Wallabies 2023

[Derpus]

I find it hard to seperate the Wallabies under Rennie from the Wallabies under Cheika.

Win rate about the same. I think tactically they are a little more flexible but they certainly seem to be as inconsistent. And they still have way too many dumb plays in them.

The main thing Rennie seems to have brought is a positive, calm culture. Certainly an upgrade on Cheikas seige mentality.

 

[Froggy]

That's interesting Derpus. While I'm pretty happy with the job Rennie is doing considering where we are coming from, the fact he isn't aligned with one of our Super franchises saves him a fair bit of grief from these boards. The reality is his win rate is 48%, compared with McKenzie 50%, Cheika 52% and Deans 58%.
I think the real message is that the coach can only do so much. All four of those coaches had significant winning pedigrees from their previous coaching experience, Link with the Reds, Cheika with Leinster and the Tahs, Deans with the 'Saders and of course Rennie with the Chiefs. But the Geurie Goats won't beat Sydney Uni first grade, and I don't care who's coaching them.

 

[RebelYell]

When you look at the 'towards 2023' element of the question, and with the RWC only 21 months away, here's my crack at the 33-man squad (it's been increased since 2019). Be staggered if I hit 75% the way we churn players, but you never know...

Prop: Ala'alatoa, Bell, Fa'amausili, Robertson, Slipper, Tupou (6)
Hooker: Latu, McInerney, Paenga-Amosa(3)
Lock: Arnold, Rodda, Skelton, Swain (4)
Backrow: Hanigan, Hooper, Leota, McMahon, McReight, Valetini (6)
Scrumhalf: R. Lonergan, McDermott, White (3)
Flyhalf: Cooper, Lolesio (2)
Centre: Ikitau, Kerevi, Paisami (3)
Outside Backs: Hodge, Kellaway, Koroibete, Perese, Petaia, Wright (6)

No room for Beale, JOC (James O'Connor), Fainga'a (Colby or Folau!), R.Lonergan, Kaitu'u, Uelese, Wilson, Samu, Daugunu, Hoskins, Banks, Foketi, Simone, Gordon, Swinton among others!

 

[Wilson]

I'm not sure McMahon has shown anything to suggest he's worth looking at over the large crop of young local back row players we have.

 

[RebelYell]

I'm not sure McMahon has shown anything to suggest he's worth looking at over the large crop of young local back row players we have.

I am biased - I've been an unabashed fan of his for a long, long time (hence the profile pic). For mine, his utlity value meant I was comapring him like for like with Pete Samu, who I also really like. Seanny is just a guy you wanna go to war with.

 

[The Nomad]

That's interesting Derpus. While I'm pretty happy with the job Rennie is doing considering where we are coming from, the fact he isn't aligned with one of our Super franchises saves him a fair bit of grief from these boards. The reality is his win rate is 48%, compared with McKenzie 50%, Cheika 52% and Deans 58%.
I think the real message is that the coach can only do so much. All four of those coaches had significant winning pedigrees from their previous coaching experience, Link with the Reds, Cheika with Leinster and the Tahs, Deans with the 'Saders and of course Rennie with the Chiefs. But the Geurie Goats won't beat Sydney Uni first grade, and I don't care who's coaching them.

Rennie’s win/loss ratio is also severely screwed over by playing the AB’s as much as they have in 2020/21 compared to other years .

 

[Wilson]

I am biased - I've been an unabashed fan of his for a long, long time (hence the profile pic). For mine, his utlity value meant I was comapring him like for like with Pete Samu, who I also really like. Seanny is just a guy you wanna go to war with.

I get the love people have but it has been a long time since he's done anything of note and he doesn't really offer a point of difference from the options currently playing in Australia. Based on what we saw this year, and the other foreign based players available, it's unlikely he'll feature again if there are any restrictions on selection. Come world cup time they'll probably open it up, but that will have been another year for Wilson, Samu, Wright, Swinton and others to push their case on the international stage.

