Wales v Australia

[Scrubber2050]

Well IMHO its been so long since he played starting THP at Test level, that is too tricky to call.

But Tomikin said it: stop pissing around and let's put guys where they play.

mate - agree but who else is there in the mix right now. - noi-one in the squad I reckon

 

[fatprop]

With two props on the bench, why are we bothered anymore by the bench prop who can play both sides?

 

[Braveheart81]

With two props on the bench, why are we bothered anymore by the bench prop who can play both sides?

It doesn't really matter in a specific game so much but in a squad with 5 props, it does provide more flexibility to the team you can select.

It's also a potential benefit for a RWC squad for the same reason.

 

[MrTabua]

Dumbledore was talking about Luke Jones in terms of counter rucking (and the rest of it).

gives myself a facepalm.

 

[MrTabua]

dont forget his prodigious amount of pointing

needs more attendant note takers. He'll never make it to Dear Leader status.

 

[Brumbieman]

I reckon we're going to skullfuck the Leekists. Defence to be a little tighter, attack to click again, and Wales to be no match.

Wallabies by 15+.

 

[boyo]

It's the colour of the flags they wave when a hostile force enters their territory !!

IIRC it was Jeremy Clarkson who called them "cheese-eating surrender monkeys".

 

[mudskipper]

What happened to Henry Speight... ???

 

[Braveheart81]

What happened to Henry Speight. ???

He didn't get selected this week.

 

[Braveheart81]

IIRC it was Jeremy Clarkson who called them "cheese-eating surrender monkeys".

He took it from The Simpsons.

 

[ACT Crusader]

Could it be that this guy is really the new Wallaby coach

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

FWIW your blokes are 13/23 & a draw in Wales* & $1.62/$2.35 on sportsbet.com although I see the line us only 3.5 which seems rather short c.f. the H2H odds.

*FWIELW (for what it's even less worth) you're 26.5/37 v them overall.

 

[Brumby Jack]

It has probably been left open for the whole week.
Wouldn't put it past the grounds staff to water the pitch for good measure

It's not as bad as it used to be since this upgrade over their summer

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/...nium-stadium-pitch-unveiled-brilliant-8041634

 

[Forcefield]

May I remind you that Hodgson came on in the later stages against the ABs, when we were in front on the scoreboard, and how did that turn out? If he is on the bench, he should only be used as injury cover for Hooper. Two 7s at the end usually won't work, and the problems could be exacerbated this game with a light 6 in McMahon playing as well.

Sure. But I would more put that down to the minimal impact other bench players (primarily Horwill, Alexander) had. Hodgson wasn't brilliant- but he tackled hard and won some turnovers and was easily the best of the bench players. If Hodgson did come on, I would have him replace McMahon rather than McCalman. But hey, like I said, I am in two minds about it. I'd also really love to see what Luke Jones can do. Maybe McMahon has inspired him because I remember Jones being very average against the French in the little time he had.

 

[S120]

I reckon we're going to skullfuck the Leekists. Defence to be a little tighter, attack to click again, and Wales to be no match.

Wallabies by 15+.

You get a like from me simply for using the word "skullfuck". That word always gets a chuckle out of me. Congrats, use my like as you feel is most positive to society.

 

[Brumby Runner]

I wasn't meaning to attribute the loss entirely to Matt Hodgson. It is more that I am not a fan of two 7s being on the ground at the same time. Maybe, it's as others have pointed out that it brings about a loss of balance, but I really think it hasn't worked as a rule.

Therefore, I wouldn't like to see Hodgson come on at 6. The only situation I'd see him being effective coming off the bench would be to play 7 if Hooper goes off. Certainly, if he replaces McCalman, we will have a very undersized backrow and could be in awful trouble.

And if we happen to be behind in the last 15 - 20 minutes, I can't see having an extra smaller bloke on being much help at all.

 

[qwerty51]

Quade has dropped off the bench. Assuming all reserves get used, what would the finishing team look like?

1. Faulkner
2. Hanson
3. Alexander
4. Horwill
5. Skelton
6. Hodgson
7. Hooper
8. McCalman
9. Genia
10. Foley
11. Horne
12. Lealiifano
13. Kuridrano
14. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
15. Folau

I'm not sure I like Skelton, Horwill and Hodgson on the bench. I'd much prefer Skelton on when Fardy or Higgers is available. If that's the finishing pack good luck in the lineout and scrum.

 

[KOB1987]

Cheka won't necessarily use the whole bench..once the fresh locks are out there we may see one of the starters go to 6..depending on the score hodgo might give hooper a spell at the end

 

[Brumby Jack]

Could always throw Hooper in the centres and Phipps onto the wing...

 

[KOB1987]

That would no doubt be no less than a contingency plan