wycliff palu

Waratahs forwards Al Baxter and Wycliff Palu have been ruled out of Saturday's round six match against the Western Force in Perth due to injury. Head coach Chris Hickey said the decision was made to give the Test stars more time to recover. "If it was a semi-final you'd seriously consider putting both players on the park, but at this stage of the season the risk is just too great," Hickey said.

If it was a semi-final you’d seriously consider putting both players on the park, but at this stage of the season the risk is just too great   -Chris Hickey

 

DAVID Nucifora needs to pick up his phone and answer to English Test back-rower Michael Lipman. The Warringah recruit is desperately seeking answers from the Australian Rugby Union over their decision to not register his contract with the Melbourne Rebels. Lipman has done his time, serving a nine-month ban following the fallout over an end-of-season party in London last year.

I’m sure if they (the ARU) met me in person, they would see that I’m a decent guy   -Michael Lipman

 

The Waratahs have lost two Wallabies forwards for tomorrow night's game against the Western Force, with prop Al Baxter and No.8 Wycliff Palu ruled out with injury. Sidelined after medical assessments late yesterday, Waratahs officials are confident, however, both will be available to play the Blues in Sydney next week. Baxter has a calf strain similar to one he sustained last year and the Tahs want to avoid a repeat of 2009, when he played on with a strain, only for the muscle to tear and force him ou

We felt it would be better to be cautious and not push him   -Chris Hickey

 

There is nothing like getting a shot on your mate in a game of rugby. You might have the respectful nod before the game, and maybe a little banter, but all those niceties mean absolutely nothing when the whistle blows. There will be no gentlemen's agreements at ME Bank Stadium tomorrow night.  

Australia back-row Wycliff Palu could be interested in a switch to rugby league, according to his manager. The 27-year-old is out of contract with the Australian Rugby Union at the end of the year and although taking up a new offer or playing in Europe or Japan seem his most likely options, he has hinted a deal with an NRL club could catch his attention. Palu notched up some rugby league experience when he played for NRL club St George Illawarra in 2004, but failed to establish himself at the top leve  

Canterbury 26 (Kahn Fotuali'i 2 tries; Daniel Carter 2 conversions, 4 penalties), Waikato 19 (Richard Kahui try; Stephen Donald conversion, 4 penalties). HT: 23-16. New South Wales 73 (Drew Mitchell 4, Josh Holmes 2, Lachlan Turner 2, Tom Carter, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu tries; Berrick Barnes 9 conversions), Lions 12 (Tonderai Chavhanga, Janse van Rensburg tries; Burton Kenvin Francis conversion).  

Brumbies coach Andy Friend praised his front row after they outmuscled a Springboks trio to set up victory over the Sharks in Canberra last night. The Sharks remain winless this season, having lost nine out of their past 10 Super 14 matches, while the Brumbies have now notched three wins in a row. The home side scored two tries to one in a match that started out scrappy as both teams traded early penalty goals.  

The Waratahs have named an unchanged side for Friday's match against the Auto and General Lions at the Sydney Football Stadium. After just coming away with a victory over the Sharks, and in the process being booed by their own fans for their style of rugby, coach Chris Hickey has decided to put the lacklustre round four clash behind him and will be wanting his side's second straight win in this year's competition. However, Hickey is wary of the Lions who were almost beaten last year at Ellis Park. "

We copped a scare against the Lions at Ellis Park last year and they certainly showed against the Chiefs in round two that they have a lot of points in them   -Chris Hickey

 

Barnes, who joined the Waratahs this year after becoming disillusioned with the Reds, only wanted to extend his deal by one year, raising the possibility he will pursue his career overseas after the 2011 World Cup. "At the end of the day it's the best decision for me going forward," Barnes said yesterday. "I've enjoyed the team culture we've had here. I get on really well with a number of the boys. I've found it easy to settle my life here. I've got a place here. I'll be studying soon and that excites