Tuesday’s rugby news has the Tahs trying to target Carter, troubling mismatches in the NSW GPS, Gill arguing for experienced Sevens players and the ABs squad named.
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Tahs targeting Carter
NSW defence coach Nathan Grey has focused his team’s efforts on stultifying the Crusaders attack by targeting Dan Carter in Saturday’s Super Rugby final. Wycliff Palu was used effectively last week on Brumbies playmaker Matt Toomua and while the Tahs will keep pressure on the Crusaders star, Bernard Foley said that Grey will surprise the opposition with a number of different defensive schemes.
Foley also took the time to address the Tahs losing streak, asserting that past history would be of little consequence to the improved squad. “In the short time I’ve been here there is definitely a different feeling to the squad,”he said. “The environment has changed, everyone is a lot tighter, the workrate has definitely improved.” [/one_half]
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Farr-Jones laments GPS imbalance
Wallabies great and NSW Rugby chairman Nick Farr-Jones has emphasised that the GPS competition must make drastic changes to reduce gross mismatches in light of the 101-0 thrashing of Newington by Scots College. “I don’t like mismatches,” Farr-Jones said. “I don’t think it builds character…If there are significant weight and strength differences [between teams] then there are safety issues.”
Sydney Grammar and Sydney Boys High have already withdrawn from the GPS competition and it seems likely that more teams are set to follow suit amongst safety concerns. Farr-Jones has suggested placing a cap on the number of athletes on sports scholarships and possibly merging GPS, CHS and CAS competitions in a more competitive tiered system. [/one_half]
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Gill warns against Sevens poaching
In the wake of the Australian Sevens team winning Commonwealth bronze, Liam Gill has cautioned the ARU against trying to stack the Olympic team with stars at the expense of proven Sevens performers. ARU boss Bill Pulver has declared winning in Rio a top priority in 2016 and as such, could throw the door open to Wallabies like Israel Folau.
Gill emphasised that Sevens brings a different skill-set. “I do think it would be tough for Super players to be picked,” Gill said. “It’s a different sport and it’s hard to get your head around. You need a certain amount of time in the sport.” [/one_half]
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All Blacks pick Bledisloe squad
Coach Steve Hansen has named the All-Blacks squad for the Rugby Championships and although most selections follow suit, there have been a few surprises. Notably, in form Crusaders flanker Matt Todd has been left out in favour of Sam Cane, who hasn’t played since he went down with a knee injury on May 9.
As for injury cover, Crusaders bench prop Joe Moody has been called in to replace Tony Woodcock (shoulder), while an injured Victor Vito makes way for the return of rejuvenated Blues loose forward Steven Luatua. The newly-available Dan Carter and Charles Piutau return at the expense of Crusaders backs Colin Slade and Ryan Crotty. [/one_half]
