Wallabies 2024

[LevitatingSocks]

View attachment 18701
NH average in 2024. Conversation piece.

Considering the physical attributes needed to do the bare minimum at every position, I'm shocked front rowers aren't earning more on average compared to backrowers or centres. There are a lot more rugby players able to fit the profile of a centre or flanker than a prop.

 

[Adam84]

The statistic is for average salary so it distorts the figure especially when there are 6-7 props in a squad. You don’t have 6-7 centres. Out of those positions it’s likely the props have the least % overall in the starting team.

Median salary would be a better indicator, or average salary of stating players.

 

[Strewthcobber]

The prem report also gives an interesting salary distribution which helps with that

I should note, especially on the Wallaby thread, that this excludes international payments

 

[Joe Blow]

Nor is it a retirement fund. Quade & Foley should have to demand selection too. If they do, then I’m fine to for them to be considered but I’d have to say that Foley’s last two periods in a Wallabies jersey have both been sub-par. Expecting him to be a better player now than he was two years ago is hopeful. It’s not like he was ever a top shelf international 10. He was a solid, but limited attacking player with a sub par kicking game. He had some very good moments, but he was really just a placeholder when you come down to it. Quade is 36 now. How is his body holding up? Big ask to expect him to step up to Test level again and his form at test level is two years ago now and coincided with a period when both Kerevi & Koroibete were in career best form. One of my favourite players to watch but not sure he is a likely solution for the Wallabies anymore.

The current group need to step up for sure, but I’d personally prefer we give them the opportunity then keep going back to the same old well.

Foley is playing very well in Japan ATM and I’m sure Schmidt is taking notice.
You would have to think that Schmidt will pick a 10 who can kick for goal, in general play and can distribute well enough. He will need someone solid who the rest of the team can rely on and work off. That would be Lolesio for now and Lynagh in the future.
I cannot understand those calling for Gordon and Donaldson to be the selected 10s. Neither has improved or become more consistent since our miserable RWC campaign. We would just be going straight back down the same hole. Tell me why I am wrong?

 

[Omar Comin']

Foley is playing very well in Japan ATM and I’m sure Schmidt is taking notice.
You would have to think that Schmidt will pick a 10 who can kick for goal, in general play and can distribute well enough. He will need someone solid who the rest of the team can rely on and work off. That would be Lolesio for now and Lynagh in the future.
I cannot understand those calling for Gordon and Donaldson to be the selected 10s. Neither has improved or become more consistent since our miserable RWC campaign. We would just be going straight back down the same hole. Tell me why I am wrong?

Depends on the game plan and what Schmidt wants in a 10. Gordon is a better defender and has a better passing game than Lolesio/Donaldson/Lynagh. For many game plans that will outbalance the less consistent kicking, for others it won't. Also depends who's at 9/12/15 and if they can take up some of the kicking load.

I think if Lolesio can consistently prove to be an 85% goal kicker, and anyone else is 70%, then I assume he'll probably get first crack at it.

 

[Yoda]

Depends on the game plan and what Schmidt wants in a 10. Gordon is a better defender and has a better passing game than Lolesio/Donaldson/Lynagh. For many game plans that will outbalance the less consistent kicking, for others it won't. Also depends who's at 9/12/15 and if they can take up some of the kicking load.

I think if Lolesio can consistently prove to be an 85% goal kicker, and anyone else is 70%, then I assume he'll probably get first crack at it.

I doubt very much that Lynagh will be considered. It’s Lolesio, Gordon and Donaldson. Two of those. Sadly I suspect Lolesio will get the gig due to goal kicking. Not the best 10 though.

 

[Brumby Runner]

I am looking forward to seeing the likes of Tom Wright, Andrew Kellaway, Corey Toole, Len Ikitau and Lalakai Foketi running off the passes and other opportunities that Carter Gordon will provide in that level of backline.

