Wallabies 2019 Thread

[Up the Guts]

From what I've seen in the last two games I'd have Pulu in the squad (early days though). Looks to be an outstanding defensive winger and is likely the fastest of all our wingers (just a guess though, Koroibete, Naivalu, and Banks certainly don't lack pace).

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I see now that Izzy is persona non grata at ARU HQ there are people like Kafe questioning his footballing ability and place in the team. Kafe reckons the Wallabies are better off without him. I know I've said it represents a chance to try another game plan but that's a bit different from what he and Marto are saying here:

https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/...r/news-story/f542cecef30fb7b1dd2c2d622f942d21

 

[Joe Blow]

I doubt we'll see BPA who has been relegated to the Reds bench...

Rangi the most deserving backup hooker right now, but I expect TPN to be in there.

I haven't seen much from Thor this year to suggest he'll be picked over Kepu.

I'm 100% in agreement on the backrowers..... but will expect Samu to be there in place of McCaffrey although the latter is in much better form.

If the criteria was form alone I would drop Coleman for Philip.

How is Uelese coming along? If he doesnt get back on the paddock soon he’s no chance. Shame.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Come on people debate people’a selections but don’t pick on them for spelling etc as not all posters hard core to know exact spellings etc but should they not be able to have some fun and post their views like frank has.

 

[upthereds#!]

Kafes COntract as Coaching Director ends in a couple weeks - I'd love to see a summary of his accomplishments in that role. 99% sure it was just a finding of "we need more collaboration"

 

[KOB1987]

Come on people debate people’a selections but don’t pick on them for spelling etc as not all posters hard core to know exact spellings etc but should they not be able to have some fun and post their views like frank has.

I get the shits with people pointing out than Hanigan doesn't have a double N, or pulling others up for misspelling Lilo or AAA's, etc name. Those sort of errors don't bother me in the slightest. However the Phibbs (Phipps) one shits me no end and I just thought the Skeleton one was amusing, even though it was probably the result of an auto-correct.

However, in Frank's case he was being pulled up mainly for claiming that a close source stated that was the 31 players that were going to Japan. To be fair it's probably not going to be far off the mark, but there are some obvious flaws in it.

 

[RugbyReg]

Good thing the forwards seem to be pretty clear atm, with two pretty top line options in each position.

1. Slipper/Sio
2. Fainga'a/BPA/Rangi
3. AAA/Thor
4. Rodda/Tui
5. Coleman/Arnold
6. Jones/Dempsey
7. Hooper/Pocock
8. Naisirani/McCaffrey

Cant wait to see that much potential handed off to Cheika's 'mate that he played with 25 years ago' to lay the platform for a WC summit attempt.

pay the guy some respect, his name is Salakai-Loto

 

[Derpus]

I see now that Izzy is persona non grata at ARU HQ there are people like Kafe questioning his footballing ability and place in the team. Kafe reckons the Wallabies are better off without him. I know I've said it represents a chance to try another game plan but that's a bit different from what he and Marto are saying here:

https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/...r/news-story/f542cecef30fb7b1dd2c2d622f942d21

Kafe is right about his abilities from fullback, though. Which is why so many people are keen on him at right wing.

Challenge you to find a better right winger in the world though.

 

[RugbyReg]

Cheika has come out and confirmed he won't be selecting Izzy any more.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Kafe is right about his abilities from fullback, though. Which is why so many people are keen on him at right wing.

Challenge you to find a better right winger in the world though.

I think that's fair. I just found it amusing that Kafe is all of a sudden saying ah Izzy wasn't that good anyway. I'm exaggerating I know, but only a little bit.

 

[TSR]

Come on people debate people’a selections but don’t pick on them for spelling etc as not all posters hard core to know exact spellings etc but should they not be able to have some fun and post their views like frank has.

Sorry mate. Fair point - although in my defence I was really having a crack at the number of people who list Phibbs instead of Phipps. But, point taken.

 

[Up the Guts]

Cheika has come out and confirmed he won't be selecting Izzy any more.

