Rugby Banter Page weekly round up

George North is facing the prospect of a tense, 11th-hour bid to prove his fitness for the World Cup after it emerged that his comeback is being delayed until the end of this month.The 23-year-old Wales and Lions wing has not played since March 27 when a third concussion in quick succession while playing for Northampton against Wasps forced him to miss the remaining 10 weeks of last season.In the circumstances, the Wales management would have had good reason to include North in their match-day 23 against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday to give him ample time to reintegrate into the physical intensity of Test rugby, but the management deemed North unfit.

De Villiers to make comeback against Los Pumas

South Africa skipper and centre Jean de Villiers  could start against Argentina this weekend after a long injury lay-off. De Villiers had a knee reconstructed after being injured during a Test loss in Wales last November and missed the Super Rugby season. He came off the Springbok bench last month to play 20 minutes in an exhibition game against a World XV in Cape Town. A couple of appearances for Western Province in Currie Cup warm-up matches followed for the 34-year-old and he suffered no ill effects.

Tuesday 4th of August, 

Cipriani still in contention

England head coach Stuart Lancaster has said Danny Cipriani of Sale Sharks still remains in content to make the final England World Cup squad. As of now it appears the out half is well in Lancaster's plans for the coming months. Cipriani has been given a boost also by having his court date over a drink driving offence pushed to November after the World Cup which means he will definitely be available for this year's tournament.

Blue Bulls sign Saracens loosie

The Blue Bulls have signed Saracens loose forward Nick de Jager on a one-year contract with immediate effect.

According to the supersport.com website, De Jager, the former Maties No 8 who left South Africa to join Saracens two years ago, has been signed as loose forward cover for the Absa Currie Cup season and joined the team on Monday.

Wednesday 5th of August

Nehe Milner-Skudder to make All Blacks debut against Wallabies

Hurricanes utility Nehe Milner-Skudder will become the ninth All Blacks debutant this year after being named to start on the wing against Australia in Sydney.

After a breakout 2015 Super Rugby season, the All Blacks have rewarded the 24-year-old with a spot on the right wing, replacing Ben Smith who moves to fullback in a team featuring a number of changes.

Ireland warn Wales there'll be nothing friendly about their Rugby World Cup warm-up clash in Cardiff

here will be nothing friendly about Saturday’s Millennium Stadium showdown between Wales and Ireland, according to one of the men in green's rising stars. It may be a warm-up match with no trophy and no competition points up for grabs, but there will still be a huge amount at stake for many of the individuals involved. Both Wales and Ireland are to give youngsters and fringe players a chance to put their hands up for World Cup squad spots in front of a sell-out Cardiff crowd.

One of those in the visiting ranks is Leinster back rower Jordi Murphy and he certainly isn’t taking the contest lightly.

“It is a Test match. You’re getting a cap for it at the end of the day,” said the Barcelona-born flanker.

“It may be a warm-up game and there may be four of them for us, but every single one of them is going to matter to the players to try and get that one foot on the plane.

“People are saying they’re friendlies, but there is going to be nothing friendly about them when we play them."

Thursday 6th of August,

Andrew Trimble will play his first Ireland game in over a year in Saturday’s World Cup warm-up match against Wales.

Trimble was named Ireland’s player of the year in 2013-14 after helping Ireland clinch that season’s Six Nations. 

However the winger missed nearly all of last season after sustaining an injury in October.Ulster ‘s Paddy Jackson, Darren Cave and Iain Henderson will also start against Warren Gatland’s side with Keith Earls being named at 13 in an experimental role.

Lancaster to reduce England squad

Eight players will be sent home from the team's training camp at Pennyhill Park, leaving the remaining 38 to play warm-up Tests against France at Twickenham on August 15 and in Paris a week later.

The 31-man squad who will challenge for the Webb Ellis Cup must be named by August 31 before England step up their preparations by fielding a full-strength team against Ireland on September 5. They open the tournament against Fiji 13 days later.

Friday 7th of August,

Dusatoir set to miss England clash

Thierry Dusautoir will miss France’s first Rugby World Cup warm-up match against England due to injury. The France captain played an influential role for his country at the last Rugby World Cup when Les Bleus made the final. Dusautoir picked up a knee injury in training and as a result won’t be risked for the first of a series of warm-up games for France against England at Twickenham on August 15.

Philippe Saint-André is currently preparing with 36 players ahead of cutting his squad down to 31 by the August 31st deadline when final World Cup squads must be submitted.

Dusautoir is targeting his third World Cup after featuring in 2007 and 2011 and will be a key player for France as they battle with Six Nations champions Ireland in their pool.

McCaw set to equal Brian O'Driscoll's international record

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is set to equal Brian O'Driscoll's record of 141 international tests this weekend when the All Blacks take on the Wallabies in Sydney

“I’m just happy that I’m still around,” said the 34 year-old, understated as ever, as he prepared to confront Australia in the Rugby Championship decider here. “I’m certainly proud that I can still foot it after all these years.”