Tuesday Round Up

Guildford injured in late night attack

Clermont Auvergne and New Zealand winger Zac Guildford has been sidelined for three to four weeks, following an attack on Saturday night. The incident occurred following Clermont’s victory over fellow big spenders Racing this weekend. According to La Montagne the kiwi flyer was approached by three men and suffered a kick to the face, causing damage to his jaw. The news comes just weeks after the high profile trio of Aurelien Rougerie, Benjamin Kayser and Julien Pierre suffered a knife attack in the same area at the hands of a local gang. While Guildford has a history of late night antics, it is believed this was an unprovoked act of violence.

Racing in for Giteau?

Reports coming from French newspaper Midi Olympique today suggest Racing metro have tabled a bid for Toulon’s Matt Giteau. The highly influential Australian playmaker is being eyed up as a replacement for the departing Jonny Sexton, who will return to Leinster at the end of the current season. According to the French publication, Giteau has been offered a sum of 1 million euro a season to head to the capital, more than doubling his current Toulon salary.

Aussie injury blow

Autralia have been dealth a double injury blow ahead of their upcoming Rugby Championship match against Argentina. Adam Ashley-Cooper will miss one game dealing with a nerve issue in his neck. Having completed a full 80 minutes against South Africa, the Australian management have deemed it necessary for the centre to sit out this weekend’s game altogether to avoid damaging the nerve further. In the pack, Wycliff Palu has been ruled out having suffered a concussion against the Boks. Having been replaced on the day by Scott Higginbotham, it would seem highly likely that Higginbotham will take his place in the starting line-up this weekend. Jake Schatz has been called up to the training squad in Palu’s absence.

Stephen Beale