Monday Round-Up

No Aaron for ABs: All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has today revealed that Aaron Cruden has been left out of the national squad for the forthcoming clashes with Argentina and South Africa, due to late night antics over the weekend. Cruden, who has been performing well in the 10 role in the absence of Dan Carter, went out on a late night drinking session and subsequently missed the team flight to Buenos Aires, much to the disgust of head coach Hansen. After their flight to the Argentinean capital had initially been delayed, Hansen had given his players the option to go out for a few quiet drinks, an opportunity which many welcomed, simply asking they be back in time for the outbound flight. However, after a rather boozy affair in an Auckland pub, Cruden missed the flight and will now be replaced in the squad by Tom Taylor. Hansen said that while it was completely out of character and that the player was disappointed in himself, disciplinary action needed to be taken and so Cruden will sit out the next two Rugby Championship clashes.

France Welcome Rory: After much speculation in recent months and years in fact, France have finally named South African born scrum half Rory Kockott in their national team squad for the forthcoming November International Series. Kockott, who has arguably been the game’s standout nine since moving to Castres, may well just be the cog missing in Philippe Saint-Andre’s rather dysfunctional wheel to date. Kockott is one of five uncapped players named by the former Sale head coach, along with prop forwards Uini Atonio and Xavier Chiocci, back rower Charles olivine and winger Teddy Thomas. Former Sharks halfback Kockott is just one of two scrum halves named in the squad alongside Sebastien Tillous-Borde, with the likes of Maxime Machenaud and Morgan Parra missing out. There are also exiles for the experienced trio of Domingo, Szarzewski and Ouedraogo.

Ryan Sheady