Wallabies 2020
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Tim Horan (67)
Yeah in my breakdown above I included Ikitau as a 12 but now I'm reading that he's actually a 13. So only Irae is the out & out 12 in the squad.
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
To'omua is a 12
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
Absolutely. Not according to Rennie though. But doesn't he count JOC (James O'Connor) as a 12?
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
I agree. Many won't though.
A few may not have seen Hanigan play since 2018.
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
I can see him being captain of Australia A.
Makes sense to have Hanigan as a potential bench option, especially if Skelton is the THL
Like when we ran two dwarves at 8 & 7 you need to find balance somehow
Joe Blow
John Hipwell (52)
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
Lolesio was #12 for the U20s too
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
Ned’s has a lot of attributes to be very good test 6. What he has lacked is impact in contact and some accuracy - but he seems to be improving in that aspect. At 25 he should be coming into his peak. I wouldn’t have him in my test 23, but I could see how Rennie would rate him. Swinton is a different player, but I can see the value in him too. I feel sorry for Nasirani - but I feel a bit like, because he is very good in certain aspects of his game, he has been allowed to come through the system without developing other areas in which he is limited.
I look at that squad and see that we can pick a team with both the best scrum, lineout and kick off options we’ve had in years - although the caveat there is we have to get the throwing right. That in itself gives me a sense of optimism.
Our backline is much more a work-in-progress IMO and I’m looking forward to seeing how a few guys grab the opportunity. There are some real potential there. From guys like McDermott, Lolesio, Harrison & Ramm who will be keen to show they are the real deal, Daugunu & Simone who have had a couple of years and seen to be blossoming this year and seasoned guys like White, JOC (James O'Connor), To'omua and DHP who will want to show they are still number 1 in their spot.
Feel for Isi - but otherwise the squad seem pretty on the money.
I look at that squad and see that we can pick a team with both the best scrum, lineout and kick off options we’ve had in years - although the caveat there is we have to get the throwing right. That in itself gives me a sense of optimism.
Our backline is much more a work-in-progress IMO and I’m looking forward to seeing how a few guys grab the opportunity. There are some real potential there. From guys like McDermott, Lolesio, Harrison & Ramm who will be keen to show they are the real deal, Daugunu & Simone who have had a couple of years and seen to be blossoming this year and seasoned guys like White, JOC (James O'Connor), To'omua and DHP who will want to show they are still number 1 in their spot.
Feel for Isi - but otherwise the squad seem pretty on the money.
The Phoenix
Ward Prentice (10)
ANGUS BELL????? Someone mentioned Swinton was a work experience kid then what is Bell, bring your son to work day? How can someone not in Waratahs run on team get in over proven players like Hoopert, Smith and Orr? I though the days of the Sydney media picking the team was over. And Pone? Who cares how big he is - his main job is to hold the scrum up.
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
You had a fair point until you suggested Hoopert or Smith. I don't think they are test players either (is Smith even eligible?) Orr maybe.
The Phoenix
Ward Prentice (10)
I believe both Smiths are now eligible, certainly JP, and Orr has been great. I named Hoopert because he's a run-on in the best performing scrum, whereas Bell can't even make the weakest pack's starting side.
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
Pone surprises me a bit, but his scrumming is fine from what I’ve seen. It’s his fitness I have concerns over.
Orr has made something of a late charge, but was never in the frame prior to that. Hoopert has been mostly injured and not in good enough form, and the time has passed for Smith I’d say.
We have some really good props at the moment, but the depth isn’t fantastic. Bell & Pone are probably a bit lucky/early but they clearly have a much higher ceiling than the other 3 IMO.
Edit: if you assume at least 5 of the other props are in front of them, your effectively looking at who our 6-8 best props are. With limits on bringing other players into the squad there is always a chance 1 or both might be needed for tests, but it’s a pretty low chance.
Orr has made something of a late charge, but was never in the frame prior to that. Hoopert has been mostly injured and not in good enough form, and the time has passed for Smith I’d say.
We have some really good props at the moment, but the depth isn’t fantastic. Bell & Pone are probably a bit lucky/early but they clearly have a much higher ceiling than the other 3 IMO.
Edit: if you assume at least 5 of the other props are in front of them, your effectively looking at who our 6-8 best props are. With limits on bringing other players into the squad there is always a chance 1 or both might be needed for tests, but it’s a pretty low chance.