Rugby Banter Page weekly round up

August 02, 2015
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Rugby Banter Page

Monday 27th

Springboks unhappy with McCaw try

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

Troubled former All Black Zac Guilford is set for a move to Michael Cheika's Waratahs. Guilford, 26 left Clermont at the end of the season a returned home to his native New Zealand. The Waratahs have declined to comment on the situation as of yet.

Burgess to make cut

Rumours are circulating from the England World Cup camp that Bath's Sam Burgess is on course to make the final 31 man squad for England next month. Stuart Lancaster feels that Burgess has a major role to play in the World Cup due to his versatility. Burgess is fighting for the the no.12 jersey but his ability to line out at flanker also looks set to give him the edge in making the final cut.

Wednesday 29th

England issue 24-point social media guide to players

The remarkable 24-point plan also includes orders not to tweet 'after a tough defeat' or become embroiled in social media spats with rival fans or members of the public.The RFU are determined to ensure their players do not attract unwanted publicity after their disastrous 2011 World Cup campaign was marred by reports of bad behaviour and allegations of a wild night out in New Zealand.

Toulon sign veteran Bobo

Veteran Fiji international wing Sireli Bobo has joined Top 14 club Toulon as cover during the World Cup.

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."