I'd definitely prefer Coleman with a sore thumb and Simmons to Launchbury and Lawes. I think that is a potential strength for us. Itoje is an outstanding player on the bench and is world class. I do feel like his impact is somewhat stifled at lock rather than 6 though because he has to play that tighter game. Certainly a big test for Matt Philip to come on and provide impact seeing as Itoje certainly will for the English.
<b>On the Locks</b>
I'd take Coleman over Launchbury or Lawes, but tbh I'd take Lawes, Launchbury, Kruis or Itoje in a heartbeat over Simmons, Arnold, Tui, Rodda etc. Englands depth at lock is phenomenal.
I think Itoje is world class and Lawes has the potential to be. Lawes has always been a promising player but his development under Jones has been incredible. He had a great Lions series.
That being said, Simmons is the type of player that will never be the point of difference in a game. If he play a disciplined, high work rate game then we will be well served.
<b>The Bench</b>
Cheika's obviously considering a 6-2 bench, which may not be a bad idea given the sheer intensity that will be offered by Vunipola, Launchbury, Lawes, Underhill and Hughes in the starting XV, alongside George, Itoje and Simmons off the bench.
Being able to bring Ala'alatoa, Philip, McCalman and Timani off the bench will go a long way to countering that pressure.
If he does elect to go with a 6-2 bench that means we have to decide who to carry as the second back reserve. We all want to see Hunt get more game time, and he can realistically cover 12, 13 and 15.
In the starting XV, Kerevi, Beale and Hodge can cover 12, with the latter two being able to cover 15.
Hodge, Kerevi, Kuridrani can all cover 13, but not many of our utility backs can double as specialist wingers.
That makes me think that Speight may be the better choice on a 6-2 bench. Of course, Phipps has covered wing for the Wallabies in the past (and pretty well too, remember his try last year?) but that doesn't help the fact that, even moreso than the others, he is certainly not a winger.
I would've liked to see Hunt at 12 in the starting lineup as I'm not even close to being sold on Kerevi at test level and I'm absolutely itching to see Hunt get more game time. Does Cheika think any of our starting midfield can cover wing if needed? That'll be a pretty informative factor in deciding this weekend's bench.
<b>The Result</b>
I'm not really fussed which way the coin lands as long as its close and we, as Reg said, bring a Bledisloe 2 / Bledisloe 3 level of intensity. We've had a long season with a huge amount of travel and we're up against a seriously impressive English outfit at their home fortress. The odds are against us but I still think our team has what it takes to get the result.
I'll elaborate below but I think the following Wallabies are currently world-class in that they would walk into the 23 of any other team in the world: TPN, Hooper, McMahon, Coleman, Genia, Beale and Koroibete (at a pinch).
I'm not sure what the level immediately below 'world class' should be called, but I think the Australian Rugby public (and the wider global audience) seriously underrate Australian players within that tier when they often laud similar-level players in other nations.
All Blacks absolutely froth on ALB and Crotty just as English fans adore Joseph, but none of them scare me as Jonathan Davies has this year. Is Kuridrani any worse than the first lot of players?
Ford and Farrell are also strong, dependable players, but they're certainly no Barrett. Are Foley and Beale really that much of a step down?
I think amongst the players I haven't labelled as world class, we certainly don't give up much against the opposition.
I personally think we have some sort of edge over England at 15, 14, 9, 8, 7, 5, 3, 2, 18 and 22 (Hunt).
I think they're stronger at 12, 6, 4, 1, 17, 19 and 21 (Phipps).
With not much between 11, 13, 10, 16, 20 (McCalman/Timani) and 23 (Speight).
Of course, it's not a 1-for-1 system, and certain players exert a greater influence on the game than others.
<b>Prediction</b>
Australia by 6. Both team's discipline and Hodge's howitzer to be deciding factors.
Leeeeeeet's gooooooo.
