Lions Tour 2013

[dudebudstud]

Also although it has been knocked back I am excited by the idea of having Pocock and Hooper on the field at the same time. Some say they both offer the same thing in terms of fetching, but I would say that's a good thing. And despite Hooper's smaller size he more than makes up for it in terms of mongrel and ball running. I would say he's more of a presence at 6 than Denis or Higginbotham.

As for the lineout I think having 3 jumper is fine (Horwill, Timani and Palu)

 

[Slim 293]

One specialist jumper and no one to call it?

Ouch.........

 

[dudebudstud]

One specialist jumper and no one to call it?

Ouch...

I haven't paid much attention to the lineout to be honest. Doesn't Horwill usually call the lineouts? and Aren't Timani and Horwill usually jumpers? Not sure if Palu is a typical jumper

 

[Sandpit Fan]

Leaves us a bit light for lineout targets doesn't it? I can see the attraction, the scrum should be alright with that pack, but Kev is the best of a bad selection when it comes to lineouts, and he doesn't get many called to him at the Reds.

Sent from my XT910 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Neil]

My Wallabies Team for Lions:
1. Benn Robinson
2. Stephen Moore
3. Ben Alexander
4. Sitaleki Timani
5. James Horwill
6. Hugh Mcmeniman
7. David Pocock
8. Wycliff Palu
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Digby Ioane
12. James O'Connor
13. Adam Ashley Cooper
14. Israel Folau
15. Kurtley Beale

16. Tatafu Polatau Nau
17. Sekope Kepu
18. Kane Douglas
19. Michael Hooper
20. Nic White
21. Berrick Barnes
22. Nic Cummins
23. Dan Palmer

Obviously Mcmeniman and Folau are controversial but with a full super rugby season behind them I think they would be up to speed. I believe this team could physically match the Lions upfront, whilst the backline could tear anyone to shreds with the amount of X factor there. Plenty of water to go under the bridge mind you !!

 

[Penguin]

But they won't have a full season of Super Rugby behind them, the Lions tour is in the June test window whilst the Super season is on hold.
Far too early to be making a call on Folau by then. McMeniman is of course a chance if he can stay fit.

 

[dudebudstud]

McMeniman in the starting lineup over Hooper?! Hooper has had a brilliant season, it's a crime to leave him on the bench

 

[Neil]

McMeniman in the starting lineup over Hooper?! Hooper has had a brilliant season, it's a crime to leave him on the bench

Against a Lions pack it would be fraught with danger to start with two opensides - much rather absorb and dish out the physicality and then employ Hoopers explosiveness in the last 25-30

 

[TOCC]

McMeniman in the starting lineup over Hooper?! Hooper has had a brilliant season, it's a crime to leave him on the bench

Hooper will be competing for positions with Pocock, not McMenimen... I dread the day Auatralia starts 2 opensides against a team like the lions

 

[Neil]

The beauty of this seasons injury woes also highlights the increased depth when everyone is fit and firing. Players like Tomane, White, Lealifano, Palmer and Mccabe from the Brumbies have suffered injuries throughout the year, however they may be knocking the selectors door down come June for inclusion in the 23.
Add to that the likes of Cooper and O'Connor returning I think we are in a much better position then many oz rugby circles currently believe

 

[Lindommer]

I'm putting forth this team for the Wallabies: 3. Alexander

Not until Ben plays a significantly increased amount of time at THP for the Ponies. He played well in the open these last few tests but his scummagging left a bit to be desired.

Same goes for Slipper. Or should that be vice versa? 1? 3? Fuck, even I'm confused where these two fatties are supposed to pack down.

 

[Braveheart81]

Besides the return of Genia, Horwill and O'Connor, I doubt there will be any great changes to the Wallabies for the Lions. There just isn't enough Super Rugby season for fringe players to get a look in. Even O'Connor could end up playing off the bench.

