Wallabies 2025
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Derpus
Phil Waugh (73)
Probably isnt but.
drewprint
Bob Davidson (42)
Correct. And also he has proven he’s up to it when wearing gold time and time again. Likely in the #23 jersey for mine.
drewprint
Bob Davidson (42)
Some controversial thoughts designed to spark debate because hey what the hell else are we doing:
Is our backline stronger with 12 Ikitau 13 JAS, or 12 Kerevi 13 Ikitau 11/14 JAS? Have we been playing a bit of ducks and drakes with him in the centres and we unleash his high ball game fully on the wing?
Is our pack better with 4 Frost/LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), 5 Williams, 6 Valetini, 7 McReight, 8 Wilson, or 4 Skelton, 5 Williams, 6 Hooper, 7 McReight, 8 Valetini? I’m a fierce Reds fan but I’ve been a long time fan of Hooper and he’s been fantastic. Do we gain more from including him, being able to have Skelton start as we now have Hoopers additional lineout prowess, then bring Wilson on in the final 30? No idea who would captain in this scenario however which is a big consideration.
Is our backline stronger with 12 Ikitau 13 JAS, or 12 Kerevi 13 Ikitau 11/14 JAS? Have we been playing a bit of ducks and drakes with him in the centres and we unleash his high ball game fully on the wing?
Is our pack better with 4 Frost/LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), 5 Williams, 6 Valetini, 7 McReight, 8 Wilson, or 4 Skelton, 5 Williams, 6 Hooper, 7 McReight, 8 Valetini? I’m a fierce Reds fan but I’ve been a long time fan of Hooper and he’s been fantastic. Do we gain more from including him, being able to have Skelton start as we now have Hoopers additional lineout prowess, then bring Wilson on in the final 30? No idea who would captain in this scenario however which is a big consideration.
hammertimethere
Trevor Allan (34)
To answer question 1 - Maybe, but it's impossible to tell how close Samu is to being to perform at Test level anywhere near like he used to. But the reasoning is sound. Maybe it makes sense to go 12. Ikitau 13. JAS 14. Daugunu 22 Donaldson or JOC (James O'Connor) 23 Kerevi?
To answer question 2 - Also maybe, but I think Wilson has been in such good consistent form, done well with the captaincy etc. that the right thing to do is start him with Valetini and Mcreight (that unit has some runs on the board at the moment) and then support them with good jumpers in the row. I like Skelton off the bench (but as a 35 minute player, not 10) in which case you do need to have another bench forward to be lineout competent ideally e.g Uru, Hooper or CDC if you run a 5/3, or you could do Frost/Tizzano as a 6/2 and one of the starting locks has the option to go to 6 if required.
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The GroundsKeeper
Herbert Moran (7)
Could we see Schmidt potentially having a supposed bomb squad for a bench to have a solid 30 minute stint at the end of games with the likes of Skelton, CDC and a new front row as well as a back rower like Glesson or Tizzano
dru
David Wilson (68)
The thing to balance that plan is the size of the back line. If we do I like a 6/2 bringing in Skelton with a back rower who can jump. I'm thinking Uru/LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) or similar.
HogansHeros
Ron Walden (29)
Who makes the bomb squad?
Slips?, BPA, Tupou, Skelton, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Gleeson
Slips?, BPA, Tupou, Skelton, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Gleeson
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drewprint
Bob Davidson (42)
In a 6/2 scenario at 50 mins or so you could hypothetically have:
Slipper on for Bell
BPA on for Faessler
Tupou on for AAA
Skelton on for LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
Hooper/Uru on for Wilson
Gleeson on for Valetini
With McDermott and Donaldson/JOC (James O'Connor) as the bench backs?
It’s pretty sexy.
hammertimethere
Trevor Allan (34)
Fa’agase. Would be a fairy tale
He’s got far better footwork than hunter though. And doesn’t try to just crash through the line. He’s probably more like Ikitau imo. Left footer too.
rugbyAU
Desmond Connor (43)
I'd take:
Halfbacks - Gordon, McDermott, Lonergan
Flyhalves - Lolesio, Lynagh, Donaldson, O'Connor
Centres - Ikitau, Kerevi, Paisami
Outside Backs - Kellaway, Wright, Daungunu, Potter, Jorgensen, Pietsch, JAS
dru
David Wilson (68)
Hell yes.
The Ghost of Raelene
Phil Kearns (64)
I like Kerevi but I can't help but have a bit of hesitation when we bring the Japan based players into the pace and intensity of Test Rugby and in particular a side like the Lions.
Class is class but I just can't shake it. If he was there to play v Fiji and show a bit of speed and lock down defence then I'm all in but I also think JAS and Len showed a lot in a short time on tour last year.
In his favour is the amount of games and minutes in his body this season in Japan to go a long with 12 tries...
Class is class but I just can't shake it. If he was there to play v Fiji and show a bit of speed and lock down defence then I'm all in but I also think JAS and Len showed a lot in a short time on tour last year.
In his favour is the amount of games and minutes in his body this season in Japan to go a long with 12 tries...
If we had a plethora of gun 12s, I would agree, we don't
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
It doesn't seem to hurt the many South Africans doing it?
The Ghost of Raelene
Phil Kearns (64)
You could argue they are bringing back better players. Kerevi has the ability to do it don't get me wrong but there's a doubt I personally have and yes depth is probably enough of a reason for selection.
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
I think the SA players are probably managing their season with focus still on playing test matches, whereas with our current policies, players go to Japan with the mindset that they probably won't be selected.
Derpus
Phil Waugh (73)
I thought he looked dangerous against Wales until he goofed. Hes better on one leg than guys like Paisami, Stewart, Foketi etc
12 tries in Japan is good enough for the squad.
The Ghost of Raelene
Phil Kearns (64)
This is very true and goes to @fatprop point about depth in the position.