dru
David Wilson (68)
Besides the fact that TK is not even in the squad,
.
You did not ask who FP would propose limited to previous selections by others.
I’m with you all the same, Petaia at 13 if fit is one of the few locks in that back line.
Besides the fact that TK is not even in the squad,
.
You did not ask who FP would propose limited to previous selections by others.
I’m with you all the same, Petaia at 13 if fit is one of the few locks in that back line.
TK is our most solid, effective 13, I would play Petaia on the wing for a while, he is like a lot of young extremely talented backs, passing is something he only does if he has exhausted every opportunity - he doesn't put his teammates into better positions enough
It was one of IF major weaknesses as well and is quite apparent when compared to both the AB centres - they just do the basic so well
Yeah, I haven't rewatched the game, but what did Petaia do wrong? To me, he's a perfect 13 - a big, elusive runner who almost always seems to break the first tackle, and often the second and third ones as well. He's what Israel Folau wanted to be in the 13 channel.
He had an ordinary first half, poor ball security and speculative passes that were turned over. He showed more in the 2nd half with his ability to elude tackles, but aside from the try where he took.the tackle and we retained possession, he forced his hand too much. He's only young, and once he gets that out his game he'll be world classYeah, I haven't rewatched the game, but what did Petaia do wrong? To me, he's a perfect 13 - a big, elusive runner who almost always seems to break the first tackle, and often the second and third ones as well. He's what Israel Folau wanted to be in the 13 channel.
I agree that it’s unlikely TK will be selected, I assume he has been playing in the Cambra comp though? Rennie says JOC (James O'Connor) is fit for next week.
I get your concerns re Hooper but as you say he is a remarkable player and the back row is all about balance so it can be worked around. In an ideal world he’d be 8 inches taller and playing 6, but he ain’t and who really gives a fuck about the number on his back. He simply has to be there. That said, I don’t mind exploring alternatives for captain, but who in the current 23 is locked in, and capable?
Slipper or AAA.
Personally, I like the idea of To'omua as Captain. But if we are doing the usual building to the next World Cup then it might only be temporary anyway, and I can't any of them doing that much better then Hooper. At least Hooper always leads with effort and workrate.
And I do think a Naisa, Wilson, Hooper backrow is pretty damn balanced.
I'd certainly like to see a few players who haven't played a game get a crack in this one.
Harry Johnson-Holmes to replace Sio.
Trevor Hosea to replace Simmons.
JOC (James O'Connor) to start if healthy and Will Harrison to replace Lolesio.
Maddocks either at 15 or 23.
Hodge probably to 12 with Simone dropping out.
Wright to replace Daugunu.
Actually, Colby Fainga'a captained that Junior Wallabies team...
No reliable lineout jumper in that lot Seb. That is the unbalance that accompanies Hooper at 7. My backrow for Bledisloe 4 would be 6 Wilson (or Valetini - we really are missing a proper hard man), 7 Wright (captain), 8 Naisarani.
Or we could just revert to White, JOC (James O'Connor), Hodge, Kuridrani et al - combinations that have been winning us the big games consistently for years.
ah good point. I always assume these tall backrowers can jump. Surely Wilson and Naisa can add this to their game.
I hope Wright can step it up it up. My thoughts on him throughout Super XV was he was a bit small and lacked a bit of strength for Test rugby, but then I changed my mind during the finals where he really stepped it up. Then it all came crashing down again on his last Test. He looked totally out of his depth and even got stripped by a halfback. I back him to bounce back but maybe he needs another year or two in the gym.
Agree with all but Hodge to replace Simone at 12. Simone is the most creative backline player we have and will get better and better with game time.
But obviously Hooper should be dropped now for him. Apparently.........
ah good point. I always assume these tall backrowers can jump. Surely Wilson and Naisa can add this to their game.
I hope Wright can step it up it up. My thoughts on him throughout Super XV was he was a bit small and lacked a bit of strength for Test rugby, but then I changed my mind during the finals where he really stepped it up. Then it all came crashing down again on his last Test. He looked totally out of his depth and even got stripped by a halfback. I back him to bounce back but maybe he needs another year or two in the gym.
Wright played out of position in Bledisloe 2. He is a 7, not a 6 though passable there too at Super Rugby level. I don't think there would be a player anywhere who hasn't had the ball stripped from them by one of the NZ No 9s. Doubt it will happen again any time soon.
No reliable lineout jumper in that lot Seb. That is the unbalance that accompanies Hooper at 7. My backrow for Bledisloe 4 would be 6 Wilson (or Valetini - we really are missing a proper hard man), 7 Wright (captain), 8 Naisarani.