Thursday’s rugby news has TMO backlash, Rebels tactics, another former Wallaby against overseas exclusion and Wilkinson going into coaching.
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IRB extends TMO trial
The IRB has extended the trialed enhancement of TMO power through to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, just as Reds lock Ed O’Donoghue was exonerated for an incorrect TMO decision against the Rebels on Saturday. Despite O’Donoghue being cleared, SANZAR refereeing boss Lyndon Bray said, “I can 100 per cent understand the decision they [TMO] arrived at.”
Meanwhile, James Horwill will have until the end of the week to explain to SANZAR his comments that the Reds had been “robbed by a stupid refereeing decision.” I thought it was pretty clear. [/one_half]
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Rebels eyeing off Foley
Melbourne winger Tom English has highlighted his team’s focus on trying to stop the Waratahs attack through pressuring five-eighth Bernard Foley. “I say it’s a bit of the Bernie Foley show at the moment,’’ English said, adding, “whilst it’ll be stupid not to look at Izzy, I think Bernie will be our primary focus.”
Meanwhile, the Waratahs have made two changes from the team that embarrassed the Lions 41-13 last Sunday. Coach Michael Cheika has reinserted Jacques Potgieter into the starting line-up for Will Skelton, while Matt Carraro has made way for Alofa Alofa on the right wing. [/one_half]
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Grey wants best Wallaby 15
Another former Wallaby has called for overseas players such as Kane Douglas to be considered for the Rugby World Cup. Waratahs assistant coach Nathan Grey said that he hoped McKenzie would reconsider his firm stance which would see the Leinster-bound Douglas excluded. “As a Wallabies supporter, I want the best 15 players in the country putting that jersey on whenever it’s available,” Grey said.
With Douglas almost certainly being omitted from the 32-man squad to take on France in next month’s three Test series, Ewen McKenzie will have to turn to new possible second-row options Will Skelton, Sam Carter, Force candidate Adam Coleman or Rebels youngster Luke Jones. [/one_half]
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Wilco to return as coach
In the wake of his official retirement announcement, it now appears that Jonny Wilkinson will continue working in rugby next year as a specialist kicking coach at Toulon. “He can help us a lot,” said Toulon head coach Bernard Laporte. “He will advise the players on their technical abilities, on their handling and kicking.” Wilkinson has expressed his desire to help the club’s younger players with a possible future role in the English side.
Wilkinson will be looking to end his career on a high, with Toulon taking on Saracens in the Heineken Cup final on Saturday before facing Castres in the Top 14 final on May 31. [/one_half]
