wamberal99
Jim Clark (26)
Upright and dead slow.
Wallabies 2023
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
Upright and dead slow.
Rob42
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
He might be doing the S&C for the Wallabies soon - credited with setting up the Womens 7s for their Comm Games win, and Dean Benton not too popular right now.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Oh was it THAT Tom Carter? Had no idea he was in that game now.
That was a very, very good win for the Wallabies this past weekend. I'm not intimately familiar with the Pumas personnel but, from what I can deduce there were very few, if any, first choice selections missing. And, they were coming off a tough series win against the Scots. The Pumas always play a macho, physical forwards-orientated game relying on dominance at scrum/ruck/maul/tackle. What they would've done for Hugo Porta and his 10 man rugby to get the ball constantly in front of the Pumas forwards. To beat them at home in Argentina was magnificent.
The huge positive for me was the win with so many "first choice" selections not available. This augurs well for the RWC next year with a massive codicil: we MUST start to play a settled team. Somewhat contradicting that statement this test, more so than any of the recent Pommy tests, has allowed us to develop depth in our squad for next year. Let's look at the positions:
props: Slipper, Ala'alatoa, Tupou selected, Bell, Johnson-Holmes, Sio injured. Hoskins, Gibbon and Fa'amausili called up as emergencies.
hookers: Fainga’a, Lonergan selected, Porecki, Mafi injured. Latu lurking (we could do worse in a crisis), Pollard?
second-rowers: Swain, Philip, Arnold, Frost selected, Neville, Rodda injured.
backrow: Holloway, Valetini, McReight, Wilson, Leota, Samu selected, Swinton, Hanigan, Hooper injured.
scrummies: White, Gordon, McDermott.
five-eighths: Lolesio, O'Connor in the squad, Cooper injured.
centres: Paisami, Ikitau, Simone, Foketi selected, Perese, Kerevi injured.
outside backs: Koroibete, Vunivalu, Petaia, Wright, Hodge all in the squad, Banks, Kellaway injured.
Are there many (any?) players who've taken the euro/yen who could replace any of this lot, presuming they're all fit and well? At a pinch I'd surmise only a fit Skelton, Salakaia-Loto and BPA. That's a very, very good pool from which to select a RWC squad, fitness permitting.
The few problems I see are in three areas: 10, the centres and fullback. Going back for a moment the performance in one area last Sunday warmed the cockles of my heart. Those of you who know me are aware of my passionate support for the Tahs, and particularly Hooper, but last week I felt the back row worked splendidly without him; the three players selected complemented each other superbly. There's going to be a day shortly when Michael's past his best and it's imperative we have someone to step into the breech, McReight looks like a worthy replacement.
Kerevi's absence leading to Paisami's debut at 12 was a difficult introduction to that number wearing gold. Positioning and timing under pressure was a touch off in the first 50 minutes before class told thereafter. Foketi and Simone are solid backups if needed, but combinations must be allowed to gel before next year. Dave, please leave Hunter and Len at 12 and 13.
Likewise with the outside backs. I don't follow the Reds as closely as others so I'm not fully over the campaign for Petaia to play fullback; he might be a world-beater there but I don't know. If commonsense prevails Rennie should instruct/implore/beg the Reds and Brumbies to play Petaia and Wright at fullback next year so's we can see who's better. If push comes to shove a fit Kellaway could play 15, he was quite comfortable at fullback when at the Tahs. Most importantly, continuity's the thing right now in August 2022, let Wright and Petaia sharpen their fullback skills.
Overall, so many players in new spots and newbies next to them made for the odd disconnect and off-timing in the first 50 minutes. It was fantastic to see this lot get it together and play like a team who knew they had the talent and will to put one over the Argies. A couple more games together and that initial disconnect leading to poor timing and positioning should wane.
