Good side R3. I wouldn't have Hunt at 13 - he hasn't played any time in the position this year as far as I know. I would also not have Beale in the side at all. He is all reputation these days. He has almost no impact on a game.
13 I would have Kuridrani and 15 would be DHP. I am also a bit surprised that you favour Jones over Philip. To an outsider, it looks like Philip is in better form. What are you seeing that others don't?
I really do like the look of that backrow.
Jones has been immense this year, last week the game changed once he came on (admittedly Philip was carrying an injury) and week 1 dominated a very good Brums lineout, was also fairly decent against a good Highlanders pack.
Philip has been very good as well, but a Jones/Rodda combo has some serious defensive lineout ability.
Beale has been okay, he wasn’t good last night but far from bad. Last week against the reds he played pretty well and was one of the best players on the field against the Sunwolves (he missed week 1). His best is still one of the best in Australia, I’d almost go as far as saying other teams would be laughing with joy if he was dropped.
Kerevi is the best 12 and can bail out the 9/10 with a run at the gain line (plus more than likely to win it) and I like Hunts ability to distribute, he’s also an exceptional defender and can do the hard yards when needed. Placing Kerevi and Kurindrani would be very limited, also allows the outside defenders to rush up and in because they haven’t got the ability to spread the ball over the top, just encourages gang tackles limiting their effectiveness.
Folau for his brilliance and ability to dictate to the opposing team which side of the field is kicked to and Banks on the other wing for pace and the fact he’s also decent under the high ball.
Brums front row is just solid, plus get some work rate out of them.
Back row, despite McCaffreys efforts of late Naisarani is still clearly the best 8 in the country, Pocock obvious at 7 and McCaffrey pips Dempsey because he’s an alrounder that offers some go forward and ability over the ball. Plus he’s more suited to a tighter game
If the starting XV wasn’t available I’d have the following
1. Slipper
2. BPA
3. Tupou
4. Arnold
5. Coleman
6. Dempsey
7. Hooper
8. Higgers/Timu
9. Gordon
10. Foley
11. Koroibete
12. To'omua
13. Kurindrani
14. Maddocks
15. DHP
Yes I am bored