Thursday’s rugby news has the possible ANZAC XV, some Reds reinforcements, Foley giving some coach-on-coach banter and two second-row legends facing off.
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ANZAC XV in the works
Australia and New Zealand are working hard to assemble an ANZAC XV match at Suncorp Stadium next year to commemorate the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign. Former ARU boss John O’Neill has called for a one-off blockbuster between an Anzac XV and the Lions at Twickenham after the World Cup. There is also the option to pick a World XV team similar to the side set to play South Africa on June 7.
Not only would the match be a great commemoration, but it would have a secondary financial benefit to the ARU. One worrying concern though, is how many Aussies would crack the team? [/one_half]
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Reds call in reinforcements
The Queensland Reds will enjoy the return of Chris Feauai-Sautia to their injury-plagued backline for this week’s match against the Brumbies. The Reds have missed the explosive 20-year old with a hamstring injury. CFS will replace rookie Jamie-Jerry Taulagi on the wing, after a back three position was left vacant through Lachie Turner’s ankle injury.
Queensland coach Richard Graham has also recalled Anthony Fainga’a, set to make his first start of the year with inside centre Mike Harris experiencing Achilles tendon soreness throughout the week. [/one_half]
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Battle for underdog status
Western Force coach Michael Foley has said that despite the team’s strong start to the season, they were way off being considered favourites. Michael Cheika had previously said that the Force would be expecting a fifth-straight win this weekend. “If we get past last year(4 wins) then we start to chase some of the things we’re aspiring to this year,” Foley said, adding, “But we’re pretty realistic about it.”
The only new change to the Force team will be the loss of in-form centre Junior Rasolea, who will be replaced by South African Marcel Brache. [/one_half]
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Matfield v Thorn matchup
Two legends of the game, 39 year old Brad Thorn and 36 year old Victor Matfield will face off this week, after both were late recalls in the Bulls v Highlanders matchup. Matfield was meant to be rested on the Bulls’ Australasian tour, but he will slot in next to captain Phillip (Flip) van der Merwe in the second row with Paul Willemse on the replacements bench.
Thorn was inserted into the starting line-up by Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph yesterday, creating this exciting clash of the star locks. [/one_half]
