RWC Pool D - Wallabies v Georgia, Friday 11th October, 9.15pm ADST

[fatprop]

I have been disappointed with Kepu's scrumming, probably for most of the year, but certainly in the RWC games he's played. And he is just not half the force he used to be in open play, so on both counts I don't see him as being superior to Tupou atm. I would rather see TT on the bench for the big games.

Funny I have thought TT has been decidedly average around the field this season (I think because he is using much more energy at scrum time)

Kepu is a different animal when he knows he has a budgeted time. For the Tahs he was expected to play 60 to 70 minutes, when he is doing that he manages his efforts in general play for 30-35 minutes is different but not the same standard as TT can be.

The challenge is the next real game is against England, so do we take the the best guy in the loose or the guy more likely to keep the scrum solid? - a tough choice, Eddie will both attack our set piece and try to stop us behind the gain line. So which ever we choose weakens a factor

 

[Brumby Runner]

I largely agree with all of that FP, but Kepu wasn't all that strong at scrum time against Uruguay. How the Wallabies won a scrum penalty when Keps was traveling backwards at some pace was mystifying to me.

 

[fatprop]

I largely agree with all of that FP, but Kepu wasn't all that strong at scrum time against Uruguay. How the Wallabies won a scrum penalty when Keps was traveling backwards at some pace was mystifying to me.

He was at LHP in that game

 

[Derpus]

I largely agree with all of that FP, but Kepu wasn't all that strong at scrum time against Uruguay. How the Wallabies won a scrum penalty when Keps was traveling backwards at some pace was mystifying to me.

Scrum penalties are a mystery to everyone, including the referee.

 

[Spruce Moose]

After a good night of reflection I think this team could be pretty close to the one that faces England, its nearly full strength if you put in AAA and Hooper. If Jordy can play close to a full 80 I think I would prefer him to Hodge for the QF, with Hodge potentially not making the 23.

Sounds like this Typhoon could cause all sorts of strife on the weekend as well with now the England/France plus Scotland/Japan matches now in doubt. Rumors are that they might consider moving them and play in front of empty stadiums instead of abandoning the matches. Could be interesting as obviously would affect who Wallabies play in the QF.

 

[dru]

After a good night of reflection I think this team could be pretty close to the one that faces England, its nearly full strength if you put in AAA and Hooper. If Jordy can play close to a full 80 I think I would prefer him to Hodge for the QF, with Hodge potentially not making the 23.

Sounds like this Typhoon could cause all sorts of strife on the weekend as well with now the England/France plus Scotland/Japan matches now in doubt. Rumors are that they might consider moving them and play in front of empty stadiums instead of abandoning the matches. Could be interesting as obviously would affect who Wallabies play in the QF.

If there is any reasonable way, they have to play the games. And not having a crowd is no ideal answer either.

Ditto for “minnows”. One rule for all.

 

[Up the Guts]

If there is any reasonable way, they have to play the games. And not having a crowd is no ideal answer either.

Ditto for “minnows”. One rule for all.

If they can only move a portion of games but not all of them should they move the portion?

 

[Spruce Moose]

If there is any reasonable way, they have to play the games. And not having a crowd is no ideal answer either.

Ditto for “minnows”. One rule for all.

I think the problem is that those two games are in Yokohama (which is in path of the typhoon atm) which is a 70 000 seat stadium so I don't think they have another stadium that can fit everyone. Don't think its minnows vs tier one, just that Yokohama is where the typhoon will hit and therefore those are the two games that are likely to be affected/abandoned.

 

[Hardtackle]

Can anyone see JP at 13 instead of JOC (James O'Connor) and Hodge on the wing? Hodge's kicks for the line have been a breath of fresh air and one of his biggest attibutes.

 

[formerflanker]

Can anyone see JP at 13 instead of JOC (James O'Connor) and Hodge on the wing? Hodge's kicks for the line have been a breath of fresh air and one of his biggest attibutes.

