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Cheika refuses to rule out Hunt for World Cup

6th March, 2015
24

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says it will be “hard” – but not impossible – for Karmichael Hunt to force his way back into Rugby World Cup calculations.

Cheika said on Friday he had far more immediate Wallabies-related concerns than contrite code-hopper Hunt, who has been suspended after admitting cocaine possession.

Cheika confirmed Hunt will not be invited to a meeting of prospective World Cup players following Saturday night’s clash between the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs due to his suspension.

Hunt attended a similar meeting in Canberra after the opening Super Rugby round.

But Cheika did indicate the 28-year-old will still be considered for selection should his form warrant it on his return.

It’s consistent with the approach he took with Kurtley Beale following his text scandal last year.

“(Hunt’s) disadvantage is going to be that he’s not playing and that’s going to be hard,” Cheika said.

“Once he gets back out on the paddock and he starts having a crack … if he’s playing well, we’ll take a look at it then.”

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Hunt’s suspension until April 3 means he has a likely maximum of 10 more Super Rugby games in his new code with the struggling Reds to earn a Wallaby call up ahead of the World Cup.

So far the former rugby league international has played just one game – the season-opening thumping by the Brumbies – without making any great impression.

Cheika said he was pleased to see a remorseful Hunt take full responsibility for his actions.

“Accountability’s an important thing for people to have and he’s taken accountability,” he said.

“Everyone will have their own opinion over what should have happened but … he put his hand up.”

Hunt said earlier on Friday that he felt his World Cup chances had taken a significant hit on the back of his stunning fall from grace.

“Possibly. I’ve obviously taken a lot of things into account over the last couple of weeks and that’s one of them,” he said.

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“But it hasn’t been a focus in the last week or two – the focus has been dealing with court yesterday.”

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