suckerforred
Chilla Wilson (44)
Correct
George Smith - Will / Should He Play Against The Lions?
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Correct
Brumbieman
Dick Tooth (41)
Ignoring contract stuff for now.
We need the experience in the camp. Even if he doesn't play, he should still be there coaching the forwards and breakaways.
last time we played the Lions, we had quite a few debutants or 2-3 cappers, and they turned out to be crucial (Harrison, Smith etc). However, we also had people like John Eales, Gregan, Kefu, Burke, Roff etc.
World class, big names with lots of experience. We're very short on them at the moment, I would hold only Moore, Horwill, Genia, and Beiber in that 'very experienced but ALSO world class".
Smith has got to be there, even if he doesn't play. Hooper and Gill will need all the help they can get.
We need the experience in the camp. Even if he doesn't play, he should still be there coaching the forwards and breakaways.
last time we played the Lions, we had quite a few debutants or 2-3 cappers, and they turned out to be crucial (Harrison, Smith etc). However, we also had people like John Eales, Gregan, Kefu, Burke, Roff etc.
World class, big names with lots of experience. We're very short on them at the moment, I would hold only Moore, Horwill, Genia, and Beiber in that 'very experienced but ALSO world class".
Smith has got to be there, even if he doesn't play. Hooper and Gill will need all the help they can get.
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
And Bieber is likely to cancel out all that experience and class by being selected at flyhalf..........
Brumbieman
Dick Tooth (41)
And Bieber is likely to cancel out all that experience and class by being selected at flyhalf....
All hail Dingo.
Gnostic
Mark Ella (57)
This idea of no capping newbies for the Lions or in Bledisloe matches is just rubbish. In 1998 Tom Bowman played his best ever game in a Wallaby jersey on début at Eden Park of all places I think it was. Other players have been capped for the first time in pressure cooker games. What is missing from modern Wallaby sides is a definite structure that incoming players can fit into and know their role. Too many times under Deans a newbie (and not so newbie) has started and looked lost as they had no idea where they fit in the plan.
I agree with Brumbieman, except I do not rate JOC (James O'Connor) as world class. He is another AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), journeyman jack of all trades, master of none. A very very good attribute to have in a side, but not too many of them.
I agree with Brumbieman, except I do not rate JOC (James O'Connor) as world class. He is another AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), journeyman jack of all trades, master of none. A very very good attribute to have in a side, but not too many of them.
Brumbieman
Dick Tooth (41)
Just like AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), if he gets put in one position and left there, for both his Super rugby side and the Wallabies, he would go down as one of the best players to ever play rugby.
I personally think that position should be at 13, where he combines the midfield/centre aspect of getting his hands on the ball a lot, and the outside backs where he has the space to run and open up.
Conrad Smith does it for NZ and the Canes: He plays the smart angles, and acts almost like a 2nd playmaker, but running in much more space. Nonu gives them the go forward at 12 to get them over the advantage line, set a quick recycle, and then attack a disorganised defence.
Beiber would be PERFECT for us in the same mould. A direct 12 to hold the defence, run straight off Cooper and give us go forward/granite in defence (and organise the defence), and Beiber at 13 to take the long ball off Cooper or Lealiifano and attack the 13 channel with lots of space (provided by having a straight running 12, rather than a crab looking for holes by running sideways) and support runners.
I can't think of a more nightmarish situation than that for a defender: Beiber hitting a long floating pass at PACE, with space, and players like Beale, Tomane, Speight, Mogg, Ioane and Folau running on his shoulder.
Rassie
Trevor Allan (34)
That was back in 2001. NFL linebacker skills weren't so much needed back then. I can show you what experience can create.
On the right hand side of De Villiers run. Burger putting one over Pocock to create a 7 pointer for SA.
Roundawhile
Billy Sheehan (19)
I have always had the utmost respect for George, one of the best players Australia has ever had, an absolute pleasure to watch.
But
He is currently contracted overseas, ergo he should not play. I don't care about his reputation, ability, boost to the team or any other excuse. He is contracted therefore he should not be eligible.
