Wallabies 2020

[Brumby Runner]

Speaking of players who are frequently injured, I liked what I saw from Rob Valetini on the weekend.

He's been talked up by many for a few years, and while he's shown some glimpses I can't say I have ever been super impressed by his game. Maybe I just didn't see what others did. He wasn't bad by any stretch, just not that good.

But he's clearly bulked up a bit, had a few years of pro rugby under his belt, and now he looks like he belongs out there.

If his development continues I think a Valetini-Hooper-Naisirani backrow would have a nice balance about it.

Barb, I don't have his respective weight figures over the past few years, but to me Valetini 2020 looks just the same as he did in 2018. His standout influence on a game imo was always his hard hitting defense. It was then and is now. He just doesn't get injured as frequently as he did a couple of years ago. Long may that last. Allowing that defense is a particular strong point with him, he is also very hard to stop with ball in hand. He is usually the go to man for the first run off a kick off.

While your suggested backrow is plenty good, Pete Samu also deserves a look-in on his form last year and so far in 2020. Looks like there will be a strong presence by one of them off the bench.

 

[Brumby Runner]

What nonsense. Rennie himself said he'll be picking the best performing player in each position. If he thinks Hooper is the best 7, he'll pick him.

And that's exactly how it should be. Will be a welcome change if it comes about.

 

[Up the Guts]

I can't believe no one has mentioned Rob Valetini's haircut yet. If it ends up being a close run thing, he clearly gets the nod on that basis.

Yes but classy Pete Samu rolls around the field with the shirt tucked in. Also, known to rock the timeless business at the front, party at the back look so you know he is going to be bring the focus to training and the culture to touring.

 

[Tomikin]

Yes but classy Pete Samu rolls around the field with the shirt tucked in. Also, known to rock the timeless business at the front, party at the back look so you know he is going to be bring the focus to training and the culture to touring.

Did you see how the two chief's went for the shirt pull tackle on the weekend, didnt they look like the fools when they realized Pete had them covered by tucking it in.

 

[Bobby Sands]

'When fit' - the lad has a lot to prove on this front. Cant be a Wallaby 13 if you are always crocked.

Well that hasn't exactly proven true has it?

He went ok for the Wallabies on exactly zero footy last year.

 

[Derpus]

Well that hasn't exactly proven true has it?

He went ok for the Wallabies on exactly zero footy last year.

Yeah but he only managed 3 or 4 tests.

 

[Bobby Sands]

Yeah but he only managed 3 or 4 tests.

Yeah, because we got knocked out! Not because he was injured.

This "alot to prove narrative" is just funny to me. He's played exactly two underwhelming games ever at pro level and they were both this season.

Reckon he's going ok and hope he gets better soon.

 

[Braveheart81]

Yeah, because we got knocked out! Not because he was injured.

Likewise though, since he was selected to debut against Italy in 2018 (and then withdrew with injury), the Wallabies have played 12 tests and he's only been fit for three of them.

Repeated serious injuries are a huge issue for him. Hopefully like some previous injury prone young players, he outgrows it and can keep himself healthy.

 

[Show-n-go]

Likewise though, since he was selected to debut against Italy in 2018 (and then withdrew with injury), the Wallabies have played 12 tests and he's only been fit for three of them.

Repeated serious injuries are a huge issue for him. Hopefully like some previous injury prone young players, he outgrows it and can keep himself healthy.

I think the injury is somewhat of a blessing in disguise, gives his body a full year to grow and condition, we know he has the talent

I wouldn’t be selecting him to play till super rugby 2021

 

[Adam84]

Likewise though, since he was selected to debut against Italy in 2018 (and then withdrew with injury), the Wallabies have played 12 tests and he's only been fit for three of them.

Repeated serious injuries are a huge issue for him. Hopefully like some previous injury prone young players, he outgrows it and can keep himself healthy.

Well at least it wasn’t another hamstring related injury, obviously not good hurting your shoulder... but for a young outside back hurting a shoulder is better then a hamstring or knee

 

[Braveheart81]

Well at least it wasn’t another hamstring related injury, obviously not good hurting your shoulder. but for a young outside back hurting a shoulder is better then a hamstring or knee

His cardio should be good when he returns. I imagine he'll be spending a fair bit of time on an exercise bike over the next two or three months before he can start doing more physical rehab.

 

[Sully]

Well it translated pretty well on Saturday afternoon - he (alongside Miller and Samu) dominated the Chiefs back-row (including one Sam Cane). One of the primary reasons the Ponies backline functioned so well.

Per Rugbypass:

5 carries for 18 meters (mainly post-contact meters), 1 defender beaten, 11 tackles (team high) and 1 tackles missed. Nil penalties or infringements.

Compare that the Lukhan Salakia-Loto: 1 try, 5 carries for 12 meters , no defenders beaten, 8 tackles and 2 tackles missed. 1 penalty against.

That's a pretty good shift

for LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) to hav manage 8 tackles in a game here the Reds barely defended is impressive.

Seriously you can't compare any players from those two games.

 

[Braveheart81]

for LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) to hav manage 8 tackles in a game here the Reds barely defended is impressive.

Six of the tackles were hugging teammates during post try celebrations.

 

[Brumby Runner]

for LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) to hav manage 8 tackles in a game here the Reds barely defended is impressive.

Seriously you can't compare any players from those two games.

I have a feeling that certain coaches/selectors will be doing just that.

 

[cyclopath]

His cardio should be good when he returns. I imagine he'll be spending a fair bit of time on an exercise bike over the next two or three months before he can start doing more physical rehab.

Poor bastard!

 

[Bobby Sands]

I think the injury is somewhat of a blessing in disguise, gives his body a full year to grow and condition, we know he has the talent

I wouldn’t be selecting him to play till super rugby 2021

Agree, I still say he has the highest upside of any back I’ve seen in an 15+ years. I say that as an observation, not to add pressure or further any debates on here. He’s precocious & we need to look after him very carefully.

 

[Derpus]

Agree, I still say he has the highest upside of any back I’ve seen in an 15+ years. I say that as an observation, not to add pressure or further any debates on here. He’s precocious & we need to look after him very carefully.

Who do you reckon was the last with his talent, out of interest?

 

[Zero_Cool]

Many would say O'Connor!

 

[Viking]

Samu has to be in the 23. Leaving him at home last year was criminal.

Absolutely. I will also throw this out there - If super xv form is really the primary marker this year for Rennie, then Samu might take Hooper's starting spot.
Rennie would have to consider Samu a 7, but it's a possibility.

 

[Viking]

Who do you reckon was the last with his talent, out of interest?

Izzy Folau