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Not Ikitau?

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Looks like Ikitau has completed his first contract training today. Video posted to his instagram. He looks quite ginger and timid in contact. Good news that the injury is progressing and looks like he'll be ready if required.

Instagram tells me he's playing golf today in Canberra. The fractured scapula must be on the mend.

His contract with Kubota Spears prohibits any 'Barbarians' involvement.

Wilson pulled out or wasn't selected?

Is that you Campo?

He has been the Lineout coach all season. This was announced months ago!

So I'm expecting a starting 23 against Georgia / Fiji / Wales of: 1. Bell 2. Porecki 3. Tupou 4. Frost 5. Skelton (c) 6. Hooper 7. McReight 8. Valetini 9. McDermott 10. Gordon 12. Kerevi 13. Petaia 11. Koroibete 15. Kellaway 14. Nawaqanitwase 17. Slipper 16. Uelese 18. Fa'amusili 19. Arnold...

I think Ikitau comes in if any center, wing or fullback gets injured - not just inside back. Petaia gives you redundancy across 13, 14 and 15. So it's a simple change.

Donaldson has the no 22 jersey sewn on.

I don't think Eddie is strategising for injuries as your suggesting. I believe Eddie is expecting injuries. We had 7 injuries during the shortened RC (and that's with one rest week). I seriously doubt any team in the RWC will get through the pool with their original squad in tact.

Once teams have named their final 33 man squad players can only be replaced for medical or compassionate reasons. Teams must complete the relevant paperwork and send it to World Rugby along with a medical certificate where appropriate. Once signed off the replacement is not allowed to play for...

I suspect that Petaia was initially being considered as the back-up 15 / outside back cover. Now Ikitau's injury is worse than expected he is being considered as the outside centre. That means we need a 15 back up. Eddie has discarded Wright, so Jorgensen in.

I think it's what the Saffas are doing with De Jagger, Am and Pollard.

Yes, it's becoming more and more evident that Eddie has his eyes on RWC27 and Lions. He's really doubling down on the '19 France model. He's trying his "smash and grab" with a couple of young pick-pockets rather than Ocean's 11.

I wonder if Hodge comes back in as the utility then? or perhaps another forward in Samu.

So I guess we are looking at: LHP: Bell, Slipper, Schoupp Hooker: Porecki, Faessler, Ulese, THP: Tupou, Fa'amusili, Nongorr, Lock: Frost, Arnold, Skelton, Phillip Backrow: T Hooper, McReight, Valetini, Gleeson, Leota, Halfback: McDermott, White, Lonergan Fly Half: Gordon, Donaldson, Centers...

Reece Hodge vs Donaldson is hardly an inspiring choice is it?

I like it, but I suspect we'll see Donaldson or Hodge in the squad at the expense of Wright. They both can provide cover at 10 and 15 (Hodge 12/13 also). We need a 3rd 10 cover. If Cooper or Gordon get a head knock - who is the back up 10?