I am not a fan of the one ball player in the back line - it is too easy to shut down, so "if" we have 2 ball runners in the centres we either need a 9 or a 15 that can take pressure off the 10
Wallabies 2023
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Agreed, but we can work around that. Wright at fullback isn't the silliest idea on that basis. The bloke can pass, it's just his option taking that's questionable at times.
LeCheese
Greg Davis (50)
In light of Reg's work rate stats (carries, turnovers, tackles per minute), where Wilson was 2nd, what specific areas do you feel he needs to improve? Inherently, to be in a position to make carries, turnovers, and tackles, you need to be putting in a hell of a lot of work off the ball.
Likewise, with his work in contact - he's averaging 6.2m per carry, leads the competition for total carries (three forwards in the top 10), and is third in the competition for total metres (the only forward in the top 10). The vast majority of his carries are to the line, not beating defends and making 15m+ breaks, so they can't be padding his stats too much.
Valetini and Havili, the two other forwards in the top 10 for total carries, don't feature in the metres top 10 list, so I can't do the metres per carry calculation for them, which would be good for some perspective. @RugbyReg you don't have those stats on hand by chance?
Not having a go, just trying to understand this viewpoint.
Wallaby Man
Nev Cottrell (35)
Maybe I’m wrong but didn’t the Rebels score 28 points with opposition a man down?
They also loaded on points against the Hurricanes in Super round.
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Don’t know, they were playing Pasifika who got destroyed in the pack, how many should’ve they have scored? Did you watch them struggle against 13 camped inside the 22m?
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
I don't think anyone is doubting Wilson's effort...
I would be curious to see a breakdown of the carry stats, because in watching Wilson play against the better teams in the comp he doesn't appear to make significant impact with his carries against his opposite forwards, and in those matches (eg. NZ teams, Brumbies, Rebels) he's been outplayed by his opposite number.*
* In the case of the Brumbies, I would be comparing him to Valetini and not Samu, who has mostly been phoning it in this year.
Wallaby Man
Nev Cottrell (35)
Because I’m bored and like proving a point
Rebels this season with opposition man down
Force - No card
Hurricanes - 26 points
Tahs - No card
Chiefs - No card
Reds - No card
Drua - No card
Blues - 7 points
Moana - 33 points
if count points against during this period it’s +51 difference from 3 cards (Hurricanes was a red)
Wallaby Man
Nev Cottrell (35)
I’m going to call it.
He’s the Rob Simmons of no.8s. Good player, effort is 110%, does all the things you’d want. But is a little passive and cuddly compared to what others in his position offer. Btw definitely not saying not wholehearted or can’t do a job, just isn’t clattering bodies around him like the other top no8s do.
He’s a good player, I’d take him at the Rebels in a heart beat but there is just something not overly intimidating or explosive that his fellow international no.8s are offering.
Could he do a job…. I’m sure he would if given a proper opportunity.
On my uneducated eye test is he better than the options selected over him by now successive coaches….. no
Stats are fun, when he breaks tackles he goes long which makes his numbers more impressive, what I want to see is in those hard graft moments more leg drive, more fight to stay alive ie those carries through contact that gets us on the front foot whilst carrying units on his back
Valetini is the only unit we have that can do that, Gleeson has the instincts and the angry, but like Wilson his stats are skewed from the breaks
and if we are carrying Skelton for those traits whoever plays with Valetini will need to be that lineout and grafting unit
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
WM, Wilson has a few issues to overcome and one of them is taking the ball into contact, his first option is to accept the tackle and hope for an offload where he should be looking to avoid the contact with some footwork or offloading earlier as he can't run through them, his work with McRight for the Reds gives him that but that doesn't fix his issue for the Wallabies.
I am also not sure he is rugby smart enough for an international 8 which is the most demanding position in the forwards.
He could still develop after the RWC but I would be surprised if he is inc in the squad for the cup.
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
Amazed and wondering WHY? I am sure he could earn a fine quid in Japan or Europe post RWC.
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
Seems necessary. They were allowed to offer extra $ as RA couldn't top up (or top up much)
Frees Lonergan to start so our best 4 halfbacks are all starting in different franchises which is nice.
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
I am still, after 10 years of beating his drum, convinced that Jed Holloway was the great #8 we have needed in Aus Rugby for a long time.
Before you all go berserk, I understand that opportunity has gone, like taking second rate locks and turning them into 6's, another position we have been short on over the years.
Fattie, "whoever plays with Valetini will need to be that lineout and grafting unit" that brings in Holloway.
Before you all go berserk, I understand that opportunity has gone, like taking second rate locks and turning them into 6's, another position we have been short on over the years.
Fattie, "whoever plays with Valetini will need to be that lineout and grafting unit" that brings in Holloway.
Members Section
John Thornett (49)
3 young kids in aus, he's already done France, Lions series, he's still easily our best 9 & post footy he will go into the media
and a few others, Valetini is or best 6 or 8
So "if" Skelton is one of the locks then the 6/8 could be Holloway, Leota etc (or even the "Hanigan"
)But if we have two skills balanced locks, we can add other skills into the backrow spot
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
True, but what skills are we gaining if Hooper is a lock in at 7? I'm not sure Hooper will be there for the big games where weight, skill and speed might just bring in Wilkin at 7, Holloway 6/8 and Valetine 8/6..and a few others, Valetini is or best 6 or 8
So "if" Skelton is one of the locks then the 6/8 could be Holloway, Leota etc (or even the "Hanigan"
But if we have two skills balanced locks, we can add other skills into the backrow spot
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
I would be very surprised if Hooper isn't starting...
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
It's Eddie Jones though, you shouldn't be surprised with anything.