Wallabies 2023

[Dctarget]

No Wilson?

Tough for him, if he were in Australia A he’d be dominating.

but squad size is limited and we can’t select everyone. He’s had his go for now.

I’m impressed Rennie didn’t pick Sio or Simone. Respect that he’s rewarding Aussie based players.

 

[Froggy]

I assume Leota won't be fit. The big omissions Swain, Wilson & Vunivalu. Talakai the real smokey, but Tom Robbo, Langi Gleeson, Ben Donaldson, Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase) and Jock Campbell probably all not completely expected.

 

[Sam Old]

Surprised at a few inclusions/ omission. Wilson missing out is a massive surprise and some very interest front row selection.

 

[Members Section]

Talaki is an interesting choice over some of the other props from Aussie A?

Bit ridiculous that Wright still makes the squad. Would have thought Vunivalu would get Marika spot and Mark deserved Wright's spot.

Its way out of left field but makes sense I spose he is there in case of emergency break glass. At the end of the day he got a gig a head of Holtz. I like Archer but just not ready yet.

 

[Dctarget]

I assume Leota won't be fit. The big omissions Swain, Wilson & Vunivalu. Talakai the real smokey, but Tom Robbo, Langi Gleeson, Ben Donaldson, Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase) (Nawaqanitawase) and Jock Campbell probably all not completely expected.

Don’t think Leota will be fit for the super season

 

[Brumby Runner]

I suppose both Sio and Simone are playing locally and can be called up in the test window if required. Given no Bell and no Fa'amasili what might constitute a problem in the front row. If Slipper goes down, would it be reasonable to call Sio into the team? Similarly if Allan Ala'alatoa or Taniela Tupou get injured would it be reasonable to move Slipper to TH and bring Sio in? The alternatives are very inexperienced (Gibbon) or not really in good form (Robertson). Would it need a couple to be injured before bringing an extra in?

With Foketi and Paisami the only recognised No 12s and both subject to recent injuries, it could be likely that we'll see Simone at some stage.

 

[Drew]

Wright over vunivalu? You take Wrights highlights/lowlights against stronger opposition against Vunivalus against Japan A and despite some head scratching (make that slap your forehead and scream like a maniac) moments I’d take Wright. If Vunivalu had performed in Japan I’d think Wright would stay home. Would’ve almost preferred Pietsch to Wright.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Foley and Banks (?) the OS picks? Light on for props and centre’s, although Hodge, Petaia and Kellaway can fill in there. Good to see Australia A form was rewarded.

According to Rugby.com.au, Skelton and Foley are the only overseas picks. Banks apparently still regarded as an Aus based player.

 

[Wallaby Man]

Talakai played yesterday for Rebels in Japan, so has some game time under his belt. But reality is he’s close to last man standing. Eloff becoming eligible can’t come soon enough for depth

 

[Viking]

Wright over vunivalu? You take Wrights highlights/lowlights against stronger opposition against Vunivalus against Japan A and despite some head scratching (make that slap your forehead and scream like a maniac) moments I’d take Wright. If Vunivalu had performed in Japan I’d think Wright would stay home. Would’ve almost preferred Pietsch to Wright.

I agree if your comparing Vunivalu and Wright. But if it were me I'd probably take Peitch over the both of them. Or even Muirhead. Both less athletic but much better decision makers.

 

[Drew]

I agree if your comparing Vunivalu and Wright. But if it were me I'd probably take Peitch over the both of them. Or even Muirhead. Both less athletic but much better decision makers.

And Pietsch plays the all action Korobite style.

 

[Dctarget]

Talakai played yesterday for Rebels in Japan, so has some game time under his belt. But reality is he’s close to last man standing. Eloff becoming eligible can’t come soon enough for depth

Forgot about Eloff, you get the feeling he could get a sneaky 20+ caps in gold

 

[qwerty51]

The fuck was the point of Swain being named in the Aus A squad if he wasn't going on the EOYT?

Wonder if Banks counts as overseas, I'd probably prefer Hoskins to Talakai.

edit: According to rugby.com.au this line would suggest Banks isn't counted as overseas.

Rennie has also included Will Skelton in the squad, joining Bernard Foley as the overseas selections, with Marika Koroibete returning to his Japanese club.

 

[Tomikin]

Talaki is an interesting choice over some of the other props from Aussie A?

Bit ridiculous that Wright still makes the squad. Would have thought Vunivalu would get Marika spot and Mark deserved Wright's spot.

Ridiculous comment on Wright... His ten times the winger Vunivalu been. Lucky people don't pick on how you feel about the bloke, and pick on actual skill.

Little rock's and diamonds for me but his still one of the best wingers in the country

 

[KOB1987]

The fuck was the point of Swain being named in the Aus A squad if he wasn't going on the EOYT?

Wonder if Banks counts as overseas, I'd probably prefer Hoskins to Talakai.

edit: According to rugby.com.au this line would suggest Banks isn't counted as overseas.

A couple of reasons maybe - 1. at the time he was probably in consideration with Neville, Frost and Hanigan, and 2. he could get called in if there is an injury

 

[NCT]

Glad that they didn't give in to pressure to pick Vunivalu. He has just not shown that he is ready and would be caught out defensively. Wright sometimes does some odd things but overall has shown his skills. Mark N (Nawaqanitawase) certainly stood up in Japan. I just hope that Campbell gets some game time at fullback.

 

[Ignoto]

Ridiculous comment on Wright... His ten times the winger Vunivalu been. Lucky people don't pick on how you feel about the bloke, and pick on actual skill.

Little rock's and diamonds for me but his still one of the best wingers in the country

You lot keep preaching about him having Diamonds, but we've yet to see it.

He's played poorly all international season and should be dropped for it.

It reeks of Larkham 2.0 McKellar Mafia picking their favourites.

 

[Tomikin]

You lot keep preaching about him having Diamonds, but we've yet to see it.

He's played poorly all international season and should be dropped for it.

It reeks of Larkham 2.0 McKellar Mafia picking their favourites.

Oh that's bull crap he had some good games and some average ones.

I get it you don't like the bloke. But his still one of the best wingers in the country and better then Vunivalu.. easily... But hey yeah the coaches pick worse players cos they like to lose. Give me a break..

 

[Wallaby Man]

Forgot about Eloff, you get the feeling he could get a sneaky 20+ caps in gold

Ability to play either side as well. Could be a valuable squad member in years to come.

 

[RugbyReg]

Wilson was meant to play Aust A but given the late(ish) call up to the last Wallaby test for Leota, they apparently couldn't get his visa sorted.

MAssive drop from starting side to not making the squad. With Hooper back, though, Samu probably reverts back to the #1 6 option.