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Eh, the score was close because of two tries in garbage time between reserves. So congrats on the Tahs reserves for being better off the bench against a B team than ours?

A reminder with trials: they can be a decent measure of player ability and form, but the overally team form in trials almost never translates to Super Rugby proper. I'm under no illusion that we'll flog the Rebels like we did on Australia Day.

Anyone who missed it, there's the 2019 too late league: League name: G&GR Second League 2019 Password: MissedRound1

I believe Lucas has shown a better partnership with Lealiifano over the last year, but I get that Powell is the starter and it's his spot to lose. Agreed on Lonergan, he's definitely the future. I wonder if either Powell or Lucas will be happy to stay with us if they're getting limited game time?

At least one of Mason or Harrison will step up.

What's with the reserves numbers? Interesting to have two 5s, 6s, 8s, 11s, 12s, 13s, 14s, and 15s on the field potentially. Looks like the first choice team minus Sio, Ala'alatoa, and Pocock. I'm disappointed for Lucas and Muirhead, but it's otherwise exactly what I'd pick.

I'd love to see Rona on the wing again, but it feels very dependent on Foketi doing well enough to claim the starting 13 jersey. I thought he was good enough last year, before Rona went on his tremendous run of form. We'll see if a year has helped him or hindered.

Mick the Kick is probably the only guy who isn't clearly open to criticism on performance. I wonder why they're keeping Larkham in house; post-World Cup appointment?

On the food van question: Manuka had an easier attempt because a.) people were almost certainly going to buy while they were there, and therefore b.) the service providers were more willing to bid a higher value for the right to sell on the ground. The system they have set up in Bruce Stadium is...

I'd prefer to see Hunt at fullback again and keep Beale at 12, but honestly it can be horses-for-courses style selection. Love the idea of seeing Folau play a season on the wing.

Agreed on Hodge. He could end up in a JOC (James O'Connor) style situation. I think 13's such a specialist position that it's not enough to have some experience out of position. 13s who can play elsewhere are 13s first and foremost.

The Hurricanes were really punished by the top teams in Super Rugby last year when they played Jordie Barrett at 13. I get that you want to fit talent in, but I hope that Hunt isn't considered for the 13 role. It's bad for the Tahs if they end up in the finals again, and it's bad for the...

I thought highly of Simone's appearances for the Tahs, but he was caught behind Beale; no crime in being stuck behind one of the best 12s in world rugby.

If we reward NRC form, it must be JJH at 12. However, Horwitz is now my go-to example of a guy who was the best player in the NRC one year, and completely out of his depth at Super level the next. However, I have a tonne of faith in Simone and want to see him form a partnership with Kuridrani...

Apologies for snapping at you. Stressful time of year for many, but no excuse for playing the man. Agreed on people blaming Cheika for everything (though I will clarify that I still hold him accountable for many things). Like with Fardy, I think the inexplicable lack of selection for the...

Holy shit, how did "Rory Arnold going to Toulouse" become "Brumbies coaches can't teach calling a lineout"? No need to come into the thread and be a prick. Rory is a great player. Best maul disruptor in Super Rugby since Skelton left. Only lock to really form a really good partnership with...

Hodge has to commit to a position if he's ever going to nail down a regular starting spot with the Wallabies. His versatility is great when he's already in the matchday 23, but it doesn't help him get there. The player he most reminds me of is Ruan Combrinck. He would probably be a fullback if...

I have a quote for this: Fardy left for four reasons collectively: He wasn't getting back into the Wallabies despite being the best option, the Brumbies didn't give him the captaincy, Leinster offered him a good salary, and European competition was an exciting opportunity. Remove even one...

If we had Naisarani and Fardy available, backrow balance could be enough to get Hooper or Pocock benched. But, instead, we have some prospect players in those positions. No disrespect to them, but they're not going to force Hooper or Pocock out by bringing more "balance".

Honestly, the halfway house is a joke. The rules are arbitrary and literally crafted to target individual ineligible players that the coach wants to pick right now. Just say that all overseas players are eligible, but have a selection panel which prefers players in Australia. Or don't allow...