Wallabies 2023

[Wilson]

I don't have a problem with it the more I think about it. At least one of them is most likely going to start most games. If here is a game a WC v a minnow there is no problem with a new Captain for that match.

Didn't Whittaker Captain the Wallabies v Romania in 2003? Squad could have a Captain and 2 VCs?

I think the issue is that they're both likely to start, and probably leave the field at the same time. Might be worth having a VC in the starting side likely to play the 80 (or at least more of it) to take over.

 

[Dctarget]

Apparently first Wallabies camp is next Monday in Sanctuary Cove, with official announcement two weeks later though will be brought forward if Aus super sides bow out early. Then they have a camp in Sydney the following week, then they go to Darwin which should be interesting, where they'll camp in tents and visit Arnhem Land. Pretty cool stuff.

 

[qwerty51]

So official announcement Monday it is.

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

So official announcement Monday it is.

For NZ after we and Fiji get it done.

 

[Members Section]

Apparently first Wallabies camp is next Monday in Sanctuary Cove, with official announcement two weeks later though will be brought forward if Aus super sides bow out early. Then they have a camp in Sydney the following week, then they go to Darwin which should be interesting, where they'll camp in tents and visit Arnhem Land. Pretty cool stuff.

I've heard Gregan talk about this trip back in 03, apparently the most amazing part of the country. Would be utterly amazing

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

That's the kind of thing that bring a squad together or it could be a Kamp Staalstraad situation or Adelaide Crows debacle. Hopefully it's the former.

 

[The Marketing Pigeon]

Think it’s currently understated that our backline is a genuine strength for the first time in years - threats everywhere.
9. White
10. QC (Quade Cooper)
11. Korobiete
12. Kerevi
13. Ikitau
14. Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase)
15. Wright

Kellaway to potentially slide in either at 14 or 15 depending on form.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I like Mark for a spot on the Wing. He adds the aerial threat to the attack (Eddie used it with Lote) You need a few freak moments if you are to do something special at a WC. He has that in him

 

[The Marketing Pigeon]

I like Mark for a spot on the Wing. He adds the aerial threat to the attack (Eddie used it with Lote) You need a few freak moments if you are to do something special at a WC. He has that in him

Agree I think Eddie will value wingers with genuine size and ones that are freak athletes

 

[Confucius Say]

If that backline can play a string of games together…

 

[Dctarget]

Nawaqanitawase a year too soon. Kellaway/Wright for 14/15, doesn’t matter who’s at fb.

 

[Members Section]

I like Mark for a spot on the Wing. He adds the aerial threat to the attack (Eddie used it with Lote) You need a few freak moments if you are to do something special at a WC. He has that in him

Kellaway can hit a hole better & change direction better than anyone but MN is just so strong in contact

 

[rugbyAU]

Think it’s currently understated that our backline is a genuine strength for the first time in years - threats everywhere.
9. White
10. QC (Quade Cooper) (Quade Cooper)
11. Korobiete
12. Kerevi
13. Ikitau
14. Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase) (Nawaqanitawase)
15. Wright

Kellaway to potentially slide in either at 14 or 15 depending on form.

I'd have Kellaway in the starting side at #14, he's proven himself at test level

 

[cyclopath]

I get what people are saying about Nawaqanitawase, and yes, Kellaway is a "safer" option with plenty of skill, but with a solid looking backline like that, I think his added upside is worth a gamble - there are some things he does that none of the others do. I would not be concerned with either option.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Think it’s currently understated that our backline is a genuine strength for the first time in years - threats everywhere.
9. White
10. QC (Quade Cooper) (Quade Cooper)
11. Korobiete
12. Kerevi
13. Ikitau
14. Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase) (Nawaqanitawase)
15. Wright

Kellaway to potentially slide in either at 14 or 15 depending on form.

Sub Kellaway for Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase) and that's some backline. I wouldn't be mad if Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase) plays though.

 

[VassMan]

Does Kellaway being in the leadership group lock him into a starting position?

 

[The Nomad]

Got to remember there’s a big chunk of the game when we don’t have the ball.

The positives of what Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase) can do with ball in hand don’t make up for negatives in his defensive game for me.

Kellaway to start at 14.

 

[eastman]

Nawaqanitawase a year too soon. Kellaway/Wright for 14/15, doesn’t matter who’s at fb.

100% - people are overlooking his inconsistencies and propensity to make mistakes. He’s also not threatening enough to overlook those weaknesses (unlike someone like Folau).

I wouldn’t yet trust Marky in the biggest games against the top teams.

 

[stillmissit]

Unfortunately Cooper’s prime in 2011 didn’t carry over the the World Cup. In part due to a game plan that didn’t suit him at all but also because some of the shortcomings of his game were laid bare.

In terms of viewing pleasure, Campo in 91 is possibly the only individual player that comes close to Cooper in Super Rugby 2011 for me - but his WC wasn’t at that level.

Im thrilled that he is getting a second chance though and really hope his fitness and form stays together. In a lot of ways now I think he could be a better international 10 then he was then (gee I’d love him to still have his speed though) and I think Jones will harness his talent a lot better than Deans did.

Actualy Horan in 99 was pretty special too.

TSR, good post. Only question is "I think Jones will harness his talent a lot better than Deans did." Nobody could harness his talent at that time as he was mostly off-piste, and a Homonym also.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

100% - people are overlooking his inconsistencies and propensity to make mistakes. He’s also not threatening enough to overlook those weaknesses (unlike someone like Folau).

I wouldn’t yet trust Marky in the biggest games against the top teams.

Probably right. I think we need to take on a bit of risk to challenge for the RWC. Our business as usual won't cut it at the pointy end.

Maybe our risk is picking a 10, 12 both coming off long injury lay offs.... why throw more in there.