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New Zealand in imperious form
Posted by: | CommentsThe All Blacks are in such good form at present following wins over both South Africa and Australia in this year’s Tri-Nations competition, that they are expected to name a second string XV for their upcoming away fixture against the beleaguered Springboks. Having already hammered the Boks 40-7 at home, coach Graham Henry has named a 25-man squad for their impending away leg with the squad consisting of 13 forwards and 12 backs with Keven Mealamu being named as captain in Richie McCaw’s absence. Those looking at the Rugby Union World Cup betting will be wondering how they will get on.
Henry will argue that having won the opening two games of the tournament, he has earned the right to rest some of his stars with the World Cup just around the corner – but has insisted that the players that have been selected will be under immense pressure as they will be playing for their place in his final 30-man World Cup squad.
“There is real excitement amongst the squad. We have players returning from injury who will be playing for the All Blacks for the first time this year, while others will be looking to take the opportunity to stake a further claim in the black jersey and ensure selection in the Rugby World Cup,” he said.
One man that will be desperate to prove his credentials and sneak through the back door into Graham Henry’s final squad will be 24-year-old loose-head prop Victor Vito, who has been called into the All Black’s squad for their final Tri-Nations fixture. Despite having represented New Zealand on six occasions previously, until this week he was looking likely to be omitted from the World Cup squad and so will be eager to grab his chance. People following the Will Greenwood rugby betting tips should remember this.
Certainly New Zealand will not be expecting an easy ride against South Africa, regardless of their opponents’ form so far in the competition. The Springboks will be desperate for a win, and might just see this slightly under-strength All Black side as the perfect opportunity to build up some momentum as they gear up for the defence of their World Cup crown.
Having finally shown their full hand by playing their full-strength side in a narrow loss to Australia this weekend, Peter de Villiers will accept nothing less than a fully committed display from his side as they bid to avoid a Tri-Nations whitewash.
Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide
New Zealand in imperious form
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Onions drafted in as cover for 4th test
Posted by: | CommentsDurham seamer Graham Onions has been called up to the England squad for the 4th test against India after Chris Tremlett was ruled out of the game having failed to recover from a back injury and Jimmy Anderson was diagnosed with a minor thigh strain.
Tremlett has been unable to take part in either of the last two test matches as England claimed a series win as well as the number one spot in the test rankings following victory at Edgbaston that moved the home side into an unassailable 3-0 series lead.
Anderson meanwhile complained of tightness in his thigh during the 3rd test at Edgbaston and is considered a doubt for the game at the Oval, although the injury will be monitored over the coming days.
Onions hasn’t played for England since the Cape Town test match against South Africa in January last year, before a bad run of injuries allowed the likes of Tim Bresnan and Steve Finn to move ahead of him in the pecking order, but the Durham bowler grabbed the attention of the selectors by picking up three wickets for the England Lions against Sri Lanka A earlier this month.
Finn is also in the squad and could be in contention for a call up should England decide not to risk Anderson with a T20 match against India being preceded by five ODI’s once the test series is complete.
“Unfortunately Chris Tremlett has failed a fitness test and won’t be available for selection for the fourth Test, despite showing strong signs of recovery over the past few days.” national selector Geoff Miller said.
“Chris’s absence in conjunction with what appears to be a minor injury concern with Jimmy Anderson has led to a call up for Graham Onions as precautionary bowling cover.”
“We are hopeful that Jimmy will overcome this niggle by Thursday but more time is required before a decision on his availability can be made conclusively.
“Steven Finn is obviously in the squad and he is now joined by Graham Onions who has been in good form for Durham since returning from a back injury at the start of the season.” He added.
By Pete South – a contributor to CricketFancast : the best place for great videos on England such as “England’s ascent to number 1”, along with the latest cricket news from around the world.
Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide
Onions drafted in as cover for 4th test
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