Wednesday’s rugby news has the halves switch confirmed, Toulon still claiming JOC, Genia working his way back and Tameifuna cited.
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Beale benched for Springboks clash
The expected change in the Wallaby halves has been confirmed today, with Ewen McKenzie opting for the Waratahs pairing of Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps. McKenzie emphasised that he did not blame Kurtley Beale for the catastrophic Bledisloe loss, instead focusing on finding the best combinations. Adam Ashley-Cooper will also shift to the wing, with Tevita Kuridrani at outside centre to cover for the retired Pat McCabe.
McKenzie has also opted for a forward-heavy 6-2 split within the reserves to counter the size of the Springboks, with Western Force captain Matt Hodgson, Reds hooker Saia Fainga’a and James Horwill new additions to the bench. [/one_half]
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JOC contract tug-of-war
While James O’Connor has sealed a two-year contract with the Reds, Toulon are seemingly maintaining the former Wallaby’s services, expecting him to be in Australia for only six months. “We always said James O’Connor had signed for three years at Toulon with a possible six months absence during the season to be able to play in the World Cup,” said the club’s president Mourad Boudjellal, emphasising, “He is committed for two years after the Cup.”
Boudjellal also affirmed that there was no release clause in JOC’s contract for after the World Cup. Reds chief executive Jim Carmichael declined to comment on Tuesday when asked about Toulon’s reported expectations. [/one_half]
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Genia returns to NRC
Former Wallaby halfback Will Genia will make his return from an ankle injury as part of Brisbane City’s Round 3 match against the Melbourne Rising. Genia has been on the sidelines for three months and is now third in the Test pecking order, behind Nick Phipps and Nic White.
Genia was still confident that he could get back in the Test pictire. “I’ve played at that (Test) level before and I know I’m capable of playing well,” he said. The Reds halfback will first have to navigate starting duties with in-form Brisbane halfback Nick Frisby. [/one_half]
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Tameifuna cited for push
Ben Tameifuna has been cited for his push on referee Glenn Jackson, with Commissioner John Wootten charging the massive prop for a poor sportsmanship offence.
Law 10.4 (m) deems that a player must not do anything that is against the spirit of good sportsmanship in the playing enclosure. His case will be heard on Wednesday September 3, by Judicial Officer Chris Morris by video conference.
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