Lions Tour 2025

[Brumby Runner]

If we end up running a lock at 6 (I don't think we will) it'll be Williams. He's the most mobile of our current crop and has spent a bit of time there more recently. I still think we'll go to one of Uru, Hooper, Gleeson and probably CdC before that happens though.

Possibly even Tizzano at 6, (whose role for the Force is more like Wilson's than McReight's) might come into play too, but that might hurt our lineout too much.

Have we not learnt the pitfalls of playing two No 7s? Didn't work with Smith/Waugh or Hooper/Pocock and they were all a big step up on McReight/Tizzano.

The other option at 6/8 if he comes good injury-wise is Charlie Cale.

 

[Dctarget]

It worked really well with the Pooper. The Fooper was a great trio.

 

[Braveheart81]

Have we not learnt the pitfalls of playing two No 7s? Didn't work with Smith/Waugh or Hooper/Pocock and they were all a big step up on McReight/Tizzano.

You could argue that it worked pretty well given we got to RWC finals with both of those combinations.

I don't think we are at all likely to repeat it anytime soon because we have a lot of strength across the backrow and while Tizzano is good, he's not a generational sort of player like Smith/Waugh/Pocock/Hooper.

 

[Wilson]

Look, I'm not advocating it but I also think it's wrong to say that previous dual 7 setups didn't work in the absolute. For the most part they worked quite well, until other teams adapted and were able to exploit the weaknesses it created. That is more or less true of any tactic though, if you stay still long enough teams will pass you. I could definitely see it being used judiciously for parts of this series to pretty good effect, particularly against a Lions side just coming together.

On Cale, he's potentially also an option, but will need to get back on the field first, he's been out way too much this past season (or 2) for me to have an idea of where he's at and where he stands in Joe's thinking.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Charlie played 10 Super Rugby matches in 23/24 and two test matches. He played only 4 Super Rugby matches this year but accumulated 10 points (I think) in the POTY Award with votes from opposition coaches and captains. I have no doubt at all about his talent to thrive at test level, but current fitness is certainly a huge concern. Hoping he can get some runs in the final(s) and lead up games against the Lions.

 

[Adam84]

Charlie Cale has missed the Lions window surely, if he were a lock in the position at test level with runs on the board then maybe they could parachute him in, but he is far from that and there's plenty of other competition from in-form blindsides/backrowers ahead of him it wouldn't make sense too...

Maybe later in the year if he returns to fitness

 

[griffins]

BR I actually agree with a lot of your takes, and we're both on the same team, but it does detract from your credibility when you advocate so hard for a Brumby like Cale when unfortunately a lot of blokes have jumped the queue while he's been injured. While I don't think theyr're seriously in contention Champion de Crespigny and Brial have shown plenty of form this season while Cale has been in rehab, for instance.

If you had to push the case for a Brumbies outsides, albeit only because he's signed elsewhere next year, it has to be Hooper. In any case it's great that Schmidt has plenty of options in the back row at least.

 

[HogansHeros]

Can we go uncontested and put on a backrower at tighthead?

 

[Major Tom]

We have one at LH

 

[Wilson]

No Hooper for the AU/NZ team:

No final fond farewell: Wallabies legend Hooper out of Lions clash

Michael Hooper will not play for the AUNZ XV, but Richie Mo’unga is racing against clock with a broken hand to play in the showpiece game.

www.brisbanetimes.com.au

 

[JRugby2]

Sad honestly, but RA have come out previously and said they'll try and use the game to keep fringe players on the boil.

Feels like a missed opportunity tbh - it's the closest thing we have to a barbarians concept and a great opportunity to build some publicity for the game over and above what we'll get from the Lions tour anyway. Not sure 1 extra game for a few fringe test players is really going to impact the series or rest of the year too much.

 

[lpd]

Whats everyones predicted Wallabies team for the upcoming games?

Cheers,
D.F

I’m not sure exactly what Schmidt will pick (and who will be injured) but I’ve thought about who the Wallabies could pick to beat the Lions.

The Lions won’t necessarily be the biggest, but they have some relentless ball carriers (and their backs will be bigger than ours). I think we need to jump on the wagon and do what the rest of the world is doing… use a bomb squad. The hope being we stay with them for 50 and then try and blow them away in the last 30.

So my attempt at that is:

1. Bell
2. Faessler
3. Ala'alatoa

4 and 5. Frost and Williams

(possibly LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Swain could be here too? Thinking good workrate/technicians to start)

6. Valetini
7. McReight
8. Wilson

9. Gordon? Unsure, maybe Tate
10. Lynagh

12. Ikitau
13. JAS

11. Daugunu
14. Potter/Kellaway/Jorgo - I’m undecided
15. Wright

Bench

16. Pollard/BPA - maybe the former based on form?
17. Slipper
18. Ideally Tupou - if he’s not up to it, Nongorr? Would Robertson be ok in the scrum with Skelton behind him?

19. Skelton.
20. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) - though if this combo doesn’t work, maybe Hooper instead.

21. Pete Samu - could go with Gleeson though. At a pinch, Samu could cover wing as he did for Bordeaux if injuries strike

22. Tate or A.Nother - Gordon?
23. Donaldson or JOC (James O'Connor). Versatile bench option.

Welcome opinions on this!

 

[JRugby2]

Not many notes on this tbh - I reckon this is pretty close to the pin.

Can't see why they would have chased Samu home if not to include him.

Our THP depth is a concern. Those names scream "Penalty: Lions". Nongorr is a few years away - Tupou couldn't push in a straight line if he was attached to a string, Robertson is OK but just a rung below international rugby. Kids pools hold more water....

 

[Upthemaroon!]

Pretty much on the money I think. I would add Kerevi in the mix (Bench or starter), he looked to be more in form in Japan as of late and would add much needed weight in the backline.

Some bolters would be Kemeny and Simone.

 

[Major Tom]

I'd have Hooper and Gleeson on the bench before Samu.
I wouldn't have Robertson in the 23. He would get absolutely worked over.
Kerevi should be looked at seriously.

 

[JRugby2]

I think tate should have the starting 9, hes dangerous around the ruck. Although if he goes on with 20 mins left he would be more dangerous as the Lions forwards are tired.

Cheers,
D.F

I think this is way they'll go - although Tate this year has been the form Australian 9 then daylight, and realistically on par/ maybe slightly behind Roigard in Super.

Him sniping around the ruck around tired Lions in the final Q is hard to look past

 

[Upthemaroon!]

Exactly, his upsides are double as effective in the later stages of the game. Even if the Lions anticipate that game plan, that will open up space in the centres and on the edges.

 

[JRugby2]

Plus, Gordon (in a good side) can play - and we've got evidence of this from the Wallabies last year. He's not going to make a WXV anytime soon, but he's got a decent pass/kick and can do the job. Lonergan a smokey

 

[Dctarget]

Who's the Lions starting 9? Gibson-Park? I've always thought his reputation is heavily inflated by playing behind a Rolls Royce pack. I guess he'll be afforded the same luxury for the Lions.

 

[Upthemaroon!]

Plus, Gordon (in a good side) can play - and we've got evidence of this from the Wallabies last year. He's not going to make a WXV anytime soon, but he's got a decent pass/kick and can do the job. Lonergan a smokey

Lonergan and Tate will be the pair for 2027 for sure.