Wallabies 2024

[Sword of Justice]

Tupou as a pot plant is still probably the best THP we have, although I thought Ala'alatoa played his best game by far since returning from injury.

I make no excuses for Tupou’s lack of fitness but at the end of the day he is still a point of difference and we are going to have enough forwards on the lighter side. Game minutes and a wallabies camp is probably his best chance of getting fitter anyway.

He shredded the Brumbies reserves two weeks ago and scrummed very well yesterday. How many props do we have that actually scrum well?

 

[stillmissit]

Scoring tries is the aim of the game.

Except in Internationals that are often won on penalties and drop kicks (recently).
I just watched the AB's v Wallabies 2000 Sydney for 3rd or 4th time and noticed that Mortlock did a fair bit of the kicking and Andrew Walker did some later in the game. It doesn't matter who does the kicking as long as they can kick very well. I don't think Larkham kicked in the game.

 

[scrans21]

Based on comments from Schmidt, player availability and no one from overseas leagues then I'd expect the starting team for Wales to look something like this:

1. Alex Hodgman*
2. Matt Faesslar
3. Allan Ala'alatoa
4. Nick Frost
5. Izack Rodda
6. Liam Wright
7. Fraser McReight
8. Rob Valetini
9. Ryan Lonergan*
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Corey Toole*
12. Hunter Paisami
13. Len Ikitau
14. Andrew Kellaway
15. Tom Wright

16. Billy Pollard/Jordan Uelese
17. Matt Gibbon/James Slipper (if fit)
18. Taniela Tupou/Zane Nonggorr
19. Ryan Smith*/Darcy Swain
20. Seru Uru*/Rob Leota
21. Tate McDermott
22. Carter Gordon
23. Filipo Daugunu/Josh Flook*/Dylan Pietsch*

Even as a one-eyed Reds supporter, I think it's too early for Ryan. Give him another full season at the Reds before throwing him in, or maybe a cap against Georgia. I also like the idea of starting Lonergan for his ability with Lolesio to build up a scoreline before McDermott and Gordon come on to unleash some mayhem. You could also start White, but Lonergan is the future and deserves a crack. I don't think there's a chance of blokes who haven't played in a while being picked considering the quick turnaround, so that rules out Cale and Salakai-Loto, with Wilson, Petaia, Bell and Skelton probably coming in for the RC. It is worth considering whether or not Schmidt does draft in guys from overseas leagues that have finished their seasons (although all indication is that this won't happen for Wales/Georgia) which could bring Sio, Koroibete and potentially Kerevi into the frame. Either way, I'm very happy with a starting side like that even though non Brumbies and Reds supporters might be unhappy with what will most likely be a very Brumbies/Reds heavy team.

 

[stillmissit]

He did kick a bit for Joeys. Knocks over a few from the sidelines in this highlights video.

Good to see and wonder if his time in league stopped him from passing so much.

 

[stillmissit]

Given the constrained time for the new coach to get a game plan in order and practice it on the training paddock, I could see Schmidt going with a very direct style and picking a side accordingly. A couple of first up wins is important for the Wallabies this year.

To me this means prioritising good set piece operators in the tight five (IMHO we should always be doing this) and an abrasive back row who can smash bodies at the breakdown. Allied to that we would want halves who can kick for field position and keep the ball out of our half. I'd then be putting a pair of straight running centres who are very secure in defence and probably not go with a second ball player at 12 or 13. We can then pick a couple of flyers on the wings who will chase all day and someone secure at fullback.

What does this mean in terms of actual players? Top of the head stuff here...

The front row is a concern right now due to the injury count, but Slipper, 7A's, Hodgman would be in the mix. I'm not sure who else is even fit at this point. Hooker I can see Jordan U getting a call up, especially given his lineout throwing has improved (to my eye at least) and Faessler. Locks, I would be looking at Swain, Rodda, Smith and Skelton. Fraser first name on the team sheet at openside, Leota/Swinton/Wright at 6 and Bobby V at eight.

