Adam84
Tim Horan (67)
Baffling for me
As far as form and performances he was behind Noah, Ben and Tom this Super Rugby season. Noah and Tom are out with injury but don’t understand how he is promoted ahead of Ben.
Wallabies 2025
- Thread starter rugbyAU
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As far as form and performances he was behind Noah, Ben and Tom this Super Rugby season. Noah and Tom are out with injury but don’t understand how he is promoted ahead of Ben.
Tomthumb
Jim Lenehan (48)
And not one of these so called journalists have just asked Joe why
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Just doing it on Super Rugby W/Ls I guess.
TSR
Simon Poidevin (60)
I hope they don’t make it public. So long as Schmidt is having the conversation with Donaldson behind closed doors. Rennie came out and made comments on a few players - Wilson, Lolesio & Salakai-Loto being 3 of them - and I don’t see it ever did them any good for it to be public knowledge.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Depends on the player. Some will take it fine and light a fire others may crumble by being outed.
The Australian Cricket team has always seemed to be harsh on airing the issues but it may also be the ties between Cricket journos and the team very tight where Rugby is I have information A,C, so i'll just make up B, D and write the story.
The Australian Cricket team has always seemed to be harsh on airing the issues but it may also be the ties between Cricket journos and the team very tight where Rugby is I have information A,C, so i'll just make up B, D and write the story.
Strewthcobber
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
My completely uninformed guess - Schmidt values recent time with the team for his playmakers more than natural talent
Donaldson has had three games off the bench since May -> starts for Aus A, and pretty likely to join the Aus squad should anyone be injured/unavailable
Edmed is the incumbent, match fit and now knows Schmidt's systems -> Aus squad
Carter Gordon training with the team every second he can get -> Aus squad
JOC (James O'Connor) can be brought in for Reg 9 games depending on how CG goes
Donaldson has had three games off the bench since May -> starts for Aus A, and pretty likely to join the Aus squad should anyone be injured/unavailable
Edmed is the incumbent, match fit and now knows Schmidt's systems -> Aus squad
Carter Gordon training with the team every second he can get -> Aus squad
JOC (James O'Connor) can be brought in for Reg 9 games depending on how CG goes
Tomthumb
Jim Lenehan (48)
Am I the only one that finds this absolutely bonkers. He couldn't beat out Lawson Creighton & Jack Bowen
Strewthcobber
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
See post above.
Schmidt would rather have someone who has been on a November tour before. Knowing the systems is more important thean how good you are
Tomthumb
Jim Lenehan (48)
But Ben Donaldson has been on numerous November tours before, including last year and would surely know the system better than Edmed and certainly Gordon (who has never been on a November tour or been coached by Schmidt before)
I get wanting to get Gordon in to learn, but why only take 2 10's in that case
Strewthcobber
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
Because they are going to bring another 10 into the squad after the first game or two?
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
I agree it's bonker that he's a starting Wallabies 10. But, I will say he was overlooked at the Tahs mostly because of his impending departure to the Brumbies and DM getting time into the guys he will be selecting from. From that point of view it does shift the narrative of the Wallabies selecting a 3rd string Super Rugby 10...
Tomthumb
Jim Lenehan (48)
But there are no limit's on squad size, surely just name Donaldson in the squad in case Edmed pulls a hammy in training
The only player they are leaving it open for is O'Connor, but is that really still the answer?
Tomthumb
Jim Lenehan (48)
Is that true, Edmed was dropped by week 3, seemed well before there was any noise of the Brumbies
Strewthcobber
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
Both squads will be in Japan. They are probably staying in the same hotel
Tomthumb
Jim Lenehan (48)
Yeah, but he named other Aus A players in the squad, so leaving Donaldson out was very intentional
Tomikin
Michael Lynagh (62)
I know, but he did beat out Ben Donaldson at the Tahs
Edmed, playing for the Tahs, never seemed to consistently put a player in a better position. Is was pass the parcel or a random cut out pass.
What he does have is an effective defensive posture/attitude, a consistent kick, a very effective goal kick and he is durable
rugbyAU
Ken Catchpole (46)
Not the only one it’s ridiculous he hasn’t earnt a spot in the squad let alone starting
Don't knock Creighton, I thought he was very good and was very surprised he was moved, great game management and he consistently made good decisions
Tomthumb
Jim Lenehan (48)
No he didn't, his contract just came up 2 years before Edmed's did. Donaldson started over Edmed all season in 2023