I thought Douglas was pretty much invisible tonight, and Simmons once again proved that he is not the messiah of lineout callers. One needs to miss out next week, and Coleman should start. It was a mistake to go in with Simmons, McCalman, Mumm and Hooper. That was a powder puff pack and they got run over like a rabbit caught in the head lights of a runaway truck.
The Pooper has run its course imo. Excellent player though he is, Hooper leaves too much of the tight work to the others in the pack, and when they are the likes of Simmons, McCalman and Mumm, there just isn't anywhere near enough fire power. It is hard to suggest the replacements needed, but until Holloway is back fit again maybe Timani needs to be given a run at 8. Pocock back to his best spot at 7 and just do the right thing and start Fardy at 6. Otherwise, it's about time to see if Ready can play at this level. Either of TPN or Moore could do with a rest - neither is playing like a test player atm.
In the backline, Genia was more than adequate and a pleasure to not have to watch the spraying passes from Phipps, who went quite well at wing where he doesn't need to pass the pill. Foley has been our best option at 10 but he is just not up the scratch. In the absence of any other 10 coming through in the Super Rugby franchises, Quade needs to be in the 10 jersey.
I see you have gone with Hodge at 12 and Kerevi at 13. I suspect there is some inclination there to not admit that Kerevi might just be our best No 12. He has some test experience there at least and while he was on against the English he was the most dangerous runner with ball in hand. He has staked a much stronger claim to the 12 spot than Hodge to this time. Quade/Kerevi could just be the line breaking combination we are desperately seeking. Folau to 13 if TK is dropped. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) the only foreigner to earn a spot and DHP at 15.
That's the way I'd go. I don't expect them to beat the ABs, who are clearly the best side in world rugby (and I think they are improving year on year), but I'd hope we might be able to build on a side like this over the next few years as Kellaway, Naivalu, Holloway, Staniforth, Robertson et al develop.