Thursday’s rugby news has Pocock’s devastating injury, the Wallabies halfback battle, Beale trying for 12 and the lions recalled for the 6 Nations.
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Pocock out for season
David Pocock has undergone his second knee reconstruction in 12 months, ending his Super Rugby season after just two games. The former Wallaby captain had a full knee reconstruction on Wednesday night, a year on from his initial ACL tear last year. ‘Having worked so hard to get himself back to peak physical condition over the last 12 months it’s impossible not to feel for David,’ Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher said. Pocock will have to undergo a nine month period of rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, George Smith’s manager Lee Abrahams has advised against the return of the 33 year old Wallaby legend. Abrahams has suggested a period of total rest, before leaving the door agonizingly ajar with the statement, ‘It’s something we wouldn’t advise him to do, but you can never rule anything out with George Smith.’
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Genia challenged for 9 spot
The battle for the Wallabies halfback spot is heating up, with Will Genia feeling the pressure from Luke Burgess, Nic White and Nick Phipps, who have all displayed impressive Super Rugby form to start the season. Incumbent Will Genia will be challenged in the lead into the 2015 World Cup and would be wary of conceding his spot again this year because of any drop-offs in form.
With four Wallabies in the mix, Ewen McKenzie has apparently told Waratahs 9 Nick Phipps that the open competition will ultimately be decided purely on provincial form. ‘There’s so much competition, which is why Ewen is talking about how much he wants the (Super Rugby) teams to perform well and then selections will come off the back of that,’ said Phipps. [/one_half]
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AAC praises Beale
Waratahs team-mate Adam Ashley-Cooper has nominated Kurtley Beale for the Wallabies inside centre role after a seamless transition from 10 at Super Rugby level. Beale has been instrumental in the Waratahs attacking potency to start the season, bringing an extra playmaking option to the team. ‘The guy is a great football player. He’s creative and unpredictable in his skill and that’s everything you need,’ said AAC.
With Israel Folau and Quade Cooper unlikely to be budged from No.15 and 10 respectively in the Wallabies backline, coach Ewen McKenzie may see Beale as the perfect fit at inside centre. Beale will also be able to build his form at 12 throughout the season while incumbents Matt Toomua will be playing 10 and Christian Leali’ifano is returning from injury. [/one_half]
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Welsh stars rejoin team
Wales will enjoy the return of Alun-Wyn Jones and Jonathan Davies to the starting 15 for Sunday’s 6 Nations encounter against England at Twickenham. Davies returned from injury last weekend for Scarlets after a five-month recovery for a pectoral injury. Jones missed last Friday’s win against France with a foot infection and will join the Welsh team that features 12 British and Irish Lions. Davies pushes George North out to the wing, Liam Williams moving onto the replacements’ bench in turn.
Meanwhile, English wing Jack Nowell has added some intrigue to the traditionally fiery encounter, emphasising the hatred shared between the two sides. ‘You’re going out to play against a team who hate you and want to do anything to beat you in the game,’ Nowell said. [/one_half]
