Beale returns to Wallabies side

Updated June 19, 2012 22:20:28

Kurtley Beale will make his Wallabies comeback in this weekend's final Test against Wales in Sydney, despite facing a police charge for assault.

The 23-year-old missed the first two Test wins against the Six Nations champions with a shoulder injury and during that time got into trouble over an alleged altercation with security guards at a Brisbane pub.

Despite this, he was selected Tuesday after the Australian Rugby Union said it had put on hold its own disciplinary process until the police matter was resolved.

Beale, who has not played since Australia's victory over Wales in the bronze medal play-off at last year's World Cup, will slot in at full-back and push Adam Ashley-Cooper to the wing.

Coach Robbie Deans said Beale had proved on the training field that he was ready for a recall.

"It has been frustrating for Kurtley and he's obviously had some off-field challenges to deal with as well," Deans said.

"But it was important for all concerned that he had full confidence in his shoulder before we looked at re-introducing him to the Test arena."

Beale said he was confident his shoulder would hold up.

"It's obviously been a while now ... I'm just raring to go," said Beale, who refused to take questions on the alleged assault which occurred when he was out with fellow Wallaby Quade Cooper.

No charges have been laid against Cooper.

"I think the medical staff have done a really good job ... they've respected me and looked towards the future in protecting me and thought having that extra week would have me in better stead going into the game," he added.

"I'm just very happy to be a part of it and I'm very grateful for another opportunity this weekend."

Ashley-Cooper takes Cooper Vuna's place on the wing while Waratahs giant Sitaleki Timani has been recalled to the starting second-row, with Rob Simmons moving to the bench.

Despite retaining the James Bevan Trophy for a third time in succession following last weekend's 25-23 win in Melbourne, Deans insisted the changes were not cosmetic but designed to strengthen his team.

"Wales are a very good side. They give you nothing and they take their scoring chances. They showed that in the Six Nations and they showed it again last weekend," Deans said.

"Both games in the series to date have been very close, there's no reason to suggest that Saturday afternoon will be any different."

Given that Wales has won just once in Australia - 43 years ago - Deans said the visitors would be motivated even though the series was now lost.

"If anything, they will be even more dangerous because the circumstance will unshackle them," he said.

"While they can no longer win the series, they can still achieve something only one other Welsh team has ever achieved by winning in Australia.

"And they have that opportunity in front of them with no real downside -- nothing to fear so to speak, as the series is beyond them."

Australia: Kurtley Beale, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Rob Horne, Pat McCabe, Digby Ioane, Berrick Barnes, Will Genia, Wycliff Palu, David Pocock (capt), Scott Higginbotham, Nathan Sharpe, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Res: Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Rob Simmons, Dave Dennis, Michael Hooper, Nic White, Anthony Faingaa.

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, sydney-2000

First posted June 19, 2012 11:19:00

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Mitchell returns for Tahs

Updated May 25, 2012 12:11:00

Drew Mitchell makes his long-awaited return from injury to front for New South Wales in its clash with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday morning (AEST).

Mitchell has not played since a Wallabies' World Cup pool match against Russia last October, having been troubled by hamstring and ankle injuries.

He will make his season debut on the wing as one of four changes to the Waratahs' starting XV that lost 19-13 to the Stormers in Cape Town last weekend.

Tatafu Polota-Nau, Kane Douglas and Wycliff Palu all return, while an injury to Rocky Elsom sees him drop out of the side with Dave Dennis shifting to blindside flanker.

The Waratahs are looking to break a four-match losing streak, which has effectively ended their play-offs chances.

They sit in fourth place on the Australian conference standings with a 4-8 record from their 12 matches.

The Cheetahs hold the same record and are also in fourth position in the South African conference.

Waratahs squad: Bernard Foley, Tom Kingston, Rob Horne, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Drew Mitchell, Berrick Barnes, Brendan McKibbin, Wycliff Palu, Chris Alcock, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Sitaleki Timani, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson (captain)

Reserves: John Ulugia, Jeremy Tilse, Richard Stanford, Lopeti Timani, Sarel Pretorius, Daniel Halangahu, Tom Carter

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

First posted May 25, 2012 12:08:36

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Foley returns for Waratahs

Updated May 17, 2012 13:45:41

New South Wales has named full-back Bernard Foley to make his return from injury against the Stormers at Newlands on Sunday morning (AEST).

Foley has missed three matches because of a shoulder injury and is a welcomed addition, as the Waratahs attempt to kick-start their Super Rugby campaign.

Daniel Halangahu makes way for Foley and elsewhere in the backs Brendan McKibbin returns to the starting XV at half-back in place of South African marquee signing Sarel Pretorius.

Sitaleki Timani replaces Kane Douglas in the second row and Dave Dennis will wear the number eight jersey with Wycliff Palu moving to the bench as part of the back row rotation.

Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau has been bracketed with John Ulugia with a decision to be made closer to match day on his availability because of the head knock he suffered against the Brumbies in round 11.