My last comment is who to play at five-eighth. There's been a very good point made elsewhere about the age disparity between Cooper and O'Connor, both in their mid-30s, and the up-and-coming youngsters Lolesio (with so few tests) and Donaldson in their early 20s. Dunno how this came about but it's piss poor planning by the ARU and the Super sides. Solving this problem before next year is a major concern; Kerevi's absence at 12 only accentuates that problem. Rennie's going to have to implement some sort of co-ordinated style of play in the backs which doesn't rely on a dominant five-eighth. Good luck, but it's not impossible.
That win has left me cautiously optimistic about the next few months and then, next year. Please God, no more injuries.
The huge positive for me was the win with so many "first choice" selections not available. This augurs well for the RWC next year with a massive codicil: we MUST start to play a settled team. Somewhat contradicting that statement this test, more so than any of the recent Pommy tests, has allowed us to develop depth in our squad for next year. Let's look at the positions:
props: Slipper, Ala'alatoa, Tupou selected, Bell, Johnson-Holmes, Sio injured. Hoskins, Gibbon and Fa'amausili called up as emergencies.
hookers: Fainga’a, Lonergan selected, Porecki, Mafi injured. Latu lurking (we could do worse in a crisis), Pollard?
second-rowers: Swain, Philip, Arnold, Frost selected, Neville, Rodda injured.
backrow: Holloway, Valetini, McReight, Wilson, Leota, Samu selected, Swinton, Hanigan, Hooper injured.
scrummies: White, Gordon, McDermott.
five-eighths: Lolesio, O'Connor in the squad, Cooper injured.
centres: Paisami, Ikitau, Simone, Foketi selected, Perese, Kerevi injured.
outside backs: Koroibete, Vunivalu, Petaia, Wright, Hodge all in the squad, Banks, Kellaway injured.
Are there many (any?) players who've taken the euro/yen who could replace any of this lot, presuming they're all fit and well? At a pinch I'd surmise only a fit Skelton, Salakaia-Loto and BPA. That's a very, very good pool from which to select a RWC squad, fitness permitting.
The few problems I see are in three areas: 10, the centres and fullback. Going back for a moment the performance in one area last Sunday warmed the cockles of my heart. Those of you who know me are aware of my passionate support for the Tahs, and particularly Hooper, but last week I felt the back row worked splendidly without him; the three players selected complemented each other superbly. There's going to be a day shortly when Michael's past his best and it's imperative we have someone to step into the breech, McReight looks like a worthy replacement.
Kerevi's absence leading to Paisami's debut at 12 was a difficult introduction to that number wearing gold. Positioning and timing under pressure was a touch off in the first 50 minutes before class told thereafter. Foketi and Simone are solid backups if needed, but combinations must be allowed to gel before next year. Dave, please leave Hunter and Len at 12 and 13.
Likewise with the outside backs. I don't follow the Reds as closely as others so I'm not fully over the campaign for Petaia to play fullback; he might be a world-beater there but I don't know. If commonsense prevails Rennie should instruct/implore/beg the Reds and Brumbies to play Petaia and Wright at fullback next year so's we can see who's better. If push comes to shove a fit Kellaway could play 15, he was quite comfortable at fullback when at the Tahs. Most importantly, continuity's the thing right now in August 2022, let Wright and Petaia sharpen their fullback skills.
Overall, so many players in new spots and newbies next to them made for the odd disconnect and off-timing in the first 50 minutes. It was fantastic to see this lot get it together and play like a team who knew they had the talent and will to put one over the Argies. A couple more games together and that initial disconnect leading to poor timing and positioning should wane.
My last comment is who to play at five-eighth. There's been a very good point made elsewhere about the age disparity between Cooper and O'Connor, both in their mid-30s, and the up-and-coming youngsters Lolesio (with so few tests) and Donaldson in their early 20s. Dunno how this came about but it's piss poor planning by the ARU and the Super sides. Solving this problem before next year is a major concern; Kerevi's absence at 12 only accentuates that problem. Rennie's going to have to implement some sort of co-ordinated style of play in the backs which doesn't rely on a dominant five-eighth. Good luck, but it's not impossible.
That win has left me cautiously optimistic about the next few months and then, next year. Please God, no more injuries.
