I hear Jake Gordon likes pineapple on his pizza. Basically a Queenslander too then!
- Back row one of tougher choices, Leota’s NZ form just edges out Wilson. Tate v Jake similar story
Do we really lose out having Wilson on the bench instead of Samu?Leota was very impressive straight from returning from injury... still, would be keen to see Wilson at 6 for at least one game - he and Valetini at their best would be fairly destructive.
It was really his only poor game of the season - consistent performer amongst an inconsistent Reds. Just think he adds something a bit more than GordonProbably had the worst game of his career and then got a serious concussion in his last game. Might have something to do with it.
From Nathan Williamson on twitter:
Couple of notes from Dave Rennie:
-JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) ‘lacks sharpness’ after injury return
- Back row one of tougher choices, Leota’s NZ form just edges out Wilson. Tate v Jake similar story
- Tupou back training, hopeful for later in the series
- Holloway would've likely played before injury
Last year’s reasoning around Gordon’s superior kicking game was justifiable, but I’m not sure that’s the case this year, nor do I think he’s particularly compatible with the Wallabies’ typically fast-paced style; in my eyes he was consistently slow getting ball out from the ruck, and didn’t seem to pose much of an attacking threat.Gordon was one of the Tahs' best all season so it's hard to argue that he too doesn't deserve his spot.
I'm surprised Gordon got the nod. The same thing happened last year and then Gordon didn't play well against France and lost his spot. Will be interesting to see what transpires this season.
Goes to show how much the old 'front of mind' saying still plays into selections.
Rennie essentially saying form at the back end of the season has been a criteria, instead of who may have been more consistent over the course of the season.
Exactly. Stiffer competition and more recent. Stepping around the Rebels in round 1 means jack.It's how it should be though.
Early season forms means little at this point in time.
I would have preferred Perese over Petaia as well, Petaia still over rated, hopefully proves me wrongAgree with your assessment Dru. Definitely prefer a specialist TH coming on in the second half but oh well. Hopefully they don't drop the ball lots.
I wonder where Perese is at. He'd be more damaging coming off the bench that Petaia.
I can't believe AAA has only played 53 tests, feels like he has been around forever and a day.3. Allan Ala'alatoa (53 Tests)
Tate is the perfect bench player coming on with 20 to go with his sniping. Gordon is a good player however my feeling is Tate provides much more off the bench. As someone said same thing happened last year and Gordon didn’t provide much. I feel Gordon is a much better starter than bench player.Last year’s reasoning around Gordon’s superior kicking game was justifiable, but I’m not sure that’s the case this year, nor do I think he’s particularly compatible with the Wallabies’ typically fast-paced style; in my eyes he was consistently slow getting ball out from the ruck, and didn’t seem to pose much of an attacking threat.
I would have preferred Perese over Petaia as well, Petaia still over rated, hopefully proves me wrong
Kellaway in a pinchI certainly dont think he has earn't his spot yet but he does cover 3 positions, Banks goes down we dont have a 15 with Perese on the bench