Thursday’s rugby news has the Welsh team announced, Australia’s ominous world cup schedule, an All Black veteran retiring and some bookmaker charity for heartbroken Irish fans.
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Gatland names Lions-rich team
Welsh coach Warren Gatland has named his starting team to play the Wallabies this weekend, featuring 10 British and Irish Lions. The announcement confirms the return of imposing winger Alex Cuthbert from injury for his first Test of the tour, combining with George North and Leigh Halfpenny to reunite the dangerous Lions back three. Notably missing from the team though are centres Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies, as well as world class tighthead Adam Jones.
Although Wales have lost their last eight matches against Australia, there has been talk that the Lions contingent will bring a mental edge to the game. But Lions coach Gatland has dispelled this theory, emphasising that Australia are a different team under McKenzie. ‘There’s been no mention of the Lions by us and I’m pretty sure there would be no mention from the Australians as well,’ Gatland said. [/one_half]
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World Cup schedule revealed
The Wallabies have been handed a daunting pool schedule as the IRB has revealed the timetable for the 2015 World Cup. Needing to make the top two of their ‘pool of death’, the Wallabies face major rivals England and Wales back-to-back in their final two group games, likely needing to win both to avoid heavyweights South Africa and New Zealand on route to the final. The early pool matches will also prove challenging, requiring Australia to play two games in four days.
With this announcement, 2015 World Cup organizers have also revealed that tickets will be available for general sale in September. Ticket prices for adults will begin at STG15 ($A26), with STG7 ($A12.50) tickets available for children at 41 of the 48 matches. [/one_half]
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Andrew Hore retiring
After 83 Tests for New Zeland, veteran hooker Andrew Hore has announced his international retirement. Coach Steve Hansen has said Hore could represent the All Blacks again but that only appears likely in an injury crisis. Hore played for the Highlanders for the 2012 and 2013 seasons but was not re-signed by coach Jamie Joseph for next year. After struggling to find a Super 15 team for 2014, the 35 year old said he planned to concentrate on working on his South Island farm.
‘I don’t think I’ll be playing in the All Black jersey again,’ he told reporters. ‘I’ve had a good run, hopefully I can get home and make a good fist of my next job which is going to be a farmer.’ [/one_half]
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Irish bookies pay out
Irish betting company Bragbet has amazingly decided to pay out 10 to 1 odds for an Irish victory over the All Blacks, even though a last second try gave New Zealand a 24-22 win over the weekend. ‘Irish rugby fans up and down the country were robbed by that injury time try,’ CEO Phil Riordan said. ‘While a few quid won’t make up for the once in a lifetime chance that went begging, at least by paying out at 10/1 it will sweeten the medicine a little.’
In 109 years of trying, Ireland have never beaten New Zealand, losing 26 Tests with just one draw at Lansdowne Road in 1973. Bragbet’s official Twitter account said the loss was so heartbreaking they were pretending it never happened. [/one_half]