The Waratahs sit third on the Australian conference standings, 12 points shy of leaders the Brumbies.

The Stormers have lost only one match this season and are undefeated at home, and they hold down second position on the South African conference behind the Bulls.

Waratahs squad:

Bernard Foley, Atieli Pakalani, Rob Horne, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tom Kingston, Berrick Barnes, Brendan McKibbin, Dave Dennis, Chris Alcock, Rocky Elsom (captain), Sitaleki Timani, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau/John Ulugia, Benn Robinson

Reserves: John Ulugia/John Mann-Rea, Jeremy Tilse, Kane Douglas, Jono Jenkins, Wycliff Palu, Sarel Pretorius, Daniel Halangahu

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

First posted May 17, 2012 13:45:41

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Carter returns to Crusaders' starting side

Updated March 29, 2012 09:47:17

Dan Carter will get his first start of the Super Rugby season after being named in the Crusaders XV against the Lions in Johannesburg this weekend.

Carter was in the reserves in the last match against the Cheetahs in Christchurch and came on as a replacement in the second half.

It was his first match back since suffering a groin injury during the Rugby World Cup last year.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made four changes to the team that beat the Cheetahs.

George Whitelock and Wyatt Crockett both return to the starting 15 this week, with Luke Whitelock and Ben Franks moving to the bench.

Crusaders:

Israel Dagg, Sean Maitland, Robbie Freuan, Tom Taylor, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, Matt Todd, George Whitelock, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crocket. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Ben Franks, Tom Donnelly, Luke Whitelock, Willi Heinz, Ryan Crotty, Tom Marshall.

AAP

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

First posted March 29, 2012 09:47:17

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Ioane returns in centres

Updated April 26, 2012 14:13:38

Wallaby winger Digby Ioane will return from suspension at outside centre for the Queensland Reds against the Blues in Auckland on Friday night.

Ioane was suspended for five weeks for a dangerous tackle in his side's loss to the Sharks in round four.

He will mark a milestone on his return, playing his 50th game for the Reds.

"It has been a long five weeks watching from the sideline, but I'm glad to be back now and to be playing my 50th game for Queensland," Ioane said.

Anthony Faingaa also returns from a foot injury and will start the game on the bench for the Reds.

Coach Ewen McKenzie said he had no reservations about starting Ioane at outside centre rather than on the wing.

"Digby has also played a lot of rugby at outside centre and is familiar at the position so we won't lose much there," McKenzie said.

"Digby has been a man possessed at training during his suspension and is raring to go. Everyone is excited to have him back."

In the backs McKenzie will start Ben Lucas at fly half after he played 76 minutes agianst the Stormers replacing the injured Sam Lane.

Queensland will be without injured replacement lock Van Humphries in Auckland while regular starting number eight Radike Samo has been left out of the squad.

Scott Higginbotham will start at number eight and Liam Gill comes off the bench to play flanker.

The Reds and Blues last met in the 2011semi-final in Brisbane which the Reds won on their way to the Super Rugby title.

The Blues have won only one match this year but a victory at Eden park won't come easy for the Queenslanders.

Queensland: Luke Morahan, Dom Shipperley, Digby Ioane, Mike Harris, Rod Davies, Ben Lucas, Will Genia, Scott Higginbotham, Liam Gill, Beau Robinson, James Horwill (c), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, James Hanson, Ben Daley. Reserves: Albert Anae, Greg Holmes, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Jake Schatz, Ed Quirk, Nick Frisby, Anthony Faingaa.

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

First posted April 26, 2012 13:07:25

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Rugby returns to Christchurch

Updated November 08, 2011 13:16:46

A 17,000-seat temporary stadium will host rugby union matches, including an All Blacks v Ireland Test, in earthquake-hit Christchurch next year, Prime Minister John Key said.

Key said the venue was an interim replacement for Christchurch's AMI Stadium, which was severely damaged when a powerful quake devastated New Zealand's second largest city last February, killing 181 people.

He said the $20 million stadium, to be built just outside the city centre at Rugby League Park, would be completed by March next year and provided a home venue for the Crusaders Super Rugby team.

Key said it would also allow Christchurch to host an All Blacks v Ireland Test in June, after the city missed out on holding matches during the recent Rugby World Cup because of its extensive earthquake damage.

"Cantabrians have had to endure so much over the past 14 months, with the series of earthquakes meaning they missed out on hosting any Rugby World Cup matches and all of the Crusaders' and Canterbury ITM Cup home games this year," he said.

Canterbury Rugby Football Union chief executive Hamish Riach said that bringing rugby back to Christchurch was a major step in "reclaiming our city" after a tough year.

"We know that rugby has played an important part in helping people to rebuild and put their lives together," he said.

AMI Stadium, which before the quake was slated to host seven World Cup games including two quarter-finals, will remain closed until at least the end of next year as engineers assess whether it can be saved.

