Wallabies vs Lions , 19th July Suncorp

[Major Tom]

he's also just too inexperienced at this level

We also don’t have a lot of options.
He’s a better field kick than Donno.
He’s more experienced at test level than Edmed.
He’s less scarred at this level than JOC (James O'Connor).
I think he’ll be fine starting. I reckon he suits that better than being the guy trying to spark something off the bench. And he can only really cover flyhalf.
Hes a tough bugger, I just hope his body (head) holds up.

 

[Major Tom]

I don't really have a better answer, but it's kind of incredible just how little cohesion Schmidt has built in that starting backline after so much focus on this first Lions test for years

Hmm JAS and Len have had what 4 games together now?
Wright has typically the fullback.
They’ve all played footy with each other.
The only missing part is Noah.

 

[Derpus]

I don't really have a better answer, but it's kind of incredible just how little cohesion Schmidt has built in that starting backline after so much focus on this first Lions test for years

Schmidts fault, though? Our back stocks are terrible.

 

[Wilson]

Hmm JAS and Len have had what 4 games together now?
Wright has typically the fullback.
They’ve all played footy with each other.
The only missing part is Noah.

What you're describing is pretty minimal cohesion.

 

[Tomthumb]

Schmidts fault, though? Our back stocks are terrible.

Would have been nice if his 2nd choice 10 started at least 1 test for him

 

[SamoanNo8]

What you're describing is pretty minimal cohesion.

On the face of it (as described above), the cohesion would seem flakey.
But when you consider that:
1. JAS and Ikitau were the (predominant) centre pairing on the successful '24 Spring Tour;
2. Gordon was the recurring 9; and
3. characters such as Wright, Jorgensen et al were all in and amongst it,
there is a degree of familiarity between this Wallabies backline (again, noting the Wallabies' solid performances on the Spring Tour).
Whilst their game time together isn't extensive per se, they clearly are capable of synchronising.

 

[Derpus]

Would have been nice if his 2nd choice 10 started at least 1 test for him

Well you would have thought it'd be Donno...

 

[Tomthumb]

Well you would have thought it'd be Donno...

Well, yeah. Weird that he didn’t start Lynagh vs Georgia or Argentina last year if he thinks he’s better than Donaldson. And weird pairing him with Gordon who he’s never played with instead of Tate

Hope it goes well, but it doesn’t really feel like 12 months of planning has gone into this

 

[Ignoto]

It's not rocket science; Tom realistically can only play 10 where Ben can cover 10 and 15.

Having Ben on the bench means you can run a 5-3 bench with a back that can cover centre. Ben on the bench also means you can run a 6-2 split.

Tom doesn't give you this freedom.

 

[Derpus]

It's not rocket science; Tom realistically can only play 10 where Ben can cover 10 and 15.

Having Ben on the bench means you can run a 5-3 bench with a back that can cover centre. Ben on the bench also means you can run a 6-2 split.

Tom doesn't give you this freedom.

Spose that makes sense. Seems like a big position to compromise on for the sake of flexibility, though.

 

[Tomthumb]

Makes less sense when the reports are Kellaway is on the bench also

 

[Strewthcobber]

I get plans fall apart, but less than 8 months ago Schmidt didn't select our new starting 10 for the end of year tour

 

[Heavyd]

Well, yeah. Weird that he didn’t start Lynagh vs Georgia or Argentina last year if he thinks he’s better than Donaldson. And weird pairing him with Gordon who he’s never played with instead of Tate

Hope it goes well, but it doesn’t really feel like 12 months of planning has gone into this

IMHO Gordon shouldn’t be starting or in the 23. He has hardly played footy this year and the games he did were ho hum

 

[rugbyAU]

I don't really have a better answer, but it's kind of incredible just how little cohesion Schmidt has built in that starting backline after so much focus on this first Lions test for years

to be fair he's made it clear from the outset that Wright and Gordon are his preferred 15 & 9

Ever since JAS joined the Wallabies he and Ikitau have been the preferred centre pairing

the Potter selection seems to be more off form from this years Super Rugby

Jorgensen was also a starting winger for much of last years EOYT

 

[Ignoto]

Makes less sense when the reports are Kellaway is on the bench also

No that makes perfect sense if you're picking a 5-3 split; Tate, Ben and Kellaway to cover the entire backline.

You should be bitching at Eddie Jones for pushing Carter away along with every other Australian coach for not developing a viable 10.

 

[rugbyAU]

I don't mind the Lynagh thing TBH. Lolesio wasn't the answer, and I don't think Donno is either, but there is a chance that Lynagh could be.

Yeah but it would have been good to find this out before the Lions series

 

[Spamnoodle]

I hope Lynagh has a blinder and puts this circular argument to bed once and for all.


I reckon he's right up to the task.

 

[rugbyAU]

Valetini will have a fitness test on Thursday

 

[Tomthumb]

No that makes perfect sense if you're picking a 5-3 split; Tate, Ben and Kellaway to cover the entire backline.

You should be bitching at Eddie Jones for pushing Carter away along with every other Australian coach for not developing a viable 10.

Kellaway covering the centres? Yeah that’s a disaster waiting to happen

Rennie and Eddie certainly didn’t develop anyone, but Schmidt has had long enough in the job to have given at least 1 start to Lynagh before the first Lions test if he thought he
was in the frame

 

[Major Tom]

What you're describing is pretty minimal cohesion.

The original comment suggested Schmidt hadn’t built much cohesion. Firstly, he’s not a miracle worker, he’s only had a year with the team. And secondly, this is backline have worked together more than you think. The centre pairing in particular is probably the most cohesive it’s been for a while.