Tuesday’s rugby news has Wallabies to fix their discipline, officials confident of AAMI Park pitch, Karmichael Hunt out for the series and huge blow for Wales.
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Wallabies to Fix Discipline
The Wallabies have conceded that they need to address their discipline and play smarter rugby to beat England in Melbourne this weekend.
“Discipline is a big part,” said Wallabies backrower Scott Fardy.
“We need to make sure with their 50:50s, if they’re not on we’re pulling out and not making bad decisions.
“I was guilty of a few of those when I thought I was doing the right thing but it turns out I wasn’t.
“That’s what got England the game; six penalties they kicked — when you score four tries to two before the 79th minute and you’re still behind, it’s a disappointing thing.”
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Pitch Won’t Fold
AAMI Park officials are confident the pitch will hold up for the Wallabies test match against England this weekend.
The ground’s general manager Shane Mates has faith that the pitch will not be torn up.
“We are confident the pitch will perform well for the Test on Saturday,” Mates said.
“The pitch has performed better for rugby union scrums over the past few weeks and we have continued with our extensive pitch replacement program.”
Wallabies backrower Scott Fardy is hopeful the pitch will hold up particularly for scrums.
“The surface is actually fine in general play, it was just in the scrums where it was tearing up, so hopefully it will hold up on Saturday,” Fardy said.
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Hunt Out
Karmichael Hunt will not take any further part in the Wallabies test match series against England after succumbing to a groin injury.
Hunt missed most of the Wallabies training sessions over the past two weeks and was absent again on Monday’s gym session.
“There’s still a long way to go this season, still plenty of footy to play,” Cheika said.
“He wants to be at his best so he can fulfil his potential, which is very important – you play in the Australian jersey, you want to be able to play to your maximum and you don’t want to be letting anyone down because the whole country is counting on you.”
Meanwhile, Rob Simmons and Rob Horne could still line up this weekend. Simmons is expected to resume training at the end of the week whilst Horne looks to have recovered from the concussion he suffered on Saturday night.
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North Ruled Out
Wales winger George North has been ruled out for the remaining test matches against New Zealand after suffering a hamstring injury.
“North suffered a hamstring injury in the first Test in Auckland, ruling him out of Wales’ remaining games,” the team said in a statement.
Injuries to first choice players will give an opportunity for fringe players to prove themselves when Wales take on the Chiefs in Waikato tonight.
“Coming all the way to New Zealand, it was important we had a big enough squad for the three Tests but also to provide game time for the players on tour,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland.
“This match gives the players a chance to stake their claim for the final two Tests against the All Blacks.”
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