Barnes set for Wallabies return

Updated October 24, 2012 18:23:38

Radar-boot Mike Harris is up for a stern fight to keep his Wallabies full-back jersey ahead of returning stalwart Berrick Barnes.

Barnes is set to be named among an experienced trio, including flanker David Pocock and hooker Stephen Moore, to return from injury in Australia's four-Test tour of Europe.

Coach Robbie Deans will Thursday morning announce a 30-man squad for the end-of-season tour where the Wallabies will kick off proceedings against France on November 10 before playing England, Italy and Wales.

Barnes, a veteran of 45 Tests, has not played since puncturing his lung in the September 30 loss to South Africa in Pretoria but would be expected to slot straight back into Deans' inexperienced backline.

New Zealand product Harris exceeded expectations in his two starts at full-back in the utility back's absence and has been a star with the boot.

The 24-year-old has kicked a combined 12 goals from 13 attempts under huge pressure in the 25-19 win over Argentina in Rosario and 18-18 draw with the All Blacks at a packed Lang Park.

With the Wallabies crossing for just 12 tries from 11 Tests this year and relying more and more on goalkicking, Harris made a strong case for retention ahead of big-stage clashes at Stade de France and Twickenham.

While Barnes has long been a Deans favourite, the coach was also highly impressed by Harris's positional play at full-back considering he had had just one previous start at 15 for Queensland last year.

"Having had minimal games at full-back in my career I feel I'm getting more comfortable there with every chance I get to put the 15 jersey on," Harris said.

"It would be a dream come true to start and kick goals at those stadiums - it doesn't get much bigger than that.

"Berrick is coming back from a severe punctured lung so hopefully he'll be ready to tour with us and that will create a selection dilemma for Robbie."

Deans' biggest dilemma is whether to take blindside flanker Scott Higginbotham following his two-Test ban for kneeing and headbutting All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw.

Higginbotham would miss the two toughest matches on tour against Les Bleus and England, and be a mere passenger until the November 24 clash with Italy in Florence.

World-class finisher Digby Ioane is expected to recover from a knee problem to tour in what would be a major relief considering Australia's wafer-thin wing stocks following the loss of seven Test flyers to injury.

While Pocock was skipper for the first five Tests this year, Nathan Sharpe will keep the captaincy duties as the number seven returns from knee surgery.

With Moore back from a hamstring injury, Deans must choose between Reds team-mates James Hanson and Saia Faingaa for the third hooker spot.

Possible Wallabies squad:

Forwards: Benn Robinson, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Ben Alexander, Paddy Ryan, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Stephen Moore, James Hanson, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Sitaleki Timani, Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons, Dave Dennis, David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Liam Gill, Wycliff Palu, Radike Samo or Scott Higginbotham.

Backs: Nick Phipps, Brett Sheehan, Kurtley Beale, Berrick Barnes, Pat McCabe, Anthony Faingaa, Ben Tapuai, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Digby Ioane, Nick Cummins, Drew Mitchell, Mike Harris.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted October 24, 2012 18:23:38

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Deans hopeful about Pocock return

Updated November 24, 2012 20:55:20

Robbie Deans remains hopeful of getting champion flanker David Pocock on the paddock for the final game of the Wallabies' European tour against Wales in Cardiff next weekend.

Pocock has been struggling with a calf strain which has delayed his long-awaited comeback.

The number seven was expected to return in the second Test of the tour against England at Twickenham but suffered a setback training in Paris the week before.

Deans says it's so far so good for Pocock, who hasn't played since he suffered knee ligament damage in the Wallabies' opening Bledisloe Cup match with New Zealand in August. "He's been running this week and hopefully he'll be available to us next week," Deans said.

"We're just being precautionary and I guess we've got the luxury of being able to do that.

"We've got Hoops (Michael Hooper) and Gilly (Liam Gill) and they're both fully fit and so we see no reason to push David."

The Wallabies coach suspects if they didn't have so much cover in the No.7 spot Pocock could have played in the third game of the tour against Italy.

"I suspect if pressed he could have played this week, yes, but if he's not 100 (per cent) you won't see him in Cardiff," he said.

Being so close to making his return and having a late setback has been tough on the ultra-competitive Pocock but Deans said the flanker has handled himself with distinction and put the team first on the tour.

