Yeah? We've just had Frisby play a couple of okay games in gold, we've had the young Stirzaker beg for a jersey last year (there's no reason he can't get back there next year sans injury), we gave a young Powell a crack in the squad earlier this year, and from the NRC we have Gordon and Lucas looking bloody good. I'd say 9 was our deepest position.
I'd say we're right, it's just about picking the right 1 or 2 to throw some development behind.
Do any of those guys have a great running game though? I swear sniping runs from Aussie 9's are a rarity these days - apart from a couple from Genia recently but still not the running threat he used to be.
I'm not a fan of phipps but you can't really blame his pass here. Lack of good support play is probably the wallabies biggest general play issue right now, and that's as much a problem when phipps isn't on the field as when he is. Additionally it's always felt to me that phipps passing is at its worst when he has to wait and has time to think, he does his best work when he can keep his high tempo rhythm going.
Do any of those guys have a great running game though? I swear sniping runs from Aussie 9's are a rarity these days - apart from a couple from Genia recently but still not the running threat he used to be.
I would have to disagree in one respect. There are no where near the number of poor passes, misdirected passes, passes to no-one from the No 9 when Genia is in the position. Lack of support play is a problem in the outside backs, but hardly ever does the half back, including Phipps, not have an option to pass to.
Kind of. For each point of accuracy we get from Genia, we add a touch of slow and two side steps, which forces 10 deeper as a rush defence consumes. The problems build away from 9.
I'm not saying that Genia is not brilliant, or doesnt deserve the 9 jersey by a country mile.
But I'd like to test an in form Quade (he's not there yet). The conversation goes like this, "OK mate, you're outside Phipps. The ball will come fast and scatty. That's YOUR problem. Deal with it or ditch." And see what happens.
Of course you'd have to coach a two speed Phipps, one for the pigs (sorry Phipps, you'll have to be on target) and a pin ball to QC (Quade Cooper).
I would have to disagree in one respect. There are no where near the number of poor passes, misdirected passes, passes to no-one from the No 9 when Genia is in the position. Lack of support play is a problem in the outside backs, but hardly ever does the half back, including Phipps, not have an option to pass to.
We all speak about those 2 steps like it's a mistake in Genia's game, it's coached into him to interest the ruck defenses and create overlaps or gaps.
Yeah? We've just had Frisby play a couple of okay games in gold, we've had the young Stirzaker beg for a jersey last year (there's no reason he can't get back there next year sans injury), we gave a young Powell a crack in the squad earlier this year, and from the NRC we have Gordon and Lucas looking bloody good. I'd say 9 was our deepest position.
I'd say we're right, it's just about picking the right 1 or 2 to throw some development behind.
The All Blacks Test falls outside of the international window, which means Stade Francais are not obligated to release Genia for the match. There is no suggestion Stade Francais have recalled Genia, but the Wallabies are considering sending him back to Paris anyway to maintain good relations with the French club.
In Genia's case, how often does the recipient look swamped? And Quade's case, how often to players outside of him get cramped and run out of space?