Wallabies 2020

[Rugbynutter39]

what makes him very mediocre? I think his play has been wonderful.

I can completely understand why he isn't in the Wallaby squad but to call him very mediocre seems very harsh.

And his trajectory is heading in the right direction

 

[Up the Guts]

I don't think Rennie is focused on size - he used to select Aaron Cruden and Damian McKenzie for the Chiefs, neither of whom are big men.

That’s at provincial level where smaller guys can still have a lot of impact (hookers like Horton are a good example). Those two are also exceptional players and I would say picked in spite of their size.

 

[Up the Guts]

Behind on reputation, not on 2020 form IMO.
All 3 have had their moments of brilliance and rubbish performances in 2020, none of those 3 players have performed to a consistently high standard all year.

Largely agree RE form, don’t think he suddenly jumps the queue because he’s brought into the squad as injury cover though.

 

[Brumby Runner]

I think Hanigan has had a strong season but I also wouldn't have picked him.

The only scenario where he really makes sense is if you're looking for a bench 4/6 and another person who is capable of calling lineouts.

If we bring in Arnold and Skelton I think we're pretty lacking on lineout callers outside of Simmons. I think Philip is the Rebels caller isn't he but outside of that I don't think LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) calls for the Reds (that was Rodda and is now Blyth?!?) and neither Arnold or Skelton are lineout callers to my knowledge.

In terms of fitting Hanigan into a 23 if you were playing a 5:3 split and were thinking that your optimum planned replacements were replacing both locks and leaving your backrow for 80 minutes, Hanigan works as the reserve lock who could come on at 6 if you had to replace a backrower.

That is a pretty edge use scenario though.

BH, does Hanigan do any lineout calling at the Tahs. Can't say I've noticed if he has, but it would be minimal while ever Simmons is available, I would think.

Philip certainly called in the semi last weekend, and did a really good job. I reckon Rory Arnold also called a bit for the Brumbies - possibly more than Hanigan has at the Tahs.

 

[Brumby Runner]

@Gutz

Daugunu is as good under the highball as any other winger. Koro might have some issues.
But I do agree Campbell probably isn't yet to test stand -- and I'd tend to not actually have him in a test team, but on form he's been the best fullback. He's a bit too old, yet inexperienced, and a bit average to be starting his test career IMO.

ZC I reckon, tongue half in cheek, that JOC (James O'Connor) is the best No 15 for the Reds this year. It really seems to me that JOC (James O'Connor) is positioned in the fullback spot whenever the Reds are not in possession. He seems to take the large bulk of opposition kicks in general play and does most of the return kicking or running it back to set up the next plays. Jock has been almost invisible in those aspects of the Reds' play during SRAu.

 

[Brumby Runner]

*dons blue tinted glasses* Maddocks should be ahead of Banks IMO

Yeah, I agree while Tom has been returning from injury. If Tom reaches full fitness and plays to his best, it will be a toss up between him and Maddocks imo. I fully expect Maddocks to show better and more consistent form under the Wallabies coaching team. With both in form, we have no issues at the back.

 

[Kenny Powers]

They needed everyone up and tackling hard again and again.

Everyone but your fly half?

 

[Brumby Runner]

I think on current form Campbell is not far off any of DHP, Maddocks or Banks.

DHP is 31 and has again injured his knee -- rehabbing at 31 isn't the same as it was at 21, even then it's not like he's a 50 cap vet, he's only got 30 odd caps, and not in particularly good form. Banks is probably the most consistent of the lot, he brings some unique skills to the table for example his excellent kicking for touch (although sometimes puts too much pressure on himself and bites off more than he can chew). At his best he's probably not as Maddocks, but at his worst he's vastly superior to Maddocks. Maddocks obviously has had a few excellent games but also a few shockers too. Instinctively I feel like Rennie will prefer both DHP and Banks to Maddocks just due to the consistency. On the topic of experience nether Banks nor Maddocks have extensive experience at Test level, but they have a few seasons of Super under there belt, not sure how much that counts for once you are in the test squad; but I'd expect much of the squad to get a run for various games against the likes of Argentina, so anyone in the selection zone could really stake a claim.

If Banks can perform against the Reds then he could sure up his claim to the starting jersey but equally a poor showing could have him going backwards against the other two. Obviously if DHP is out for an extended period Campbell is the likely option to come into the squad, and I think if in the squad is even money to get a crack at the 15 jersey.

I would guess that it depends on how Rennie views Hodge. If Hodge is regarded to be a realistic option at 15, which I firmly believe to be his best position, then there is probably adequate cover at fullback already in the squad, which might allow a better selection to be made, eg, Kuridrani if he regains his test level form or Ramm if another early 20s player is preferred for development purposes. I personally don't see Jock making the cut.

EDIT : for the record, I give Campbell a lot of credit for his attacking play when he comes into the line for the Reds. Has scored some beauties and set up others. It is the way he seems to go missing when the Opposition has the ball, and some worry about his defense, that has me worry about his ability to perform at test level.

