Australia v New Zealand: Kiwis rely on injured Richie
AUSTRALIA refused to take an injury gamble on dazzling young full-back Kurt Beale and ruled him out of today’s monumental World Cup semi-final showdown with the All Blacks.
But New Zealand chose to select captain Richie McCaw even though the flanker is less than 100 per cent with a long-standing foot injury.
Beale was close to being fit, but Australian coach Robbie Deans opted to switch Adam Ashley-Cooper to full-back, while bringing in Anthony Faingaa at centre.
It was a blow to the Wallabies because Beale is one of the most scintillating runners in world rugby.
Skipper McCaw has trained only lightly in the past week, but will win his 102nd international cap in a match many in the southern hemisphere are calling the real final.
McCaw said yesterday: “It’s not just another game. The difference is the excitement level and what the prize is. The big thing is not to let that inhibit you.”
Meanwhile, Gloucester and Samoan centre Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu was found guilty of serious misconduct after implying referee Nigel Owens was biased earlier in the tournament.
It’s not just another game
The IRB imposed a six-month ban, suspended for two years if Sapolu apologises, does a minimum of 100 hours community rugby work in Samoa, and takes and passes a refereeing course.