Thursday’s rugby news has a tough scrum battle, some selection headaches, Burgess tipped for union success and another win for the Wallaroos .
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Aussie scrum talks tough
Despite the Wallabies scrum being thoroughly dominated during last year’s Bledisloe Cup campaign, prop James Slipper believes that the pack have improved to the extent that they are ready to match it with the Kiwis. After a number of good performances against France, Slipper commented, “I feel like we’re starting to play at a level where we can put them (NZ) under pressure.”
The Australian front-row will have their depth tested though, with first choice hookers Stephen Moore and Tatafu Polota-Nau both out with injuries, along with reserve prop Scott Sio. Nathan Charles is expected to start in the number 2 jersey and he will face a difficult test against the experienced All Blacks. [/one_half]
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Link faces selection dilemmas
Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has admitted that the Waratahs’ Super Rugby Title has created a number of “selection headaches” in the backline, although he has not confirmed any replacements as yet. Strong performances to finish the season will have pushed halfback Nick Phipps, 12 Kurtley Beale and outside centre Adam Ashley-Cooper into contention with the incumbent Brumbies dominated backline.
“The Waratahs have done a fantastic job, we recognise that, we recognise form,” McKenzie said. The 11 Waratahs in the 32-man Test squad joined their Wallabies team-mates in Bathurst on Wednesday for the Bush2Bledisloe campaign drive. [/one_half]
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Dennis tips Burgess for no.8
Dave Dennis has said that impending union convert Sam Burgess has the ability to make it as a number.8 with club side Bath. Burgess is looking to represent England at next year’s World Cup and could also be pushed into the centres alike fellow league forwards Andy Farrell and Sonny Bill Williams.
As both Dennis and Burgess helped to launch a gold standard anti-doping program on Wednesday, the NSW Waratah emphasised the differences between the codes. “I talked to him about the difference there in terms of the contact zone where there’s a bit more below your hips rather than just an upper-body wrestle,” Dennis said. [/one_half]
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Wallaroos World Cup win
Australia have recorded their second straight win, keeping their opponents without a try again in beating Wales 25-3 at the Women’s Rugby World Cup. “I was impressed with our backs creating attacking opportunities, however, I feel that we are yet to reach our full attacking potential in this World Cup – which is an exciting prospect,” Australian coach Paul Verrell said.
Australia will face their toughest challenge on Sunday against Women’s Six Nations Champions, France. In the other big game, Ireland upset four-time defending champions New Zealand, beating them 17-14. [/one_half]
