Search results

Agree. Sharpe was like a fine wine, but he never reached the height of Horwill or Vickerman at their best. I guarantee that if Simo sticks around long enough he'll eclipse Sharpe in every way. (cue outrage in 3...2...1..)

I'm still waiting for the results of the ARU investigation before I comment on whether Beale should be reprimanded. The reports coming out so far seem to suggest that tempers flared between two colleagues. That in and of itself is not really out of the ordinary given the circumstances. The...

WTF?! This is the biggest bullshit comment I have read on this site for some time.

Robbie's legacy as wallabies coach would have been better if he had been sacked after the 2011 RWC. He did a decent job up-to that point, made some poor selection and tactical decisions at the world cup that cost us, but a 3rd place finish and a Tri-nations victory (albeit in a cup year) was ok...

Possibly. Although the 6/2 split is a good excuse to leave him out. Link perhaps erring on the side of caution.

Not a bad looking side. The bench is on the weak side but decent starting side. Link is persisting with the extra 7 on the bench tactic...I have no doubt in my mind at this stage that he is preparing to use a 6/2 bench for certain games at the RWC, so that he can make use of Pocock.

BTW does anyone know what the maximum squad size is for the RWC? I wonder whether they've extended to squad slightly given that teams now need 4 props in every game.

I agree I think Sio is still our first choice bench LH. I know the plan was to develop him as a THP, but I suspect that Link sees him as a LHP first and foremost. For the RWC link seems to have two options:- 1) use one of his current LHPs as a 3rd choice TH (i.e. Sio); or 2) take a 3rd genuine...

I think the IRB should introduce a handicap system. 1 less bench player for OZ....no reserves for the Kiwis

I reckon the 2 most irreplaceable players for Australia at the RWC next year would be Slipper and Kepu. If both are fit we should have a strong scrum, if either is injured things get worrying, particularly at TH. Folau is obviously important but if need be we have the depth in the backs to...

Agree Saia should start. He really impressed me last week. IMO he has move himself up to our 3rd choice hooker (behind Moore/TPN) with that performance. Not sure I'd ever like to see AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) at 12. I'd like to see our outside backs get them ball now and then. Will be very interesting to see...

We obviously have to wait for this investigation to run its course, but if it's found that Beale is in the wrong, I would think his spot in the World Cup squad next year is gone. Good news for guys like Lilo/Godwin/Hunt/JOC (James O'Connor)/Horne who will be possibly fighting for limited spots. We don't need...

Giteau would be a decent option to have available but he wouldn't be my first choice at 10 or 12. He would certainly come into consideration for a spot in the squad. He might just sneak in as a utility, just for his experience. Though its gonna be pretty strong competition for spots in the...

Agree re Skelton's scrummaging although I suspect he's had more scrum training under link over the last 2 months than has had under Chieka for the previous 6. With a bit of work he'll become a solid scrummaging lock.

I pretty much agree with those backline selections. As for this weekend, Beale will be named at inside centre. Honestly as much as I hate to say it his partnership with Foley is probably the best way to go on short notice. The Pumas aren't renowned for their midfield attack so defence...

haha. I like that Taps and Inman are on this list but Lilo isn't....?! really it is so easy to forget that Lilo had a few pearlers for the wallabies last year at 12 before injuries effected his form. He certainly wasn't great during Super Season (still trying to discover some form after time...

Classic Australian approach, a bloke has his best game at 13 so lets move him to 12 where he barely ever plays. FFS

Braveheart I'm going to have to disagree with you here. To'omua nailed down the 12 jersey in 2013, so much so that despite being one of the form 10s in Super rugby, McKenzie made it clear that he would remain at 12. This season he's a few really good performances, and a few poor performances, imo...

i might be being a bit harsh on Beale. I certainly dont think he should be in the starting side.