• Welcome to the forums of Green & Gold Rugby.
    We have recently made some changes to the amount of discussions boards on the forum.
    Over the coming months we will continue to make more changes to make the forum more user friendly for all to use.
    Thanks, Admin.

Australia A - Back on the Cards

RugbyReg

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
Hodge will be the first backup for fullback, otherwise Campbell would have been playing 15 last game

Yeah first back up behind Kellaway and Petaia.

JOC (James O'Connor) showed how slow he is in space last night so another confirmation he’s not up to it.
 

The Ghost of Raelene

Simon Poidevin (60)
Disappointing result for Aussie A. Combinations (understandably) poor. But execution and decision making more significant. McReight was fantastic. Robertson also excellent with Uru, Stewart and Foketi very good. Loving the look of Gleeson every time I watch him.

Lonergan was horrible. Jock had a shocker. Hodge pretty average.

Absolutely agree with all of this. They look like they had never met and I know they are thrown together but it was very poor. Not many helped their chances except McReight. Langi Gleeson has that explosivity that Ardie Savea shows endlessly. I hope he continues to get good minutes (heard he's hurt)

Rae Rae
 

The Ghost of Raelene

Simon Poidevin (60)
Yeah first back up behind Kellaway and Petaia.

JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) showed how slow he is in space last night so another confirmation he’s not up to it.
JOC (James O'Connor) without speed really offers nothing. Sad but being a smaller guy it's his main asset. He doesn't have a huge boot and has never really been a game manager.

In regards to fullback I think Hodge is on the outer big time. He has things in his game that are brilliant but they are always equaled out by really basic costly errors. Along with Kellaway and Petaia I think Rennie would Tom Wright before Hodge as well.

Rae Rae
 

Wilson

Phil Kearns (64)
Will be interesting to see what the selection strategy will be for the next game. Definitely an argument for changes and there could be an effort to rotate players to make sure the whole squad gets game time over the tournament, but the team could use more time together to gel without wholesale changes.

For mine I'd be swapping Nawaqanitawase with Pietsch, starting Kaitu'u and bringing Faessler onto the bench and starting Gleeson over Anstee (if he's not injured).

Not certain exactly who else is with the squad right now, might need a couple of other changes if Hodge (or anyone else) gets called up to the wallabies squad.
 

Braveheart81

Will Genia (78)
Staff member
Will the Wallabies definitely call a fullback option up? If Kellaway is now first choice and Petaia backup they might just leave it as is. Let Campbell and Hodge play another game in Fiji next weekend.

My understanding is that there aren't any plans to bring in another lock even if Swain is suspended as they feel they have adequate cover in the squad already.
 

Wilson

Phil Kearns (64)
Will the Wallabies definitely call a fullback option up? If Kellaway is now first choice and Petaia backup they might just leave it as is. Let Campbell and Hodge play another game in Fiji next weekend.

My understanding is that there aren't any plans to bring in another lock even if Swain is suspended as they feel they have adequate cover in the squad already.
I think it all comes down to how bad Quade's injury is. If he's out for the series they'll need a 3rd option for flyhalf in the squad so they're not left using Kellaway or Paisami as the backup if Lolesio/O'Connor go down in the warm up. In that case I think they call in Hodge.

Edit: looks like Kurtley Beale is with the wallabies squad for promo duties, assuming he's fit he offers the emergency cover they need and Hodge can stay with Australia A
 
Last edited:

Braveheart81

Will Genia (78)
Staff member
Yes, I do think Quade's injury is the most likely to cause them to bring someone in from Aus A if he's not going to be fit for the 2nd test.

Will it be Hodge or will they go to someone like Edmed?

Hodge is more versatile but his form certainly wouldn't make you think he's a great option to slot into 10.
 

Wilson

Phil Kearns (64)
Yes, I do think Quade's injury is the most likely to cause them to bring someone in from Aus A if he's not going to be fit for the 2nd test.

Will it be Hodge or will they go to someone like Edmed?

Hodge is more versatile but his form certainly wouldn't make you think he's a great option to slot into 10.
I wouldn't rob Edmed or Donaldson of the game time with Australia A, I think it's between Hodge and someone still in Australia like Gordon or Pasitoa, but it looks like Beale might be with the squad so he could be the emergency cover if he's fit
 

Lightblue

Arch Winning (36)
That's the best set up for potential Wallaby plans. I wonder if they would get Donaldson involved.
I would presume Donaldson will slot in as the starting 10 this week V Fiji. Hasn’t played in that position since earlier this year pre his injury, but was playing well up until then.
 

dru

David Wilson (68)
I would presume Donaldson will slot in as the starting 10 this week V Fiji. Hasn’t played in that position since earlier this year pre his injury, but was playing well up until then.

I'd stick with Edmed unless there is an edict to spread opportunity rather to select the best available.
 

Rugbynutter39

Michael Lynagh (62)
I'd stick with Edmed unless there is an edict to spread opportunity rather to select the best available.
I imagine the concept is to give all in the squad game time as whilst want to do well would be seen as development opportunity for all players to showcase what they can offer whilst getting exposure at higher level.
 

Rugbynutter39

Michael Lynagh (62)
Can't really argue against it even if your not a fan. Plenty of Test caps moving into series clinching games. Probably not in the match day squad.

This is why the A team is such a good concept. Get miles in the legs of Jock Campbell and Co...

Rae Rae
A team, nrc all good concepts as need more game time (and at higher level then club rugby) but also need pathways (which australia a addresses for super players but not top club players).

Solution keep Australia A but also have nrc mark 3. I am concerned hearing nothing about when nrc mark 3 may be put in place as god we need this.
 

Wilson

Phil Kearns (64)
A team, nrc all good concepts as need more game time (and at higher level then club rugby) but also need pathways (which australia a addresses for super players but not top club players).

Solution keep Australia A but also have nrc mark 3. I am concerned hearing nothing about when nrc mark 3 may be put in place as god we need this.
It's not happening this year:
 
Top