A huge gamble given JP is untested in this position.
His defence hasn't been put under pressure at this level.
However the advantage is that the opposition can't prepare for him.

 

[A mutterer]

Leave jp on the wing, let him grow into the role before throwing him into the 13. having 2 speedsters on the wing is a refreshing change!

 

[Joe Blow]

Hope to see Petaia get some time at 13 late in the game on the weekend if he is a chance to play in the quarters. Not suggesting he starts anytime at 13 but he will need to cover it.

 

[Purce]

I like the team. Obvious deserved rests for a few players. Glad Dempsey is getting a shot to impress. I like a couple of others think this may be an audition for him v Isi rather than Poey. The Pooper will start against England, Hoops and Poey's natural games just compliment each other perfectly. Shame one isnt 2 inches taller but for me that doesnt come close to negating the massive impact they have on the park together.

I'm still shocked that some people think Poey isnt performing well or needs to be played into form. For those who do I would suggest going back to the Wales or fiji games and just watch him for 10 or 20 mins. Watch how much work he gets through. Watch the obscene number of rucks he hits and has impact at(slowing ball, building pressure). For example in the 1st 10 mins v Wales he has 1 clean steal, 1 forced penalty and he should have been awarded a penalty for the welsh player holding on about 2 phases before the 1st Welsh try(he was all over the ball and actually lifted the Welsh player off the deck, ref didnt blow it). I don't know how many tackles he made but it was a decent amount. Not only a decent amount but he doesnt miss tackles he should make, doesnt get run around. Watch him hit a ruck then make his way across to the other side of the field and make a tacke 1 phase later or hit another couple of rucks and slow down their ball when they are getting over the advantage line. His impact is not just pilfering, the work he does allows others time to reset their defensive line, take half a second to absorb the information in front of them and make a good decision in defense. Personally I think he is invaluable and allows Hooper to play his more natural game of hitting ever runner who moves, cleaning up scraps and having a run in attack.

I was anti Jordy being taken to this RWC, not because he isnt talented enough but because I was worried about him not being sufficiently recovered enough or underdone after his injury this season... which could lead to more injuries and time off when he should be building into 2020. However he is there and it is a world cup. If he is fit he has to start against England. I really dont think there is a comparison between he and Hodge. Jordy could be the trump card we need to beat england, he is essentially a complete unknown. He has stepped up to every challenge laid down before him and I think he would really rise to the occasion in the QF.

 

[Dan54]

If they can only move a portion of games but not all of them should they move the portion?

I think if they move a portion of the games they will only be games that can affect the final placings coming into QFs, I know we think all games should be played (well I do anyway), but if some games can't be played surely they would try and have the ones that are most important.

 

[dru]

Apparently Hooper (a 1st?) and Coleman out. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and Simmons to the bench.

 

[Spruce Moose]

Apparently Hooper (a 1st?) and Coleman out. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and Simmons to the bench.

Yeah confirmed now, both carrying niggles that apparently won't affect them in the QF. Perhaps the result of Wales Fiji plus Typhoons has changed the selectors mind about winning with a BP to try and top the pool.

 

[Bobby Sands]

Leave jp on the wing, let him grow into the role before throwing him into the 13. having 2 speedsters on the wing is a refreshing change!

Isn’t it what, and footy players to boot.

 

[tragic]

This could be our backline against England.

Nah Beale would get murdered at FB against the soap dodgers. DHP is much safer under the high ball. Bench seat for anyone but the minnows.

 

[TSR]

Rob Simmons to reach 100 test caps when he takes the field.

Regardless of the stick he often cops on here that is a fantastic achievement and a testament to how highly he is rated by top level coaches and players. Must be doing something right.

 

[upthereds#!]

Rob Simmons to reach 100 test caps when he takes the field.

Regardless of the stick he often cops on here that is a fantastic achievement and a testament to how highly he is rated by top level coaches and players. Must be doing something right.

I remember when he was partnering Horwill for Reds and Wallabies - was an epic combo at the time.