Springboks v Wallabies - Sunday 2 October 1am AEST - Loftus Versfeld
- Thread starter Braveheart81
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Timani COULD be a test 8, he just needs a clip over the ear to lift his game where it's currently deficient. He's got the shape, size and speed for the job, more than any other Oz backrower ATM. But, if Holloway plays a bit tighter next year he'd be a monte for the 8 jumper in 2017 and beyond.
I'm very cautious about anointing any potential 8 as a lock-in, despite Super Rugby form. Really, since Toutai Kefu, we have been a bit "let down" on many occasions when enthusiasm is tempered by the lack of anyone really grabbing the position by the scruff. Plenty have looked promising - Higginbotham, McCalman, Mowen, Palu (probably the closest, far too many injuries), Houston, Samo, etc......... I see Holloway a little in this mould - does a lot of good stuff at Super level, benefits from running in slightly wider channels from a stats viewpoint (but so does Read, it is not necessarily a bad thing, depending on what others are doing), but as yet unproven. I hope he kicks on. I hope others do too.
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Change of plans - no longer able to get to the game. Try to contain your disappointment.
Go Wallabies!
Scrubber2050
Mark Ella (57)
Only real decision Pocock made lost us the game against Scotland a number of years ago in Newcastle.
Agree re the feet and hands though
dru
David Wilson (68)
That's one of those things that challenges the theory of "choose the best players at each position". You can only do that if the coavh is dextrous enough to adjust strategy and game plan to what he ends up with.
Otherwise you choose a strategy and select the best players to fit that.
Cheika seems to sit somewhere between.
Dalai Ninja
Ward Prentice (10)
Well said. The recent history of Australian 8s in a nutshell.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Well FP you may well be right, but he hasn't been tested yet. Who would you bring in, and where, if either Hooper or McMahon go down with injury v SA?
Joe Blow
John Hipwell (52)
Thats pretty harsh judgement on Timani. He has played a lot of his rugby at 8 before being thrown into the second row at the Rebels. It was a bad move for him and we may have seen him in gold much earlier had that not been the case. He actually has pretty good hands and a much better offload game than McCalman, McMahon or Pocock. His ability to take the ball forward is excellent as is defense. His issue is consistency and being able to put together a full 60-80 minutes. Take a look at his highlight reel on YT.
We need forwards that offer more than a good set piece and decent defense. These things remain non negotiable in the modern game but all test forwards need to bring more than that to the table to be competitive with the best.
He brings something more.
We need forwards that offer more than a good set piece and decent defense. These things remain non negotiable in the modern game but all test forwards need to bring more than that to the table to be competitive with the best.
He brings something more.
What more does he demonstrably bring? I hear a lot about potential, but so far, I don't see the game that shouts "I am the one".
Google can be your ally. Let the search wash over you.
Highlander35
Steve Williams (59)
14 games as a substitute for the Tahs in 2012. 1 start and 4 as a substitute in 2013.
Cliffy Palu, Dave Dennis and Jed Holloway all both Started, and played 8 ahead of him in both seasons.
Moving him to lock simplified his game, and that's allowed him to excel, not having to worry about wide defence and handling the ball at the back of the scrum.
Cliffy Palu, Dave Dennis and Jed Holloway all both Started, and played 8 ahead of him in both seasons.
Moving him to lock simplified his game, and that's allowed him to excel, not having to worry about wide defence and handling the ball at the back of the scrum.
Shiggins
Simon Poidevin (60)
I'm having beers with mates. I came to see he thread with the time. Wasn't there. Then thought it would be quicker to ask and wait for a notification. Thanks mate.
Sent from my SM-G928I using Tapatalk
I'm sure your SM-G928I could help.
Hugh Jarse
Rocky Elsom (76)
NZL v ARG is on Fox 2 live from 9:00 am Sydney Daylight Savings time.
Add whatever adjustment you need to make to that.
Meanwhile who will be up tonight at 1am to watch history being made?
Add whatever adjustment you need to make to that.
Meanwhile who will be up tonight at 1am to watch history being made?
HoldingOn
Alfred Walker (16)
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