Sam Wykes

[Ali's Choice]

I've never been a big fan Wykes, but last night I thought he was very impressive. His workrate and mobility are both excellent for a big man. He gets through a tonne of work defensively and he's also a very good support player. There is just something about him that suggests he's got a long future as an International Rugby player. I think he has a real future for the Wallabies as a shorter lock who jumps at the front of the lineout, or as a tall blindside flanker.

BTW, I think the 'planking' phase is potentially very dangerous and has already claimed lives in Australia in recent weeks, but I have to admit that I did laugh when he celebrated his crucial 5 pointer with a post-try 'plank'.

 

[GC]

Seeing him and Sharpie standing next to each other, he certainly is a lot shorter. Does seem more suited to 6. He is developing his running game and has been excellent this year and would be a smokey for the world cup squad.

 

[Ali's Choice]

Seeing him and Sharpie standing next to each other, he certainly is a lot shorter. Does seem more suited to 6. He is developing his running game and has been excellent this year and would be a smokey for the world cup squad.

He's listed as 197cm on his Force profile. I think he could continue to play lock if he wanted, but to me he could be an absolute standout as a blindside flanker. Perhaps the ability to play both positions could be his niche?

 

[Slim 293]

He's certainly amongst a group of really good young lock/blindside flankers coming through with Simmons, Dennis, Kimlin and Pyle...

 

[Reddy!]

BTW, I think the 'planking' phase is potentially very dangerous and has already claimed lives in Australia in recent weeks

Unrelated to the topic I know, but there is nothing at all wrong with planking. It's when people are blind drunk and decide to plank on their balcony balustrade that's the problem. I haven't heard any one speak up against alcohol yet.

Anyway, Wykes goes alright ay. How old is he? He has been around for a few years now. And whatever happened to Hockings at the Force?

 

[fatprop]

Wykes looks a good option for the bench lock/backrower spot for the Wallabies that Mumm plays often

 

[qwerty51]

Unrelated to the topic I know, but there is nothing at all wrong with planking. It's when people are blind drunk and decide to plank on their balcony balustrade that's the problem. I haven't heard any one speak up against alcohol yet.

Anyway, Wykes goes alright ay. How old is he? He has been around for a few years now. And whatever happened to Hockings at the Force?

Completely agree, it's just Darwinism at work.

Wykes is alright, I still question his ability in the lineout a little.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Sam has really taken a step forward this year and it's been great to watch. He's hugely athletic and skilful for a bloke of his size and I tend to agree that at international level he'd be more of a big 6 than a lock. He's been my player of the season for the Force.

 

[Ruggo]

Can he play number 8?

His season to date has been sensational. Suprised a bit that they didn't cheat a bit and measure his height from the top of his hair do down.

 

[Gnostic]

Wykes has stepped up this year and found some consistancy which has been what he has missed in the past. That and the fact he has avoided injury has helped him get plenty of game time.

 

[Newb]

it's the power of the fro. he got rid of those horrible braids and other forms of hair "sculpture" he was fond of.

 

[kiap]

I've never been a big fan Wykes, but last night I thought he was very impressive. His workrate and mobility are both excellent for a big man. He gets through a tonne of work defensively and he's also a very good support player. There is just something about him that suggests he's got a long future as an International Rugby player. I think he has a real future for the Wallabies as a shorter lock who jumps at the front of the lineout, or as a tall blindside flanker.

BTW, I think the 'planking' phase is potentially very dangerous and has already claimed lives in Australia in recent weeks, but I have to admit that I did laugh when he celebrated his crucial 5 pointer with a post-try 'plank'.

Have you been reading my posts elsewhere, AC? :laugh:

Agree. He shapes a much better prospect than Mumm in that sort of role.

 

[tigerland12]

He has improved so much this year. He'd have to be in contention for the 4th Lock spot for the world cup. The form he is in surley has him above Mumm and Chisholm in the pecking order

 

[Slash]

He's certainly amongst a group of really good young lock/blindside flankers coming through with Simmons, Dennis, Kimlin and Pyle...

Dennis?

 

[Slash]

He has improved so much this year. He'd have to be in contention for the 4th Lock spot for the world cup. The form he is in surley has him above Mumm and Chisholm in the pecking order

totally agree. Mumm is the most over rated forward in Australia. Can't believe he is stand in skipper

 

[qwerty51]

totally agree. Mumm is the most over rated forward in Australia. Can't believe he is stand in skipper

He's really not.

 

[Gnostic]

Mowen before Dennis. Mowen's lineout work is better and he is just as good in the carry.

 

[Shiggins]

I've been saying it from round 3. Wykes deserves a starting spot in the wallabies. But saying that it's going too be hard too fit him in. The bench looks good for him though covering 4 5 and 6.


Go the force!!!!

 

[DPK]

Thread has reached hyperbole.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Shigs, no way he is Wallaby starting material at present. Surely Sharpie and Kev are the guys there, with Elsom or Higgers at 6. I'd like to see him get some squad time though, along with Hugh Pyle from the Rebs.