Wallabies 2023

[dusk]

Was thinking about our age profile and it made me think of what a 25-or-younger 33 man squad would look like - based on what we've seen of them so far. Plenty of green shoots but as always the challenge is, how do we keep them and how do we coach them well enough to get 20-30% better across the board?

Front Row (9): Angus Bell, Blake Schoupp, Zane Nonggorr, Rhys Van Nek, Cabous Eloff, Tom Lambert, Matt Faessler, Lachlan Lonergan, Billy Pollard
Second Row (4): Nick Frost, Angus Blyth, Josh Canham, Trevor Hosea
Back Row (6): Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, Harry Wilson, Langi Gleeson
Scrumhalves (2): Tate McDermott, Ryan Lonergan
Flyhalves (3): Carter Gordon, Noah Lolesio, Reesjan Pasitoa
Centres (4): Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami, Len Ikitau, Joey Walton
Outside Backs (4): Mark Nawaqanitawase, Josh Flook, Max Jorgensen, Corey Toole, Joseph Sua'alii

Doesn't include any of the 2023 Junior Wallaby crop either.

That is a very strong squad. Add in the likes of Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Tom Lynagh, and like you said a few of the u20s boys (Barett, O'Donnell, HMP, Gordon, Bloomfield, Slack-Smith, Lancaster).

 

[rodha]

Petaia has had problems with decision making
historically (which I acknowledged as I know that is the focus point for many) but not in the last two games with the exception of one dud kick and not in Super rugby this year where he was exceptional.

Petaia’s decision making errors have generally been in attack. Both players are excellent defenders.

I believe Petaia is better in attack though as he has the strength and power to bust through test level defences. Ikiatau is no slouch but I believe Petaia is better.

If Ikitau hadn’t got injured then there would be no question. Also, if Nawaqanitwase wasn’t playing so well you’d just move Petaia to 14 - and that may still happen. But I believe if Kerevi and Petaia are likely to be retained in their starting jerseys - especially if Ikitau isn’t fit for the next France game (which I understand is unlikely).

I’ll leave it there. I don’t expect people to agree and I acknowledge that Ikitau has earned that level of support. But I also think my opinion is easily defendable/explainable.

Petaia has about 11kg on Ikitau & it shows.

Sure Ikitau's a smart player but he's very small compared to virtually every other tier-1 midfielder.

Petaia at 13 every day.

 

[Tomthumb]

Petaia has 11kg on Ikitau & it shows. Ikitau is a smart player but he's very small compared to every other test midfielder.

Petaia at 13 every day.

When did it show exactly? When Ennor pushed him off easily?

Not the scales nonsense again

 

[cyclopath]

When did it show exactly? When Ennor pushed him off easily?

Not the scales nonsense again

It is page 666 of the thread...

 

[rodha]

When did it show exactly? When Ennor pushed him off easily?

Not the scales nonsense again

He's 90kg, same weight as Paisami, except he has brains & doesn't constantly rush out of line to attempt glory seeking big hits!

 

[Derpus]

Rodha would field a team of offensive linesmen.

 

[Dctarget]

Kerevi to have minor surgery on broken hand, apparently will be fine by RWC start.

 

[eastman]

My controversial opinion is that we aren't gaining much, if anything, by having QC (Quade Cooper) (Quade Cooper) on the bench and possibly even in the squad. He looks old and a bit shit.

If Quade doesn’t knock that ball on yesterday we’d all be worshipping him. He hasn’t had a whole lot of football, he’s a reliable kicker now and more importantly there is no one else.

 

[eastman]

I know you don't rate him but he is clearly talented. He's from rare crop of playmakers all the same age, being Harrison, Lolesio and himself, between that and the Tahs also having Edmed at their disposal he doesn't know whether he is Arthur or Martha when it comes to what position he should play, which has no doubt hindered his development. In that U20s team Harrison was the 10, Lolesio 12 and Donaldson 15, and there was another talented fella kicking around as well who's name escapes me. They were all 10s but they had to play two of them out of position to get them all on the field at the same time.

That's not a reason to pick him for this RWC, but with Lolesio being cooked and Harrison always injured, I can see why they want to invest a bit of time into him.

