Club to Wallaby bolters

[fatprop]

31/10/2009 INT Australia v New Zealand Tokyo 5.00pm
08/11/2009 Int England v Australia London 1.30am
16/11/2009 Int Ireland v Australia Dublin 2.00am
22/11/2009 Int Scotland v Australia Edinburgh 4.15am
29/11/2009 Int Wales v Australia Cardiff 4.15am

It is going to be interesting to see who they take, I don't see some of the squad getting much game time.

 

[Ash]

Surely there's time yet to organise mid-week games against club sides? A 35-odd player tour is surely chosen expecting mid-week games. Otherwise you might only take maybe 28-ish at most.

Wykes was suggested earlier - no chance. I think Chapman should go ahead of Higgenbotham too. Wouldn't actually mind seeing the Brumbies use Chapman as either number 8 ahead of Hoiles, or at lock.

In the backs, they'd at least take another outside back, inside back and 9 as well as Ioane (assuming no Mortlock).

Fanifo is maybe a real chance as Mitchell and Turner will be second/third fullback, and Ioane maybe as outside centre.

Inside backs they have Gits, Barnes, J'OC and Cooper, so maybe they might take either T. Smith (12 / 13, but his club form wasn't good), Lucas (not likely) or Beale (maybe most likely of the bunch, but a 10/12 of Cooper & Beale in the midweek side is scary).

Guess Valentine would be the 3rd 9, unless they want to take Sheehan or Lucas. Think they'd take Lucas before Sheehan at this rate, but I think Valentine will go.

Wouldn't mind seeing Palmer or Daley taken and given some time in the dirt trackers, along with a young hooker. Don't forget Kepu, I think he will definitely go, along with Cowan and if no Baxter, maybe both Daley and Palmer (6 props in a 35-man squad is a possibility).

If Fitzpatrick went to the Force, then I'd say him for hooker, but he's likely going to be third string at the Tahs next year. Maybe Fainga'a, or I guess Hardman or the hobbit if they want some leadership.

 

[fatprop]

Daley and Palmer are both a bit early. Palmer needs to increase his workrate IMHO.

Kepu has been a battering ram in club since coming back from injury and could get another run.

I still can't see Cowan running out as a starting THP.

 

[RugbyReg]

I think Deans was actually just referring to the training squad. Can't see a massive squad going if there's no other games.

 

[Lindommer]

After a bit of reflection on the shape of our squad for the EoYT leading on to the RWC in 2011, we should concentrate carefully on our weaknesses. To my mind there are three: props, second rowers and full back. Things seem to be in hand to boost our propping stocks with Alexander, Cowan and Kepu getting expert tuition and Tucky may surprise us all next year when he's fully recovered and rested. But our depth at 4, 5 and 15 is of some concern. I don't think Sharpe can last the distance and it doesn't look like Vickerman will either. Caldwell's out of action for the foreseeable future, maybe forever. Gee, it'd be nice to have him in the picture, he's the sort of hard-shouldered rough bastard we've missed the last few years. Another of Deans' projects, Kimlin, is also injured. The opportunity's there for blokes like Mumm to get a break on other locks as backup to Horwill and Chisholm. But we seem to be a bit skinny if there are more injuries in the second row.

Fullback: please, James, prove me wrong. Other than fill-ins such as AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and Mitchell we need a proper fullback wearing the 15 jumper. Once again we seem to relying on an injury to heal to provide us with some depth in this position; I'd love to see Shepherd go through the EoYT without injury, just to see how he goes.

 

[louie]

My list:
Kepu - Prop - club stuff has been great.
Chapman - Blindeside
Christian Lealiifano - 10,12,15 - his defensive, kicking, running are all better then beale. plus he is fitter and master then him. Beale club form has been horrible. Could do wonders under deans.
Fainifo - Winger - Fast and could do wonders under deans.
Damien Fitzpatrick - all these guys. Future Future Future Future Future Future Future Future .

 

[Ash]

Fullback: please, James, prove me wrong. Other than fill-ins such as AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and Mitchell we need a proper fullback wearing the 15 jumper. Once again we seem to relying on an injury to heal to provide us with some depth in this position; I'd love to see Shepherd go through the EoYT without injury, just to see how he goes.

I have given up on Shepherd. Too many injuries and lost yards of pace. He really needs an injury-free year to get his confidence back and find some good form. Shepherd has generally taken a while to get back to top form after coming back from his bad knee injuries.

And it's a shame. I thought Shepherd would be the next long term Wallaby full back - huge (if inaccurate) boot, strong confident runner, good positioning.

 

[Brian]

Hi guys,
I am new to the forum and have been following the conversations with regards to the EOYT with interest. I too believe that we need further depth in the positions of hooker, lock, blindside flanker and outside centre.

