Tuesday Round-Up

Link rings changes: Wallabeis head coach Ewen McKenzie has made sweeping changes to his side for this weekend’s impending clash with South Africa in Round 3 of the Rugby Championship. After a draw and a humiliating defeat at the hands of New Zealand to start their campaign, Australia will be looking to get their first win on the board as they host the two wins from two Springboks. The most notable change comes at half back where both Nic White and Kurtley Beale are relegated to the replacements bench, with Bernard Foley and Nick Phipps taking over at 9 and 10 respectively. Having failed ti impress in his role at 10, Beale is shunted to the bench with the more regular flyhalf option of Foley seemingly more appropriate for the coming weeks. Elsewhere, Tevita Kuridrani is offered a start at outside centre in place of Adam Ashley-Cooper who shifts to the wing for the injured Pat McCabe, while Reds hooker James Hanson takes over from Nathan Charles in the no.2 jersey. Former skipper James Horwill has also earned himself a recall to the match day squad, as he takes a spot on the bench, with crowd favourite and giant second rower Will Skelton’s name ticked off the list. 

Saints confirm signing: Northampton Saints Director of Rugby Jim Mallinder has confirmed that his side have captured the signing of Jonathan Fisher on a full-time contract. Fisher, who was recently on a trial period at Franklin’s Gardens, has seemingly impressed enough to earn himself a professional contract with the club having run out for Saints in pre-season friendlies against the likes of Rotherham, Leinster and Welsh outfit the Newport-Gwent Dragons. A member of the England U20 side which reached the 2008 IRB Junior World Cup Final, Fisher operates comfortably on both flanks and at the base of the scrum. 

Munster sign Puma: Munster head coach Anthony Foley has recruited the services of Argentine hooker Eusebio Guinazu on a short-term contract. Guinazu, who has recently completed a two-year stint at Aviva Premiership outfit Bath, will join the Irish province on what is initially thought to be a four-month contract. The experienced hooker has been capped on 36 occasions for los Pumas and the Mendoza born man will deputise for the injured Mike Sherry, with concerns also growing over injuries to both Damien Varley (foot) and Niall Scannell (wrist). Munster kick off their Pro12 domestic campaign with a home clash against Edinburgh on Friday night.

Ryan Sheady