Tuesday’s rugby news has the Reds playing coy about JOC rumours, the scale of French poaching revealed, the Force battling with injuries and the Crusaders seeing the return of star internationals.
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O’Connor signing unconfirmed
The Queensland Reds have distanced themselves from yesterday’s reports that James O’Connor has signed with the team on a two-year deal, putting the former Wallaby in theoretical contention for a World Cup call-up.
“At this point all that is speculation,” said Reds coach Richard Graham, adding that the team will announce their 2015 recruitment when the timing is suitable. Graham revealed last month he was “open minded” about O’Connor joining the Reds, seeing the utility back as primarily a wing option. [/one_half]
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Breadth of French offers revealed
French newspaper Midi Olympique has given a glimpse of the scale of the Top 14 recruitment of Wallaby players, claiming that every regular in the Test team will have offers made to them. The particulars of the offers will only come to light after the World Cup.
Many leading players have been said to be denying extended contracts from the ARU in order to keep their European options open in the coming years. ARU boss Bill Pulver has been steadfast in the exclusion of foreign-based players and the denial of a system of sabbaticals. [/one_half]
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Force struggle to overcome injuries
The Western Force will try to retain their finals position while managing their alarming injury toll, suffered during their 40-14 loss to the Blues on Saturday night. Fly-half Sias Ebersohn (bicep), captain Matt Hodgson and second-rower Adam Coleman (both concussions) are in danger of missing next Saturday night’s must-win clash with the Queensland Reds.
The Force will need to lift after their dismal performance against the Blues. “We weren’t ready,” coach Michael Foley said. “It’s not good enough to put in all the work that we do and then come to the moments that matter most and not be ready.” [/one_half]
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Crusaders call in reinforcements
The Crusaders starting side will see the return of All Blacks stars Kieran Read and Dan Carter, two games ahead of the finals. The Crusaders will play their final league matches against the Blues and Highlanders in Christchurch, and the team could miss out on the finals if they lose both matches.
Read and Carter were used as replacements in Saturday’s 16-9 defeat to the Hurricanes in Wellington. Crusaders assistant coach Dave Hewett wouldn’t confirm or deny that either player would start, saying, “Obviously both of them had a little bit of game time and the two individuals performed pretty well in the limited capacity they had.” [/one_half]