Hookers: Tafu and Moore are head and shoulders above the rest, however Fitzpatrick and Edmonds should be considered. Hardman is over the hill and Fainga'a is one of the worst throwers in s14. If youth is required take Fitzpatrick, but if depth for 2011 is the go i would lean towards Edmonds.

Lock: We desperately miss Vickerman and I read he is again out of action with Northampton till December with shoulder problems (again !!!) - could be all over. Caldwell and Kimlin both injured, would perhaps like to see Hand get a run on tour. Apparently was a standout on brumbies recent french tour and plays a tight european type game which may suit at the next level. Ran the lineout for the brumbies as well this year

Blindside: Chapman is crocked at present due to shoulder surgery after s14, as is Mowen, so would like to see Higgers get a run. Still very raw but could reap benefits of training alongside higher company

Outside back: Is Ioane any chance ?? If not perhaps Fainifo or Nick Cummins, whom I really like the look of

 

[Scotty]

Welcome Brian. I thought Chapman was still out, and surprised that a lot of people were still mentioning him.

I think Deans was actually just referring to the training squad. Can't see a massive squad going if there's no other games.

Noddy, I think the training squad is 40, and touring squad 34-35. Despite it being a grand slam tour, I think Deans will have the balls to mix the team up a bit, and with injuries most players may still get a run, even if off the bench.


Lindommer, while I agree we are a bit skinny with locks, I don't really think any other international team is any different. The back ups are well below the 2 or 3 front liners. I think this year has shown us we are lacking depth in the inside backs (directionless without Barnes) and we need to quickly develop the likes of Cooper, Beale and Smith.

 

[Lindommer]

...we should concentrate carefully on our weaknesses. To my mind there are three: props, second rowers and full back.

We could also do with a big bruiser at number 8.

I'm not that concerned at hooker. We're currently blessed with two very good ones, and if either of them are injured there's always Gimli, Hardman or Edmonds to step in for a test or two. Fitzpatrick will get opportunities to mix it with the big boys next year. Would've been nice (and good for Australian rugby) to see Freier wear number 2 at the Force.

 

[fatprop]

On Cameron Shepherd, I was wondering when he will be back, googled and this came up.

http://www.watoday.com.au/lifestyle/people/cameron-shepherds-hot-new-date-20090709-de9c.html

He seems to be enjoying Perth........................

 

[mark_s]

Geez Shepherd looks like he has kegged up a bit.

 

[Epi]

On Cameron Shepherd, I was wondering when he will be back, googled and this came up.

http://www.watoday.com.au/lifestyle/people/cameron-shepherds-hot-new-date-20090709-de9c.html

He seems to be enjoying Perth........................

Fark... I used to feel sorry for him always getting injured.

Not any more...

 

[naza]

Shepherd has always been a plodder and with injuries and weight, will never be anything. Mark Gerrard II.

As to club rugby bolters. Please, give my ribs a break. These guys are eons away. In fact the disturbing thing about this club rugby season is how mediocre guys like Tyrone Smith and Pek Cowan have been. You'd expect rep talent to shine at that level but they've merely exposed the appalling lack of quality and depth in Australian rugby.

 

[Newb]

On Cameron Shepherd, I was wondering when he will be back, googled and this came up.

http://www.watoday.com.au/lifestyle/people/cameron-shepherds-hot-new-date-20090709-de9c.html

He seems to be enjoying Perth........................

Hot model Siobhan Parekh likes partnering up with sporting men and her latest date is no exception.

The model, who has dated successful sporting stars across a number of different codes, accompanied Wallaby and Western Force star Cameron Shepherd to a swanky cocktail do in Perth on Friday night looking terribly glamorous.

a. how the fark do you say her name?
b. do you need to know when probably talking is the last thing you do with her.
c. how many guys does it take before you become famous for boinking sports stars? she's like the karmichael hunt of dating in different codes.
d. naza, isn't that an insult to gerrard?

 

[naza]

a. how the fark do you say her name?
b. do you need to know when probably talking is the last thing you do with her.
c. how many guys does it take before you become famous for boinking sports stars? she's like the karmichael hunt of dating in different codes.
d. naza, isn't that an insult to gerrard?

a. I think its pronounced 'Phwooooar'.

c. She has some work in front of her to catch up to Candice Falzon.

d. I hope so.

 

[jason]

Well played Shep, well played.

 

[Lindommer]

Her surname, Parekh, probably rhymes with car wreck. :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Don't stop, Cam, don't stop.

 

[barbarian]

Problem was, first time Shep took her upstairs he pulled a hammy and Drew Mitchell had to step in.

 

[TheRiddler]

Problem was, first time Shep took her upstairs he pulled a hammy and Drew Mitchell had to step in.

One of the funniest lines I have ever seen on this forum - great stuff Barbarian.

Not sure I'd fancy The Poo's sloppy seconds.....