Tuesday’s rugby news has Wallabies focusing on lineouts, Samu Kerevi and Dave Dennis join the Wallabies squad, New Zealand media slam the All Blacks and Ireland move to second in the World Rankings.
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Wallabies to Focus on Lineout
Wallabies flanker Scott Fardy has said the Wallabies will work to improve their lineout before the Bledisloe decider this weekend at Eden Park.
The All Blacks won three turnovers from the Wallabies lineout in Sydney.
“There was a couple of lost balls which was a bit disappointing, but we’ll go back and look at that,” Fardy said. “We’ve got to make sure we get that right over the next week and come up with some new options and change some things up and we’re looking forward to doing that.”
Fardy also praised his fellow backrowers David Pocock and Michael Hooper.
“They were everywhere, they are both amazing players and it’s an honour to play alongside them. The stuff they do is just incredible and I thought it worked really well last night.”
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Kerevi, Dennis Join Squad
Samu Kerevi and Dave Dennis have joined the Wallabies squad to fill in for the departure of Sean McMahon, Christian Lealiifano, Nick Cummins and Taqele Naiyaravoro who have been released to play for the World XV against Japan.
“We’ve travelled with an extended squad throughout the 2015 international season, so it’s good for the players to get some quality game time in against a strong opponent like Japan,” said Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.
“David and Samu have spent some time with us throughout our campaign this season, and we are looking forward to seeing their progress.”
Australian World XV Players: James O’Connor, Luke Burgess, Nick Cummins, Mike Harris, Christian Lealiifano, Taqele Naiyaravoro, Dom Shipperley, Ben Tapuai, Ben Alexander, Liam Gill, Luke Jones, Tolu Latu, Sean McMahon, Benn Robinson.
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NZ Media Slam AB’s
The New Zealand media have slammed their national team following their loss to Australia over the weekend.
Chris Rattue of the New Zealand Herald criticised the likes of Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams and Conrad Smith.
“Dan Carter in particular is not delivering,” he wrote.
“The way Sonny Bill Williams has treated rugby, coming and going as he pleases while everybody fawns over him, is a joke. I laughed at his incompetence in Sydney – the All Blacks don’t deserve any better.
“Carter and Conrad Smith look like they are playing on memory, and struggling to rise to the occasion – particularly Carter.
“If they play this Saturday, these two legends are fighting for their starting spots, or should be, even at this late stage in the Rugby World Cup piece.”
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Ireland Move to 2nd
Ireland have moved to their highest ever position of second in the World Rankings released on Monday.
The Six Nations champions defeated Wales 35-21 in a Rugby World Cup warm up match in Cardiff over the weekend.
Ireland took the place of South Africa who moved from second to fifth following their shock loss to Argentina in Durban.
The Wallabies moved up to third position whilst England remained in fourth position.
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