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My forward pack is pretty much locked in. Obviously this is subject to injuries and how some of the fringe players perform in TRC. Whilst there will be a big extended squad for TRC, I can't see Cheika straying too far, if at all, from his preferred squad. Props: Sio, Slipper, Holmes, Kepu...

ok. so ignore my earlier post. I was under the mistaken impression that only the test players contracted with the ARU

Excuse my ignorance, but I had understood that players who contract with the ARU are getting a top up on their Super Rugby contract. Can someone explain? I thought only a select few actually contract with the ARU.

Just read somewhere that Alexander just signed a new 12 month deal with the ARU. That is surely a strong indication that he will be one of the Cheika's 5 props at the world cup. IF Cheika wasn't interested in him for the wallabies, he wouldn't get a top-up

I think Palu often gets a bad rap because fans expect him to bulldoze over the gain-line at test level against the likes of SA and NZ. In truth he's not physically dominant against the SANZAR heavy weights but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be in the side (as Braveheart points out). Skelton...

Some sensible comments T-Rex. I don't 100% agree but I think that's pretty close to what we'll be looking at. Whether or not to include Horwill will be one of Cheika's most difficult selections. I'm undecided. Some people don't seem to recognise that his line-out and scrum work is second only...

I'd say JOC (James O'Connor)'s form has been better than Beale's. JOC (James O'Connor) was pretty much the Reds' stand out back against the Cheetahs and had a very good game against the Rebels two weeks ago. Admittedly he's book ended those games with a few poor performances. Beale on the other hand hasn't had a stand out game...

name 3 games when one of those three players were responsible for running a decent line-out at test level. I honestly believe that Simmons is one of the Wallabies most underrated players of the last 2 years. He's not only a standout line-out jumper, and caller, but he's a strong scrummaging...

Sounds like the extended squad will be 40 odd players. I cant imagine that Latu wouldn't be in the extended squad. Not sure the lengthy suspension changes much. His chance of actual selection will all come down to availability. If all of Moore, TPN, Hanson and Fainga'a are fit then Latu wont make...

Particularly if we're talking about playing Skelton and Palu in the starting side.

Yeh I think that's probably right. Although it concerns me how shit the Force's scrum has been this season. Not sure I'd be rushing to select any of their tight 5, knowing what we'll be up against. Not that I'm saying it's necessarily Coleman's fault, I'm simply saying it remains to be seen...

Genia's stats for the weekend suggest he was one of the better players on the field. Created 12 line-breaks apparently. Agree Stirzacker he been edging him on form, but he's too green. Hard to go past Genia's experience. Agree with your comments about no.12. I'd actually choose Horne at 12...

The locks are probably the hardest selections for me. It's certainly not because there's too much talent (like in the back-row and outside backs). Skelton and Simo are in both not sure where it will go after that, whether in fact we'll have 4 specialist locks or maybe 1 hybrid 6/lock. Not sure...

looks like most people are choosing pretty similar squads, with a few slight variations. I think ultimately squad selection will be dictated by injuries. There'll be a few significant injuries (touch wood) that might require some changes to the make up of the 23. Thankfully we seem to have some...

On Rugby HQ last week Holmes mentioned that he'd met with Cheika regarding national duties this year. Sounds like Cheika has plans for him (although really he'd have to be blind not too). Not sure about PAE.

has anyone been following mumm's form? I note that he has been named in the Premiership 2015 Dream Team. He must be standing out to some extent

Yes I read that article. The bloke is clearly taking the head knocks seriously. But there is no suggestion he's not currently fit, or that wont be available for the world cup .

I presume Skelton is your bench TH? smart play sir.

Re our wingers, I'd probably rate them in this order:- -Speight -JOC (James O'Connor) -AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) -Mitchell -Horne -Tomane -Naiyaravoro -Cummins Naiyaravoro could very well have more potential than a few of the above, but currently he's not as well rounded as any of the above. A player's weaknesses are generally...

I think people are over stating the significance of TPN's recent concussion. He's been cleared to play and apparently hasn't suffered from any of the side effects that some athletes experience after sequential concussions. Berrick Barnes' situation was much worse back in 2011 when he was...