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To be fair that’s what he offers at the Super level as well.

Am I missing something here? He played his usual Wallaby game; was pedestrian with the ball, kicked the ball out on the full and then made one great effort play with the kick chase. He plays with heart but he doesn’t offer enough to start in the 15.

A lot of punch - not sure if there's much creativity.

The coaching team (probably more capable and astute than us desktop battlers) selected their best team based on a combination of form, previous experience and intuition at that point in time. What you're suggesting is purely based on the benefit of hindsight - no one prior to the first test...

He's become an attacking liability though.

When did Nic White become this significant attacking presence/ threat btw? Our best/ most consistent tactical kicker has never been a huge running threat. We're missing some punch and 'x-factor' in the backline - that's not going to be remedied by a scrum-half.

20013 Kuridrani was a weapon but I don't think we're missing the current version. If To'omua's role is to be that stabilising. calming and consistent presence in the backline he's not providing it.

Of course they called for it but that doesn't suit the narrative - props to Tupou for the pass though.

Chill Wright's not in form - he's a talent and will get there.

Accuracy at the breakdown is not at the consistency where it needs to be - there was also a lack of physicality and urgency in defending the pick and go from the French and they were able to obtain momentum there too easily. Not sure I agree that the French midfield was far better than ours...

Hooper was vindicated with this decisions though- Australia scored a converted try and then the penalty to take the lead? He can't be blamed for our scrum capitulating.

Individual performances were better on average across the team (apart from one obvious shocker in the outside backs). We had a lot of ball and not convinced that Lolesio is a natural ball player with most of our breaks came from one-off running from one individual. Dependent on fatigue of...

He’s a hole runner and nothing more.

I’d feel more confident with Fainga'a on the field.

I agree but it’s a bit of a shame; he’s athletic and quick enough that he can actually be dangerous at this level. For all Kellaway’s guile and work rate I can’t see him being very effective ball in hand.

Lonergan has battler written all over him- not sure he’s athletic enough for this level.

Arguably none of the centres who played against the ABs have the required skills to be considered elite either. They might have been big aggressive, abrasive and athletic but none showed the skills of their AB counterparts in able to effectively use the ball and set up their outside men. Fiji...

I bet Gordon would have looked pretty good playing behind Potgeiter, Douglas and Palu and passing the ball out to Foley, Beale and Folau.

This will get downvoted(?) but State of Origin is far more physically demanding than any rugby test match (bar the occasional brutal ABs/ Springboks match).

They are different players but if by consistently delivered you mean Hodge has been consistently average (not bad just not good) in most positions - I'd agree. Hodge has never been able to demand certain selection because he never really been anything but adequate - we should be seeking more...