Scotland v Wallabies at Murrayfield 12.40am Mon 25 Nov

[Wilson]

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

Assuming everyone else returns to Aus.

Seems more likely that Slipper will be getting a break (or is carrying an injury) with Hoopert coming in

 

[dru]

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

There we go. Plenty of thoughts around Skelton, but here TT put's the query in reasonable context.

Edit: To be fair, Skelton DOES actually ask the selectors this question with considerable verve. Whether or not it is enough, Schmidt knows.

 

[John S]

Assuming everyone else agrees but Tom wrights improvement is absolutely sensational. Maybe he just is backing himself more and has more conviction to make a decision but he is genuinely outstanding.
I don’t know if there is anyone you want to get the ball more than him right now. Not just for the wallabies….he is a deadly attacker and his kicking and passing have improved immensely too.

I used to groan every time he got the ball, waiting for the inevitable drop, fumble, wild no-look pass type error that was likely to happen.

He's really matured as a player, more diamonds than rocks these days.

 

[scrans21]

Primary injury for Scotland is Jack Dempsey. With the A Game against Chile the day before, you can reasonably expect that the team will be largely composed of the player's who have lined up against Fiji and South Africa, with some additional positional changes due to player availability. I've named a 5-3 split but I wouldn't put it against Townsend to name a 6-2 with Tom Jordan being the only substitute and another backrower (likely Crosbie) come in instead.

15. Blair Kinghorn
14. Darcy Graham
13. Huw Jones
12. Sione Tuipulotu
11. Duhan van der Merwe
10. Finn Russell
9. Ben White

1. Pierre Schoemann
2. Ewan Ashman
3. Zander Fagerson
4. Scott Cummings
5. Grant Gilchrist
6. Matt Fagerson
7. Rory Darge
8. Josh Bayliss

16. Dylan Richardson
17. Rory Sutherland
18. Whoever wins the lucky dip
19. Alex Craig
20. Jamie Ritchie
21. Jamie Dobie
22. Tom Jordan
23. Kyle Rowe

Our depth from 6-15 remains solid, but a few retirements, injuries and exclusions have meant that the tight 5 is thin on players proven at international standard.

My expectation is a narrow win (5-10 points) for my mob, but think a blowout in either direction is could be on the cards as well, depending on which set of backs click better on the day.

That's a very dangerous backline. If we can get ascendancy in the forwards we should be in with a shot here but our backs, especially Ikitau and Sua'ali'i, are going to have their hands full containing the Scottish backs.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Im thinking Potter and Edmed may get a bench role this week. No point being on the trip otherwise as they won't get a first start against Ireland. With Kerevi gone as well, they will want any rustiness out of Potter's legs before Ireland.
Also, does Frost get a breather this week with Williams sliding back in?

I get the thinking of some that why take them if they don't play but they are covers and no owed a Test cap.

How many blokes in the past have gone on Ashes tours and carried the drinks for 5 Tests? Plenty. You know your job is to be ready if required and learn as much as you can.

Side is about winning now and not getting Potter ready for anything that may happen... 10 minutes off the bench isn't going to do it either really. Gotta trust pros if up to it have the ability to slot in. JAS hadn't played a game of Rugby and hadn't been in a game since September.

That's a very dangerous backline. If we can get ascendancy in the forwards we should be in with a shot here but our backs, especially Ikitau and Sua'ali'i, are going to have their hands full containing the Scottish backs.

A lot will ride on how they approach the defence. I have confidence in our Centres to handle those guys man to man but if we do the bullshit holding pattern defence that was through the RC we let Scotland play on the run and that spells trouble. We have to make White & Russell make quick decisions and not tic tac their way down the field with a free 10m every time.

 

[Brumby Runner]

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

Assuming everyone else returns to Aus.

They all had reasonable to good performances for Aus XV, so good pickups. I thought a No 9 might be needed too if Nic White has HIA issues and Not knowing the present status of Gordon.

 

[BDA]

Is Kailea injured? I just can't understand how Slipper could be showing Shmidt more on the training paddock

 

[Derpus]

Fuuuuuck off fluffybunnys. Why is this on Monday morning as well?

 

[Derpus]

I think Skelton will come off the bench for this one. Probably go back to the 4-8 combo we had for England. Which I guess means LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is rotated out?

I'm concerned for Bell and equally concerned about our loose-head depth. A short turn around following two big games against England and Wales. I'd prefer it if we at least had the option of bringing Bell on from the bench but I don't think we do.

Assuming Kerevi is out , I also think we'll revert to the backline that started against England except with Jorgo in for Pietsch. I guess Lancaster is being brought in to cover the 23 jersey?

If they appeal Kerevi's ban and win I think Kerevi will start at 12 again.

