Thursday Round-Up

Russell appeal rejected: Scotland flyhalf Finn Russell has hid has appeal against a two match ban rejected by an independent Six Nations Appeal Committee. Chaired by Christopher Quinaln QC, together with both Mike Rafter and Jean-Noel Couraud, Russell’s hearing took place at London Heathrow airport, as he looked to have his suspension for a dangerous tackle against Wales overturned. Having clashed with Wales’ flyhalf Dan Biggar in the air at Murrayfield a little under two weeks ago, Russell was found guilty of committing an act of foul play, an act worthy of a yellow card at the time. Having considered a wide range of testimonies, including a personal submission on behalf of the player himself, the Appeal Committee deemed the initial suspension satisfactory, leaving Russell unavailable until the 2nd of March. With his suspension remaining in place, Scotland will be without the man who has emerged as their frontline flyhalf this year, as Vern Cotter’s men take on Italy this weekend.

O’Connor at ten: Queensland Reds head coach Richard Graham has sprung somewhat of a selection surprise today, naming former Wallaby utility back James O’Connor in the flyhalf slot for this weekend’s clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin. Graham’s men travel to New Zealand for Friday’s clash with O’Connor taking over from Nick Frisby at ten, in the absence of Wallaby out half and club playmaker Quade Cooper, who continues his recovery from a hand injury. Elsewhere, Anthony Fainga’a returns to the side having missed out over recent weeks due to an injury picked up in the Reds’ final preseason fixture against the Crusaders, while there is a debut upfront for Brisbane City captain Dave McDuling in the second row. McDuling comes in for the injured former Wallaby skipper James Horwill, who is out with a hand injury. After a win over the Force last time out, the Reds will be looking to continue their momentum on their travels.

Ryan Sheady