Wallabies 2024

[rugbyAU]

This was our worst ever TRC (1/6 wins) when it's in its normal non-RWC year format of 6 games

 

[Joe Blow]

Sio to be called in at LH.

 

[Ignoto]

They are taking 64 players on tour aren't they

Given the Reds are heading back there in January, there's going to be some players with platinum one status really quick.

 

[upthereds#!]

With 64 players being called (2 squads of 32 probably) but more like 36 and 28 sorta thing - I expect (and hope) they use it as a chance to get NH based aussies involved to at least touch base with them.

However I will act as if its purely Aus based

Hk: BPA, Porecki, Faessler, Nasser, Lonergan, Pollard
Pr: Slipper, Bell, Kailea, Thor, Ala'alatoa, Nonggoor Robertson, Hodgman, Gibbon, HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes), Amone
Lk: Frost, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Williams, Blyth, Canham, Swain, Amatosero, Neville
Br: Mcreight, Wright, Wilson, Leota, Valetini, Tizzano, Gleeson, Cale, Uru, Hooper
Hb: Gordon, White, Mcdermott, Lonergan, Fines
FH: Edmed, Donaldson, Lolesio, Lynagh, Debrazcini, Stewart
C: Paisami, Feliuali, Ikitau, Sua'ali'i, Foketi, Flook, Sapsford, Walton
OB; Daugunu, Kellaway, Jorgensen, Wright, Pietsch, Toole, Lancaster, Potter, Campbell, Vunivalu

 

[Wilson]

With 64 players being called (2 squads of 32 probably) but more like 36 and 28 sorta thing - I expect (and hope) they use it as a chance to get NH based aussies involved to at least touch base with them.

However I will act as if its purely Aus based

Hk: BPA, Porecki, Faessler, Nasser, Lonergan, Pollard
Pr: Slipper, Bell, Kailea, Thor, Ala'alatoa, Nonggoor Robertson, Hodgman, Gibbon, HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) (Harry Johnson-Holmes), Amone
Lk: Frost, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Williams, Blyth, Canham, Swain, Amatosero, Neville
Br: Mcreight, Wright, Wilson, Leota, Valetini, Tizzano, Gleeson, Cale, Uru, Hooper
Hb: Gordon, White, Mcdermott, Lonergan, Fines
FH: Edmed, Donaldson, Lolesio, Lynagh, Debrazcini, Stewart
C: Paisami, Feliuali, Ikitau, Sua'ali'i, Foketi, Flook, Sapsford, Walton
OB; Daugunu, Kellaway, Jorgensen, Wright, Pietsch, Toole, Lancaster, Potter, Campbell, Vunivalu

If Porecki is fit (and it seems like a pretty big if at this stage) I doubt he'll start in the top squad. He'll be in dire need of game time and the Australia A games will be a much better place for that. Might push his way up by the end of the tour, but I think they're just as likely to leave him at home to get his body right at this stage.

Also think Sua'ali'i will start in the Aus a squad and as an outside back. Even without that there are probably a few guys ahead of Vunivalu - Ryan, Reilly, Anderson and Grealy would all probably get the gig before him at this stage.

 

[Wilson]

Oh and I'd be looking at leaving Slipper at home. I think he still has more to offer but he looks cooked this year and the best way to have him right for the Lions is a proper off season. I'd probably call in Sio to replace him though, so it doesn't really shift the selection that much.

 

[dru]

Also think Sua'ali'i will start in the Aus a squad and as an outside back. Even without that there are probably a few guys ahead of Vunivalu - Ryan, Reilly, Anderson and Grealy would all probably get the gig before him at this stage.

If 12 is Sua'ali'i's position, where we have bugger all depth, I'd have him in the WB squad. Don't waste it. I don't follow mungo and can only take the guy's reputation as represented. But he would be in the WB squad looking for any excuse to find a bench slot for him.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

So what are we, 4 and 5 on the season so far?

Are we a better side than this time last year? I think so. The set piece and breakdown are both improved and we've got the foundations of a good pack. The midfield is a problem though and I don't feel like we've got any answers there yet. We're lacking a second passing option at 12 or 13 and none of our 10's have stepped up to own the jersey.

We've also got some pace and positioning issues out wide. MK appears to be past it now and Kellaway hasn't been at his best. Could be time for some new options.

Defence is also an issue. We need to take a more front foot approach or we're going to be chasing the game constantly.

 

[cyclopath]

So what are we, 4 and 5 on the season so far?

Are we a better side than this time last year? I think so. The set piece and breakdown are both improved and we've got the foundations of a good pack. The midfield is a problem though and I don't feel like we've got any answers there yet. We're lacking a second passing option at 12 or 13 and none of our 10's have stepped up to own the jersey.

We've also got some pace and positioning issues out wide. MK appears to be past it now and Kellaway hasn't been at his best. Could be time for some new options.

