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Anything said on Beale’s ribs? He finished the games, so I assume he is okay, but he copped a far whack.

From memory, Thorn has been changing the half with 20-25 to go. In any case, I still don’t think you carry two back up back rowers, even if only two of Smith, Higgers & Timu start.

Problem is, IMO, Lucas’ passing from the ruck killed too much of our attack in the last game which negates any benefit of having the extra forward. Possibly harsh on a limited sample size. I am a fan of Lucas - just not at half. I also think with Smith, Higgers & Timu in the backrow I wouldn’t...

I thought Slipper struggled in the first two games, but had been very good the last 2. JP has been pretty good too, but I wouldn’t have him in front of Slipper personally. Edit: also, I think McDermott should be on the bench in front of Lucas. I think we lose too much with Lucas’ passing.

I'll be cheering for the Rebels. No question. I agree with the Tribalism comment - but for me it's and Australian side vs a NZ side.

HERESY!!!!! No - I understand what you are saying completely. Generally I agree. As far as I understand George Smith has never been a fantastic trainer, but I’ve never heard he has previously been a disruptive influence. If he is not buying in to what Thorn is selling then I wouldn’t expect...

I’d like to see Smith start. I continue to be very impressed with Korcyzk but, for mine, if Smith is fit to play he starts and you get as many minutes as you can out of him - be that 40, 50 or 60. No young bloke should feel downhearted about being dropped for George Smith.

Agreed. But surely it is still a discussion worth having in the context of the topic. Or is it actually just me that thinks so? Who are the guys taking their chances who may, at some point, come into the frame for selection. The form team will change consistently and I don’t actually see anyone...

Do we have confirmation as yet the Smith & Perese are back fit and available for selection? Thorn has some interesting choices to make. The young brigade have served him well, but Smith is another level (plus he has acknowledged the need to manage their work loads). You’d imagine he’ll bring...

It is well acknowledged in the posts that this was a discussion about who was in form NOT a potential test selection. The differences are also acknowledged. I actually thought as a mod you might appreciate someone trying to steer the whole debate away for the continual Foley debate, but you...

One if the reasons I posted an inform XV rather than a possible test 15 is that Foley vs whoever & the virtue of Pocock vs whomever has kind of been done to death. Maybe this is just the wrong thread for it, but there are quite a lot of positives in the form of both the Rebels & the Reds and...

I can imagine the frustration - but if it helps it is my view that far more people recognise what a wonderful player TPN is, what a loyal servant he has been to the game and what a fantastic & tireless role model he has been in the community.

I would love to see Timu start at 8 if he keeps going how he has been. I rewatched the Reds game this morning. He really looks like the goods. But I don’t see him in the same backrow as Hooper & Pocock and I just feel that is the way Cheika will go. But really - what do I know about what...

That’s the funny thing Dru - it was by no means the best or most free flowing Reds game, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. They are working hard and playing with plenty of commitment and energy. Some execution let them down, but even the penalties were more inexperience then lack of discipline in my...

I find picking the test team at this point is a bit pointless. Injuries are inevitable. But just for clarity this is the test team I expect (with a couple of players bracketed in some positions). 1. Slipper/Sio 2. TPN 3. Kepu/ Ala'alatoa 4. Rodda 5. Coleman 6. One of Hanigan/Dempsey - someone...

I dunno TOCC - looks like shoulder contact to the head to me with no arms.

Look - it’s my opinion. If you don’t agree that is fine. If I’m doing anyone a disservice here it is Lance. One of the things that was evident to me when I picked this is that we are still struggling for depth at 10. Foley has had 40 good minutes, that’s it. I am happy with my pick.

Yes, experience is - I get that. And the test team will reflect that. There is probably not more than 5 of those guys that will be in the actual test team. I am purely trying to stimulate some positive discussion around who people think are in form. With regards to Kerevi - despite his...

I am willing to have a crack at my ‘From XV’. I am not suggesting this will be the test team, but I have only considered people eligible for the Wallabies, so Naisarani is an unfortunate omission. 1. Slipper 2. Rangi 3. Tupou 4. Douglas 5. Rodda 6. Timani 7. Hooper 8. Timu 9. Genia 10...

At the start of the OS tour, if you were offered a win and a bonus point loss you’d have taken it with open arms. But I am a bit disappointed with that result. The Stormers were pretty good and the Reds showed plenty of heart, but at the same time I felt that they robbed themselves of the...