Thursday Afternoon Round Up

Fenton-Wells banned for 4 weeks

After appearing before an RFU Disciplinary panel yesterday, Bristol back-rower Nick Fenton-Wells, while contracted to Bedford Blues, made contact with the eye area of a player during Doncaster Knights vs Bedford Blues on April 16 2016, and has been given a four-week ban from August 17 to September 11 2016.

While he will miss Bristol's opener, Fenton-Wells will be avaliable again for their second match against Northampton at Ashton Gate on September 11.

Redelinghuys earns first Bok start

Julian Redelinghuys will earn his first start for the Springboks against Argentina in Nelspruit on Saturday, while Bryan Habana, Johan Goosen, Oupa Mohoje and Lood de Jager all return to the side for the first Rugby Championship Test at the Mbombela Stadium.

Redelinghuys, who is capped four times, comes in at tighthead as replacement for the injured Frans Malherbe, who sustained a neck injury.

North Harbour beat Counties Manukau in Mitre 10 Cup opener

North Harbour secured a slender 20-17 victory over Counties Manuka in the opening match of the Mitre 10 Cup.

North Harbour will hope to carry on the triumph as they face Waikato on Saturday 27th.

Creevy to earn 50th cap for Argentina

Argentina captain Agustín Creevy will win his 50th cap when he captains his country against South Africa this weekend.

Argentina triumphed 37-25 in Durban last year, their first-ever victory over South Africa.

Wallabies shave their heads for unwell Lealiifano

28-year-old Christian Lealiifano was diagnosed with leukaemia this month after a short illness.

In a mark of respect, a number of Wallabies have shaved their heads ahead of the Rugby Championship opener against the All Blacks.

Star players David Pocock, Matt Giteau and Matt Toomua were among those who had shaved their heads in a sign of solidarity for Lealiifano.

See images of shaved players: http://bit.ly/2bfLfWZ