Defence is also an issue. We need to take a more front foot approach or we're going to be chasing the game constantly.

Agree with most of this highlighted bit, but still depth below top players is sketchy. Backline attack, especially 10-12 nexus is seriously wanting.
Defence structurally is a real problem, it is THE problem - it is not working at all.
Schmidt needs to look at all available options - some NH based players have to come into the frame more.

 

[KOB1987]

If 12 is Sua'ali'i's position, where we have bugger all depth, I'd have him in the WB squad. Don't waste it. I don't follow mungo and can only take the guy's reputation as represented. But he would be in the WB squad looking for any excuse to find a bench slot for him.

I agree in part. If 12 is to be his position I don't see any point in fucking about and playing him on the wing (I know, that was Wilson not you, but it seems to be the consensus). Just throw him in there for the Aus A games to learn the role properly from there, that's what the team is there for.

 

[dru]

I agree in part. If 12 is to be his position I don't see any point in fucking about and playing him on the wing (I know, that was Wilson not you, but it seems to be the consensus). Just throw him in there for the Aus A games to learn the role properly from there, that's what the team is there for.

If his slot is wing I might reconsider and start him in Aus A.

 

[Bootlaces]

Might as well start this off. Time to start afresh and move on from all the old heads. I don't think the Giteau law has done anything for us.

I'd like to see a 35 man squad like this come next July: (You can bag it out, but it's not like this current team has worked)

Props - AAA, Tupou, Nonggorr, Bell, Gibbon, Schoupp

Hookers - BPA, Faessler, Lonergan

Second Row - Rodda, Skelton, Frost, Salakai-Loto

Backrow - Gleeson, Wilson, Valetini, T. Hooper, Leota, McReight

Halfbacks - McDermott, Lonergan, IFL

Flyhalves - Gordon, Lolesio, Lynagh/Harrison

Centres - Foketi, Ikitau, Paisami, Perese

Outside Backs - Jorgensen, Vunivalu, Petaia, Nawaqanitawase, Kellaway, Wright

Some great suggestions. It would be interesting to see you redo this team/squad based on innate rugby IQ. We will not beat the All Blacks or South Africa without players who play the game strategically and with vision. Skills, fitness, technique can all be coached but an innate feel for the game is something you either have or you don't. "Old Heads" such as Horan, Lynagh, Farr-Jones and Eales posessed these qualities. Which members of the next generation have genuine rugby IQ? Until we have players and leaders on the field who know things like the All Blacks always like to score in the championship minutes late in the second half and ensure we are attacking down the other other end of the field by pressing for tries rather than three points with minutes left in the half or at a minum prioritise feild position kicks into touch in the dying minutes of the first half - we will never be a force in world rugby or hold aloft the cup again. Perhaps Tom Lynagh has the same rugby dna as his father. fingers crossed.

 

[Bootlaces]

Might as well start this off. Time to start afresh and move on from all the old heads. I don't think the Giteau law has done anything for us.

I'd like to see a 35 man squad like this come next July: (You can bag it out, but it's not like this current team has worked)

Props - AAA, Tupou, Nonggorr, Bell, Gibbon, Schoupp

Hookers - BPA, Faessler, Lonergan

Second Row - Rodda, Skelton, Frost, Salakai-Loto

Backrow - Gleeson, Wilson, Valetini, T. Hooper, Leota, McReight

Halfbacks - McDermott, Lonergan, IFL

Flyhalves - Gordon, Lolesio, Lynagh/Harrison

Centres - Foketi, Ikitau, Paisami, Perese

Outside Backs - Jorgensen, Vunivalu, Petaia, Nawaqanitawase, Kellaway, Wright

Some great suggestions. It would be interesting to see you redo this team/squad based on innate rugby IQ. We will not beat the All Blacks or South Africa without players who play the game strategically and with vision. Skills, fitness, technique can all be coached but an innate feel for the game is something you either have or you don't. "Old Heads" such as Horan, Lynagh, Farr-Jones and Eales posessed these qualities. Which members of the next generation have genuine rugby IQ? Until we have players and leaders on the field who know things like the All Blacks always like to score in the championship minutes late in the second half and ensure we are attacking down the other other end of the field by pressing for tries rather than three points with minutes left in the half or at a minum prioritise feild position kicks into touch in the dying minutes of the first half - we will never be a force in world rugby or hold aloft the cup again. Perhaps Tom Lynagh has the same rugby dna as his father. fingers crossed.

“It was special,” said former All Black Sonny Bill Williams. “As a player in these moments, you’re up by 20 points, Bledisloe is locked up, this is where your DNA and your core beliefs are driven to focus. Moments like these, can you hold them down? Can you step up?”

Former Wallabies lock Justin Harrison summed up the All Blacks’ edge.


“When this All Blacks team opens their shoulder blades, the simplicity and brutality and precision is on display. Every single player seems to know what to do and when to do it.”

