Wednesday’s rugby news has Cheika slamming Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal, Waratahs to sign Zac Guildford, Pocock eyeing off Bledisloe challenge and Rob Simmons plays down injury.
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Cheika Slams Boudjellal
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has responded to Toulon owner Mourad Boudjellal claim that Quade Cooper will be as broke as Greece if he backs out of his contract with Toulon.
“I don’t think it’s necessary to have that type of language,” Cheika said.
“(I’m told) he said they’re going to be as broke as Greece. Well, I don’t think that’s an issue to be joking about, to be honest. There’s a lot of people struggling over there.”
“So I don’t think it’s very funny, saying any of that type of stuff. He’s entitled to say what he likes about what he wants to do. That’s fine, but I don’t think those analogies are really necessary.”
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Tahs to Sign Guildford
Former All Black Zac Guildford is set to return to Super Rugby next year with the New South Wales Waratahs.
New Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson will make Guildford his marquee signing, replacing Jacques Potgieter.
Guildford played with the Crusaders where Gibson was assistant coach before playing in France where he quit his deal with Clermont earlier this year.
Guildford has previously battled with alcohol issues but has performed solidly for Hawke’s Bay since returning from Europe.
Guildford is set to fill the holes left by departing Waratahs wingers Peter Betham and potentially Taqele Naiyaravoro.
It is understood that Guildford has agreed to the terms and the contract is being finalised.
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Pocock Eyes Challenge
David Pocock is looking forward to the challenge of facing Ritchie McCaw in his last test match on Australian soil.
“It’s always a big occasion playing the All Blacks and he’s been right up there for a very long time,” Pocock said.
“He’s a player I really respect and relish those moments.”
Pocock is set to start against the All Blacks after Hooper was cited for striking but he is enjoying the competition within the squad.
“Competition is exactly what you want to be having,” Pocock said.
“The only year we were struggling was in 2011 going into the World Cup and we only took one No. 7 and that stung us a bit.
“It’s great with Hoops out there because we enjoy feeding off each other.
“You also got guys like Sean McMahon waiting for an opportunity so it’s been pretty intense at training.”
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Simmons to be Available
Wallabies lock Rob Simmons has played down concerns over his wrist injury which he sustained during the Wallabies test match with Argentina.
Simmons will undergo scans but is confident he will play against the All Blacks on August 8.
“I just went ball carrying and came out of the ruck with a really sore wrist. I strapped it up at halftime and finished the game. It’s just a little bit sore,” Simmons said.
“He (team doctor Mike Cadogan) said we’ll put it in this position to take the pressure of the tendons and will go and get a scan when I get home, see if there’s any damage. But with the strength of it all, there will be no missing training or anything like that. It’s just a matter of how to strap it.”
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