Tuesday’s rugby news has the Wallabies sizing up the dangerous Italians, Fardy out with concussion, World Cup worries and Sir Clive chiming in again.
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Wallabies move on to Italian challenge
Adam Ashley-Cooper has said that, although Italy are ranked 12th in the world, the Wallabies will be ready for a tough and closely-fought contest. Last year’s match in Italy saw Australia barely hold onto a second-half lead to win 22-19, and the players believe that the home side will be ‘licking their lips’ in anticipation of an upset.
‘We do (see them as a threat), given the circumstances and where we are as a team, on the back of a tough loss,’ AAC said. This Italian team has been steadily improving of late, with wins over France and Ireland in last year’s Six Nations, as well as a close 18-11 loss to England at Twickenham. Italy will pose a further challenge with their strong pack, especially at set-piece time. [/one_half]
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Fardy out with concussion
Wallabies blindside flanker Scott Fardy has been ruled out of this weekend’s Test against Italy due to the concussion he suffered against England. Coach Ewen McKenzie made the early call to rest Fardy to give the side the best chance to prepare, adding, ‘We’ll allow him to fully recover.’ Fardy, who has been a dynamic force at the breakdown, will now be replaced by Western Force number eight Ben McCalman, with Ben Mowen likely moving back to No.6.
In more hopeful news, hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau could play his first Test since suffering damaging arm and hamstring injuries, while Rob Simmons will also be eligible after recovering from a knee injury. McKenzie seemed very keen to have Polota-Nau back, probably on the bench. ‘He won’t be 100 per cent but he’ll be pretty close,’ the coach said. [/one_half]
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Wallabies feel RWC looming
The Australian side are feeling the pressure to right the ship as the upcoming World Cup grows nearer. Adam Ashley-Cooper was once again on hand to comment, saying, ‘There’s only so much time before the 2015 World Cup. Tours like this overseas are key in terms of being able to win on the road, in these conditions, in the UK and Europe.’
Only four Tests remain this year for the Wallabies, and Ewen McKenzie’s side still needs to make significant gains to contemplate a play-off spot in the World Cup, where they are pitted in the pool stages against England and Wales in Britain. Losses against both of these opponents now could prove a mental hurdle in the 2015 Pool A battle. [/one_half]
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Sir Clive and the fine line between stupid and clever
Sir Clive Woodward has provided one of his more unorthodox suggestions for the English team, instructing them all to wear black boots to make it harder to penalise for offside. Woodward emphasised, ‘If you are the referee and you are looking up at a line of defenders who are creeping forward on the offside line by a matter of inches, then a luminous boot is far more likely to catch your eye.’
The obvious exception, the former England coach explained, would be the back three. ‘Wingers and full back might get an edge by wearing white boots as they frequently brush the touchline,’ he said, which Woodward thought could have been a factor in Mike Brown’s fortunate call over the weekend. [/one_half]
