Wallabies 2019 Thread

[Brumby Runner]

So, at best, 8 of the 40 man squad will be Tahs but likely no more than 3-4 in the starting 23.

Still too many Tahs?

Only if as is almost guaranteed that KB (Kurtley Beale) is in that number.

 

[Derpus]

Only if as is almost guaranteed that KB (Kurtley Beale) is in that number.

I'd prefer Banks or DHP at 15, true. But i think Beale is the ideal bench utility player. Hodge is the other, but he's just no where near as good and probably in career worst form.

Who else could you pick? To'omua hasnt shown form in years.

 

[Benaud]

KB (Kurtley Beale) is really suited to that 23 jersey.

There's a few players like that - you wonder if it works to their disadvantage. E.g. Assuming Hooper and Pocock don't both start so we play a specialist 7 on the bench, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is basically pigeonholed into that other bench spot, where he might start on merit.

 

[Tomikin]

Haha - yes, there really is nothing like that early season optimism before a ball in test rugby has been kicked in anger.

This year will be our year - all those new guys are going to come in and be so much better than those losers they replaced.

And, if not, well it’s all Cheika’s fault.

It all went to shit after we put a kiwi in charge.

 

[Tomikin]

Perception doesn't necessarily equal reality. If you look at some of our worst results last year there weren't actually that many Waratahs involved.

People think the team is constantly full of Waratahs but it is very often not the case. When we got flogged 40-12 in Auckland last year there were 3 Waratahs in the starting XV.

On average last season we had more Rebels in our starting XV than any other team. No one seems to complain there is bias towards them.

There's no doubt that there should be more Brumbies in the Wallabies squad this year than any other side. They should particularly dominate our tight 5 where I expect they will have 4 starters and one on the bench (Sio or Slipper).

The Rebels will be over-represented in the squad because they underachieved but they have a lot of talented players.

The Reds will probably be under-represented. Rodda and Kerevi are starting XV players and Tupou will be in the squad and in a tight battle for the reserve THP spot. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) could be anywhere from starting 6 to not making the RWC squad. Aside from that we might not see any others make the RWC squad (Naivalu will be in the initial squad at least and Petaia might get a crack this year depending on his return from injury).

Last year was a disaster but it's also hard to argue that there were too many Waratahs being picked unfairly when they were the best team (and not overly impressive) in an otherwise disappointing Super Rugby season.

I think if you went through the numbers of players who played for the Wallabies last year compared to years before that with other coaches it would be comparable. If there wasn't enough experimentation last year there never is.

I hate this argument, hey we have NZ in NZ for the first game of the season and we are going to give it to the new guys, they get flogged (as all teams have) and they are instantly classed as not good enough for another season.

and lets be real by the end of the season last year, the Brumbies thumped the Tah's and where playing better footy then, I dont really think there's too many Tah's in the squad but there's a fair few who haven't been in the best of form this year or through the test season that must be worried.

From the Tah's you would have Kepu, Hooper, Simmions, Phipps, Foley, Beale and maybe Hanigan or Dempsey.

You could also argue for Robertson, but I haven't seen enough of him recently after injury but as the 6th Prop his next of the Cab rank.

From the Brumbies, I will say the unlucky one's that probably won't make it who are in the running are McCaffery and Powel, Carter, Speight and Valetini.

and really unlucky would be Samu and Pulu, who I think should be there.

 

[Bobby Sands]

I think we would be absolutely mad not to take Samu to the WC.

Not only is he a winner, he can genuinely play all three backrow positions.

 

[cyclopath]

I think we would be absolutely mad not to take Samu to the WC.

Not only is he a winner, he can genuinely play all three backrow positions.

I agree. Very good player. I'd be interested to know the Kiwi thoughts on him - they didn't seem too fussed with his leaving. Obviously they have some depth, but curious, nonetheless.

 

[TSR]

If Pocock is fit I think it makes it hard. Not sure we want a squad with Pocock, Hooper and Samu all
In it. I guess they can only pick 3 specialist locks + LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto).

Edit: Agree on his quality though. In great form.

 

[Tomikin]

I think we would be absolutely mad not to take Samu to the WC.

Not only is he a winner, he can genuinely play all three backrow positions.

I agree, I just have a bad feeling he skipped one of the earlier wallaby camps for a ligament reason then wasn't invited to the next one.

He should be there.. I mean he also has a fantastic mullet going on at the moment.