"It's not an easy role to play for him. Generally when he's been fit he's played but he's been great around the group and has been helping a lot with our preparation," Deans said.

In Pocock's absence, Michael Hooper has been outstanding with the New South Wales Waratahs recruit picking up the man-of-the-match award in Australia's 20-14 win over England.

Meanwhile the Wallabies have been busily mounting a case for reserve lock Rob Simmons, whose appeal against the extraordinary eight-week ban he copped for a lifting tackle against France will be heard in Bristol on Tuesday.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, wales, australia

First posted November 24, 2012 14:03:42

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Ashley-Cooper, Palu return for Wallabies

Updated October 16, 2012 16:58:19

The Wallabies have made four changes to their line-up for the final Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday.

The injured Digby Ioane (knee) is replaced by Adam Ashley-Cooper while Wycliff Palu returns to the number eight spot in place of the rested Radike Samo.

Scott Higginbotham earned a spot as the starting blindside flanker ahead of Kane Douglas, with Sitaleki Timani starting in the second row.

Up front, Benn Robinson replaces James Slipper at loosehead prop in the only other change from the starting side that defeated Argentina in Rosario.

The Wallabies kept their five-two interchange bench, with Drew Mitchell returning from what was first thought to be a serious ankle injury.

"They're both proven Test performers so it is good to have them back," Deans said of Ashley-Cooper and Palu.

"Adam has been cleared after the head knock he suffered in Pretoria.

"He brings with him all-round skill but also a lot of voice in terms of on-field communication, which will be important with a lot of younger players around him."

The All Blacks, who have already retained the Bledisloe Cup, are seeking their 17th successive Test victory which would equal the record for top tier rugby nations.

Deans's team was the last side to beat the All Blacks, at Lang Park, less than two weeks before the start of last year's World Cup.

"The All Blacks are the benchmark and proved it again through the Rugby Championship," Deans said of the world champions' run.

"They are a step up from where we've been, but the guys have shown a lot of resilience over the last two months, and they're excited about the opportunity ahead of them on the weekend."

15. Mike Harris, 14. Nick Cummins, 13. Ben Tapuai, 12. Pat McCabe, 11. Adam Ashley-Cooper, 10. Kurtley Beale, 9. Nick Phipps, 8. Wycliff Palu, 7. Michael Hooper, 6. Scott Higginbotham, 5. Nathan Sharpe, 4. Sitaleki Timani, 3. Ben Alexander, 2. Tatafu Polota Nau, 1. Benn Robinson.

Reserves: 16. Saia Fainga'a, 17. James Slipper, 18. Kane Douglas, 19. Dave Dennis, 20. Liam Gill, 21. Brett Sheehan, 22. Drew Mitchell.

ABC/Reuters

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted October 16, 2012 12:28:24

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Beale primed for Wallabies return: Ioane

Updated June 21, 2012 18:03:17

Wallabies winger Digby Ioane says full-back Kurtley Beale is set for a big performance in his return Test against Wales in Sydney on Saturday.

Beale has an assault charge hanging over his head but has been cleared to make his playing return after overcoming a shoulder injury.

The Wallabies boast a potent and experienced back three for the dead-rubber Test at Sydney Football Stadium, and Ioane says Beale instils confidence in the home side's attack.

"When you play beside him (Beale) he's one of those guys that can read the game really well, so working off Kurtley he can actually put you through gaps," he said.

"That's why I like playing alongside him.

"He's ready. Today he was training the house down.

"I'm looking forward to playing with him again."

Wallabies captain David Pocock said earlier in the week that at 2-0 up, he would like to see the side add some more fluency to their attack in the final match before players return to Super Rugby.

Although the Rugby Championship is still a few weeks away, Ioane says it is important the Wallabies continued to lay a solid foundation for the upcoming Tests against southern hemisphere powerhouses New Zealand and South Africa, as well as Argentina.

Mike Harris, who kicked the match-winning penalty goal in the second Test in Melbourne, has been dropped for the third match and Ioane says that gave some indication of the growing depth in the Wallabies squad.

"We've been without guys like Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor and these other guys are coming through, which is good for Australia," Ioane said.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted June 21, 2012 14:28:38

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Muiliana mulls Super Rugby return

Updated June 08, 2012 22:50:55

All Blacks legend Mils Muliaina says he misses the intensity of Super Rugby and would consider a return from Japan to the struggling Blues if he got the call.

