-10. They will now play Saracens in the grand final next weekend at Twickenham.
Matt Banahan scored a hat-trick for Bath whilst they scored seven tries all together.
If Bath win next weekend it will be their first Premiership title.
Burgess has performed strongly for his club side and has been rewarded with his recent inclusion in the England 50 man squad. [/one_half]
