LeCheese
Greg Davis (50)
Yes, but Bordeaux ends in an x
Wallabies 2024
- Thread starter rugbyAU
- Start date
dru
David Wilson (68)
Let's get things back on track with some clickbait...
Bordeaux' Samu 'not finished yet' with Wallabies
www.rugby.com.au
It was a superb re-direction to relevance, just superb. But you know, like making something idiot-proof...
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
With regards to guys who could jump the queue into the Lions squad I agree there are few opportunities, but I think they are there. Not necessarily someone completely new - I think that is extremely unlikely, but some of the fringe guys could force their way in. A couple of examples I can think of -
- I think the third hooker spot is wide open and guys like Porecki, Dolly and Nasser all still have a decent shot. But also Noss Lonergan - to me he looked considerably bigger in the Aussie A games. He’s very good around the field and the fact he was brought back into the Aussie A team I figure must show he is rated highly
- agree with BR there is plenty of scope for a fe smokies to make it in there in the FR, even without injury. Bell, Ala'alatoa and Tupou have all demonstrated their worth - even if Tupou in particular has been sub par but with a strong showing in super rugby I can see guys like Hodgeman, Schoup, Van Nek, Gibbon and even maybe De Lutiis coming into consideration. Slipper seems passed it to me but Schmidt obviously thinks he still has something to offer
- the other guy I think is still a shout is Darby Lancaster. Simply because he is big and quick and will play at the end of what should be a very strong backline next year. Hasn’t taken his opportunities this year but is in the mix and is young enough that he could show significant improvement next year
- I think the third hooker spot is wide open and guys like Porecki, Dolly and Nasser all still have a decent shot. But also Noss Lonergan - to me he looked considerably bigger in the Aussie A games. He’s very good around the field and the fact he was brought back into the Aussie A team I figure must show he is rated highly
- agree with BR there is plenty of scope for a fe smokies to make it in there in the FR, even without injury. Bell, Ala'alatoa and Tupou have all demonstrated their worth - even if Tupou in particular has been sub par but with a strong showing in super rugby I can see guys like Hodgeman, Schoup, Van Nek, Gibbon and even maybe De Lutiis coming into consideration. Slipper seems passed it to me but Schmidt obviously thinks he still has something to offer
- the other guy I think is still a shout is Darby Lancaster. Simply because he is big and quick and will play at the end of what should be a very strong backline next year. Hasn’t taken his opportunities this year but is in the mix and is young enough that he could show significant improvement next year
Mr Pilfer
Alex Ross (28)
Yep very hard to predict squads as evidenced by the number of debutants this year.
Pete Samu could certainly be an option and Izzy Perese as well given lack of depth at Centre and playing under Cheika might get the best out of him. But you would expect Schmidt has his squad in mind now and will take a lot to go outside that.
Pete Samu could certainly be an option and Izzy Perese as well given lack of depth at Centre and playing under Cheika might get the best out of him. But you would expect Schmidt has his squad in mind now and will take a lot to go outside that.
Mr Pilfer
Alex Ross (28)
Actually to add to that I still rate Rob Leota highly and think he would be a good fit in the back row if we are going to try match the lions physically. Hope he can get fit and have a big super season
Ignoto
Peter Sullivan (51)
We are short on effective wingers, so it wouldn't be a bad call to bring Samu back Slim!Let's get things back on track with some clickbait...
Bordeaux' Samu 'not finished yet' with Wallabies
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
I think the big thing is that at the end of the Eddie debacle we were miles off being a Top 4 side. Now I reckon (despite the rankings) it’s SAF and NZL in the top 2 spots, and between now and the next World Cup the other 2 spots will be battled out between us, Ireland, France and England. Scotland and Argentina are there also currently but IMO they don’t have longevity.
