Yep, but trying to get the most cohesive set of backs we have standing
Wallabies 2023
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Viking
Mark Ella (57)
Yeh I agree, but then you would want to balance that thinking with planning for the future, especially the RWC next year, in which case Foketi and Paisami would both more likely be there. Building cohesiveness in the backs will need these guys playing together more often.
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
He was at the camp but I think purely to receive rehab from the Wallabies trainers, coming off a injury from France
Drew
Bob Davidson (42)
Won’t lose sleep if either starts. Lolesio is more brilliant, Hodge more straightforward. If Wright, who has some ball playing and creativity about him wasn’t at fb I would start Lolesio. Just my opinion.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
Commentary thought it was White at first but he went off a minute or two before Slipper. Final call to play on and go for the BP looked like a discussion between Wright and Hodge, bit it wasn't clear who was making decisions.
Viking
Mark Ella (57)
Yeh I think you bring him straight in, gotta see what he's got. Like you said, Phillip was okay, and he's experienced enough that it's not a huge risk.
It would be nice to see Frost kept on the bench to keep developing.
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
Yes Gordon was captain when Slipper went off. He’s fine for the job in that scenario, I doubt he will start and play near 80 just so he can captain though.
Adam84
Rod McCall (65)
Debatable, guys like Lolesio-Paisami-Ikitau have have been in wallabies camp and playing together for 8 weeks now, if they cant develop cohesion during that period they never will
Tomikin
David Codey (61)
Pretty sure his injured still I think they said he might be ready by SA games
Is Liam Wright still injured?
Whereas Lolesio-Simone-Ikitau has been playing together and training together for years
My concern is Lolesio as a test 10 and making his work as easy as possible - he is clearly not a finished product, not Paisami's quality
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
Bench guy for me. He did really well to his credit. Only threw that one pass directly forward which was a Hodge special.
I thought Ikitau had his best game for a while in gold. His post contact meters (Rugba Loig term) were great. Gordon was nice and controlled towards the end.
Liam Wright has to be getting to myth status at this point. Love to see him play some time. Was as anointed as Sam Cane at one stage.
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
At some stage Rennie will have to bite the bullet and let Hooper play without the C. His games for the Tahs improved without the added burden.
I predict that McReight will be starting 7 and captain with Hooper on the bench for RWC.
I predict that McReight will be starting 7 and captain with Hooper on the bench for RWC.
LeCheese
Greg Davis (50)
I'm a big McReight advocate, but if Hooper's in form and ready to go mentally, I'd be shocked if he wasn't starting (with or without captaincy)
Eyes and Ears
Bob Davidson (42)
Which season are you referring to when Hooper's form for the Tahs was better but he wasn't captain?
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
I feel like a walking contradiction to agree with both of you here but I do.
McReight has the ability to do things other players can't and has that knack/footy nous of always being in the right place at the right time. Having said that, Hooper has done nothing to lose the 7 jersey. The biggest flaw in his game is his Captaincy IMO. I bet Rennie wishes he had a clear cut alternate option but we rotate our front row, inexperienced 2nd Row, young backrow and I don't see any of the backline screaming leadership currently.
- I don't think Nic White is a viable option. Can't imagine Refs can stand him.
