Wednesday’s rugby news has the Reds searching for a five eight, Rebels sign Culum Retallick, Wallabies move to 5th on the World rankings and positional change for Burgess.
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Reds search for a 10
It is understood that the Queensland Reds have begun their search for an experienced five-eight following the departure of Quade Cooper and their marquee signing Adam Thomson.
Queenslander Jake McIntyre showed promise this year but may still need time to grow into the role.
French international Frederic Michalak is being viewed as a potential option having played Super Rugby with the Sharks in 2008, 2011-2012. He also has an Australian wife.
Former Springbok Peter Grant is also unsigned for next year but he has been strongly linked to a move to the Western Force.
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Rebels Sign Retallick
The Melbourne Rebels have continued their recruiting with the signing of Blues lock Culum Retallick on a two year deal.
Retallick made his debut with the Chiefs in 2010 before playing with the Highlanders and Blues.
“I always look forward to new challenges and experiences with a new team, and also moving my family for the first time outside of New Zealand,” Retallick said.
“Over the last couple of years, there seems to be a shift in the way the Rebels are playing.”
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Wallabies Move to 5th
The Wallabies have overtaken Wales in the world rankings as they move up to 5th position following their victory over the Springboks over the weekend.
The Wallabies slipped to their lowest ever position of sixth earlier this year following the end of year tour and strong performances by Northern hemisphere teams in the six nations.
Meanwhile the All Blacks celebrated a cumulative 10 years in the top position since the rankings were introduced in 2003.
Current Rankings: New Zealand 93.70, South Africa 87.00, Ireland 85.76, England 85.40, Australia 84.18, Wales 84.07, France 79.74, Argentina 78.23, Samoa 75.91, Fiji 75.22.
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Positional Change for Burgess
England will view Sam Burgess as a centre option rather than a blindside flanker option which could affect his selection chances for the World Cup.
“The reality is that there is no guarantee for anyone in terms of squad selection but there are two reasons why we’re seeing him as a centre.
“As back-rowers, we need our sixes to be effective in the lineout. They are big players in our lineout — Tom Wood, for example. James Haskell we use a lot as well and Tom Croft is nearing fitness.
“Obviously there is some inexperience at hooker having lost Dylan (Hartley, for headbutting) and the lineout is a big part for us, so for Sam to be competitive there was going to be a real stretch.
“I would say that although Bath have used him as a forward, a lot of his effectiveness has been in the middle of the defensive line and as a line-runner — someone who takes the ball to the line and is there as a ball-carrying threat.
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