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Let's be honest. Too many Reds. Half the field looked to be in red.;) Now off to watch the recording.

Didn't think Milner-Skudder contributed much last game and I was anticipating JBarrett returning to No 15. Is there more to his move to 13? Otherwise, Hurricanes seem to have the most settled side going around this year.

You spend quite a deal of time sifting through Cheika's tea leaves BH, but I must admit you seem pretty adept at it.

Yes.

My disinclination to pick Beale is based on his poor defense. That will be apparent whereever he plays, and given the structures Grey wants, maybe even more crucial on the wing. So, no, I wouldn't have him on the wing. The bench is not a bad spot for him, as he will have less time on the field...

I am absolutely sure you're right FP about Fardy wanting to have a go in Europe, but he was the ultimate team man. I am in no doubt at all that had he thought he was a chance at the RWC, he would have continued here to have his go. Europe could wait a year or two. He is still at the top of his...

FP, for the record, here are my preferred selections. They are not what I think Cheika will pick. So, it will be apparent just how disappointed I'll be when the announcement is made tonight. Props (6): Sio, Robertson, Kepu, Tupou, Ala'alatoa, Vui (assuming Ala'alatoa will cover LHP, Vui in...

Rob Leota to step up next year? May be the first of a few signings out of the Rebels squad to get below next year's salary cap. Who else is out of contract this year?

As always FP.

The other Aussie sides are hardly a good measuring stick BH for a side that has aspirations to finals football. However, they should be in a good place for the game against the Reds.

I would drop Hooper to the bench for very good, practical reasons. We have a better performing No 7 in Pocock and one who allows a better balanced backrow to be assembled. Hooper would be almost unstoppable for 20 minutes late in the game, playing anywhere in the backrow. I would be tempted to...

Tahs attack is the most coherent and successful in the Aus conference. The downside is that their defense is very iffy, though better than last year. Let in 6 tries last weekend. That will need to improve, not just for the Tahs sake, but higher as well. I will be most interested in watching...

The real issue is tackling technique. I am amazed by how many professional rugby players continue to make a tackle with their heads placed in front of the tackled player. From my experience and impressions over the years, that is the single most likely cause of head knocks and concussion in a...

I can't say that I recall him ever retiring from internationals. He had some head issues but his form since moving to England would indicate he is over them. Or do you subscribe to the idea that rugby in England is not as tough as rugby in Australia?

Samu currently makes up the Crusaders back three comprising Matt Todd (185cm, 105kg) and Jordan Taufua (187cm, 108kg). If he makes the Wallabies back row, it will comprise (most likely) Michael Hooper (182cm, 101kg) and David Pocock (184cm, 115kg). The Crusaders backrow is not the current ABs...

Certainly playing in a better side, but the standard of his play is every bit as good as many others in the Crusaders' side. He does not look out of place there at all.

MT was without doubt a test quality No 12 - just ask Billy Twelvetrees what it's like to play directly opposite him. Absolutely thrashed when the Lions played the Brumbies, and seemed to take a couple of years for him to get his mojo back for England. Having said that, Bernie Larkham always...

Laugh it off Derpus, but I cannot honestly see Beale learning to bend his knees and to bend at the waist to attempt to make a tackle. No doubt there are others in the same boat, but he is just about the most high profile player in the game who presently has many issues with his tackling efforts...

Agree FP, but one specific consequence might also be that players who tackle in an upright stance atm will become less effective than at present. I have in mind, especially, one Kurtley Beale, who is just about the most upright player in the game at the collision.

Sorry, thought you meant Toby as the discussion was about LHPs. JP has certainly shown some good form this year (as he did with the Brumbies), but despite him apparently having resident status, I think there is still a question mark over his eligibility because he went back to SA to play for a...