Wallabies 2020

[RugbyReg]

Rebels have Tuttle.

Louwrens was in the Wallaby training squad a few years ago, but dont know if he is still eligible.

Is that the reason Lomani was dropped or just non-performance? I've never heard of the 'total number of foreigners' rule other than in France and Japan.

It's a blight on the Rebels that they have so many to be honest.

 

[Silverado]

Rebels have Tuttle.

Louwrens was in the Wallaby training squad a few years ago, but dont know if he is still eligible.

Is that the reason Lomani was dropped or just non-performance? I've never heard of the 'total number of foreigners' rule other than in France and Japan.

It's a blight on the Rebels that they have so many to be honest.

The commentators pre game said that Lomani had been told to step down because he was ineligible. Wessles was interviewed straight after and said that it wasn't because he was ineligible, it was because they had too many foreigners. (?) I'm not sure on Louwrens is eligible but Tuttle is a good example of an Australian player trying to make his way blocked by Fijian.

 

[Wilson]

Rebels have Tuttle.

Louwrens was in the Wallaby training squad a few years ago, but dont know if he is still eligible.

Is that the reason Lomani was dropped or just non-performance? I've never heard of the 'total number of foreigners' rule other than in France and Japan.

It's a blight on the Rebels that they have so many to be honest.

That was the reason Wessels gave when the commentators asked why Lomani was dropped. No idea what the limit is, but I think Eloff, Misa and Koegelenberg are probably all foreigners as they've come in from overseas this year. Was unsure of Louwrens' and Smith's eligibility. Based on that it's probably a max of 3 overseas players, but it could be that it's 2 and RA cut the rebels a bit of slack this time because it was so close to game time and two of those 3 were front row players.

Probably doesn't go far enough to be honest, but I get the feeling they may have missed an opportunity to lock the foreign squad places down this season.

 

[KOB1987]

Dingo rightly copped a shellacking for selecting JOC (James O'Connor) at 10, but in fairness we went within a moulded sole of taking out a Lions series with him there. He's the pick of the Aussie 10s at the moment and playing very well, I think he's looking good for the Wallabies #10 gig. He's got a much more reliable boot than To'omua so I'd wager on 10. JOC (James O'Connor) 12. MT at this point in time.

 

[barbarian]

I thought To'omua managed a wet weather game pretty well on Friday night though. It's either him or JOC (James O'Connor) at the moment.

Tate McDermott is the guy who has stood out to me. Really nice pass, good speed, has a knack for making plays. Unless he gets injured I reckon he debuts this year.

 

[wamberal]

To'omua is a plodder, JOC (James O'Connor) is a thoroughbred. Maybe there is room for both of them, 10/12, either order, mix it up and confuse the opposition.

 

[RoffsChoice]

Tate is the standout scrumhalf this season, and probably would have been our reserve scrumhalf at the world cup if not for his injury at the end of last season. He deserves a jersey for his continued form.

We probably have to accept that the 10 we have for the next couple of years will not go on to be one of the great Australian flyhalves. To'omua and JOC (James O'Connor) have talent, but ultimately have demonstrated that they are better in different positions and are only good flyhalves because of their ability and versatility. I won't complain about either of them being our 10 this year

 

[Wilson]

Dingo rightly copped a shellacking for selecting JOC (James O'Connor) at 10, but in fairness we went within a moulded sole of taking out a Lions series with him there. He's the pick of the Aussie 10s at the moment and playing very well, I think he's looking good for the Wallabies #10 gig. He's got a much more reliable boot than To'omua so I'd wager on 10. JOC (James O'Connor) 12. MT at this point in time.

It's been almost 7 years since that lions series, JOC (James O'Connor) is a different player and a different man. He may or may not be the right option at 10 for the wallabies, but I don't think that series should have any bearing on his selection this year.

 

[Viking]

I'm all for JOC (James O'Connor) at 10. To'omua I fear kicks way to much, those chip kicks were the right option in the wet weather game, but I just fear he will continue to do them too often. Hopefully I am wrong as he was superb last year in the wallabies.

But as it stands, based on the super xv so far. Would love to see Tate 9. 10. JOC (James O'Connor).

