Tuesday’s rugby news has Cheika approaching his final RWC squad, McCutcheon joining the Sevens effort, Cooper finding an unlikely ally and the Argentine squad named.
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Cheika closing in
Michael Cheika says that he is yet to make around half a dozen big selection decisions before his 31-man World Cup squad is announced on Friday. ‘I believe we’re getting close to knowing exactly who we’re liking in what roles… but we’ve got until Friday,’ he said.
The Wallaby coach also asserted that he did not regret the slew of changes introduced prior to the second Bledisloe Cup defeat. ‘That was always the plan,’ he said. ‘If we want to grow the depth in the team that’s how we’ve got to do it.’
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McCutcheon joins Sevens
Australia’s Sevens team will be bolstered by the addition of Waratahs backrower Pat McCutcheon for the 2015-16 series, which will include their run at qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics. The 28-year-old has already played 10 World Series games and was part of the squad that won silver in the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
The Sevens squad also announced the addition of Australian schoolboy Henry Hutchison. ‘Henry is a player we have had an eye on for a while’, Australian coach Geraint John said. ‘He brings electrifying speed but it’s also about developing players.’
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Hansen defends Cooper
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has thrown his support behind Quade Cooper, emphasising that the Wallabies 10 would be a key component in the Australian campaign. ‘When he comes here he’s under a lot of pressure,’ Hansen said. ‘I thought he played pretty well apart from a couple of wee mistakes.’
In the midst of his selection battle with Bernard Foley and Matt Giteau, Cooper is also dealing with contract dramas beyond the tournament, trying to renege on a two-year deal signed with French club Toulon. While Cooper hopes to be able to play Sevens at the Rio Olympics next year Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal has threatened legal action to compel Cooper to fulfil his deal.
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Pumas finalise squad
Argentina have revealed their final 31-man squad for this year’s Rugby World Cup in England, captained by Agustín Creevy. The squad will play their final warm-up match on September 5 in a friendly against Leicester Tigers. Following that the side will head to Portugal for a six-day training camp before returning to England ahead of their opening World Cup match with New Zealand in London.
Five of the squad are playing in their third tournament – Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, Juan Martín Hernández, Horacio Agulla, Marcos Ayerza and Juan Manuel Leguizamón. On the other hand, 19 of Argentina’s squad will be making their World Cup debuts next month.
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