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The decision to take two hookers is just dumb in my view. Not even Deans made a call that crazy in 2011. It's completely unnecessary. Tomane could easily fall of this squad and no one would notice. I'd in fact argue that having too many outside backs might be a disadvantage because it...

I would have chosen Simo / Horwill as our starting lock combination. They were rock solid in the set piece for the Reds this year and Horwill was the form lock over the Rugby Championship. I would have selected Horwill before Douglas or Mumm. Surely Douglas comes right into the 23 in Cheika's...

The two biggest selections for mine:- 1. 2 Hookers?! man talk about risky, particularly given that one is TPN, who will surely knock himself out against the likes of Fiji. 2.No Horwill?!?! crazy stupid. Not only was he our best lock over the rugby championship, but he was also our back up...

Pretty sickened by the decision to re-sign Graham. I feel a bit sorry for Graham because he looks like a nice enough bloke and there were other factors that contributed to our poor 2014 season. Nevertheless he should fallen on his sword. Regardless of whether Graham has some skills as a...

the reality is that once Simo is back on the paddock, the hooker will just be throwing it to him at least 75% of the time. I reckon you could run a decent line-out with just Simo and Horwill and one other tall bloke

I think to be fair to Cheika he has had not enough time to try out combinations and strategies. He took some chances two weeks ago and they paid off, he tried some new stuff last week and they failed. At least he had learnt a lot about what will and wont work against a side like the All Blacks.

I'd actually put this down in part to Nick White at 9. He just doesn't have the quick service of Phipps. That was a failed experiment IMO.

Guys I haven't commented on the game yet so I thought I'd give a few thoughts. I made the mistake of watching the game at an irish pub full of Kiwis. That made it all the more painful. - man we really do suck at playing at Eden Park. Not exactly sure why. I'd say apart of it is like the...

I thought Palu was pretty ho-hum on Saturday and certainly think McCalman would have been more useful to use. However I'd say part of that was a result of his lack of game time. If he's picked in the squad im ok with that. I think a Backrow of Simo/Horwill/Palu/Pooper would be a nice balance...

i think you're being a bit kind. Riche knows the influence he has on the NZ public. If he didnt want people booing he would have said so.

There'll definitely be lots of booing for quade. Its a bit sad and desperate.

I reckon Palu should get 30 minutes tops

We'll have renamed it 'Newstraya'

So youre predicting it'll either be a close win to the Wallabies, or a close win to NZ, or a big win for NZ....Well look at Mr Nostradamus over here.

The hostile environment could take its toll. The All Blacks chants will be deafening when they get a roll on. A lot different to last week where we had the majority of fans helping us lift. Man the players must be nervous. I'm not playing and I feel like I need to take the day off for stress...

If the Wallabies win I'll be changing my avatar, probably to a Cheika....possibly Quade Cooper

I reckon this game will be won and lost in the first half. Im guessing the Wallabies are going all out attack in the first half. The inclusion of Cooper and Speight give us probably our most dangerous attacking backline and the Cheika has chosen a pack designed to give us front foot ball and...

My only real concern for the game is Nick White. If I was going to choose a halfback to play 80 minutes it would probably be Phipps. White hasn't played much footy lately and he'll be expected to play 80 minutes at lightening pace. Also, the wallabies really benefited from the impact of their...

Yep, I'd say unless White plays terribly or there's an injury, Genia's test career is over. Unfortunately for Genia his injury couldn't have come at a worse time. It's an easy decision for Cheika.

I reckon this is pretty close to the team that Cheika would select against England if they played tomorrow (with the only changes being Simo in for Horwill and Mumm falling off the bench for Horwill).