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Marce
John Hipwell (52)
It was the full strength squad. The only big missing was Guido Petti (Lock). Nicolas Sanchez and Benjamin Urdapilleta are the experienced fly-halves but both are injured and both was playing in poor level, you can compare that situation with JOC (James O'Connor) in WBs squad, an injured (and experienced) player but when he's fit isn't the savior.
Sir Arthur Higgins
Dick Tooth (41)
10 the biggest concern and would be nice to have a backup 12 who could rumble like kerevi.
15 don’t love the situation but I feel like there’s more “close enough” depth there than at 10.
I think end of year tour will be a great time to try some teams out. Would be amazing if they took wallabies A on the tour for some games (mid week or curtain raisers) to test these young guns.
not overly worried about hooper - he will be back and in his absence australia has some solid back ups
15 don’t love the situation but I feel like there’s more “close enough” depth there than at 10.
I think end of year tour will be a great time to try some teams out. Would be amazing if they took wallabies A on the tour for some games (mid week or curtain raisers) to test these young guns.
not overly worried about hooper - he will be back and in his absence australia has some solid back ups
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
Think that would be a great idea if they can get it going.
Has been plenty of chat across threads about Vunivalu, Pone, all needing as many minutes as possible if we are going to see if they are up to the next level with the RWC a year away. Throw is McReight, Wilson, Frost and co would all benefit from this.
PhilClinton
Mark Loane (55)
I think this would be a cash thing - taking an additional 30 odd blokes on tour isn't cheap, they aren't bunking into a hostel.
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
A year out from the WC RA should just cop it
Joe Blow
John Hipwell (52)
Soon our test side will look eerily similar to the As
KevinO
Geoff Shaw (53)
Well you would expect the Wallabies are bringing 30-35 blokes, there would be 10 that can be involved in both at least. A year out from a RWC where you need to perform to start creating interest ahead of the 2027 RWC being at home.
Ireland played 5 games in 3 weeks in NZ, Wallabies with a extended squad could easily add another 2 games to the tour schedule. Are they not looking for revenge against Munster? Last time they played the Red Army got up.
footy1>31
Charlie Fox (21)
Foley on radar as Wallabies’ No.10 hunt on for young and old
Following Quade Cooper’s latest long-term injury, Bernard Foley is set to spend time in the Wallabies’ set-up along with a pair of young Waratahs.
most successful wallabies and super rugby number 10 of the 2010s is back, lessgo
Well that will provided a shed load of clicks for this jointFoley on radar as Wallabies’ No.10 hunt on for young and old
Following Quade Cooper’s latest long-term injury, Bernard Foley is set to spend time in the Wallabies’ set-up along with a pair of young Waratahs.www.smh.com.au
most successful wallabies and super rugby number 10 of the 2010s is back, lessgo
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
That's going to cause some consternationFoley on radar as Wallabies’ No.10 hunt on for young and old
Following Quade Cooper’s latest long-term injury, Bernard Foley is set to spend time in the Wallabies’ set-up along with a pair of young Waratahs.
most successful wallabies and super rugby number 10 of the 2010s is back, lessgo
PhilClinton
Mark Loane (55)
I'm thinking RA will want to keep their powder dry until after the RWC23.
They know there is a proper 4 year runup to the event which will likely make or break rugby as a professional sport played in Australia.
They'll keep the status quo for now (which is why we haven't heard anything more about a new NRC), hopefully we get to RWC23 with a fairly strong squad, go well enough to drum up some interest back home and then start throwing some cash bombs as a final stand.
I'm not saying it's the best option. But I feel like the spending will be curbed until they see the lay of the land post-RWC23 in terms of player movement, possible coach movement, what is happening with Super Rugby etc.
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Foley on radar as Wallabies’ No.10 hunt on for young and old
Following Quade Cooper’s latest long-term injury, Bernard Foley is set to spend time in the Wallabies’ set-up along with a pair of young Waratahs.
most successful wallabies and super rugby number 10 of the 2010s is back, lessgo
It would seem Quade's winning percentage during that decade is higher...