Wallabies 2023

[Namerican]

This obsession with size is weird. Samu is about 1cm and 1kg larger than Hooper so, yeah, no.

I'd rate them about the same size wise. They offer different skillsets so it's a matter of preference for Jones and what he thinks he can mold each player towards.

Hooper gets more work done around the pitch and Samu is a better ball carrier. Pick your poison. It also depends on who he wants at the other forward positions. If he picks Skeleton and Arnold you probably pick Hooper for his ruck work. If you have Hanigan and Holloway, you probably want some ball carrying.

 

[Lightblue]

The best head-to-head comparison of Lolesio to Donaldson is the Wales test in which Ben started and Noah came on in the second half. With Ben in the driver's seat, we were 31 point down at one stage. When Noah took ocer we came from way behind for the win.

I know other factors are at play during a game, but there is no evidence in that game that Donaldson handled the job better, or truthfully as good as, Noah. Tane Edmed, Gordon and Pasitoa have not had any opportunities, nor really earned them, to be in the discussion for RWC 23. Whichever way Eddie goes, I hope it simply does not involve Bernard Foley.

Your comparison fails to mention that the first half Australia had minimal ball and the final 20 we had most of it. Plus Ben was in his first starting Test v Noah in his 17th. Agree with you though that Foley is not the answer. This season of Super rugby will give those that step up an opportunity to be picked by Jones. Waratahs may give the Brumbies a good run this year!

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Wow I'm reading Bryce Hegarty's name.

He's a bloke that has definitely got the most out of his talent and body. I do think he's judged on appearance and he's an intelligent player that covers any deficiencies pretty well at the professional level. I think the Wallabies are in trouble though if he's in our 23.

 

[Tomthumb]

This comment is bang on - can anyone have imagined Cheika & Deans doing any better in his situation? Rennie was the victim of terrible luck & timing, after 2019 a substantial amount of experience left overseas further setting the team back.

Jones was correct in highlighting how well Rennie has done a great job in exceptionally difficult circumstances.

This Rennie PR campaign continuing here I see

Yeah, he did a great job getting a 38% win record out of a tier 1 nation. Covid only affected Australia apparently as no other team has used this as an excuse

 

[stillmissit]

I'm still concerned about the back row mix and we are most probably in a position where we have to pick and stick at 6 and 7. Our lack of aggressive tackling skills shows up in most games forcing us to scramble and get the headless chicken syndrome. I re-watched a part of the Auckland AB game last year and the tackling looked optional. If we don't lift our D we have no chance at the RWC.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Your comparison fails to mention that the first half Australia had minimal ball and the final 20 we had most of it. Plus Ben was in his first starting Test v Noah in his 17th. Agree with you though that Foley is not the answer. This season of Super rugby will give those that step up an opportunity to be picked by Jones. Waratahs may give the Brumbies a good run this year!

Do you have possession stats for the first 60 minutes v the last 20?

I expect the Tahs and Brumbies to be in a fierce battle for top spot this year. Injuries and replacements will be crucial.

 

[stillmissit]

This Rennie PR campaign continuing here I see

Yeah, he did a great job getting a 38% win record out of a tier 1 nation. Covid only affected Australia apparently as no other team has used this as an excuse

TT, I also don't subscribe to the view that everything is on his head, his performance brought about his sacking and I agree with that decision.
There may be other questions to ask about his performance but why bother his day is done.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I'm still concerned about the back row mix and we are most probably in a position where we have to pick and stick at 6 and 7. Our lack of aggressive tackling skills shows up in most games forcing us to scramble and get the headless chicken syndrome. I re-watched a part of the Auckland AB game last year and the tackling looked optional. If we don't lift our D we have no chance at the RWC.

Agree with the tackling looked optional but I also think this had a lot to do with fitness. I'm convinced we were not prepared to the level of our opposition week in and week out. This would have contributed heavily to the injury toll as well. Players were trying to keep up, then bang injury. Following that they were not brought back properly.

I don't just blame the Wallaby set up as I think this was the case at Super Rugby also.

 

[Lightblue]

Do you have possession stats for the first 60 minutes v the last 20?

I expect the Tahs and Brumbies to be in a fierce battle for top spot this year. Injuries and replacements will be crucial.

I watched the game twice. First starting Test v 17th Test. You seem harsh.
Anyway, we agree on the fact the Waratahs v Brumbies this year will be a good battle!

