Wednesday’s rugby news has Cheika defending Skelton, Hugh Roach looking forward to challenges in South Africa, Under 20’s World Cup to be broadcasted and Ireland announce squad for Barbarians.
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Cheika Defends Skelton
Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has defended Will Skelton’s tackling technique after he was suspended for a lifting tackle on Sam Whitelock.
“I’m not sure what he’s done wrong with his tackling technique … He’s just been tackling guys,” Cheika said.
“The thing with Whitelock was a little bit unfortunate because he was just trying to get him down on the ground. Two guys like that can’t really know what the other is doing.
“Will is taller than everyone, so he doesn’t really tackle in the traditional style, of getting down. He wraps arms around and he goes to the upper body to wrestle guys to the ground a bit more because he’s a big guy.”
Skelton and Latu will find out the result of the appeal on Thursday.
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Roach Ready for Challenge
Hugh Roach has just played five Super Rugby matches but is looking forward to the Waratahs tour of South Africa where he is likely to start at hooker following injury and suspension to Tatafu Polota-Nau and Tolu Latu.
“Unfortunately it’s come under these circumstances but I’m going to take my opportunity and give it everything I’ve got.
“I’ve been on a few tours with Aussie 20’s and Schoolboys and that kind of thing so it’s not very new but in saying that I’ve never been away with the Tahs … I’m pretty confident in myself.”
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U20’s to be Broadcasted
The ARU have announced that Fox Sports will broadcast every Australian u20’s match of the Junior World Cup which commences on June 3 in Italy.
“It is a fantastic outcome that FOX SPORTS has continued their support of the next generation of Qantas Wallabies by providing live coverage of this year’s World Rugby U20 Championship,” said ARU General Manager Pathways and Performance, Ben Whitaker.
“Our Head Coach Adrian Thompson, his staff and the Super Rugby U20 programs have worked hard to ensure that we have a quality side that will represent Australia on the global stage.”
This means that World Rugby will not provide free live streams for Australian viewers.
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Ireland Name Squad for Barbarians
Ireland have announced their squad to play the Barbarians on Thursday. Coach Joe Schmidt has chosen to rest a number of players whilst also giving a host of uncapped players an opportunity. Jamie Heaslip will captain the squad.
Forwards: Michael Bent, Jack Conan, Robbie Diack, Tadhg Furlong, Jamie Heaslip (capt), Chris Henry, Rob Herring, Jack McGrath, Ben Marshall, Jordi Murphy, Mike Ross, Rhys Ruddock, Richardt Strass, Devin Toner, Dan Tuohy.
Backs: Craig Gilroy, Paddy Jackson, Dave Kearney, Cian Kelleher, Stuart McCloskey, Luke McGrath, Ian Madigan, Luke Marshall, Colm O’Shea, Eoin Reddan, Noel Reid.
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