Wednesday’s rugby news has the Waratahs victory parade, a surprising front-row call-up, Beale signalling his new deal and Dan Carter injured.
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Tahs thank fans
The Waratahs have taken the chance to thank their supporters during Tuesday’s victory parade, where over 5,000 fans spent their lunch break cheering on the team at Martin Place. After 62,000 people attended Saturday’s Super Rugby final, the NSW franchise has finally reinvigorated their fan base after a few disillusioning seasons.
Coach Michael Cheika emphasised the difference that the home fans made in the ANZ final. “It is something that is absolutely indescribable and it pushes you to do things you wouldn’t do normally,” he said, citing the few extra metres that Bernard Foley was able to put on his match-winning kick. [/one_half]
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Weeks gets Wallaby call-up
Rebels tighthead Laurie Weeks will replace prop Scott Sio, after the young Brumbies player appears to have suffered a syndesmosis injury. Sio rolled his ankle on Monday and will have scans soon to determin the true extent of the injury. Weeks’ call-up comes as the Wallabies were preparing to train Sio as a tighthead.
Waratahs loose-head Benn Robinson was disappointed by the decision, after trying to work his way back into the Test squad since Ewen McKenzie took over. Robinson said he will be putting his hand up in the NRC, adding “I’m not going to slacken now, I’ll be straight back into training, working hard.” [/one_half]
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Beale signals intention
While Waratahs centre Kurtley Beale has not confirmed a new deal with the team, he did say yesterday that his loyalties well and truly lie with the new Super Rugby champions. Beale is off-contract for 2015 and will face attractive league and union offers, but when asked yesterday, the Wallabies playmaker said, “I love the boys. I love being back here in NSW. I love being home.”
Beale of-course was picked up by the Tahs after a number of off-field incidents led to him being dropped from the Rebels squad. Nick Phipps, who also left the Rebels last year, said that NSW’s success vindicated their decisions and that Beale would be coming back. [/one_half]
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Carter to miss Bledisloe Tests
All Black superstar Dan Carter will be sidelined for at least two of the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship matches- the August 16 and 23 Bledisloe matches. Carter left the field during the Crusaders 32-33 loss to the Waratahs with a lower leg injury, now revealed to be a small crack in his upper fibula.
“The injury just requires rest to heal and it is hoped that his recovery will take approximately four weeks,” the Crusaders said. Hansen is expected to select Aaron Cruden as his starting No 10 in the Sydney test and Beauden Barrett will be on the bench. Colin Slade could also be called into the squad if Carter’s injury heals slower than expected.
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