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Rugby world rallies behind Anscombe on social media

By Josh Raisey
Wales' Gareth Anscombe will miss the World Cup because of injury (Photo by Getty Images)

After Gareth Anscombe sent a message out on Twitter and Instagram, the rugby world have sent their support for the Wales fly-half who is set to miss the World Cup. 

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The New Zealand-born out-half started against England at Twickenham on Sunday in his side’s 33-19 loss but came off before half-time with a knee injury. 

Scans later revealed that he damaged his ACL, something that he may have done early in the half, but he battled on despite the injury. 

He shared on social media that it was “a pretty tough 24 hours to take”, but is still excited to watch Wales “go on and do something special”.

The injury is a devastating development for the fly-half, who looked set to start in the No10 jersey throughout the World Cup. 

He has received a lot of support from current and former players on social media, who obviously feel the player’s pain. Although many are not Welsh, no one would wish this upon a player after spending four years building up to this moment. 

The likes of Liam Messam, Quade Cooper and Bundee Aki have all showed sympathy on Instagram, while Jerome Kaino said the “best is yet to come” and Matt Toomua said he was “Shattered for you mate”. 

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Anscombe has also received a lot of support on Twitter, as many have wished him a speedy recovery. The 28-year-old also joined the Ospreys over the summer, so his hopes of making an impact at the Liberty Stadium this season may have been scuppered as well. 

This is the harsh reality of rugby and while it is always sad to see a player sustain a serious injury, it becomes all the worse in the build-up to a World Cup, particularly given the confidence that Wales are entering the tournament with. 

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WATCH: Wales coach Warren Gatland and captain Alun Wyn Jones speak to the press following their defeat to England

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Trevor 2 hours ago
Will forgotten Wallabies fit the Joe Schmidt model?

Thanks Brett.. At last a positive article on the potential of Wallaby candidates, great to read. Schmidt’s record as an international rugby coach speaks for itself, I’m somewhat confident he will turn the Wallaby’s fortunes around …. on the field. It will be up to others to steady the ship off the paddock. But is there a flaw in my optimism? We have known all along that Australia has the players to be very competitive with their international rivals. We know that because everyone keeps telling us. So why the poor results? A question that requires a definitive answer before the turn around can occur. Joe Schmidt signed on for 2 years, time to encompass the Lions tour of 2025. By all accounts he puts family first and that’s fair enough, but I would wager that his 2 year contract will be extended if the next 18 months or so shows the statement “Australia has the players” proves to be correct. The new coach does not have a lot of time to meld together an outfit that will be competitive in the Rugby Championship - it will be interesting to see what happens. It will be interesting to see what happens with Giteau law, the new Wallaby coach has already verbalised that he would to prefer to select from those who play their rugby in Australia. His first test in charge is in July just over 3 months away .. not a long time. I for one wish him well .. heaven knows Australia needs some positive vibes.

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Bull Shark 6 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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