Only issue is Petaia and Daugunu. With JOC (James O'Connor) To'omua and Hodge on the field you only need one.
I think it's the other way around. With only one on the field we'll be only scoring in 3s.
I think the dislike stems from the fact he has not progressed his game over the past three or four seasons. People expected more from him and are a little disappointed.
He has got speed but just not convinced got the natural flair and X factor that will make him a great long term full back option. I have no problem if he proves me wrong but he has so far not convinced he is right long term option but rather a stop gap as we await for a better option to emerge.Looks to me he has been carrying an injury that has hampered his pace. Was electric when he joined the Brumbies but last year and this he has not made the breaks through sheer pace that he did in previous years. Was just an ankle tap away from a clear break through the Force backline but super Tevita just got him with a dive and go go gadget stretch. Will be the complete package again if his speed over the ground returns.
Hodge will be in the 23. He is playing well. I think he would be a safer and better option than Banks. Apart from anything else, he has a degree of versatility that Banks does not, he can play anywhere in the backs except 9. That is worth a lot, I reckon.
Hodge is a solid 7/10 test player, he does a consistent job every time, not great, but not crap either, he makes his tackles, catches and kicks well
Banks may have more up side, but he hasn't shown that in test rugby, consistently
But FP, when has TB had a consistent opportunity at test level?
My bet for the first backline of the test season is:
White, JOC (James O'Connor), Koroibete, To'omua, Paisami, Wright, Hodge
McDermott, Petaia, Daugunu
Rennie was the man who identified Paisami in the 12 spot. His form there is excellent. I will be surprised if he is moved back to 13 so early in the test season.
1. Slipper
2. Mafi
3. Tupou
4. Hosea
5. Neville
6. Valetini
7. McReight
8. Wilson
9. White
10. To'omua
11. Koroibete
12. Paisami
13. Ikitau
14. Daugunu
15. JOC (James O'Connor)
16. Kaitu’u
17. Bell
18. AAA
19. Neville/Oberon
20. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
21. McDermott
22. Hodge
23. Petaia
I’ve finally worked out who Oberon is, very clever DCT - Oberon and Titania are the moons of Saturn, and BRs autocorrect called Timani Titania. Do I get a prize?
My bet for the first backline of the test season is:
White, JOC (James O'Connor), Koroibete, To'omua, Paisami, Wright, Hodge
McDermott, Petaia, Daugunu
I’ve finally worked out who Oberon is, very clever DCT - Oberon and Titania are the moons of Saturn, and BRs autocorrect called Timani Titania. Do I get a prize?
On current form I'd be running Ikitau at 13 with either To'omua or Pausami at 12 and the other on the bench.
I was going for what BH suggested but I like yours too! Good trivia, I didn't know the moons one.
He has got speed but just not convinced got the natural flair and X factor that will make him a great long term full back option. I have no problem if he proves me wrong but he has so far not convinced he is right long term option but rather a stop gap as we await for a better option to emerge.
Good thing though is feel seeing lot of great depth emerging in all other positions at wallaby level with exception of fullback