Kurtley’s back, Digby’s going and the Lions are coming. Here’s the weekly wrap of all things rugby.
1. Lion’s squad announced
The British and Irish Lions test squad was announced by Warren Gatland this week and featured a notable amount of Welsh players, including Welsh flanker Sam Warburton as captain.
Sean Maitland of Tokoroa steps into the squad to potentially face his cousin Quade Cooper. Chris Robshaw was overlooked.
Media coverage focused on the Lions’ ‘power pack’, with Robbie Deans highlighting the fact, given the squad selected, the Tests will be a battle of the gain line.
David Lord argued (unconvincingly) the Wallabies pack is just as big and bad!
2. Kurtley Beale to return this weekend against the Chiefs
Kurtley is placed for a return to Super Rugby after six weeks absence, following his alcohol fuelled debacle with fellow teammates Cooper Vuna and Gareth Delve.
The Rebels looked much better with Scott Higginbotham as captain last week and the challenge for them will be to turn these good performances in to a win. You would have to think the Chiefs should be too good in this one – but last week’s performance against the Crusaders does give the home team the reason for some small confidence.
3. Digby Ioane signs huge French deal, surprises nobody
Digby Ioane, the metre eater, the man with no pass or kick, has taken his enthusiastic brand of rugby overseas to Stade Francais on a reported 2.5 million dollar, two year deal.
I wonder if the writing was on the wall for Digby with Israel Folau beginning to appear a lot like Digby 2.0.
4. Quade Cooper maturing?
Quade Cooper’s image is improving with an articulate mid week interview and a nice write up in the Brisbane Times.
It appears Quade is letting the good side of his character shine through, and therefore is beginning to appear more likeable to the Australian public.
Also – that hit on Rene Ranger last week? Wow.
5. George Smith should they/shouldn’t they
The debate continues. Stirling Mortlock has come out in support of old mate George playing for the Wallabies, while Ewen McKenzie has spoken of Liam Gill and Michael Hooper’s legitimate claim to the 7 jersey.
This is a line call which is dividing many Roarers. I for one hope Liam Gill and Michael Hooper get the nod.
6. Folau continues to grow
Folau’s week to week growth continues. His performance against the Bulls was another strong one, and as Matt Burke discussed in his article last week, maybe the international aspect of rugby will entice Israel to finally sign on the dotted line.
One thing is clear however, week to week Israel continues to win Roarers and rugby pundits over.
7. Who will make the Lions?
Robbie is scheduled to announce his squad in two hits over the next month – and Roarers are champing at the bit, you can hardly find a thread that doesnt have a potential Wallabies XV of all shapes in sizes.
The big positive from a selection perspective is the absence of forced selections through injury (with Hugh McMeniman to come back of course/and David Pocock aside). You would have to think the Brumbies v Crusaders game will be a great selection talking point for the Wallabies staff.
8. Across the ditch
Here in New Zealand, talk has focussed on worrying signs in the New Zealand conference.
Reasons for poor performance have been mooted, for example, the Aussies taking all our second tier players (Jason Woodward, ALby Mathewson), and too much protection of All Blacks.
Many still do not rate the Australia conference too highly, Justin Marshall for example on Reunion this week stated that the Wallabies still have a long way to go to meet the ABs. You would have to think he is right.
Either way, its a big week for the New Zealand conference with must wins against the Rebels for the Chiefs, and the Blues against the Stormers.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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