Wallabies 2020

[barbarian]

Play him and see. We all know what Hooper will bring.

I don't like this, you don't hand out Wallaby jerseys to see how people go. Give him another few runs off the bench to prove his worth.

 

[Hardtackle]

It's easy to see what he does very well - link and make tackles. People question Hooper's position in the mix based on what he doesn't bring - size and physicality. We've been bashed from pillar to post for way too long.

 

[KOB1987]

Play him and see. We all know what Hooper will bring.

Yes. Plenty.

 

[Derpus]

It's easy to see what he does very well - link and make tackles. People question Hooper's position in the mix based on what he doesn't bring - size and physicality. We've been bashed from pillar to post for way too long.

Wiki says Hoops is 1.8m and 101kg. McReight is 1.84 and 100kg. So he isnt bringing size. He doesnt offer a lineout presence. He is maybe a little stronger over the ball? I dont think he plays with more physicality than Hooper who leads the defence and regularly tops the tackle count.

Barbs is right - they are like for like (and both great players).

 

[Jets]

To be clear - I’m not rushing to judgement. I don’t begrudge anyone trying to make the most of their circumstances and I get that these are unique times.

However, Koroibete did accept a written commercial offer from RA which was beneficial to his circumstances and meeting his commitments. It is a time bound commitment and, at the end of it, he has the right to seek alternatives. I am not sure of the extent to which COVID has impacted RA meeting it’s side, and I agree there is a legitimate argument there that impacted players should be given some flexibility - but whatever Koroibete’s personal circumstances his contract with RA is not one which only benefits them and is not one which he was forced into.

The guy hasn't seen his family since the Rebels escaped to ACT during Victorian lockdown. I think for a family man the thought of being able to be at home every night would be appealing. I think giving him a sabbatical to go to Japan would be a good idea. I'd say that will be where he is full time after the next world cup, if not before then.

 

[Wilson]

If you want to add size/muscle at the ruck than the only player to swap Hooper for is Wright. I don't think it's the right call here though, Hooper still offers plenty and his pace around the field will be very useful against the Argies.

For all the talk of physicality winning Argentina the game, New Zealand played into their hands by carrying direct and not bringing much variation to their attack. Hooper gives us something there that New Zealand didn't have.

 

[Viking]

If Matera and Kremer can do the same two weeks in a row we’re in for a long night. Who do we have that can match these two for physicality and passion? I’d still give McReight a crack. 6 is the issue. Wilson will go alright.

If JOC (James O'Connor) is fit I’d play Hodge at 15 and try to pin them in their own half.

If you want to pin them in their own half then Banks is the better option. Hodge has a big boot but is fairly slow and inaccurate. Banks kicks long and accurate and is the best under the high ball in Aus.

If you want some attacking variation then Hodge would be the better option. Not sure how he is under the high ball these days but I'd back him to be pretty good at it.

 

[Braveheart81]

If you want to pin them in their own half then Banks is the better option. Hodge has a big boot but is fairly slow and inaccurate. Banks kicks long and accurate and is the best under the high ball in Aus.

If you want some attacking variation then Hodge would be the better option. Not sure how he is under the high ball these days but I'd back him to be pretty good at it.

I don't think we've really seen any good general play kicking from Banks in the three tests he's played so far this season. His line kicking has been really good but there's been very little kicking by either of our fullbacks from what I can remember.

In the first Bledisloe he did kick one that didn't go out and the All Blacks scored a few phases later.

 

[Viking]

If you want to add size/muscle at the ruck than the only player to swap Hooper for is Wright. I don't think it's the right call here though, Hooper still offers plenty and his pace around the field will be very useful against the Argies.

For all the talk of physicality winning Argentina the game, New Zealand played into their hands by carrying direct and not bringing much variation to their attack. Hooper gives us something there that New Zealand didn't have.

Wright more muscle then Hooper? What have you been smoking?

Hooper is a very psychical player. He tackles hard. Wright probably hits more breakdowns (although I even doubt that) but that's just different styles of play.

