Tuesday’s rugby news has Gill’s suspension, the Tahs under pressure, front-row replacements for the Force and Burgess getting a call-up.
[one_half last=”no”]
Gill gets two weeks
Queensland Reds flanker Liam Gill has received a two-week ban for his wrestling-style throw on Brumbies scrum half Nic White. Gill will only miss one game against the struggling Lions though, with the suspension period including the Reds’ bye this week.
While a lifting tackle generally carries with it a four week suspension, Gill was treated leniently because of his clean record. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham emphasised that he was content with the outcome. “It was certainly dangerous and reckless, but Nic didn’t land directly on his neck,” he said. “It’s all independently done and I’ve got full confidence in the process.”
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
NSW told to lift
Former Brumbies captain Stephen Hoiles has asserted that his NSW team-mates will have to lift mentally and technically to match his old team. The Waratahs are 10 points behind the Brumbies in the Australian conference, having played one less game.
Hoiles said that the match will be an important point in the side’s so-far inconsistent season. “They will be pretty confident and that will make it harder for us,” he said. “But we probably need something like that at the moment. We need a big challenge.” The major difference from last year’s Super Rugby winning season has been the team’s defensive lapses, conceding a four-try bonus point in three of their four games.
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”no”]
More replacements for Force
Shoulder injuries to Force front-rowers Ollie Hoskins and Pek Cowan in Friday’s loss to the Rebels have forced the team to call in emergency cover at the position. Eastwood prop Guy Millar was suddenly called up to join the team in their two-game tour of South Africa.
“It was quite a shock, I was back at club training but it is exciting and a great opportunity,” Millar said. Michael Foley has also named three players returning from injury in the squad, flanker Angus Cottrell (ankle), full-back Dane Haylett-Petty (foot) and winger Luke Morahan (hamstring).
[/one_half]
[one_half last=”yes”]
Burgess included in squad
Sam Burgess has been given another opportunity to fast-track his rugby progression by training with the England squad as they prepare for their final Six Nations game against France at Twickenham on Saturday.
After a 25-13 win against Scotland over the weekend, England top the Six Nations standings with a points difference of plus 37, with Ireland on plus 33 and Wales on plus 12.Test coach Stuart Lancaster will name his match-day 23 on Thursday morning.
[/one_half]