The 31-year-old back, who suffered an international career-ending shoulder injury during his 100th Test for New Zealand in last year's World Cup, said he was loving Japan but still wanted to end his career in New Zealand.

"The shoulder's good and the door's always open," Muliaina said at a training session for the BGC Asia-Pacific Barbarians ahead of their match against English team Saracens in Hong Kong on Saturday.

"Being in Japan and not having to go through that physicality stuff, my body feels a lot better than what it has.

"I won't speculate on what's going to happen next year but I'd like to say that hopefully someone gives me a call and I'd go back."

Blues coach Pat Lam has taken charge of the Asia-Pacific Barbarians for the Chartis Cup match this weekend, and Muliaina said it was "nice" to hook up with his old coach again.

"He's a good bloke and a good man," he said.

Only the second All Black after current captain Richie McCaw to play in 100 Tests for New Zealand, Muliaina said he would be an "outstanding spectator" when he retired from international rugby in October.

A star for both the Blues and the Chiefs during his Super rugby career, he signed a two-year deal with Japanese club NTT Docomo knowing that would effectively mean the end of his international career after the World Cup.

"I'm enjoying the rugby in Japan. I'm enjoying the culture and the lifestyle as well. But the rugby's a bit different to what I'm used to in New Zealand," he said.

"I didn't expect to miss it as much as what I have. The first month or so was pretty tough.

"I sort of always thought I'd finish my rugby career in New Zealand."

He said he missed the competitiveness of Super rugby the most.

"It's a stupid thing to say but you kind of miss the feeling that you've just been beaten up," he said.

Saturday's match is a chance for the utility back to reunite in the Barbarians with four other All Blacks in Jerry Collins, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Rico Gear and Troy Flavell.

Muliaina said he was watching developments in New Zealand with interest, as the All Blacks prepare for a tough three-match series against Ireland under new coach Steve Hansen.

Hansen, now at the helm after being assistant coach to Graham Henry for eight years, produced a new-look side for Saturday's opening Test, which is the All Blacks' first since claiming the World Cup eight months ago.

Scrum-half Aaron Smith, lock Brodie Retallick and left wing Julian Savea are the debutants in a side tasked with defending a 107-year history of never losing to Ireland.

"He's got different ideas and you'd hope to see something a little bit different to what (Henry) had," Muliaina said.

On the choice of Sonny Bill Williams ahead of Ma'a Nonu in the midfield, Muliaina said he thought the centres were the best spot for the mercurial Williams even if Nonu should never be written off.

"Ma'a's had a big nine or so months... he'll be looking forward to having that little wee break from the big picture. But he's quality. When you get him at his best, he delivers," he said.

All Blacks captain McCaw is due to play his 104th Test on Saturday, but Muliaina dismissed suggestions the 31-year-old loose forward might be nearing the end of his international career.

"At the moment he's got plenty more to offer. That's why he's been the best player in the world," he said.

AFP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand

First posted June 08, 2012 22:48:40

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Lynagh to return to London

Updated May 22, 2012 21:33:20

Australian rugby legend Michael Lynagh said he has been cleared to fly back to his home in London following a shock stroke which severely damaged his eyesight.

The 48-year-old, a former Wallabies captain and World Cup winner regarded as one of the sport's all-time greats, was rushed to hospital with headaches and blurred vision last month while visiting Brisbane.

Tests revealed that he had suffered a rare and often fatal type of stroke caused by a blocked vertebral artery, which caused him to lose 45 per cent of the vision in his left eye.

He announced on Twitter that doctors had given him the green light to return to Britain Tuesday, telling followers "I realise how lucky I have been".

"I have been given the all clear to fly home to London. I am hopeful that this will happen towards the end of next week," Lynagh tweeted.

Lynagh won 72 caps for Australia in the 1980s and 1990s as well as having a distinguished state career for Queensland.

He was part of Australia's Grand Slam-winning team during a tour of Britain and Ireland in 1984, and a key player in the country's 1991 World Cup win.

Lynagh captained Australia from 1993 to 1995 and held the world points scoring record when he retired with 911. He also held the world record for most conversions (140).

