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I blame tribalism.

3. Frost 2. Bell 1. Hooper

BH, my impression of the game was that Donaldson didn't take any of the high balls, at least none of the contestable ones. The game plan seemed to have Gordon, Petaia and Koroibete (of all players) back for the high balls. It simply looked to me that it was intentional to keep BD away from any...

Think we need Sio and a THP or two in there too.

Fiji were the better side in this contest. They played rugby while the Wallabies looked to be playing a version of League devised by Jones. Jones clearly likes League better than Rugby which is why he has developed his own version of three phase then kick game plan. He is backed by more league...

With only 4 established Wallabies (Bell, Porecki, Foketi and Nawaqanitawase), a few sqaddies and Jorgensen coming through, looks like the Tahs will be vying with the Brumbies (only 4 Wallabies too, Slipper, Frost, Hooper and Valetini) for the wooden spoon next year. But seriously, the makings...

I'd be just as happy with Kellaway at 13 and Petaia in the 23 jersey. Maybe they could be mixed by playing alternate games.

Froggy, I have long since accepted those selections by Jones, even agreeing with some of them. I am happy to acknowledge IFL as the third No 9 in Eddie's game plan, but I also think Ryan Lonergan might replace Nic White in the running for a spot in 2024. I think Neville was very unlucky to...

Having two pools playing exclusively on weekends and the other two exclusively mid-week would seem to be fair? Would need to have a ten day break for the midweek sides leading into the quarters, but still fair if its the two mid-week pool winners and runners up that contest a particular couple...

I'm actually pretty happy with each of Eddie's picks in this group.

The following quote is from the Rugby Australia website. '"It's not all doom and gloom. It's a long tournament and our team's in a good spot this week." Injured flanker Shannon Frizell and prop Tyrell Lomax will not be available for the second Pool A match in Toulouse but Ethan Blackadder will...

And he had proven himself an excellent finisher in his U20s days. Just a matter of time for it to come together at the higher levels.

Nah, I reckon he was genuinely in some pain. It might have been a stinger that wore off but I won't be surprised if the there is a late announcement about a more serious injury. If that's the case though it is getting late to replace him or Tate under the 48 hour rule. Still, Lonergan is handy...

A bit early for Lachlan to make the Wallabies just yet, but he'll likely be there in a couple of years.

I would also like to see IFL start as he plays similarly to Tate. Presumably that would best suit the game plan. I am a fan of IFL and have a strong feeling he could supplant Tate as the starting No 9 in Eddie's plan by the end of the tournament. IMO he brings all the sniping aspects of Tate's...

My only criticism was he held the scrum too long before the engage order. Both sets were quite disciplined about waiting for the engage, but I thought he was tempting fate with his slow delivery.

This is precisely how I saw it too. We will have a much harder time playing against Fiji if we continually kick possession away, at any and all points on the ground. Eddie has been quoted as saying most tries are scored in the first three phases, and his plan seems to be if a try hasn't happened...

3. Skelton 2. Donaldson 1. Hooper

A lot of posters are down on Nic White. While I agree he kicks the ball too much, it is clearly Eddie's game plan. Three phases at most and kick. Carter Gordon did it exactly the same in the first half, even when there was a clear and obvious overlap in the backline. Where Nic had it over Tate...

Late in the game France awarded a penalty near half way. Replacement hooker (I think) took a tap from in front of the mark and Jaco allowed play to continue. Put France in good position territory-wise late in the game. Thought play should have stopped for a scrum or retake of the penalty...