Generous, being a good junior footballer doesn’t automatically make him a good professional one. The guy has had a lot of opportunities and hasn’t shown much: the criticism is valid.

 

[rugbyAU]

Kerevi to have minor surgery on broken hand, apparently will be fine by RWC start.

No ligament issues which is good, opens the door for Foketi against France to have a run he was one of the big improvers last year in Kerevi's absence

 

[dusk]

If Quade doesn’t knock that ball on yesterday we’d all be worshipping him. He hasn’t had a whole lot of football, he’s a reliable kicker now and more importantly there is no one else.

Was the pass a bit iffy? I watched the game but i can't recall if it was a sitter or just unlucky.

 

[LeCheese]

Was the pass a bit iffy? I watched the game but i can't recall if it was a sitter or just unlucky.

The pass from White was a shocker - end over end, wobbly, and low. Not making excuses for Quade, but it definitely doesn't help

 

[Viking]

Faesslar didnt really offer anything more than Porecki has? Porecki is probs still first choice thrower and has certainly gotten better in contact over this test window. Faesslar was no doubt good on debut but didnt show anything to be starting him over Porecki yet.

I’m been critical of Porecki in the past, he’s just so passive in contact and does nothing around the ruck. But this year he has really stepped up. Not that he is TPN of anything in contact but he’s holding his own. Def first choice.

 

[rugbyAU]

I’m genuinely interested what you are basing that on.

He has clear potential but what is he bringing that gets him on the bench ahead of the guys who are there (both of whom are genuine line out options which is something I think we need).

strong form in Super Rugby, potential need to have a second No.8 option, need to blood the young guns with an eye to 25 & 27, versatility and a good ball carrying option that can bend the line

 

[Joe Blow]

Tom Lynagh will be our next long term 10. He has his old man’s skill set and rugby brain. It is just a matter of time. Carter will battle him for the jersey but the class is plain for all to see.

 

[qwerty51]

What evidence is there that he’s a better prospect than Bowen?

 

[eastman]

His surname is more impressive.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I just think it's great we have several young and exciting playmakers coming through the ranks

 

[Hogan]

I know you don't rate him but he is clearly talented. He's from rare crop of playmakers all the same age, being Harrison, Lolesio and himself, between that and the Tahs also having Edmed at their disposal he doesn't know whether he is Arthur or Martha when it comes to what position he should play, which has no doubt hindered his development. In that U20s team Harrison was the 10, Lolesio 12 and Donaldson 15, and there was another talented fella kicking around as well who's name escapes me. They were all 10s but they had to play two of them out of position to get them all on the field at the same time.

That's not a reason to pick him for this RWC, but with Lolesio being cooked and Harrison always injured, I can see why they want to invest a bit of time into him.

He is a talented player who by his own admission had an average season this year in a team that struggled for consistent form. And chopping and changing from 15 to 10 wouldn’t have helped his confidence. It was only last year that he was starring for Australia A. From memory Carter Gordon struggled for form last year so no reason why Donaldson can’t turn his form around in season 2024.

Rennie and now Jones obviously see the potential in him and they would know better than us mug punters. And I rate Simon Cron as a coach and he spoke highly of Donaldson when he signed with the Force. Anyway he’s only young and still learning his craft so I wish him well.

 

[dusk]

He is a talented player who by his own admission had an average season this year in a team that struggled for consistent form. And chopping and changing from 15 to 10 wouldn’t have helped his confidence. It was only last year that he was starring for Australia A. From memory Carter Gordon struggled for form last year so no reason why Donaldson can’t turn his form around in season 2024.

Rennie and now Jones obviously see the potential in him and they would know better than us mug punters. And I rate Simon Cron as a coach and he spoke highly of Donaldson when he signed with the Force. Anyway he’s only young and still learning his craft so I wish him well.

This is completely irrelevant. Noone is saying he can't turn his form around for next year.. but we are 5 weeks from the world cup. What has Donaldson done to earn the 10. Is jersey more than Quade or Hodge? Carter didn't get the jersey then become a great player, he already proved himself to be great to earn it.

Also, Carter played in a team that "struggled for consistent form" likely more, so what's your point?