Wednesday’s rugby news has the Brumbies scrum to be tested, more Beale speculation, injury woes for the Reds and SBW racing against the clock.
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Brumbies ready for scrum battle
The Brumbies maintain that their technical prowess in the front-row can overcome the behemoth Chiefs props Ben Tameifuna and Jamie Mackintosh during Saturday’s Super Rugby qualifying final. While Ben Alexander (120kg) and fellow Brumbies prop Scott Sio (116kg) give away 34kg to their opponents, the 29-year-old asserted, “You just have to find ways around that using technique, work ethic and what-not.”
With reserve Brumbies prop JP Smith ruled out with a knee injury, Australian under-20 prop Allan Alaalatoa could be called on to make his Super Rugby debut off the bench. [/one_half]
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Tuqiri backs Beale in NRL
Dual international Lote Tuqiri has expressed his total belief that Kurtley Beale would excel in rugby league if he made the switch next year. “I’ve spoken to him about it before,” Tuqiri said. “I think Kurtley has got a bloody heap of talent and he grew up playing rugby league, so he can play both games with ease.”
Waratahs assistant coach Daryl Gibson said that Beale would find it hard to leave the close-knit culture of NSW which has contributed to his recent stellar form. With Beale’s recent play, the enticement of World Cup selection will also play a factor in his eventual decision. [/one_half]
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Two Reds go under the knife
The horror season of the Queensland Reds has been extended for Queensland prop Ben Daley and utility back Ben Lucas, who will both face lengthy rehab periods due to injuries sustained in the loss to the Waratahs on Saturday night. Daley disclocated his shoulder in a scrum collapse, damaging his rotator cuff. Lucas suffered an articular defect in his right knee joint and will be out of action for two months after surgery.
The pair join the already long list of important Reds players undergoing lengthy rehab, featuring Quade Cooper, Will Genia, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Eddie Quirk and Dom Shipperley. [/one_half]
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SBW still considered
Although All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has emphasised that time is a factor less than a year out from the Rugby World Cup, he has kept an open mind about including Sonny Bill-Williams in his squad. Hansen said that the speed of Williams’ return to Test consideration would depend on his health coming out of the NRL season and the degree of participation in Counties Manukau’s ITM Cup campaign.
“There is no doubt he’s an exceptional rugby player and if he’s available then we’d be foolish not to look at him, but we have to take into account he’s come off a big season,” Hansen said. [/one_half]
