Wednesday’s rugby news has a minor injury to Kurtley Beale, the Force scrum looking to redeem themselves, Deans to Japan and a number of changes for the Chiefs.
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Beale in doubt
Waratahs centre Kurtley Beale sat out training on Tuesday with an ankle injury and is in doubt for the team’s match against the Blues on Friday. Beale is considered a 70-30 chance of playing and will try to complete the Tahs’ last training run before the match today.
If the explosive playmaker is ruled out, coach Michael Cheika will have to look at switching Rob Horne to inside centre and including Matt Carraro at the starting wing position. Jono Lance could also fill the 12 position if Horne stays on the wing. [/one_half]
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Force pack told to step up
Western Force prop Kieran Longbottom conceded that the team’s scrum had an “off week” against the dominant Rebels but is confident that the pack will step up against the Bulls this week. Despite the South African team being renowned for their powerful scrummaging, Longbottom said, “It’s nothing we can’t fix in a week. All we’ve got to do is pull tight as an eight and work harder together.”
The Force currently sit in fifth spot on the table at 5 and 3, with this week marking an important rebound game from last week’s momentum-killing 22-16 loss to the Rebels. [/one_half]
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Deans heading to Japan
Former Wallabies coach Robbie Deans will coach the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan’s Top League from next month. Deans’ predecessor, Norifumi Nakajima, spent three seasons in charge leading the club to the Top League title and the All-Japan Rugby Football Championship
“I have enjoyed building a strong team with Panasonic players, staff and officials and I enjoyed watching Panasonic play,” said Deans, whose contract terms with the club have not been made known. [/one_half]
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Chiefs shake-up starters
The Chiefs have made six changes to the starting line-up for Friday’s match against the Brumbies. Coach Dave Rennie has opted for Mahonri Schwalger to start at hooker, with a number of forced changes. Lock Mike Fitzgerald is out after copping a one-week suspension for a high tackle last week, prompting the first start of Ross Filipo, while No.8 Liam Squire and halfback Tawera Kerr-Barlow are both unavailable after suffering head knocks.
Nick Crosswell and Sam Cane will be starting flankers, with Liam Messam moving to No.8 and Augustine Pulu coming in at halfback.
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