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On LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)... he may have pretty good linear top end speed for a guy his size however it takes him a bit to get there and more importantly he lacks the agility to provide what is required from a 6 at that level. He was found out quite badly in both those aspects when playing 6 for Aus last year. If...

I've got no issues with Hooper assigned captain. He has the most experience and is a guaranteed starter this year. As good as McReight and Wright are I seriously doubt they will be starting any of the big games this year. Suspect Hoop will get a rest against understrength Arg. Great servant to...

As in Gordon the young 10? What has happened to him? There were big expectations on that fella

No it's not. Its a very valid point which many people made at the time. Point was that he wasn't 100% healthy. It is terrible player management and the kid is paying for it now. I've been supportive of many aspects of Chieka's coaching/personality in the past. To me that was, as I said, a hail...

Why on earth would you have Hodge at 13 ahead of TK or Paisami?

Been saying this since last year. Fkn Chieka's hail mary on him for the RWC (when we realistically were never going to get close to winning) last year really screwed the pooch. A proper off season with a S&C and physio would have done his young body wonders. Instead he is constantly struggling...

The Reds play a 2 fullback defensive pattern with the 10 as the 2nd fullback, not because they are trying to hide a 15. Much like many NZ super teams as well as the AB's. Also why their scramble defense is soo good because they have 2 fullbacks already back then the 9 coming across and the blind...

He can play fullback though, in fact he is a hell of a fullback. I'll also add here that this boggles my mind. He is by far the closest thing we have to a B Barrett or D Mac at 15. Easily the best ball playing 15 with the greatest vision. There are limits to his game however these certainly...

It is interesting because he actually stands out to me as the 15 who makes the least mistakes. That is included in the fact that he does the little things well, has great hands and vision. At 15 he has certainly made less mistakes than Maddocks and Banks this Super AU season. I'd guess DHP too...

I was excited about Swinton after that reds match however he failed to live up to that mark IMO. If he could bring that physicality to every match then I'd be all for him being in the squad. I feel like Dempsey has played consistently better through Super AU hence my surprise. I do live in...

He is a very skillful player with great game awareness and foresight. Unselfish and extremely good at setting up those around him. Steps in well at 1st or 2nd receiver and executes all the 1%ers/off ball stuff well. Great acceleration and guile. His size is what will let him down. Affects his...

Philip and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) starters for sure. I'd select them over any OS locks they bring back initially as well. I think Philip's game will suit Test match footy quite well.

Hanigan is there off the back of his form this year which has been very good. I've been quite critical of him in the past(not his fault Chiek kept selecting him i suppose) but he deserves his spot IMO. If he can take that form into test footy he will not let anyone down. Having someone who can...

My take on best players in their selected starting positions for today's match. Couple of close ones. 1. Orr 2. Ulese 3. Thor 4. Phillip 5. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) 6. Wright 7. McReight 8. Wilson 9. Tate 10. JOC (James O'Connor) / To'omua 11. Daugunu / Koro 12. Stewart 13. Petaia 14. CFS 15. Jock / DHP 16. Mafi 17. Smith 18...

All good points TSR. IMO Ulese is yet to deliver on the hype. I had high hopes for FF (Folau Fainga'a) but he too hasn't reached the level I thought he would have by now. Latu was fantastic year... strong set piece, skillful and extremely dynamic. Such a shame to lose him as he comes good particularly given...

His form last year was far better than anything we have seen from the hookers playing in Australia. He is only 27 and, you would think, easily brought back to Australia given he isn't a superstar. I cannot remember what his off field issues were exactly (recall something about being drunk in...

This is Rugby Australia we are talking about. Also given their already lucrative contracts maybe it wouldn't be as much to have them around. Who knows.

Another point... is the 2 player rule just for the game day 23 or for the squad? ie could we have 4 in the squad then pick 2 depending on opposition/ circumstances?

From what I remember one of the main reasons McMahon left was due to his body not being up to a mix of his style of play and the physicality of super rugby and test matches. I like him however think his window of opportunity is probably closed. Way too much depth in the backrow now. Latu...

Brumbs still manage to get up in those games though, where as we have been guilty this year of losing games we should have won. Hopefully a bit of experience and a few more Ws will turn that around for this young squad. This Brumbies team can turn it on or revert back to Northern Hemisphere...