mst
Peter Johnson (47)
Or they could read the book on family engagement and appeal the AFL wrote that the NRL try to follow.
The Wallabies Thread
- Thread starter KOB1987
- Start date
Or they could read the book on family engagement and appeal the AFL wrote that the NRL try to follow.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
^^^^^ Thinking about the side for next weekend, I won't be at all surprised if Timani misses the starting side again in favour of Houston, because:
1. Houston is arguably a favourite of Cheika's as he (Cheika) worked to bring Houston back into rugby in Aus;
2. Timani has been playing lock for the past couple of years while all of Houston's recent game time has been at No 8;
3. Houston has been playing at top level in recent days so will be game fit - Timani hasn't had a full game for some time - there will be questions about his match fitness.
4. Timani offers more versatility off the bench.
So, all things considered, I think Cheika will be sorely tempted to start Houston at 8 and have Lopeti on the bench. Either way, I hope it is the last we see of Dean Mumm in the starting side.
The next big problem will be who covers for Hooper at 7 if he's injured. I don't see anyone really capable of playing 7 in the squad.
1. Houston is arguably a favourite of Cheika's as he (Cheika) worked to bring Houston back into rugby in Aus;
2. Timani has been playing lock for the past couple of years while all of Houston's recent game time has been at No 8;
3. Houston has been playing at top level in recent days so will be game fit - Timani hasn't had a full game for some time - there will be questions about his match fitness.
4. Timani offers more versatility off the bench.
So, all things considered, I think Cheika will be sorely tempted to start Houston at 8 and have Lopeti on the bench. Either way, I hope it is the last we see of Dean Mumm in the starting side.
The next big problem will be who covers for Hooper at 7 if he's injured. I don't see anyone really capable of playing 7 in the squad.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
If he goes down in a warm up/close to game day then we probably end up with fardy wearing 7 for a back row of mumm, fardy and timani or Houston. If there's time to call someone into the squad then it's probably Reid, with George Smith as an outside chance. Although Gill maybe technically still eligible, depending on how the contracting issue was resolved.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
At least we would see where Houston is at for this level. Funny about 7 as we use to say have plenty of 7 options but with McMahon, pocock injured and gill gonski not quite as many - probably jordy Reid next in the pecking order
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Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Yeah - I'd think so too, but he hasn't been brought into the squad for next week, so my question stands - who covers for No 7 if Hooper is injured? Maybe Gilly will get a go at last?
Highlander35
Steve Williams (59)
Think they won't bother for the Bledisloe unless Hooper genuinely looks like missing.
After that I'd like to see Jordy get a go, but McMahon may be fit so they won't have to.
Worst comes to worst, you probably won't need an openside against us.
After that I'd like to see Jordy get a go, but McMahon may be fit so they won't have to.
Worst comes to worst, you probably won't need an openside against us.
mst
Peter Johnson (47)
Would Gill answer the call? I wonder if he has it in his contract?
Dunno about that, Timani's been with this squad for, what, six weeks while Houston hasn't featured at all. Cheika places a great deal of importance with players learning the tactics and vibe of his squad.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Could be absolutely on the money there Lindo. But I won't be surprised if he goes the other way.
wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
Meaning it only happens once?
Scrubber2050
Mark Ella (57)
The way they are playing it shouldn't be too hard to learn the tactics and vibe of the squad
T
TOCC
Guest
Yep precisely my thinking, different teams different defensive and offensive patterns.. to the casual observer the differences might seem minor but it's far technical then that. Given Houston will only be with the squad 4 days before the game, with only 2 or 3 actual team runs in that, I don't see Cheika starting Houston.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
2bluesfan
Nev Cottrell (35)
Is there any recent evidence of this?
</exasperated supporter mode>
Random thought - do you think the reputation of Cliff Palu might improve a few notches after this season?
We are lauding Timani for a performance which, while good, was no better than what Cliff Palu did every game of his career. Tackled a bunch, hit a load of rucks, added the physical element, carried occasionally.
Seems to me the physical edge and workrate we are missing this year is exactly what Cliff used to provide.
Not to say we'd be unstoppable if he was there, but it's interesting nonetheless.
.
We are lauding Timani for a performance which, while good, was no better than what Cliff Palu did every game of his career. Tackled a bunch, hit a load of rucks, added the physical element, carried occasionally.
Seems to me the physical edge and workrate we are missing this year is exactly what Cliff used to provide.
Not to say we'd be unstoppable if he was there, but it's interesting nonetheless.
.
amirite
Chilla Wilson (44)
Plus Cliff was the best 1st man into the breakdown in the team. It's all perception.
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
Doubt it. Well, doubt among his most fervorent of detractors. He'll forever been seen as unworthy purely because he was a Waratah and therefore couldn't have possibly have earned his spot regardless if all the evidence pointed to the contrary.
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
Palu clearly said that he never rated himself on how many tackles he made or breakdowns he got to, it was about when he did hit someone, did he put them back.