whitefalcon
Phil Hardcastle (33)
What happened to McDermott? How is he injured when he played 70ish mins
Rugby Championship 2025: Wallabies v Argentina
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Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
With Gleeson having already been dropped for the last game it's entirely possible he stays out of the side. Schmidt did prefer to go with Hooper as a lock option last time Skelton was unavailable, but this being a bit more permanent an unavailability may he's keen on a more permanent solution.
Tomikin
Michael Lynagh (62)
Didnt he have an injury that meant he might have to retire?
Slim 293
George Smith (75)
He couldn't be subbed off...
Slim 293
George Smith (75)
I never did read as to why Schmidt opted for CDC for the last match, and whether it was related to the change with Wilson out/Valetini in... but regardless it will be interesting to see what direction they go with.
It's a nice change to one of those players potentially missing out because of the competition.
parkfootyenthusiast2
Alfred Walker (16)
This is what I'd do, I think Frost and Williams, whilst both technically great players, get pushed around too much physicality as a pairing for the majority of a game. In Joe we trust though.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
The big body lock improves it for Frost and Williams but also means the opposition always have an eye on where the wrecking ball is.
Lions and Springboks had to be aware of where Skelton was because he's going to come in a wreck shit. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) did it in every game he played v the Lions as well. Anything that can marginally alter the oppositions performance and improve our position in the game we should be doing.
Lions and Springboks had to be aware of where Skelton was because he's going to come in a wreck shit. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) did it in every game he played v the Lions as well. Anything that can marginally alter the oppositions performance and improve our position in the game we should be doing.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
He shouldn't and I don't think completely is, but when they are paired together he doesn't give the same support to Frost as the other two can. He offers a robust game as fatigue sets in that can really benefit the 23.
Williams has been great and really shows that the big guys need time to develop. He's only 24 so still developing but only really kicked into gear in the pro game at 23ish which is still young. Ryan Smith seemed to take a leap around 25-26
Williams has been great and really shows that the big guys need time to develop. He's only 24 so still developing but only really kicked into gear in the pro game at 23ish which is still young. Ryan Smith seemed to take a leap around 25-26
Major Tom
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
Like Frost he's your mobile 2nd rower. Just like Tate I wouldn't be taking him off the bench because I think he knows exactly his role, and he's got the skills to impact games in the 2nd half.
I reckon Frost will need a break soon, I think he's been playing close to 80 each game. Williams to start when that happens.
Wilson
Tim Horan (67)
Canham or Swain, they're the two who've previously been in squads (but unused) this year. I don't see how Phillip coming into play this year without more injuries. Maybe if he knocks the lights out in Super AU.
Tomthumb
Peter Johnson (47)
Joe Schmidt said after the game he hurt his ankle in the 25th minute and battled through because he had to. Probably why he wasnt as nippy around the rucks
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
I think the obvious Skelton replacement is LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto). Williams is a completely different physical profile.
Tomthumb
Peter Johnson (47)
LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is a different physical profile too, and doesn't play anything like Skelton
Mark Panga
Stan Wickham (3)
Agreed. Also LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is a solid-as-a-rock TH lock. His size and skill in the scrum are needed. With Skelton out, he's the next best to keep our scrum solid. It's not just about the THP.
Mark Panga
Stan Wickham (3)
Again, agreed. Our quite young bench has worked so well in the last three games. They bring energy, fitness and zip. They take the tempo up - and it works.
Major Tom
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
Kellaway -> Wright
LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) -> Skelton
McReight - Wilson (if fit) - Valetini
Bench
Williams and Hooper
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
I'd expect Nic to start at 9 if fit. Maybe only chance for Lonergan is if Tate's ankle proves to be a problem.
JOC (James O'Connor) has been the most effective No 10 (apart from last game goal kicking - with a bung ankle if reports are right) and imo should start again. I would be happy for Edmed to come off the bench on the strength of his half a game in Cape Town, but I think Joe is more likely to go with Tom Lynagh, maybe even starting. That would be a backward step in my opinion.
JOC (James O'Connor) has been the most effective No 10 (apart from last game goal kicking - with a bung ankle if reports are right) and imo should start again. I would be happy for Edmed to come off the bench on the strength of his half a game in Cape Town, but I think Joe is more likely to go with Tom Lynagh, maybe even starting. That would be a backward step in my opinion.