Wednesday’s rugby news has Ewen Mckenzie considering some big name changes, Warren Gatland still bitter and the Pumas trying to maintain order.
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Horwill under more pressure
A week after losing the Wallabies captaincy, James Horwill could be demoted to a bench position for this weekend’s match against Italy. Although he put in an improved performance against England, Horwill’s spot is under immense pressure with the return of Rob Simmons from a knee injury. Simmons is thought to be a safe selection bet due to his importance in the lineout, leaving McKenzie the choice between Sitaleki Timani and Horwill.
Coach Ewen McKenzie was tight-lipped about specific squad changes but did say that we will not hesitate to make changes in order to turn around the Wallabies’ losing streak. ‘I’m not going to make it comfortable until we start getting outcomes,’ McKenzie said, adding, ‘I don’t think, given our circumstance that we can say anything is locked in.’ [/one_half]
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Link wants better halfback play
Ewen McKenzie has also called for better execution from Wallabies halfback Will Genia after a monumental charge-down led to an England try in last Saturday’s match. McKenzie rejected suggestions that other players had not blocked the English defence sufficiently, instead asserting that his halfback had not executed well enough under pressure. Genia faced similar troubles with his kicking game earlier in the international season, being benched for two Tests during the Rugby Championship for Brumbies halfback Nic White.
Meanwhile, winger Nick Cummins appears assured of retaining his starting spot against Italy after being rewarded the Wallabies’ players’ player award against England. After recovering from a fractured hand, Cummins has been under intense pressure from Joe Tomane for the remaining wing position alongside Adam Ashley-Cooper. [/one_half]
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Pumas not divided, insists captain
Newly named Argentinean captain Juan Manuel Leguizamon has denied that there is internal unrest after the resignation of coach Santiago Phelan over confidential information being leaked to the media. Daniel Hourcade has been appointed as his successor, with reports that overwhelming ‘player power’ had necessitated the switch.
But Leguizamon has emphasised that this change has not derailed preparations for their match against England. ‘The team is very tight and our objectives are clear,’ he said. ‘We are all professional players and we must adapt ourselves as quickly as possible to the new system.’ What may be of consequence though are the injuries to Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Juan Martin Hernandez. [/one_half]
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Gatland snubs ref
Welsh coach Warren Gatland will ignore protocol and not meet referee Alain Rolland before the team’s match against South Africa on Saturday. This will be Rolland’s first match officiating Wales since the controversial sending off of captain Sam Warburton during the 9-8 World Cup semi-final loss to France. While Warburton later conceded that the red card decision was correct, Gatland has said he was ‘gutted’ and is obviously not over the decision.
During the traditional meeting before Tests, coaches usually seek clarification of the referee’s interpretations of specific laws. During the victorious 2009 Six Nations campaign, Gatland said, ‘The meetings are commonplace and something that, in my experience as an international coach, often prove invaluable.’ [/one_half]