Plus Hooper is proven at Test level and Wright has a bit too prove.

Maybe if you wanted a better line-out option you could argue for Wright.

Samu would have the best shot at taking Hooper spot.

I think Hooper gets a bit of stick for being an average Captain. He does his job better then most in the starting 15.

 

[Viking]

I don't think we've really seen any good general play kicking from Banks in the three tests he's played so far this season. His line kicking has been really good but there's been very little kicking by either of our fullbacks from what I can remember.

In the first Bledisloe he did kick one that didn't go out and the All Blacks scored a few phases later.

That's true. But there is evidence in Super Rugby Banks is good at this. Way more evidence favoring Banks general play kicking over Hodge at fullback.

That's all we can do. Look at the evidence at hand.

 

[Wilson]

Wright more muscle then Hooper? What have you been smoking?

Hooper is a very psychical player. He tackles hard. Wright probably hits more breakdowns (although I even doubt that) but that's just different styles of play.

Specifically at the ruck, yes though not necessarily by much. I'm not actually advocating Wright over Hooper here, just that if you were to change 7 for ruck presence against Argentina you'd bring in Wright, rather than McReight.

 

[Sully]

Specifically at the ruck, yes though not necessarily by much. I'm not actually advocating Wright over Hooper here, just that if you were to change 7 for ruck presence against Argentina you'd bring in Wright, rather than McReight.

I thought that was pretty clear.

 

[Braveheart81]

I'm again unsure why we're talking about our ability to pilfer to counteract the Pumas doing that.

We need to focus on our ball carriers getting across the advantage line to decrease their chances and our cleanouts. We don't protect our own ball by trying to pilfer it.

If someone can find a missed cleanout by Hooper in the four tests we've played this season I'll be surprised. His accuracy at the breakdown is excellent.

 

[Viking]

Hooper is arguably the most consistent world class player of the last 4-5 years, yet some still question his stature? I don't get it.

I agree. But to fair (playing devils advocate), he does have some hard comparisons in the 7 jersey. We have been blessed with two of the world's best in George Smith and David Pocock.

Comparing his game to these two, you are always going to fall short somewhere.

 

[wamberal]

Hooper is the Wallaby captain. He will not be dropped.

 

[Viking]

I'm again unsure why we're talking about our ability to pilfer to counteract the Pumas doing that.

We need to focus on our ball carriers getting across the advantage line to decrease their chances and our cleanouts. We don't protect our own ball by trying to pilfer it.

If someone can find a missed cleanout by Hooper in the four tests we've played this season I'll be surprised. His accuracy at the breakdown is excellent.

Thats a really good point.

I wonder who's accuracy at the breakdown (cleaning out) and ball running is best:
Hanigan - Poor ball running but hits a lot of rucks
Wilson - jack of all trades but master or none (yet)
Nasia - good ball runner but not sure on accuracy at breakdown cleanouts
Samu - good ball runner, good around the breakdown

Then there's set-piece on that. But I'm leaning towards Samu/Naisa to partner Wilson and Hooper. Argies don't have the strongest line-out do they?

 

[Viking]

Hooper is the Wallaby captain. He will not be dropped.

Likely won't be dropped. This is not the Chieka era anymore. I don't believe Rennie has many favourites and I doubt he would hesitate to drop even the Captain for poor form (or someone with better form).

But on form, he will not be dropped.

 

[Drew]

Agreed. We need our forwards getting to the breakdown and protecting our ball. NZ lost structure because they kept thinking a few plays ahead, they needed more commitment to protecting the ball they had rather than looking to take the next hit up. Sure you commit more players to the breakdown, but we get quicker ball, which turns into front foot ball, which turns into quicker ball.

 

[TSR]

I predict Hooper will be the 7th name on the team sheet.

Unless Rennie likes to work from the back.

 

[sendit]

Do we bring Hosea into the team, maybe starting if LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is out still, to help with our physicality? He seemed to go well in the Australia A games