Kimlin undoubtedly had an absolute blinder in the Brumbies game against the Lions. Whilst he has had an excellent season, using that one game purely as the benchmark for his form is also a bit misleading. He isn't that good every week.
For much of that game, the Lions hooker was Best who had an absolute shocker. Expecting someone who dominanted their lineout in that game to do the same against a much better performing hooker is also flawed.
I would have had no issue with Kimlin being selected but I figure the selection of McCalman is for the reliability he brings. I also only see him getting on the field if George Smith can't go 80 minutes.
I expect the first backrow substitution unless there is an injury is Hooper coming on for Palu and Mowen shifting to 8 (whether Smith shifts to 6 or Hooper plays there is somewhat unknown and probably not that relevant. Smith will be more focused on competing at the breakdown whichever position he is packing in the scrum).
Unless Smith is stuffed after 50 minutes and needs to be replaced by Hooper I expect we'll see both Hooper and Smith on the field at the same time. That will certainly be the plan.
1. Kimlin has played outstanding football all year. Admittedly, his hands were better in the game against the Lions than I've ever seen them, but all in all he has performed very well all year.
2. I would contend that Kimlin's superiority in the line out probably contributed to Best's poor performance throwing in. In any case, he won quite a bit of ball on the Lions' throw, more so than the throw was penalised iirc. And he retained supremacy after Best was replaced by Hibbard.
3. Why would McCalman replace George when Hooper is on the bench. I hope you can remember the stuff up that was McC playing 7 in the RWC.
4. What happens if Mowen goes down? Assume Simmons comes on to call the line outs and Horwill goes to 6. Again has not worked in the past. Kimlin would be a better 6 replacement and he can call the line outs.
5. Lions would more likely be shitting their pants about Kimlin coming on. Ben McC doesn't put fear into anyone.
I cannot really see any legitimate reason for Ben's inclusion on the bench. An extra back would be of much greater value.
