Joe Blow
John Hipwell (52)
Yes. And hopefully Samu gets time against Samoa as well.
Wallabies 2019 Thread
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The RWC squad gets named on Friday.
I think Pocock and Petaia are the only two who haven't played at all who are a chance of being named.
I think Pocock and Petaia are the only two who haven't played at all who are a chance of being named.
Sir Arthur Higgins
Dick Tooth (41)
I would probably not name LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto). Luke Jones as 4/5/6 cover?
Do we need a 7th prop? Dempsey would be well short of a gallop and the logistics of Skelton being eligible (a la White) seem to be insurmountable. Plus, not sure what he would add right now. I would be very happy to have Skelton back at the Tahs, from the sound of his play (and slimmer profile!) up north. As for RWC, hopecasting, methinks.
Joe Blow
John Hipwell (52)
Pocock comes in if fit. If not or too big a risk then Samu. Petaia should be included and given time against Samoa.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
I'd like to see something likme the following against Samoa :
Slipper, TPN, Tupou, Arnold, Coleman, Valetini, Wright (or Pocock if fit), Naisarani, Powell, To'omua, Beale, O'Connor, Kuridrani, Petaia, Banks.
Reserves - Uelese, HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) (even though not in the squad), Kepu, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Samu (or Wright), White, Lealiifano, Hodge.
Slipper, TPN, Tupou, Arnold, Coleman, Valetini, Wright (or Pocock if fit), Naisarani, Powell, To'omua, Beale, O'Connor, Kuridrani, Petaia, Banks.
Reserves - Uelese, HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) (even though not in the squad), Kepu, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Samu (or Wright), White, Lealiifano, Hodge.
The problem we have from keeping largely the same team and getting pumped is that we aren't really sure where to from here for our opening RWC game against Fiji.
I wouldn't think much will have changed with our overall squad. The 23 who played in Auckland will almost certainly all be on the plane.
Serious debate will be given to only picking two hookers and halfbacks to add extra flexibility elsewhere in the squad. I think picking two halfbacks is more doable than two hookers. If that happens Joe Powell is obviously the extremely unlucky player.
In terms of whether anyone who didn't play the Bledisloe Cup games is a serious contender to come into the starting XV for the opening match against Fiji is anyone's guess. A couple who might be in that position will probably get a chance to show their wares against Samoa.
I wouldn't think much will have changed with our overall squad. The 23 who played in Auckland will almost certainly all be on the plane.
Serious debate will be given to only picking two hookers and halfbacks to add extra flexibility elsewhere in the squad. I think picking two halfbacks is more doable than two hookers. If that happens Joe Powell is obviously the extremely unlucky player.
In terms of whether anyone who didn't play the Bledisloe Cup games is a serious contender to come into the starting XV for the opening match against Fiji is anyone's guess. A couple who might be in that position will probably get a chance to show their wares against Samoa.
One would assume that they had to give him enough time and that the other options just haven't been delivering enough in training
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
I think it's too late to make wholesale changes. They need to pick the majority of that 23 from the weekend, mainly because they are the best players available, and also because you don't want to be tinkering with the line up during a major tournament.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Mostly agree. I don't think LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is fast enough to play 6 and realistically Hodge lacks the pace to play on the wing too. The rest of the line up looks pretty settled to me though. Maybe JOC (James O'Connor)/TK/JP at outside centre might need a look too.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Would agree with Jones at 6 for Samoa and Samu at 8.
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