Search results

Tight five picks itself at this stage. Hard to argue against: 1. Slipper 2. Moore 3. Kepu 4. Simmons 5. Skelton Back-row is much harder, good players are going to miss out.

Skelton / Simmons is an easy choice. Can't say I'd go with Jones over Fardy though, even with the Stats backing Jones. Fardy is a proven Test player, Jones is yet to show anything on the international stage. Will be a great back-up though.

A Nonu type 12 in Aus would be something special.

Too many options at 12 already. To'omua then Lilo and Gits - all experienced campers who are playing solidly. I'd expect Chieka could potentially play around with combinations with these guys rather then bringing in Kerevi.

I certainly wouldn't be upset if AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) starts given he is always a solid performer. I would just be surprised given the form of the others. He'd have to be first choice on the bench to cover positions 13-15 easily. Probably be the most unlucky player to miss out if he isn't in the 23. But...

I wouldn't call what Beale does defending. ;)

AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) will be unlucky to miss out. But I don't see it as a surprise that Kuridrani is preferred at 13 and Speight at winger. Plus Horne's form is getting too good to ignore, same with Mitchell.

God it's good to be arguing about 3rd and 4th choice locks for a change. The future looks bright too. Even with the fresh guys like Arnold and Coleman I like the idea of experienced guys like Mumm, Kimlin, Pyle, and Douglas returning to Aus in the next few years to add to that depth.

Gee I'm not buying the whole "experience" argument in Horwill's case. Experience can only get you so far. On that basis we should also be picking Ben Robinson as back-up to Slipper. The only thing Horwill has got going for him at the moment is his set-piece work.

What about Dennis?

Expect Horwill doesn't have a history of starting a season slow and then taking half a season to "get going". He's been CONSISTENTLY under-performing at both levels now for years.

Horwill isn't the line-out leader for the Reds so how is that different to Carter? Neither are top-class line out callers but they are both capable of taking line-outs and making steals. Horwill probably shades him but only slightly. Carter is a solid option at the scrum. Remember when Fardy...

Yeah it's a tough call isn't it. 1. You pick Drew then you risk the step up from top 14 to Test level being too much to handle. or 2. You pick a JOC (James O'Connor) out of form and risk that he doesn't find form before RWC Personally I think Number 1 is less of a risk given Drew's vast Test experience. But...

Well I think Horwill is a no-brainer to miss out for the point I already raised. 2-3 years of under performing is not good enough. If you want experience then you go with Carter, he's great in the set-peice, as good as Horwill in my opinion. He's only been below average this year. Or yeah...

Some real sensible comments. Only thing I don't agree with is Horwill. Alexander, Hanson and Higgers all have decent form. Horwill doesn't and it's not just a dip in form this year, it has been like this for 2-3 years now. 2-3 years of under performing is certainly enough for me to try...

Partly true. But comparing JOC (James O'Connor)'s France success with Mitchell's recent France from is a bit skewed. For example the video you posted with JOC (James O'Connor) finishing tries makes him look good. But compare it too Mitchell's Grand Final performance then it looks pretty amateur. Mitchell scored a great...

Lilo and Gits are far better options for 10, 12. He would be decent cover for 15.

BUT prior to Mitchells injury he was in scintillating form. World XV form. He has signs of this form this year at Toulon. His defence is also looking great, and he is DOMINATE into contact - something neither JOC (James O'Connor) or Beale have. Combined this with his his kicking skills, his passing skills...

He had great games against the Stormers, Lions, Highlanders. His weakest games were both against the Tahs. If there are injuries to McCalman, Higgers, Palu I'd be quietly hopeful Vaea could step up albeit probably a year too early.

Hooper is the better defender over McMahon - I would like to see McMahon put on a big hit on a rampaging unit like Vaea in full flight. If memory serves me correct McMahons "impact" and "power" at Test level was non-existent and Barbarian games don't count. He certainly is one for the future...