My team:
1 James Slipper
2 James Hanson
3 Sekope Kepu
4 James Horwill
5 Sam Carter
6 Scott Fardy
7 Michael Hooper (c)
8 Higginbotham
9 Nick Phipps
10 Bernard Foley
11 Joe Tomane
12 Kurtley Beale
13 Tevita Kuridrani
14 AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
15 Izzy Folau
Did you watch the NZ games? When Foley came on the field he immediately threatening the line, Ran Straight, and does what Beale does not and secure the ball into contact.
Foley has a good running game, especially in broken play, If you recall he did start his career at fullback and carved it up for Tahs in the position. He also does not have the weaknesses of Beale. Defence is average but its not embarrassing likes Beale's is at times.
Beale offers probably a great broken play runner, compared to a good broken play runner then Foley, but that's about it. His weakness in the contact zone, and high error rate is a massive downfall for KB (Kurtley Beale).
Agree Saia should start. He really impressed me last week. IMO he has move himself up to our 3rd choice hooker (being Moore/TPN) with that performance.
Not sure I'd ever like to see AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) at 12. I'd like to see our outside backs get them ball now and then. Will be very interesting to see whether Beale is in the 22.
I think its high time Lilo was given a run, be it at 12 or off the bench. I think Horne would be the safe bet.
I think the IRB should introduce a handicap system. 1 less bench player for OZ..no reserves for the Kiwis
Thanx for that, IMHO based purely on Wobs, KB (Kurtley Beale) is the better broken play runner, puts players through holes more frequently and tends to think outside the box (often to his and the teams detriment) but this leads to more tries - and I think they share the same weaknesses obviously in defence, contact, building continuity and pressure particularly in exploiting opportunities. Perhaps Foley skillset is more crisp, especially in distribution perhaps his tendency to be creative within the structure (and why ball retention is better) could also be a positive for players around him and as opposed to Beale 'ad lib style', and his organisation of team seems to effortless but points of any kind are harder to come by. I think they're both prone to errors and play behind a inconsistent and deficient (i.e. tackling) pack. Still think KB (Kurtley Beale) has the higher ceiling for potential skills growth) in what he can bring to the Wobs. But anyways thanx for sharing.
KB (Kurtley Beale) may have a higher ceiling for potential, but he has a shit load of caps already, should be regarded a senior member at both super rugby and Test level. At this age he should be hitting his peak, or close to it.