Thursday’s rugby news has Skelton dumped for Wallabies tour, Phipps and Foley respond to criticism, Cowan signs with Blues and a Louw blow for the Springboks.
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Skelton Dumped for Wallabies Tour
Giant second rower Will Skelton has been left out of the Wallabies for their tour to South Africa and Argentina. Meanwhile, Will Genia, Benn Robinson, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Saia Faingaa and Joe Tomane have all been included in the squad.
Wallabies coach is certain that the experienced players will add value to the squad.
“It’s pleasing to be able to bring in some experienced guys for what will be an extremely challenging tour” McKenzie said.
“Collectively, we add almost 250 games of Test experience to our squad through the inclusion of Adam, Will, Benn and Saia. They’ve all had good exposure to our program this year, so we expect them to be able to contribute immediately when we get into camp.” he said. [/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Phipps, Foley Respond to Criticism
Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley have defended the Wallabies following criticism of poor performances. Some are writing off the Wallabies World Cup chances.
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Cowan Signs with Blues
Former All Black Jimmy Cowan has signed with the Auckland Blues for the 2015 Super Rugby season. Cowan has returned to New Zealand and is currently playing in the ITM Cup after spending two years in England with Gloucester. He is set to replace to hole left by Piri Weepu.
“Jimmy brings competitiveness, plenty of experience and great game awareness which is something we were really looking for … Piri Weepu left a bit of a hole but we think Jimmy’s really going to step into that role and be fundamental to the growth of this franchise.” said Blues coach John Kirwan
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Louw Blow for Springboks
South African flanker Francois Louw has been ruled out for eight weeks with a pinched nerve in his neck. Louw suffered the injury in South Africa’s loss to the All Blacks on the weekend and will be replaced by 71 test veteran Schalk Burger
“This is another set-back as we prepare to host Australia and New Zealand in two very important matches as Francois has been superb for us in the last couple of seasons.” said Springboks coach Heyneke Meyer.
Louw joins fellow injured South Africans Frans Malherbe, Coenie Oosthuizen, Flip van der Merwe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Willem Alberts, Arno Botha, Pierre Spies, Fourie du Preez and Jaque Fourie.
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