Argentina v Australia II @ 5.10am 14/08

[swingpass]

Yeah that would cause hamstring and calf injuries I presume but not head knocks.

unless they came from slipping over on the wet paths !

 

[Marce]

Lonergan's name on the team sheet really sticks out to me. He is going to get destroyed by the Boks.
Despite his off-field issues, I wouldn't mind Latu back into the fold. Another genuine turn-over threat at the breakdown is just what our pack needs too.

When was Latu's official last game? Probably the hooker back-up of Manly Marlins is a better option right now

 

[Derpus]

When was Latu's official last game? Probably the hooker back-up of Manly Marlins is a better option right now

Latu has a higher ceiling than any of our current hookers.

Hes also a complete menace and needs at least a full Super Rugby season with no indiscretions before he should be considered.

That said if our current injury run continues he'll be in before we know it.

 

[Marce]

Latu has a higher ceiling than any of our current hookers.

Hes also a complete menace and needs at least a full Super Rugby season with no indiscretions before he should be considered.

That said if our current injury run continues he'll be in before we know it.

I agree with everything. Is he at least training? I can't see what he does in his spare time lol

 

[eastman]

Some pretty cooked takes here Derpus - I know this forum is very supportive to Lolesio and Hodge but these are some of the best yet.

He has more potential than Marcus Smith IMO who looks like a fairly decent running threat against defences that aren't international standard and that's about it.

Hodge would probably be the Springboks' starting 10 over Pollard.

And don't get me started on BH's generosity that with Hodge we play a 'smarter' game and revert to the 'fundamentals' of rugby, suggesting that it's tactical and not really because the bloke can hardly pass.

 

[Sully]

Paisami's head knock was from the test match, not training. If I had to guess it was the time he flew up to tackle a huge Argie forward and came off second best.

 

[PhilClinton]

There's been a number of comments about the physicality of training and some criticism towards the S&C coach Dean Benton and Dave Rennie for it being a bit over the top.

Maybe we'll get some long term payoff from it but at this point it seems like they've miscalculated badly.

We shouldn't be getting so many training injuries.

And here I was complaining how soft they were because the videos of them training with pool noodles and hoola hoops.

Clearly that was all for the media, and they've actually be going 1 v 1 in a ring of death.

 

[Braveheart81]

And don't get me started on BH's generosity that with Hodge we play a 'smarter' game and revert to the 'fundamentals' of rugby, suggesting that it's tactical and not really because the bloke can hardly pass.

That may well be the case but it's probably what we should be doing all the time.

 

[stillmissit]

Stopgap? Maybe, but also the best performing that we have seen, right now. I want to see the best 15, the best 23 out there. I personally don't see Lolesio as fully ready right now. Which doesn't mean he hasn't performed when we had no choice. Right now though, I think we do have a choice.

I don't agree with the thinking that suggests we can use tests as some form of warm up for the next RWC. We aren't that good and we really need to set up wins against teams like the Argies in the hope that it provides momentum as we approach NZ and the Boks. I just don't see Lolo as the best choice. Argie very definitely had a plan that was charging the 10 channel. Hodge doesn't worry me at all in that scenario. I'd be having kittens watching Lolo.

Dru, as you mentioned, one of the things Hodge brings is solid D (important v Arg) and an ability to do what he does regardless, it ain't brilliant, but with what we have, he will do fine.
Re Lolesio, one of his issues is his lack of ability to play well behind a beaten pack. This is essential skill for an Aussie 10. In McQueens time our pack could stand up against the best out there.
In the final 15 mins if lolesio and Gordon are finishing, we will have Gordon farting around at the back of the pack and Lolesio standing and waiting and getting nervous, therefore we could be in trouble. Another Gordon weakness is that he tends to confirm what he's going to do to the opposition.

 

[stillmissit]

The number of injuries this season has been truly ludicrous.

A review of our preparation and rehabilitation ability needs a review?

 

[Froggy]

You seem to have a problem with Gordon stillmissit, and while I really like McDermott's attacking flair (and as a result would probably pick him as my bench 9) as a 10 I would far rather be standing outside Gordon, where you know your going to get a good pass.

 

[Purce]

Purce, suggesting Hodge starts at 10 is odd, I grant you. It's what I see right now though. In essence I wouldn't be starting Lolesio, but building him from the bench wherever this is possible. With Quade out, that seems to give us JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) or Hodge. From what we have seen, JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) has been undercooked and Hodge worked fine at 10. Choose between them I think. Of course what we see is not what the coaching team sees with training added in. So JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) may get the nod.

