BH, my impression of the game was that Donaldson didn't take any of the high balls, at least none of the contestable ones. The game plan seemed to have Gordon, Petaia and Koroibete (of all players) back for the high balls. It simply looked to me that it was intentional to keep BD away from any high kicks.
It is clear to me that we have little chance of beating Wales and therefore progressing with the backline we've been playing. The forwards were outstanding against Georgia and more than serviceable against Fiji. They will hold their own and need minimal change, injuries aside.
The backline is just about the worst functioning I've seen in a Wallabies side. Nic White is not doing the others any favours by overusing the box kick, even though we do seem to win back a fair number of them when Nawaqanitawase chases. Carter Gordon is standing way too deep and is not bringing his game management skills to bear. Both, I'm sure are working to direct instructions from Jones. Kerevi is a mere shadow of his best from a couple of years ago, but even at his best he is a very limited player, Jordan Petaia is so far outclassed in the 13 jersey it isn't funny. His only spot where he seems to make test grade is on the wing. His decision making at 13 when the team is on attack is abysmal. And there must be big questions about his ability to defend the 13 spot too. Today's game it looked like Kerevi had the job of shutting down the Fiji captain, and also seemed to take the lead in directing others in the defensive line. Vunivalu just should not be there. He doesn't offer adequate cover off the bench and we have better wingers in the squad. Ben Donaldson is there for his kicking game, that's all. Tom Wright would have done Tom Wright things, but I'm confident he, and Andrew Kellaway too had he been given a chance, would have set up more than a few attacking raids against Fiji where Donaldson's inclination is to kick it back. His goal kicking however probably keeps him in the 15 jersey for Wales.
I hope Pone is fit Wales. If so, I think he should start and be given instruction to run as hard as he can for as long as he can. James Slipper actually got the better of his opposite LHP this game but should revert to the LH side to back up Bell. Philip contested good in the lineout when he came on and I think ought to replace Arnold in the starting side. Kemeny has to be in the squad for Wales. He should either start at 7 or come off the bench but in any case give McReight a rest from this game to see if a bigger body can do the job.
Going for more attack in the backline, I'd start Fines-Leleiwasa at 9 and Tate, if fit, on the bench. IFL unleashed by Eddie has more attacking nous that Tate imo and certainly a better pass and kicking game when needed. Gordon must be retained at 10 but told to play in the line like he does at the Rebels. We need to attack at every opportunity and BD doesn't give us that option. I think Kerevi has been a disappointment but he's the best we've got at 12. Someone has to leave early this week to allow Len Ikitau to take his rightful spot at 13. Failing that, bring Kellaway into 13, but get Petaia out of there.
So, I'd like to see:
Bell, Porecki, Pone, Frost, Philip, Hooper, Kemeny, Valetini, IFL, Gordon, Koroibete, Kerevi, Ikitau (Kellaway), Nawaqanitawase, Donaldson.
Reserves : Faessler, Slipper, Nonggorr, Arnold, Gleeson, Tate, Kellaway (Petaia), Jorgenson.
