Wednesday’s Rugby News has forward Lukhan Tui looking forward tui more Wallabies games, Drua players eye gouging, Steve Hansen being a suck up, and the return of Jono Lance Corner.
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Luking Forward
Lukhan Tui got his first Wallaby cap on the weekend, despite having only played 13 Super games. The 21-year-old is tres happy about his cap, as you would be. Even though Cheika’s handing them out like hotcakes.
“It was real good to be able to get the opportunity to don the green and gold,” Tui said. “It was pretty surreal. I went out there and it was good to get that experience and be out there with the boys and with guys I never imagined I’d be alongside. Hopefully I can get the opportunity this week.
“Now I’ve got a little taste it’s really motivated me to really try and consistently be in the [match-day] 23 and to hopefully crack the starting XV.
“Seeing [Reds teammate] Izack [Rodda] there is good. I’m very happy for him and very proud of him. It’s credit to his hard work and what he’s done for the season for the Reds. Hopefully I can replicate that.”
With cap in hand, Tui is now confident in reckoning his skills at lock or backrow or something will stand him in good stead.
“Being able to play two positions is something that is always handy to have, particularly if you’re playing a role off the bench,” Tui said, according to the SMH.
“I haven’t read too much into it but he [Cheika] has chatted to me about potentially playing No.6. It’s a challenge that I’m more than happy to take on. I enjoy watching the sixes play all over the world and in a way it’s similar to the way I like to play.
“When I started playing rugby there years ago, my first game was at No.8. I was there so I could carry the ball but as time went on I grew too tall. Whether it be No.6, outside-centre or fullback for the Wallabies, I’d be more than happy to play wherever he wants me to play.”
For those that are unhappy with the lack of ruck ball action, Tui is looking to provide it. Asked what Cheika wants him to do, Tui replied:
“He just wants me to bring some impact off the bench. It’s a new role for me coming off the bench. When you’re doing it for your country, it’s something you don’t take for granted.
“On my game, he wants me to get my hands on the ball as much as I can because that is something I always look forward to doing. Just being physical and being error-free.”
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Drua Before Dru-diciary
Two Drua players will front the NRC judiciary after they were cited with eye-gouging in their Wallabies-eaque loss to the All Blacks-esque Canberra Vikings on the weekend.
Backs Eroni Vasiteri and Apisalome Waqatabu have been asked to say hello to a judiciary officer bloke named Terry Willis, after hooker Folau Faingaa (yeah that’s his real name) came away from a ruck, distressed, complaining of an attempted cataract scratch.
The TV footage at the time didn’t show much; it’s believed the judiciary will have more angles.
At the time, referee Angus ‘Our Gus’ Gardner, who had already called a penalty for the Vikings, had a serious chat with the Drua captain.
“There’s been an allegation of an eye gouge by No. 2 of the Canberra team,” Gardner said, according to Fox Sports.
“Listen to me — very, very serious. Someone will deal with it if there is an issue, after the game, but it’s unacceptable, completely unacceptable.”
This isn’t the first time that the Drua have done dirty deeds – Samu Suguturaga received a 20-week ban after he nibbled on the ear of Brisbane Brisbane City hooker Andrew Ready in round one.
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Jono Lance Corner
It’s time for Jono Lance Corner, GAGR’s regular column about all things Jono Lance.
The former Force flyhalf is making headlines worldwide after signing with English side Worcester, albeit only on a short-term deal.
No one’s got a f*cking clue how long his contract is, but that’s ok, cos our boy Jono Lance moves in our mysterious ways.
“Jono is a player who’s got vast experience at the top level having won Super Rugby titles with different clubs,” Worcester Warriors Director of Rugby Gary Gold proudly exclaimed to the club’s site.
“He will help drive the competition for the number ten jersey and we’re looking forward to seeing what he has to offer.”
Lance, as we all know, has been pulling up stumps at the Force, but that wasn’t even good enough to unseat Quade as Cheika’s no. 2 flyhalf pick.
“I’m really excited about the opportunity to represent Warriors in the Aviva Premiership,” added Lance, always a man of few words and memorable moments.
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Hansen Doesn’t Want Crap Coach Sacked
Steve Hansen, the strategic genius behind the All Blacks’ success this past 10 years despite only being coach for 5, has implored the Saffers to stick by their sh*t coach, Alistair Coetzee.
“I thought they were pretty dangerous, actually, and if they had just been more accurate at times they would have scored some more points,” Hansen said in South Africa on Monday, according to Planet Rugby.
“If they continue to keep doing what they’re doing and keep growing that and get better at it, the type of game they’re going to play suits them quite a bit and it’ll make them a dangerous opposition.”
Yeah, Hansen is saying this despite demolishing the Springboks 57-0 two weeks ago. In fact, he thinks the scoreline flattered the All Blacks. F*ck me.
“Their guys in North Harbour, whilst the score looked big, they knew they had been in a contest,” Hansen giggled nervously, eyelashes flashing.
“The fact that the score got away probably wasn’t a true reflection. We were pretty fortunate. Every opportunity we created, we took, and they didn’t.”
After sorta sauntering over the Pumas in Argentina last weekend, Steve Hansen is sure the Saffers will provide another stern test for the Steve Hansen Underdogs.
“You know the All Blacks and you know they’re under pressure all the time to win and win well, so it doesn’t change anything there,” he demured, curling his fringe with a free finger.
“The fact that we’ve won the Championship is obviously pleasing, but we’re playing against the old foe with a lot of history and we have a lot of respect for them.”
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