The Wallabies Thread
- Thread starter KOB1987
- Start date
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
There are almost no other options.
RoffsChoice
Jim Lenehan (48)
I think McCaffrey has enough of Fardy in him to be a worthy 6 candidate, and Hanigan has really turned up this season, which might make them good bench options, but nobody can come close to the Pocock-Hooper-Timu potential.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
McCaffrey was just terrible against the Rebels. Why the fuck would he think he can grubber kick the ball, which he did with his first two touches when he had players outside and ball retention should be paramount? His handling was below standard generally and cost a certain try otherwise. He also had little impact in the rest of his game. He would be a huge step down from our currently best, though depleted, back row. Cusack would be an improvement, but hardly test match ready yet.
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...-to-miss-first-june-test-20180514-p4zf80.html
SMH having a whinge about the clean-out on Hanigan.
SMH having a whinge about the clean-out on Hanigan.
RoffsChoice
Jim Lenehan (48)
Looks like we're taking Pete Samu. Will this be another Houston?
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby...d-play-for-wallabies-as-early-as-june--report
https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby...d-play-for-wallabies-as-early-as-june--report
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
"I have no regrets, no way. I think New Zealand has given me the best opportunity with my rugby. Moving over has been the best thing I have done."
Sigh.... i wish players could actually develop here.
I doubt it. Samu is at a prime age (26) and is playing in the competition where the bulk of our players play so it is far easier to judge his form.
Up the Guts
Steve Williams (59)
Valetini will be better than Samu in a couple of years if not sooner, I wouldn't mind seeing him get some game time against Ireland off the bench but perhaps not in the first test.
RoffsChoice
Jim Lenehan (48)
Injuries aside, our World Cup team should be starting to take shape, and we shouldn't be picking anyone against Ireland who we wouldn't want starting a World Cup final.
Tomikin
David Codey (61)
Where you see say a Valetini or Isa good players who maybe be the best come world cup..but maybe not either...
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wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
Sounds like a bit each way. Reminds me of the great Norman "Nugget" May in his prime. "This game is evenly poised. It could go either way. It could even be a draw".
And he got paid for it.
A couple of weeks closer to the first squad. Here's my picks:
Assumptions: no TPN, Genia fit, Hanigan only out for first test but available after that.
Matchday 23 for the first test:
Sio
Uelese
Kepu
Rodda
Coleman
Pocock
Hooper (c)
Timu
Genia
Foley
Koroibete
Beale
Kuridrani
DHP
Folau
Fitzpatrick, Slipper, Tupou, Arnold, Korczyk, Phipps, Kerevi, Hodge
Squad:
BPA
Ala'alatoa
Simmons
Tui
Philip
Hanigan
Gordon
Rona
Naivalu
Naiyaravoro
Maddocks
Still not sure on whether Cheika will pick Naiyaravoro seeing as he is leaving. Could nab the 23 jersey if he makes the squad though.
Assumptions: no TPN, Genia fit, Hanigan only out for first test but available after that.
Matchday 23 for the first test:
Sio
Uelese
Kepu
Rodda
Coleman
Pocock
Hooper (c)
Timu
Genia
Foley
Koroibete
Beale
Kuridrani
DHP
Folau
Fitzpatrick, Slipper, Tupou, Arnold, Korczyk, Phipps, Kerevi, Hodge
Squad:
BPA
Ala'alatoa
Simmons
Tui
Philip
Hanigan
Gordon
Rona
Naivalu
Naiyaravoro
Maddocks
Still not sure on whether Cheika will pick Naiyaravoro seeing as he is leaving. Could nab the 23 jersey if he makes the squad though.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
I believe you are very close to the mark BH. Unfortunately with that squad and likely team we are going to get beaten and from there we will decline further as the RWC approaches.
It is the last opportunity Cheika and cohorts have to look at and evaluate new talent at test level. I would especially like to see players like Clarke, Perese, Valetini, Cottrell, F Fainga'a, DPA, Stewart given a chance now to show if they will be options come RWC time. And Pete Samu too if he's interested. We know what some of the incumbents offer and in many cases it will not be good enough for next year.
From your likely starters and bench, I would start Arnold in place of Coleman because of better form and is now an 80 minute player; Allan A in place of Kepu (again better form and a whole lot more development potential) with Tupou on the bench; drop Koriobete and Naivalu from the squad (no form at all in 2018 - retain Naivalu under observation as he might come back as good as ever after his injury is completely healed); drop Kuridrani (completely out of form with no indication he will improve, also has technique flaws); swap DHP and Folau; drop Phipps altogether as others have better skills and more upside (Powell, maybe Louwrens).
From the squad, I'd drop Simmons altogether (his day has long gone).
If we go with the players you have nominated, and I expect Cheika to pick, then we are surrendering any chance we might have of performing as one of the better teams at the RWC. Bring in some of the promising players from outside the stale squad we've been saddled with the past year or two and we just might unearth a few diamonds who will lead us to a more satisfying result. Miss the opportunity now, and it will be gone until we at last divest ourselves of the current coaching setup.
It is the last opportunity Cheika and cohorts have to look at and evaluate new talent at test level. I would especially like to see players like Clarke, Perese, Valetini, Cottrell, F Fainga'a, DPA, Stewart given a chance now to show if they will be options come RWC time. And Pete Samu too if he's interested. We know what some of the incumbents offer and in many cases it will not be good enough for next year.
From your likely starters and bench, I would start Arnold in place of Coleman because of better form and is now an 80 minute player; Allan A in place of Kepu (again better form and a whole lot more development potential) with Tupou on the bench; drop Koriobete and Naivalu from the squad (no form at all in 2018 - retain Naivalu under observation as he might come back as good as ever after his injury is completely healed); drop Kuridrani (completely out of form with no indication he will improve, also has technique flaws); swap DHP and Folau; drop Phipps altogether as others have better skills and more upside (Powell, maybe Louwrens).
From the squad, I'd drop Simmons altogether (his day has long gone).
If we go with the players you have nominated, and I expect Cheika to pick, then we are surrendering any chance we might have of performing as one of the better teams at the RWC. Bring in some of the promising players from outside the stale squad we've been saddled with the past year or two and we just might unearth a few diamonds who will lead us to a more satisfying result. Miss the opportunity now, and it will be gone until we at last divest ourselves of the current coaching setup.
