Tuesday’s rugby news has Matt Giteau ruled out, Adam Thomson leaves the Reds, playing Hooper and Pocock together is no risk and Clever released by USA Eagles.
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Giteau Ruled Out
Matt Giteau has been ruled out of the Wallabies match against Argentina with a sternum injury.
Christian Lealiifano will take his place in the squad which flew to Argentina on Monday morning.
“I know how desperate Matthew was to play and continue to contribute to this group over the next week, his leadership and presence off the field will be missed,” said Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.
“He’s one of the toughest members in the squad and we all witnessed during the match just how passionate Matthew is about representing his country again.
“It’s disappointing to lose him for this round, however knowing he will be right to go for the Bledisloe series is reassuring for the group and our fans.”
“It was a difficult call to leave Christian out of the original 31-man Test squad in the first place, and the way he handled himself at the time and during the past two weeks has been first class.”
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Thomson Leaves Reds
Former All Black Adam Thomson has left the Queensland Reds and has signed with the Melbourne Rebels.
There is now growing speculation that the Reds will use their marquee signing to find a five-eight to fill the hole left by Quade Cooper.
Thomson was excited about the move to Melbourne.
“At this stage of my career, I wanted to continue to play rugby at a high level and it was important to be in an environment that best fits my needs and feel can get the best out of me.
“Having played against the Rebels for a number of years, I’ve seen some real development.
“The style they play and the direction the club is heading is exciting. I think my game will fit well with the Rebels and allow me to play some quality football, which I am still very much driven to do.
“While moving to the Rebels wasn’t a decision I took lightly, I can’t wait to work with Tony and Zane.”
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Hooper-Pocock combo no risk
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika does not see the risk in playing both Michael Hooper and David Pocock together.
Both Pocock and Hooper had strong games against the Springboks, putting Cheika under pressure to play them both.
“Why I say it’s no risk is because they’re quality players,” Cheika said.
“We’ve prepared (for) that situation, of Willy Skelton, Pocock and Hooper all playing together. We knew what we were doing there, which is good, and we were still able to get our ball.”
Pocock also said he enjoyed playing with Hooper when they were both on at the same time.
“I loved getting back out there,” Pocock said.
“Unfamiliar at 8, but I made the most of it and really enjoyed working alongside Hoops. I thought he had a massive game, attack and defence he was everywhere. All those decisions are up to them and how they see things working and what’s best for the team.”
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Clever released by Eagles
Former USA Eagles captain Todd Clever has been released by USA rugby following “multiple squad conduct violations”.
Clever allegedly missed multiple compulsory training sessions.
“Clearly, this is not a pleasant or desirable circumstance for either party,” said Eagles coach Mike Tolkin.
Clever is the Eagles’ longest-serving captain having taken on the role following the 2007 World Cup.
Chris Wyles replaced Clever as captain ahead of the Eagles’ 21-16 loss to Samoa in their opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup on Saturday.
The Eagles will play Japan on Friday in Sacramento before taking on the Wallabies later on in the year..
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