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Anyone else thinking Jahrome Brown might be the best backup 7? Im a big fan of Wright's as in international 7 option, and I like Scott, Reimer & Gamble, but Browne has probably edged ahead for me.

2nd this. He was fine and still a premier lock for me. Was usually defending at pillar which Reds didn't challenge much. Was pressuring the box kick from an offside position a number of times in the first half so needs to sort that out.

Agree with this, though it kind of already happens to an extent (Hodgeman, Tooamaga-Allen, Tua, Kautai, Browne, Sapsford, Franklin, Medrano, Moli Ekuasi, Proctor etc.). You probably mean including the top tier of NZ players... In any other industry/company, bringing IP and different...

100% agree with this. Still great commercial opportunities in international and club rugby. RA just need to pivot their business model. They will eventually be forced to do it (i.e. cut/privatise teams, open eligibiltiy) so may as well bite the bullet and shape what it looks like. For me - 3...

I've heard there is an "Aus XV" tour of the Northern Hemisphere is happening towards the end of the year (playing Bristol and a couple of others). Have heard nothing on an Aus A team for the Pac Nations Cup before that. A shane but prpbably can't afford as would not be remotely profitable.

Word on street this week was Rodda may not be getting RA top up so reasonable chance he won't be at the Force (or even in Aus) next year. Would be a massive shame.

Because he is consistently dominant in the best league in Europe. Agree he needs to be available to help build cohesion, but he is the incumbent wallaby captain and tight head lock. If available for TRC and Spring Tour, that'd be close to 80% availability.

100% - Skelton's dominant in the best club comp on the planet. Close to World XV quality. He's in whenever available. But assuming we won't see him until TRC, for Wales/Georgia I'd go with: 4. Frost / Swain 5. Rodda / Lukhan Hooper also in squad and can cover lock. Interested in Canham &...

Agree, the Frost project is worth sticking with. Not quite there with best locks in the world for physicality just yet, but seems a personality worth investing in and at 24 still has massive upside.

Also winning more tight contacts this year, is disciplined and effective both sides of the ball at breakdown. Not quite the power of Swinton, athleticism of Cale, or creativity of Wilson - but a real meat and 3 veg player that will make others better. With Swinton going o/s and Wilson injured...

Don't think he can start in same backrow with McReight imo. Too loose. Maybe bench impact option.

It has some appeal, but he is also quite limited for a 6, especially at breakdown. For me, Wright/Valetini, Swinton/Valetini or Valetini/Wilson are better 6/8 options.

I don't recall him playing 40+ mins in any game this year... will come off the bench for the last ~25-30. Still need a starting THP that can scrum. Maybe Lukhan at 5 behind Ala'alatoa at 3 would work...

Geez, watching the Brumbies pack on ice skates at scrumtime vs Crusaders on Sat was ominous... Does that change the Wallabies front row hierarchy? Mine would still be: LHP: Slipper, Hodgeman, Schoupp HK: Faessler, BPA, Pollard THP: Ala'alatoa, Tupou, Talakai

Why wouldn't you leverage the vast resource base of the schools that produce ~70% of current Wallabies? Far cheaper than running multiple junior academies on balance sheet (which is what the states do today).These are union strongholds, but if you neglect them the AFL will continue to make...

It's bravado. The regular calls for more teams, let alone a 'third tier' are fantasy. People want to fight battles that have already been lost. A-League has the same disease (albeit context is v different) RA strategy needs to lean in to competetive advantage, and prioritise bottom line growth...

He was okay on the weekend, but there have been a couple of moments this year where he's looked quite apathetic. What's the timeline on Petaia?

Re-read the post. Agree wont move the dial on RWC and Lions games... Will take some time to get up to speed, but I reckon he'll get there. The league commentariat swung off him until he signed for union. He'll probably play origin this year so not going that bad for a 20 yr old!

We will sell more tickets at both state and national level (ex. Lions and WC) with JS in the game. Broadcast deal is more important. I agree that Super Rugby's marketing is woeful, but Aus teams not winning (or even being competitive for large swathes of the past decade) is the bigger problem...

The JS deal will be an accretive financial investment for RA. I dont think that is fanciful - it's clear anything his name is on cuts through in NSW. He will be on every ad/billboard nationwide over three years into a lions series & home world cup. Incremental bums on seats, merch sales...