 

[Derpus]

I'm all for JOC (James O'Connor) at 10. To'omua I fear kicks way to much, those chip kicks were the right option in the wet weather game, but I just fear he will continue to do them too often. Hopefully I am wrong as he was superb last year in the wallabies.

But as it stands, based on the super xv so far. Would love to see Tate 9. 10. JOC (James O'Connor).

Superb last year? Bit of a stretch.

 

[Ulrich]

Rebels have Tuttle.

Louwrens was in the Wallaby training squad a few years ago, but dont know if he is still eligible.

Is that the reason Lomani was dropped or just non-performance? I've never heard of the 'total number of foreigners' rule other than in France and Japan.

It's a blight on the Rebels that they have so many to be honest.

Years ago across Super Rugby the general 'rule', if I recall correctly, was 2 foreign max. That seemed to count for everyone, but we all had our best players then too so there was no need for imports - it was a luxury for THEM to be playing Super 12.

What annoys me is the Bulls signed a Tongan international and I have yet to see him even feature on the bench. Maybe I have just missed it? The reason it annoys me is because if we want to attract some help here and there we better make it worth their while and I just sense that is not happening for whatever reason.

At least Jamie Roberts is getting game time.

 

[Wilson]

Petaia out for 20 weeks, a few tests into the international season and unlikely to slot straight in after missing another season of super rugby. Kuridrani know almost certain but Paisami has to rocket into contention off the back of his last couple of games, particularity with rebels and tahs not settled on their 13's and mostly looking at equally inexperienced options.

 

[PhilClinton]

Years ago across Super Rugby the general 'rule', if I recall correctly, was 2 foreign max. That seemed to count for everyone, but we all had our best players then too so there was no need for imports - it was a luxury for THEM to be playing Super 12.

I'm still waiting for the Reds to bring back Goromaru.

 

[Tex]

Petaia out for 20 weeks, a few tests into the international season and unlikely to slot straight in after missing another season of super rugby. Kuridrani know almost certain but Paisami has to rocket into contention off the back of his last couple of games, particularity with rebels and tahs not settled on their 13's and mostly looking at equally inexperienced options.

What's his injury?

 

[Zero_Cool]

I think we're jumping the gun a bit on 13. Don't forget O'Connor is the 'incumbent' 13. We also have Karmichael who is never a bad option. Paisami has looked very good in his limited opportunities. And Hodge is always a thing; he apparently plays 13 now too.

 

[Wilson]

What's his injury?

Dislocated shoulder:
https://www.rugby.com.au/news/2020/02/19/super-rugby-reds-petaia

 

[Up the Guts]

I’m not sure Petaia would have played 13 for the Wallabies even if fit, I reckon he would have built his craft at 14 first. TK is the obvious choice, his ability to organise the defence at test level cannot be overstated.

Paisami has one very good game under his belt and great bench impact in a couple of others, hopefully it continues and he pushes for selection. What’s his eligibility status, didn’t he play u20s for Samoa after playing Aus schools in 2016?

 

[RoffsChoice]

Petaia is a natural 13 and should definitely play there. Only two other guys in Aussie rugby have as much defensive awareness in the 13 channel.

However, this is the risk with Petaia. We're trading a lot on his potential, and, while injuries shouldn't hurt his cognative abilities, a 13 needs to trust their shoulder if they're going to be making split-second calls about rushing and hitting someone or shepherding them towards the winger or the touchline.

If Kuridrani goes down now, Wallabies defensive ability is fucked.

 

[Tomikin]

Petaia is a natural 13 and should definitely play there. Only two other guys in Aussie rugby have as much defensive awareness in the 13 channel.

However, this is the risk with Petaia. We're trading a lot on his potential, and, while injuries shouldn't hurt his cognative abilities, a 13 needs to trust their shoulder if they're going to be making split-second calls about rushing and hitting someone or shepherding them towards the winger or the touchline.

If Kuridrani goes down now, Wallabies defensive ability is fucked.

You said 2 other's who are they ?

 

[RoffsChoice]

Kuridrani and Ikitau. We have a paucity of genuine 13s in Aus.