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Redlands play ISA, schools like Oakhill, St Pius X (where Hooper was at school), Chevalier at Bowral, and some good country schools like Stani's in Bathurst and Kinross Wolaroi in Orange

I know it's a topic that's been done to death, but in the Tahs/Blues game last Saturday we saw another example of where one scrum establishes an early dominance, they get the rub of the decisions from then on. After Holtz was clearly popped by his opposite number the Blues scrum could do no...

To be fair, the Tahs weren't actually pushed off the ball, Holtz was popped, which is more one prop dominating his opposite number rather than the whole scrum being rolled. It was a bit of a lesson for Holtz, and it got to him, as he started early engaging after that. Hopefully he emerges all...

On Super form, it's Wright over Kellaway, on test form (last year obviously) it's Kellaway some distance over Wright, just depends how much weight you're going to put on each.

While I am not suggesting either should be Wallabies, the two most consistently sound 15's in Super rugby this year have been Campbell and Newsome. For me Petaia has too many flaws to be our test 15 (at this stage anyway), I would only select him as a finisher on the wing, despite all his...

Ryan had two involvements, a knock-on and a red card! No, he definitely didn't lose us the match, but his net contribution was clearly negative. He must have really shown something at training, because he was only ever really a fringe run-on, and he's returned in his 30's after playing four...

Tane Edmad at 10

Disappointing to lose that one, but if you had suggested last year we would be where we are now I would have taken it in a heartbeat. Two biggest issues were not shutting the man down at the tackle, and as a result allowing too many offloads, and a bit of poor game management at crucial times...

I think Edmed is generally more reliable, and better able to get the backline working and utilise our two attacking centres. Where I think Donaldson is better is his kicking in general play, and I think he is a more dangerous runner with the ball. I'd like to see Edmed run a little more, if for...

Hooper still out! Interesting to see Cridge out (or is he injured) and Ryan selected in front of Smith. Ryan will inject some real spark late that we don't get from Smith, just hope there aren't too many scrums. Great to see Vailanu selected after his effort against the Saders.

How old is Paddy? My recollection of the Tamworth boy was a really effective player around the paddock but a bit of a scrummaging liability.

I thought I read Gamble isn't eligible to play for the Wallabies until next year. If he's eligible, imo he is the ideal backrow cover, as he can cover all three spots and is in better form than Samu or Wright, the other two with that ability.

What you say is pretty right Wamberal, although there was an anomaly to that in Armidale in the early 80's. There was a (very successful) all aboriginal league team called Narwan, who had a big internal dispute, which resulted in a number of their top players moving to rugby and playing for...

It can be a fine line, but basically there has to be a clear release, not just moving your hands straight from the player to the ball, while still in contact with the player

Where do the Tahs find a hooker for next week?

I think there is little doubt that Hooper and McReight are our two best 7's. What Samu, Liam Wright and Gamble offer is a player who can be effective at either 6 or 7, and thus make a great backrow reserve. Right now Samu is the incumbent in that role, but on form I believe Gamble has been the...

As I said, I rate Philip and he would be in my Wallaby starting 15, however I disagree on speed. I can't recall which game, but remember him chasing someone (not someone particularly quick) and he really looked like he was bogged in cement.

I'm a big fan of Philip, and I would have him start. Having said that, he's one of the slowest players in pro rugby, just looks really awkward when he runs.

I'm not too concerned about Harrison's size, he defends like a much bigger man, and isn't afraid to run the ball into contact hard when that's the best option. Yes, he probably would prefer 10, but we have three of them, and of those I think Harrison makes the best 15. I would also have him on...

Newsome has had a good season, but IMO he hasn't been that bad in other years. Some on here want every Tah to be a Wallaby, but in the real world that just ain't going to happen. Every Super side needs good, reliable Super rugby level players, and Newsome and Sinclair are two very good examples...