 

[KOB1987]

^^^Ramm is already there BR.

 

[Brumby Runner]

TYhanks KOB - as he should be. I'm pretty sure that not all of the 20 yo who are of interest have been included in the squad. Or an older player like Muirhead has arguably shown better form over a longer period and could boost the outside backs cover.

 

[Cancelled Account]

what makes him very mediocre? I think his play has been wonderful.

I can completely understand why he isn't in the Wallaby squad but to call him very mediocre seems very harsh.

I am particular about what skills a quality flyhalf and fullback should portray. NZ selectors have nailed it, with a fullback playing as the second playmaker and kicker. I don’t see anything in Campbell’s game inspiring to this level of rugby IQ. Just my opinion and possibly Rennie’s looking at his squad which I wouldn’t change one player he has selected.

 

[dru]

I would guess that it depends on how Rennie views Hodge. If Hodge is regarded to be a realistic option at 15, which I firmly believe to be his best position, then there is probably adequate cover at fullback already in the squad, which might allow a better selection to be made, eg, Kuridrani if he regains his test level form or Ramm if another early 20s player is preferred for development purposes. I personally don't see Jock making the cut.

EDIT : for the record, I give Campbell a lot of credit for his attacking play when he comes into the line for the Reds. Has scored some beauties and set up others. It is the way he seems to go missing when the Opposition has the ball, and some worry about his defense, that has me worry about his ability to perform at test level.

For me, I'd have Hodge at 15. DHP is rated highly, I get it, but he's not for me. I also get Maddocks being favoured after that, like the guy.

At the Reds though I wouldn't take any of them over Jock. Starting pro late isn't an issue I think. If he keeps going he's going to surprise people as we go forward.

But I'm not surprised he didn't make the 46 in 2020.

 

[Hammeroid]

If anyone is interested there are a few good coaching videos of Dave Rennie on youtube. Definitely a teacher of the game. Exciting times for the wallabies.

 

[Cancelled Account]

If anyone is interested there are a few good coaching videos of Dave Rennie on youtube. Definitely a teacher of the game. Exciting times for the wallabies.

Rennie is all quality and rugby in Australia will only get better having him involved. Let’s hope the usual knobs pull their heads in and let him teach us a thing or two.

 

[Penguin]

TYhanks KOB - as he should be. I'm pretty sure that not all of the 20 yo who are of interest have been included in the squad. Or an older player like Muirhead has arguably shown better form over a longer period and could boost the outside backs cover.

Indeed Muirhead is a better fullback than he is winger, just hasn't had that opportunity at the Brumbies. I'd be very happy to see him in gold.

 

[Zero_Cool]

Yeah, Hodge is an option -- I still think he needs a whole season at largely the same position before he can really begin his career the dude had 69 Super Caps and 30 odd internationals and STILL has no true position. If he could get some continuity at one position he'd actually be able to learn how to play that position. *Sigh*

I'd say if Campbell can get into the squad he'd be good enough at training and we'd have enough games against weaker opposition to see him at least get a red hot go plus Rennie seams the type of coach to give a player an opportunity when it's viable (he doesn't shy away from selection dilemmas). Keep in mind we are apparently expecting a handful of Australia-A games, plus the Argies are kinda screwed, and South Africa might be sending a weaker squad than they normally would (if they come at all) and both have had very little game time. Also Campbell has been at least arguably the form fullback in the comp (sure when you only consider his time at 15).

Is now JO'C out Reece Hodging Reece 'anywhere but 9' Hodge?

But seriously where is all the controversy, we're all here arguing over who is the last bad fullback..

Where are the spicy XV's, the dramatic captain calls, and bold win predictions?!

 

[Cancelled Account]

Captain is most probably Hooper, To'omua, DHP or Liam Wright. Liam Wright is my pick.

 

[Adam84]

ZC I reckon, tongue half in cheek, that JOC (James O'Connor) is the best No 15 for the Reds this year. It really seems to me that JOC (James O'Connor) is positioned in the fullback spot whenever the Reds are not in possession. He seems to take the large bulk of opposition kicks in general play and does most of the return kicking or running it back to set up the next plays. Jock has been almost invisible in those aspects of the Reds' play during SRAu.

Well that’s simply not true BR, you only need to watch the highlights of Reds tries and you’ll see Jock positioned at, and running it back from fullback a number of times, including a cracking try against the Rebels only 2 weeks ago.

I agree JOC (James O'Connor) drops back often, but he drops back in the wingers slot, not as the fullback.

 

[dru]

Captain is most probably Hooper, To'omua, DHP or Liam Wright. Liam Wright is my pick.

HaHAHA!!!

Love your work RR (nil sarcasm). Hooper god help us. DHP really? So it comes to two.

 

[Up the Guts]

It’d be foolish to send Wright out against the ABs as captain with one bench cap. He might well be test captain in the future but the pragmatic thing to do is let him establish himself in the side first. It’s still up for debate whether or not he will be starting.