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How's Ben Smith at the high ball? He is a bit short so I could see Falou out jumping him easily (easier then Dagg). I hope we use this tactic on the weekend. Can't see any other perceived weaknesses.

This is a really good point. Cooper did silence a lot of critics last Test season. Now I'm not expecting him to be as successful as Cooper was last season but you are right, Beale has the chance to do the same this season and I hope he does.

Historically we have always taken some time to play to our potential whereas the AB's are good from game 1. So I think it favours the ABs playing us straight up in Aus. I agree. And after reading that sentence my first thought was that our team looks really strong on defence with only KB (Kurtley Beale)...

I disagree. I think their is basis that Beale is the most likely replacement for Cooper should Cooper be injured, but I just don't ever see him being a contender for the number one spot. He's only fighting it out for second choice. There are lots of possibilities. To'omua as a 10 should a...

We are all expecting more from Beale after his stellar season at the Tahs. But I agree with TWAS. Beale should do a good-enough job in the short-term, but if we are looking at long term options for 10 then I don't see Beale as a contender (for the same reasons TWAS has mentioned).

The real question is why aren't they playing there natural positions at super rugby level. Brumbies 10. Lilo 12. To'omua Tahs 10. Beale 12. Foley/Horne I actually think Beale's natural position is fullback/wing.

Yes. Expecting a big game from Palu.

Cooper last Test run was very good. Couldn't have asked for more. His weaknesses didn't seem to be an issue any more. Especially his game against the AB in NZ where he has the added pressure of being constantly boo'd. So I hold him in high esteem now. Beale is yet to prove himself at Test...

McKenzie does has a knack of getting the best out of his players. So Beale at 10 could surprise a lot of people. I've bashed Beale a lot, and while I don't think he can compare to the likes of Cooper I am quietly expecting him to perform well-enough. Just please no more brain farts.

Yes kicking duties seems to be an issue now too. White hopefully to step-up. Also, looking at our wingers - whilst strong ball carriers and defenders aren't exactly the greatest finishers. Usually you'd bet all the wingers to be first try scorers but I'd put my money on AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), Falou, Beale before...

Fingers crossed there is no crabbing from Beale. Also the pressure of being the chief play-maker is what really scares me. Hope I can be proved wrong.

The thought never crossed my mind as I was always thinking Falou now has a Mortgage on the 15. But that actually is a pretty good idea, although I would admit Beale's lack of ability under the high ball, a tactic which is often used successfully by the AB's would be KB (Kurtley Beale)'s biggest downfall. KB (Kurtley Beale)...

Unless Higginbotham finds some form. (he arguably has the most potential) A back-row of Higgers, Pocock, Palu could be just as good as Fardy, Hooper, Palu. The ball-running you lose with Pocock over Hooper you gain with Higgers over Fardy. Next year will be interesting.

To be fair I can only recall Hooper having one good game against the AB's. And that was his last Test. You say he outplayed Richie - some would disagree with you there. He was good but certainly wasn't outstanding and had lots of flaws too. Whilst Pococks last couple of games weren't up to his...

Agreed. But before the thread gets into another Hooper V Pocock debate lets stick to talk about the game. When is the team announced?

Don't even get me started!

I hope this man returns as good as he was prior to his injury.

I still think Horne's best position is 13. It would be great if we had Horne, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), and Kuridrani all playing consistently at 13 in the future. That would create some great depth at 13. Too bad both play for the Tahs

I guess the difference is the big players back in that era still had a great amount of skill. Seems these days its either one or the other and not both.

Kuridrani had a slow season but his game in the semi against the Tahs was great. Consistently over the gain-line, key defensive reads, and some great big hits. In fact, dare i say, I think he outplayed AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) in that game. So I would say his form is getting back to his best. A final's game is...