Guys, just re BB. Aren't we falling into the unjustified optimism trap re all these 'just returning' players? We have watched Rocky take, what, 4-5 Tests to get back to 'acceptable but not stellar' form (and he went downhill v Ireland). TPN: he was a shadow of his 2011 Tahs best form on Saturday and his old throwing problems returned, yes?
The point being: won't it take BB and Drew etc at least 2-3 Tests to (hopefully) get back to a level that's equal to the best we've seen from them in the last two years? Are there not potentially some echoes of 1995 here?
Or are you saying the downside risks of sticking with McCabe at 12 is simply greater than that of having BB back and waiting for him to recover Test match fitness?
I think we have to try something different. If our forwards get beaten and we have to make do with backfoot ball, McCabe and Fainga'a offer nothing. We're left looking for miracle plays from QC (Quade Cooper) and KB (Kurtley Beale).
Having a 12 who can direct the game better and play far better territory gives us something better than the crash ball that just doesn't work if our forwards are going backwards.
We need to be able to still compete if our forwards are being outplayed.
Must say I'm slightly bemused about all this talk of who should be in what backline position when the game against Ireland was lost up front...
I don't think there needs to be really any changes up front either with the exception of Moore and Pocock resuming their places, and at the very least bringing Sharpe to the bench.
And, of course, attempting to influence what is happening on the park by actually using said reserves before the 75 minute chasing-the-game flurry of desperation.
And, of course, attempting to influence what is happening on the park by actually using said reserves before the 75 minute chasing-the-game flurry of desperation.
Both teams have to get there first.
What good is tactical kicking if the forwards aren't going to put any pressure on them?