Thursday’s rugby news has the ARU calling in an SOS, Toomua protected from himself, Phil Waugh thinking positively and Toulouse with some injury relief.
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ARU calls in consultants
The ARU have finally sought out the assistance of an external media management consultant to help deal with the Kurtley Beale crisis that has dominated the headlines recently. After consulting with injured captain Stephen Moore, ARU figureheads are understood to have resolved on appointing an interim team manager as an objective figure of authority within the team.
ARU boss Bill Pulver confirmed the use of an external management firm at a recent staff meeting. Leaked from the meeting was Pulver’s criticism of Michael Hooper for his public support of his Tahs team-mate (which Pulver denies) and the characterization of the messages as “a dismissable defence” (whicih Pulver maintains). [/one_half]
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Toomua praises injury protocols
Wallaby playmaker Matt Toomua has praised the judgment of the Test team’s medical staff, who prevented his return to the field despite the fact that he technically cleared the relevant cognitive test. Toomua has said that he doesn’t remember taking the test and that being sidelined was “the best thing for my health.”
Of course, the danger now is that ACT Brumbies teammate Christian Lealiifano will take make the starting 12 jersey his own. Toomua remained focused on the importance of his long-term health though, saying, “in light of the new emphasis that we know about hits to the brain and how serious it is, I think it’s good there is a focus on player welfare.” [/one_half]
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Phil Waugh thinking positive
Despite the drama surrounding the team, former Test captain Phil Waugh has backed the Wallabies to achieve a long-odds win against the All-Blacks on Saturday. Waugh cited the milestone of vice-captain Adam Ashley-Cooper’s 100th Test as a factor that might spur on an impassioned performance.
“These type of special occasions tend to bring players a lot tighter and closer together, so I actually give them a good chance of the upset that probably no one’s predicting or expecting,” he said.
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Toulouse welcome back stars
Toulouse will welcome back a number of stars ahead of their Champions Cup clash with Montpellier this weekend. Toby Flood and Census Johnson are back in contention, while number 8 Louis Picamoles is rejoining the squad, appearing to have recovered from a lung infection.
Five-eighth Toby Floos is returning from three weeks on the sidelines due to an adductor injury, while the Toulouse scrum will be lifted by the return of tight-head prop Johnston from a calf injury. [/one_half]
