Scotland v Wallabies at Murrayfield 12.40am Mon 25 Nov

[Spamnoodle]

I’m not as bullish on JAS as others. I think defensively he is underdone (it will come with time) and I can see the Irish and Scots picking him apart if he’s not careful. Kerevi/ikitau is safer for mine. Plus I like having a crash option at 12.

Indeed, I think he was lucky 2 of his tackles v Wales weren't more closely scrutinized. One was a no arms shoulder charge that was borderline high, his grab at the Welsh 12 when he scored was also close borderline high, but he was also caught out of position... Agree it'll come in time.

 

[Eddie's Eyebrows]

I think it's unlikely we'll see both Valetini and Wilson in the backrow and Skelton in the second row. It leaves you with one principal jumper and two back-up part time jumpers. Hardly desirable.

I suspect we'll see:

4. Frost 5. Skelton 6. Williams/Uru 7. McReight 8. Valetini (19. Salakaia-Loto 20. Wilson)

or

4. Frost 5. Williams 6. Valetini 7. McReight 8. Wilson (19. Skelton 20. Gleeson/Uru)

 

[LeCheese]

Indeed, I think he was lucky 2 of his tackles v Wales weren't more closely scrutinized. One was a no arms shoulder charge that was borderline high, his grab at the Welsh 12 when he scored was also close borderline high, but he was also caught out of position... Agree it'll come in time.

Doleman could be heard saying after the try that the one on the Welsh 12 was indeed worthy of a penalty (but no more). Agree he was very lucky the no-wrap shoulder wasn't looked at further, and I'm pretty sure there was another as well...

 

[Spamnoodle]

I think it's unlikely we'll see both Valetini and Wilson in the backrow and Skelton in the second row. It leaves you with one principal jumper and two back-up part time jumpers. Hardly desirable.

I suspect we'll see:

4. Frost 5. Skelton 6. Williams/Uru 7. McReight 8. Valetini (19. Salakaia-Loto 20. Wilson)

or

4. Frost 5. Williams 6. Valetini 7. McReight 8. Wilson (19. Skelton 20. Gleeson/Uru)

Wilson isn't just a backup, part time option though. He's a major, reliable target. If he's over his concussion, he's straight back in the side with the C against his name.

 

[Eddie's Eyebrows]

Wilson isn't just a backup, part time option though. He's a major, reliable target. If he's over his concussion, he's straight back in the side with the C against his name.

His last few tests were with a Frost / Williams second row. Wilson was the 3rd best option.

 

[LeCheese]

Anyone noticed who's been calling the line out recently? Has Wilson been bumping his own stats?

 

[emuarse]

Anyone noticed who's been calling the line out recently? Has Wilson been bumping his own stats?

Does'nt really matter if he wins the ball.

 

[Spamnoodle]

His last few tests were with a Frost / Williams second row. Wilson was the 3rd best option.

But he's still an option, and a reliable one at that. But thanks for your input Eddie....

 

[Eddie's Eyebrows]

But he's still an option, and a reliable one at that. But thanks for your input Eddie....

Yes, he is an option. I never said he wasn't.

 

[Thalium]

My biggest concern is we need to shut down Finn Russell. We need to put so much pressure on him that he implodes.

 

[Sir Arthur Higgins]

From recollection, against Wales our lineout did not attack once on a Welsh throw - until LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) was on (Skelton off). The teams nominated so far seem to have only one primary jumper starting. I'd be surprised if Schmidt rolls like that. If Skelton starts, I'd anticipate the preferred back row (Valetini, McReight, Wilson) to give way for a second primary jumper.

I would have a fresh Skelton coming off the bench at 60 to monster Scotland

 

[Joe Blow]

Williams is a must if fit, in the row or at 6.

 

[Joe Blow]

I would have a fresh Skelton coming off the bench at 60 to monster Scotland

Although LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) brings great impact from that bench role

 

[JackJill]

As distinct from the bloke who in 83 minutes carried six times for 5m and effectivly just offloaded.

Yeah, the same guy that set up a try and won nearly every kickoff, an effect that without it, would've led to the Wallabies being decimated. Nevertheless those offloads created significant opportunities for Wright and Kellaway. Kerevi for me is too predictable, and brings back the old Wallaby 12 who just gets over the gain line. When Kerevi got carded against Wales, they were not even affected by his absence, scoring 3 tries with only 14 men. JAS brings unpredictability and uncertainty, Kerevi is is very one dimensional, i'd go JAS.

 

[Mr Pilfer]

Would love to see Edmed and Potter get a run but you can’t do it this game. If we lose this one then play them against Ireland.

I think we need to start Skelton and bring back Wilson and see if we can make the lineout work. If it implodes then we can bring LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) or Williams etc off the bench.

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

It's hard for Kerevi and Skelton to come in and be fire day one however that needs to be taken into account when selecting these players. FWIW due to their unavailability next week Joe will pick them both this week (pending kerevi suspension).

 

[Spamnoodle]

Yeah, the same guy that set up a try and won nearly every kickoff, an effect that without it, would've led to the Wallabies being decimated. Nevertheless those offloads created significant opportunities for Wright and Kellaway. Kerevi for me is too predictable, and brings back the old Wallaby 12 who just gets over the gain line. When Kerevi got carded against Wales, they were not even affected by his absence, scoring 3 tries with only 14 men. JAS brings unpredictability and uncertainty, Kerevi is is very one dimensional, i'd go JAS.

They were affected when he came off, they adjusted, played it tighter and scored from 2 driving mauls. Look, there is no doubt that sua'alii had a fantastic debut. But he's also lucky not to have followed Kerevi into the sin bin with his high, no arms tackle soon after he came on. He's a work in progress, no need to rush him along while\if Samu is available.

 

[Tomthumb]

I think it's unlikely we'll see both Valetini and Wilson in the backrow and Skelton in the second row. It leaves you with one principal jumper and two back-up part time jumpers. Hardly desirable.

I suspect we'll see:

4. Frost 5. Skelton 6. Williams/Uru 7. McReight 8. Valetini (19. Salakaia-Loto 20. Wilson)

or

4. Frost 5. Williams 6. Valetini 7. McReight 8. Wilson (19. Skelton 20. Gleeson/Uru)

Not really in favor of dropping our Number 8 and Test captain to accommodate a lock that doesn't jump and that wont even be available the week after

 

[Dctarget]

Darby Lancaster, Hamish Stewart, Harry Hoopert and Tom Hooper have joined the squad in Edinburgh.

Assuming everyone else returns to Aus.

 

[Rugby Head]

My biggest concern is we need to shut down Finn Russell. We need to put so much pressure on him that he implodes.

Getting Valetini to run at him off lineouts full speed will help. It takes a brave man to stand in his way