Wallabies 2020

[Up the Guts]

Laumape is only 1.77 m

I know, I'm not referring to him.

And, similar to ALB, the 'Canes list Laumape as 171cm so I'm not sure there's much point in repeated back and forth over a few kg/cm when all the numbers we have access to are error prone.

 

[KiwiM]

Getting a midfield combination that compliments each other and works well together is a lot more useful than just worrying about size.

Years ago at the start of Nonu's career the Umaga-Nonu 12-13 combination never really worked that well. Last year the ABs had 4 handy midfielders in their RWC squad with plenty of size but couldn't find a combination that worked well together between SBW, Crotty, ALB and Goodhue.

 

[Braveheart81]

http://rugby.com.au/news/2020/09/23...captain-ahead-of-bledisloe-cup-by-dave-rennie

Hooper is the captain.

 

[Micheal]

http://rugby.com.au/news/2020/09/23...captain-ahead-of-bledisloe-cup-by-dave-rennie

Hooper is the captain.

Wow so weird that he'll be captaining from the bench (reserve inside centre - he's not a 7, it is known) as Fraser McReight will obviously be starting. Can't believe the Waratahs conspiracy has already got it's grips on Rennie.

 

[rodha]

I know, I'm not referring to him.

And, similar to ALB, the 'Canes list Laumape as 171cm so I'm not sure there's much point in repeated back and forth over a few kg/cm when all the numbers we have access to are error prone.

If you looked at the average weights of centres/backs in general of NZ teams compared to Australia, I would guess it would be significantly higher. I would speculate because many of NZ's top athletes go through the rugby pathways at school, whereas in Australia a lot of your bigger bodies and freak athletes that are notable (and gain the most attention from scouts) for their impressive physiques end up being snapped-up by League and other sports. Even the rise in popularity of Basketball among the youth here in NZ I think could be responsible for the lack of tall-timber coming through the U-20 pathways in more recent times.

 

[Uh huh]

if Rennie wants to play a fast paced game (I saw some comments by Lolesio I think mention this) then to me that leads to moving away from Powell. I just don't see him suited to playing an up tempo style - long term McDermott seems far better suited to such a role.

Probably puts him ahead of White though.

 

[fatprop]

If you looked at the average weights of centres/backs in general of NZ teams compared to Australia, I would guess it would be significantly higher. I would speculate because many of NZ's top athletes go through the rugby pathways at school, whereas in Australia a lot of your bigger bodies and freak athletes that are notable (and gain the most attention from scouts) for their impressive physiques end up being snapped-up by League and other sports. Even the rise in popularity of Basketball among the youth here in NZ I think could be responsible for the lack of tall-timber coming through the U-20 pathways in more recent times.

Time to move this stuff to the game thread lads

 

[qwerty51]

On Thursday, Rennie said the decision to reappoint Hooper was an easy one given his consistency throughout 2020.
"I've been really impressed with Hoops," Rennie said.
"We've spoken a lot over the past nine months and it's highlighted his passion and commitment.
"He's a good man with an outstanding work ethic and he's a great role model for our young men coming through.
"He's keen to lead, and is highly respected by the Wallaby family. In the end his appointment was a straight forward decision."

 

[Slim 293]

http://rugby.com.au/news/2020/09/23...captain-ahead-of-bledisloe-cup-by-dave-rennie

Hooper is the captain.

It’s just a shame Bobby Sands couldn’t be here with us...

 

[Rebels3]

Hooper been named as captain is the most obvious decision this year for the Wallabies.

The half back spot is out of White and McDermott with White been the favorite. Powell won’t come into calculations unless there is injuries.

 

[footy1>31]

Now we can try work out who the 6/8/20 combo is - for me Liam Wright could easily be the 6 going forward, with Samu as the 8 and Harry Wilson playing as a finisher.

 

[VassMan]

That article said that Valetini and Samu are favorites to partner Hooper in the backrow. I just can't see Valetini being there just yet, especially since he was on the bench for the Super Au final.

 

[qwerty51]

I really don't see Liam Wright being big enough for Test rugby at 6 and given Hooper is playing 80 mins I don't see a spot for him on the bench either. Same for McReight. You could get away with Pocock and Hooper since Pocock was so physical.

That leaves Swinton, Wilson, Samu and Valetini (Hanigan maybe?)

I think it'll be 6. Wilson 7. Hooper 8. Samu 20. Valetini

 

[Derpus]

Qwerty, thats what id pick. Philip and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) to start in the row and i guess someone like Simmons or Hanigan on the bench.

 

[Joe Blow]

Paisami is over 100kgs and those Nz weights look inflated to me.

And he hits like 125kgs

 

[rodha]

What players will Rennie be bringing into the squad from overseas?

 

[qwerty51]

What players will Rennie be bringing into the squad from overseas?

Journos were indicating Arnold is a definite and the other one between Skelton and Latu.

 

[tragic]

It’s just a shame Bobby Sands couldn’t be here with us...

It is actually.
Amongst all the tahs bashing there’s some pretty insightful posts.
More so than many here.
Cant say I’m surprised you’ve had a second go though.

 

[Dctarget]

It is actually.
Amongst all the tahs bashing there’s some pretty insightful posts.
More so than many here.
Cant say I’m surprised you’ve had a second go though.

Yeah let Bobby back, he brings good value to the forum. Yes, he takes everything as a personal slight but the man loves (and knows) his rugby.

 

[Up the Guts]

Really enjoy his views on the talent coming through the 20s and grassroots, he just gets a bit hyperbolic around Wallaby selection.