Wednesday’s rugby news has Alexander considering his Test future, some good injury news for the Rebels, Bismark standing down and some big name Barbarians.
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Alexander considering new Test rules
Wallabies prop Ben Alexander is weighing up his playing future after the introduction of new ARU eligibility rules, the veteran front-rower being one of two current Test players who would immediately benefit from the changes. It is understood that Alexander was close to agreeing to terms with the Brumbies, but will now have the chance to play overseas without hurting his Wallaby ambitions, having played more than 60 Tests and seven years of service in Australia.
“I think it’s a really smart decision. It makes more players available for Australia and can reward senior players even if they choose to go overseas,” Alexander said. ACT teammate Stephen Moore is the only other current Super Rugby who could fit the criteria, although Adam Ashley-Cooper, Will Genia, James Horwill and Quade Cooper could also move into this group by the end of the year.
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Jones in line for return
The Melbourne Rebels are confident that lock Luke Jones will recover from his concussion symptoms in time to play the Chiefs at AAMI Park on Saturday night. Rebels player Telusa Veainu also sustained a head knock in Victoria’s Dewar Shield competition on Saturday but the team’s head of athletic performance Bryce Cavanagh said that both players were recovering well, although he emphasised that “as each concussion presents differently we will follow our concussion protocols before making that final decision.”
Melbourne continue to be without prop Laurie Weeks, who is recovering from a left leg fracture. Australian under-20s fullback Jonah Placid also strained his groin during training and will be out for four to five weeks.
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Bismarck stands down
Bismarck du Plessis returns to the Sharks this weekend after serving his suspension, but, by his own request, will not be selected as captain for the match against the Highlanders. Du Plessis was part of a list of senior Sharks players, including Frans Steyn and Jean Deysel, that suffered recent suspensions after they were found guilty of foul play.
“It’s unbelievably noble of him to have this attitude and a much bigger deal as far as news goes than it is for us,” Sharks director of rugby Gary Gold said. “Marco Wentzel has done a good job and he will retain the captaincy.” There was already some talk before Du Plessis’ red card that he would relinquish the captaincy duties after a run of average form saw Adriaan Strauss increasingly threaten his place as starting Springboks hooker in the lead-in to the World Cup.
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Deans adds to Barbarians
Toulon finisher David Smith and All Black duo Joe Rokocoko and Rene Ranger will all play for the Barbarians against Ireland and England in May, as confirmed by coach Robbie Deans on Tuesday. “All three are quality performers who have thrived for Northern and Southern Hemisphere sides and it’s a testament to the standing of the Barbarians that they are able to bring them together,” Deans said, with the former Wallaby coach emphasising his desire to continue the attacking mindset of the Barbarians team.
Australia fly-half Berrick Barnes, Argentina scrum-half Tomas Cubelli and New Zealand’s George Whitelock have already been named in the squad, with more names due to be added in the coming weeks.
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