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I'd be very comfortable with Maddocks on the bench.

Yeah not looking good for Hodge, I assume that's him done for the year. Think we need to back Petaia in for the 15 jersey and run JOC (James O'Connor) off the bench to cover if we have any problems.

Believe he was over at Counties Manukau playing in the NPC. Think he is nearing retirement.

Nope, all top quality props are in Aus.

Judging by NZ's depth at 10, I think he might be sadly disappointed. For Australia on the other hand, past the elderly Quade and JOC (James O'Connor), there is plenty of opportunity for an up and coming 10. We might see him back?

Here's my team: 1. Bell 2. Kaitu'u 3. Ala'alatoa 4. Rodda 5. Phillip 6. Leota 7. Hooper 8. Valetini 9. McDermott 10. JOC (James O'Connor) 11. Wright 12. Paisami 13. Ikitau 14. Kellaway 15. Petaia 16. Faianga'a 17. Robertson 18. Thor 19. Swain 20. Samu 21. Gordon 22. Quade 23. Hodge/ Daugunu

Having 4 hookers seems excessive

https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/7460509/nsw-waratahs-bolster-front-row-stocks/?cs=7581 Great to see Ruan Smith alligning with the Wildfires and Tevita Funa to Western Sydney. Good to see DC getting players to sign with the struggling teams rather than bolstering Sydney Uni/ Randwick.

https://www.rugby.com.au/news/former-wallaby-chris-feauai-sautia-signs-with-brumbies-2021107 Baffles me how the Tahs missed out on his signature

Agreed TSR. I liken Coleman to Swinton, great intent on the field with a high work rate. Sometimes his accuracy and discipline got the better of him. With his experience overseas and a bit of time to mature, he could do a Kellaway and come back to the international fold as a gun.

Both good signings, Ruan is a reliable option now and Holz is young with a bright future.

100% agree, he's very good in the maul and gets around the park well. But too often he is losing the collision. He should stay in Aus and put some weight on, I don't see him getting any game time anyway. Skelton/ Arnold/ Phillip/ Rodda will all be selected ahead of him. Even if we had an injury...

Certainly makes sense for him to stay home and build some size for next year. I'd even suggest doing the same for McReight, he could do with another 5-10KG. Realistically Hooper won't be missing any games + will play the full 80 mins unless he is injured. We've got Samu who can cover if need...

Crazy how things changed so quickly. Vs the All Blacks, I'd argue he and Koro were the first two on the team sheets in the backline. To be fair to him though, he is sitting behind the best 12 in the world. Can anyone suggest there's a better 12?

Very refreshing to see depth below our starting 15, there's options 2, 3 and 4 who could step up. Should put us in good steed for the RWC.

Pretty certain Vunivalu is done for the RC after re injuring his hammy, he should be healthy for the spring tour.

Yes agreed, we’ve got no idea on if he’s ready to perform at test level. But we’ve got this and next week with him, why not throw him in the deep and at start him at 6 for both games? We can have Samu on the bench if he needs to be hooked early.

Agreed, lets keep Valetini at 8 so he can get some continuity in the role. Samu is perfect for the bench, he can cover 6, 7 and 8 comfortably. McMahon starting this weekend would be great, Rennie can pull him off as early or as late as he needs knowing we've got Samu to fill the void. I don't...

It'll be a blood bath.... ABs will put them to the sword

Still very light on Fullbacks. We need to transition one of Petaia, Kellaway or Tom Wright to the back. Shame Jack Maddocks is headed overseas and has regressed, I thought he had all the potential to fill the void of Mr Folau. Hoping he does the same as Kellaway and comes back as a whole new beast.