The Wallabies Thread

[Highlander35]

Highlander, walk me through what a stand-off is. Is it a 10?

Just another name for the 10/Fly Half/Five Eighth/First Five.

I think it comes from being the player who "Stands Off" the ruck/scrum/lineout to be the first receiver, as compared to the occasionally used, but much less common "Stand In" used for the Scrum Half.

 

[fatprop]

Genia is listed as playing a baa baas match at Twickenham on 28 May

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/baa-baas-add-pienaar-piutau-and-more/

 

[upthereds#!]

hope he stays fit through it. looks like it will a pretty epic baabaas team. alot of classic names

 

[fatprop]

The Guardian on Beale's work for Wasps

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/may/11/kurtley-beale-wasps-wonder-returns-australia

 

[cyclopath]

The Guardian on Beale's work for Wasps

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/may/11/kurtley-beale-wasps-wonder-returns-australia

Perfect way for him to be used, rather than as a primary playmaker. Far more dangerous in such a set up. Sounds like Cipriani has matured in his play somewhat too.

 

[USARugger]

Cips is still pretty erratic and not that great. Gopperth is the primary, steady playmaker that foils with Beale and Le Roux.

 

[Joe Blow]

Beales combination with Foley and ability to bring Folau into the game should not be underestimated.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Used to be a bit critical of Benny A back in the day.

To me, he is the form LHP in the Aussie Conference. Much better than Sio (ATM) and a mile ahead of Tom R.

He really seems to be scrimmaging well and doing more around the field than the other 2 blokes combined.

Hope Cheika re-looks at the bloke.

 

[Merrow]

Used to be a bit critical of Benny A back in the day.

To me, he is the form LHP in the Aussie Conference. Much better than Sio (ATM) and a mile ahead of Tom R.

He really seems to be scrimmaging well and doing more around the field than the other 2 blokes combined.

Hope Cheika re-looks at the bloke.

Lost his hingeyness?

 

[upthereds#!]

I think old dogs Alexander and Cowan, new dog Mayhew, and young dog Faagase are all outplaying Robertson.

 

[upthereds#!]

Would the report of Mcmahon doing his Japanese stint suggest he will just do Japanese seasons 17/18 and 18/19 and probably re sign with Super Rugby in 2019 to be WC eligible?

Based on the story it seems ALSO playing super rugby is unlikely

 

[Slim 293]

Much better than Sio (ATM) and a mile ahead of Tom R.

Well, Sio has been injured for the past few weeks, but was head and shoulders the form LH when he was playing..........

 

[Braveheart81]

Toby Smith has returned pretty well for the Rebels. I'd be putting him in the Wallaby squad (and the matchday 23).

I doubt Alexander or Cowan will make a Wallaby squad over Robertson this season even if they are in better form.

Considering none of them probably make the squad when all players are healthy I'd guess Cheika will keep working with a young up-and-comer than revert back to an old stager who probably won't make the 23.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Chek should be choosing the BEST available in each position.

If he even considers Tom R then he is sticking with his "favourites policy" and TBH that won't surprise me one bit

 

[Braveheart81]

Chek should be choosing the BEST available in each position.

If he even considers Tom R then he is sticking with his "favourites policy" and TBH that won't surprise me one bit

On one hand we have people arguing that players who should be in the starting XV or at least the matchday 23 should be passed over because they might be too old for the next RWC but then this take that it should always be the best available.

I think it's a different consideration when you're thinking whether someone is in the best side or just part of the wider squad.

I don't think picking a young player who was part of your squad last year and is down on form is playing favourites. It's a continuation of building for the future.

International rugby sides are never picked entirely on current form because it is an ongoing process of team development like any professional squad.

Every Wallaby coach has done it and every international coach also does it.

Why would you select Ben Alexander in your Wallaby squad at age 32 if you didn't think he would be in your matchday 23?

 

[KOB1987]

I agree with pretty much BH says above.

I don't see a whole lot of variation from the team Cheika picks versus the one which played the bulk of the minutes on the EOYT, less Pocock and Mumm.

I think the main queries are:
- the third hooker
- who the fuck to play at 6
- the third halfback
- what to do do with Beale.

 

[Slim 293]

I would think that Moore/TPN/Latu are the obvious 3 choices for hooker.........

IMO Fardy should play at 6 until he heads overseas....... there's no one challenging him for that position.

Powell should be first choice halfback on form, but will likely drop back to third behind Genia and Phipps.

As for Beale......... depends on whether Cheika feels like giving Hodge another chance at 12?

 

[barbarian]

The more I watch him the more I'm convinced Karmichael Hunt will fit really well into Cheika's Wallabies. He is so physical in contact situations. The perfect Cheika player.

I also think we may see a McMahon/Hooper/Timani back row combo. Not sure if Cheik will pick Fardy or Higgers if history is any guide.
.

 

[KOB1987]

I would think that Moore/TPN/Latu are the obvious 3 choices for hooker...

IMO Fardy should play at 6 until he heads overseas... there's no one challenging him for that position.

Powell should be first choice halfback on form, but will likely drop back to third behind Genia and Phipps.

As for Beale... depends on whether Cheika feels like giving Hodge another chance at 12?

I don't think that's quite right - on that basis then Mumm is still in consideration and is the incumbent. McMahon, Timani, Tui, Hanigan, Holloway, RHP are all challengers from a longer term perspective, and Higginbotham has to be the hottest challenger on form.

 

[Slim 293]

I don't think that's quite right - on that basis then Mumm is still in consideration and is the incumbent.

It's not, because the basis was form..........