Tuesday’s rugby news has Benji calling it quits, SANZAR on notice over the ANZAC matches, Gill racing back to full fitness and a scary diagnosis for a New Zealand prop.
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Marshall leaving union
Benji Marshall has instructed his manager Martin Tauber to start talks with interested NRL clubs after struggling to meet expectations at the Auckland Blues. The 29 year old was recently told by Blues coach Sir John Kirwan that he would have to play the rest of the season in the lower tiers to prepare for the 2015 Super Rugby season.
“My lack of the technical aspects of rugby union was what was letting me down,” the former Tigers superstar said, describing himself as “just an average rugby player”. Marshall has failed to impress in the Blues’ opening eight matches of the season, making five appearances off the bench and being unused twice. [/one_half]
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Greg Martin blasts Anzac prep
Former Wallaby Greg Martin has criticised SANZAR’s handling of the ANZAC day fixture, in particular their refusal to guarantee the Brumbies a permanent match and the banning of national anthems. Martin says it is a no-brainier to establish an ANZAC day tradition where the Brumbies play a New-Zealand opponent every year in Canberra. But SANZAR have cited the complexity of scheduling in their refusal to guarantee this concession.
“They’re not trying to help, they’re trying to hinder. I don’t know what they’re trying to achieve,” he said. Martin also labelled the prevention of the national anthem being played before Friday’s games as “ridiculous.” [/one_half]
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Gill makes stunning recovery
Reds flanker Liam Gill has made a rapid recovery from his hamstring tear which may see him return for the team’s match against the Auckland Blues next week. Gill was slated to miss six weeks after an injury sustained against the Lions on March 22 but is tracking two weeks ahead of schedule, having completed a full training session yesterday.
“I thought Liam would be no good until the Melbourne Rebels game (May 17) but young, fit bodies sometimes have a way of healing,” Reds coach Richard Graham said. Center Mike Harris (achilles), winger Dom Shipperley (hip) and prop Ben Daley (knee) were also heavily involved in Monday’s session. [/one_half]
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Season over for Hurricane prop
Former All Black prop John Schwalger will miss the rest of the Super Rugby season after being diagnosed with blood clots on his lung. The 30 year old missed the Hurricanes’ 39-20 victory over the Blues after the “scary diagnosis” originally thought to just be a chest infection.
“A lot of people have overcome that, so hopefully he does and can push on for next year,” Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett said. In the meantime Hammett said the Hurricanes, currently third in the New Zealand conference, will look to recruit another prop to fill the void. [/one_half]
