Wednesday’s rugby news has more Brumbies committing, Folau looking at the 13 jersey, Quade supporting his coach and a few England injuries.
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Brumbies re-sign trio
The Brumbies have received a boost ahead of their Super Rugby clash with Queensland following the re-signing of three key forwards. Lock Sam Cater, hooker Josh Mann-Rea and back-rower Scott Fardy all signed on for another two years with the Canberra-based franchise.
The trio’s decision to recommit to Australian rugby in the midst of the mass overseas exodus is refreshing, with Sam Carter emphasising the continuing drawcard of Test selection, made easier through the positive program at the Brumbies. “Any kid growing up wants to play at the highest level and that’s for Australia, that’s a big incentive and a main motivator for myself,” he said.
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Folau targetting outside centre
Waratahs attack coach Daryl Gibson believes Israel Folau’s rugby future lies in the midfield after a successful stint there against the Reds on Saturday. Folau was named at fullback for the match but was regularly switched to outside centre, leaving Peter Betham to move to fullback and No.13 Matt Carraro and Rob Horne to play on the wings
The move was spurred by a knee injury to Adam Ashley-Cooper who will be out for an indefinite amount of time. While emphasising that a healthy AAC was still the primary option at 13, Gibson emphasised that, “given the experience there and given time, that will be become his natural position.” [/one_half]
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Quade backs Graham
Injured five-eighth Quade Cooper has emphasised that his Reds team-mates are supportive of coach Richard Graham in the face of the growing pressure from fans to produce results.”The errors from us aren’t acceptable,” he said, adding, “But we’re all in this together. It’s a team effort from the players, the coaches, the medical staff.”
Cooper also asserted that he has been training strongly as the break in his collarbone strengthens but said he won’t rush his recovery in a bid to ride to the rescue.
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Two injured for England
England will have to make do without injured duo Brad Barritt and Tom Croft for the rest of the Six Nations, both of whom picking up injuries playing for their respective clubs over the weekend.
Centre Barritt was set to make his return to the Test arena before hurting his ankle in last weekend’s victory over Wasps, while Croft is also unavailable after dislocating his shoulder.
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