Hard to single out individual players in that effort. No-one was good, really. Don't think sweeping changes are in order.
I liked Quade Cooper, but I don't think he would have done any better than Foley with the speed of the French line. He looked great against a tiring line, sure, but I don't think he's a lay-down misere to start. WHat's more Foley kicked 100% (which we take for granted) and single-handedly created a try.
My main disappointment was the lineout- what was going on there? Has been good all year, but blew up in spectacular fashion. Can't pin that on Ben Alexander.
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Hey, Baa Baa, when will it be time to make sweeping changes? Half the bench needs to go, namely Benn Robbo, Ben Alexander, Will Skelton and Matt Hodgson (though he could well replace Hooper in the starting lineup if we want to see some improvement in the back row) and Will Genia. The back row has been unbalanced these past two games, and McMahon at 6 does not work with Hooper and McCalman at 7 and 8. Foley is not our best starting 10! His goal kicking does not compensate for his inability to set the attack alight as Quade can nor for his substandard defense.
Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to the front row reserves. I have been banging on since the team was announced that there were insufficient props in the touring side. I nominated that this could be our archilles heel and I think noone is debating that now.
The solution to the back row, given the players on tour, is for Luke Jones to be starting at 6. In the second row, Skelton must now be discarded and imo both of Simmons and Horwill should not be together on the field. One on the bench to replace the other towards the end of a game.
The backline looked like it was pretty well established prior to this game, but some deficiencies were well and truly exposed today. Quade is a far better all round No 10 than Foley and he is now getting back to match fitness. That change must be made. Whatever else happened in the backline today, the absolute fuckup that occurred with the replacements cannot be ignored. That mess must be laid entirely at TGC's feet, as should the inadequacies in the starting lineup and makeup of the bench.
TGC - the Great Charletan. He has a lot to answer for and it won't be answered by bringing Beale back into the team.