Tuesday’s rugby news has Stephen Moore named captain of the Wallabies, ARU chasing Kane Douglas, Karmichael Hunt’s wife tells her story and the All Blacks name their side to play Samoa .
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Moore Named Captain
Stephen Moore has been announced as the Wallabies captain for 2015 whilst Michael Hooper and Adam Ashley-Cooper have been named as vice-captains.
The inclusion of Hooper as vice captain suggests he is a certain starter creating speculation as to how David Pocock will fit into the side.
Moore was announced as captain of the Wallabies in 2014 but suffered a torn ACL in the opening minutes of the Wallabies opening match against France.
“It’s an honour every time you get to wear the Wallabies jumper, and to be captain is extra special, but ultimately it’s what you do with it that is most important,” Moore said.
“It was extremely humbling to have the opportunity last year but it went very quickly, so to be given another chance to represent this group that has so many leaders is a privilege, and something I hold dearly.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika praised Moore’s leadership abilities.
“Having spoken to the two vice-captains prior to Stephen, both of them couldn’t have made a higher endorsement of Stephen to the lead them personally, this playing group and our country,” he said.
“Leadership is going to be a massive part of this journey, and both Adam and Michael will have a big part to play in supporting Stephen.”
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ARU Chasing Douglas
It has been reported that the Australian Rugby Union have requested to free Kane Douglas from his Irish club duties in order to bolster the Wallabies forward pack for the Bledisloe Cup upcoming World Cup.
The release of Douglas will come under World Rugby’s Regulation 9 which requires clubs to release selected players to play for their country during approved Test windows.
Douglas is currently injured after undergoing surgery to repair a disc issue in his back. He is expected to return to contact training next month.
In a recent interview Douglas praised Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.
“Cheik was really good for me in the past couple of years, trying to get that angry side out of me, he was an awesome coach,” Douglas said.
The current second rowers in the Wallabies squad include Rob Simmons, Will Skelton, James Horwill, Rory Arnold, Dean Mumm and Dave Dennis while Sam Carter is on the injured list.
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Hunt’s Wife Tells Story
Karmichael Hunt and his wife, Emma, have spoken out about Hunt’s drug abuse to Channel Seven.
“She tried many times to get me on the straight and narrow by saying ‘Look it’s not worth it …you could get into trouble’,” Hunt said.
“I was ignorant to the fact I could get in trouble.”
Hunt’s wife was pregnant with their third child when his drug abuse became public in February.
“I wasn’t overly surprised that this was happening to us,” Emma said.
“It was actually almost a sense of relief for me.
“I just felt like, hopefully, it was the end of it, a period of many years.”
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All Blacks Name Side
The All Blacks have named their first team of the year who will take on Samoa in Apia.
The All Blacks will field an experienced side particularly in the forwards whilst the All Black players from the Hurricanes and Highlanders were rested due to their involvement in the Super Rugby final.
Four uncapped players have been named with George Moala to start on the wing and Charlie Ngatai, Brad Weber and Nepo Laulala on the bench.
ALL BLACKS (1-15): Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (c), Kieran Read, Andy Ellis, Daniel Carter, Charles Piutau, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, George Moala, Israel Dagg
Reserves: Hika Elliot, Wyatt Crockett, Nepo Laulala, Brodie Retallick, Matt Todd, Brad Weber, Colin Slade, Charlie Ngatai
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