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I don’t think anyone is suggesting that - Tupou’s name is being suggested because he is scrummaging strongly AND contributing around the field. I have no problem with Kepu being first pick - but he is by no means a shoe in now, and certainly not until the next World Cup. Kepu has been the...

Although, to be fair, Kepu was bloody impressive yesterday too. Tupou is making a great claim for the starting spot, but I won’t have a real beef if Kepu starts. Tupou will still get plenty of time. Loosehead is our problem with lack of depth, and Hooker where we have a bunch of talented but...

Guys - it’s a joke. BR hates Simmons and he recently called Harry Hockings a powder puff.

Harry Hockings?

Haha - that whole run was great. After watching Milner-Skudder get swatted Perenara must have thought he only hope was getting round the ankles. It is a joy watching a front rower that dynamic.

That’s fair enough - but who is the test ready 6 we have ready to go? Our backrow is going to require some level of compromise. I don’t see Simmons as the answer personally - but the general gist of Ruggo’s strategy is sound enough.

I think Timu, Higgers & Smith is clearly our first choice back row, but Korcyzk, Wright & ASY (Angus Scott-Young) have all made a pretty good fist of the opportunities they have been given. It’ll be interesting how things transpire.

To be honest, I think that decision was fair enough in the end. I don’t like the Perenara was able to influence the decision like that (O’Keefe had the cards out of his pocket), but then last weekend he was criticised for not going to the video ref after Hooper asked him to.

I was very disappointed at the end of the game - but then it occurred to me that at 5.30 I was thinking ‘please don’t be a massacre’. I thought Higgers was very good tonight & Smith too. ASY (Angus Scott-Young) continues to impress. Tupou is getting better and better. I thought he was pressing for a spot in the...

If I was the assistant coaches at the moment, I’d be letting Cheika take sole credit for all selections.

Unfortunately I think last week suggests they thought they were a sure thing. Hopefully it is a lesson learnt.

Fair point - but I’m more annoyed at Lance personally.

Yeah & No. I am happy to bounced back from last week, but they could (and I think should) have won that. I hope they’re filthy on themselves. Half a dozen careless errors which, if they hadn’t have made they probably would have won.

The Reds team announcement says Slipper has been omitted for ‘welfare’ reasons. That doesn’t sound good.

Yeah - that’s fair - but maybe my point wasn’t well made. I feel we have the players to compete, but they aren’t realising their potential in the Australian system. From what I’ve seen, Angus Ta’avoe has come along leaps and bounds since heading back to NZ, whereas his ability was derided here...

I guess it comes down to how much you want to argue over a fait accompli. Unless we have a change of coach between now and June, Foley and Beale will be at 10 & 12. And, unless someone mysteriously appears from the clouds, I can’t really see who you could argue should be selected ahead of them...

I really can’t see Stewart being in the 23 at this stage. If something happens to Foley, I believe Cheika will go for a make shift option. However, he is the only 10 currently playing who seems to have any sort of potential to one day be a test player. If I am wrong I will very happily be...

Genuine question - do you know for sure that Harrison Goddard was omitted as opposed to not being available?

Good physicality by Hanigan on his first touch.

If Phipps stays fit I wouldn’t be surprised if he is in the squad. I’d guess Gordon would be the match day reserve but given he will be a debutante I wouldn’t be surprised if Cheika takes Phipps over Powell.