 

[stillmissit]

Foley is playing very well in Japan ATM and I’m sure Schmidt is taking notice.
You would have to think that Schmidt will pick a 10 who can kick for goal, in general play and can distribute well enough. He will need someone solid who the rest of the team can rely on and work off. That would be Lolesio for now and Lynagh in the future.
I cannot understand those calling for Gordon and Donaldson to be the selected 10s. Neither has improved or become more consistent since our miserable RWC campaign. We would just be going straight back down the same hole. Tell me why I am wrong?

The bit you are missing Joe is the pack, behind a winning pack Foley or Lolesio are fine enough without being game winners. Gordon has played a lot of his rugby behind a poor pack and rather than stand back he tries to open up an opportunity.
IF we can put together a pack that can get 50% possession across all areas of tight and loose play then Gorden will be an advantage if we don't have that pack then Foley or Lolesio's kicking will help but won't win games for us.

 

[Hogan]

Foley is playing very well in Japan ATM and I’m sure Schmidt is taking notice.
You would have to think that Schmidt will pick a 10 who can kick for goal, in general play and can distribute well enough. He will need someone solid who the rest of the team can rely on and work off. That would be Lolesio for now and Lynagh in the future.
I cannot understand those calling for Gordon and Donaldson to be the selected 10s. Neither has improved or become more consistent since our miserable RWC campaign. We would just be going straight back down the same hole. Tell me why I am wrong?

Donaldson and Gordon have both been selected in G&G’s TOTW on numerous occasions this year (for what it’s worth) so they must have been doing something right. And along with Lolesio, they are leading the Aussie 10’s for try assists with appx 6 whereas Lynagh has none. It will be very interesting to see which way Schmidt goes. All the young 10’s have different strengths and weaknesses but I just hope that whoever Schmidt picks he sticks with them throughout the year to build confidence and cohesion within the team.

 

[Dctarget]

35 man squad for Wales.

Assuming Skelton is unavailable with La Rochelle, BPA is available and not an OS pick as he's coming home. Koroibete and Kerevi will be home already. Not sure about the injury status, of Petaia, Schoupp, Bell. Have at it.

Props (6)
Bell*, Ala'alatoa, Tupou, Slipper, Talakai, Hodgman *Gibbon if Bell is out

Hookers (3)
Faessler, Uelese, Paenga-Amosa

Locks (5)
Canham Rodda, Frost, Salakai-Loto, Swain, Holloway

Backrow (6)
Valetini, Cale, McReight, Gleeson, T. Hooper, Wilson

Scrumhalf (3)
McDermott, White, Longeran

Flyhalf (2)
Lolesio, Gordon

Centre (4)
Ikitau, Paisami, Perese, Kerevi

Outside backs (6)
Kellaway, Wright, Koroibete, Toole, Petaia, Lancaster (Jorgensen if Petaia is out)

 

[fatprop]

I think Lolesio will be the likely choice, he is the most consistent

 

[rugbyAU]

35 man squad for Wales.

Assuming Skelton is unavailable with La Rochelle, BPA is available and not an OS pick as he's coming home. Koroibete and Kerevi will be home already. Not sure about the injury status, of Petaia, Schoupp, Bell. Have at it.

Props (6)
Bell, Ala'alatoa, Tupou, Slipper, Talakai, Schoupp (Gibbon if Blake is out)

Hookers (3)
Faessler, Uelese, Paenga-Amosa

Locks (5)
Canham, Frost, Salakai-Loto, Swain, Holloway

Backrow (6)
Valetini, Cale, McReight, Gleeson, T. Hooper, Wilson

Scrumhalf (3)
McDermott, White, Longeran

Flyhalf (2)
Lolesio, Gordon

Centre (4)
Ikitau, Paisami, Perese, Kerevi

Outside backs (6)
Kellaway, Wright, Koroibete, Toole, Petaia, Lancaster (Jorgensen if Petaia is out)

Yeah mostly agree but I think we need three 10's, Lancaster is a player not ready for test level yet, the Crusaders game showed that

I think the Second row and back row will be most competitive for spots - I mostly agree but wouldn't take Canham

Also what would be your starting side?

