Search results

Not much left to comment on. Just too many changes. I would have liked to have seen a full strength side on the field this game even if it meant resting a couple or three for the France game or risking injury for the Ireland game. And I posted that opinion before the French game. A lot to be...

I reckon the most important change is to Gibbon and Robertson in the LHP spots. The scrum will be crucial in giving the halves and backline clean ball to do something with. If they're going backwards, then it could end up very messy for the men in gold. There must also be some concern around...

Best (well, best at pilfering) openside at the Waratahs.

I'd really like to see Slipper given a rest. Probably could only happen if Sio is brought in to start, or if Robertson moves across to the LH side and starts. Nick Frost also needs a rest. He has put in some long and strong games lately while Neville has been replaced just after half time. I'd...

Corey Toole had a successful 15s career at Gungahlin Eagles in the JID competition before joining the Aus 7s. While I am concerned he might be a bit on the small side for Super Rugby I am hopeful that he will succeed given his background in the game.

The tackle I partly remember was one from the side where he creamed the runner. Don't know who the runner was, but wasn't Antonio.

Bicep to head has been established as a definite YC.

Dru, I like your work - some of the best on the site I reckon. But I will never have the reliance on stats compiled by who knows whom that you seem to be comfortable with. On Tom Wright for example, I don't think any stats were ever needed to form an opinion that he is one of our better...

My bad. Must have thought he should have been there. Getting low on outside backs stocks through injury and form. Maybe Foketi should be replaced with three games left to be played. Not like Simone for example isn't familiar with the Wallabies' structures and game play.

I'd still really like to see Scott Sio brought in for this match, but accept that it won't be likely. Hence : Gibbon, Fainga'a, Tupou, Swain, Skelton, Hanigan, McReight, Samu, McDermott, Lolesio, Pietsch, Paisami, Hodge, Nawaqanitawase, Campbell. Reserves : Lonergan, Slipper, Robertson...

Stats are what the compiler wants them to be. Campbell definitely had one turnover against him after being pinged for holding the ball in the ruck. And perhaps you'd better have another look at Ikitau's completion rate. On the figures for tackles made and missed tackles, his completion rate is...

Would still allow 12 Simone, 13 Paisami for Italy and 12 Simone, 13 Ikitau for Ireland. Maybe by that time the perennially injured Petaia might be able to take the field against Wales, but don't hold your breath.

3. White 2. Ikitau 1. Campbell

A Wallaby lineout late in the first half was taken by Frost who was in turn taken around the arm by a French jumper who then held on to him and took him to ground. Frost was penalised for not releasing. Along with the missed knock on in the leadup to the French first try, these were the main...

Didn't lose a lineout after he came on against Scotland. Porecki overthrew at least one.

A bit of talk about Rennie losing confidence in Lolesio but he has been consistently in Rennie's squad and sometimes on the bench. What has Donaldson done to suggest he is now the favourite for development?

Samu D. Just as strong over the ball as MH, and more physical in open play. I would give McReight the spot against Italy. Best of the three in against Ireland/Wales.

I would like to see Tate start again against France as he's one player who is capable of threatening the defensive line close to the ruck with his snipes. His passing game really went off late in the game but maybe Nic White needs to come on a bit earlier off the bench. Overall, I would not say...

Against France, I think we might have to fight fire with fire. Go with the more explosive players, those who might do something different to upset the emotional French. Save the more staid, dependable players for the bench just in case we have to protect a lead at the end. I don't think there's...

That just demonstrates their ignorance of the game Phil. He (Rennie) might get the accolades for someone like Gleeson, but as you say, Jock has been known for quite a few years.