Rugby Banter Page weekly round up

Monday 9th March:

Rugby Becoming More Defensive, Says Hurricanes Assistant Coach John Plumtree:

Mirroring New Zealand coach Steve Hansen’s comments about Rugby becoming too boring, former Ireland forward’s and current Hurricanes Assistant coach John Plumtree claims Rugby has become more defensive in recent years.

"Players are getting bigger and stronger and faster and there seems to be a little bit less space every year, perhaps it's because of that," said the former Sharks head coach.

"Definitely defences are getting better all the time but it's not a new problem, it's been there for ages."

Statistically, there is credence to Plumtree’s claims; indeed, there were 5.4 tries per game five years ago and last year the average was 4.9.

Tuesday 10th March:

Sam Burgess Must Smash & Traumatize Opponents In Order To Gain RWC Squad Berth:S

In an attempt to force his way into England’s Rugby World Cup Squad, Sam Burgess has been urged to return to the physically imposing style of play which saw him shoot to stardom in Rugby League.

The 26-year-old has been making a steady transition to Rugby Union with Bath after switching codes following his NRL success with South Sydney Rabbitohs last year.

However, Jason Robinson, himself a successful code convert, believes that Burgess will garner more success in Rugby Union should he return to his instinctive style of play.

Sam needs to do what he does best - run at people, smash them out of the way, traumatise them, Robinson told the BBC.

“Moving over to union is difficult and I think you can over-think it but he needs to strip it back.”

"He is known for his brute strength so just get him running at players. As a defence, that's not what you want to see."

Senior Auckland Blues’ Players Back Under Fire Head Coach, Kirwan:

Experienced Blues players Keven Mealamu and Luke Braid claim head coach Sir John Kirwan has their full confidence after a rocky start to the Super Rugby season.

Kirwan is under pressure as the Blues sit on the bottom of the Super Rugby table, winless after five games.

Mealamu, however, says the results aren't just the coach's fault and responsibility should be spread amongst both the playing squad and coaching staff.

"We've got to look at this as a team thing, not just coaches but players as well. We're in this all together," he said.

"When you look back to the last four games I think it's just key moments where we've had the foot off the throat or let the opportunity for the other team to come back into the game.

"I think if we can win the key moments it'll really change for us."

Wednesday 11th March:

Bernard Foley To Be Picked For Wallabies in 2016, Despite Playing in Japan:

According to NewsCorp, Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has used his influence to arrange for Waratah’s fly half Bernard Foley to become the first overseas based Wallaby and will, in 2016, sign a dual Japanese and ARU contract upon his move to a Japanese club

Foley, who signed a two year deal to play in the Japanese Top League until the 2016-2017 season, will reportedly also sign a deal to represent the Waratah’s and the Wallabies in 2016. Reportedly, Foley could play in Japan through the months of August to February/March, and potentially would then be available to the Waratahs throughout the Super Rugby season and then the Wallabies throughout 2016.

There is still plenty of uncertainty around the deal, including the extent of Foley's availability for the Wallabies in 2016 and whether his contract is to extend into 2017, however, it is reported Cheika indicated Foley would not be signed on a flexible contract, which allows for one overseas season within a long-term contract.

Brumbies Trio Sign New Two Year Deals:

The Brumbies have been handed a significant boost with the news that their Wallaby capped trio of Sam Carter, Josh Mann-Rea and Scott Fardy have extended their Brumbies deals for a further two seasons.

Lock Carter, Hooker Mann-Rea & flanker Fardy are the latest of the Canberra based sides pack to extend their deals in recent weeks after legendary hooker Stephen Moore put pen to paper on a new contract.

Thursday 12th March:

Millennium Stadium Roof To Be Opened For Irish Clash:

Wales have opted to keep the Millennium Stadium roof open for their Six Nations match against Ireland on Saturday.

Ireland have yet to express their preference, however, the rules state that if one team wants the roof open the decision is final.

This is the first time Wales have not asked for the roof to be closed during Warren Gatland's reign.

Manu Tuilagi’s Injury Return Pushed Out Until Autumn:

Leicester Tigers may have to wait until November before they see centre Manu Tuilagi in action again.

According to England's head coach Stuart Lancaster, the 23-year-old faces a race against time to be fit for the end of the season.

If Tigers fail to make the play-offs in May, or Tuilagi suffers yet another setback on an injury that has robbed him of five months of his career, Leicester fans may have to wait a long time before they see their star centre in club colours.

The powerful midfielder should be fit in time for England's World Cup campaign in September and October, meaning he would be expected back at Welford Road in November, should be recuperate as expected.

Friday 13th March:

Wasps Hooker Tom Lindsay To Join Gloucester At End Of Season:

Wasps today confirmed that Tom Lindsay is to leave the club and join Gloucester Rugby at the end of the season.

The 27-year-old hooker joined Wasps junior academy at the age of 16 and made his first team debut against the Dragons at Adams Park in November 2008.

Grateful for his stint at Wasps, Lindsay said: “I feel lucky to have been part of such a wonderful club for so many years. I started in Wasps junior academy, playing on Tuesday and Thursday nights, alongside Joe Simpson and Dom Waldouck.

“I grew up here really and I appreciate all the support Wasps fans have given me over the years. I have been fortunate to play alongside some incredible players and for some inspirational coaches who have played a big part in my development and I would like to thank them all, particularly Dai and the current coaching team, for that.