Scotland v Australia, Murrayfield, 5am 24 Nov 2013

[Tex]

To'omua and the suspensions make this weekend a little trickier than it needed to be but I think we've still got the class across the board to pull it off.

Inclement weather might be a game changer, but failing a repeat of the Newcastle debacle we've still got the cattle.

I wholeheartedly disagree with the calls to move Izzy to 13. CFS has to have his run-on debut at some stage and he's the last one left with specific experience at 13. Tevita has been strong there across the tour, but even he has had the tendency to pop out of the line looking for the big tackle/ intercept. Izzy's a worse offender and starting him there is inviting disaster.

It's one thing to look at a players attacking ability and see them running in the 13 channel, but it's arguably more important that they're a cool head and defensive organiser and strong support runner. That's why Conrad Smith has been so successful. Izzy is light years from that, imo.

 

[Richo]

The only reason I can think of is that Harris is a goal kicking utility who has played 10, 12, 13 and 15.

I wouldn't select him, especially as he had a(nother) injury interrupted year, but I guess he's nice coverage on a tour. My guess is that Link sees something in him as Link ended up preferring Harris to Tapuai when Harris was (very briefly) fit towards the end of the season.

That's all I can think of too. Don't get me wrong, I don't think Horne should have been starting or anything. But he did have a very good season and was unlucky to miss out -- IMO, he's a much better player than Harris, at least at the moment, but Harris does have huge versatility which is very useful to have around.

 

[Brumby Runner]

I don't recall Tomane ever playing there for the Brumbies, although Tomane did play centre for the Titans. So other than CFS, Harris and at a stretch Tomane, I don't think we have anyone who has played 13 before at a professional level.

Again it's a shame that Henry Speight wasn't able to tour. He played some 13 this year when Andrew Smith went off injured and was most effective. I know that Joe Tomane has been seen in some quarters as a No 13, but I don't think he has played there for the Brumbies, and Henry was favoured when the occasion arose this year.

 

[wamberal]

Harris will play 13.

 

[terry j]

Again it's a shame that Henry Speight wasn't able to tour.

Yes well, just as long as Speight is a real surname, and not a nickname due to how much he drinks of the drink he drinks, we could have probably done with him over there.

 

[en_force_er]

Harris will play 13.

It's pretty likely he'll defend at 13 and be used elsewhere in attack.

Though he'll probably wear the 13.

 

[emuarse]

Harris will play 13.

How do you know that?
Insider information, intuition, or incitement?

 

[wamberal]

How do you know that?
Insider information, intuition, or incitement?

I just think Harris is the lowest risk option. CFS has not even played Soup as a 13 and has only started a handful of games. And who else is there, really?

Link would not want to throw CFS to the wolves, in my opinion. He is obviously a great talent, but is being handled very cautiously at rep level. Starting him at 13 in a very under-strength outfit is a bridge too far, IMHO.

 

[Viking]

Link would not want to throw CFS to the wolves, in my opinion. He is obviously a great talent, but is being handled very cautiously at rep level. Starting him at 13 in a very under-strength outfit is a bridge too far, IMHO.

Feel a bit reluctant to say this considering what happened last time but..... it's only Scotland.

 

[Tomikin]

Yes well, just as long as Speight is a real surname, and not a nickname due to how much he drinks of the drink he drinks, we could have probably done with him over there.

Ive Read he only drinks Kava so he would have been sweet

 

[wamberal]

Feel a bit reluctant to say this considering what happened last time but... it's only Scotland.

Ironically enough, it was Harris who lost us that game, kicking a penalty too far with the wind. Scrum back, and the rest is part of our ugly recent history.

Still, I expect Link to pick him in the starting team. Why on earth bring him, otherwise?

 

[terry j]

Keiren Read only drinks kava? Man, no wonder he is every where on the field!

 

[Hawko]

gees they pushed him back down the plane .thats tough.

Flat beds in business class and very comfortable; the only thing stopping him sleeping would have been the excitement/emotion of knowing he might get a second test cap.

 

[Viking]

I just hope they keep Izzy at 15 so he can keep catching every kick that comes his way.

 

[Ash]

I just think Harris is the lowest risk option. CFS has not even played Soup as a 13 and has only started a handful of games. And who else is there, really?

CFS has started at 13 for the Reds five times this year, which is more than Harris, and has also played 13 off the bench.

 

[Quick Hands]

Given the Wallabies current predicament it has to be CFS.

If you're not considering picking him in this test, with all the players unavailable, why would you take him on tour in the first place?

 

[Paradox]

Wasn't aware that Tomane was a strong defender.

Well he didn't miss many at Super level. The wallaby backline defense was rubbish during the RC.

 

[wamberal]

Given the Wallabies current predicament it has to be CFS.

If you're not considering picking him in this test, with all the players unavailable, why would you take him on tour in the first place?

As a winger, sure. Not at 13.

 

[Tomikin]

As a winger, sure. Not at 13.

Well he didn't miss many at Super level. The wallaby backline defense was rubbish during the RC.

Tomane was touted as an OC for long time im sure he only moved to the wing in on his return to union. But ive only seen him do it once at super level

Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk

 

[Tex]

Folau, Tomane, Leali'ifano, Harris, Feauai-Sautia, Cooper, Genia, Mowen (c), Hooper, Fardy, Horwill, Simmons, Kepu, Moore, Slipper.

I'll keep my 'expert' opinions to myself next time!