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, australia

First posted May 22, 2012 21:33:20

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Mitchell set to return against Cheetahs

Updated May 14, 2012 11:50:24

Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell is confident he will resume his Super Rugby career against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein later this month.

Mitchell aggravated an ankle injury during the World Cup in October and is yet to play for the Waratahs this season.

He flew out with the Waratahs squad on Saturday for their two-match tour of South Africa and is expected to play in the second match against the Cheetahs.

It's been a long road to recovery for Mitchell who was told by doctors that he may not play again.

"I've only played two or three games in the last 13 months but now I'm pretty close to being a rugby player again," Mitchell told ABC Grandstand before flying out with the Waratahs.

"It's been a big step just to be able to train with the boys in a team environment as opposed to being an individual athlete in rehab."

Mitchell said he had been told by several medical specialists that he may not play again but never gave up on returning to the game.

"I had a few different specialists tell me that. It was quite hard at one point because we had so many differing opinions.

"It was almost like a lottery which one we were going to take but fortunately the ankle has responded to treatment and I'm ready to play."

Mitchell said he was put through training sessions that replicated games to test his ability to return to Super Rugby.

He will continue to train hard in the week leading up to the Stormers game in Capetown on Sunday morning (AEST) but is preparing to play against the Cheetahs the following week.

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, australia, sydney-2000

First posted May 14, 2012 11:45:15

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Mitchell a chance for Tahs return

Updated May 10, 2012 14:05:40

New South Wales winger Drew Mitchell is a "50-50" chance to make a miraculous recovery from injury, allaying fears he might never play again.

The Waratahs depart for South Africa for matches against the Stormers and Cheetahs on Saturday, and Mitchell only needs to pass one more fitness test on Friday to convince coach Michael Foley he's ready for an earlier-than-expected return from an ankle injury.

Mitchell was expected to miss the entire Super Rugby season and the June Test matches against Scotland and Wales with the ongoing problem but is now on the verge of a comeback after recovering well from the first of two fitness tests.

On Friday, the Waratahs medical team will try out his conditioning and ability to change direction at high speed before giving him the green light to tour and be available for the second match against the Cheetahs on May 26 in Bloemfontein.

"There's a good chance, I would say 50-50," Foley said.

"He ran yesterday and he's pulled up out of that pretty well. We've decided we want to give him one more test which is one step further up and that will be tomorrow.

"He healed a lot better than what was first thought. We had great advice from some of the leading people in Australia and he took a bit of time.

"He did all the right exercises he was given and it's just turned for the better, which is great because there was a chance at one point that he might not play again."

The Waratahs play the Bulls at Sydney Football Stadium on Friday night.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, super-rugby, sport, sydney-2000

First posted May 10, 2012 14:05:40

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Carter busting to make Crusaders return

Updated March 23, 2012 13:36:39

Dan Carter says he is excited to be making his long-awaited comeback from injury in the Crusaders' clash with the Cheetahs in Christchurch on Saturday.

Carter has not played since last September, having sustained a groin injury during an All Blacks' training session at the World Cup that saw him miss the tournament's finals stage.

He has been named on the reserves bench to meet the Cheetahs with Tom Taylor starting at fly half in place of Tyler Bleyendaal.

Carter is expected to come on early in the second half, as the Crusaders make their first appearance at the new Christchurch Stadium.

It will be their first Super Rugby appearance in Christchurch since the devastating earthquakes that hit the city in February, 2011.

"I've experienced a lot of things in my life and this is right up there in terms of excitement for a couple of reasons," Carter said.

"The first one is that I'm coming back from an injury, which was pretty devastating so the chance to play again is very exciting.

"Secondly, there's no better way than doing it in front of our home people and in a new stadium."

The Crusaders have made four changes to their starting XV to face the Cheetahs.

Ryan Crotty will play at inside centre, outside Taylor, while Luke Whitelock will replace eldest brother George (Achilles) at blindside flanker in what will be his run-on debut.

Another of the Whitelocks, All Blacks lock Sam, has been named in the second row in place of Tom Donnelly.

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand

First posted March 23, 2012 13:24:09

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Harris on edge for Eden Park return

Updated April 23, 2012 17:14:40

Kiwi recruit Mike Harris will finally get a first-hand chance to show the Blues what they missed when the Queensland Reds take on Super Rugby's "sleeping beasts" on Friday night.

