RWC Pool D: Wallabies v Fiji, Sat 21st September, 2.45pm AEST, Sapporo Dome

[Slim 293]

The Wallabies had to bring in a selection panel so that the selections weren't so Tah-Centric!!

Anyway, Richmond just won, so I am off to have a few beers.

Good night gents.

Ah, a Tigers supporter..........

That explains the feral nature of the last few pages.

 

[Joe Blow]

JB I can accept that Jordan Uelese offers more bulk at scrum time, but both Latu and Fainga'a are listed as 1.76m with Latu 110kg and FF (Folau Fainga'a) 106kg. Hardly enough to make a difference in a 900kg unit.

I am an unabashed Uelese fan. As you know I have been beating his drum for a while. He offers the size and strength of a young TPN.
Latu has been a surprise packet when given the most recent opportunity and if his discipline remains in check is a top line test rake. FF (Folau Fainga'a) is on the improve but both he and BPA failed to cement the starting spot recently. I think he is lacking just a little size. He’s a very good player, particularly at Super level. Still not quite there at test level.
Using bulk is another matter. Latu plays beyond his weight. Tough as nails.

 

[Slim 293]

Still not quite there at test level.

I would say the same thing about Uelese though.........

 

[Joe Blow]

I would say the same thing about Uelese though...

Absolutely. But his his potential upside is there.
I think we have seen that physically he belongs.

 

[Slim 293]

Absolutely. But his his potential upside is there.
I think we have seen that physically he belongs.

I would say the same thing about Fainga'a though.........

 

[Joe Blow]

I would say the same thing about Fainga'a though...

Yes. He doesn’t quite have the size to dominate at scrum time a la TPN or Uelese.

All three will be given ample opportunity through this campaign.

 

[Slim 293]

Yes. He doesn’t quite have the size to dominate at scrum time a la TPN or Uelese.

That's a strange observation, taking into account Fainga'a's dominant scrummaging over the last two seasons.........

Are you sure you're not thinking of Saia Fainga'a?

 

[Joe Blow]

Slim, we are going around in circles. I know he is a Brumby and his Super Rugby form has been stellar. It just has not yet translated into the same at test level. It may well in short order.

 

[Slim 293]

It just has not yet translated into the same at test level. It may well in short order.

I would say the same thing about Uelese though...

we are going around in circles.

 

[KOB1987]

So it's Cheika's bias leaving Brumbies out of the RWC squad and matchday 23 but good selecting by the trio of selectors to only have 4 Waratahs in the 23? Got it.

Post of the week

 

[Adam84]

At scrumtime this season though, Tupou has been found out to a reasonable degree. He was the most penalised player in Super Rugby and has had a few struggles in the tests too.

Sure no one is arguing TT is without his flaws, Kepu also has his flaws which are mostly around his ageing body and not being the player he once was. Based on their form the last 18months, TT is ny preferred prop over Kepu. I think Kepu has been selected for his reputation on what he offered in 2015, again not saying he is a bad prop.

 

[Derpus]

Kepu also gives away a lazy/dumb penalty every match without fail.

Love the bloke but would prefer TT.

 

[Silverado]

Kepu also gives away a lazy/dumb penalty every match without fail.

Love the bloke but would prefer TT.

They both have penalties in them, but TTs are more dumb than lazy

 

[Viking]

Kepu also gives away a lazy/dumb penalty every match without fail.

Love the bloke but would prefer TT.

Kepu has been lazy at times, I feel TT plays with more aggression and passion.

 

[Up the Guts]

I feel there's far too much analysis going into the selection of a couple of reserves against Fiji. Wouldn't surprise me if they're trying to give Uelese/Keps some game time against competitive opposition or if FF (Folau Fainga'a) or 'Nela are carrying niggles.

Either way, I don't think the reserve hooker selection against Fiji is worth getting hot under the collar about. Only a few more hours to go now, looking forward to it.

 

[fatprop]

Kepu also gives away a lazy/dumb penalty every match without fail.

Love the bloke but would prefer TT.

only when he is required to do long minutes, Keps will be fine finishing for 30

 

[Up the Guts]

Why are we waiting for the Fijians to go through a second warmup?

 

[Derpus]

Hodge sucks.

 

[Bobby Sands]

Ah, a Tigers supporter....

That explains the feral nature of the last few pages.

Yes, quite.

 

[Tomikin]

Jesus