Tension between Cheika and Super Rugby franchises
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Tension between Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika and the Australian Super Rugby franchises has been rising after a host of top Australian talent have been left injured following a Wallabies training camp.
Wallabies players endured a nine-day fitness camp in Sydney last month where the The Sydney Morning Herald report Cheika showed concern regarding the condition of some of his players as the World Cup nears.
Cheika put his team through a time trial on the first day of the camp and forced players who were below standard to run sprints resulting in injury.
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The Herald reported that Wallabies David Pocock, Adam Coleman, Dane Haylett-Petty and Nick Phipps rejoined their Super Rugby sides carrying soft tissue injuries.
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While no formal comment has been made, one club reportedly told the Sydney Morning Herald that the lack of communication between the Wallabies and the clubs is the most damaging aspect.
There is another five-day Wallabies camp scheduled for Friday.
The All Blacks and New Zealand franchises have experienced similar tension both this year and last year. Last year players well pulled from teams for scheduled camps and were required to sit for at least two games.
This season frontline All Blacks are limited to 180 minutes through the first three games of the season, with plenty already approaching that threshold after two matches.
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