I’m pretty sure Lambert went to NZ just as extra cover in case Slipper had to switch to THP, so I think rule him out. Eddie seems to have been reluctant to cap Schoupp and I think he just wanted to get him into the environment and have a look at him. Gibbon is already capped and I think he’d rather take him as cover and use him v Portugal than give Schoupp a cheap cap just for that game. I might be completely wrong but that’s my theory. I actually wouldn’t be surprised to see Sio get that spot but that would mean getting rid of one of the 5 foreigners, Arnold and Cooper are the ones who don’t demand selection IMO.I mean I have Gibbon as my 3rd LHP but what indication is there that he is? Eddie picked Schoupp and Lambert over him.
Does your controversial opinion extend to an alternative? He hasn't exactly lit it up, but who else is there?My controversial opinion is that we aren't gaining much, if anything, by having QC (Quade Cooper) (Quade Cooper) on the bench and possibly even in the squad. He looks old and a bit shit.
I don't think that's controversial but the issue is who would be the back up fly half. Potentially JOC (James O'Connor) or Hodge could be selected as a journeyman, or they could use Donaldson in a 'break glass' scenario during the pool games and then parachute someone in if Gordon gets injured. I don't think he demands a spot thats for sure.My controversial opinion is that we aren't gaining much, if anything, by having QC (Quade Cooper) (Quade Cooper) on the bench and possibly even in the squad. He looks old and a bit shit.
Yeah I would've just stuck with Noah and played off the 9 mostly.Does your controversial opinion extend to an alternative? He hasn't exactly lit it up, but who else is there?
well thats not going to happenYeah I would've just stuck with Noah and played off the 9 mostly.
Guess not.well thats not going to happen
We have to have two 10s, either of whom is capable of starting. I wouldn't put it past to pick Donaldson.Does your controversial opinion extend to an alternative? He hasn't exactly lit it up, but who else is there?
Donaldson consistently struggled at Super Rugby level this year but now he's ready for the world cup? Quade is the best option, and he hasn't exactly been bad in these recent matches. We're more than happy to give Kerevi time to find his form post injury but not Quade?We have to have two 10s, either of whom is capable of starting. I wouldn't put it past to pick Donaldson.
this, as i said elsewhere its the 23 from the past 2 tests plus the injured (Tupou, Iketau) if available, i dont think Wright will (or should) be in, Hodge mightMy crack at the WC Squad:
LPH - Bell, Slipper, Gibbon
Hooker - Porecki, Uelese, Faesslar
THP - Tupou, Pone, Nonggorr
Locks - Frost, Skelton, Arnold, phillip
Backrow - M Hooper, T Hooper, Gleeson, Valetini, McReight, Leota
Halfbacks - White, McDermott, Lonergan
Flyhalfs - Gordon, Cooper
Centres - Kerevi, Ikitau, Foketi, Perese
Outside Backs - Kellaway, Petaia, Korobiete, Nawaqnitawase,Wright
This should never be a reason to pick someone imo. Cooper was meant to be there as a calm veteran, but it was his schoolboy error that cost them in the endDoes your controversial opinion extend to an alternative? He hasn't exactly lit it up, but who else is there?
Might work with Tate, probably not with Nic. Not really a fan of that approach.Yeah I would've just stuck with Noah and played off the 9 mostly.
Exactly, cut him now, give someone else a chance at the WC … what do we have to lose honestly?This should never be a reason to pick someone imo. Cooper was meant to be there as a calm veteran, but it was his schoolboy error that cost them in the end
I’d honestly run with Donaldson, yeah he struggled this year but the Tahs were a cluster bleep all round and DC couldn’t figure out who his spine was all season