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I actually like the backline. pretty close to what I'd go for. Not sure about White but let's see. The loss of AA and Sio is unfortunate, but the Boks are also short a few first choice blokes so that seems fair enough. Not sure about the starting front row but I really like the look of that...

On form I agree, but I thought he's actually performed pretty well on the wing for the Wallabies and he does bring an extra element to the team with his long range kicking. I'm ok with him getting a start. It's his spot to lose and there's a good chance he will lose it if he doesn't do what we...

I agree. Im not suggesting there's a better option im just saying its an area of concern

I thought phipps was a certainty after they trodded him out for the unvieling of the jersey Re my early comment regarding our backline i think our backline my only concern is goal kicking. Foley usually pretty accurate but he doesnt have the consistency of the like of farrell

Yeh I really thought we struggled last year because we lacked a genuine ball running centre that could get us over the gainline. I think Kerevi is a key factor this year given that he is one of those rare players that can consistently get a team on the front foot. I was impressed with how he's...

I think at times in the past we've relied too much on x factor players in the backline, to our detriment. History has shown that world cups are won with a strong forward pack and from that perspective we look to have decent depth and no plodders. I remember 5 or so years back when the most...

I'm hoping he's only been chosen because they needed a third hooker that is familiar with the set piece and TPN is being kept in cotton wool.

if last year proven anything it's that Hodge aint a test centre. I actually think he's a decent winger that offers you are pretty good kicking game.

I'm pleasantly surprised that Cooper, Phipps and Hanigan aren't in this initial squad. I can only assume that none of them are in the selection frame moving forward and I think that's smart selecting. Cooper's best days are behind him, as are Phipps. Hanigan just hasn't done anything to make...

I'm interested in what JOC (James O'Connor) offers us. I haven't seen him play in a while but on paper he offers a lot. At 28, he's still in his prime physically. If he's focused and motivated I'd probably put him in a starting 15 ahead of some other players. He'd also be a great option to have on the bench...

How would thorn know what discussions took place between oconnor and cheika?

Id be surprised if oconnor had signed with RA without some assurance frin cheika that he'll be in the squad

I thought Powell last week was outstanding. If he can help the Brumbies to a win this weekend, it's becoming increasingly difficult to leave him out of the squad instead of Phipps or White. I've really not seen White play since he left Australia so I can't comment on whether he brings anything...

At this stage I don't know how anyone in their right mind could be selecting Cooper in the squad ahead of Lealiifano

I've been reading about Skelton's good form recently but I haven't seen much at all of him on the field. Any idea how his scrummaging and line-out has developed? I remember him being a liability in the scrum and was too heavy to lift in the line-out. I remember it became quite difficult finding...

My 31 man squad: Props Sio Slipper AAA Tupou Kepu Robertson Hookers Fainga Uluese TPN Locks Arnold Rodda Coleman Skelton (if he’s eligible, otherwise LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)) Backrow Hooper Pocock (if fit, if not Dempsey) Samu Jones Naisarani LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) Halfbacks Genia White Phipps Flyhalves Foley...

What's the deal with Jordan Uelese?

I think this is a little presumptuous. I think its fair to say the aussie sides look to be more competitive this year but if you remember back 5 or 6 years, when our teams were stronger, the kiwi teams tended to start slow. Nevertheless definitely some good signs

It'll be interesting to see whether Cheika has much influence on where guys like Beale and Folau end up for the tahs. supposedly there will be more cohesiveness with the national team so i expect Folau at fullback (even though i think he would be a better wing and beale a better fullback)

Gents, I'm just kind of venturing back from the wilderness, like a bear awaking from hibernation. It's that time of year when i make my return to the site, daydreaming about the possibility of us having a decent season. I tried to speed read through the thread to bring myself up to speed but...