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Yep. I actually really dislike the demise of the Rebels and the way the follow up has been handled. We are stronger but we necessarily lost some Queenslanders that would have had the chance otherwise. I'm not bitchin, it is just reality. But the flip side of the coin is that I feel I am entitled...

@TSR We've been boosted by the Rebel demise, and largely we did this ahead of all other franchises in Australia. It is a candy-hit and we need to make use of it. I think Kiss is on it, the only disaster I can see is if Les was called into the WBs. Guys like Nonggorr are building in a way we...

Like Australia?

I'm looking, not finding it.

Potter and Williams:

Oh fuck off. Scots are a proud rugby Nation. There's no respect to the game in shit comments like this.

In open play?

Definitely a gamble from where I sit, though I'm building confidence that Schmidt sees it differently. From recollection Williams wears #5 when he partners Frost? I'm wondering if he is considered the better scrummager to back up Bell? I think we can expect more line out action from Valetini...

^^^ Literally a 2:1 ratio of LHP to THP. Thanks Adam and SMI, really explains things in the front row.

Doran doesn't actually say JAS to 12, more generally that he returns to partner Ikitau with Kerevi out. I'd expect 12 Ikitau 13 JAS, to repeat their positions together last time. Tizzano is interesting if we presume that he'll be with Valetini and Wilson... and Skelton at #5. It suggests that...

Guys, this is not refereeing thread, nor the Wales v Wallabies thread.

Yes, that connected well with selection plans including Skelton. Choices this week are different, arguably more complete. We'll see how Schmidt solves it in due course.

Yeah, good, Mike. Avoid the throw by throw re-commentary. We've been there buddy.

I can see a "standard" backrow of Valetini, McReight, Wilson starting with Skelton. But I'm going to seriously be watching the line-out. As I said earlier, I'd also consider Skelton at #4 sitting behind Bell - if Tupou is starting and told to fucking hold up your side.

It seems a likely change to consider if Skelton is to start. Not just Wilson (#20) on the bench but maybe LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (#19) as well. There are alternates to Uru, but I'd be thinking about it. On the other hand we expect Valetini, Wilson, McReight to contribute the equivalent of a primary jumper and...

There we go. Plenty of thoughts around Skelton, but here TT put's the query in reasonable context. Edit: To be fair, Skelton DOES actually ask the selectors this question with considerable verve. Whether or not it is enough, Schmidt knows.

I'm am surprised at the quantity of Wilson jumps there. Almost gets him to the point as some kind of trainee primary jumper. I'd still suggest changes to the back row with Skelton starting. Anyway, we probably get to see.

You rate Wilson as an international quality primary jumper? I'd suggest that is a big call. In all likelhood with Skelton WIlson is bench (or wider squad), Valetini #8 and the likes of LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Uru, at #6.

3. Bell 2. Faessler 1. Valetini

From recollection, against Wales our lineout did not attack once on a Welsh throw - until LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) was on (Skelton off). The teams nominated so far seem to have only one primary jumper starting. I'd be surprised if Schmidt rolls like that. If Skelton starts, I'd anticipate the preferred back row...