Wallabies 2020

[Morphett22]

The lineout is definitely a concern, though Wright and Samu do get the ball thrown to them regularly. I think Samu is an underrated ball carrier, he's more than useful in close to the ruck for mine.

Don’t get me wrong, I rate his ball-carrying\offload I just reckon he runs a bit wider (13\wing) channel in general which we’ll already have in abundance with Hooper. Lee-Warner is a serious smokey for 6 for me too.

 

[Dctarget]

I thought Isi played himself out of contention in the past few games. I know he always soaks up defenders and is double marked but the man just doesn’t seem to have a knack for the game.

 

[Bobby Sands]

I really think all of Willson, Wright and McReight are all viable Wallabies starters. And while I think Wright probably just edges out McReight right now it'd be 51/49 to Wright, but in another game or two it'd be as close 50/50 as possible. But frankly you could probably pick out any 3 Australian backrowers at random and you'd just as likely to get it right as anyone guessing about it on here. And I still think Hooper ought to be riding the bench -- especially if we get another game or two like we just did from Wright & McReight.

Wow - could not agree with a post any more.

Fraser is special.

 

[Bobby Sands]

The lineout is definitely a concern, though Wright and Samu do get the ball thrown to them regularly. I think Samu is an underrated ball carrier, he's more than useful in close to the ruck for mine.

Wright is actually extremely good at lineout time. He gets more steals than most locks.

I think he’s a pretty handy carry too, but I do see your point with regards to the “bulk” carrier.

In truth though, I just think he’s too good not to be in the side.

Samu might miss out (although I don’t think he should) just because he’s been pigeonholed at a utility backrow.

I would prefer him ahead of Nai though, who has gone backwards at the Rebels.

 

[Raytah]

My starting back row for atm would be:
6. Valetini
7. Hooper
8. Wilson

Jeezus I liked what Valetini brought tonight, particularly in that first half.

 

[Joe Blow]

I thought Isi played himself out of contention in the past few games. I know he always soaks up defenders and is double marked but the man just doesn’t seem to have a knack for the game.

Yes. He is very one dimensional and the likes of the ABs will contain him easily. That quick tap at the end almost cost the Rebs a finals spot.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

I really think all of Willson, Wright and McReight are all viable Wallabies starters. And while I think Wright probably just edges out McReight right now it'd be 51/49 to Wright, but in another game or two it'd be as close 50/50 as possible. But frankly you could probably pick out any 3 Australian backrowers at random and you'd just as likely to get it right as anyone guessing about it on here. And I still think Hooper ought to be riding the bench -- especially if we get another game or two like we just did from Wright & McReight.

There is no way I would have Banks in Wallaby 23 - not shown anything form wise this or last season for me to show he is test standard. DHP probably more because has been a past ok test performer gets the nod. Hodge maybe in the mix. Campbell good and improving but still feel not done enough...just please stop putting him on the wing. As Campbell at FB looks way better than Campbell on the Wing.

 

[Bobby Sands]

The lineout is definitely a concern, though Wright and Samu do get the ball thrown to them regularly. I think Samu is an underrated ball carrier, he's more than useful in close to the ruck for mine.

Samu runs like a linebacker, it's epic.

A bit like Digby in that his body height is elite, and he also has dynamic feet. Very underrated ball carrier.

He's just a gun to be honest.

 

[KOB1987]

There is no way I would have Banks in Wallaby 23 - not shown anything form wise this or last season for me to show he is test standard. DHP probably more because has been a past ok test performer gets the nod. Hodge maybe in the mix. Campbell good and improving but still feel not done enough.just please stop putting him on the wing. As Campbell at FB looks way better than Campbell on the Wing.

Maddocks is clearly the form fullback. I think it will come down to whether Rennie wants the experience up the back, in which case DHP or Hodge will get the gig initially. Maddocks is a good fit for the #23 if that's the case though.

 

[Wilson]

Maddocks is clearly the form fullback. I think it will come down to whether Rennie wants the experience up the back, in which case DHP or Hodge will get the gig initially. Maddocks is a good fit for the #23 if that's the case though.

He's still very much rocks and diamonds though, and his rocks are absolutely diabolical. You get away with it to a degree at super level, but I think he's just too variable to have as test match starter right now. DHP looked very dependable yesterday, I'd have him starting and maybe Maddocks on the bench, but it's still a gamble.

 

[Derpus]

I think it’s fair to suggest Wrongerz-Hoops-Samu are the three form players in their positions, however, that back row concerns me. Lacks a bit of bulk to make metres in tight and, although Wright and Samu are serviceable, I don’t see us having much of a lineout regardless who you pick at hooker and across the back row. McDermott ahead of White for me after tonight, lack of a full back is a huge concern.