Tate at halfback, Noah at 10 (if only for his kicking, but a strong argument can also be made for Donno and Carter), Hunter and Len in the centres. Kellaway at fullback, Wright on one wing (but playing that second fullback sweeper role) and maybe Toole on the other?

Like your thinking in terms of team make up but not so keen on a couple of pics, I wouldn't have Ulese in the team, Fasseler to start. I think Carter will be on the bench. Slipper won't get a start as Schmidt has said he has one eye on the Lions tour team and unlikely Slips will be there. When Schmidt announces the squad I think we may all be a bit surprised.

 

[stillmissit]

Based on comments from Schmidt, player availability and no one from overseas leagues then I'd expect the starting team for Wales to look something like this:

1. Alex Hodgman*
2. Matt Faesslar
3. Allan Ala'alatoa
4. Nick Frost
5. Izack Rodda
6. Liam Wright
7. Fraser McReight
8. Rob Valetini
9. Ryan Lonergan*
10. Noah Lolesio
11. Corey Toole*
12. Hunter Paisami
13. Len Ikitau
14. Andrew Kellaway
15. Tom Wright

16. Billy Pollard/Jordan Uelese
17. Matt Gibbon/James Slipper (if fit)
18. Taniela Tupou/Zane Nonggorr
19. Ryan Smith*/Darcy Swain
20. Seru Uru*/Rob Leota
21. Tate McDermott
22. Carter Gordon
23. Filipo Daugunu/Josh Flook*/Dylan Pietsch*

Even as a one-eyed Reds supporter, I think it's too early for Ryan. Give him another full season at the Reds before throwing him in, or maybe a cap against Georgia. I also like the idea of starting Lonergan for his ability with Lolesio to build up a scoreline before McDermott and Gordon come on to unleash some mayhem. You could also start White, but Lonergan is the future and deserves a crack. I don't think there's a chance of blokes who haven't played in a while being picked considering the quick turnaround, so that rules out Cale and Salakai-Loto, with Wilson, Petaia, Bell and Skelton probably coming in for the RC. It is worth considering whether or not Schmidt does draft in guys from overseas leagues that have finished their seasons (although all indication is that this won't happen for Wales/Georgia) which could bring Sio, Koroibete and potentially Kerevi into the frame. Either way, I'm very happy with a starting side like that even though non Brumbies and Reds supporters might be unhappy with what will most likely be a very Brumbies/Reds heavy team.

I like the pack but replace Frost with Skelton and L. Wright with Valetini 6 and Cale 8.

 

[scrans21]

I like the pack but replace Frost with Skelton and L. Wright with Valetini 6 and Cale 8.

I'm assuming that Skelton isn't available due to the Top14 season running until late June and Cale because he hasn't played in a while now. Skelton will definitely come into the side later in the year, but unless Cale is back for the finals I don't see him playing for the Wallabies this year based on such limited gametime. Wright on the other hand has played all season and unless he gets injured in the finals I can't see him not being recalled back into the side.

 

[Brumby Runner]

I reckon (even though I'm a Brumbies fan) that Ryan Lonergan has done enough in recent weeks to earn a place on the bench behind Tate. His work from the base of the scrum has been a revelation in recent weeks, setting up a lot of attacking raids with Noah, Tom Wright and lately Cory Toole again. On top of that, he has one of the best passing games among the 9s and his goal kicking is a real point of difference. His cover defence is up there with some of the best too, as witnessed by few line breaks by opposition sides resulting in tries.

In the forwards, while Liam Wright has had an exciting year injury free, I think he misses out on the starting XV to his team-mate Seru Uru. I see Uru in competition for a backrow spot rather than Lock but with the added versatility of being more than adequate in the second row. Bench spot at best for Liam but up against the likes of Hooper, Leota, Swinton, and maybe Frost on his form at 6 lately. Cale would also be in that mix, probably at/near the top if fit.

My smokey for the squad is Bayley Kuenzle. Has the ability to fill in anywhere from 10 to wing and his form lately in a variety of positions has been top class. I had thought Mark Naiwaqanitawase would have been a shoe-in for the tests against Wales but on his recent form combined with the fact he is departing for NRL he has probably fallen down the pecking order somewhat.

