Wallabies 2023
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KOB1987
John Eales (66)
As I was compiling it I thought that Gleeson may miss out but then realised there isn't anyone else that plays #8. We could get away with playing Holloway or Leota there against Portugal or something but if Valetini has to miss the Wales game or the first QF for whatever reason then we need a proper 8. I now realise that is why he has kept his position in the squad throughout. I think Leota might have screwed up his selection chances yesterday but I like him so I'm happy to be wrong.
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
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.
hammertimethere
Trevor Allan (34)
I'd be keen to see
LHP (3); Bell, Slipper, Gibbon (Schoupp on standby)
Hooker (3); Porecki, Faessler, Uelese (should be Mafi who will be on standby)
THP (3); Tupou, Pone, Nongorr (Talakai on standby)
Locks (4); Frost, Skelton, Arnold, Neville (Phillip on standby)
Backrowers (6); M Hooper, Mcreight, T Hooper, Valetini, Gleeson, Holloway (covers lock) (With Wilson on standby)
9 (3); White, McDermott, Lonergan (IFL and Tuttle on standby)
10 (2). Gordon, Cooper (Foley on standby)
Centres (3); Kerevi, Ikitau, Foketi, Petaia (covers 14/15)
Wing (3) ; Koroibete, Nawaqnitwase, Perese (covers 13 also)
15 (2); Kellaway, Wright
Utility back; Hodge or JOC (James O'Connor) (both can play 10 passably which gives you bench flexibility and ability to rest players through the tournament)
LHP (3); Bell, Slipper, Gibbon (Schoupp on standby)
Hooker (3); Porecki, Faessler, Uelese (should be Mafi who will be on standby)
THP (3); Tupou, Pone, Nongorr (Talakai on standby)
Locks (4); Frost, Skelton, Arnold, Neville (Phillip on standby)
Backrowers (6); M Hooper, Mcreight, T Hooper, Valetini, Gleeson, Holloway (covers lock) (With Wilson on standby)
9 (3); White, McDermott, Lonergan (IFL and Tuttle on standby)
10 (2). Gordon, Cooper (Foley on standby)
Centres (3); Kerevi, Ikitau, Foketi, Petaia (covers 14/15)
Wing (3) ; Koroibete, Nawaqnitwase, Perese (covers 13 also)
15 (2); Kellaway, Wright
Utility back; Hodge or JOC (James O'Connor) (both can play 10 passably which gives you bench flexibility and ability to rest players through the tournament)
rugbyAU
Bob Davidson (42)
My 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
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
Does your controversial opinion extend to an alternative? He hasn't exactly lit it up, but who else is there?
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
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.
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Yeah I would've just stuck with Noah and played off the 9 mostly.
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
well thats not going to happen
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Guess not.
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wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
We have to have two 10s, either of whom is capable of starting. I wouldn't put it past to pick Donaldson.
dusk
Vay Wilson (31)
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?
swingpass
Peter Sullivan (51)
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 might
Tomthumb
Peter Fenwicke (45)
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
Might work with Tate, probably not with Nic. Not really a fan of that approach.
That said, I reckon Lolesio will prove, in time, to be pretty good.
hammertimethere
Trevor Allan (34)
You'd keep QC (Quade Cooper) there for now, but from next year move on. The flyhalves running around in Asutralian Super Rugby teams will be Gordon (who will be the man in possession of the gold 10 jersey), Lolesio, Edmed, Lynagh, Donaldson, Burey and Pasitoa which is an acceptable position to be in a post RWC year.
Goosestep
Jim Clark (26)
Exactly, cut him now, give someone else a chance at the WC … what do we have to lose honestly?
At least this way you’re giving someone else the experience of a WC campaign.. that’s the way the ABs blood new players.