Rugby Banter Page weekly round up
- 2051
Richie McCaw's try seven minutes form the end was the dagger blow to the Boks in the All Blacks' 27-20 win.
It was a crucial touchdown, set up from a lineout just metres out from the All Blacks line. Decoys at the front and back of the lineout allowed McCaw, coming from a halfback position, to snatch the throw-in and charge through a gaping hole to the line.
Tuesday 28th
Guilford set for 'Tahs
Bobo, 39, will be available while the tournament takes place in England from September 18 to October 31.
Known for his speed and power, Bobo played for French clubs Biarritz and Racing Metro before moving to Japan with Red Hurricanes and returned to France last season to play for La Rochelle.
Thursday 30th
Hooper cleared to face All Blacks
Michael Hooper has been cleared to face the All Blacks next weekend after receiving a soft one week ban from SANZAR for striking an Argentine player in the lead up to Dean Mumm's try last weekend. Hooper will only miss a club game this coming weekend as a result of the ban and will return next week for the green and gold.
Friday 31st
SANZAR appeal Hooper ban
SANZAR has appealed the severity of a one-game ban handed down to Wallabies flanker Michael Hooper, who is at risk of being rubbed out of Saturday week's Rugby Championship decider against the All Blacks in Sydney.
Hooper was found guilty of striking Argentine five-eighth Nicolas Sanchez in an off-the-ball incident during Australia's 34-9 weekend win over Argentina in Mendoza.
Under SANZAR's judicial rules, all formal hearings are scrutinised by an independent appeals review officer.
That officer, Graeme Mew, has decided to refer the matter to the SANZAR Appeals Committee to review the sanction handed down on Thursday evening by judicial officer Nigel Hampton.
Wales to trim squad after Ireland clash
Wales will cut their World Cup training squad from 47 players to between 36 and 38 after the friendly against Ireland, says head coach Warren Gatland.
Wales face Ireland in Cardiff on 8 August, before playing them in Dublin on 29 August and hosting Italy on 5 September.
Gatland will trim the squad to 31 on 31 August, but will make a first reduction after the Ireland encounter.
"Probably 36, maybe 37 or 38 initially after the first warm-up game," he said.
"From there it's a real focus on the rugby.
"It's hard as coaches to work with 47 players so we're going to reduce the squad so it's a little bit more manageable."