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It’s not actually the first time I’ve heard this. That doesn’t make it true, but I had been told that Stiles would not succeed because the players had a poor work ethic and he couldn’t break the stranglehold of the senior player group. If it is/was true I see it as being very possible that the...

If they go with a 5-3 split, surely they will be looking at who is best placed to replace Tui, not Hooper or Pocock. I’m not sure Samu is the best option to fill that role.

Yeah - I think so Reg. And even if he doesn’t, I think Samu is probably the more like for like replacement, even though I would love to see how a Pocock, Timu, Tui backrow would go. I think it was notable though that when Cheika did pick Timu he played him in a different role than what he did...

He’s played 2 tests. One of which he picked up an injury early on. The other of which he played fine in - not oustanding, but nor was he bad. Maybe let’s not rule a line through his ability at Test Rugby just yet.

From my observation of Placid people had relatively high expectations early - he had a few injury dramas and never quite found his groove. He is only 23 though and is now playing as a professional in Toulon and I read an article recently about him really enjoying French life. Maybe he will be...

Went to Melbourne, now playing in France. Never came along the way some thought he would.

Alternatively, here's hoping Codie Taylor goes down after about 30 with a relatively minor injury and Sam comes on and has a belter. Regardless - how great is that. Always nice to hear a battler get their chance to shine.

I agree wholeheartedly Reg. I think both Banks & Maddocks would and should be ahead in the pecking order at present. Although I will say Petaia seems to have handled every challenge thrown at him so far. Very impressive young player.

Completely agree BH. Partly because I think you pick for strategy first and foremost and just make sure you can cover injuries if you need to (ie I doubt Cheika will plan to move Folau to 13 but he can if he needs to) and partly because Rona’s form really did drop off at the end. But mostly...

I know this wasn’t the central point of your post RC - but I do generally consider that Eales benefitted greatly from playing with the likes of McCall, Garrick Morgan & Giffin. All outstanding locks and complemented Eales well. For me, Eales & McCall are the best pair we’ve had over my period...

100% agree, and I think he has come out with comments to suggest he largely has, but player load management, inevitable injuries and the desire to make players continue to fight for their spots will mean there will still be player changeover. No doubt he will be picking what he feels is his...

I think the main intrigue for me at this time is who Cheika names as his locks for the first Bledisloe. As others have pointed out, over the course of the RC & EOYT we are likely to see a number of different combinations and all 4 of the above plus others get opportunities.

I thought Rodda called the Reds lineouts. I may be wrong.

Yes, every player is different. No lock has a singular set of skills at the exclusion of other desirable traits. My point is that locks are generally picked in pairs with complimentary skills and I disagree with the view that we have to pick our biggest two locks with a view to making impact...

Maybe it is a matter of interpretation, but I don't agree with your assessment of all of the New Zealand & Springbok locks as 'all rounders' in the way you seem to be implying. Retallick is. I'll give you him. He is truly a freak in his combination of physical impact and work rate. It's why...

That’s a pretty handy line up Slim & if the biggest quibble is over which of two Wallaby locks to go with, or even who starts out of Lucas & Powell it is a not too shabby problem to have. Having said that, I though Brumbies would Top the Australian conference this year, so I guess we’ll have...

Yeah - especially 1 21 year old prop in what is essentially his first year of test rugby. He’s had a break out year so far. Really looking forward to seeing how he goes in the RC but I won’t be surprised if he has the odd slip up as he goes.

I do rate Simmons - but given Cheika likes big ball runners I could see him starting Tui & Rodda & finishing with Arnold & Hanigan.

That’s the bit I think people are missing. For mine, Arnold is being held out by Coleman, not Rodda. And Simmons unless Cheika decides he wants a different profile lock on the bench. I have no doubt that Arnold will get a shot at some point in the RC - whether it is from the outset. If he...

I think this question is the heart of most of this discussion around locks and says a lot about reality vs perception. I find it somewhat ironic you can easily see the value in Simmons, but can’t see the same in Rodda who is essentially a better version of Simmons. With regards to your first...