Queensland's round-10 clash at Eden Park holds special significance for Harris, who was overlooked by the Auckland-based franchise before the Reds pounced to sign him in late 2010.

The former New Zealand Schoolboys and under-20s back was a revelation for the Reds in their charge towards the 2011 crown before being cut down by a season-ending knee injury.

Rubbing extra salt into his wounds was the fact he sustained the patella injury just a week before Queensland was set to face the Blues at Lang Park.

A North Harbour product, Harris admitted he had looked forward to playing the Aucklanders all season until disaster struck.

"Obviously, I'm pretty excited to get out there and play a team that I was on the fringes for for a couple of years," the Reds superboot said.

"There's a bit more meaning behind that for myself."

He will have his parents among a large family contingent at Eden Park but his supporters will also be inside the enemy camp with his North Harbour mentor Jeff Wilson the Blues skills coach.

Former All Black Wilson went in to bat for Harris in a big way in 2010 trying to help him to gain a NZ Super Rugby contract, first with the Blues and then with other provinces, but with no joy.

The closest he came was as a member of the Blues' wider training squad.

Now a serious Wallabies prospect due to an Australian-born grandmother, Harris is looking to keep his unbeaten record at the NZRU's spiritual home after enjoying NPC and representative age success there.

He is expected to line up at inside centre, opposite destructive All Blacks Ma'a Nonu and Rene Ranger in the midfield, with Ben Lucas likely to start at five-eighth in an injury-riddled Reds backline.

Semi-finalists last year, the last-placed Blues have been 2012's major disappointments but all at the Reds are wary about the under-achievers clicking into gear.

"They'll be disappointed with the way they've gone this time but, at the same time, I think they're a bit of a sleeping beast and they are a team that can bite you if you don't turn up so we really have to be on our game," Harris said.

"They love to attack and they don't try to hide that. They love to run the ball and they've got good skilled players right throughout their team and, if their offloads stick, they're definitely hard to stop."

Wallabies winger Digby Ioane is set to make his return from suspension next to Harris in the centres while there is hope fellow Test back Anthony Faingaa (foot) can come back on the bench.

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted April 23, 2012 17:14:40

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Barnes looks good for Tahs return

Updated March 05, 2012 17:06:53

New South Wales coach Michael Foley says the signs are promising for Berrick Barnes to return to Super Rugby action against the Highlanders, but is resigned to losing back-up hooker Damien Fitzpatrick for a long period.

Classy Wallabies inside back Barnes has missed the Waratahs' first two matches against Queensland and Melbourne Rebels with a groin injury.

Together with flanker Pat McCutcheon, who is coming back from a calf injury, Barnes will be assessed after training on Tuesday, with the Waratahs squad for Saturday's match in Dunedin scheduled to be announced the following day.

"Tomorrow's run will be the last to get through and I'm reluctant to tell you he (Barnes) is right to go until he does that, but things are looking promising," Foley said.

Foley did not give anything away about if and where Barnes would play if passed fit, but says he is very impressed with young utility back Bernard Foley, who starred in his first start at full-back against the Rebels.

He fears Fitzpatrick has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury which, if confirmed, will effectively rule him out for the season.

Foley says John Ulugia, who has made 24 Super Rugby appearances with the Waratahs and Brumbies, will back up first-choice hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau and the Waratahs will look at a couple of overseas-based players and club rugby for another number two.

He says winger Drew Mitchell's season is still in doubt due to a torn ankle tendon, but he hopes to have him back by mid-year.

Inside centre Tom Carter, whose position could be threatened if Barnes is passed fit, has a slight eye infection but should be available for selection this week.

Foley did not want to comment on the 10-match suspension handed out to Rebels lock Adam Byrnes for coming into contact with Carter's eye, but feels it probably is a vindication of the new white card system where referees can refer allegations to the citing commissioner.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, super-12, sydney-2000

First posted March 05, 2012 17:06:53

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Chambers seals NRL deal to return to Storm

Updated January 19, 2012 13:58:33

Will Chambers will return to his former NRL club Melbourne after a two-year dalliance with rugby union.

