Thursday’s Rugby News has McKenzie discussing his team changes, some more Heineken Cup drama, All Blacks line-up changes and some Aussie S15 contract developments.
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McKenzie defends Genia snub
Ewen McKenzie has explained his decision to drop fill-in captain Will Genia, emphasising the readiness of replacement half-back Nic White and the need to be proactive in arresting the Wallabies’ losing streak. ‘I’m not sitting around hoping something is going to change. I’m actually in there trying to drive an outcome,’ said McKenzie, who also discussed Genia’s form slump and the need to foster a competitive culture.
The other change to the starting team was the promotion of Ben Alexander to run-on tighthead in hopes of fixing the shaky Wallabies scrum. Lock Sitaleki Timani and Brumbies centre Tevita Kuridrani have also been move onto the bench.
Genia’s benching poses the question, who is the next big-name Wallaby to face the axe if victories do not come soon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. [/one_half]
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Heineken Cup clings to life
With Heineken Cup talks stalled, English and French clubs have pre-emptively agreed to play each other in a new tournament next season. ‘If there is no Heineken Cup next season, we need something in its place. We have a television agreement with BT and we would not take a big hit financially,’ said Premiership Rugby chief executive, Mark McCafferty.
But WRU chief Roger Lewis has insisted that there is still hope for the competition, which he sees as ‘simply too good to lose.’ An independent mediator has been brought in and negotiations have convened. The WRU and other regions are apparently open to discussing changes in qualification procedures and revenue distribution. ‘In the coming weeks we will lock ourselves in a room and not leave it until a consensus is agreed on the way forward,’ Lewis said. [/one_half]
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All Blacks shuffle starters
After a number of injuries to high-profile players, the All Blacks have been forced to make five changes for Saturday’s Test against South Africa. In a drastically changed forward pack, hooker Dane Coles will start, along with blindside flanker Liam Messam and tighthead prop Owen Franks returning from injury, with Sam Cane filling in for Richie McCaw. The only change in the backs sees Ma’a Nonu return from a niggling ankle concern to resume his position at inside centre.
The Springboks named their side on Wednesday and retained the same starting line up and bench that beat Australia 38-12 last week. The Springboks lead the Rugby Championship on 14 points, one ahead of the All Blacks, and the winner of the game at Eden Park will be a massive step closer to claiming the Rugby Championship title. [/one_half]
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Hegarty re-signs
The Melbourne Rebels have snapped up rookie sensation Bryce Hegarty for a further two years. The 21 year old flyhalf was a standout for the Rebels late last season, after making his debut in round 13 against the Blues. ‘Bryce joins a raft of young Rebels re-committing to the Club, which I think shows great belief in the direction in which we are headed,’ said Rebels General Manager of Rugby Sam Cordingley.
Meanwhile, Nick Cummins’ contract talks have stalled, despite the Honey Badger expressing his desire to stay with the Force. Cummins is off contract in December and the Force and ARU have both have tabled offers. While Cummins has put the distraction of contract talks behind him during the Rugby Championship, he has admitted his eagerness to combine with other stars Luke Morahan, Kyle Goodwin and (possibly) James O’Connor in the Force backline.
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