Reds v Crusaders - Round 6

[Hogan]

I fail to see what JOC (James O'Connor) could add to a Wallabies team/squad. Average at best tonight. Some ordinary options taken.
He is too slow and just shuffles the ball out to his backs.
Surely it is time to move on from him.
Those calling for his selection in the upcoming Wallabies squad are way off the mark.

 

[Silverado]

Agreed, it would be stupid if he made a Wallabies squad, has had enough time to deliver on 'potential'. Despite playing for the Brumbies I like Muirhead, seems to have great skills and understands the game.

Also agree, but the ARU will have egg all over their faces for paying so much for a dud. He shouldn't be in the Reds squad let alone the wallabies on that performance

 

[Silverado]

Reds extending contract for Vunivalu was a mistake.

I hope they didn't pay much

 

[Derpus]

I’d be staring Lynagh at 10 and JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) to the bench.

Vunivalu can try for the World Cup from club footy. I’d now take daugunus ill discipline but his work rate over Vunivalu’s lack of interest.

Was Daugunu injured? As far as I can see he's in good form. Wingers always have high turnover rates. Leicester had three tonight and Petaia had two - both head and shoulders above everyone else on the field.

 

[Derpus]

On a positive note Petaia is looking matured. I think he's starting to make good choices as to when to kick or run and is not pushing miracle passes as much.

Id be comfortable seeing him line up anywhere in the Wallabies back three.

 

[Dctarget]

Only watched the extended highlights where Tate appeared a bit, how was the rest of his game? Tate, Wilson & Petaia from this team?

 

[dillyboy]

I fail to see what JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) could add to a Wallabies team/squad. Average at best tonight. Some ordinary options taken.
He is too slow and just shuffles the ball out to his backs.
Surely it is time to move on from him.
Those calling for his selection in the upcoming Wallabies squad are way off the mark.

Annoyed at his body language on the bench when he came off too - he was chatting with Tate all smiles & Tate was looking pissed with how we were doing....

 

[The Phoenix]

Running side to side isn't advancing.

I was at the ground and they were right in front of me - they were advancing.

 

[Slim 293]

Without seeing the state, that had be one of Wilsons best games?

I'm sure his stats are going to look pretty good because to his credit he has a huge engine and is doing a lot of work and he's making metres running out wide, and completing a lot of tackles...

But...

Ultimately, I thought this was another game that showed why he hasn't really progressed, and may miss out again for the Wallabies.

Again, as a ball carrier he's just running straight at defenders and mostly just going straight to ground.

I'm happy to be wrong though, as I was really excited for him back in 2020...

Petaia on the other hand, I feel on current form would be a lock for a Wallaby wing spot.

 

[qwerty51]

Petaia on the other hand, I feel on current form would be a lock for a Wallaby wing spot.

Fullback surely, there's no real other strong contenders. Hard to displace Korobiete and Kellaway (although previous Test form probably counts for 0 with Eddie).

 

[Derpus]

Fullback surely, there's no real other strong contenders. Hard to displace Korobiete and Kellaway (although previous Test form probably counts for 0 with Eddie).

Wright has also looked solid. Id be going 11. MK 14. Petaia 15. Wright until Kellaway gets some rugby into his legs.

Nawaqanitawase to round out the squad.

 

[Slim 293]

Fullback surely, there's no real other strong contenders. Hard to displace Korobiete and Kellaway (although previous Test form probably counts for 0 with Eddie).

I still don't see him as a test fullback... I would be looking at Kellaway or Wright for that spot.

 

[Marce]

Reds extending contract for Vunivalu was a mistake.

It's depends on how much. 50k per year is OK

 

[Marce]

I still don't see him as a test fullback... I would be looking at Kellaway or Wright for that spot.

If you have to face the ABs tomorrow, Wright is the starter 15.

 

[LeCheese]

Ultimately, I thought this was another game that showed why he hasn't really progressed, and may miss out again for the Wallabies.

Again, as a ball carrier he's just running straight at defenders and mostly just going straight to ground.

I’m not sure we watched the same game - I thought his footwork into contact and efforts to hit space, not players, were excellent.

Ultimately the channels where he typically operates will encounter more players than space, so he can’t be expected to make a break every carry - especially when he’s getting doubles teamed as the Reds’ only impact ball carrier at the moment.

 

[Dan54]

And we also almost got it.

I'm done with heroic loss.

Understand that dru, I certainly wonder what is not clicking with the team, you would think they will struggle with the Brumbies next week. They seem to look the same most weeks I have seen them play this year, look to be not too far off, but by end of game I think yeah/naa they still got a fair bit to do. They seem to struggle with staying consistent, scrum looks a little brittle, then after a while transfers to their breakdown etc.

 

[Dan54]

Vunivalu is a waste of space - tell you that much for free. He wouldn't cut in league at the moment either.

He certainly doen't look committed to doing much does he, he bloody slow turning to get back for kicks, or general defence work.
I mudt admit I didn't notive it last night, but had meant to mention in game against Rebels, the young 9 Thomas was incredibly slow at turning in defence inside 22 last week and was giving Rebels space I thought.

 

[Rugrat]

Went to the game and I’m very disappointed. The Reds are not improving. Quite a few players in squad are just not good enough for this level and have had more than enough development time. Thorns days as Reds head coach are over. This team is going backwards. Wilson, Tate. Pataia the only players that are currently worth considering for International level. Flook works hard, great core skills and never stops trying as does McReight. Not questioning effort of all the lads except for Vunivalu he is taking the piss.

 

[PhilClinton]

I agree with many of the posters here, Vunivalu looks disinterested. Slow to get back into position, indecisive in space and generally losing focus as the game goes on.

I guess we can’t blame the bloke, when he first signed two years ago it was for a good chunk of change, the Reds were coming off a good season with lots of young players making the Wallabies. Now he’s spent nearly two years injured, the team has stalled and he signed a new deal worth a lot loss than his original. Looks like the issues now are becoming a headspace one.

 

[RugbyReg]

I'm sure his stats are going to look pretty good because to his credit he has a huge engine and is doing a lot of work and he's making metres running out wide, and completing a lot of tackles...

But...

Ultimately, I thought this was another game that showed why he hasn't really progressed, and may miss out again for the Wallabies.

Again, as a ball carrier he's just running straight at defenders and mostly just going straight to ground.

I'm happy to be wrong though, as I was really excited for him back in 2020...

Petaia on the other hand, I feel on current form would be a lock for a Wallaby wing spot.

Bizarrely you’ve picked his best attacking game to call out this out. He made breaks out wide and through the middle. His support play was outstanding. His deft passing was dangerous all game. He clearly was using his footwork more closer to the defensive line. And as mentioned previously, those times he does just have to take the short hit up for the team, his ability to get quick recycled ball is first class.

It’s just a shame that blinkered perspectives don’t allow some people to see the true story.