Genia returns for Reds

Genia returns for Reds

11 Mar 2013

RICHARD FERGUSON updates keo.co.za followers of the latest Super Rugby news from Australia.

Genia returns for Reds

Will Genia has been announced as starting scrumhalf and captain of the Reds for this weekend’s clash against the Force.

Genia underwent knee construction six months ago and returns earlier than first expected, a much needed boost to the Reds leadership stock.

Genia was quoted as saying that he will need to be handcuffed at half time to not complete the match, as he is expected to only play the first half.

Smith in contractual battle

Robbie Deans has expressed his desire to have George Smith available for the British and Irish Lions tour, but it would require another contract or an Australian Rugby Union exemption.

As it stands, a player may only represent Australia if he is contracted to a Super Rugby franchise. Smith’s contract with the Brumbies ends at the end of May, a few weeks before the tour kicks off. For Smith to be eligible, he will have to sign a contract extension with the Brumbies or ask for special exemption from the ARU.

Deans was in the stands when David Pocock was helped off the field with a season ending knee injury, but was impressed with his replacement, Smith, who looked right at home.

Waratahs sign Phipps

Rebels scrumhalf Nick Phipps has signed with the Waratahs for the 2014 and 2015 Super Rugby seasons, in the process committing to the ARU for that period.

Phipps has 12 Wallaby caps and the move has been welcomed by coach Robbie Deans who thinks Phipps can claim a regular spot in the Australian test side.

Phipps filled in for Will Genia last year, earning nine caps in his absence, and is looking toward the Rugby World Cup in 2015 in making his decision.

Barnes back for Cheetahs clash

Berrick Barnes will return to the Waratahs side for the match against the Cheetahs this weekend. Barnes hurt his knee in preseason and will make his first appearance of the season.

More good news is the return from injury of Rob Horne, who had a hamstring strain. Coach Michael Cheika is still deciding whether to start either of the players or to introduce them off the bench.

The Waratahs go into the Cheetahs clash having only won one match in three starts, while the Cheetahs will be on a high after their win against the Highlanders last week.


12 Comments

  • 1.brains_trust: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2013, 09:16 am
  • 2.brains_trust: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2013, 09:16 am

    :-)

  • 3.Brads: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2013, 09:17 am

    Dingo needs all the cards in his deck available to have a snowballs chance.

  • 4.John Galt: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2013, 09:22 am

    Hows that for a stroke of genius by Jake White.
    Brings Smith back in case of a Pocock injury and now Dingo is jumping all over the idea as well.

  • 5.stormersboy: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2013, 09:29 am

    Smith has 110 caps for Australia. You would expect him to look “at home” for pete’s sake.

    Whether he will look as fresh at the end of the season is doubtful though.

  • 6.i_love_u_bakkiesbotha: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2013, 09:39 am

    when he’s good, he’s good
    when he’s bad, he’s bad
    - Genia

    get rid of Deans already and get Mckenzie in there.
    it’s not as if it ain’t gonna happen.

  • 7.Richard Ferguson: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2013, 10:03 am

    Updated the article to include the Phipps signing and the Berrick Barnes return

  • 8.blik: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2013, 10:41 am

    Quick recovery by Gunie pig. Well done. Let’s hope Bismarck is making good progress too.

  • 9.Fatflanker: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2013, 10:46 am

    Disappointing start to the season for Force, who can’t win a trick. Jake White doesn’t appear the most popular bloke in SA these days but I for one would be happy to see him taking the Wallabies into the next RWC.

  • 10.DonutDunning: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2013, 10:51 am

    Ridiculous signing by the Waratahs. They have struggled for years to get a scrumhalf who can clear the ball quickly and pass in front of the man, then go ahead and sign a player with the exact same problems.
    Phipps’ 12 Wallaby caps were all acquired through a process of elimination, too, after Genia, Nic White and Ben Lucas all got injured. Even a 35 year old Brett Sheehan should have been ahead of him on form.

    At least the Rebels may actually give Stirzaker or Richard Kingi an extended run now. Both have looked much more threatening on attack than Phipps.

  • 11.Richard Ferguson: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2013, 10:58 am

    @blik-8:

    Bismarck looks set for an April return, he might just sneak into the tour squad..

  • 12.blik: Reply to this comment
    12 Mar 2013, 11:31 am

    @Richard -11

    Thanks for the update.

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

Have your say

You must be logged in to post a comment.