Wallabies 2021

[Purce]

No one is even considering Hodge at 13?
I think if nothing else we'll need his experience in the backline.

I agree going a 6/2 split is probably going to be ideal.

Big no for me. Hodge doesn't have that next level in him(yet). He is a little below Mr reliable tag for me. Still misses tackles he should make, throws some shocking passes and his rugby IQ isn't where it should be for a guy with his experience. I like him, seems like a good honest toiler but just doesn't appear to have that next level in him, kind of like Godwin.

We have Paisami, Ikitau as the starting centres most likely and I would select Foketi or Simone there before Hodge.

Only position I would consider him is 15 and only if they use his boot as part of the game plan. Otherwise you get no upside over Banks.

If Hodge is fit you'd imagine he is all but guaranteed a bench slot with other versatile players out of action.

 

[Tomikin]

Could Hodge end up at 10 if JOC (James O'Connor) is out, that's what happened last year.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Run Leota at centre.

Or Hooper?

 

[Cancelled Account]

Do any of the above have the ability or experience to come close (or ever come close) to him? 134 Super Rugby caps and 70 tests.

Worlds best tackler or not - he would still walk into the 10 jersey at Tahs, Rebels and Force still and if To'omua and JOC (James O'Connor) are really out (let's hope not) there is no one better available.

Now let's be clear - this is a drastic solution to a crisis. Let's hope it doesn't come to it. But if we need another 10 training in the squad just in case - I'd rather pick one of the most successful and experienced 10s in the last decade then dig deep to another kid who has questionable status as a professional rugby player.

Let’s get Quade in. I think he’ll show up most of the backline. If we’re only worried about his tackling then we’re onto a real winner. I think his 80% game (20% brain fart) is better than what’s on offer at full fitness.

 

[Members Section]

Could Hodge end up at 10 if JOC (James O'Connor) is out, that's what happened last year.

Most likely

 

[Derpus]

Could Hodge end up at 10 if JOC (James O'Connor) is out, that's what happened last year.

I'd say this is unlikely given he hasnt played recently.

 

[Zero_Cool]

Do people think Hunter starts all 3? He's clearly our best center and we're very light on in that department.

 

[Dctarget]

Alexandre Fischer, a promising young French player who was part of the travelling squad will no longer take part not because of injury, but because he lost his passport in transit and was turned around at Dubai. Probably the stupidest reason not to be debut for your country.

 

[Dan54]

Alexandre Fischer, a promising young French player who was part of the travelling squad will no longer take part not because of injury, but because he lost his passport in transit and was turned around at Dubai. Probably the stupidest reason not to be debut for your country.

Somehow you not really all that surprised that a French player would do that.
You can see a shrug of the shoulders and him saying "ces choses arrivent" or something

 

[liquor box]

Has he learned how to tackle yet?

I am pretty confident that he can still tackle to the same standard as just about every Aussie player had during TT

 

[wamberal]

I am pretty confident that he can still tackle to the same standard as just about every Aussie player had during TT

Maybe he can. But he didn't.

 

[Froggy]

And here's me thinking the whole Quade/Foley thing was behind us

 

[Derpus]

And here's me thinking the whole Quade/Foley thing was behind us

Honestly wouldn't mind a return to the PocockQuade era of outrage.

At least we had players competing for positions......

 

[fatprop]

Do people think Hunter starts all 3? He's clearly our best center and we're very light on in that department.

No, too many games in too short a timeframe

 

[KOB1987]

I wouldn’t trust a Frenchman as far as I could throw one, but they have said they are going to run out their strongest sides for tests 1 and 3. If I were in charge I’d do the same for test 1 and test 2 six days later, except for maybe some 50/50 positions to try to sew up the series, and use the 3rd test for the more fringe players.

 

[dru]

I wouldn’t trust a Frenchman as far as I could throw one, but they have said they are going to run out their strongest sides for tests 1 and 3. If I were in charge I’d do the same for test 1 and test 2 six days later, except for maybe some 50/50 positions to try to sew up the series, and use the 3rd test for the more fringe players.

So we target #3 for a return perhaps of White, JOC (James O'Connor) and To'omua. Which may or may not be our strongest team.

 

[Purce]

Maybe he can. But he didn't.

Wonder if the Force would pick him up. Certainly be an upgrade. Quade looks very fit.

Edit: forgot they had picked up the 2 young guns. Posted in Waratah 2022 my thoughts on it.

 

[swingpass]

so as far as a successful year for the Wallabies what is more important the French series or the RC ? so if they want as many as possible fit for the RC then they wont risk partially fit peeps, JOC (James O'Connor) To'omua, others ? against France. if the selectors think winning a series is more important and lets face it we are unlikely to beat the ABs and the Boks more than once (and on recent evidence not at all) to win the RC, they may take a risk to win against France.

 

[liquor box]

Maybe he can. But he didn't.

Did you watch TT this season?

Nobody could tackle!

 

[whitefalcon]

you'd have to think at this rate with the situation in Sydney that the Sydney test will either be moved or played without spectators.