I think Cooper is a chance of being in the 23 and will certainly be part of the squad but I'd be surprised if he shifts Beale out of the 10 jersey.

 

[kiap]

I am excited by the idea of having Pocock and Hooper on the field at the same time.

Starting with two dwarfs. Nah.

I'm putting forth this team for the Wallabies: 3. Alexander

Benny A is not even the best THP at the Brumbies.

Aren't Timani and Horwill usually jumpers?

Timani needs to develop this to at least be an option. He's not much of a jumper at all now.

 

[KevinO]

Besides the return of Genia, Horwill and O'Connor, I doubt there will be any great changes to the Wallabies for the Lions. There just isn't enough Super Rugby season for fringe players to get a look in. Even O'Connor could end up playing off the bench.

I think Cooper is a chance of being in the 23 and will certainly be part of the squad but I'd be surprised if he shifts Beale out of the 10 jersey.

Leave Beale at 10 and Play O'Connor at 15. Can't give him his first taste of 12 at a International level against the Lions, he has not played well enough at 12 to become a Test 12 anyway. Depending on who the 12 and 13 combo's in the Lions squad would depend on who you choose, McCabe for his defensive efforts which will be needed with Tuilagi in the Lions.

 

[Braveheart81]

I can't see Bieber playing 12 against the Lions either. He has had so little rugby in the last year. I think he will be pushing for a wing or a bench spot. I can't really see him being picked anywhere else for the Lions tests in June.

I think Beale and Barnes have the inside running for 10 and 15. Both have performed pretty well in those positions and I think we are likely to persist with it. Barnes has plenty to work on in his game in particular his general play kicking, but I think his positional play to field balls on the full, work under the high ball and defence have been the best we've seen from a Wallaby fullback in a while.

Players like Lealiifano have to be long shots to play against the Lions. Even if Lealo again proves to be the form 10 in Super Rugby in the first part of the season, I doubt that will enable him to make his test debut at 10 against the Lions. It just isn't going to happen.

 

[flat_eric]

You all seem to be overlooking QC (Quade Cooper). Given the money he has just been offered it would be silly to think the ARU are not going to pick him for the starting side.

I'm calling a Genia/Cooper renaissance, of the likes we have only seen in red jumpers. Beale at fullback. Barnes at inside.

 

[cyclopath]

We could get away with Timani not jumping if we have jumpers playing 6 and 8, but we can't have Hooper and Pocock on together with Timani and Horwill leaving maybe only Palu as a jumper. We'd get decimated at the lineouts. Players like Higgers and Dennis (and maybe McMenimen) are so valuable for this ability. Plus, the elephant in the lineout is the lack of a good caller. A lot to be sorted with Sharpe going.

 

[Braveheart81]

You all seem to be overlooking QC (Quade Cooper). Given the money he has just been offered it would be silly to think the ARU are not going to pick him for the starting side.

I'm calling a Genia/Cooper renaissance, of the likes we have only seen in red jumpers. Beale at fullback. Barnes at inside.

I'm not overlooking him. I just don't think his new contract guarantees that he is a first choice selection.

I definitely think Cooper will play for the Wallabies in 2013 and quite possibly will be part of the matchday 23 against the Lions however if Beale and Barnes are fit, I doubt he will be in the starting side in June.

 

[cyclopath]

If Cooper tears it up in Super Rugby, and if Genia is fit by the Lions (still a big if, and a bigger issue than 10 for me) then a Genia - Cooper combo would be hard to resist.
I think we'll see Cooper acquit himself much better defensively next year, a facet he seemed to be improving this year.
I have not minded Beale at 10, but he is still far more dangerous at 15.
We'll see.

 

[kiap]

I definitely think Cooper will play for the Wallabies in 2013 and quite possibly will be part of the matchday 23 against the Lions however if Beale and Barnes are fit, I doubt he will be in the starting side in June.

Might depend a bit on Robbie's tenure, too.