For once I want the ARU to have some guts and make a long term stand, not a short term copout.
But
He is currently contracted overseas, ergo he should not play. I don't care about his reputation, ability, boost to the team or any other excuse. He is contracted therefore he should not be eligible.
For once I want the ARU to have some guts and make a long term stand, not a short term copout.
suckerforred
Chilla Wilson (44)
Just saw this....
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport.../story-fnbzn566-1226622820201?from=public_rss
Considering it was reported that Genia wanted the option of a sabatical to play overseas I reckon he would be more than a little filthy if George does get the go ahead. And who could blame him...
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport.../story-fnbzn566-1226622820201?from=public_rss
Considering it was reported that Genia wanted the option of a sabatical to play overseas I reckon he would be more than a little filthy if George does get the go ahead. And who could blame him...
kiap
Steve Williams (59)
When Will Genia has played 100 tests then he can ask for a sabbatical. He's been in the Wallabies 4 years. Take the case to the Players Association.
Love the bloke as a player but it's not up to him to be making public proclamations about selection decisions. He's not a selector or an administrator and it's not a good look.
Genia would do himself a favour if he STFU and left his talking on the field.
Scoey
Tony Shaw (54)
Wow 3 people!? I stand corrected. That is the sum total of all of the concern.
Quick Hands
David Wilson (68)
Many on this thread have highlighted the fact that Smith is on a contract to a foreign club. (As are Burgess and now Mitchell by the way) I'd like to know what exactly the terms of this contract are. Is he for example a 12 month of the year employee or is he free to seek employment elsewhere between the end of one Japanese season and the next? If so, this would technically make him available to play during the Australian season. We are consistently reminded about contractual technicalities on this thread, but the terms of the contract in question don't seem to have been discussed.
If this process has shown anything, it is that the ARU need to spell out in black and white that in order to play for the Wallabies during the Australian rugby season, you must have a Super Rugby contract and be playing for an Australian super rugby team during that season. No grey areas, everyone knows where they stand.
If this process has shown anything, it is that the ARU need to spell out in black and white that in order to play for the Wallabies during the Australian rugby season, you must have a Super Rugby contract and be playing for an Australian super rugby team during that season. No grey areas, everyone knows where they stand.
The ARU position is clear. You have to be signed with the ARU to be eligible to be selected for Australia. All Australian eligible Super Rugby players have a contract with the ARU. Realistically, anyone below Super Rugby level that is Australian qualified is also eligible.
Burgess' contract expires at the end of the Top 14 competition (which is 1st of June if his team make the final). Mitchell's contract is for next season and will start when the ARU releases him from his contract (which will either be at the end of the Super Rugby season if they decide he is surplus to requirements (which would mean they don't need to pay his Wallaby top up) or would be at the end of the Spring Tour.
The Red Baron
Chilla Wilson (44)
Contract skullduggery aside, my firm belief is that if the player is playing in Australia, then he should be eligible for the Wallabies. Rather than engaging in the complicated politics of contractual analysis and obligation, why can't we just call a spade a spade?
Yes, George Smith has a contract with Suntory. However, he is also playing in Australia.
Mountains/molehills people.
Yes, George Smith has a contract with Suntory. However, he is also playing in Australia.
Mountains/molehills people.
Bruwheresmycar
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
Not sure why Smith would want to come back (I know, Lions tests are the pinnacle of test rugby). But surely there is a sense of "I've had my fun, time to pass the baton onto the next guys"? It's the era of Gill/Hooper/Pocock, if we were ever ready to move into a new generation of backrowers, it's right now. I hope the coaches back these guys.
So if key Wallabies decide that it would be far more lucrative for them to skip the EOYT and spend the off season in Japan, then we should be fine with that?
I really feel that the ARU needs to either open the floodgates and say that people are free to do what they want but as long as they are here when the Super Rugby season is on they will be eligible for the Wallabies or they should stick with their existing rule and not select Smith to play for the Wallabies as he has an existing foreign contract.
The absence of Pocock can't be considered a crisis that requires a special exemption for George Smith. Sure he's a Wallaby legend, but the ARU needs to be consistent.
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