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I doubt the Brumbies would move Banks. He is easily the most consistent Super XV fullback in Aus rugby, and his attack isn't an issue at super XV level. It's more likely Wright would move to 12 over Simone but even that is unlikely. Not sure how much influence Rennie would have if he asked...

In comparison Owen Farrell only got 5 weeks for full coat-hanging some-one and knocking them out. And with his history. The inconsistency is what frustrates me most.

I would also select To'omua ahead of Hodge. But I still stand by my point, Hodge shouldn't play 15 just because To'omua is currently a better 12. I think it's better for Australian Rugby and Hodge to try and back himself to be a better 12. Given To'omua is aging then that gives Hodge an advantage...

To'omua also has a habit of kicking away possession and missing tackles going for big hits. Plus he is 30 and will be 34 at next RWC, whereas Hodge is only 28. I like the idea of them battling it out and we choose the one in form. Then in 2 years time, Hodge will be battling it out with Simone...

Banks was pretty damn good on the weekend. I like the idea of Maddocks and Banks fighting out 15 (and the Reds bloke), with Wright on one wing so we have the dual fullback/kickers at the back. I also think Vunivalu is over-rated. He will have a bit of work to do to get to Koro and Daungunu's...

yes Fainga looked good from the bench, and probably some impact with a solid run. I like him as the bench Hooker.

He put in a great attacking touch-finder in game 1 (i think), and made a solid clearance kick in Bled 4. Two solid kicks. So I think theirs hope for Paisami's kicking game.

Its a good point. His distribution wasn't needed but a solid distributing 10 is likely needed going forward. Which is why I think Hodge's best position is at 12, he a big body, hard defender, can crash ball and has short distribution game and kicking game to be your secondary playmaker.

I think you missed the chip kick in the first 2mins that led to a try. He also made some solid runs and nice clearance kicks. The only thing missing from a 5/8 performance for me was more distributing. But it wasn't really the game for it.

Plus I think Matt Philip has really cemented his position as a Test level lock.

If Rodda comes back it will help strengthen the position. As well as overseas options in Arnold and Coleman.

30mins against the AB's is probably the best indicator you can have. I don't think anyone is saying he has cemented his spot - but her certainly earned another look in. I don't see your point about the team being aggressive without him? Sure we don't NEED his aggression to win, we also don't...

I think this is likely and makes sense. I do think Hodge's long-term position is 12 though, so might be a good idea to start playing him there consistantly. Or even 15. But he needs a long-term position and to stop bring Mr. Fix-it.

I think we need JOC (James O'Connor)'s distribution. So i think Hodge at 12 makes sense. Paisami can cover 12/13 on the bench. Going forward there is some healthy competition (eying RWC in 4 years) 9. White / Tate / Gordon 10. Lolesio / Harrison 12. Hodge / Stewart / Simone 13. Petaia / Paisami 11/14...

Yeh what is going on with TJ? He is such a world class 9, but I think that was one of the poorest games I've seen from him, slow service and poor decision making. A huge step down from A.Smith. Is TJ past his peak?

The next Owen Finegan

3. Tupou 2. Koro 1. Hodge HM: Paisami, Wright, and would have given Swinton 3 before the card.

Even Simmons was solid. Strong in contact

Banks was solid too and made metres and some attacking runs

Swinton was pretty much on track to a MOTM performance before the card. I think he has cemented his spot ahead of Hanigan despite the card. His tackling and line-out work was superb.