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He wasn’t given a run with Hooper and Pocock

The problem with a Higgers is that his discipline is suspect at times. If he gets carded or gives away stupid penalties then it will be an issue. However there are other blokes in the squad that could do the same. Last time he was in the squad with the Pooper he didn’t get a run with them...

Should be Higgers to add weight to the lineout but it will be Timani. This weekends games give opportunity to all the 6/8s.

Timani to join the squad?

No, but it’s not a great message to send to other backrowers playing in Oz sides. Samu looks a good prospect but is unproven at the highest level. Cheika seems to be hot for him because NZ is denying him.

I’d say take him on the EOYT if he warrants it.

Not really mate. Over the history of our game it is widely recognised that a successful back row will be well balanced offering a competitive presence at the breakdown, a solid running game, good defence and at least one genuine lineout option. What is narrow minded is repeatedly trying to...

We have McMahon hopefully coming back in time for RWC selection alongside Hooper and Pocock. Timu is a little bigger and has the running game to at least match Samu. Timu will get much better quickly continuing his learning curve. We have Valetini coming through who will offer similar...

It’s absolute rubbish that Cheika is hanging his only coat on the Pete Samu hook. Get the bloke in for the EOYT and see what he can do then. He is 100% unproven at the top level and is not the type of backrower the Wallabies need to balance out the squad right now.

He’s got the best boot in the squad for both goal kicking and touch finding.

Blows my mind. One backrower on standby?? That’s a lot of second rowers and wingers on top of what we already have

Hanigan unlikely for the first test. Slot Tui in at 6 if fit and revert to a 5-3 bench with Rona or Kurindrani on it. Actually, I would guess that TK starts at 13 with Maddocks on the bench. Kerevi not in the first test 23.

No TPN available either but I like the hookers he has selected. Backrow is thin on lineout ability as expected. I see Samu as a Hooper/Pocock type player and think we really need another Fardy type 6 soon more than that. Hope to see Maddocks get into the 23. Good to see all that speed...

To'omua is/was a very solid option to have inside the likes of Beale and Kerevi. Good for him if he has got everything sorted.

Is Hanigan not injured and most likely not available for the series?

He was a much more complete 10 than Hodge and played there often for the brumbies. He was without doubt a test class 12 and could easily fill in at 10 as a back up. Lealiifano is an adequate 10 but more of a 12 as well. It’s great that he is back playing super rugby but I doubt he will play a...

Stewart looks to have potential but it’s too early. QC (Quade Cooper) has opted out of test rugby having turned up his nose at several decent offers away from QLD that would have kept him eligible. Everything should have been done to keep To'omua in Australia as he still has a long way to go in his career and...

Beale should be the back up 10 in the 23 and Hodge another option in the squad.

Yes. I would have Koriebete on one wing and Banks, DHP or Maddocks on the other.

Ditto. He looked to knock it back. Is the law that you cannot intentionally knock on or knock down? If the latter then the yellow was justified and they could have even awarded a penalty try.