1
5 huge names who could go the RWC with little or no game time
By Ian Cameron
The road to the Rugby World Cup in France has not been without obstacles for some of the sport’s biggest names.
ADVERTISEMENT
Injuries and other circumstances have left several prominent players with little or no game-time leading up to the tournament. Despite these challenges, their proven track records and immense talent have put them in a position where they are likely to be selected with or without any game times in the Summers Nations Series.
Here are five players facing going into the Rugby World Cup undercooked.
1. Johnny Sexton – Ireland
Experienced fly-half Johnny Sexton is facing a much-publicised setback on his journey to the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Following an incident in which he verbally ‘sprayed’ officials after the Heineken Cup final between Leinster and La Rochelle, Sexton has been banned by the EPCR, meaning he won’t feature for Ireland in the Summer Nations Series. Ireland are scheduled to face Italy on August 5 in their opening warm-up game, followed by matches against England and Samoa later in the month – all of which Sexton will miss. Ireland’s first World Cup fixture against Romania is set for September 9 in Bordeaux, which the 38-year-old will be available for.
2. Handre Pollard – South Africa
South African fly-half Handre Pollard is dealing with an injury sustained while playing for Leicester Tigers in the Gallagher Premiership. Despite limited game-time, the fact that Pollard has repeatedly shown his capabilities on the international stage means he will go whether he plays any warm-up games or not. The Boks’ coaching staff is closely monitoring his recovery and will assess his availability for the tournament based on his fitness and match-readiness.
3. Siya Kolisi – South Africa
As with teammate Pollard, Kolisi is also contending with an injury concern. Despite his limited recent game-time, Kolisi will go to the Rugby World Cup. “The thing with Siya and Handre is that they’ve repeatedly shown us what they’re capable of on the international level and that’s a fact that counts in their favour when it comes to selection,” said Bok head coach Jacques Nienaber. “What I’m trying to say here is that you’d probably take those two men to France without them actually having seen any competitive action in the build-up.” The coaching staff remains hopeful that he will be back playing towards the end of the warm-up window.
4. Taulupe Faletau – Wales
Wales’ dynamic back row, Taulupe Faletau, is another player facing challenges in the lead-up to the Rugby World Cup. Injuries have kept him out of action since April, and his selection will depend on his recovery and match fitness. However, as with Pollard and Kolisi, he could well go without playing any rugby. “If he doesn’t feature it’s not going to necessarily rule him out. I’m not sure if he will play (in the warm-up games),” said Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys. “Hopefully he will, but I don’t think it’s something we’ll massively push if he’s not 100 per cent.”
5. Sam Whitelock – New Zealand
All Blacks icon Sam Whitelock is currently on the comeback trail having recovered from an injury that he played through in the final of Super Rugby Pacific. Although he is likely to feature from an unfamiliar bench spot in tomorrow’s game against the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship, his motivation to win back his jersey is clearly still there. “My hunger is exactly the same as it always is – I want to be out there and playing good rugby for myself, but also helping the team in any way, whatever role that is.”
ADVERTISEMENT
If Pollard and Siya are match fit they have enough experience to be included. Paradoxically, absence from playing does not make a player rusty, yet an inform player can lose form even whilst playing continuesly.
And Gabin Villière
And Anthony Jelonch! 😄