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Bobby - the structure you speak of was neatly analysed by Murray Kinsella a while ago. Have a read: http://www.the42.ie/analysis-australia-1-3-3-1-shape-england-2016-2825557-Jun2016/ Now obviously that's a few years old now, and we probably don't follow the exact same strategy now, but...

OK guys let's get back to the game, please.

Taking a step back, this is all just a game. As a supporter, I watch it because I enjoy it, and I want to have fun. If you are only happy with top-level peak performance, you're just setting yourself up for disappointment. Why put yourself through that when the object of this whole thing is to...

Jeez Hawko you're a tough man to please if you don't think a good performance in a semi-final is 'doing well'. It wasn't a 10 out of 10 season by any stretch, but it was probably an 8. I'm not over the moon with it, but I'll take it with a smile. .

Issues with anonymous FB mates aside, I do buy that description of Cheika. It seems to be a common thread between a lot of our coaches - their motivational tactics work wonders in the short term, but tend to have a diminishing effect over time. Eddie Jones is the captain/coach of that club...

While I'd like a couple of new signings (especially in the pack), it's nice to see a bit of stability from year to year. Taking the Ben Darwin theory, another year will only help cohesion and will hopefully see our standard of play improve. Hopefully. .

Then we have an interesting selection dilemma at 13. I love Hodge's long kicking game but I think having a functional backline should be our first priority. He's made a case to hold onto the 13 jersey, but I wouldn't say he's been a standout. .

To'omua isn't a ball-player as much as Beale.

I don't think that's fair at all. Beale with 15 on his back doesn't defend in the frontline, and Foley has To'omua there to add some backbone in defence. .

I think To'omua and Beale are both great players, with skillsets that no other Aussie backs possess. Beale can exploit gaps like no other, with a burst of pace and vision that is miles better than any other. To'omua's defence is superb, and while he's not a spark plug like Beale he has a kicking...

No Kepu is also interesting. My man, the greatest Wallaby prop....... Once again a Waratah is cruelly overlooked. Don't celebrate yet BR. He'll be back :)

I think we have a tendency to judge players very early, and rule out the possibility they will ever change or get better. Skelton broke onto the scene when he was very young, and like all of us in our early 20s he probably didn't do everything right. Now he's lived away from home, obviously...

I'm not sure he has the mongrel that Cheika is after at 6, though. The type of mongrel we saw from Tui, Dempsey or McMahon. He could end up filling a Dean Mumm bench 5/6 role. .

Another overseas Wallaby returns to the Rebels for 2019....... Luke Jones! I thought he looked good in the Baabaas game last year, but haven't seen him since. Could fit nicely at 6 as a lineout/workhorse type. http://www.rugby.com.au/news/2018/09/03/france-wallabies-jones-returns

Holy shit. Thought that was him posing with a winger. It's like one of those BUPA 'healthier you' ads.

There are issues at 10, for sure. But I don't buy that Cheika is at fault here. The issue runs far deeper, into the High Performance units at RA and each Super team, and down into clubs and juniors. Cheika has actually tried to develop a back-up to Foley at 10, but it's not really his fault...

Thanks QH for the delightful condescension. And taking a nice discussion and turning it into every other thread on this place - where people are branded into 'believers' and 'non-believers' and we spend seventeen pages going around in circles. What a shame, it was going so well. I'm out. .

So you're leaving Holloway on the table? Wow, way to give the bloke a bit of motivation. Rona and Mason for Tui? You've got yourself a deal. Meanwhile I'm on the other phone to Sefa Naivalu, telling him we've got a sudden opening at 13 that he may be perfect to fill.......

I think it's a bit simplistic to cite this game as evidence a local-only comp would work. This was a unique concept, and featured the Wallabies (with a few notable absentees) playing a team of up-and-coming Super players. Of course the interest is strong for watching a local product, but...

We're truly in the hypothetical here, so let's dive right in. Reg, you play the part of the Reds. I will play the Tahs. No chance in hell I'll ever trade Foley, Beale or Folau so let's rule them out. For Lukhan Tui, my first offer is Mack Mason and Jed Holloway. .