 

[Dctarget]

Yeah mostly agree but I think we need three 10's, Lancaster is a player not ready for test level yet, the Crusaders game showed that

I think the Second row and back row will be most competitive for spots - I mostly agree but wouldn't take Canham

Also what would be your starting side?

Sorry forgot about the WF boys. Rodda is definitely in there and in my match day squad if he continues his form.

I don't think Caleb Clarke would've done much better than Lancaster on the end of that backline and forward pack.

 

[Dctarget]

Yeah mostly agree but I think we need three 10's, Lancaster is a player not ready for test level yet, the Crusaders game showed that

I think the Second row and back row will be most competitive for spots - I mostly agree but wouldn't take Canham

Also what would be your starting side?

1. Bell
2. Faessler
3. Ala'alatoa
4. Frost
5. Rodda
6. Valetini
7. McReight
8. Wilson
9. McDermott
10. Gordon
11. Koroibete
12. Kerevi
13. Ikitau
14. Toole
15. Kellaway
16. Paenga-Amosa
17. Slipper
18. Tupou
19. Salakai-Loto
20. Cale
21. White
22. Lolesio
23. Wright

 

[wamberal99]

Bell is out as far as I know. For the foreseeable future, unless something has been announced to the contrary.

 

[Dctarget]

Bell is out as far as I know. For the foreseeable future, unless something has been announced to the contrary.

I thought there was talk he was back in time for Wallabies duties but maybe that's the RC post the July tour.

Depth at LH is not great with Blake looking in a bad way on the weekend.

Hodgman is eligible straight away? He'll definitely be there then with probably Gibbon.

 

[Derpus]

Our scrum is a huge concern. Desperately need AAA to stay fit.

 

[drewprint]

35 man squad for Wales.

Assuming Skelton is unavailable with La Rochelle, BPA is available and not an OS pick as he's coming home. Koroibete and Kerevi will be home already. Not sure about the injury status, of Petaia, Schoupp, Bell. Have at it.

Props (6)
Bell*, Ala'alatoa, Tupou, Slipper, Talakai, Hodgman *Gibbon if Bell is out

Hookers (3)
Faessler, Uelese, Paenga-Amosa

Locks (5)
Canham Rodda, Frost, Salakai-Loto, Swain, Holloway

Backrow (6)
Valetini, Cale, McReight, Gleeson, T. Hooper, Wilson

Scrumhalf (3)
McDermott, White, Longeran

Flyhalf (2)
Lolesio, Gordon

Centre (4)
Ikitau, Paisami, Perese, Kerevi

Outside backs (6)
Kellaway, Wright, Koroibete, Toole, Petaia, Lancaster (Jorgensen if Petaia is out)

I’d have Liam Wright in for Gleeson and Billy Pollard in for Uelese.

 

[Tomikin]

1. Bell
2. Faessler
3. Ala'alatoa
4. Frost
5. Rodda
6. Valetini
7. McReight
8. Wilson
9. McDermott
10. Gordon
11. Koroibete
12. Kerevi
13. Ikitau
14. Toole
15. Kellaway
16. Paenga-Amosa
17. Slipper
18. Tupou
19. Salakai-Loto
20. Cale
21. White
22. Lolesio
23. Wright

I can't see how you can pick Frost when he's been dropped to the Brumby runners. If anything, our lineout turned around when Swain got the start over him, so I would be selecting Swain to start and probably have Ryan or Neville in my squad.

Also you got no goal kicker in the starting lineup. 70 percent or less won't cut it. Lolesio is to start, and Carter and Loneragan are on the bench. Toss up between Tate and White for 9.

 

[Derpus]

Do we know if French/Japanese players are going to be involved?