More pivot options for Wallabies
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Australia are working relentlessly to rewrite their dismal 2018 season ahead of the World Cup 2019.
The Wallabies under the guidance of Micheal Cheika have been struggling – concluded the Rugby Champions with only two wins and suffered a June Test Series defeat to Ireland on home soil.
However, the team along with Cheika are determined to turn things around.
The Wallabies’ World Cup campaign doesn’t kick off until September and their first Test in 2019 will be a Rugby Championship encounter on July 20 against South Africa in Johannesburg.
An August 17 Test against the All Blacks in Auckland is their last confirmed fixture before the World Cup, with five weeks until the tournament begins.
Australia have already had their first pre-World Cup camp in Sydney and according to rugbycomau Quade Cooper has recently joined the squad.
According to the article Cooper posted to Instagram on Friday from the Crowne Plaza in Coogee, a hotel frequently used by the Wallabies and visiting international and Super Rugby teams, writing, “First time back here in a while”.
Cooper hasn’t played for the Wallabies since June 2017 and was overlooked for the rest of the squads in that year in favour of Bernard Foley.
The Reds discard signed a deal with Melbourne Rebels in November and yet to make his Super Rugby return.
However, the website reported that a Wallabies spokesperson declined to confirm Cooper’s inclusion in the camp.
Meanwhile, Rugbypass reported that Christian Lealiifano outlined his determination represent Australia again, especially with the Rugby World Cup fast approaching.
The Brumbies captain Lealiifano’s battle with cancer has been well documented, and the playmaker is hoping that tests next month will reveal that he has been free of the disease for over two years.
“It’s the next level but I’m 100 percent focused on winning a Super Rugby title here, I’ve been here for 11 or 12 seasons now and it’s eluded me,” Lealiifano said.
“So, the passion is definitely still there to try and win a Super Rugby title, that’s the drive first but if I’m in form and playing my best footy then hopefully you’re knocking on the door for that next level stuff.
“It’s exciting, it’s a World Cup year, and everyone is excited to play good footy.
“Hopefully I’m able to play my best footy and that [contract] stuff can look after itself, wherever that pulls me.
“Whether it’s another season of Super Rugby or another Japan gig or a World Cup stint, there’s a lot of options… but I’m definitely passionate about playing Brumbies again and playing well and letting the rest take care of itself.”
Source: Rugbycomau & Rugbypass
In other news:
RugbyPass has created a next generation rugby rating system, based on machine learning and shaped by game winning moments. The system (RPI) is a world first for its complexity and comprehensive embrace of northern and southern hemisphere players and teams. By using in-depth data analysis, RPI determines exactly what it takes to win, in real time. Explore the RPI now!
