Thursday’s rugby news has Israel Folau prepared for the high balls, Quade Cooper’s x factor, Liam Gill officially moving to Toulon and Beauden Barrett to start for the All Blacks.
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Folau Prepared
Israel Folau says he will be prepared for the high balls if the All Blacks decide to kick in Saturday night’s first Bledisloe match.
“You can’t really do much if the kicks are pinpoint accurate,” Folau said.
“My job during that time is obviously to catch the ball and after that, if it is a good kick, they get time to get defenders right on you. My first job is to catch the ball, and I think about what I can do after that.
“They have some great kickers in their team, right from the base there with Aaron Smith. It’s going to be a tough job for the guys at the back.”
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Cooper X Factor
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika believes Quade Cooper can be an x factor player for the Wallabies.
“Well he’s (Cooper) definitely got X-factor,” Cheika said.
“There’s no doubt about that.
“There’s areas of his game he’s really been working hard to improve on and (I’ve been) really, really pleased with him since he’s returned to training.
“A really good work ethic and he understands where he wants to improve.
“He’s giving us that at training.
“We need to be able to turn that into match action, turn that positive stuff he’s doing at training into that match, into that intensity.
“I’m sure he can do that job, if not a little more.”
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Gill Officially Signs
Liam Gill has officially joined European powerhouse club Toulon but is still subject to a full medical.
Gill was scheduled to arrive in France at the end of July, however, ongoing negotiations with Australia’s coach Michael Cheika pushed back the signing.
“It was a complicated process, it was something between the Australian head coach and myself, we found common ground and luckily was able to come over and fulfil my contract out here which is something I’m super excited to be a part of.” said Gill.
“No, I’m not retiring just having a two year window where I get to experience different rugby and a change of scene, and hopefully make myself a better player on my return to Australia. I really want to give European rugby a chance and enjoy my time at Toulon.”
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Barrett to Start
The All Blacks selectors have named Beauden Barrett to start at flyhalf ahead of Aaron Cruden.
Sam Cane has overcome a concussion to edge out Ardie Savea at openside flanker whilst Dane Coles misses out as he works his way back to full fitness.
Prop Kane Hames could make his debut off the bench after being named as a replacement for the injured Joe Moody.
Team: Wyatt Crockett, Nathan Harris, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Samuel Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane, Kieran Read – captain, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Waisake Naholo, Ryan Crotty, Malakai Fekitoa, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg Reserves: Codie Taylor, Kane Hames, Charlie Faumuina, Liam Squire, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Aaron Cruden, Julian Savea
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