 

[LearningCurve]

I don't like this idea that a player like Nic White can make the WC squad by way of signing for an Aus based team for next season. He made his choice to go overseas and good on him but he could have chosen to come back for the 2019 Super Rugby season if he wanted to make the WC. Very few of the NH based players have performed well coming back - To'omua has been underwhelming, Luke Jones is probably the exception and maybe that's because he is a forward. Give the local guys a go - Powell is looking good and playing behind a pack that will likely be well represented in Wallabies colours, McDermott has a lot of upside. 10 is a big issue with no local players shining this year, CLL has probably been the best and is kicking well (and I thought he was well past it last season) and has a combination with Powell. Banks has been the best performing 15, please don't let Beale anywhere near the team.

 

[cyclopath]

If Pocock is fit I think it makes it hard. Not sure we want a squad with Pocock, Hooper and Samu all
In it. I guess they can only pick 3 specialist locks + LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto).

Edit: Agree on his quality though. In great form.

I'm a little concerned about Pocock. I mean a calf strain taking this long? Surprising an injury in the muscle belly (calf) is so slow, almost like a tendon injury (always worse, crappier blood supplies in tendons). Obviously they are taking all precautions with him, but something seems a little funky with how long it has gone on. Hope I'm wrong.

 

[Bobby Sands]

Agree it would be a disgrace if Powell is not at the very least the back up.

 

[TSR]

I really hope Lealiifano gets a run and kills it. I still remember the year he was playing exceptionally then busted his leg.

And then, of course, there was the whole cancer thing.

He’s had his share of set backs - would really be great to see him shine in Gold - even if it is likely to be only for a short period.

 

[cyclopath]

I really hope Lealiifano gets a run and kills it. I still remember the year he was playing exceptionally then busted his leg.

And then, of course, there was the whole cancer thing.

He’s had his share of set backs - would really be great to see him shine in Gold - even if it is likely to be only for a short period.

Last year, I would have said unlikely. This year, he has got better and better as the season went on. Much more confident, generally doing everything very well. I think he should get a lot of minutes in 10 for Aus. I do expect the duties will be shared around a bit though, which makes some sense too.

 

[LearningCurve]

Last year, I would have said unlikely. This year, he has got better and better as the season went on. Much more confident, generally doing everything very well. I think he should get a lot of minutes in 10 for Aus. I do expect the duties will be shared around a bit though, which makes some sense too.

Agreed, I really did think last year he was well past it but this season he has been firing. The concern is the lack of backup at 10 once Foley/CLL/Cooper depart, which appears to be post WC - who has the skills and experience to step up?

 

[cyclopath]

Agreed, I really did think last year he was well past it but this season he has been firing. The concern is the lack of backup at 10 once Foley/CLL/Cooper depart, which appears to be post WC - who has the skills and experience to step up?

Someone(s) will.

 

[Up the Guts]

I'd be interested to know the Kiwi thoughts on him - they didn't seem too fussed with his leaving. Obviously they have some depth, but curious, nonetheless.

They’re not even interested in Akira Ioane, seem to be very particularly about the backrow.

 

[Derpus]

They’re not even interested in Akira Ioane, seem to be very particularly about the backrow.

I would take Akira over Isi all day. Bloody Kiwis.

 

[ACT Crusader]

I agree. Very good player. I'd be interested to know the Kiwi thoughts on him - they didn't seem too fussed with his leaving. Obviously they have some depth, but curious, nonetheless.

A good super rugby player. Had some very good games for the Saders but never really stood out, which you don’t really need to in a good team. I like his versatility and when he wasn’t first choice 6,7 or 8, it was an added advantage to be decent at all 3. I think his best position is no.8

 

[liquor box]

I don't like this idea that a player like Nic White can make the WC squad by way of signing for an Aus based team for next season. He made his choice to go overseas and good on him but he could have chosen to come back for the 2019 Super Rugby season if he wanted to make the WC. Very few of the NH based players have performed well coming back - To'omua has been underwhelming, Luke Jones is probably the exception and maybe that's because he is a forward. Give the local guys a go - Powell is looking good and playing behind a pack that will likely be well represented in Wallabies colours, McDermott has a lot of upside. 10 is a big issue with no local players shining this year, CLL has probably been the best and is kicking well (and I thought he was well past it last season) and has a combination with Powell. Banks has been the best performing 15, please don't let Beale anywhere near the team.

I dont like the idea that you can be picked for the Wallabies if you are signed to an overseas club next year.

Why is it that you can earn the honor to play for your country only if you promise to play domestically in Australia the following season but can announce your intention to abandon Australian domestic rugby after the glory of a World Cup position and still get picked.

BTW, I would not pick White anyway.