Thursday’s rugby news has Brumbies confident of their back row depth, Walsh announces his squad for the Canada Sevens, former Blues player Kurtis Haiu passes away and Sonny Bill Williams gives away his award.
[one_half last=”no”]
Brumbies Confident of Depth
Brumbies flanker Scott Fardy says the Brumbies are confident they can cover the loss of star backrowers Ita Vaea and David Pocock.
“We are confident in the guys we have coming in, whoever comes in with Jordan or Jarrad or Michael Wells. We are really confident they can do the job. They’ve been training and playing well all year and this is their opportunity to get some good minutes in,” Fardy said.
“They’re excited and I am excited for them.”
Jarrad Butler filled in for Pocock throughout 2014 and received the Brumbies players player award for his efforts.
“He’s a fantastic player so hopefully he pulls through the fitness test tomorrow and we have got him on Saturday night, because he’ll be a huge asset to the side,” Fardy said.
“He is just a reliable bloke on and off the field. He is the sort of guy you bank on, so if we gets the opportunity on Saturday, we can always bank on what he does. He has never let anyone down.”
[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Walsh Names Squad
Women’s Sevens coach Tim Walsh has named a young squad for the Canada Sevens this weekend.
Shenae Ciesiolka (18), Demi Hayes (17) and Georgina Friedrichs (20) have all been included in the squad.
“I’m looking forward to seeing a few of the debutants stepping up and demonstrating the depth of the squad as they face up to the challenge of playing against the best women’s sevens exponents in the world,” Walsh said.
“This tournament enables us to build strength and depth whilst maintaining focus on the world series and Olympics.
“Demi is a fine athletic forward and Georgie is a well-rounded jack of all trades player who is as brave as anyone I’ve seen on a rugby field.
“Everyone saw the footwork Shenae has in her locker when we took on Ireland at the Sydney Sevens in February — it’s a very complementary mix of young sevens players.”
Shannon Parry will again captain the side in the absence of Sharni Williams.
Full squad: Shannon Parry, Brooke Walker, Nicole Beck, Tiana Penitani, Dominique du Toit, Demi Hayes, Georgina Friedrichs, Chloe Dalton, Amy Turner, Shenae Ciesiolka, Emilee Cherry, Mahalia Murphy
[/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
Kurtis Haiu Passes Away
Former Blues and Auckland lock Kurtis Haiu has passed away at age 31 after losing his battle with cancer.
Haiu played 53 Super Rugby matches for the Blues between 2006-2011 before he was forced to retire due to illness.
Haiu suffered from Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer.
“Kurtis loved his girls so much and our love and prayers go out to them and the Haiu family,” said Blues captain Jerome Kaino.
“Kurtis fought such a brave battle to be with them for as long as he could, which was typical of his character.
“I loved playing footy with Kurtis and I will treasure those memories of my Blues brother and pray that he rests in peace.”
[/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
SBW Gives Away Award
New Zealand Sevens player Sonny Bill Williams has given away his Hong Kong Sevens runner-up trophy to an 8 year old boy.
Young fan Copper Rodda posted a video on YouTube to thank Williams for the gift.
“My mum asked him for a selfie… and then when he gave my mum her iPhone back he also gave me this awesome HK Sevens runner-up trophy,” he says in the video
“He’s, like, one of the most nicest guys in the world. I’m his number one fan so thank you Sonny Bill for giving me this.”
