Wallabies 2021

[eastman]

Yeah, I think Hodge was probably a bit rusty because he’s usually good with the high ball. Give him another crack for his confidence. His big boot is important in the upcoming games. If we’re up by a bit, then I wouldn’t mind seeing Petaia or Kellaway have a go at fullback. I really don’t know what Petaia’s boot is like.

Hodge has shown in his last couple of injections at fullback just why coaches are so reluctant to pick him- I honestly believe they just don’t trust his ability.

Hodges game has always relied on effort- he runs hard, tackles hard and works. At the same time half his effort plays are attempts to make up for his previous errors.

Do we really want to see another predictable performance of mistakes under the high ball, no ball-running threat but some booming kicks and tackles that somewhat redeem him?

 

[KOB1987]

Hodge has shown in his last couple of injections at fullback just why coaches are so reluctant to pick him- I honestly believe they just don’t trust his ability.

Hodges game has always relied on effort- he runs hard, tackles hard and works. At the same time half his effort plays are attempts to make up for his previous errors.

Do we really want to see another predictable performance of mistakes under the high ball, no ball-running threat but some booming kicks and tackles that somewhat redeem him?

You're opposed to every other option though because they haven't been playing there at the level below, Hodge is the only one who has. So what's your solution? Bring Jock Campbell in?

 

[eastman]

You're opposed to every other option though because they haven't been playing there at the level below, Hodge is the only one who has. So what's your solution? Bring Jock Campbell in?

We’re out of options so JOC (James O'Connor), Kellaway or Petaia - starting with the first two and potentially look to give Petaia minutes at the end of the games.

Banks is our preferred starter in big games (ABs, Boks and England though).

 

[Slim 293]

Andy Muirhead? *ducks*

 

[Dctarget]

Hodge's two thumping tackles last night were delightful.

As was Folau Faingia'a's really late in the game, really impressive for a starting front rower.

Similar to Petaia's tackle from the first Boks game. Definite tactic that paid off well.

 

[KOB1987]

We’re out of options so JOC (James O'Connor), Kellaway or Petaia - starting with the first two and potentially look to give Petaia minutes at the end of the games.

Banks is our preferred starter in big games (ABs, Boks and England though).

I think it will be Kellaway and once he’s given a run there he will own the spot. Sucks for Banks considering the injury but I’d say it’s one of the positions Rennie would have tried out an alternative these next few games. Banks has done nothing to suggest he should be preferred in big games without seeing some other options, the opposite in fact.

With regards to other changes I’d say we will see JOC (James O'Connor) come back in via the bench, so not sure if that means Hodge will be on a wing or left right out.

 

[Dctarget]

What's Kellaway's boot like?

 

[KOB1987]

What's Kellaway's boot like?

Solid.

 

[wamberal]

What's Kellaway's boot like?

Too close to his head. In other words, he is not tall enough for 15.

 

[whitefalcon]

Andy Muirhead? *ducks*

I mean if there was a time for another indigenous player to debut, the game wearing the indigenous jersey might be it!

 

[KOB1987]

Too close to his head. In other words, he is not tall enough for 15.

Did you have the same opinion of Matt Burke?

 

[dru]

Did you have the same opinion of Matt Burke?

I'd say the same if he wanted to front up in 2021.

 

[KOB1987]

I'd say the same if he wanted to front up in 2021.

That’s laughable. Burke would crap on every single one of the current options.

JOC (James O'Connor), Burke and Beale are all shorter than Kellaway (6’1), as is Campo. Hodge and Petaia are taller by a couple of inches. Banks is the same height. Aerial skills, playmaking ability, the boot and game smarts are far more important for a fullback.

 

[Cancelled Account]

I’d persevere with Hodge and groom Petaia. A fullback ideally 6ft 2 plus. Kellaway and JOC (James O'Connor) are too short.

 

[Adam84]

Petaia has done a lot of work with Dave Alred this year, apparently he has a big boot, just doesn’t like to use it

 

[Cancelled Account]

Petaia has done a lot of work with Dave Alred this year, apparently he has a big boot, just doesn’t like to use it

Let’s get him using it. Petaia wants to play there.

 

[KOB1987]

Let’s get him using it. Petaia wants to play there.

Yes, it’s interesting though, he wants to play fullback but has a big boot he doesn’t like to use? You’d think he’d want to showcase it!

 

[Derpus]

Keen to see a bit more of Jordie this year. I like that we are building him in slowly, though.

 

[Penguin]

Andy Muirhead? *ducks*

Was always a fullback playing for Souths in the Hospital Cup & is much better there than wing. He just has Banks in front of him at the Brumbies. Wallabies could do much worse.

 

[KOB1987]

Was always a fullback playing for Souths in the Hospital Cup & is much better there than wing. He just has Banks in front of him at the Brumbies. Wallabies could do much worse.

He’s even shorter (same height as the shorties Burke, Beale JOC (James O'Connor) and Campese) so rule a line through him straight away

its funny because in 50 years I have never, ever heard the height of the fullback being used as a selection criteria. I appreciate that if you are going to compete in the air being a midget is less than ideal, but looking at the names listed above there is zero evidence that one needs to be 6’2 or taller to make it as a fullback. Even Banks who has a multitude of other flaws hasn’t been subjected to this criteria, he’s the same height as Kellaway BTW.