Blue
Andrew Slack (58)
Lolesio defending at 12. You are joking right? He did not look ready for this level of ruby. By a long shot.
Bledisloe # 3 - Saturday 31st October, ANZ Stadium
- Thread starter KOB1987
- Start date
Lolesio defending at 12. You are joking right? He did not look ready for this level of ruby. By a long shot.
hifflepiff
Charlie Fox (21)
Nah these same guys were beating their NZ counterparts at every level below this, so relatively they've clearly got the talent compared to equivalent 20 yr old players in NZ.
Difference is, those NZ u20s players don't make up half the squad like they do in Aus.
Rebels3
Jim Lenehan (48)
Next game I think we might see Naisarani in the side to offer more in the contact zone. Currently Wilson is a one man band against the ABs in that area, he could do with one or 2 more guys that are going to assert themselves physically. Wilson I thought was our best last night.
Simone has single season Wallaby all over him, good Super Rugby player but there is nothing in his game that worries international standard teams. Could be the Benny Taps of 2020.
Fullback is a big issue. DHP was a 5/10 last night in that he wasn’t at fault for anything but I think we need to look at Maddocks. He’s the only option we have that in 2/3yrs time could (stress could) be in the conversation for best players in his position in the world.
Tough game for Lolesio, he was abit of a deer in headlight but he will be better for it.
Simone has single season Wallaby all over him, good Super Rugby player but there is nothing in his game that worries international standard teams. Could be the Benny Taps of 2020.
Fullback is a big issue. DHP was a 5/10 last night in that he wasn’t at fault for anything but I think we need to look at Maddocks. He’s the only option we have that in 2/3yrs time could (stress could) be in the conversation for best players in his position in the world.
Tough game for Lolesio, he was abit of a deer in headlight but he will be better for it.
Hodge is NOT a playmaker. Beggars belief that some people still think he is any sort of option at 10, even as reserve. Would anyone play him at 10 at Super Rugby level? I doubt it.
Cancelled Account
Desmond Connor (43)
Last night’s game was hot potatoes and not retaining possession. When this type of play makes its way into the game it usually lack of confidence. Hooper’s game management wasn’t on point last night and he wasn’t talking to his team enough to hold the ball. We were poor at the breakdown and slow off the line. Our forwards were not able to push forward because our backs were in shambles. To'omua was needed. Too many young ones but it’s a transition because our experienced players are overseas chasing the money. Rennie has come at a crucial time and needs to make the best of what he’s been given. I don’t think we could have changed the team selection unless we called some players home. Even that wouldn’t have guaranteed us the win.
We need to soldier on and get our young players test experience so we can produce a quality team over the next couple of years.
Viking
Mark Ella (57)
Definitely doesn't have the skill for a primary playmaker but as a secondary one could work.
Highkicks
Herbert Moran (7)
I think the best I've seen him play was as a 10 in Manly colts. Which is obviously a world away and I wouldn't suggest putting him at 10 for the Wallabies but I do wonder why he was moved away from 10. His skill set suggests 10 to me and if he had been developed there then who knows.
As it stands he is not great in any position.
Dctarget
Tim Horan (67)
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
He kind of became the last man standing option there as a reserve for this test. But as someone pointed out it’s either lolesio or him, unless they shaft Harrison with the gig next week, but hopefully JOC (James O'Connor) is fit.
I was at the game and I was trying to work out what was going on from 5km away, but it looked like Hodge went briefly into 10 when lolesio went off, but then Simone must have passed a HIA or something and came back on for Paisami, and I think he finished the game at 10. Is that right?
Highkicks
Herbert Moran (7)
I don't want to be too harsh on any one player but he was pretty invisible. Naisarani is very physical though and really should have be involved from the get go, lineout was average again so there isn't too much to lose there anyway.
Joe Blow
John Hipwell (52)
Rennie said that JOC (James O'Connor) will be good for next week
Not that I've seen. Great utility back 3 player.
waiopehu oldboy
George Smith (75)
AB scrum was shaky at times as it was in Welly, not sure if that's condition- (footing & balance) or personnel churn-related. Lineout was a weapon, as it should be with four legit targets, every tightie had at least a coupla decent carries, made their tackles & cleaned well. Frizell another strong game albeit some errors, Sotutu similar & looks a long-term AB. Any doubts re: Cane being our best 7 are surely history (still unconvinced re: his captaincy credentials, would prefer SamW calling the shots esp when he's calling the shot not the line-kick 
).
ASmith was as expected these days & so, unfortunately, was TJP: it may be time to say sayonara & give Webber a burl. Someone mentioned earlier that it took Mo'unga a while to find his feet as a Super Rugby 5/8, I'd say the same was true re: Test footy but last night I thought he showed just how good he could be. Midfield solid, thankfully they appear to be persisting with having each in their best (if not necessarily preferred) position & long may that continue.
JBar not yet a Test 14 BUT I can remember demanding that IzzyD never play 14 again after a horror-show v SA yet within 12 months had done a full 180, hopefully it's a case of history repeating. Clarke was never gunna be as damaging as at Eden Park but is just as effective as a defender magnet imo. Beaugan seems to be growing into his co-pivot role, now seems content to let Mo'unga steer the ship & chime in as & when opportunities arise rather than hogging it.
Anyways, looking ahead to Brizzy I'd give Cane a rest even if he comes through his HIA & as above give Webber a crack. Moody has to come back in if he's 100% & maybe leave Hodgman on the bench.
).ASmith was as expected these days & so, unfortunately, was TJP: it may be time to say sayonara & give Webber a burl. Someone mentioned earlier that it took Mo'unga a while to find his feet as a Super Rugby 5/8, I'd say the same was true re: Test footy but last night I thought he showed just how good he could be. Midfield solid, thankfully they appear to be persisting with having each in their best (if not necessarily preferred) position & long may that continue.
JBar not yet a Test 14 BUT I can remember demanding that IzzyD never play 14 again after a horror-show v SA yet within 12 months had done a full 180, hopefully it's a case of history repeating. Clarke was never gunna be as damaging as at Eden Park but is just as effective as a defender magnet imo. Beaugan seems to be growing into his co-pivot role, now seems content to let Mo'unga steer the ship & chime in as & when opportunities arise rather than hogging it.
Anyways, looking ahead to Brizzy I'd give Cane a rest even if he comes through his HIA & as above give Webber a crack. Moody has to come back in if he's 100% & maybe leave Hodgman on the bench.
Lorenzo
Colin Windon (37)
Rugrat
Darby Loudon (17)
Not going to comment on Hooper at 7 or work effort which is huge, but it really is well past time to question his captaincy skills. Wallabies seem to always struggle when the game goes against them. That is fundamental to a Captain to settle the troops and stay focused on game plan. He try’s to lead by example but I think it’s just not working and a young team needs more than Hooper provides.
SamoanNo8
Jimmy Flynn (14)
Cannot believe you have the courage to include a completely untried and untested schoolboy on this list above seasoned club players.
