Wednesday’s rugby news has Bill Pulver keen to keep coaching team together, Cheika defending Folau, Scott Sio returning to training and De Villiers signs with Tigers.
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Pulver to Keep Coaches
ARU CEO Bill Pulver is keen to keep Michael Cheika’s coaching team together after the World Cup to steer the Wallabies into a new successful era.
Defence coach Nathan Grey is going back to the Waratahs next season and Stephen Larkham will return as coach of the Brumbies, undecided about remaining with the Wallabies. Meanwhile, scrum coach Mario Ledesma is off contract.
“My sense is this combination has worked incredibly well, and I give Michael Cheika great credit for assembling a wonderful group of people and group of coaches,” Pulver said.
“Michael’s view will prevail there, and it is a not a conversation we have had yet. But from my vantage point it has been a wonderful combination of personalities and capabilities and I would have thought we’d want to continue.”
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Cheika Hits Back
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has emphatically denied that Israel Folau is a “borderline liability” following an article from New Zealand columnist Chris Rattue.
Folau has been battling an ankle injury throughout the tournament and did not look 100 percent fit against Argentina, however, Cheika is adamant he will be right for the final.
“I never doubt that bloke. Never. You know what I mean?” Cheika said.
“If they write that, put it in a headline. The proof of the pudding will be in the eating on Saturday.
“The injury bothered him a bit, he missed a game and then played yesterday with that injury but on the improve. He felt good enough to be able to do his job and I think he’s only going to get better after that.”
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Sio Returns
Wallabies prop Scott Sio has returned to training with the Wallabies and is set to be named in the starting team to face the All Blacks in the final.
Sio suffered a hematoma on his elbow in the match against Scotland and sat out last week against Argentina.
Wallabies assistant coach Stephen Larkham was looking ahead to the final.
“We’ve scored some good tries but defence is going to be the key. The most important thing we’ve given the team over the last 12 months is a bit more structure. From all reports, game plans were changed from week to week, as were the defence and attacking styles. Ever since (Michael) Cheika came on board there’s been a real clear direction.”
When asked to compare to 1999 winning Wallabies team to the current one he said “This team is much better.”
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Tigers Sign De Villiers
Former Springboks captain Jean De Villiers has signed with English Premiership side Leicester Tigers.
De Villiers announced his retirement from international rugby during the Rugby World Cup after a sustained a broken jaw for the second time this year.
“Jean brings invaluable experience to the squad”, said Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill.
“He is among the leading centres in the modern game and has played at the very highest level for a significant period of time.
“In recent seasons we’ve brought in players like Brad Thorn and Lote Tuqiri from successful environments in the southern hemisphere and they have made a significant contribution here.
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