Wallabies 2023

[rugbyAU]

Absolutely. Bell could well be the worlds best prop if he continues playing the way he does. The only other backup I can think so is Sio, he would be the ideal inclusion if he’s in solid form.

Gibbon had a solid Super Rugby season, played a lot of minutes for the rebels and has been improving so he’s a good backup but seems to have slipped down on Eddie’s pecking order

 

[Tomthumb]

Gibbon and Schoupp are both capable. Don't see the need to bring back an over the hill Sio

It's tighthead thats light at present

 

[fatprop]

Gibbon and Schoupp are both capable. Don't see the need to bring back an over the hill Sio

It's tighthead thats light at present

Schoupp looks like a proper LHP

 

[emuarse]

Schoupp looks like a proper LHP

And what does a 'proper LHP' look like? Please don't say Schoupp.

 

[fatprop]

And what does a 'proper LHP' look like?

tough, technical, angry & loves making the THP's life a misery at every scum

 

[Rugby Survivor]

Any thoughts on only one Hooper making the World Cup squad and that being Tom?

 

[barbarian]

Well that's a pretty basic question, because the answer depends entirely on the state of Michael's calf. If it's right then he's on the plane. And probably starting at 7 with the c beside his name.

 

[stillmissit]

Been the story for much of his Wallabies career really - has shit me for years!

You could add every 10 we have had in the last 20 years, they have all been fed shit by poor forward work.

 

[Tomthumb]

Well that's a pretty basic question, because the answer depends entirely on the state of Michael's calf. If it's right then he's on the plane. And probably starting at 7 with the c beside his name.

Based on reputation only?

 

[barbarian]

Yes. And the fact that he's the current captain of the side.

 

[Tomthumb]

I think the original co-captain thing is well and truly over from what Eddie has said. Tate is the most likely captain going forward

I'd prefer taking the route Gatland has with Wales. Pick the young guys in better form and lets build something around the young core of Bell, Frost, T Hooper, McReight, Valetini, McDermott, Gordon, Ititau and Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase)

 

[dillyboy]

Yes. And the fact that he's the current captain of the side.

Not sure he is - from what Eddie amhad said he & slipper were only deemed captains for those games....

 

[barbarian]

OK. Whatever. You can waste all the breath you want debating whether Hooper should or shouldn't be picked.

The pure fact is if his calf is right he's going to be.

 

[Tomthumb]

OK. Whatever. You can waste all the breath you want debating whether Hooper should or shouldn't be picked.

The pure fact is if his calf is right he's going to be.

That isn't a fact, and debating things is sort of the point here

 

[dillyboy]

The pure fact is if his calf is right he's going to be.

I'm not sure it's as black & white as that and certainly wouldn't state it as fact.

It's possible that even if fit his time is done and he won't be on the plane......

 

[Mr Pilfer]

These are my main wishes for the squad announcement. Any other inclusions/exclusions I can handle unless completely bizarre

Out - Vunivalu
Out - Pietsch
Out - Donaldson

In - Samu
In - Hodge and/or Wright (both better than the 3 above)

 

[Digestif Palu]

These are my main wishes for the squad announcement. Any other inclusions/exclusions I can handle unless completely bizarre

Out - Vunivalu
Out - Pietsch
Out - Donaldson

In - Samu
In - Hodge and/or Wright (both better than the 3 above)

Pietsch has no experience at this level but was arguably better than Nawaqanitawase for the tahs this year. Potentially covers a lot of positions if there are injuries and is very consistent so I don’t mind him being there.

I’m in the minority here but I get the Samu exclusion. He’s great in the open with ball in hand but outside of that no so much. Being a bit reductive but he is really like playing an extra back. Gleeson covers the same positions but brings a lot more aggression in the physical contests. Either way wouldn’t make my head implode.

While I currently wouldn’t want Hodge or Wright In the 23 I agree that are ahead of the other two. Although in terms of team makeup, there seems to be a good amount of back three cover so maybe they aren’t needed? Petaia, Nawaqanitawase and Kellaway cover wing and fullback. At a pinch Cooper and Gordon cover 15. A few centres wouldn’t go astray as currently we have no actual 12 and one 13 with the injuries. Going off the predicted squad from Doran.

 

[Mr Pilfer]

Pietsch has no experience at this level but was arguably better than Nawaqanitawase for the tahs this year. Potentially covers a lot of positions if there are injuries and is very consistent so I don’t mind him being there.

I’m in the minority here but I get the Samu exclusion. He’s great in the open with ball in hand but outside of that no so much. Being a bit reductive but he is really like playing an extra back. Gleeson covers the same positions but brings a lot more aggression in the physical contests. Either way wouldn’t make my head implode.

While I currently wouldn’t want Hodge or Wright In the 23 I agree that are ahead of the other two. Although in terms of team makeup, there seems to be a good amount of back three cover so maybe they aren’t needed? Petaia, Nawaqanitawase and Kellaway cover wing and fullback. At a pinch Cooper and Gordon cover 15. A few centres wouldn’t go astray as currently we have no actual 12 and one 13 with the injuries. Going off the predicted squad from Doran.

Yes I am happy with Gleeson but was worried him and Samu might both miss out as Gleeson didn't get any game time either.

I still think you need Hodge. Just gives you the option of playing him at 10 against Portugal assuming we are safely into the QF's by that time.

As for centres I would be happy to see Foketi in the squad but not sure there is enough room for him unless they take 2 half backs

 

[stillmissit]

Pietsch has no experience at this level but was arguably better than Nawaqanitawase for the tahs this year. Potentially covers a lot of positions if there are injuries and is very consistent so I don’t mind him being there.

I’m in the minority here but I get the Samu exclusion. He’s great in the open with ball in hand but outside of that no so much. Being a bit reductive but he is really like playing an extra back. Gleeson covers the same positions but brings a lot more aggression in the physical contests. Either way wouldn’t make my head implode.

While I currently wouldn’t want Hodge or Wright In the 23 I agree that are ahead of the other two. Although in terms of team makeup, there seems to be a good amount of back three cover so maybe they aren’t needed? Petaia, Nawaqanitawase and Kellaway cover wing and fullback. At a pinch Cooper and Gordon cover 15. A few centres wouldn’t go astray as currently we have no actual 12 and one 13 with the injuries. Going off the predicted squad from Doran.

Did I miss it, is Kerevi injured and out?

 

[dusk]

Did I miss it, is Kerevi injured and out?

Small hand injury, will be fine for WC