Wednesday’s rugby news has a possible referee change, a new Force playmaker, concussion fears for TPN and the French squad named.
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Larkham open to two refs
Stephen Larkham has thrown his support behind new initiatives designed to improve the standards of Super Rugby refereeing, including calls to implement a two-referee system similar to the NRL. “There’s merit in having two referees on the field and providing assistance to the [main referee] in other ways,” he said, adding that the such initiatives should be investigated after the World Cup.
Brumbies playmaker Matt Toomua was more critical of the proposed changes, saying that two referees would complicate matters. “I don’t think it would work with two referees…one bloke needs to be in charge and feel he’s in charge,” Toomua said. “Adjusting to two interpretations could be tough.” Referee interpretation will be at the forefront of the Brumbies’ mind, having given away 32 penalties in two games on their tour of South Africa. [/one_half] [one_half last=”yes”]
Lance aiming for Force 10
NSW Waratahs utility back Jono Lance has set his sights on locking down a flyhalf berth after signing on with the Western Force for the next two Super Rugby seasons. Lance, who can play flyhalf, centre, and fullback, was a starting member of the Queensland Reds’ title-winning side in 2011, before joining the NSW Waratahs ahead of the 2014 season.
Lance has been stuck on the Waratahs bench behind Wallabies Bernard Foley, Kurtley Beale and Israel Folau. “I’ve learnt a lot from the guys above me whether it was at NSW or at the Reds, but now is the time to make a position my own,” he said. “The goal for me is to play fly-half.” Lance will have to dislodge South African Sias Ebersohn, who has been the club’s preferred No.10 over the past three seasons. [/one_half] [one_half last=”no”]
TPN sidelined with concussion
Wallabies and Waratahs hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau has been given another three weeks to recover from his latest bout of concussion. Polota-Nau, who has a lengthy history of concussions, has already missed the Waratahs’ two most recent matches after suffering a head knock against the Brumbies.
“He is more than comfortable to play right now but we have to look at the overall picture of the longer term,” coach Michael Cheika said, also emphasizing that the form of replacement Tolu Latu had given him and medical staff the leeway for a conservative approach. Polota-Nau has said that he has suffered as many as 12 concussions in his career, giving rise to long-term health concerns.
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French squad announced
France coach Philippe Saint-Andre has said that he favoured experience in his selection decisions as he named Montpellier fly-half Francois Trinh-Duc and Toulon veteran Frederic Michalak in his preliminary 36-man squad for the World Cup. Trinh-Duc, 28, and Michalak, 32, were given the nod ahead of 26-year-old Clermont flyhalf Camille Lopez, who had been Saint-Andre’s first choice fly-half since France’s November Tests.
Toulon’s centre Maxime Mermoz and the Racing Métro wing Teddy Thomas are also notable exclusions, having featured in starting positions in the Six Nations. Lock Pascal Papé, meanwhile, has been recalled after serving a 10-week ban imposed in February after he was cited for kneeing the Ireland No8 Jamie Heaslip in the back .
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