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Wallabies 2023

Namerican

Bill Watson (15)
Gleeson will battle samu for no.20.

If I'm Jones and I have 6 back row I'm picking:
Holloway
LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
Valetini
Samu/Gleeson
Hooper
Mcreight/Gleeson

Hooper isn't at his best, but I think he has been coasting, same for Samu. They've proven they can make an impact at this level and I still think that's true. And Hooper can still go 80 mins whenever needed.

Samu can substitute at 8 or 7. Mcreight/Hooper are a bit redundant. I don't see Gleeson as anything other than an impact sub. Holloway/LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) are needed for their size and lineout ability. I prefer LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) to Hanigan.

So to me it is whether they want a 1 for 1 replacement for Hooper (if not - take Samu+Gleeson over McReight).

Personally I'd roll out:
Holloway-Valetini-Hooper
Sub in whomever looks the best of Samu/Gleeson/LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and/or sub in LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) at lock and bring in Gleeson/Samu.

Based on England all we know about Jones is that he likes size/impact, doesn't care that much about club rugby form, and likes to kick a lot.
 

Purce

Dave Cowper (27)
Eddie has made mention of Leota a couple times. I suspect he is a big fan. Reckon Eddie will give him all the time and a fair few chances at making the rwc squad.

Does anyone know the extent of his injury and when he is expected to be fit?
 

Namerican

Bill Watson (15)
Yep this is why I think Hodge is a certainty. Hopefully Petaia makes it as well.

Wouldn’t be keen on any of the others mentioned, although I rate IFL as a halfback for the future

Hodge lets yo
Eddie has made mention of Leota a couple times. I suspect he is a big fan. Reckon Eddie will give him all the time and a fair few chances at making the rwc squad.

Does anyone know the extent of his injury and when he is expected to be fit?

I think Leota probably offers the most impact, while still being solid at core duties. I hope everyone is healthy if only to discern what exactly Eddie wants to do.
 

Rugbyman2023

Peter Burge (5)
Think Rob is coming from too far back, not even playing yet
Yes a tough one if he has okayed this super season would be a def
However remember there is still 3 months before RWC with club rugby, wallabies games with rugby champs
And also potential aus a games and warm up games so can still get plenty of rugby in 3 months
The perfect 6 cover, good ball runner and strong in contact and around the ground
 

kiap

Steve Williams (59)

Highlander35

Steve Williams (59)
The Australia A vs Tonga game in a months time may be the most important game to keep an eye on. Good indication of who's still in the mix despite limited overall gametime or domestic performances, and maybe an indication of any established faces still on the outer. Particularly if Tonga roll out the big guns it'll be a great game to showcase what you can bring.
 

kiap

Steve Williams (59)
Then again, Kerr-Barlow is touted by various pundits.

In other words, domestic talent is thin.
 

RugbyReg

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
Salakai-Loto is seriously benefiting from the overseas grass is greener factor. Remember his last season for the Reds? Pretty bang average.

IFL is one for the past. He's 28 this RWC, will be 32 by the next cycle.

Nick White is 33 this RWC cycle...
 

Marce

John Hipwell (52)
If he is good enough that is young enough.

Nic White will be starting 9 for the RWC at 34.
So are u waiting for a player to make impact at test level in his 30s? This is not a Tier 3 nation team

The next RWC is for Teddy Wilson
 

The Ghost of Raelene

Simon Poidevin (60)
So are u waiting for a player to make impact at test level in his 30s? This is not a Tier 3 nation team
Tread carefully talking about age in here.

I reckon a lot of members have a 'still got it' attitude.

Couldn't care less if they are young or old. Every player will be different for a variety of reasons. Power positions like Prop can get better. Strength in a person can continue to improve well into your late 30s early 40s but you can lose speed which will affect other positions. In a RWC year I just want the strongest squad possible.
 

kiap

Steve Williams (59)
White is the type of box-kicking nine that Eddie goes for. Doesn't really prefer the helter-skelter shake up of a McDermott or Fines-Leleiwasa. So, come on down, Jake Gordon!
 

Marce

John Hipwell (52)
Every player will be different for a variety of reasons. Power positions like Prop can get better. Strength in a person can continue to improve well into your late 30s early 40s but you can lose speed which will affect other positions. In a RWC year I just want the strongest squad possible.
Absolutely, we are talking about a halfback. Isn't it?
 
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