Tuesday’s rugby news has some Wallaby selection talk, JOC speculation, a Top 14 concussion mistake and the All Blacks squad for the England series.
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Wallabies spots wide open
Bernard Foley believes that the race for the Wallabies number 10 jersey is “open slather”, with the NSW playmaker hoping to edge out top two favourites- incumbent Quade Cooper and Matt Toomua. “If you’re playing the house down, for any player, then it’s hard for them not to pick you,” said Foley, possibly helped by some inconsistent play from Quade this Super Rugby season.
George Gregan has also said that Ewen McKenzie will struggle to pick a Queensland representative as Wallaby captain, given their recent struggles. The wish to promote a “winning attitude” was said to almost rule-out Genia, Horwill and Cooper. [/one_half]
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O’Connor receives Reds offer
James O’Connor has reportedly been offered a deal by the Queensland Reds for next season. Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Jim Carmichael was tight-lipped when questioned on the controversial former Wallaby, saying, “I don’t have a closed mind on anything…We’re working through what we would call the deficiencies we have as we speak.”
Once again, the subject of loosening eligibility rules was quashed by ARU boss Bill Pulver recently. “I don’t want to be sitting here in 2016-17 watching a Super Rugby tournament with a bunch of no-names,” Pulver said of the requirements. [/one_half]
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Toulouse flaunt concussion rules
French rugby is facing widespread criticism after Toulouse centre Florian Fritz was allowed to return to a Top 14 match after suffering an obviously severe head knock. Fritz was left bloodied and stumbled from the field after receiving an opposition knee in the 19th minute of his side’s 21-16 loss to Racing Metro. After some time on the sidelines, the Toulouse centre returned for the final minutes of the first half.
“What a shambles that Fritz is allowed back on to the field! Makes a mockery of things,” respected England prop Alex Corbisiero tweeted. Corbisiero is one of many vocal critics of current protocols which continue to allow a club’s discretion in returning obviously concussed players. [/one_half]
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All Blacks name inexperienced squad
The All Blacks have named their 35 man squad to face England in a three-Test series in June. The squad features five uncapped players; hookers Nathan Harris and Liam Coltman, lock Patrick Tuipulotu and centre Malakai Fekitoa along with scrumhalf TJ Perenara. Another notable inclusion was Jerome Kaino, returning to Test consideration while a number of high-profile All Blacks were forced out.
Lock Luke Romano and fullback Charles Piutau were not considered after suffering long-term leg injuries on the weekend. Meanwhile, Dan Carter is continuing his sabbatical until August, necessitating the inclusion of Colin Slade. [/one_half]