Ideally we would want a 6/2 bench again, but these shenanigans probably kill that opportunity. I'd want a 7, 10/utility back, and Vunivalu. Now if you are not fussed with getting Vunivalu onto the field, then you can start JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor), and bench say Gordon, Lolo, Hodge. If you want Vunivalu there, you can't have JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor), Hodge and Lolo in the 23 together. So I lock in Lolo (or drop him if we go 6/2) and flip a coin between Hodge and JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor). From what we have seen I think it's Hodge. JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) could get through if his training shows he is ready.

I just don't think Hodge brings what is required of a intl starting 10. He is a good footy player however everything he does is just kind of average (in the test arena). I'm OK with him coming off the bench for 15 mins at the end of the game to stand deep, plug the corners with his big slow boot, hit the line hard when needed and defend. IMO that is what he does "well". Coming on late in the game to play that role with a ball playing/creator at 9 he is OK.

I like the guy, I genuinely do, however I just can't see him doing more for the team FROM 10 than Lolesio or JOC (James O'Connor). Just my opinion. I see your point about blooding Lolesio from the bench however there is another opportunity for him to lead the team around against the Argies and I think it would be good for his development to start and hopefully lead the team to a win. Even though I think JOC (James O'Connor) would be the better option.

I agree that the squad should have 1 of JOC (James O'Connor)/Lolesio plus Hodge in the 23. I definitely want to see Vunivalu get some solid minutes. Arnold too.

 

[Braveheart81]

Certainly seems like Hodge will be on the bench and JOC (James O'Connor) will be starting.

For reference though, we scored 24-7 after Hodge came onto the field (not including the try McReight scored while Cooper was down injured that Hodge then converted).

What is required from an international 10? Based on the teams that are currently most successful it would seem to be to kick your points and try and have your team play as much of the game inside the opposition half as possible.

 

[Slim 293]

Dru, as you mentioned, one of the things Hodge brings is solid D (important v Arg) and an ability to do what he does regardless, it ain't brilliant, but with what we have, he will do fine.
Re Lolesio, one of his issues is his lack of ability to play well behind a beaten pack. This is essential skill for an Aussie 10. In McQueens time our pack could stand up against the best out there.
In the final 15 mins if lolesio and Gordon are finishing, we will have Gordon farting around at the back of the pack and Lolesio standing and waiting and getting nervous, therefore we could be in trouble. Another Gordon weakness is that he tends to confirm what he's going to do to the opposition.

For whatever faults Lolesio may or may not have... nervousness don't seem like one of them.

 

[Micheal]

Latu has a higher ceiling than any of our current hookers.

Hes also a complete menace and needs at least a full Super Rugby season with no indiscretions before he should be considered.

That said if our current injury run continues he'll be in before we know it.

The way the injury run is going Latu will be in at 13 before we know it.

 

[Micheal]

And here I was complaining how soft they were because the videos of them training with pool noodles and hoola hoops.

Clearly that was all for the media, and they've actually be going 1 v 1 in a ring of death.

Wait until you find out that boxers / kickboxers train with pool noodles to.

Turns out a pool noodle is the closest you can get to simulated life-ending physical threat.

 

[LeCheese]

The way the injury run is going Latu will be in at 13 before we know it.

Don't say that, @Marce might explode from the excitement

 

[Lightblue]

For whatever faults Lolesio may or may not have... nervousness don't seem like one of them.

Yes… overconfidence more than nervousness.

 

[Lightblue]

I just don't think Hodge brings what is required of a intl starting 10. He is a good footy player however everything he does is just kind of average (in the test arena). I'm OK with him coming off the bench for 15 mins at the end of the game to stand deep, plug the corners with his big slow boot, hit the line hard when needed and defend. IMO that is what he does "well". Coming on late in the game to play that role with a ball playing/creator at 9 he is OK.

I like the guy, I genuinely do, however I just can't see him doing more for the team FROM 10 than Lolesio or JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor). Just my opinion. I see your point about blooding Lolesio from the bench however there is another opportunity for him to lead the team around against the Argies and I think it would be good for his development to start and hopefully lead the team to a win. Even though I think JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) would be the better option.

I agree that the squad should have 1 of JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor)/Lolesio plus Hodge in the 23. I definitely want to see Vunivalu get some solid minutes. Arnold too.

What are you talking about with Vunivalu? Rennie gave him 2 solid minutes against the Poms!!

 

[Lightblue]

I agree, I think as starters Gordon would probably get the nod ahead of Tate for his better game control and kicking, but as finishers off the bench you'd think Tate wins out every time. Kind of like Samu at the moment in the backrow.

Can I ask why then Tate is not on the bench? Maybe he’s benching this week.