Is there any doubter left as to Tom Wright's claims to the fullback spot for these early tests? His blossoming this year reminds me of the improvements Chris Latham made after a couple of years of fairly continued criticism by fans.

 

[griffins]

I reckon (even though I'm a Brumbies fan) that Ryan Lonergan has done enough in recent weeks to earn a place on the bench behind Tate. His work from the base of the scrum has been a revelation in recent weeks, setting up a lot of attacking raids with Noah, Tom Wright and lately Cory Toole again. On top of that, he has one of the best passing games among the 9s and his goal kicking is a real point of difference. His cover defence is up there with some of the best too, as witnessed by few line breaks by opposition sides resulting in tries.

In the forwards, while Liam Wright has had an exciting year injury free, I think he misses out on the starting XV to his team-mate Seru Uru. I see Uru in competition for a backrow spot rather than Lock but with the added versatility of being more than adequate in the second row. Bench spot at best for Liam but up against the likes of Hooper, Leota, Swinton, and maybe Frost on his form at 6 lately. Cale would also be in that mix, probably at/near the top if fit.

My smokey for the squad is Bayley Kuenzle. Has the ability to fill in anywhere from 10 to wing and his form lately in a variety of positions has been top class. I had thought Mark Naiwaqanitawase would have been a shoe-in for the tests against Wales but on his recent form combined with the fact he is departing for NRL he has probably fallen down the pecking order somewhat.

Is there any doubter left as to Tom Wright's claims to the fullback spot for these early tests? His blossoming this year reminds me of the improvements Chris Latham made after a couple of years of fairly continued criticism by fans.

Agree re Kuenzle for the squad.

Not sure about Uru's physicality at test level. In superb form but so is Wright and he has the benefit of having been thrown in the fire a couple of years ago, he very much knows what's required and looks ready.

Also love Lonergan but he hasn't had his best year, with his kicking out of hand being uncharacteristically inconsistent. Whether the leadership was a distraction early on I'm not sure but his form is trending in the right direction. His pass is the best we have I reckon.

 

[stillmissit]

I'm assuming that Skelton isn't available due to the Top14 season running until late June and Cale because he hasn't played in a while now. Skelton will definitely come into the side later in the year, but unless Cale is back for the finals I don't see him playing for the Wallabies this year based on such limited gametime. Wright on the other hand has played all season and unless he gets injured in the finals I can't see him not being recalled back into the side.

I will be interested if he can step up to the International level.. Not sure if he has had a Wallaby start or not but if so I don't remember it.
Any suggestions about the captain? I think McRight but AAA is the expected leader by most punters here. L. Wright has good leadership qualities too.

 

[TSR]

To think for a while after Fardy we couldn’t find a 6 and had a 7 playing 8 because the cupboard was pretty bare there too.

Potential 6s I think you could mount an arguement for include Swinton, Hanigan, Holloway, Wright, Uru, Leota, Kemeny, Williams, Cale (or Valetini with Cale at 8), Frost or Hooper. I’d include Wilson too if not for injury.

 

[Derpus]

To think for a while after Fardy we couldn’t find a 6 and had a 7 playing 8 because the cupboard was pretty bare there too.

Potential 6s I think you could mount an arguement for include Swinton, Hanigan, Holloway, Wright, Uru, Leota, Kemeny, Williams, Cale (or Valetini with Cale at 8), Frost or Hooper. I’d include Wilson too if not for injury.

Although we really only have McReight as a test quality 7.

 

[TSR]

I’m confident Wright or Wilkin could do the job.

 

[Wilson]

Is there any doubter left as to Tom Wright's claims to the fullback spot for these early tests? His blossoming this year reminds me of the improvements Chris Latham made after a couple of years of fairly continued criticism by fans.

Very little doubt and none for him in the back 3, but an off game in the finals would invite some of that doubt back in after last year. I doubt it'll happen though.

