Wallabies 2023
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Ignoto
Peter Sullivan (51)
Simple really. His Super Rugby form never translates at an international level. He plays a completely different style of game than what the coaches want at 7.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
It might be a bit of a gamble starting both of them back from injury, but it's definitely an option.
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
I would say Langi Gleeson is taking over his role as 6/7/8 cover
Bullrush
Geoff Shaw (53)
Did you see him play Tests last year?
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
Don't know about a starter but he should be on the bench, one of our best finishers over some pretty average games.
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
I reckon Kellaway and either Foketi or Perese will start and Petaia will be on the bench
rugbyAU
Bob Davidson (42)
Yes, Petaia is a good option for the 23 jersey to cover FB, 13 and the wings and coming back from injury
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
That's my thinking too, most likely with Perese at 13 at this stage.
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
Agree IF Foketi is 13, if it's Perese I don't think our chances of stopping the darkness in the wide channels is high. He is great at tackling when he can hit but the AB's are used to that rush D and will cut him out or run around him.
Ignoto
Peter Sullivan (51)
Yeap, I saw him out on the wing seagulling........
Purce
Dave Cowper (27)
Samu missing out is rough. He always brings much needed energy off the bench. Would be in my 23 every game. I would have liked to see him trialled at 7 as well.
Suspect Gleeson will get a chance to show what he has got against NZ and if he performs will go to the WC over Samu.
Has Samu signed OS next year as well? May go into Eddie's thinking.
Suspect Gleeson will get a chance to show what he has got against NZ and if he performs will go to the WC over Samu.
Has Samu signed OS next year as well? May go into Eddie's thinking.
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
I don't necessarily think Samu is out of the RWC squad. This is now Gleeson's chance to show his worth and Kemeny is really coming from the outside still.
rugbyAU
Bob Davidson (42)
Thoughts on the squad:
Props - Good, Topou back is a big boost but I'd have Gibbon in there
Hookers - Uelese should drop out or Lonergan or Fainga'a
Second Rowers - Good
Backrowers - Tough on Samu but it was going to be between him and Gleeson you'd think for the last spot and he was a bit underwhelming in Super Rugby, otherwise good but Tom Hooper is a year too early
Halfbacks - Good, but wondering when Lonergan will get an opportunity
Flyhalves - Donaldson doesn't deserve to be there, otherwise good
Centres - Good, Perese will make way for Ikitau come the WC
Outside Backs - tough on Tom Wright but he's been poor, agree with dropping Hodge despite his versatility, Vunivalu and Peitsch shouldn't be there
Props - Good, Topou back is a big boost but I'd have Gibbon in there
Hookers - Uelese should drop out or Lonergan or Fainga'a
Second Rowers - Good
Backrowers - Tough on Samu but it was going to be between him and Gleeson you'd think for the last spot and he was a bit underwhelming in Super Rugby, otherwise good but Tom Hooper is a year too early
Halfbacks - Good, but wondering when Lonergan will get an opportunity
Flyhalves - Donaldson doesn't deserve to be there, otherwise good
Centres - Good, Perese will make way for Ikitau come the WC
Outside Backs - tough on Tom Wright but he's been poor, agree with dropping Hodge despite his versatility, Vunivalu and Peitsch shouldn't be there
rugbyAU
Bob Davidson (42)
yes Samu's off to France (I think Bourdeaux) next year
Eddie's Eyebrows
Herbert Moran (7)
Anyone else think that throwing Wight on the scrap heap at this stage may indicate Jorgensen may come into the equation sight-unseen before the RWC. His MCL injury was ~3 months from late May. He is still on the injured list.
Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Pretty sure Eddie doesn't have a clue what he's doing. He drops Wright from the squad but keeps Vunivalu who is less versatile and far, far worse?
Hopefully he stumbles into our best back three combo which is a mix of MK, Kellaway, Petaia and Nawaqanitawase.
Ben Donaldson in as a utility gives me nightmares.
I know he's being considered for 15 but what are the chances Kellaway gets thrown into 13? He's played there quite a bit for the Rebels and is a really good defender, passer and communicator. Could fill a lot of the roles that Ikitau plays. Also means Petaia can play at 15 which gives is a big boot and some serious aerial ability along with Nawaqanitawse in our back three. Just a thought so please don't @ me.
Highlander35
Steve Williams (59)
It's a good group.
Uelese, Vunivalu and Donaldson aside it's hard to argue that anyone who's there doesn't deserve it, and a number who didn't perform to the required standard or were only being experimented with are gone.
Uelese, Vunivalu and Donaldson aside it's hard to argue that anyone who's there doesn't deserve it, and a number who didn't perform to the required standard or were only being experimented with are gone.