The Wallabies Thread
- Thread starter KOB1987
- Start date
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
Always thought Mafi was a strange signing considering their balance of players, but lucky to have him there now considering injuries and form.
I was also surprised the Reds got BOTH Higs and Houston considering their busy backrow stocks, but I believe Tui is in his last season (Japanese players limited to 2?) but he got permission for a 3rd one as he spent the majority of one injured.
Don't think I was alone in thinking it would be a 6.Higs 8.Houston 7.Smith with 20.Tui at the Reds
I'd say our kiwi Flyhalf issue is far worse. I think we do have enough for each team to have an ex Aus u20 flyhalf to develop, but like Jake Mcintyre, are often getting throw in the deep end or like Deegan, never really getting a shot.
Reds have Stewart.
Tahs have Mason & Deegan
Brumbies have Jooste (who is really WA).
Rebels have Macgregor
ARU High Performance Manager should be pushing for all these guys to get a real crack as starting 10's for NRC teams.
I was also surprised the Reds got BOTH Higs and Houston considering their busy backrow stocks, but I believe Tui is in his last season (Japanese players limited to 2?) but he got permission for a 3rd one as he spent the majority of one injured.
Don't think I was alone in thinking it would be a 6.Higs 8.Houston 7.Smith with 20.Tui at the Reds
I'd say our kiwi Flyhalf issue is far worse. I think we do have enough for each team to have an ex Aus u20 flyhalf to develop, but like Jake Mcintyre, are often getting throw in the deep end or like Deegan, never really getting a shot.
Reds have Stewart.
Tahs have Mason & Deegan
Brumbies have Jooste (who is really WA).
Rebels have Macgregor
ARU High Performance Manager should be pushing for all these guys to get a real crack as starting 10's for NRC teams.
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
Well Leitch is definitely going back in 2019 and maybe even 2018 if the deal is good enough, and Tui is on his last season at the Reds.
Apparently Japan might even pull a Argentina and insist internationals play locally.
in 2018, could easily be a
6. Tui 8. Britz 7. Leitch & 20. Quirk at the Sunwolves
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
I think in the last 20-30, when the game is slowing down, is the perfect time to bring in an explosive guy likes Higs. Same reason Mcmahon is always better off the bench than starting. Mcmahon really struggles going toe to toe against fresh and fit no.8s twice his size, but when they get gassed? He thrives.
I don't think u need another slogger like Timani in the last 20, you need players who can take advantage and break open a tiriing defence. Tired because they spent the 1st half wrestling with our man mountains, Coleman, Arnold and Timani.
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
Yes but the game isn't played only against your opposite number. Still a majority of a forward pack to TRY and take advantage of.
Scrubber2050
Mark Ella (57)
Chek should be able to blood 23 NRC blokes into Wallaby colours and still win those other 2 mayches (other than Scotland)
Nomally I always go to tests whether in Brisbane Sydney and Melboure. This year it hardly seems worth the effort
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
You've just got a short memory Scrub, admittedly the current woes probably aren't helping. It's the same every time the Lions are playing anywhere other than here. Last time was in 2009 when we played Italy in Melbourne and Canberra and France in Sydney. Did you go to them all that year?
I've bought my family pass for the Scotland match, I can't wait and the wife and kids can't either. Saturday afternoon test rugby at the SFS, nothing better.
Joe Blow
John Hipwell (52)
Or Timani at 6 and Higgs at 8. His skills at the base are much better.
RoffsChoice
Jim Lenehan (48)
If we're just aiming to win this "series", we should definitely pick Higgenbotham at 8. No question. But, with eyes to the World Cup, Timani should be given the time at 8, and a new long-term 6 brought in. I wouldn't even be opposed to giving Ross Haylet-Petty a shot at 6.
amirite
Chilla Wilson (44)
Timani's skills at the base are fine and it works better for how Chieks runs his channels/shape. Higgs wide, Timani tight.
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
Higs could absolutely do the WC at 6. He'd be 32 I think. Other then that I agree, RHP and/Hanigan in the squad though. 2 x 6 2x 8 and 2 x 7
Poey, Hoops, Mcmahon, Higs, Timani & RHP would work nicely
Poey, Hoops, Mcmahon, Higs, Timani & RHP would work nicely
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
If Coleman, Arnold and Timani are on the field, the Higs can focus on what higs does best and that is cause damage in the wider channels. Cheika has been putting Fardy there but he is really ineffective. Fardy only required this year for his nuisance play over the ball in the absence of pocock. If Hooper however, continues in upward trend in improving his overball skills, and Higginbotham keeps doing great work in the counterrucking etc Then a Higs/Timani/Hoops backrow would be one to worry about, especially behind our new enforcer locks arnold and coleman
p.Tah
John Thornett (49)
Don't worry I was just being a smart arse
Joe Blow
John Hipwell (52)
His skills at the base are OK. Higgs is much more accomplished there and at running from there. Kieren Reid runs in the wide channels from 8. There is no reason our 8 cannot do the same. Maybe we need to think about changing how the Wallabies run their channels and their shape based on recent results?
wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
If RHP is to be given a "shot" at 6, let it be in the NRC first. Let us never forget Garrick Morgan's "shot" at playing 6.
Twoilms
Trevor Allan (34)
Fardy is better than both in tight, is a decent jumper & is in form so he gets 6. I can't imagine anyone really thinks Hooper and Higgers in the run on team is a good idea. You can't have two loosies playing wide in a test, Hooper is better out wide than Higgers by a fair margin.
That being said Timani has played very little rugby.
Honestly, none of them suit 8 particularly well.
How old are Palu's kids?
He's played 6 at Super Rugby level.
That said, I don't think he's going to be in the Wallaby squad come June.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
He is reminiscent of Owen Finegan in the way he plays, admittedly only just starting out on his career.