The big question is: Who's the fullback back-up if Morahan suffers an injury? Foley??? When it was the last time he played in that position at test level? Mmmmm. Naivalu, Speight and Taqele can't play at 15, they don't have the skills for the position.
Does anyone think it is realistic that Cheika is giving him any real chance to push for a starting spot next week?
I see actually more method in cheika and planning including those who were selected for baa baa'sI've been an unashamed supporter of Cheika since he hit the deck. Even if he chose players he was familiar with over form players. Even if he pulled unexpected selections - Pooper, double 10. And yes, there is no alternative. But no, this doesnt mean criticsm might not be justified.
Right now he's loosing me.
I had no problem with him running an A team and a B team at the RWC. Didnt even mind if certain players that I thought should be A team, and well Cheika didnt agree.
What I'm concerned with is the aparent lack of planning. "Oh shit, we have to treat Ireland like England, where the hell is my B team for France?"
Yep, the Barbarian players may always have been intended as a source to draw on. But Godwin? Morahan? Not commenting anout these blokes ability, just where they fit in the plan.
Add in Pfitzies popcorn meme, yeah right bloke, players called in to an unexpected B team, what the hell could their fans have to complain about?
Right now, if Cheika is shitting gold eggs, they definitely are too small.
I'm just not seeing a plan. I'm not seeing any evidence of an intended B team untill "hell, where is it?" And I do see coming, from TWAS' flower conspiracy, "ah look we tried those guys, they proved to be not up to it." Wrong. Also wrong is the thought that if we win, Cheika is a genious. Hell no, just a very lucky boy.
No, I'm not switching off on Cheika, but I see no evidence of him being in control for this EOYT.
I don't think that is Cheikas intent, it serves no purpose, but broadly Its no different to Eden Park 2015
I think Nick got it right before - it's less about the 'Grand Slam' and more about England. The Grand Slam is a bit artificial and certainly doesn't carry a huge amount of weight anymore.
But beating the Poms always does, no matter the time, place or sport.
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Are you serious ????
Grand Slam is a thing we have not achieved for a long long time.
From memory we beat the Poms convincingly only last year.
To win the Slam we have to beat the Poms anyway !
ShitBut do Australians really care that much? I think we mostly want the Bledisloe and the Webb Ellis. There's no special trophy for a grand slam right?
I actually think this France match is really important because you don't want your first free-to-air match (of this tour) to result in a loss.
I disagree.QC (Quade Cooper) has a great opportunity to get a start against Ireland next week.
Why you ask?
If he did have the A team and they as expected beat the French that would not be enough to get him a start.
Now if the pack is beaten , it gets dominated, and he has a limited backline in terms of chasing kicks and lack of combinations he has the opportunity to produce something magnificent which Foley is unable to do.
Create a lot of tries behind a beaten pack against the odds.
THAT may get Cheika's attention since the England pack will dominate the wallaby forwards.
Sure it is a big ask but that is what is needed if he hopes to start.
Assuming Quade plays I'd be pretty excited to see Foley come on at FB. Could be a great attacking weapon off a Cooper pass out wide and setting up the fast men.
What I'm concerned with is the aparent lack of planning. "Oh shit, we have to treat Ireland like England, where the hell is my B team for France?"