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I'd imagine it would be Hanson - set-peice is top notch this year. or Fainga - if he can prove fitness and form similar to last years. I'm guessing 3rd Hooker will ultimately be decided by what Chieka sees in the training squad.

That is probably the most likelu wing option although Chieka may decide to go with JOC (James O'Connor) or Mitchell if he prefers the hybrid fullback type of winger. I actually would prefer that but I doubt Cheika will. Pocock is used by the Brumbies as a jumping option but not sure that is going to cut it at...

Plenty at stake I think. Whoever performs better out of Horne V Tomane could go a long way in deciding a wing spot - it's likely one might miss out for the other. Also I don't think anyone has mentioned Lilo as a realistic option for 10. A standout performance could certainly change that IMO...

Surely Berrick 'sook-face' Barnes had the most punchable face.

Haven't really seen enough of either of them to form an opinion yet. Bit worried about halfback next year for that reason.

A bit of light-hearted fun is always welcomed. But comments like "your a one eyed tah supporter if you pick Palu" won't go down well in this forum. The tah hate/tah basher comments are getting very old and very un-welcomed here. Even if they are only made as a joke, it's a joke we have heard...

I don't support the inclusion of Beale either and I'd prefer to risk a returning-from-injury-Cooper over a fully-fit-Foley and I am frequently labelled a Tahs basher for it.

If you say Palu should be first picked then your a "one-eyed waratahs" supporter. And If you say Beale shouldn't be picked then your another unjustified "waratah basher". What a load of crap. The overly defensive Tah supporters and the overly critical Tah bashing has got to stop.

Solid Post @BDA.

I think you misunderstood my post. My argument isn't that Beale is a bad player - it's that there is MUCH better choices for the wing. In no point did I ever bring up off-field antics. Maybe you can accuse me of being overly critical of Beale as a player but surely you can't accuse me of being...

Yes part of the overall squad. But would Beale really be an option for wing? I don't think so. Bench cover maybe, but certainly not a starter. Why would be he a better choice for wing over JOC (James O'Connor), Micthell, Horne, Tomane, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)?

I actually think wing would be Beale's best position given his skillset and his weaknesses BUT he has zero experience there and therefore can't possibly be a viable option given the amount of experienced candidates available. What's wrong with: 11. Tomane 14. JOC (James O'Connor)/Mitchell 15. Folau But...

Beale is weak under the high ball. I think people easily forget how frequently the opposition used the high ball against us and how effective it was prior to Folau moving to fullback. Keep Folau at fullback. We have plenty of wing options in Horne, Tomane, Mitchell, JOC (James O'Connor), Speight, and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) - and...

It's obvious the goal of the article is to persuade the readers to back Hooper as Captain. Which is a horrible purpose of an article. Like you said absolutely no pursuit of the truth.

I don't know if he is the best number 8. Palu is ending the season strong and Higgers had a good season too - and he has a greater skillset. And in my opinion none of our options are proven Test players - so in reality the number 8 is going to be picked on potential. (the potential to perform...

Not many have "regularly" had impact but that wasn't my point. The fact is he hasn't had ONE game where he was above average against the Boks or ABs, in fact does he even have a game where he was solid? Maybe one. So we are expecting him to do something he has NEVER done before. And that is...

There's a difference between quality work at Super XV level and Test level. His "quality work" has only translated to Test level most recently. One good play doesn't make you a good Test player, take Beale for an example. As solid as McCalman is he still has a bit to go to be considered a...

Not 3 years ago, more like 1 year ago. Like you said his last EOYT he was solid all round but prior the that he lacked impact. So he's had one solid Test season and a couple questionable ones. Also, has he stepped up against the ABs and Boks yet?

Not sure this is any better? The dangerous part and driving into the ground doesn't change - and they are the crucial parts IMO.

I agree. Although impact has it's merits too. If you picked solely on consistency then McCalman would be the number 8 every year. But I'd prefer Higgers at 8 for his impact, all-round skills, experience, and solid super xv season.