The Wallabies at present don't have the same DNA as the All Blacks, beacuase they don't know innately "what to do and when to do it".

 

[Adam84]

please put an NSFW warning if you are going to quote SBW in here...

 

[Clubhouse coach]

With 64 players being called (2 squads of 32 probably) but more like 36 and 28 sorta thing - I expect (and hope) they use it as a chance to get NH based aussies involved to at least touch base with them.

However I will act as if its purely Aus based

Hk: BPA, Porecki, Faessler, Nasser, Lonergan, Pollard
Pr: Slipper, Bell, Kailea, Thor, Ala'alatoa, Nonggoor Robertson, Hodgman, Gibbon, HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) (Harry Johnson-Holmes), Amone
Lk: Frost, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Williams, Blyth, Canham, Swain, Amatosero, Neville
Br: Mcreight, Wright, Wilson, Leota, Valetini, Tizzano, Gleeson, Cale, Uru, Hooper
Hb: Gordon, White, Mcdermott, Lonergan, Fines
FH: Edmed, Donaldson, Lolesio, Lynagh, Debrazcini, Stewart
C: Paisami, Feliuali, Ikitau, Sua'ali'i, Foketi, Flook, Sapsford, Walton
OB; Daugunu, Kellaway, Jorgensen, Wright, Pietsch, Toole, Lancaster, Potter, Campbell, Vunivalu

I would swap out Edmed and put Lynagh in, put Nasser in Porecki’s place. Add Petaia and Pasitoa into the A team if fit and bring in Hoopert and Schoup and leave Amone and Hodgman out. Good players in FLW (Fergus Lee-Warner) and Will Harris missing out.

 

[upthereds#!]

I would swap out Edmed and put Lynagh in, put Nasser in Porecki’s place. Add Petaia and Pasitoa into the A team if fit and bring in Hoopert and Schoup and leave Amone and Hodgman out. Good players in FLW (Fergus Lee-Warner) (Fergus Lee-Warner) and Will Harris missing out.

They need to start developing another THP

 

[Joe Blow]

Issac Henry is worth a spot at 12. Lawson Creighton also decent at 10/12.

 

[PhilClinton]

If 12 is Sua'ali'i's position, where we have bugger all depth, I'd have him in the WB squad. Don't waste it. I don't follow mungo and can only take the guy's reputation as represented. But he would be in the WB squad looking for any excuse to find a bench slot for him.

JS has played some pretty bloody good footy in the past few months and is an above average goal kicker.

I feel he will be more suited at 13 than 12, I wouldn't be upset to see a game with Len playing inside and JS coming on to play 13. I know there is the whole 'don't move our best back to accommodate someone else' but the hope is both of them gel well together and it makes sense.

I've always thought we overpaid for JS but the reality is he's a young good footy player and I think he will be pretty handy.

 

[dru]

JS has played some pretty bloody good footy in the past few months and is an above average goal kicker.

I feel he will be more suited at 13 than 12, I wouldn't be upset to see a game with Len playing inside and JS coming on to play 13. I know there is the whole 'don't move our best back to accommodate someone else' but the hope is both of them gel well together and it makes sense.

I've always thought we overpaid for JS but the reality is he's a young good footy player and I think he will be pretty handy.

I would again ask why? We have a potential but unknown in Sua'ali'i If his best slot is a position where we already have strength then bring him off the bench. In this case Ikitau is an 80min player, so Sua'ali'i can show himself in Aus A. If he seriously looks good enough to force the swap then try the position swap. It shouldn't be a default. I'd say the same thing about 14, and 11 (once Daugunu returns anyway). And 15.

12 is a different matter where in spite my respect for Paisami, the position is vulnerable for a good enough new talent coming in.

 

[stillmissit]

With 64 players being called (2 squads of 32 probably) but more like 36 and 28 sorta thing - I expect (and hope) they use it as a chance to get NH based aussies involved to at least touch base with them.

However I will act as if its purely Aus based

Hk: BPA, Porecki, Faessler, Nasser, Lonergan, Pollard
Pr: Slipper, Bell, Kailea, Thor, Ala'alatoa, Nonggoor Robertson, Hodgman, Gibbon, HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) (Harry Johnson-Holmes), Amone
Lk: Frost, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Williams, Blyth, Canham, Swain, Amatosero, Neville
Br: Mcreight, Wright, Wilson, Leota, Valetini, Tizzano, Gleeson, Cale, Uru, Hooper
Hb: Gordon, White, Mcdermott, Lonergan, Fines
FH: Edmed, Donaldson, Lolesio, Lynagh, Debrazcini, Stewart
C: Paisami, Feliuali, Ikitau, Sua'ali'i, Foketi, Flook, Sapsford, Walton
OB; Daugunu, Kellaway, Jorgensen, Wright, Pietsch, Toole, Lancaster, Potter, Campbell, Vunivalu

Do you think they will take the junkyard dog as a youngster for experience?