he wasn't named by RA
Wallabies 2023
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he wasn't named by RA
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
Yeah, I noted his absence in the original squad. Tahs could definitely be wrong, but it also wouldn't be the first time an RA announced squad was already out of date by the time they were in camp. I guess they could have a few extras outside of the squad there, but someone coming back from a long term injury doesn't really fit the bill for that.
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Weird. Anyway, when you also include
"The likes of Foley, Will Skelton, Marika Koroibete, Rory Arnold and Tom Banks are still very much in the frame to be involved with Wallabies this year. However, they were unable to return from overseas for the camp"
That's 50 players. Yeah if you're not here, you're no chance. Tom Hooper a bit unlucky I suppose.
"The likes of Foley, Will Skelton, Marika Koroibete, Rory Arnold and Tom Banks are still very much in the frame to be involved with Wallabies this year. However, they were unable to return from overseas for the camp"
That's 50 players. Yeah if you're not here, you're no chance. Tom Hooper a bit unlucky I suppose.
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
A bit more clarity maybe.
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
Agree with you too. The problem with IQ is that it can improve with effort. The brain works like a muscle leave it alone and it turns to boiled cauliflower. love a mixed metaphor.
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
I'd take Pone over Talakai.
rodha
Dave Cowper (27)
You know I was going to retaliate to this but having just seen Rennie's squad I agree on the assumption he'd still be picking O'Conner. I still rate him, and I think Rennie's foolish to keep leaving him out, even though he's past his best. Beale's two years older ironically...
Any coach who's taking unproven flakes under pressure like Lolesio & Donaldson over an experienced campaigner like O'Connor who's played in 2 world cups and covers all positions from 10-15 in the backline hasn't got my complete backing. In both 2021 and 2022 season's the difference in the Red's performance with O'Connor versus without was night and day. You'd have to take him if not simply for his leadership & experience. I don't understand how Rennie can opt for utilities like Beale and Hodge when O'Connor offers the same (arguably better) versatility but at a higher standard. Hodge is a jack of all trades master of none & slow as a mule, O'Connor can actually play - for example 13 to an international standard. Ask yourself this question - would Beale or Hodge have had the same amount of impact that O'Connor had on the Red's backline & general leadership if they'd been in his position last 3 years? The answer is an unequivocal no. O'Connor's been probably the most influential piece towards the Red's success since 2020, alongside Tupou and Jim McKay.
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TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
You know someone at RA is going to have some explaining to do as to why they can’t follow a simple directive from head office.
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
You’d think Swinton, Latu, Fa’amausili and possibly even O’Connor are still a chance.
Although O’Connor definitely seems on the outer. I know he was sub par at test level but given they tolerance shown to others I can’t help but wonder if there is a bit more to it.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
I think JOC (James O'Connor) is cooked. He's not the player he once was and I don't think his body carries him the distance any more. I'm not surprised he wasn't picked.
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
I agree with most of this - certainly the general assessment of O’Connor and his ability. But, on the flip side, he hasn’t outperformed Hodge at Test level in the last 2 years. He’s been poor.
I would assume he has been severely impaired by injury but, nonetheless, he has almost refused to play in the front foot at test level (which, ironically, is one of his best attributes when he is in song).
rodha
Dave Cowper (27)
Rennie's gameplan doesn't suit utilize him properly though, remember Nick Bishop's analysis which showed locks & loose forwards were getting more ball on attack than O'Connor was at 10? It's a stark difference to the Red's attacking system under McKay where the intention is for O'Connor to get as many touches as possible on attack, his overall involvement is just so much greater, you just don't see him given that level of authority to really dictate & impose himself on the game under Rennie's system. Reminds me of Foster shackling Mo'unga's natural game at test level by having Beauden and sets of forward pods constantly clogging up his channel, with the 10 ultimately getting very little ball...
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TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
Is Rennie actually shackling him though. It didn’t seem that Cooper had any problems getting the ball when he wanted it. My understand was O’Connor was dropped specifically for not demanding more ball and flattening up the attack.
I certainly thought both Lolesio and Foley had periods when they took very little ball at 1st receiver. But a big difference IMO is that both Foley and Lolesio are fully fit. I don’t think O’Connor was this year.
Anyway - I don’t disagree with most of your assessment. But I don’t think O’Connor’s omission is surprising based on test form this year either (and remembering he subsequently got another bad injury in Brisbane club rugby).
I certainly thought both Lolesio and Foley had periods when they took very little ball at 1st receiver. But a big difference IMO is that both Foley and Lolesio are fully fit. I don’t think O’Connor was this year.
Anyway - I don’t disagree with most of your assessment. But I don’t think O’Connor’s omission is surprising based on test form this year either (and remembering he subsequently got another bad injury in Brisbane club rugby).
Hodge and Beale aren't constantly injured.
Has O'Connor played anything other than 10 recently? If not then he might not be viewed as being as versatile.
Either way if your RWC hinges on any of these three playing a central role, barring injury, you probably aren't going to do well. Beale is the only one still capable of a world-class performance, but it's unlikely and the good is probably mirrored by shocking errors.
That said I think Beale is still capable of lighting up Super Rugby whereas O'Connor's athleticism looks shot.
Has O'Connor played anything other than 10 recently? If not then he might not be viewed as being as versatile.
Either way if your RWC hinges on any of these three playing a central role, barring injury, you probably aren't going to do well. Beale is the only one still capable of a world-class performance, but it's unlikely and the good is probably mirrored by shocking errors.
That said I think Beale is still capable of lighting up Super Rugby whereas O'Connor's athleticism looks shot.
Adam84
Rod McCall (65)
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
You’re probably right - but I would argue he was mostly ineffective rather than ‘extra-special bad’ although he did have a shocker off the bench. Certainly Foley was no better IMO. But he was more involved. We’re talking about a position where we have a serious issue. Our first choice is injured and our back-ups remain (IMO) either substandard or not yet up to it.
I honestly hope Lolesio, Donaldson (& Gordon) really kick on this year and it becomes a non-issue for every more, but if he can get his body right I would still have him as a very clear second choice behind Cooper.
I don’t see Rennie as a guy who isn’t prepared to make an about face if a player’s form warrants it. I would actually think he would be desperate for one of the Aussie 10s to grab the opportunity.
I honestly hope Lolesio, Donaldson (& Gordon) really kick on this year and it becomes a non-issue for every more, but if he can get his body right I would still have him as a very clear second choice behind Cooper.
I don’t see Rennie as a guy who isn’t prepared to make an about face if a player’s form warrants it. I would actually think he would be desperate for one of the Aussie 10s to grab the opportunity.
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
I will add that I think it is promising that the only discussion points seem to be around a few fringe guys who may or may not be able to force their way back in. After the last few years it is very hard to have any level of confidence going into the year. But, if we can have a kinder run with the injury goods we can put a much stronger team in the park this year than anything we put out this year. Most players in the squad will have 30 or more tests come WC time and we have some genuine talent at lock, in the backrow and on the flanks. There are still a couple of guys whose form/fitness will make a big difference (Cooper, Kerevi, Tupou, Bell) but some other positions we are the strongest we have been for years.