Wallabies 2025

[TSR]

Foley and JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) pose the exact same thing. An older experienced head which is appealing when compared to the current group.

State coloured lenses get in the way when choosing which one if you had to. If JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) was riding the pine for the Highlanders would we be saying similar things? I think it's extremely unlikely we see either but to compare them

JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor): 18 games, 1 start at 10 with an average of 24 mins per game.
Foley: 18 games, 18 starts all at 10 with an average 75min per game.

I know they are different comps but comparing the two in regards to starting 10 seems silly.

My problem with Foley is that his kicking game in hand is substandard, from the tee is inconsistent, he is a very poor defender - even for a 10 and he doesn’t have a great long passing game. His strength has always been his running and short passing. Under Cheika who didn’t want us to kick, he was a logical choice and played sone very good footy but as he got older he increasingly made poor kick/pass/run decisions.

I think O’Connor is better in almost every aspect of the above except that, sadly, he has lost his speed so is slower and it does impact him because he is good at the line with players around him (as was Foley at his best).

Rennie dropped him because he played in a game at 10 and barely touched the ball/controlled the game. And, from memory, prior to that when he was playing tests he was standing very deep and not threatening the line - which is the opposite to how he plays best - but he was coming back from leg injuries (knee & groin from memory).

So, yes, I am giving some benefit of the doubt to O’Connor that I am not affording Foley. IMO that’s both logical and justified.

 

[TSR]

Personally I thought the last 2 yrs Donaldson started Super very well and got worse over the season. I thought Lynagh was the better player this year. But I also think Lynagh should be held back at this stage. Lynagh is not a brash young 10 whose youth and daring could be a virtue here. I think Donaldson’s experience gets him over the line.

The one thing that I think could swing in Lynagh’s favour is Schmidt has over time made reference to the importance in goal kicking accuracy. I actually can’t find the stats but my recollection was Lynagh had the best goal kicking percentage stats. Donaldson’s started very well then dropped off I thought. If that’s correct then I think it might swing things in Lynagh’s favour - but I expect Donaldson will get the gig.

 

[Tomthumb]

I think we are viewing O'Connor through some pretty rose tinted glasses. His last time in the Wallabies was poor, and he was decent as a bit part player behind the best pack in Super Rugby this season after a pretty average one last season. He wont have such a clean ride behind the Wallabies pack

And the Crusaders didn't really trust him to have a big role, when Kemura got injured they turned to Reihana to start over him

 

[TSR]

I think we are viewing O'Connor through some pretty rose tinted glasses. His last time in the Wallabies was poor, and he was decent as a bit part player behind the best pack in Super Rugby this season after a pretty average one last season. He wont have such a clean ride behind the Wallabies pack

And the Crusaders didn't really trust him to have a big role, when Kemura got injured they turned to Reihana to start over him

My comment above does come across like that. He definitely isn’t the player he was previously and agree with your take here as to where he is at.

I just disagree with the comment that my take on Foley v JOC (James O'Connor) comes down to State loyalty.

If anything I think the opposite is true. Foley gets a lot of love on here from diehard Tahs fans - and good luck to him. I understand. But that kick was 11 yrs ago. He isn’t close to the same player.

 

[Braveheart81]

If anything I think the opposite is true. Foley gets a lot of love on here from diehard Tahs fans - and good luck to him. I understand. But that kick was 11 yrs ago. He isn’t close to the same player.

I think the main argument for Foley is that he's continued to consistently be the first choice 10 for one of the best sides in Japan.

I wouldn't select him either. I figure we go with what we've got. If there was going to be a pivot to Foley or JOC (James O'Connor) it needed to happen sooner.

 

[Yoda]

I think because he is in the squad and the options currently in the squad are thin.
I don't think anyone is saying he is such a standout that he demands selection.

Well, Lolesio played 30 Tests and was hardly a 'standout'. Time to back Donno and Tommy.

 

[michaelhoops]

I think the main argument for Foley is that he's continued to consistently be the first choice 10 for one of the best sides in Japan.

I wouldn't select him either. I figure we go with what we've got. If there was going to be a pivot to Foley or JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) it needed to happen sooner.

This is a great take for if we want to loose 3-0

 

[Tomikin]

The irony of this poster making this comment. There are two tens in the squad.

