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Mixed news for Wallabies fans on Pocock, O'Connor and White

By Online Editors
Pocock

Time is running out for David Pocock and James O’Connor prior to the Wallabies’ first Test of a World Cup year, but halfback Nic White is back with the group.

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Champion backrower Pocock has played just 138 minutes in three matches for the Brumbies this season due to a calf muscle issue and hasn’t taken the field since early March.

The 31-year-old, who was one of the stars of the 2015 World Cup, announced his retirement from Super Rugby in late May

He is attending coach Michael Cheika’s national camp in Brisbane this week but did not train on Monday.

A squad for the opening Rugby Championship game against South Africa in Johannesburg on July 21 (AEST) will be announced on Wednesday or Thursday

Utility back O’Connor, who turns 29 on Friday, can’t train with the squad until inking a deal with Rugby Australia, with Queensland expected to be his Super Rugby destination.

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A veteran of 44 Tests, O’Connor became the second-youngest Wallaby when he made his Test debut as an 18-year-old against Italy in 2008 but hasn’t played for Australia since September 2013.

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Off-field disciplinary issues put him on the outer with the Wallabies management and he has plied his trade overseas with London Irish, Toulon and Sale.

The former Force and Rebels star briefly returned to Australia in 2015 for a stint with the Reds, but didn’t make the Wallabies’ squad for that year’s World Cup.

Former Brumby White, who played 22 Tests between 2013 and 2015, making eight starts, is in camp this week after agreeing a deal with RA.

Since 2015, the 29-year-old White has played for Montpellier in France and English club Exeter Chiefs, to who he is contracted for one more season, before returning to play Super Rugby at a franchise to be determined.

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“It’s great to see Nic back,” said 1999 World Cup winning captain and halfback George Gregan, who on Monday worked with the playmakers in the camp.

“Obviously playing overseas in France and the UK was very good for him in terms of rounding off his entire rugby game.
“I did some work with him when he was starting at the Brumbies many years ago. He’s come back a really rounded player.”

White faces plenty of competition for a halfback spot from regular starter Will Genia, Nick Phipps, Joe Powell and Jake Gordon.

“There’s been good examples of depth in a number of positions in this country and I think No.9 is at the moment is definitely that case,” Gregan said.

The Brumbies are in transit following last weekend’s Super Rugby semi-final loss in Argentina and won’t return to Australia until Tuesday.

The need for rest after playing and traveling means none are expected to actively participate in the camp prior to the Wallabies departure for South Africa next Sunday.

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Bull Shark 2 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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