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

[fatprop]

I assume you're right re it being about scrummaging but is Kepu really stronger in the scrum than TT in 2019?? No doubt Kepu put in a much better scrum performance than TT did against Samoa, but other than that I would say hands down TT has been more effective in the scrums this year than Kepu, who seems to have started a slow decline and I dare say his best days are gone. and that's not even taking into account his general play around the field.

I'm hoping it's just Cheika's way of making it clear to the front rowers 'you get your set piece right first and foremost or your not in the side'

Kepu is Kepu he is our most experienced THP ever, he is effective at scrum time, and has been all season and has been effective around the field.

I think TT's lack of experience at handling and adapting vs Samoa is the issue, as Cheika said above, they went for experience

 

[Braveheart81]

I'd be more concerned about the number of Rebels in the "finishers".....

They always seem to start well, but... ya know?

We're using the ones that started games well to finish for us instead so it will be sweet. Logic 101.

 

[Adam84]

Kepu is Kepu he is our most experienced THP ever, he is effective at scrum time, and has been all season and has been effective around the field.

I think TT's lack of experience at handling and adapting vs Samoa is the issue, as Cheika said above, they went for experience

Personally I didn’t like the Kepu selection, he was selected based on what he offered 4 years ago, not what he is today. Still deserves to be in the squad, but he is 3rd to AA and TT these days

 

[Braveheart81]

Personally I didn’t like the Kepu selection, he was selected based on what he offered 4 years ago, not what he is today. Still deserves to be in the squad, but he is 3rd to AA and TT these days

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.

 

[Brumby Runner]

The big difference is that Uelese and Latu are big units that add a lot at set piece, particularly scrum time. Hopefully their lineout work is up to scratch. I’m sure all three will get a lot of minutes throughout the tournament.

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.

 

[Brumby Runner]

'though quite a small virus, with only 3 waratahs in the squad of 23.

Latu, Kepu, Hooper and Beale. Accuracy? But I do concede the numbers for this test are well down on usual since three heads are present at the selection table.

 

[Braveheart81]

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.

 

[Dctarget]

TT has been left clueless by some more experienced props, he has good body height and can drive under, but if they bore in or twist him out, he’s been in trouble before.

Uelese provides a lot around the park, at school boy level (not that long ago) he was a very capable six.

 

[Micheal]

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.

BR would be a great addition to the Trump Whitehouse.

Or to Dismal Pillock's Travelling Circus.

Not sure what the difference is tbh.

 

[Silverado]

I assume you're right re it being about scrummaging but is Kepu really stronger in the scrum than TT in 2019?? No doubt Kepu put in a much better scrum performance than TT did against Samoa, but other than that I would say hands down TT has been more effective in the scrums this year than Kepu, who seems to have started a slow decline and I dare say his best days are gone. and that's not even taking into account his general play around the field.

I'm hoping it's just Cheika's way of making it clear to the front rowers 'you get your set piece right first and foremost or your not in the side'

Yes Kepu is better at scrum time for mine. TT will get his chance but did himself no favours against Samoa

 

[Silverado]

I mean the attitude of the supporters.

There's bugger all Waratahs supporters on these forums thanks in no small part to toxic comments like that

 

[BDA]

Surely there is already a separate thread dedicated to the national selectors' state bias?

 

[Silverado]

Surely there is already a separate thread dedicated to the national selectors' state bias?

No point of a new thread. There isn't any rational bias. Time for everyone to pull together for the Wallabies

 

[Scoey]

Yeah park the parochial crap please or at least keep it to the general Wallabies threads that make it easier to give a wide berth to. This is a match thread. I hope you lot are all just a bit tetchy before the RWC kicks off and you settle down a tad after tonight. This is really depressing. Its the fucking World Cup! Get excited FFS!!

 

[Sully]

Just a reminder before the cup starts not to mention results from other games in Match threads for 24 hours after the game is played. Some people a waiting to watch recordings.

 

[Spruce Moose]

Just to fill the few hours left before kick off, just watched this on Youtube:

Really got me excited to see Pocock do what he does best tomorrow.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

We're going to miss him when he's gone.

 

[cyclopath]

I mean the attitude of the supporters.

You're really just trolling now. Might be worth stopping.

 

[I like to watch]

There's bugger all Waratahs supporters on these forums thanks in no small part to toxic comments like that

Hmmm, it’s the Tahs organisation, not toxic opposition supporters that have been robbing me of my will to live the past few years.....

 

[Bobby Sands]

You're really just trolling now. Might be worth stopping.

5 different people laughed at his post, including you.

Please block me, and I will do the same.

Cheers.