The one other possibility is that Schmidt isn't enamoured with our wingers at the moment, all of which are looking a bit flawed or not quite ready, particularly if he doesn't want a departing Nawaqanitawase. In that case he could go a Wright, Kellaway, Campbell back 3 as the most assured, experienced and in form trio with a lot of control and options across the 3 of them. That feels less likely then Wright at 15, Kellaway on one wing and someone else on the other, but if Koroibete is unavailable it bears consideration.

 

[Raytah]

Like your thinking in terms of team make up but not so keen on a couple of pics, I wouldn't have Ulese in the team, Fasseler to start. I think Carter will be on the bench. Slipper won't get a start as Schmidt has said he has one eye on the Lions tour team and unlikely Slips will be there. When Schmidt announces the squad I think we may all be a bit surprised.

Why wouldn't Slipper be there for Lions? He is signed through 25' and were not spoilt for loose heads so seems like natural full stop to his career...

Will probably need a bit of management this series so do expect Hodgman to play significant minutes.

Without Bell/Schoupp we are light on for elite scrummagers behind that. I think Gibbon, Hoopert and Fa'agase are probably next in line in that order.

Pearce, Vella, Kailea all promising but a couple of years away.

 

[liquor box]

9. McReight
8. Valetini
9. McDermott

I like that we are sticking to Eddie's utility players, McReight will do good at 9

 

[Raytah]

Very little doubt and none for him in the back 3, but an off game in the finals would invite some of that doubt back in after last year. I doubt it'll happen though.

The one other possibility is that Schmidt isn't enamoured with our wingers at the moment, all of which are looking a bit flawed or not quite ready, particularly if he doesn't want a departing Nawaqanitawase. In that case he could go a Wright, Kellaway, Campbell back 3 as the most assured, experienced and in form trio with a lot of control and options across the 3 of them. That feels less likely then Wright at 15, Kellaway on one wing and someone else on the other, but if Koroibete is unavailable it bears consideration.

I agree Wright is bolted on, especially due to connection with Lolesio.

I also wouldn't be surprised to see Flook start on a wing. We don't have many defensively sound, high footy IQ players.

 

[stillmissit]

In the forwards, while Liam Wright has had an exciting year injury free, I think he misses out on the starting XV to his team-mate Seru Uru. I see Uru in competition for a backrow spot rather than Lock but with the added versatility of being more than adequate in the second row. Bench spot at best for Liam but up against the likes of Hooper, Leota, Swinton, and maybe Frost on his form at 6 lately. Cale would also be in that mix, probably at/near the top if fit.

My smokey for the squad is Bayley Kuenzle.

Is there any doubter left as to Tom Wright's claims to the fullback spot for these early tests? His blossoming this year reminds me of the improvements Chris Latham made after a couple of years of fairly continued criticism by fans.

Yes, I want to see better positional play from him, he is too often misreading the way to go and the AB's unpicked him in a nano second. Love his counter attack but want to see his D improve first. It is a very different game at International as you know,

Kuenzle is interesting and you could be right based on the bit I have seen of him.

Agree with your thoughts on 6 except Cale, he's a natural 8 who'd be wasted and too small for a 6. Unlikely to get a call up to anything other than the wider squad due to injury concerns.

Q. Are there any Australia 2nds games planned this year????

 

[Wilson]

Q. Are there any Australia 2nds games planned this year????

On the EOYT yes, but it's looking increasingly likely there won't be any before than.

 

[Joe Blow]

Cale could easily play 6 and is taller and heavier than Liam Wright. Lachie Swinton has been looking OK. Not sure who else could play there or would be selected right now. Seru Uru is a good call.
The dynamics of the pack will change dramatically if Skelton is eventually included for the RC. It opens the door for a looser, wide playing lineout specialist like Cale at 6(or 8 with Valetini moving to 6). If the plan is to bring Skelton in then Schmidt may want to play towards that style from day 1 and play someone like Rodda in his place for the first few tests?
I think we will be surprised by some of Schmidts selections as suggested.