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Dave Rennie's 'clear message': Wallabies will be selected on 2020 form
Australia’s Super Rugby opener between the Brumbies and Queensland will double as the first Wallabies trial of a new era, according to Allan Alaalatoa.
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Brumbies skipper Alaalatoa said new Wallabies coach Dave Rennie visited the club this week and delivered a “clear message” that national jerseys would be earned on domestic form.
A number of rookies across the country are making their Super Rugby debuts this weekend as a fresh World Cup cycle begins.
Brumbies debutant flyhalf Noah Lolesio will square off against Reds rising star Isaac Lucas at Canberra Stadium on Friday night.
Lolesio represents one of six Brumbies set for a club or Super Rugby debut, while Queensland also have six players pulling on the maroon jersey for the first time.
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“It was a clear message (from Rennie),” Alaalatoa said.
“It’s an even playing field, it’s pretty much starting again and (the Wallabies) is going to be picked on Super Rugby form.
“If you’re a rookie or someone that’s established, you know if you put in the work here in Super Rugby, you’re more than a chance to be picked for the Wallabies.
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“It’s great for boys that have been around for a while, to have that motivation to be better and also for our young guys to actually to see their dream.”
Rennie repeated the same message visiting Australian clubs this week and emphasised: “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough”.
The Reds admit they’ll target Lolesio on debut and backed their own 20-year-old, Lucas, to flourish with the playmaking reins.
“It’s (Lolesio’s) first Super Rugby game; he’s going to be looking to do everything you can but sometimes it’s a bit easier to get in and rattle guys,” Queensland captain Liam Wright said.
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The Japan Rugby Football Union has announced plans for a new league that will replace the Top League from 2021 but the timing of the matches has yet to be confirmed.
– reports @chrisjonespress https://t.co/ckYxCGkMQj
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) January 29, 2020
“He’s played a lot of NRC and had a good few trials; I’m sure he’s feeling confident but we’re going to put every pressure on their No.9 and 10.
“It’s an area we’ll target and come at them all day, but we’ve got some debutants too so it’ll work both ways.
“We’re confident in (Lucas) and how he’s been going at 10, but James (O’Connor) and Bryce (Hegarty) are also there at 12 and 15 to steady the ship.
“We’re happy with how our backline is shaping up and looking like a really good attacking threat.”
– AAP
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar is confident heading into the first round of Super Rugby for 2020:
