Thursday’s rugby news has Christian Lealiifano rejoining the Wallabies squad, Brisbane Broncos to thank for converts according to Wayne Bennett, Stuart Lancaster in contention to coach the Reds and All Blacks name side to face Wales.
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Hope for Lealiifano
Christian Lealiifano has joined the Wallabies squad following the birth of his child yesterday.
Wallabies assistant coach Stephen Larkham has reportedly been passing on backline plays to Lealiifano over the past 10 days as waited for his partner to give birth.
Larkham holds Lealiifano in high regard following their six years together at the Brumbies.
Bernard Foley said he would be comfortable playing with Lealiifano if he was selected to partner him at inside centre.
“It’s not a problem because we’ve played a fair bit together, (three) Tests in 2014 and I know his style of play, his excellent running and distribution game,” Foley said.
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Broncos to Thank
Brisbane Broncos coach Wayne Bennett believes code hoppers Israel Folau, Karmichael Hunt and Ben Te’o have the Broncos to thank for their success.
Bennett attributed their success to the habits formed whilst playing for the Rugby League club.
“It’s been a great club, this club, and we’ve produced a lot of wonderful men out of it. They’re all playing another code but the grounding is here in this organisation,” Bennett said.
“Melbourne [Storm] and ourselves do it better than anybody else, in terms of turning kids out that have the right attitudes to play the game.”
“Sometimes they have to leave and find out it’s not as good outside as it was here. That’s why they want to come back lots of times. We’re always happy to have them back,”
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Lancaster in Contention
Former England coach Stuart Lancaster has emerged as a contender to coach the Queensland Reds next season.
Lancaster resigned after England’s performance in last year’s World Cup after having beaten the All Blacks and Wallabies (twice).
Lancaster was announced as England coach in 2012 and won 28 from 46 Tests in charge.
Current Reds co-coaches Nick Stiles and Matt O’Connor are both understood to have ambitions to take the top job for themselves and will be on the shortlist for the final candidates.
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AB’s Name Team
The All Blacks have named a strong team to face Wales in their first first this weekend.
Ardie Savea and Seta Tamanivalu could both make their debut if they come off the bench.
Team: Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Ryan Crotty, Julian Savea, Aaron Cruden, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (c), Sam Cane, Jerome Kaino, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Joe Moody
Reserves: Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Seta Tamanivalu
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