Thursday’s rugby news has the Wallabies re-focusing, Meyer talking up his opposition, a few Springbok changes and Cruden out against the Pumas.
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Wallabies move on from NZ loss
The Wallabies have emphasised that they have moved past their 51-20 loss to the All Blacks, their focus exclusively on the challenge of the Springboks. “There has been a pretty big focus at the start of this week just to shrug it off, and get that energy back up,” new Test halfback Nick Phipps said.
“We are pumped to get back into it and regain a bit of honour, and a bit of faith.” Phipps said that the forward pack was especially focused on proving themselves against a powerful Springboks side.
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Meyer praises Wallabies
South African coach Heyneke Meyer has praised the current Wallabies side, characterising their loss during the second Bledisloe Test as “one bad game” for a quality side. Commenting on the forward pack, Meyer said, “You don’t lose nine games [as South African Super Rugby teams] against guys who aren’t physical enough and don’t get into the confrontation.”
Although Meyer seems genuine, also talking up the Wallaby scrum and physical defence, the comments do come against the unfortunate background of four straight wins against Australia.
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Springboks make changes
The South African team will feature a number of changes from the opening Rugby Championship matches against the Pumas. After being dominated at scrum-time, Heyneke Meyer made four changes to his pack for Saturday’s match, bringing in Marcell Coetzee, veteran Victor Matfield, Adriaan Strauss and Tendai Mtawarira.
He also recalled Jan Serfontein and the experienced Morne Steyn to the backline. Meyer diminished any unsettling effect of the changes, saying “We were always planning in moving our personnel around during the competition.”
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Cruden out for Pumas match
All Blacks flyhalf Aaron Cruden has been ruled out of Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Napier. Cruden is still feeling the residual effects of a chest muscle injury sustained during the All Blacks win over the Wallabies at Eden Park.
Beauden Barrett will now make his third Test start and his first at five-eight, with the 23 year-old having played at fullback against Italy in 2012, and Japan last year.
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