Strewthcobber
David Codey (61)
I love the idea that Schmidt is sitting at home watching the Force, and he dramatically puts a line through Donaldson's name as the second kick for touch crosses the line 5m short of where he was aiming
Wallabies 2025
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upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
That's not quite how a depth chart works. Initial squad of 40 will feature 3, maybe 4 playmakers - he is definitely in that frame.
For those that aren't in the top 2 for their position, the next 2 questions asked are
a) what OTHER value do that person being in the squad offer?
b) in an emergency (and likely short notice), who is more likely to fulfil the core roles?
I think answers to those 2 questions answer favourably for JOC (James O'Connor)
For those that aren't in the top 2 for their position, the next 2 questions asked are
a) what OTHER value do that person being in the squad offer?
b) in an emergency (and likely short notice), who is more likely to fulfil the core roles?
I think answers to those 2 questions answer favourably for JOC (James O'Connor)
hituplover
Peter Burge (5)
whats everyones current wallabies 23 for the first test vs lions ?
Or Schmidt could just watch JOC (James O'Connor)'s last test performance.
PhilClinton
Paul McLean (56)
I mean that’s a bit harsh - vintage Quade put together probably the best string of games as a Wallaby playmaker in the last 5 years.
I think a more accurate statement is that none of our younger playmakers have been able to make themselves clear selections because they simply aren’t that good at international level.
wamberal99
Alex Ross (28)
We'd be happy to give him a game at Eastwood.
TSR
Steve Williams (59)
In 2022 he was Super Rugby player of the year. Then he got injured. Since then he had a string of injuries but, from all accounts, he is now very meticulous about managing his body. I actually think it is perfectly understandable that he is playing better now when he is injury free.
He did play a couple of tests in there and he wasn’t great but most (all?) were off the back of return from injury or limited prep.
I was really just responding to the suggestion his currently selection prospects should be impacted by a game he played 3 years ago and I don’t think him not playing for the Reds because of injury should reflect on his chances now when he’s injury free. He more test experience than any of our current options, he’s demonstrated that he is calm under pressure at the end of a game and he’s playing well. And he’s only 34. I can understand Schmidt including him in the squad given the importance of the Lions series.
He did play a couple of tests in there and he wasn’t great but most (all?) were off the back of return from injury or limited prep.
I was really just responding to the suggestion his currently selection prospects should be impacted by a game he played 3 years ago and I don’t think him not playing for the Reds because of injury should reflect on his chances now when he’s injury free. He more test experience than any of our current options, he’s demonstrated that he is calm under pressure at the end of a game and he’s playing well. And he’s only 34. I can understand Schmidt including him in the squad given the importance of the Lions series.
Ignoto
Peter Sullivan (51)
Was close to MOTM for the Reds last home game in 2024 against the Welsh...... Him and Lynagh were sharing duties in 22/23 when fit as Lawson was either injured or covering fullback.
James also played for Australia A in 2023 hence him not being available to be picked by NZ.
James also played for Australia A in 2023 hence him not being available to be picked by NZ.
I'm not picking him for that. I am selecting him based on what he is doing in the last 20 minutes of matches to close them out. If he makes the matchday 23 it's in the 22 jersey to perform that role.
I don't see much downside using one of my three selections for the 10 position in the squad on that.
I don't see much downside using one of my three selections for the 10 position in the squad on that.