The tall centre has signed a three-year deal with the Storm, who the 23-year-old played 42 games with between 2007 and 2009 before switching codes to play with the Queensland Reds.

Chambers had a topsy-turvy stint in Brisbane, making a quick impression in his first season to be touted as a Wallabies contender before a shoulder injury halted his development.

However, on return from surgery, Chambers spent more time on the bench than on the field as the Reds swept to the Super Rugby title last year.

Chambers was subsequently released by the Reds and joined Irish club Munster on a short-term deal before the Storm's operations manager, Frank Ponissi, travelled to Limerick to discuss a return to Melbourne.

"I have been following Will's progress over the past two years and when I caught up with him in Limerick, it was clear he had a desire to come back to rugby league," said Ponissi.

"Pleasingly we (have completed) our 2012 roster, adding quality depth to our centre position with Dane Nielsen, Maurice Blair and Justin O'Neill."

Chambers, whose last game for Melbourne was in the 2009 grand final-winning team who beat Parramatta - a title later stripped due to the Storm's salary cap rorting - is excited to have sealed a long-term deal following the uncertainty of recent months.

"This was a very difficult decision with several things to consider," Chambers said.

"The overriding factor was a return to Melbourne to be coached by Craig (Bellamy) and being part of the Melbourne Storm culture once again."

AAP

Tags: nrl, rugby-league, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted January 19, 2012 13:58:33

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SBW on verge of NRL return: report

Updated January 01, 2012 11:16:59

All Black Sonny Bill Williams is reportedly considering joining the Sydney Roosters in 2013 for double the pay he left rugby league for in 2008.

Williams is on the verge of signing a $4 million five-year deal to return to the NRL with the Roosters, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

An agreement was all but finalised over a breakfast meeting in Circular Quay in Sydney on Saturday with Roosters chairman Nick Politis and Channel Nine executive David Gyngell.

Williams was a member of the All Blacks team that won the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

He has a one-season deal with rugby union Super 15 franchise Waikato Chiefs but there has been speculation he will return to league.

He will join the Roosters in 2013 on $800,000 a season, double what he was on when he walked out on the Bulldogs in 2008 to join Toulon in French rugby union, The Telegraph reported.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that a clause in his deed of release from the Bulldogs prohibits him from playing with a rival NRL club until this year.

The All Blacks midfielder is also taking on veteran fighter Richard Tutaki for the vacant New Zealand heavyweight belt on February 8.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-league, nrl, rugby-union, australia, nsw, bondi-junction-2022, new-zealand

First posted January 01, 2012 11:11:43

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Reds' injured trio return for key match

Published:Thursday, June 30, 2011 7:24 AESTExpires:Wednesday, September 28, 2011 7:24 AEST

The Queensland Reds will welcome the return of Beau Robinson, Anthony Faingaa and Dibgy Ioane for the Super Rugby semi-final against the Blues.

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Tags: rugby-union, qld, brisbane-4000

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Cipriani free for Rebels return

Posted June 6, 2011 14:28:00

Danny Cipriani will play for the Rebels in their Super Rugby clash against the Brumbies on Friday night after reaching an agreement with the Melbourne franchise.

The former English international had not played since late April when he was suspended following a series of off-field breaches.

It is believed the club wanted Cipriani to sign an updated contract with behavioural clauses.

The Rebels issued a statement saying Cipriani had returned to training and was available for selection.

But they made no further comment.

"Both parties have agreed that no further public comment will be made and confidentiality will be respected," the statement said.

The club is desperate to win its final two remaining matches, against the Brumbies in Canberra and the Force at home, and avoid the wooden spoon in its debut season.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, melbourne-3000

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Gerrard to return for Rebels

Posted May 19, 2011 11:34:00

Former Wallabies star Mark Gerrard returns from injury to boost the struggling Melbourne Rebels in their Super Rugby clash with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Gerrard will partner skipper Stirling Mortlock in the centres for Saturday's match.

Thrashed 47-10 by the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend, the Rebels (3-9) badly need to get back on track against the much-improved Cheetahs (4-8) who sit four places above them on the ladder in 10th spot.

Gerrard's return sees Afusipa Taumoepeau drop to the bench while sharp attacker Cooper Vuna replaces Lachlan Mitchell on the right wing.

Coach Rod Macqueen has opted to rest impressive import Gareth Delve with Tim Davidson to play at No.8.