 

[Jimmyjam]

When you look at the 'towards 2023' element of the question, and with the RWC only 21 months away, here's my crack at the 33-man squad (it's been increased since 2019). Be staggered if I hit 75% the way we churn players, but you never know...

Prop: Alaalaatoa, Bell, Fa'amausili, Robertson, Slipper, Tupou (6)
Hooker: Latu, McInerney, Paenga-Amosa(3) Kaitu'u
Lock: Arnold, Rodda, Skelton, Swain (4)
Backrow: Hanigan, Hooper, Leota, McMahon, McReight, Valetini (6) Swinton, Wilson
Scrumhalf: R. Lonergan, McDermott, White (3)
Flyhalf: Cooper, Lolesio (2) Carter Gordon
Centre: Ikitau, Kerevi, Paisami (3)
Outside Backs: Hodge, Kellaway, Koroibete, Perese, Petaia, Wright (6) Daugunu

There you go! Fixed!!

 

[Bandar]

Surely Vunivalu will be there

 

[RebelYell]

Pretty fair changes @Jimmyjam. I see Hanigan as our best lock/backrow hybrid cover, would be interesting to see Leota play a little Test lock footy next year. But you can definitely stake a claim for your changes or mine either way. Key thing is the core nucleus appears fairly nailed on.

 

[Viking]

I like the side. I prefer @RebelYell team over @Jimmyjam. I i don't know how Wright gets an outside back spot after this season. Even as a Brumbies fan I'd prefer Daugunu as a winger.

I think the side is missing a specialist fullback so Banks has it until some-one else steps up.

 

[Warpath]

Daugunu and Vunivalu both will be there come 2023.. don't write off Vudogo too, an exceptional wing/centre, just no given the right platform with the reds yet..

 

[Wilson]

Daugunu and Vunivalu both will be there come 2023.. don't write off Vudogo too, an exceptional wing/centre, just no given the right platform with the reds yet..

He'd have to sign with them first.

 

[RugbyReg]

Daugunu and Vunivalu both will be there come 2023.. don't write off Vudogo too, an exceptional wing/centre, just no given the right platform with the reds yet..

having a contract with the Rebels will do that to you

 

[rugboy]

Vunivalu would surely have to agree to significantly reduced terms to be retained by RA/Reds for 2023. Haven't seen much return on the investment at this point

 

[RugbyReg]

Vunivalu would surely have to agree to significantly reduced terms to be retained by RA/Reds for 2023. Haven't seen much return on the investment at this point

injuries aside, anyone who can't see the ability of this guy in his limited time on the field, just doesn't get it.

I hope he has an injury free 2022 because the guy is brilliant.

6 tries in 5 starts and 2 as replacement, including 4 tries in 3 games v the kiwis.

 

[Derpus]

injuries aside, anyone who can't see the ability of this guy in his limited time on the field, just doesn't get it.

I hope he has an injury free 2022 because the guy is brilliant.

6 tries in 5 starts and 2 as replacement, including 4 tries in 3 games v the kiwis.

Undoubted ability for sure. Surely injury record factors into evaluation though?

 

[Up the Guts]

Undoubted ability for sure. Surely injury record factors into evaluation though?

He’s played a significant amount of NRL, he’s not in the same boat as Petaia where his career hasn’t really got going properly because of injuries. I think he’s more been unlucky than anything else.

 

[PhilClinton]

Vunivalu's aerial ability in attack is what really sets him apart in my eyes. The Reds used it a few times last year and if they can keep getting it right, teams will need to start planning for that when they're deep in their half. Which in turn, will open up the field for the rest of the team.

At his best, Vunivalu is one of the best attacking players in rugby, at his worst, he's got hammys made of glass and misses too many games. A happy middle ground would be nice.

 

[wamberal]

There's no middle ground. He either excels or he breaks down.