Share

Jake won't stand in Deans' way

Sydney - Brumbies coach Jake White has given the all-clear for Robbie Deans to select his players for the opening Test of the season, declaring ''whatever he needs, I will give him''.

And Wallabies centre Pat McCabe says he is willing to put his body on the line twice in four days if Deans selects him for the Wallabies' clash with Scotland on June 5.

Deans will juggle Super Rugby and Test commitments for the first time this year. The Brumbies play the Melbourne Rebels on June 1 and the Waratahs play the next day. The Wallabies coach was expected to fill his team with Western Force and Queensland Reds players as both teams have the bye. But there is a mounting injury toll and the Force and Reds are struggling for form.

Players selected for the Scotland clash would need to be in camp with the Wallabies and it's unknown if they would also be available for Super Rugby action.

Given the Brumbies are at the top of the Australian conference, they could be reluctant to release players to join the Wallabies early. But they are also wary of not shutting the door on Test duties if some of their young players are selected.

Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore and McCabe are all incumbent Wallabies, while Jesse Mogg, Christian Lealiifano, Sam Carter and Dan Palmer are pressing their claims for higher honours. ''I've already spoken to Robbie and I've told him whatever he needs, I will give him,'' White said.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2248 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE