Really? Seriously?
If this squad was really picked on form, Angus Bell would be nowhere near it. He's either been injured or getting monstered by every prop he's gone up against. Shouldn't have been there last year, should never have won two Wallaby caps and shouldn't be there this year. He might get there one day, but what message does this send to all those props who have outplayed and out-scrummed him over the past two years - it helps if you are a Waratah and your dad was one too. Vunivalu is in the same position. I think his hamstring strain saves Thorn having to drop him because while he's an outstanding athlete, he looks lost on the rugby field.
Agree. They are both terrible. Talk about an armchair ride. These 2 and like a few others in the Reds have received that from Brad Thorn. I said it before and I won’t name names but there are better players around the 21-25 age bracket that are better and do deserve a crack. But it’s all political and who you know.Really? Seriously?
They are both terrible. Talk about an armchair ride. These 2 and like a few others in the Reds have received that from Brad Thorn. I said it before and I won’t name names but there are better players around the 21-25 age bracket that are better and do deserve a crack. But it’s all political and who you knowSo what if he's departing. I would have thought the priority is for the Wallabies to actually start winning matches again. If BPA helps with that, then pick him while he is here. If we concentrate too much on developing players for next World Cup instead of prioritising winning internationals, it will only be the diehard rugby supporters who are left.
BTW, I would have both Reds' LHPs - Zander and Hoopert - above Bell at this stage of their careers.
They are both terrible. Talk about an armchair ride. These 2 and like a few others in the Reds have received that from Brad Thorn. I said it before and I won’t name names but there are better players around the 21-25 age bracket that are better and do deserve a crack. But it’s all political and who you know
when did Vunivalu's dad play for the Waratahs?
I'm not comparing them with other players who you say deserve to be in the Reds' squad - that doesn't interest me. I'm comparing them with Angus Bell, and I still say they are more effective and more consistent in their roles than he is.
Maybe Rennie thinks that Bell is already better and/or will be better than those guys soon?
Maybe Rennie can see that the Reds scrum is substantially better than the Waratahs scrum and as such isn't just picking props based on the success of their team's scrum.
No arguments there. BPA definitely the superior scrummager. Better around the park as well IMO. Both equally capable of losing the plot at lineout time.Good points, but interestingly he also didn't pick BPA, Scott-Young or Blyth, all members of a highly effective Reds scrum (and arguably a more effective unit when BPA is at hooker, rather than Mafi)
he'll more probably make the XV at worst the 23.
Good points, but interestingly he also didn't pick BPA, Scott-Young or Blyth, all members of a highly effective Reds scrum (and arguably a more effective unit when BPA is at hooker, rather than Mafi)
Hookers: Fainga'a, Uelese, BPA, Kaituu
Props: Sio, Slipper, Bell, Ala'alatoa, Tupou, Faamausili
Locks: LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Hosea, Neville, FLW (Fergus Lee-Warner), Uru
Backrow: Wilson, Samu, Swinton, Valetini, Mcreight, Wright
Halfback: White, Mcdermott, Gordon, Powell
Flyhalves: To'omua JOC (James O'Connor), Lolesio
Centres: Hodge, Simone, Paisami, Petaia, Ikitau
Outsidebacks: Koroibete, Vunivalu, Daugunu, Wright, Campbell, Banks
Left 1 spot for a backrower - Could be Uru with Timani coming in (though with Rodda and Phillips on the horizon I'm not holding my breath for Timani OR Neville. Could be Kemeny, Stander or Hardwick. None are likely to make the final 33 let alone a match squad, but they deserve to be in the conversation.
I picked injured players because it's more of a brains meeting then a physical one (though left out DHP). Bit skinny on FB cover, expecting Hodge to spend more time back there then at 12.
My biggest concern with PONI selections is no obvious examination of fullback options beyond Banks as to me never was a fan for him being selected for wallabies and all his performances reinforced that to me. He is not an amazing super rugby player and at best a middling honest super rugby player that does not excite.
Hodge I don't see as answer either. So what other options - maybe Wright if tried there but again if not playing FB regularly at Super Rugby level would probably take a few games to see what can offer and hence would there be a preparedness to do that. Ful.lback continues to be an area where we really feel let down by test quality options.
There is a lot of dislike for Tom Banks on these threads but he is extremely safe at fullback if not always spectacular. Hardly ever drops the high ball, his positional play is excellent, is a good defender and to top it off he is far and away the best at taking penalty kicks for touch in the country. Really, a lot to like about Tom and there's few challenging him atm.