 

[Dctarget]

I think Skelton will come off the bench for this one. Probably go back to the 4-8 combo we had for England. Which I guess means LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is rotated out?

Frost has started 2 games in a row with a 60m sprint for his try included? I expect then Williams to start with Salakaia-Loto and Skelton on the bench.

 

[LeCheese]

Fuuuuuck off fluffybunnys. Why is this on Monday morning as well?

It's technically Sunday night if you live in a superior Eastern state that cares about its cows and curtains

 

[Derpus]

Frost has started 2 games in a row with a 60m sprint for his try included? I expect then Williams to start with Salakaia-Loto and Skelton on the bench.

Could be the case, I just think Joe favours Frost and clearly backs his athleticism to see out 80mins etc.

 

[TSR]

It wasn’t long ago I doubted Wilson & Valetini could feature in the same starting backrow. Now both are being used as jumpers and even McReight was lifted on the weekend (although only as a decoy for a ball over the back). I wonder if Schmidt will just put them both out with Skelton and see how it goes.

 

[JackJill]

Is there any chance the Wallabies run a 6-2 split off the bench against Scotland? Donaldson came on the wing late against Wales, giving Noah the chance to run the team for a full 80, this could be practice in case there is an injury in the outside backs if they do run a 6-2 split. It will also allow Schmidt to have both Skelton and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) in the team with a bomb squad being on the cards where Williams moves to 6 if the backrow can't go a full 80. Could also work if Kerevi isn't avaliable.

It'd look something like this:
1. Bell
2. Faessler
3. TT
4. Frost
5. Williams
6. BobbyV
7. McReight
8. Wilson
9. Gordon
10. Lolo
11. Jorgensen
12. Sua'ali'i'i
13. Flickitau
14. Kellaway
15. Wright
16. BPA
17. AAA
18. Kailea
19. Skelton
20. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
21. Uru/Gleeson
22. Mcdermott
23. Donaldson

Just a thought.

 

[Wilson]

It wasn’t long ago I doubted Wilson & Valetini could feature in the same starting backrow. Now both are being used as jumpers and even McReight was lifted on the weekend (although only as a decoy for a ball over the back). I wonder if Schmidt will just put them both out with Skelton and see how it goes.

The best way to do this is probably Skelton coming off the bench relatively early, maybe at 50 minutes, so that if it's not working he can pull the ripcord and bring someone else on in the backrow. That might mean having Uru/Williams/Salakaia-Loto/Hooper as the back up backrow over Gleeson though, which does trade out some impact.

 

[stillmissit]

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.

Dru, Are you suggesting Uru to 6 Valetini to 8 and Wilson on the bench?

 

[stillmissit]

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)

I struggle to believe he will put Skelton on the bench v Scotland. I think the row will be Williams and Skelton with Frost LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) or just LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) if he wants to keep Williams, or as I believe more likely Skelton (as he's not available for Irish) on for 80.

 

[dru]

Dru, Are you suggesting Uru to 6 Valetini to 8 and Wilson on the bench?

It seems a likely change to consider if Skelton is to start. Not just Wilson (#20) on the bench but maybe LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (#19) as well. There are alternates to Uru, but I'd be thinking about it. On the other hand we expect Valetini, Wilson, McReight to contribute the equivalent of a primary jumper and secondary jumper. SOme creditable commenters here have provided info that suggests it is not as silly as it might once have been.

Anything is possible, but it gets tiresome these projections starting Skelton without consideration to the set piece. It is similar to Bell at #1 - he is providing heaps around the park but the scrum needs building. If Tupou returns, I'd be tempted to shift Skelton to #4 and see what happens with scrum balance, let alone the line out.

 

[Braveheart81]

I think Skelton is far more impactful starting than finishing.

He has the ability to outmuscle everyone when everyone is fresh and set the tone with his carries, cleanouts and maul work. I think that is diminished later in the game when it potentially opens up a bit.

Given it's his last availability of the tour I'd also want to see more of him rather than less.

I'd still consider a 6:2 bench split so we can replace both locks and Valetini (who has played a lot of minutes).

 

[stillmissit]

I think Skelton is far more impactful starting than finishing.

He has the ability to outmuscle everyone when everyone is fresh and set the tone with his carries, cleanouts and maul work. I think that is diminished later in the game when it potentially opens up a bit.

Given it's his last availability of the tour I'd also want to see more of him rather than less.

I'd still consider a 6:2 bench split so we can replace both locks and Valetini (who has played a lot of minutes).

Bring on Wilson and give Valetini a break around 50 assuming the game is going OK of course. Pulling Valetini early if we are struggling makes no sense, he has a big engine and will be up for next week's game.