Wednesday’s rugby news has changes to the Wallabies, Charles making an incredible debut, a very large Frenchman returning and some Springbok corrections.
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Three changes for Wallabies
As expected, Ewen Mckenzie has made three forced changes to the starting Wallabies lineup to play the second Test against France. Former captain James Horwill will run-on for Sam Carter (ankle), Waratahs hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau replaces Stephen Moore (knee) and Western Force workhorse Ben McCalman slots in at No.8 for Palu (ankle).
Ewen McKenzie said of the replacements, “They understand what Test rugby is all about and will be determined to make the most of the opportunities they’re being given.” Hooker Nathan Charles and Melbourne Rebels pair Laurie Weeks and Luke Jones will also come onto the bench. [/one_half]
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Charles defies logic
Nathan Charles’ selection will be the feel-good story to come out of Saturday’s second Test, with the sufferer of cystic fibrosis in line for an inspirational Test debut. Charles, who requires up to 28 pills and vitamins every day to manage his condition, is believed to be the only cystic fibrosis sufferer in the world playing a contact sport professionally.
“I was talking to the doctor today – he (Charles) seems to defy science and logic,” McKenzie said, adding that he never would have known about the 25 year old hooker’s condition if not alerted to the amazing fact .
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Mortlock warns of tough Bastareaud
Former Australian captain and centre Stirling Mortlock has warned the Australian defence in advance, characterizing returning French midfielder Mathieu Bastareaud as “one of the most physically dominant gain-line yardage makers in world rugby.”
The 125-kilogram and 183-centimetre Bastareaud will provide much more of a challenge to Wallaby centres Kuridrani and Toomua compared to the stilted lateral attack displayed in the first Test. Mortlock said that the Australian pairing will definitely be tested, likening Bastareaud to world class centres Ma’a Nonu and Manu Tuilagi. [/one_half]
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Boks too slow against Wales
Springbok flanker Francois Louw has said that the team’s breakdown work was uncharacteristically slow against the World XV and emphasised that the team must show more urgency to play out their style of attack. Despite the 47-13 victory against the World XV in Cape Town, Louw asserted that the team will have to be a lot quicker ahead of the opening Test against Wales in Durban.
The 28-year-old also said the Springboks needed to work on correcting their scrum, saying, “It’s something we pride ourselves on, as South Africans, and we want to get results there every time.” [/one_half]