Oh whatever dude.. , this poster has been around alot longer then you, and just doesn't throw out consistently bagging players like.. you that poster

 

[TSR]

I think the main argument for Foley is that he's continued to consistently be the first choice 10 for one of the best sides in Japan.

I wouldn't select him either. I figure we go with what we've got. If there was going to be a pivot to Foley or JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) it needed to happen sooner.

Yeah - but the choice here is really between Foley, JOC (James O'Connor) & Edmed as to who comes in now that Lolesio is out in the event that 1-2 more 10s go down. Edmed has obviously had at least some time with the squad but I see the value in an older head, so long as that isn’t all they are bringing to the table.

Schmidt seems to follow the mantra of sticking to his guns though so Edmed will probably be next up.

Honestly though - I hope there has been some engagement with all of them. And if Foley is killing it and my take is unjustified than I’ll hold faith that Schmidt is across it.

 

[Braveheart81]

Yeah - but the choice here is really between Foley, JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) & Edmed as to who comes in now that Lolesio is out in the event that 1-2 more 10s go down. Edmed has obviously had at least some time with the squad but I see the value in an older head, so long as that isn’t all they are bringing to the table.

Schmidt seems to follow the mantra of sticking to his guns though so Edmed will probably be next up.

Honestly though - I hope there has been some engagement with all of them. And if Foley is killing it and my take is unjustified than I’ll hold faith that Schmidt is across it.

I would definitely be adding Edmed to the squad. If Foley or O'Connor was a serious option they should have been with the squad from as early as possible. I also take from the fact that Schmidt didn't select those guys to begin with that he's more likely to select Edmed now.

 

[Wilson]

If we were talking start of the season or Schmidt's reign I think there would be a lot more argument for Foley than there is now, given he seems to have been largely on the outer/ignored the whole time. Schmidt seems to have been much more in touch with O'Connor, particularly this year, even if he hasn't been in the squads. He also has more established and current connection with members of the squad, including the reserve 9 and one of our remaining 10s in a mentoring role. I don't think there's a lot between them but the point of calling one into the squad would be more about insurance and a potential bench role, for mine it looks like O'Connor is better fit for that at this late stage on a few counts.

That said, I'd be calling both Edmed and O'Connor (or otherwise Foley) into the squad at this point, given anyone coming in needs to come up to speed it'll be too late if wait until after there's another injury. Ideally Donaldson/Lynagh will remain fit and we won't have to use either, but we should be prepared regardless.

 

[Derpus]

You'd certainly be more inclined to go with O'Connor than Edmed - who seemingly couldn't keep the 10 jersey out of Creighton's

 

[Uh huh]

Foley and JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) pose the exact same thing. An older experienced head which is appealing when compared to the current group.

State coloured lenses get in the way when choosing which one if you had to. If JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) was riding the pine for the Highlanders would we be saying similar things? I think it's extremely unlikely we see either but to compare them

JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor): 18 games, 1 start at 10 with an average of 24 mins per game.
Foley: 18 games, 18 starts all at 10 with an average 75min per game.

I know they are different comps but comparing the two in regards to starting 10 seems silly.

 

[cyclopath]

Well, Lolesio played 30 Tests and was hardly a 'standout'. Time to back Donno and Tommy.

I don't have a problem with Donaldson being picked, given where we are. Just pointing out we don't have a wealth of options like the BILs do, for example. And I didn't say Lolesio is a "standout" either, but I think he was deservedly given opportunities. Sadly for him he is now seriously injured.
I do think JOC (James O'Connor) should be in the wider squad in case, though.

 

[Sword of Justice]

View attachment 22683

Whilst we find ourselves on opposite sides of these battle lines I must applaud the exquisite use of Simpson memes.

 

[fatprop]

I think all this will be down to the reality of Lynagh's health, can he be the bench option or not?

If he can, then the third option is going to be holding the tackling pads, not "finishing" a test

 

[Heavyd]

Geez Herbie has been grazing in the top paddock over winter!

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

JOC (James O'Connor) is in

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Geez Herbie has been grazing in the top paddock over winter!

Chicken or Beef, Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef,Chicken or Beef.


This luncheon season also only comes around once every 12 years. They may not work it off by the time the RWC ones start.

 

[Braveheart81]