Bell is pretty unlikely I would think. Hopecast.
Wallabies 2023
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
Are you mad? Jumps in (and calls ) line outs (and can play lock if required), great running with the ball and linking / offloading, excellent maul disruptor...
Struggling to see the gross deficiencies he has as a number 6.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
I don't think he'd lose you one either if the team had others who can win it. Excellent solid Super player and improving with every opportunity at Wallaby level imo.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Dct if a Wallaby pack was picked today it would contain 5 - 7 Brumbies. You must think there will be a huge changing of the guard come RWC time if your preferred pack only has two.
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
I wouldnt go that far. Props, Frost and Valetini all certain starters. Bit more flexibility around the rest.
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Surely we can hope he's good to go by August? That's 5 months since the injury and it's a toe. Do you even need those?
Members Section
John Thornett (49)
Doesn't win contact at that level & not overly effective at the breakdown & is under size for a lock. His maul disrupting is nothing like Swain, offloading yes I agree better than Philip, Rodda, Frost ect. As I said I like him but he's never going to come off the back of a set play & damage the defensive line like Valetini & Wilson nor scream in and make a big hit forcing the line back like Gleeson & Leota.
Just my view of him
Members Section
John Thornett (49)
Is it turf toe? that can be a year
These injuries take longer than you think. It'll be pushing it.
Well, if he was played with Gleeson and Valetini (maybe unlikely combo, I agree) I think it actually covers everything pretty well. And I'm talking about him at 6 - the lock reference would be at a pinch, which is useful versatility to have (for example with the inevitable YCs the Wallabies will give away). Not at all suggesting he be picked as a lock alone. Leota is not currently an option, and Wilson is an 8.
Members Section
John Thornett (49)
Wilson was just used as an example for running the ball, I basically mean like Bobby v & Samu work at the brums but come international level doesn't give a line out option, picking Jed at 6 doesn't give an impact in contact option.
You've heard of Gleeson - I think he was mentioned above? That combo covers all bases - lineout, attacking bulk & work and defence. But I get it, you think Holloway is not good enough. I just disagree. Samu is far more likely to play at 7 (or indeed the bench) for the Wallabies than anywhere else, I reckon.
Marce
John Hipwell (52)
If is not Super Hooper, should be Valetini, Kerevi, White, Koroibete. A winger being captain is not ideal cause he's far away from the action. A backrower and a halfback are always near of the referee so Valetini and White would be the best options. As long as White will be a doubtless starter under Cheika
Marce
John Hipwell (52)
You dont even know if he's gonna be a starter. A fit Tupou is better than him. Meanwhile Valetini is the best number 8 in the country
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Is Tupou better than him? In theory but rarely in practice.
Highlander35
Steve Williams (59)
Marce
John Hipwell (52)
That's pretty accurate. For that reason I said: "A fit Tupou..." something uncommon these days
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Marce
John Hipwell (52)
Look at the numbers. According RA Tupou is a more valuable player
I know AAA is a more TRADITIONAL tight head prop and more reliable in these days but a 100% Tupou brings things that AAA can't. Tupou is a better ball carrier, TBH.
If Tupou can be 100% fit like some years ago, he can dispute the starter spot hand by hand with AAA meanwhile I can't see any backrower who can dispute the number 8 jersey with Valetini, not even Langi Gleeson. That's my point.
If you have to face the ABs tomorrow, AAA is my starter THP. I don't eat glass
Joe Blow
John Hipwell (52)
He already has a cultured boot and his awareness and positional play comes more naturally than any 10 we have seen for a very long time. Carter Gordon is playing well but it has taken him a few seasons to get there. Lynagh needs to get stronger but otherwise he looks just about ready.
Joe Blow
John Hipwell (52)
It is really not about the provincial sides BR. It is more about getting the right balance.