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I have no reason to accept a contention that Michael Hooper makes the first clean out more often than others. It just does not align in any way with my observations in test matches. When I've seen him with an early entry to a breakdown he is invariably ineffective. His strengths are related to...

BH, Michael Hooper most often doesn't hit rucks. When he did against the Poms, they treated him with disdain, bodily throwing him out of the contest. I'm not saying drop him completely. The way the game is played these days and the way that Hooper plays, ie a hundred miles an hour energy bunny...

If weakness in contact is the main issue, then the unpalatable truth of the matter is that Michael Hooper is the worst offender. He simply does not dominate the contact area in either attack or (especially) defence. He may be one of the better line breakers but that is not helping the...

I'd like to see Holloway get a chance at 6 and play like he has for the Tahs this year, but I don't think Rob Leota has been as sub-par as some on this site seem to think.

With the (imminent or actual?) signing of Jack Debreczini, the roster looks just about set for 2023. I reckon Jack will be used as the starting No 15 with Jesse Mogg covering both fullback and wing off the bench. It looks like the best 23 would be : 1 Slipper (Wallaby) 2 Lonergan (Wallaby) 3...

Saw a report in the Canberra Times a few weeks ago suggesting some of the current Brumbies Womens players would be sharing their playing time with the Raiders. Not sure how it would work, but would that be an option in other places?

Probably better at 7s than Pietsch and look how he's coming on for the Tahs. If it's true he's been playing a bit of back row overseas, I reckon he'll have the size and talent to make it at Super Rugby level. Especially with the development program at the Brumbies.

KOB, unlike some here I like to keep tabs on all Aus Super Rugby sides. From time to time I feel obliged to interject when the discussion seems to be going astray. The thought of one Rob Simmons being in any way a solution to the Tahs second row issues really makes me squirm. I accept that an...

He is a prime example of a lock who goes to ground at the slightest contact. Rodda is another. just don't make any impact with their carries, and I reckon you could count on one hand the number of linebreaks they have made in their careers. Rob also traded on his lineout calling, but we no...

Or Wild Bush Brumbies and National Park Brumbies.

A star at 7s. Not sure how he goes at XVs but if Brumbies are interested then he must have some potential.

As somebody above said, Red Koalas and Red Heelers.

Pity it wasn't a thing when Swain was red carded and suspended. His great mop of hair would certainly have absorbed most of the contact with Hill.

Defence? When was the last time we were outscored in tries in tests? We outscored England over the series and I think some or most of the EOYT sides last year. Maybe NZ in TRC last year. I think our defence is up there with the best. Discipline is our problem area.

Lets them cast an eye over our developing players too and an opportunity to offer contracts to any stand outs.

I'm hoping Sio can continue his fitness levels and work rate and skills he showed at the end of the Super Rugby comp, at the Force or whereever he goes. Bell is a star in the making but post-RWC23 for me. The second test showed some issues with the very physical game put on by England. Slipper to start...

3. Wright 2. Koroebete 1. Frost

So, we finish the England tour pretty much where we started in terms of world rankings. But clearly better off for skills and depth. The question is "where to now?" Is it really nearly 3 months before the next test? What do we do with all of our test and Aus A players between now and then...

Not the worst referee performance I have seen by a long shot. And seriously quite a few Aussie refs have put in poorer efforts than Williams tonight. My take on the game is that had we started with Slipper, Fainga'a and Ala'alatoa in the front row, we probably win the game. It seems to be...

Not in this game unfortunately. He has given away too much territory and points with his questionable scrumming technique.