Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
I remember going to lions 3rd test in Sydney as also one of my favourites…we lost that one 19-18 and the series 2-1.
Wallabies 2023
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
RebelYell
Arch Winning (36)
Have given this some further thought - I have it as follows:
1. Bell
2. Porecki
3. Tupou
4. Philip
5. Rodda
6. Valetini
7. Hooper
8. Wilson
9. Tate
10. JOC (James O'Connor)
11. Koroibete
12. Kerevi
13. Ikatau
14. Kellaway
15. Banks
16. Kaitu'u
17. Slipper
18. AAA
19. Swain
20. Leota (if fit) / Samu
21. White
22. Hodge
23. Petaia
Really happy with that team, especially the backline - with Hunter, Perese, Wright as quality in reserve, and no room for Beale or Quade.
I'm still unsure of the depth chart in the backrow and would love to find room for McReight in the 23, but it's hard without a test level hybrid lock/6 (e.g. Lukhan, Ned) in the mix. The ABs have Tupou Vaa'i developing rapidly to fill that role and I don't know if Leota or Uru could perhaps be slated to do that long term - or if Jed/Cadeyrn could do it short term.
Petaia unlucky not to start for mine, but his kicking game isn't ready to play fullback against England IMO, and the two wingers are automatic selections.
1. Bell
2. Porecki
3. Tupou
4. Philip
5. Rodda
6. Valetini
7. Hooper
8. Wilson
9. Tate
10. JOC (James O'Connor)
11. Koroibete
12. Kerevi
13. Ikatau
14. Kellaway
15. Banks
16. Kaitu'u
17. Slipper
18. AAA
19. Swain
20. Leota (if fit) / Samu
21. White
22. Hodge
23. Petaia
Really happy with that team, especially the backline - with Hunter, Perese, Wright as quality in reserve, and no room for Beale or Quade.
I'm still unsure of the depth chart in the backrow and would love to find room for McReight in the 23, but it's hard without a test level hybrid lock/6 (e.g. Lukhan, Ned) in the mix. The ABs have Tupou Vaa'i developing rapidly to fill that role and I don't know if Leota or Uru could perhaps be slated to do that long term - or if Jed/Cadeyrn could do it short term.
Petaia unlucky not to start for mine, but his kicking game isn't ready to play fullback against England IMO, and the two wingers are automatic selections.
Joe Blow
John Hipwell (52)
JOC (James O'Connor) has been playing well, as he did last year, but Quade is a pure 5/8. He lives and breathes it and has the vision to direct a test side around the park.
Thats a good side but at the moment I do not see Hodge in it, especially with both Banks and Petaia in the 15. Start Quade at 10 and JOC (James O'Connor) takes Hodges spot on the bench.
Thats a good side but at the moment I do not see Hodge in it, especially with both Banks and Petaia in the 15. Start Quade at 10 and JOC (James O'Connor) takes Hodges spot on the bench.
JOC (James O'Connor) is very solid, experienced and incredibly consistent
But he is no threat at test level
Adam84
Rod McCall (65)
ironically the biggest threat at test level is a inexperienced, flaky and inconsistent flyhalf……
Which is why he would be my second choice currently for the Wobs with a RWC around the corner, but at sometime we also have to let one of those flaky and inconsistent younglings get that experience and live with the mistakes, Quade and JOC (James O'Connor) are getting ready for their walkers
He hasn't played anyone good yet this year, we are still playing internal trials
PhilClinton
Mark Loane (55)
Has anyone got eyes on Quade at the moment? His team is playing against the top tier Japanese sides isn't it? So probably an even better form guide than last year when he was picked out of 2nd grade and still managed to perform at international level.
LeCheese
Greg Davis (50)
He's back on the GC launching his clothing brand at the moment
PhilClinton
Mark Loane (55)
Is that because they're on a bye week? Or hasn't he been playing?
Sorry when I said does anyone have eyes on him I meant how has he been playing not necessarily where he is at this current point in time.
Yet QC (Quade Cooper) is playing in Japan….
JOC (James O'Connor)’s game this year is far superior than what it was last year. Unfortunately his goal kicking is not test standard and that may work against him.
LeCheese
Greg Davis (50)
10-4
Kintetsu is still in Div 2 of the comp I'm 99% sure. Looks like QC (Quade Cooper) hasn't played in a few games, last appearance was 6 March. Obviously a lot of variables at work, but the games he played earlier in the year Kintetsu was thumping teams, whereas recently they've been much closer
wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
One thing for sure, we simply have to nail our kicks. Who is the best kicker in our elite ranks? I don't think there is much between Quade and JOC (James O'Connor)???
Who'd be a selector?
LeCheese
Greg Davis (50)
After all the work he did on his kicking and conversion game in 20/21 with Dave Alred, you'd think he has to be carrying an niggle or something to knock his confidence. 68% conversions so far this season compared to 88% in 21 and 76% in 20. I recall he's had issues with conversions in the past straining his groin (or ankle?), which is why he stepped away from them in the first place
LeCheese
Greg Davis (50)
Quade struck at 70% for the wobs last year, and JOC (James O'Connor) did 82% - 30 vs 28 attempts respectively.
Courtesy of Brett McKay. But I’d suggest is over JOC (James O'Connor) here. He won games for us with his kicking last year.
Viking
Mark Ella (57)
Well I was surprised how dominate the Reds scrum was against the Brumbies last match. Also there breakdown work was dominate. I'm hoping more Reds make the forward pack this year.
For the backs fullback looks like weak spot. Banks was on fire before he got injured. A big loss in my opinion. Petaia is getting better every game though, I feel he has cemented his place as the best bench utility option, time will tell if he cracks down a starting jersey (although I still feel 13 is his best position). Would be nice to see Kellaway at 15 more too.
For the backs fullback looks like weak spot. Banks was on fire before he got injured. A big loss in my opinion. Petaia is getting better every game though, I feel he has cemented his place as the best bench utility option, time will tell if he cracks down a starting jersey (although I still feel 13 is his best position). Would be nice to see Kellaway at 15 more too.
LeCheese
Greg Davis (50)
Thought the Reds shut down the maul pretty effectively as well.
With Banks, Petaia, and Campbell all having exceptional performances at 15 throughout the season so far, I'm not sure how you can call it a weak spot?
wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
Let's wait until they play the Keewees before we start talking about "exceptional" please.