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Was Rennie not building towards a slightly more balanced approach? There was certainly more kicking and possession than under Cheika, but still less than other teams.

Although it is one game, the result and context is very concerning. Mainly due to EJ (Eddie Jones). You wonder if he lost the plot some time ago and has overthought the sport to some degree. Or is missing the forrest for the trees. Basically most of his decisions in the past 4 years have looked downright...

If you are 22 and can be around a guy like Quade or Foley that's an immense learning opportunity. Even just seeing how they go about their business in practice, how they relate to other players and control the game. Even if they act exactly as expected that gives you confidence on how a top...

Size also doesn't equate to athleticism. Etzebeth and Rob Simmons are roughly the same height/weight, but Etzebeth is much quicker, more powerful, stronger etc. For all of their size I think you'd be hard pressed to say that Arnold/Skeleton are amazing athletes. If they were 6'3 it's doubtful...

Porecki was like a consistent 6/10. The rest of the hookers were sometimes a 8/10, sometimes a 3/10. Porecki is what he is. Reality is that Australia has zero world clas hookers. Not the fault of the current #2s that that's the case.

There doesn't seem to be a better option. He's like the Ned Hanigan of hookers. Unfortunately Australia doesn't have a hooker with size, impact, a gas tank, brains, and straight throwing. Porecki has 3 of 5 at least. Everyone else is closer to 2.5. It is what it is. Porecki, Faing'aa, Latu...

Can't see any of the back 3 at 12. Quade and Wright, even in the opposition 22, is a frightening combination. Koriobete could tackle an elephant, but I think you want him running kicks back.

As noted below I doubt his bomb of a boot is the reason he was picked. Is he kicking from 12 in that scenario? Dropping to FB at times? He has a slow kick so I wouldn't think so. Also, unlike Foley, Quade can kick. Maybe Hodge kicks for touch on ideal angles that can be bombed, but I doubt...

Can't understand people saying Lolesio has been hard done by. He's been given opportunities, but hasn't shined. Maybe he'll improve in the future and get there, maybe he won't. It's on him to figure that out. He isn't an athletic marvel, so most of his improvements should be between the ears...

Yeah there's no time to ease your way in. Either you assert yourself against the Springboks and perform or you don't. If the answer is "you don't" then maybe your time to play international rugby is in 2024. Simple as that.

Seems like Eddie's main goal here is to see what he has in multiple players given the short amount of time prior to the RWC. If they can't get the job done you know what Holloway, Porecki, Kellaway etc. can do. For the most part Vinivalu, Uesele, Hooper, Hodge can be swapped out for replacements...

Interested to see how EJ (Eddie Jones) goes about things for this one. I'm expecting the strongest possible lineup, aside from injuries.

If you can put some points on the Boks they are usually screwed too. It's harder to kick, win a penalty, maul, your way back from a 14 point deficit. I'd feel way better being up on the Boks by 14 at half than I would against NZ or Ireland. If they can get some go forward in tight hopefully...

I'm hoping it isn't an either/or scenario and IMO the Boks get sucked into playing 10 man rugby when they'd be far better moving the ball more often, like Ireland. Hopefully Eddie can figure a way to make progress in tight and kick more than under Rennie, but also utilize...

I think people tend read way too much into who the Captain is. Jones is probably going to play Slipper/Hooper regardless, based on his assessments of their play, so if they have a C on them or not it doesn't matter. It also brings continuity as opposed to changing the Captaincy willy nilly...

If Kerevi goes down this seems like a reasonable alternative.

England never had a good/big 12 who could run/pass. Kerevi can do it all (Tuilagi was already injured or playing 14 if I remember correctly). I'd assume they would then play Kerevi at 13, which would be plain strange. Eddie is operating in his own world though so who the heck knows.

Hodge lets yo I think Leota probably offers the most impact, while still being solid at core duties. I hope everyone is healthy if only to discern what exactly Eddie wants to do.

If I'm Jones and I have 6 back row I'm picking: Holloway LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) Valetini Samu/Gleeson Hooper Mcreight/Gleeson Hooper isn't at his best, but I think he has been coasting, same for Samu. They've proven they can make an impact at this level and I still think that's true. And Hooper can still go 80...

Would certainly seem odd for EJ (Eddie Jones) to bolt post RWC unless he has some kind of falling out with RA. He may be suggesting that as a tactic to get what he wants. From his perspective, unless he wants to retire, which I doubt, which international team would hire him and afford him a better...