Wallabies 2023
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
Marce
John Hipwell (52)
When was the last Skelton's cap? Is he already available to play for Samoa or even NZ? lol
Dctarget
Tim Horan (67)
Coached by Galthié no less. You'd imagine he'll be trying out some tricks on the English.
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
I'm not convinced throwing Petaia into a starting FB role is the best way to ' develop' him. As I said, cover the spot off the bench for this series. Build him into it for the EOYT maybe. There is no guarentee he will be the best option for Fullback for the WC when he isn't currently even the best option for Fullback at the Reds.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
That England v Babas game will be worth watching.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
I'm with Swingpass, incumbency will mean a lot at least for the first test. Nick Frost will be the sole uncapped player imo but he is the future right here and now at lock (is Lonergan capped? FIIK). Extremely skillful and most like Rory Arnold for height at lineout time a nd disruptive influence in mauls along with Darcy Swain.
I expect something like :
Slipper, Fainga'a, Tupou, Swain, Philip, Leota, Hooper, Valetini, White, Cooper, Koreobete, Kerevi, Ikitau, Wright, Banks. Reserves - Lonergan, Bell, Ala'alatoa, Frost, Samu, McDermott, O'Connor, Kellaway.
Lose the first test and I think Scott Sio could replace Slipper in the 23, Porecki could come in for either Fainga'a or Lonergan, Holloway at 6 if either Leota or Valetini bottle it or are injured (what's with Rob V's hammy?), and Petaia could be introduced to the bench for Kellaway or Wright.
But optimistically, test 1 is a win leading to three on the trot.
I expect something like :
Slipper, Fainga'a, Tupou, Swain, Philip, Leota, Hooper, Valetini, White, Cooper, Koreobete, Kerevi, Ikitau, Wright, Banks. Reserves - Lonergan, Bell, Ala'alatoa, Frost, Samu, McDermott, O'Connor, Kellaway.
Lose the first test and I think Scott Sio could replace Slipper in the 23, Porecki could come in for either Fainga'a or Lonergan, Holloway at 6 if either Leota or Valetini bottle it or are injured (what's with Rob V's hammy?), and Petaia could be introduced to the bench for Kellaway or Wright.
But optimistically, test 1 is a win leading to three on the trot.
For our last two tests our locks were Arnold, Rodda and Skelton.
Porecki seems very likely to get the first crack at the 2 jersey.
Porecki seems very likely to get the first crack at the 2 jersey.
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
No way Wright gets in ahead of Kellaway
swingpass
Peter Sullivan (51)
agree, he looks the most complete package. re the locks - none of the incumbents are available and Philip and Swain did a good job in the home series and RC last year.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Campbell a Wallaby…not convinced (yet) he is wallaby standard. Hence yes would still play someone out of position like kellaway, Petaia. Be good to see how Campbell goes for Australia A.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
I think this is the closest Skelton will get to international rugby now days
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Nah I reckon he'll end up in the RWC squad.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Good player Skelton just never seemed to have made the impact at test level. If limiting to 3 o/s picks not convinced as Arnold would pick ahead of him with koribete and Kerevi the other picks.
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Paul Cully made a salient point, he reckons Holloway will get the first crack at 6 over Leota for his defensive lineout and mauling ability against the English. Can't argue with that.
Porecki definitely the starter, he barely made a lineout error all year and was part of a dominant Tahs scrum when he had Bell and HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) next to him. Fainga'a showed he's still not a great thrower last week and Longeran looks the goods off the bench to speed the game up around the park.
I'm tempted to start Sio or at least keep him on the bench over Slipper. Laulala absolutely destroyed Slipper and we can't afford that against what will undoubtedly be a strong England scrum. I've been pretty critical of Sio in previous seasons, I think his form completely nosedived after 2016 but he's a revival this season.
Porecki definitely the starter, he barely made a lineout error all year and was part of a dominant Tahs scrum when he had Bell and HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) next to him. Fainga'a showed he's still not a great thrower last week and Longeran looks the goods off the bench to speed the game up around the park.
I'm tempted to start Sio or at least keep him on the bench over Slipper. Laulala absolutely destroyed Slipper and we can't afford that against what will undoubtedly be a strong England scrum. I've been pretty critical of Sio in previous seasons, I think his form completely nosedived after 2016 but he's a revival this season.
Lightblue
Arch Winning (36)
All the hype about him playing last year for the Wallabies because he had lost weight and much fitter etc… well …he wasn’t a stand out …
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Yeah I'm looking forward to that Babas game.