The News Review:
- England rugby team dumps Cipriani in favour of veteran Wilkinson
- Ian mcgeechan says Lions rugby team needs more preparation time
- Canterbury rugby chasing Wallaby test
- Wallabies seek probe of Tuqiri sacking
England rugby team dumps Cipriani in favour of veteran Wilkinson
The Canadian Press
Wilkinson has been plagued by injuries since kicking England’s winning drop goal against Australia in the 2003 World Cup final but is now back to full fitness. Wilkinson 30 moved to Toulon after 12 years with the Newcastle Falcons and he is set to make his debut when France’s Top 14 championship kicks off in August. His move to France has clearly not deterred England manager Martin Johnson from recalling Wilkinson who has not played any rugby since dislocating his knee in ctober. Brive centre Riki Flutey is also in the 32-man squad. “ur selections include players based in France and (elite rugby director) Rob Andrew and I have had extensive discussions with the French clubs who have recruited English players and these have gone well” Johnson said. “We are looking forward to continuing the positive working relationship with them which worked so well last season. “EnglandForwards: Steffon Armitage Steve Borthwick George Chuter Jordan Crane Tom Croft Louis Deacon Nick Easter Dylan Hartley Ben Kay Lee Mears Tim Payne Tom Rees Simon Shaw Andrew Sheridan Phil Vickery Julian White David Wilson Joe Worsley.
Ian mcgeechan says Lions rugby team needs more preparation time
The Canadian Press
Although the British and Irish Lions lost the series 2-1 to world champion South Africa after losing the first two tests they finished with a record-equalling 28-9 victory at Ellis Park on Saturday to send the head coach home on a winning note. “I was very proud of yesterday” said McGeechan who said he won’t be in charge for the 2013 tour of Australia. “I think last Saturday was the lowest I have ever felt but we took those two or three days and they came back well and trained Wednesday Thursday Friday and they were superb absolutely excellent. “The players have been outstanding and were very ready for a Test match and I’m really proud of the way we’ve finished it and we can carry a winning Lions jersey for the next four years.
Canterbury rugby chasing Wallaby test
Stuff.co.nz
Because only 18500 tickets sold for the Italy test the NZRU which also paid a set fee to the union did not fork out a full bonus to Canterbury and NZRU chief executive Steve Tew earlier stirred up a storm by hinting Christchurch could lose its test status if locals remained disinterested in tests. But instead of sparking a rush to the turnstiles Tew’s comments blew up in his face; indignant fans vented their displeasure at having to pay top dollar to watch the All Blacks play a second-tier nation in the middle of winter and in a half-built stadium. Subsequently 7500 tickets remained unsold. Although disappointed at the lack of interest in the Italy test Canterbury chief executive Hamish Riach hopes the NZRU will put that sour experience behind them and be bold enough to allocate Christchurch with an All Blacks-Wallabies international to mark the opening of the new Deans Stand at AMI Stadium.
Wallabies seek probe of Tuqiri sacking
The Times
The Australian players’ a ssociation said yesterday it was concerned about the case. The Australian Rugby Union which cancelled the winger’s contract last month has declined to give any reason. But the union’s chief executive John ’ Neill said the player had been warned before his contract was terminated. The players’ association chief executive Tony Dempsey said the Wallabies had “genuine concerns” about the matter.
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