Thursday’s rugby news has the Wallabies taking ownership, Stirling Mortlock calls for Toomua to start, Hugh Roach re-signs with the Waratahs and Steve Hansen makes big changes.
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WB’s Take Ownership
Wallabies vice captain Rob Horne is under no illusions to try and avoid a 3-0 whitewash to the English.
“The position we’re in today is that we have the team, we have the game to be where we want to be and we’ve let ourselves down the last couple of weeks with what we’ve put on the field,” he said.
“We know what we have to do and we’re going to do that.
“It’s completely on us. The thing about losing is it puts a microscope on yourself, pretty big, so you learn a lot from a loss as opposed to a win.
“We’re working very hard on ourselves and making sure that we put ourselves in the right positions.”
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Mortlock Calls for Toomua
Former Wallaby centre Stirling Mortlock has called for Matt Toomua to start in the centres for the final test match against England in Sydney.
“I was a vocal advocate of the Samu Kerevi-Tevita Kuridrani partnership before the series, with the prospect the pair could really rattle England,” Mortlock said.
“We haven’t really seen them take hold of a Test this series, though, and the balance of the backline hasn’t seemed quite right, with Israel Folau coming in to the front line to provide a second ball player to Foley.
“I really think Australia has lost the coolhead and impact of someone like Matt Giteau, in particular in kicking. Australia has missed the handy left boot of Giteau and Drew Mitchell in this series that provided an extra exit route.
“Unfortunately we don’t have a left foot option but I think you have to look at Matt Toomua to play 12 for this final Test, just for the balance of the team.”
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Roach Re-Signs
Waratahs hooker Hugh Roach has re-signed with the club for a further two seasons keeping him there until the end of 2018.
Waratahs forwards coach Cam Blades praised the young hooker.
“Hugh has taken his opportunities well this year by working hard to develop the key areas of his game, which has been reflected in his consistent performances on the field,” said Blades.
“He also gained loads of invaluable experience whilst Tatafu (Polota-Nau) and Tolu (Latu) were out injured.
His good form has meant that, upon their return, he has so far been able to retain his place in the match-day 23.
“I’m really looking forward to assisting in his continued development and success in the years to come.”
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Hansen Makes Changes
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has made a number of changes for the All Blacks final test match against Wales in Dunedin.
George Moala comes in Malakai Fekitoa whilst Elliot Dixon will start at blindside flanker in his first test match.
Julian Savea also returns on the wing for Waisake Naholo and Beauden Barrett will start at five-eight for Aaron Cruden.
Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Liam Squire could potentially make their debut off the bench.
Team: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, George Moala, Ryan Crotty, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read (captain), Sam Cane, Elliot Dixon, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Charlie Faumuina, Dane Coles, Joe Moody. Reserves: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Luke Romano, Liam Squire, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Lima Sopoaga, Waisake Naholo.
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