Thursdays Rugby News sees Hooper open to a report system, All Blacks injuries and returns, RUPA Boss joins the Rebels and Mike Brown’s sorry not sorry response.
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REPORTING INSTEAD OF CARDS
Throughout the 2018 Super Rugby season the ‘cards’ have been a contentious issue, and after this previous weekends international games, they are more contentious than ever.
After French fullback Benjamin Fall was controversially red carded for colliding with Beauden Barret in the air, there have been plenty of post match talks to review the card system.
All Blacks coach Steve Hanson floated the idea of trailing a system where players go on report similar to the Rugby League model.
When speaking to the media, Wallabies captain Michael Hooper said he wouldn’t be opposed to trialling a reporting system, but it would be a shake up for our sport.
“I think it could be a good thing, maybe something to trial and maybe take a leaf out of rugby league’s book there.
“It’s obviously a thing that’s going to (cause) change because it hasn’t been like that for a long time but it’d be interesting to see how it goes.
“The tough thing with review, as always, and the heat of the moment is your slow-mos and what happens and actually breaking down why things happen.
“That’s where a review system could be important.”
Hooper may be right that it would help cut down on some of the ridiculous cards that have been handed out but fellow Wallaby and Waratah Sekope Kepu has his own thoughts on the matter.
Kepu who has seen his share of Red and Yellow cards believes consistency is key to making the current system with the TMO work.
“I think that’s enough really, but it’s more the consistency of it and how they want to do the ruling.
“It’s out of my hands and you just want to play the game where you’re not in those situations, you don’t put your team in those situations.”
There are definite pro’s and con’s to the reporting system, it might get the TMO out of the game more which would be a positive, but there would be some negatives. Traditional AFL bullying teams would come out physical, come out hard and come out to hurt, and they were successful. If they had the risk of playing with a man down for reckless and dangerous acts then that would force them to focus more of the game and less on the act.
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BARRETT OUT, THE RETURN OF SBW
The Kiwi’s have some big injuries, but it doesn’t matter, they can just reach into the rugby player factory they have and find a few more.
New Zealand fly half Beauden Barrett has been ruled out of the All Blacks final match against France on Saturday.
All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster told the media (via Rugby.com.au) that Barrett would not play, alone with loose forward Vaea Fifita, who also suffered a head knock in the All Blacks win over France. Flanker Liam Squire was also rubbed out after he suffered a shoulder injury.
If the Wallabies first (and only) option in the no. 10 jersey went down injured, the coaches and supporters would be in panic mode. Similar to the panic mode people are in with Will Genia being injured and with the two players tip too replace him, the panic is understandable.
Barrett only played 12 minutes on the weekend, coming off due to failing a concussion test after he collided with French fullback Benjamin Fall when in the air. Fall was red carded, but his record was later cleared when the judicial panel deemed his actions to neither be reckless or dangerous. Damien McKenzie will replace Barrett at fly half with Richie Mo’unga a potential debut off the pine (Allblacks.com)
Sonny Bill Williams will make his first start of the season at 12 after returning much faster than expected from knee surgery. Williams was told during a meeting with doctors and coaches that his surgery was a success and he would be available for selection.
“The coach turned to the doctor and said ‘well, is he a chance of playing in the third Test, or being available for selection?’ And the doc said ‘yeah, but he has to come into camp’,” Williams said.
“So he looked at me and said ‘you’re in camp’.”
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XENOS JOINS THE REBELS
After seven years with RUPA, two as the CEO, Ross Xenos will leave the organisation for a manager role at the Melbourne Rebels.
Xenos became the CEO of the Rugby Union Players Association in 2015, after he joining them in 2011. He will become the General Manger – Commercial and Marketing for the Rebels when he starts on August 13th.
Ross Xenos had a successful tenure at RUPA, being apart of some large programs including the negotiation of a new CBA and pay deals for players at the end of 2017. He was a strong advocate for keeping five Super Rugby Teams during the debate to remove a team, which ultimately lead to the Western Force being cut.
“We are thrilled to welcome someone of the calibre of Ross to the Rebels family and the wealth of experience he brings in the sport and commercial industry.
“Ross is highly respected, professional and comes with a very strong network. We look forward to Ross driving our Commercial pillars which includes many exciting strategies in the local community, regional, interstate and overseas.” Rebels CEO, Baden Stephenson told Melbournerebels.com.
The Melbourne Rebels have made substantial changes, on and off the field over the past 12 months, starting with the appointment of Baden Stephenson as CEO last year.
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MIKE BROWN “SORRY NOT SORRY.”
After England’s second test loss to South Africa in Bloemfontein, an England supporter unleashed abuse on Harlequins and England players Mike Brown and Joe Marler. Brown took offence with the supporter stating there was a lack of effort from him on the field.
When speaking with BBC Sport, Brown said when a ‘supporter’ is “screaming obscenities and saying you’re not trying, you are going to have a reaction”.
“I just told him to shut up basically,” added the Fullback.
Brown has scored a try in both of England’s matches this tour was unimpressed with someone questioning his effort on the field, justifying his reaction.
“He was an England supporter. He had a flag and kit and all sorts. I was very happy with my reaction; I’m not a robot, I’m a human being.
“He can say he doesn’t like me as a player; that’s fine, that’s his opinion. But don’t ever say I’m not trying because people can see how much I put in on the field.
“Even if I make mistakes or don’t play very well, there’s never been a game in my career where I haven’t put 100% effort in. I don’t think anyone could ever say that about me.”
Brown has also since deleted his Twitter after continuous tirades of abuse began to get to him.
Players and athletes don’t deserve the individual abuse often thrown at them, but we can’t accept them retaliating, even if it is in a minor way. They may not be robots but they are expected to be better.
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