Wallabies 2023

[PhilClinton]

It's a shame McDermott hasn't done enough to prove himself as a clear favourite over White and Gordon.

I think he's a great candidate for long term Captain, he's got a long career ahead of him.

I think it's possible Rennie re-instates Hooper as captain next year when he returns to the team and for the RWC, I am sure the players would be supportive of that. By that stage Tate might have played himself into the first choice 9 position to take over the role afterwards.

 

[tragic]

Give Hodge a crack starting at 10 against the Argies. We know what lolesio brings and if Hodge is our backup he’ll benefit from some game time there.
If he doesn’t grab the opportunity bring lolesio beck for the rest of TRC.

 

[LeCheese]

Give Hodge a crack starting at 10 against the Argies. We know what lolesio brings and if Hodge is our backup he’ll benefit from some game time there.
If he doesn’t grab the opportunity bring lolesio beck for the rest of TRC.

I think the biggest issue is around the makeup of the bench if Hodge starts 10 - you'd probably need Noah in case Hodge goes down, as really the only other 10 cover is Paisami. Not ideal if we're going 6:2 again, although maybe JOC (James O'Connor) is the answer that could fill that utility role off the bench.

 

[topgun]

Give Hodge a crack starting at 10 against the Argies. We know what lolesio brings and if Hodge is our backup he’ll benefit from some game time there.
If he doesn’t grab the opportunity bring lolesio beck for the rest of TRC.

Call it coincidence or luck: The Wallabies last 2 wins against the All Blacks have been with Reece Hodge playing 10. I think it's because he keeps it simple and defends well but again, you could pick these factoids about a lot of things. I rate him.

 

[stillmissit]

Which season are you referring to when Hooper's form for the Tahs was better but he wasn't captain?

The first one after his time in Japan. I was not a fan of his current form att but when he came back he brought a lot of value to the Tahs regardless of the fact the team was basically average to poor...

 

[stillmissit]

Call it coincidence or luck: The Wallabies last 2 wins against the All Blacks have been with Reece Hodge playing 10. I think it's because he keeps it simple and defends well but again, you could pick these factoids about a lot of things. I rate him.

If you are going to end up as the 'Mr Fixit' then he is as good as I have seen, apart from 2 dads.

 

[Eyes and Ears]

The first one after his time in Japan. I was not a fan of his current form att but when he came back he brought a lot of value to the Tahs regardless of the fact the team was basically average to poor...

His first season back with the Tahs was this year and he missed most of it through injury. His first season back with the Wallabies was last year - his form was excellent and he was captain.

 

[stillmissit]

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.

Ghost, it ain't easy for Rennie to sort out as you say nobody jumps out as 'Nobody' did years ago.

 

[Lightblue]

Call it coincidence or luck: The Wallabies last 2 wins against the All Blacks have been with Reece Hodge playing 10. I think it's because he keeps it simple and defends well but again, you could pick these factoids about a lot of things. I rate him.

In gold, yes.

 

[Tomikin]

Give Hodge a crack starting at 10 against the Argies. We know what lolesio brings and if Hodge is our backup he’ll benefit from some game time there.
If he doesn’t grab the opportunity bring lolesio beck for the rest of TRC.

Errr, JOC (James O'Connor) is our backup 10... and should probably start next game.

 

[topgun]

Errr, JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) is our backup 10... and should probably start next good.

JOC (James O'Connor) was a complete horror show off the bench in Brisbane. Hodge has been solid. you can understand why the conversation is being had. Unfortunately for Hodge he is great Injury cover off the bench.

 

[Tomikin]

JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) was a complete horror show off the bench in Brisbane. Hodge has been solid. you can understand why the conversation is being had. Unfortunately for Hodge he is great Injury cover off the bench.

We need to see if its Noah or JOC (James O'Connor) now, this is the perfect chance to give JOC (James O'Connor) a start after going through training after injury, he didn't have the best game in Brisbane but his worth a look at starting here... If we don't have a look now, we probably never will.

 

[PhilClinton]

JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) was a complete horror show off the bench in Brisbane. Hodge has been solid. you can understand why the conversation is being had. Unfortunately for Hodge he is great Injury cover off the bench.

Rennie chucked him back into club rugby after that game, and I think most would agree he played 40mins of very good football.

I would like to think he's got a bit of confidence back from that run.

The Wallabies could definitely use some more experience on the field now with Quade gone.

 

[Drew]

The captain issue to me is; they have to be 9-12 in the backs as they’re close to the action or a forward. I’d prefer it not to be a front rower as they usually sit out the last 30. They must also be picked regularly.

 

[stillmissit]

His first season back with the Tahs was this year and he missed most of it through injury. His first season back with the Wallabies was last year - his form was excellent and he was captain.

Had a look to confirm and you are right. I was convinced it was 2021 but the web says 22.

 

[Froggy]

For mine AAA would be my pick, with a couple of VC's for when he comes off, one back one forward. That depends who's selected, I if JOC (James O'Connor) is there he would be one, if not possibly White, McReight in the forwards while Hooper is absent.

 

[Dctarget]

For mine AAA would be my pick, with a couple of VC's for when he comes off, one back one forward. That depends who's selected, I if JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) is there he would be one, if not possibly White, McReight in the forwards while Hooper is absent.

Permanently benching Tupou?

 

[PickandDrive]

The captain issue to me is; they have to be 9-12 in the backs as they’re close to the action or a forward. I’d prefer it not to be a front rower as they usually sit out the last 30. They must also be picked regularly.

I completely agree with this statement

 

[Wallaby Man]

Call it coincidence or luck: The Wallabies last 2 wins against the All Blacks have been with Reece Hodge playing 10. I think it's because he keeps it simple and defends well but again, you could pick these factoids about a lot of things. I rate him.

As much as my brain wants to endorse JOC (James O'Connor), if my facts are correct, it’s also a coincidence that we have never won a test with him as a starting 10. That’s going all the way back to 2013.

Personally I’d go Lolesio as Hodge (like Samu) has nailed that bench utility spot and offers so much flexibility to the team from there that’s irreplaceable.

 

[Braveheart81]

As much as my brain wants to endorse JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor), if my facts are correct, it’s also a coincidence that we have never won a test with him as a starting 10. That’s going all the way back to 2013.

Personally I’d go Lolesio as Hodge (like Samu) has nailed that bench utility spot and offers so much flexibility to the team from there that’s irreplaceable.

We've won two tests with him as the starting 10 vs Wales in 2011 (after the RWC) and vs the Lions in 2013 (2nd test).

There have also been two draws and four losses.