Wallabies 2025

[KOB1987]

I'd have JOC (James O'Connor) in the squad even if not in the match day 23.

 

[wamberal99]

If he is not good enough for a match day 23 he should not be in the squad, surely.

 

[Yoda]

They will pick 3 10s I suspect for the Lions squad and all would obviously be able to play in the 23. One misses out depending on match and injuries. I’d have in him the squad too, along with Donno and Lolesio. Lynagh to miss out on Lions but obviously go on end of season tour with Noah missing that and then JOC (James O'Connor) to miss that too. Either Creighton or Edmed would then join Donno and Lynagh for that tour to then build for the World Cup.

 

[wamberal99]

I thought Donaldson blotted his copybook last night, particularly his kicking for touch. There will have to be some surprises, I hope. It's too late, or two early, but I really like HMP!!

 

[Yoda]

Blotted his copybook? What player hasn’t this year made some errors? Pretty harsh. HMP…. Won’t be thrown in against the Lions … zero chance of that…Maybe in a few years? 10 is always the magnet for scrutiny isn’t it? So after Larkham…who was extremely hard to criticise there was Beale, Quade, Foley, Lealliifano,To'omua, O’Connor, Lolesio…. All have been massively criticised at times for everything… in regard to the Lions, Schmidt won’t throw someone in that hasn’t played Test footy. That’s why I think it will be, Donaldson, Lolesio and O’Connor or Lynagh in that order .. they aren’t Larkham but they are the best we have… and all have something different in their skill set. It will depend on how Joe wants to play? I personally would love to see Donaldson with Sua'ali'i in the same backline… if we want attack then they are the best… if you want safety and a shoveller to others, you go Noah… Lynagh still not ready in my book… JOC (James O'Connor) for experience in pressure and covers a few positions…

 

[Hogan]

A lot of expectations on our flyhalves to have the perfect game everytime they run out onto the field. They play in the most scrutinised position in the game. They are all gaining valuable experience week to week while they endeavour to master their craft and come the ‘27 WC Lolesio, Donaldson, Lynagh and co will be in their prime.

Thought Donaldson went well. His sideline conversion and penalty goal just before halftime in the end got the Force the draw. He was dangerous every time he ran the ball. I also thought some of his kicks for touch were a bit light on. Maybe a breeze at the ground?

 

[dru]

If he is not good enough for a match day 23 he should not be in the squad, surely.

Eh? JOC (James O'Connor) can play anywhere in the backline and provides more flexibility from the bench at 22 than any other I can think of. More than that, he makes a great 23 if we want a 6/2 bench. He could also start at 10. Who else comes close to offering that flexibilty.

Then add his experience, maturity and leadership in and out of the 23.

imho he'd be a strange absence from the squad.

 

[LeCheese]

JOC (James O'Connor) and Daugunu make a pretty flexible 22/23 combo

 

[cyclopath]

If he's fit and in form, he is a no-brainer for the squad. At this point he fits the bill.

 

[fatprop]

JOC (James O'Connor) is playing well, but the caveat is he is playing behind the saders pack, whether he can do as well behind a pack on roller skates ............................................................

 

[KOB1987]

I didn't say he won't be in the 23 but there will be 10 players in the squad who aren't - what I was getting at is he should be one of the 3 #10s picked.

 

[Ignoto]

JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) is playing well, but the caveat is he is playing behind the saders pack, whether he can do as well behind a pack on roller skates ............................................................

I dunno FP, in recent years our Forwards have more often than not stood up bar a few horrendous games. More often it's our backs who have been grossly ineffectual with execution resulting in the forwards holding onto the ball rather than having variety.

 

[fatprop]

I think that is the game plan, we are keeping it tighter until we have a mismatch, keeping it tight helps the recycle and adds to the pressure

We also have test standard aggressive defences to deal with that cut off the outside channels. So the 10 has units flying up outside and either takes the tackle, drops the ball to a close runner or sends a hail mary to the edge who either makes metres or gets turned over

I am not suggesting JOC (James O'Connor) is not worthy of consideration, he just ain't the messiah

 

[LeCheese]

I am not suggesting JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) is not worthy of consideration, he just ain't the messiah

I don't think anyone's gone anywhere close to suggesting he's the messiah we're looking for - simply that he is probably currently the most in-form player to fill the utility role, with the added bonus of experience that not many can match.

 

[PhilClinton]

Have RA addressed his potential selection? Will he be considered an external pick or will he get special clearance due to playing in SRP (Super Rugby Pacific)?

 

[Wilson]

He's probably going to be considered a local player:

Another factor that could help O’Connor’s case is that RA is prepared to qualify him as a local player if selected, and not as one of the three overseas-based players available to Schmidt.

“We’ve got a pretty open mind around that and obviously experiencing the speed and the combativeness of Super Rugby is helpful when you’re playing in and around this environment,” RA chief executive Phil Waugh said recently. “It’s very similar, if not the same, as being in the Australian market.”

RA has for years been keen to introduce open borders for all players in Super Rugby Pacific, like the NRL. It hasn’t got far because the incorrigibly risk-averse New Zealand Rugby are sceptical of letting All Blacks play for Aussie franchises, but RA could lead the way by designating as O’Connor as a local player.

The selection loophole that could help James O’Connor stage an incredible Wallabies comeback

The 64-Test veteran continued his impressive season by nailing a match-winning kick for the Crusaders, and adding to calls for him to meet the Lions.

www.brisbanetimes.com.au

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I'd definitely have JOC (James O'Connor) in the squad and maybe in the match day 23 for the Lions. His form this season has been pretty excellent.

 

[Braveheart81]

There's definitely a strong case being made that the 22 jersey is a specialist position and JOC (James O'Connor) is the leading candidate for that role right now.

 

[Tazzmania]

I thought Donaldson blotted his copybook last night, particularly his kicking for touch. There will have to be some surprises, I hope. It's too late, or two early, but I really like HMP!!

Not what the coach and captain of the Hurricanes thought by thier votes for the match:

Western Force v Hurricanes

4 - Carlo Tizzano (FOR), Ben Donaldson (FOR)

(But what do they know!)

NOTE: In the overall standings I think Donno is the leading Australian Flyhalf with a substantial points gap to the next best.

 

[Adam84]

maybe the Hurricanes coach liked Donaldson for keeping them in the game.

/s