Brumbies vs Highlanders - 2011R08

[Newb]

Rugby Park in Invercargill, kick-off 5.30pm (AEDT).

CA Technologies Brumbies
1. Ben Alexander
2. Huia Edmonds
3. Salesi Ma'afu
4. Ben Hand
5. Mark Chisholm
6. Peter Kimlin
7. Julian Salvi
8. Ita Vaea
9. Josh Valentine
10. Matt Giteau
11. Adam Ashley-Cooper
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Andrew Smith
14. Henry Speight
15. Matt To'omua

Reserves
16. Anthony Hegarty
17. Dan Palmer
18. Colby Fainga'a
19. Michael Hooper
20. Patrick Phibbs
21. Tyrone Smith
22. Francis Fainifo

 

[Newb]

selections seem a little backwards don't they?

good to have To'omua on the field even if it is at fullback. maybe a gerrard type performance, not much counter attack? would have maybe put him at inside and lealo at fullback. seems more natural that way.

looking for the scrum to get pounded with palmer on the bench. he's the rock for them.

what's up with the backs? why not have AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) at outside and chuck smith on the wing? is smith their future now that AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is on the way out? and fainifo has been heaps better than speight. not impressed with him at all so far. they'll miss mccabe while he's out.

 

[rugbysmartarse]

are they trying to lose?

although, makes me happier about Macintosh in my fantasy team - was afraid he may get owned by palmer, but if hes playing against ma'afu he may get some tight heads

 

[Ruggo]

Rest Palmer for the Clan Game. What genius come up with that one?

 

[mudskipper]

Brumbies will be mixing the roles and have put some larger men in for the start. Kimlin at 6 and Ma’afu front row. Highlanders have some big units. As for the backs I'm happy to see what To'omua kicking game and Lealiifano stepping into the flyhalf role brings to the team, Giteau will still steer the team on field. AACs move to the wing is to allow him to roam. Andrew Smith is a solid large 13 and will do fine. Highlanders also have a few slippery outside backs so Coops will help contain them. Looks to me the Brumbies are expecting a cold wet match in Invercargill dont you tink gents...

I really think the Brumbies have had a good look at who they are playing and put together a squad which can win.

 

[fatprop]

I would love to see someone justify this selection ..............

memo to highlanders,

kick it deep, have a reasonable chase and watch them give you a lineout -

chances of a counter attack kick return? 5%
chances of a counter attack with 2 passes (one to centre field and then to a guy in space) .00001%

 

[louie]

This backline is just because Gits doesnt want to play inside and wants to play flyhalf.

To'omua has never played at 15. Lealiifano played their most of the last year at the chiefs.

Rea and Larkham have no idea

 

[centreman]

I know Robbie Deans says he will not interfere with the S15 coaches selections but he should have a word to the rookie coaches at the Brumbies about AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper). What the hell are they doing to our incumbent Wallaby OC. Full back one week, wing the next not the best to build up confidence for the WC. I dont care what you say, playing regularly in your best position helps with those little decisions that will be important in September / October in NZ.
Also I couldn't believe Hickey saying the Tahs will look to play him at 12. He has been tried there before by the Wallabies and Brumbies without much success. He is the best OC in Aus.and thats where he should stay. Remember the saying ' jack of all trades master of none'.

 

[disco]

I don't mind what the Brumbies do with AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) as it seems the worse he play's for the Brumbies the better he is for the Wallabies.

 

[fatprop]

I know Robbie Deans says he will not interfere with the S15 coaches selections but he should have a word to the rookie coaches at the Brumbies about AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper). What the hell are they doing to our incumbent Wallaby OC. Full back one week, wing the next not the best to build up confidence for the WC. I dont care what you say, playing regularly in your best position helps with those little decisions that will be important in September / October in NZ.
Also I couldn't believe Hickey saying the Tahs will look to play him at 12. He has been tried there before by the Wallabies and Brumbies without much success. He is the best OC in Aus.and thats where he should stay. Remember the saying ' jack of all trades master of none'.

AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) played 12 against Wales one year and did really well, his running at contact was hard to stop

 

[Ash]

Seriously, one suspects that they drew 10, 12 and 15 out of a hat, or actually sat down and considered the worse way they could arrange To'omua, Gits and Lealii into 10, 12 and 15.

Not a good looking ponies team at all.

 

[Hawko]

Maafu for Palmer against a very good scrum.
Salvi on and Colby off.
AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) sent to Coventry.
Gits, CLL and 2M in the wrong spots.
Valentine and Phibbs but no Nick White.

Brumby coaches have no idea what they are doing because they haven't had enough coaching experience. You can't make mistakes like this at Super level, that's what a coaching apprenticeship is for.

 

[Slim 293]

So, they finally bring in Kimlin, but fuck up the rest of the team?

This is the biggest brainfart selection in the history of brainfart selections...

Aside from 1, 4-6 and 8 none of those numbers match up to the names that should be there...

Please tell me I'm going to wake up any moment now?

 

[spectator]

Backs selections are puzzling, and I think it boils down to the refusal to move Gits to 12. 10. To'omua 12. Giteau 15. Lealifano would seem to be the best combo of those three. Having said that Lealifano goes alright at 12. and To'omua will probably be a bit like Gerard at 15, not a lot of pace, but good tactical kicking. Plus he will be reliable as a last line of defence.

AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) on the wing...what a waste.

 

[aussie1st]

To'omua has played fullback off the bench a few times. Happy to see him getting more game time but in the wrong position. Lealifano was meant to be our 15, To'omua is a natural 10 and Giteau 12 really seems simple to me.

 

[Brumby Jack]

Lealifano was meant to be our 15, To'omua is a natural 10 and Giteau 12 really seems simple to me.

What are you doing in 2012 and beyond? There could be a place for you....

 

[Slim 293]

With the players available the team SHOULD be:

1. Alexander
2. Edmonds
3. Palmer
4. Hand
5. Chisholm
6. Kimlin
7. Fainga'a
8. Vaea
9. White
10. To'omua
11. Fainifo
12. Giteau
13. Ashley-Cooper
14. A Smith
15. Lealiifano

16. Hegarty
17. Ma'afu
18. Salvi
19. Hooper
20. Valentine
21. Coleman
22. Speight

 

[The Mayor of Perth]

, To'omua is a natural 10 and Giteau 12 really seems simple to me.

As it does to everyone except the genius (genii?) referred to by Ruggo earlier. The only thing this early season despondency does is make me appreciate what's it's been like to be a Tahs fan.

 

[The Mayor of Perth]

What are you doing in 2012 and beyond? There could be a place for you....

Forget 2012 and beyond, what's Slim doin' next week?

 

[Slim 293]

Next week I'll be commenting on why they're starting with all 3 openside flankers... playing To'omua on the wing... and shunting AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) to tighthead prop...