Rock of Randwick must tour: Turinui
0
FORMER Test star Morgan Turinui believes Stephen Hoiles's case for a return to the Wallabies on the spring tour has been strengthened by an attribute that is more important than his playing ability alone.
Turinui has nothing but praise for the way Brumbies captain Hoiles has helped to bond and lift his Super 14 and club sides in a year marred by the tragic death of Shawn Mackay. Randwick player Mackay, one of Turinui and Hoiles's best friends, died in April after being struck by a vehicle in Durban during the Brumbies' Super 14 tour to South Africa. His death not only pained his family, the Coogee community and old school Waverley College, but the whole of Australian rugby, especially at Randwick, the Brumbies and Australian Sevens program.
However, Mackay's passing also brought out the best from those nearest to him - such as Hoiles - who not only managed to pick themselves up and forge ahead under the duress of their mourning but continued playing week-in, week-out in Super 14, club rugby and, in some cases, the Test arena.
''They will take Stephen Hoiles. They have to take Stephen Hoiles,'' Turinui said on the www.clubrugby.com.au podcast about the Wallabies selectors. ''I have watched some of the footy the 'Wicks' have been playing, and he has been outstanding.''
Turinui also lauded Hoiles's conduct as the Mackay tragedy unfolded by saying of the back-rower: ''He juggled what must be the hardest [issue to deal with in] Super 14 for a captain in the history of the Super 14 tournament. He juggled that while playing some good footy and then he had an injury near the end of the year, which hurt his footy. He's got that X-factor. He brings something different. He has to be on that [Wallabies] plane.''
Mackay's life will be remembered - and no doubt, celebrated - among the club rugby milieu in the Shute Shield grade grand finals at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday afternoon. He won't be the only fallen Galloping Green close to Randwick hearts when they play the first-grade decider against defending champions Sydney University. Two more of their own from fourth grade will be remembered, especially during the fourth grade grand final for the JR Henderson Cup, in which Randwick will take on West Harbour.
Last August, Randwick fourth-grader Tom Carr-Boyd, 22, was killed in an avalanche during a skiing trip. And on December 27 teammate Adam Allcroft was killed in a cycling accident. Turinui applauded Randwick's fourth-grade side for their impressive record and strength of character in such a traumatic year.
Despite the two tragedies, the side enjoyed an incredible unbeaten run of 43 games - from last year to round 18 this season when they lost to Gordon after 10 of their players went to higher grades. They finished this season with 23 wins and one loss.
''That is the big game of the day,'' Turinui said.
All four grades on Shute Shield grand final day will be called live on the internet. The coverage on clubrugby.com.au kicks off at 10am. Included on the call team will be former Wallaby Lote Tuqiri and ex-Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie.
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...385081515.html
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by zimeric
