Tuesday’s rugby news has Hoiles calling to limit stoppages, Reds possibly looking overseas, Latu and Skelton suspended for dangerous tackle and Barbarians announce squad.
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Hoiles Calls to Limit Stoppages
Waratahs back rower Steven Hoiles has expressed concern over the amount of stoppages in the modern game. Hoiles was particularly frustrated by the amount of stoppages in the Waratahs match against the Crusaders on Saturday night.
“I thought the stoppage of the game, I think that’s a blight on the game, to be honest,” Hoiles said.
“If you want to be really technical every cleanout involves a shoulder at some stage … I just find it disappointing. I don’t think it needs to happen and it’s no individual or team’s tactic. It’s just probably referees a bit concerned that they are going to make the wrong call; [that’s] human nature. We [the players] make mistakes, we drop the ball, we give away penalties … The referee is going to do the same. I don’t think it needs to be the stage where a game gets dragged on by 10 minutes to pick up the stoppages.”
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Reds May Look Overseas
Queensland Reds coach Richard Graham has suggested the Reds may look overseas for a five-eight amongst speculation that Quade Cooper will leave the Reds at the end of the season.
“That’s certainly an option for us,” Graham said.
“There’s been a lot of movement with 10s in the last couple of weeks with the Crusaders announcing three of them have gone to Europe.
“Everyone’s in the marketplace and looking.
“Obviously our first priority is keeping Quade, and on the back of that you’ve got to make decisions based on what you know at the time.”[/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
Latu, Skelton Suspended
In a huge blow for the Waratahs, Will Skelton and Tolu Latu have been suspended for two weeks and four weeks respectively.
The Waratahs will appeal the decision and Will Skelton will go with the squad to South Africa in anticipation of him being cleared on appeal. Luckily, Dean Mumm will meet the squad in South Africa and will be a handy backup lock. Also, with Latu and Polata-Nau unavailable, Dave Porecki will join the squad. Hugh Roach is now likely to start at hooker.
Waratahs CEO Greg Harris released a statement about the hearing.
“Without going into lengthy detail on the hearing the fact that our legal representatives have recommended that we appeal these decisions speaks for itself.
“We would not be intending to pursue this course of action unless we were of the opinion that both players were entitled to have their situations reconsidered by the Appeal Committee.
“Our intentions are to appeal the decision however we will wait until we receive the written report from SANZAR before doing so.”
“It is critical to the team, the club and our supporters that we leave no stone unturned in our campaign to make the finals,” Harris said.
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Thorn, Smith Named in Barbarians
Veterans Brad Thorn and George Smith have been named in the Barbarians 30 man squad to take on Ireland in Limerick and an England XV side at Twickenham.
It could possibly be Brad Thorn’s last professional rugby match after his side, Leicester, were defeated by Bath on the weekend.
Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, George Whitelock, Jason Eaton, Saimone Taumoepeau, Wynand Olivier, Ruan Pienaar, Gio Aplon and Zane Kirchner were also included in the squad.
Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will coach the side. George Smith, 34, has also signed a contract with the Wasps for next season, deciding to move on from Lyon.
“I am very excited to be joining Wasps,” said Smith.
“I have always admired their history in Europe and it’s clear from developments on and off the field this season that Wasps are a very progressive and ambitious club, who are determined to get back to the top of the European game.[/one_half]
