None of these matches look like great opportunities. Not after the year we've had.
Lightening his workload will probably come in the form of only playing him for X minutes in the event we have the game half-won.
Absolutely a minefield I reckon. Chubby needs to pull himself together in a hurry, unless he starts to exercise a fair bit more self-restraint the vultures of the UK and Irish press will crucify him and that will have a hugely detrimental effect on a team at the end of very long season, well two very long seasons, and a lot of drama.
I am stunned to think that people here believe that the ARU would not have tried to sell every permutation and combination of games for the highest price and with the widest audience reach.
Do we really think they are all nincompoops?
Uh, yeah - I am 100% sure they have. Most of those guys were in some way involved at the executive level in large businesses before they did the ARU thing, they're not stupid or bad at business. Union just isn't a very popular sport and the Wallabies product is in the shitter right now.
All good points and most likely correct. But, in the back of my mind I can't think of a time so far this year when there has been a compelling reason for Cheika to really choose between Pocock & Hooper for the 7 jersey. This, IMO, has been the first time both are on an equal footing fitness wise and there has been a viable alternative for the 8 jersey - which I think Timani has presented himself as.Backrow did really well against the AB's at Eden park. Hooper has started every. single. test. and just won the John Eales medal. Poey had good impact off the bench and that allowed Timani to go hard for 50 minutes. The only change will be the forced one with Mumm and it'll be for Fardy, due to the lineout. Only other permutation we might see is Timani at 6 and Poey at 8 but i find this incredibly unlikely.
Yeah i guess I'd agree with that. I'd rather Timani start and only one of Poey or Hoops starting. But, i think on form Hooper starts.All good points and most likely correct. But, in the back of my mind I can't think of a time so far this year when there has been a compelling reason for Cheika to really choose between Pocock & Hooper for the 7 jersey. This, IMO, has been the first time both are on an equal footing fitness wise and there has been a viable alternative for the 8 jersey - which I think Timani has presented himself as.
If it becomes a straight choice between Hooper & Pocock for one jersey, then Pocock getting the nod is quite possible.
Just saw that it's been confirmed Genia hasn't been released for this game.
9. Phipps
21. Frisby
That's also probably more indication Foley will start at 10 given his combination with Phipps and the fact he was preferred last test.
What about the fact that they both played really well?
What about the fact that they both played really well?
SSSSSSSHHH! Focus on the mistakes!
It helps to have blue glasses on to see that Phipps/Foley had good games in Bledisloe 3.