Been watching a few of last year's EOYT games as a warm up for this year's games.
As a result, here are five guys who are starting that I think need some big games:
6. Jones - blindside is a bit of an issue for us with Fardy out. Fardy was huge on last year's EOYT, and then came into great form in the last few games of the RC. We need a big, strong blindside who is a real lineout option and can get over the ball, and Jones at least fulfills the first two thirds of that equation, plus I think he is a bit stronger at running the ball into traffic. Here's hoping his starting debut is better than his disappointing cameo off the bench vs France mid-year.
7. Hooper - was huge last year, and earlier in the RC. Been a bit off in the last few games, not really in terms of work effort, but more in terms of impact. Unlike the other four, his position isn't really in question, but a big game will remove a lot of criticism.
10. Foley - struggled in his play around the park for mine. Really needs to do more than just kick goals. Watching last year with Cooper calling the shots and putting in practically error free performances it's a stark contrast. More variety, more chances created, in fact, Cooper created more chances vs Ireland than Foley did vs Wales and France combined. Not to mention less errors and turnovers, Foley put in more errors vs France than Cooper did in all the games I have watched so far - vs Wales, Italy, and Ireland, and you can probably add the 2013 3rd Bledisloe in there for Cooper as well, maybe even the other two EOYT games as well. Only thing Foley has done better so far is kick his goals.
Foley is up against Sexton, a really class player and the best 10 in the NH. It will be a tough ask, but if Foley can put in one of his better games (like the 3rd Bledisloe or Gold Coast Argentina game), then it will lay down the foundation for a Wallabies victory. What I'd like to see from Foley is more variety in attack - inside balls, switches, and so on, and obviously less errors, particularly knock ons and receiving kicks - I think he fluffed nearly every kick reception last week.
I had thought Foley was a body length in front for the WC starting 10, but now I think it's a very close race. Still to see Foley put in an 80 minute effort that rivals Coopers 3rd Bledisloe, Ireland, Wales or Italy games - so the question is will Cooper get a chance to show if he can play like that again, and if Foley has a big game, then Foley can prevent Cooper having much of a chance to show what he has. If Foley struggles a little here, Cooper may get a shot vs England next week.
12. To'omua - gets his first chance this EOYT. Was great last year, but really hit and miss so far. I think he will improve our kicking in play and defence, but questions if he can get the attack going like Lilo can.
14. Speight - finally given a shot, but is still recovering from a hamstring injury for mine. Those are notoriously tricky to get over, as you think you have it licked then it tightens and is gone. Tomane has been pretty good and is a little unlucky to be dropped, so Speight will need a big one to show that he is the guy to start vs England.
If clean ball can find Speight in space, then I think he is a real shot of causing Ireland real headaches.
Others I could have mentioned, like Folau and the locks, but those five I think either need, or are due, a big one.
