Highlander35
Steve Williams (59)
McMahon is already in the squad, and while I don't think he'd work as well replacing Pocock, I think he'd be pretty good backing up Hooper.
Cheika will have to somehow get Gill into or actively alongside the squad.
If Pooper keeps playing like 'it' did last night, and is required to now do so as a key component of Cheika-ball for 80 mins most (key) games, an injury to 50% of it is likely at some stage, the physical intensity and self-destruction factor is significant for those two players. Indeed, even last night at one point it looked like Poey might need to go off concussed.
Gill is the stand-out back-up, but with the 31 men RWC constraint he will need to be prepared and squad-ready in 'shadow' mode only.
I wasn't a fan of Hooper and Pocock together, but last night proved that it works and is very effective. But imo that's because Poey can really play a No 8 game. In fact, the best No 8 game I've seen for a long long time. I'm not sure either Hooper or Gill can offer that at No 8. Therefore, I see Gill as a possible injury cover for Hooper, but not for Pocock. And no way would I suggest either of Hooper or Gill should replace Fardy just to get them on the ground together.
Different kettle of fish altogether imo.
Poey did go off for a concussion test, then the big dog came on. We didn't shit the bed like that.Cheika will have to somehow get Gill into or actively alongside the squad.
If Pooper keeps playing like 'it' did last night, and is required to now do so as a key component of Cheika-ball for 80 mins most (key) games, an injury to 50% of it is likely at some stage, the physical intensity and self-destruction factor is significant for those two players. Indeed, even last night at one point it looked like Poey might need to go off concussed.
Gill is the stand-out back-up, but with the 31 men RWC constraint he will need to be prepared and squad-ready in 'shadow' mode only.
Poey did go off for a concussion test, then the big dog came on. We didn't shit the bed like that.
The ground announcer did say it was a concussion test (I haven't seen the telecast yet). Either way he was back on very quickly so nothing to worry about.I think it was just blood bin...
You would have got a better look than me, I was up in the cloudsTelecast did say blood bin.....
He was covered in it.
Telecast did say blood bin.....
He was covered in it.
I thought the telecast said 'head bin' or some such. I remember thinking I hadn't seen that before. I'll take another look at my recording later.Telecast did say blood bin.....
He was covered in it.
They're our two most effective forwards across the park. I don't think it matters what the opposition is trying to do they're likely to be more effective than not having both of them on the field at the same time.
I thought the telecast said 'head bin' or some such. I remember thinking I hadn't seen that before. I'll take another look at my recording later.
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Yeah, I don't think Cheika will be heeding Shag's advice/opinion too much if at all.
The reason it works is because they play such a complimentary game to one another. Hooper is everywhere in attack and defence like a #7 should be and Pocock is playing exactly how you'd want your #8 to play, only faster and with the added bonus that he can pilfer and create turnovers. The fact that he is 5-10cm shorter and 5-10 kg lighter than the stereotype is of little or no consequence.
He may be shorter and lighter but he is bloody ripped. So says my missus, she spotted him shirtless at halftime. Thanks bam bam.
Fox sports had him at 187/115, I think its closer to 182/105.He's not so much lighter. There have been plenty of good 105kg 8s.
Although the 'figures' have Pocock at 115. That's been debated before, but now it's reached the TV coverage. Has he really put on 10kg? I guess it's possible.