Samu and Wright are both good, regular lineout targets. Hooker permitting, selecting those two is our best option lineout wise.

Not sure it would work. Feels a little light weight to me. But wouldnt be angry if those three got picked.

I will be pissed if Rennie does a Cheika on Samu though. Definitely needs to be in the squad.

Edit: also Dempsey is okay in the lineout and could compliment Samu at 6. Our backrows are looking good.

 

[Bobby Sands]

Samu and Wright are both good, regular lineout targets. Hooker permitting, selecting those two is our best option lineout wise.

Not sure it would work. Feels a little light weight to me. But wouldnt be angry if those three got picked.

I will be pissed if Rennie does a Cheika on Samu though. Definitely needs to be in the squad.

Cheika not selecting Samu was one of the most scumbag things I have seen in professional rugby.

A very unwell man.

 

[Derpus]

Outside Tuipulotu i actually think the Wallabies now have better locking stocks than the ABs, even with our recent departures.

With our strong Props, hopefully our set piece won't be our undoing against the darkness.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Maddocks is clearly the form fullback. I think it will come down to whether Rennie wants the experience up the back, in which case DHP or Hodge will get the gig initially. Maddocks is a good fit for the #23 if that's the case though.

Yes I was going to comment separately on Maddocks he has shown most upside in terms of flair but been not as perhaps consistent - at this point if not going with DHP or hodge would prefer giving Maddocks a go as long term most likely to be our 15 solution on potential and now getting regular game time at 15 at tahs

Edit - Apologies just saw Wilson’s post - should have just said ditto

 

[wamberal]

Whitelock's not too shabby. Their front row stocks are scary.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Outside Tuipulotu i actually think the Wallabies now have better locking stocks than the ABs, even with our recent departures.

With our strong Props, hopefully our set piece won't be our undoing against the darkness.

On our best 23 we don’t look too bad do we at this point. Depth a concern with injuries - particularly in backs department and locks

 

[Derpus]

On our best 23 we don’t look too bad do we at this point. Depth a concern with injuries - particularly in backs department and locks

Well - based on last nights game i think their outside backs might be a couple of levels above ours.

 

[Zero_Cool]

I would have no lineout concerns if we pick Wright and Samu. They are for lineout purposes extra locks. I think Wright has the most lineout steals in the comp, and is an exceptional lineout target.

I personally would have the back row something like Samu, Wright, Willson or Wright, McReight, Samu (anticipating McReight continuing on his current trajectory). With Hooper & Willson/Isi on the bench. I REALLY think with so many other back rowers playing so very well I think we can't justify Hooper's limited skill set and fairly average form being in the XV. Plus he's basically purpose built for coming off the bench.

I think the bench should be a 6/2 split given our backline should have an abundance of guys who can play anywhere. And we will probably need to test out a few locks.

I agree with those who have said Isi is too one dimensional and even in that one dimension he's not exceptionally ahead of the much more dynamic Willson for example.

I'd also mention (again) Andrew Ready as a hooking option. In terms of scrum/lineout/maul he's probably our most complete all around option plus he's very handy around the park. Maybe BPA could be a better option because he'd probably fit our overall balance a little better given he's very good in that wider channel (obviously you could change the back row to fix that). I'm not sure how much of FF (Folau Fainga'a) is him and how much is the system he's playing in. Also I have never rated Uelelse, until he actually has some Super Rugby or test form (he's never had any kind of form), at best he's coming off the bench.

As for Fullback, I agree conventional wisdom will be to pick DHP or Hodge. I'd say if DHP isn't starting at XV he's not in the 23 because he only really plays fullback, whereas Hodge play... anything after 9. For those who think Campbell is ready then throw him in for a game. But I'd sooner start Banks -- I personally think the thing that seals it for me is his kicking for touch off penalties, he's got a canon for a boot and is a specialist touch finder. Maddocks hasn't been consistently good enough IMO, extended squad probably, but I'd be hard pressed to have him in my 23.

Not sure what people think about the Locks?

 

[KOB1987]

Hooper's limited skill set and fairly average form

 

[Dctarget]

Hopefully Rodda can be selected as he's still in the country. I fear all the Covid bubbles will stop Coleman or Arnold being brought back home.

NZ's locks are Whitelock, Pat T, Vaa'i & Strange. Never any dusrespect to the Darkness but they're looking similarly a bit undercooked. I'd take Whitelock & Pat T every day of the week but now LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Rodda & Philip isn't looking awful.