Unfortunately, I don't think Cheika had any other option. A sad end for Australian Rugby losing someone who could have been our GOAT winger/fullback. It really spiraled out of control these last few years.

 

[RugbyReg]

Unfortunately, I don't think Cheika had any other option. A sad end for Australian Rugby losing someone who could have been our GOAT winger/fullback. It really spiraled out of control these last few years.

potential to be but it would have to have been a special final 3 years to surpass Burke, Latham or Gould at fullback and Campese, Roff, Tune, Moon, Ryan on the wing

 

[Up the Guts]

potential to be but it would have to have been a special final 3 years to surpass Burke, Latham or Gould at fullback and Campese, Roff, Tune, Moon, Ryan on the wing

Fair enough, it's hard to compare players between eras. I think he'd be up there with any of them though and hasn't played in as successful an era as some of them which makes things harder.

 

[Derpus]

I mentioned on the Un-Australian activities thread but after another 3 years Izzy could have been top try scored by 20 odd tries.

Nonu only needs 5 to surpass him now.

 

[barbarian]

potential to be but it would have to have been a special final 3 years to surpass Burke, Latham or Gould at fullback and Campese, Roff, Tune, Moon, Ryan on the wing

Really? To me he was past Latham, and approaching Burke.

We've been blessed with some great fullbacks, but Israel was a phenomenally talented player. I shudder to think what he'd achieve if you put him in a backline with Larkham, Horan etc.

It's all subjective and personal of course.
.

 

[Derpus]

Really? To me he was past Latham, and approaching Burke.

We've been blessed with some great fullbacks, but Israel was a phenomenally talented player. I shudder to think what he'd achieve if you put him in a backline with Larkham, Horan etc.

It's all subjective and personal of course.
.

Question comes down to whether you value a brilliant runner over a great all-round game, which really depends on the players around you.

I'd argue that we lacked the kicking game as a team to accommodate Izzy at 15 for much of the past 4 years.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Latham didn't exactly have a complete game either for most of his career.

 

[Derpus]

Latham didn't exactly have a complete game either for most of his career.

I was thinking more Burke.

 

[RugbyReg]

Really? To me he was past Latham, and approaching Burke.

We've been blessed with some great fullbacks, but Israel was a phenomenally talented player. I shudder to think what he'd achieve if you put him in a backline with Larkham, Horan etc.

It's all subjective and personal of course.
.

yeah of course, absolutely subjective. If he'd played a career as a wing he could be close to Campo but he's played fullback mostly so we have to compare him with those.

I guess it's how you judge a player.

Statistically?

Folau's currently on 37 tries in 73 tests for a try every 1.97 tests. He's currently equal 3rd on the all time Wallaby try scorer list.
Latho scored 40 in 78 tests for a marginally better stat of 1.95. He's currently 2nd on the all time list
Burke score 29 tests in his 81 tests at 2.79 and is 11th on the all time list. But he's 2nd leading point scorer for the Wallabies and probably will be for some time as no one is really close to him.

Success?

Burkie is far and away here and, as you say, got to play with Larkham, Horan etc at their best. But he won World Cups, Bledisloes and Rugby Champs (and most other trophies).
Latho didn't really get to play with Horan (only a few) and played with Bernie and Gregan towards the end of their time. He didn't really win much either outside of the 2000 Rugby Champs and being a bit player v the Lions in 01.
Folau obviously hasn't had the same success by any means.

Skill-wise
Folau is special. His aerial skills are probably better than anyone who has played for the Wallabies. His evasive skills are excellent and likely up there with Campo. But after that????
Burke was the complete package wasn't he? Could've played 10 if he wanted (in fact may have a few times for the Tahs???) with an excellent boot, pass, vision, tackle, and beautifully calm under pressure.
Latho wasn't quite Burke in an all round game perspective but probably had the best punt for a fullback, perhaps up their with Gould? His pass was fine (at least way better than Folou) but his line/angle running and strength were superb.

I think the highlights reel of all three would be incredible to watch, but I think what's not in the highlights reel would stand the former two well above Izzy I'm afraid.