The temporary stadium is expected to have a lifespan of three to five years.

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, super-14, new-zealand

First posted November 08, 2011 11:58:17

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Davies returns to Reds

Published:Wednesday, June 8, 2011 7:23 AESTExpires:Tuesday, September 6, 2011 7:23 AEST

Rod Davies will return for the Queensland Reds against the Western Force after missing six games due to a knee injury.

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Tags: rugby-union, qld

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Rebels' Cipriani returns for action

Published:Tuesday, June 7, 2011 7:24 AESTExpires:Monday, September 5, 2011 7:24 AEST

Melbourne player Danny Cipriani has been included in the squad that will take on the ACT Brumbies in the Super Rugby.

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Tags: rugby-union, melbourne-3000

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Elsom returns to Brumbies

Published:Friday, May 20, 2011 7:23 AESTExpires:Thursday, August 18, 2011 7:23 AEST

The Brumbies are hoping Rocky Elsom's return for this first match this season will bolster their chances against the Western Force in Perth.

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Tags: rugby-union, canberra-2600

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Waugh returns to face Reds

Updated April 20, 2011 13:43:00

New South Wales captain Phil Waugh, number eight Wycliff Palu and inside centre Tom Carter have all rushed back from injury to be named in a beefed-up Waratahs squad for Saturday night's Super Rugby battle against Queensland.

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey made four changes to his starting XV for the Lang Park grudge match by recalling the experienced trio and promoting lock Sitaleki Timani.

Star back Kurtley Beale has also been retained at fly half for the interstate clash after the Waratahs considered shifting him back to full-back following their 31-17 loss to the Blues in Auckland.

Waugh has overcome a calf strain while both Carter and Palu have shrugged off hamstring problems to be fit for the table-topping Reds, who are searching to end a seven-match losing streak in the Templeton Cup.

The trio combine for 243-caps worth of experience for the Waratahs.

"We've used 31 players already this year and we still have eight players on the sidelines so it's nice to be able to bring so much experience back into the team," Hickey said in a statement.

"Phil was touch-and-go to be ready in Auckland and I know he loves nothing more than fronting up to take on Queensland.

"Cliff has had a frustrating year or so with injuries, but he's always remained positive and worked really hard on his rehab and Tom is also really excited to be coming back for a match as big as this."

Carter's return means Daniel Halangahu drops to the bench, as do flankers Dave Dennis and Pat McCutcheon.

Timani, who scored a last-minute match-winning try against the Brumbies in round six, will make his first start in the second row with Kane Douglas demoted to the bench.

"With Kane Douglas, Dave Dennis and Pat McCutcheon all on the bench, we have a lot of options to play with and we know going into this match that well need all 22 players to do a job for us," Hickey said.

Waratahs squad: Lachie Turner, Tom Kingston, Ryan Cross, Tom Carter, Drew Mitchell, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (captain), Ben Mowen, Sitaleki Timani, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson

Reserves: John Ulugia, Al Baxter, Kane Douglas, Dave Dennis, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Daniel Halangahu

- AAP

First posted April 20, 2011 13:27:00

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Saia returns for in-form Reds

Updated April 14, 2011 11:11:00

Hooker Saia Faingaa has regained his place in the Queensland Reds' front row in the only starting change for Saturday night's Super Rugby clash with the Bulls at Lang Park.

Coach Ewen McKenzie promoted Faingaa from the bench despite an impressive run-on debut by rising rake James Hanson in last weekend's stirring 19-6 upset of the Stormers in Cape Town.

Faingaa, who gained 11 Test caps last year, had been battling a knee problem and was given a week off running leading into the Newlands triumph which allowed the joint to recover.

"I'm really pleased with the efforts of James in his run-on debut," McKenzie said.

"He is a player on the rise but Saia is an experienced Wallaby who has been in good form.

"We're lucky to have two impactful players doing well for us at the moment and regardless of who starts, both players are integral to what we are trying to achieve at different stages of the contest and both will see plenty of game time this year."

Queensland is chasing a Super Rugby record winning streak of six straight matches against the defending champion Bulls, who are coming off a 27-0 loss to the red-hot Crusaders in Timaru.

The only other changes McKenzie made are to the Reds bench with prop Greg Holmes replacing Guy Shepherdson and utility back Ben Lucas (groin) returning from injury at the expense of back-up scrum half Ian Prior.

"It's great to have Ben Lucas back," he said.

"He was doing really well for us before his injury which thankfully wasn't long term.

"His versatility and enthusiasm will be a fantastic addition to us this week."

Reds: Luke Morahan, Rod Davies, Anthony Faingaa, Mike Harris, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia; Scott Higginbotham, Beau Robinson, Radike Samo, James Horwill (c), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Saia Faingaa, Ben Daley. Res: James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Adam Wallace-Harrison, Liam Gill, Leroy Houston, Ben Lucas, Will Chambers.

-AAP

First posted April 14, 2011 10:51:00

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