 

[stillmissit]

Agree with the tackling looked optional but I also think this had a lot to do with fitness. I'm convinced we were not prepared to the level of our opposition week in and week out. This would have contributed heavily to the injury toll as well. Players were trying to keep up, then bang injury. Following that they were not brought back properly.

I don't just blame the Wallaby set up as I think this was the case at Super Rugby also.

Interesting Ghost, I always assumed it was overworking the lower limbs that did it but you could be right. I watched the Hooper v Samu analysis following on Derpus' statement about Samu and was a bit shocked to see him walking in a couple of situations as were others but in a 7 that is unforgivable when the opp is as rampant as the AB's were that day.
It may also support your idea that we ain't fit enough....

 

[PhilClinton]

Listen to Quade Cooper on the bloke and bar podcasts. Just his maturity now, he is a leader on and off the park and a role model he simply has to be in the wallabies

I don't doubt he has matured since his early days, but the bar was very low to begin with.

Quade has done very well at growing his brand and associating himself with a mindset that gives an aura of control and maturity.

Don't be fooled by podcast interviews though and self-branding social media.

 

[RebelYell]

Who are the uncapped Aussies in England that Eddie may spring a surprise with? I'm thinking of the likes of Ben Meehan, Harry Potter, Jordy Reid.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Of that group I think Meehan is the most likely but also an outside chance at best.

He's not uncapped but I thought Morahan was a chance for a while there but he's gone to France now. I don't think Potter would be able to get ahead of Perese, Foketi as the next guys after Kerevi, Ikitau in the Centers

 

[Dctarget]

Kerr-Barlow could have a small hope if Eddie wants left of field but his crazy choices were players in England already. Doubt he'll parachute anyone in. I think if there are any smokies it will be from the Force or Rebels. Players like Kemney or Pugh as some have said.

 

[molman]

There are a boatload of Aussie's abroad, but it's hard to say if any of them would be superior to local options (see Wallabies Player Exodus thread).

John Porch as someone mention is over in Connacht and is playing some nice rugby as is Jarrad Butler (who is also there), but unlikely better than local options. Andy Friend did like to pull in an Aussie to fill his roster.

The number of players in Japan is huge, but most are known qualities;

Division One: Quade Cooper (Hanazono Kintetsu Liners), Will Genia (Hanazono Kintetsu Liners), Samu Kerevi (Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath), Sean McMahon (Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath), Bernard Foley (Kubota Spears, Funabashi, TOKYO-BAY), Nick Phipps (NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu), Taqele Naiyaravoro (NEC Green Rockets Tokatsu), Matt To'omua (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sagamihira Dynaboars), Isi Naisarani (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marika Koroibete (Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights)

Division Two: Tom Banks (MIE Honda Heat), Rory Arnold (Hino Red Dolphins), Liam Gill (Urayasu D-Rocks), Israel Folau (Urayasu D-Rocks).

... and the ones that would have been leftfield options in Japan has already beat us to the punch and capped. Players like Jack Cornelsen, Ben Gunter, and Dylan Riley. Dylan in particular I have been real impressed with, would have loved someone to have brought him home.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Dylan Riley is good enough to start in any Australian Super Rugby side. He's definitely one that got away.

From that list of names, it's really Quade (injury dependant) Kerevi, Foley, Naisarani, Banks that could be a chance. I want to include McMahon but I'm unsure of his interest. A year ago I would have said Liam Gill as well but with Charlie Gamble rising I think he takes that spot.

 

[Derpus]

How's Naisarani been?

 

[Tomikin]

White has signed until the end of this year so far...

TBH, I would be perfectly happy with White being captain and McDermott as one of the VC's in the squad.

White has said he wants a Lions tour, his here to stay as long as he can...

 

[Wilson]

Who are the uncapped Aussies in England that Eddie may spring a surprise with? I'm thinking of the likes of Ben Meehan, Harry Potter, Jordy Reid.

It's worth remembering that not all international players are immediately eligible under the current rules, the still need 5 years super rugby or 30 caps. So players like Ben Meehan and Harry Potter are not eligible for selection under RA's rules. These players would need to be signed with an Australian super rugby side to enter into the conversation.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

White has said he wants a Lions tour, his here to stay as long as he can...

Interesting. He would be eligible to be picked from overseas but I wonder if he would stay at the Brums. Raises questions over guys like Lonergan. Don't want to be on the bench that entire time.