Tackling machine Jarrod Saffy returns to openside flanker with Michael Lipman dropping to the bench and former Western Force forward Luke Jones gets his Rebels starting debut as blindside flanker replacing Hoani Macdonald.

Prop Rodney Blake and five eighth James Hilgendorf make their returns on the bench.

Melbourne Rebels: Richard Kingi, Cooper Vuna, Mark Gerrard, Stirling Mortlock (capt), Luke Rooney, Julian Huxley, Nick Phipps, Tim Davidson, Jarrod Saffy, Luke Jones, Hugh Pyle, Alister Campbell, Laurie Weeks, Ged Robinson, Greg Somerville. Res: Heath Tessmann, Rodney Blake, Kevin O'Neill, Michael Lipman, James Hilgendorf, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Peter Betham.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, vic, melbourne-3000

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Mitchell in the dark over return

Posted May 13, 2011 17:02:00

Drew Mitchell says he is not even close to pencilling in any prospective comeback date, despite reports that the injured Wallabies star will turn out for a Sydney sub-districts team in August.

Mitchell suffered a horrific ankle dislocation in the Waratahs' Super Rugby loss to Queensland last month and is still recovering from the trauma of seeing his foot at right angles.

The high-speed collision with Reds forward Scott Higginbotham left Australia's best-performing winger in a race against time to be fit for the Rugby World Cup starting in September.

Few, except perhaps Mitchell, give him any realistic hope of featuring in the global showpiece, so it has come as a surprise to the 55-Test flyer that he is being billed as a star attraction for Balmain's Ladies' Day.

He and fellow Wallabies ace Matt Giteau made a cameo appearance for Balmain last year, but Mitchell on Friday said the Bugs had "jumped the gun a little bit" in distributing a media release this week, saying he would make his comeback for the Third Division club on August 13.

"I haven't even started to bear weight on my foot, so I'd be mad to start saying which team I was going to play for and against which opposition," he said.

"I'm only three weeks into what was considered a 12 to 14-week injury and even that could change.

"I haven't even sat down to look at what footy will be played then.

"Obviously, Super Rugby will be finished but I'm not even sure what stage the Sydney club rugby will be up to, whether there'll be finals or anything like that.

"It's a lengthy process and I don't want the pressures of saying what type of footy I will be playing.

"Apart from the physical nature of the injury, there's also mental hurdles you have to clear that come with seeing your foot distorted like that.

"So I'll play when I'm physically and mentally ready."

Mitchell was keen to clarify his position because "if it's out there in the public domain that I'm playing on August 13 and I don't, then there will be question marks around that, too".

Mitchell had been in outstanding form for the Waratahs before being injured, scoring six tries from nine games and shaping as a World Cup certainty.

- AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-14, australia, nsw, sydney-2000

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McCaw set for return

Updated April 13, 2011 12:24:00

Richie McCaw looks set to play his first Super rugby match of the season after being named in the Crusaders squad for Friday's clash with the Chiefs, but Dan Carter has been ruled out through injury.

All Blacks skipper McCaw, widely regarded as the world's best openside flanker, had surgery on a broken foot on the eve of the season and missed the first eight weeks but will return on the bench for Friday's match in Mt Maunganui.

Fly half Carter was recalled to the starting line-up after missing the 27-0 mauling of the champion Bulls last weekend because of a hamstring problem, but was ruled out again after it tightened on him again in training on Wednesday.

Carter, the all-time leading scorer in Super rugby, will be replaced by Matt Berquist, who stood in for him and led the backline against the Bulls last weekend.

Berquist will have a new halves partner after Kahn Fotuali'i was named at scrum half in place of Andy Ellis.

With McCaw on the bench, number eight Kieran Read will start as captain as he has throughout the seven-times champions' impressive start to the season.

All Blacks full-back Mils Muliaina also returns to Super Rugby action after being named for the Chiefs.

Muliaina missed the last four matches with fractures in his back and has not played since the Chiefs' home win against the Rebels at Waikato Stadium on March 5.

Winger Sitiveni Sivivatu will play his 83rd match for the Chiefs, becoming the franchise's most-capped player ahead of former prop Michael Collins.

-Reuters/AAP

First posted April 13, 2011 08:50:00

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