LeCheese
Greg Davis (50)
Add in the becoming-more-frequent upsets by Fiji and I don't think spots 2-10 have ever been closer
I still think France and Ireland are up there with the Boks and Blacks - with Scotland and Argentina in that next tier
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
I know there is a difference between having a few test caps and bring a reliable test option, but given one of Schmidt’s states aims this year I’m interested in thoughts about depth.
IMO there has been significant progress in some, either with individual players stepping up or a covert of players, but we are still needing improvement in others.
With very little real thought here’s my summary -
Props (Rating C). Bell is the only one I’d say I’m happy with and even he still has work to do in his scrummaging. But I thought the last two weeks have been the best I’ve seen of Ala'alatoa all year and Tupou remains a vital cog even if below his best. I thought Slipper was passable against Ireland and tackled well. Behind that there a group with potential but not there yet. At least there are a few of them though - Robertson, Nonggorr, Kailea. A bit surprised Hoopert was the guy called in from the A squad but hopefully that means his scrummaging has come on. He’s handy around the field.
Hooker (B+) - Faessler’s improvement and BPA’s return suddenly make us look much stronger in the 2 jersey. Third spot very open but I do like some of the options.
Lock (B) - Both Williams & Frost really seem to have grown into their roles. Salakai-Loto’s return gives us extra grunt. Skelton played well enough but personally still not sure how he best fits in. I’ll agree I’m biased, but I’m not starting Skelton if it means leaving out Wilson - which it possibly does. Could be a real weapon off the bench but then not keen on bringing him on with Gleeson.
Backrow - (A) - McReight has really stepped up, Wilson has finally translated Super Rugby form to test form and Valetini must be early favourite for 3 straight John Eales medals. Behind that guys like Tizzano & Wright have done well when they’ve got opportunities. Jury still out on Gleeson for me, but hasn’t been bad. Enough to like about the work of Reimer in Australia A & Uru v Wales to be confident around our depth
9 - (B-) - all the halves have their good points and their bad. None are the full package and we aren’t quite getting that extra 20% a good half back pairing provides
10 - (C) - this has been done to death, including by me
Centres - (B+) - Ikitau probably an A. Sua’ali’i a B but with plenty of obvious areas for improvement. Everyone else has work to do
Wings (C+) - they’ve all had some good moments, but all found out at times too. I hope I’m wrong, but I feel like Koriobete is in decline, Kellaway has also peaked and the next brigade aren’t quite there yet. Some promising youngsters so hopefully they really come on next year.
Fullback (B+) kudos to Tom Wright who has really come on this year. If I was just rating home it would be an A. Depth is an issue though.
IMO there has been significant progress in some, either with individual players stepping up or a covert of players, but we are still needing improvement in others.
With very little real thought here’s my summary -
Props (Rating C). Bell is the only one I’d say I’m happy with and even he still has work to do in his scrummaging. But I thought the last two weeks have been the best I’ve seen of Ala'alatoa all year and Tupou remains a vital cog even if below his best. I thought Slipper was passable against Ireland and tackled well. Behind that there a group with potential but not there yet. At least there are a few of them though - Robertson, Nonggorr, Kailea. A bit surprised Hoopert was the guy called in from the A squad but hopefully that means his scrummaging has come on. He’s handy around the field.
Hooker (B+) - Faessler’s improvement and BPA’s return suddenly make us look much stronger in the 2 jersey. Third spot very open but I do like some of the options.
Lock (B) - Both Williams & Frost really seem to have grown into their roles. Salakai-Loto’s return gives us extra grunt. Skelton played well enough but personally still not sure how he best fits in. I’ll agree I’m biased, but I’m not starting Skelton if it means leaving out Wilson - which it possibly does. Could be a real weapon off the bench but then not keen on bringing him on with Gleeson.
Backrow - (A) - McReight has really stepped up, Wilson has finally translated Super Rugby form to test form and Valetini must be early favourite for 3 straight John Eales medals. Behind that guys like Tizzano & Wright have done well when they’ve got opportunities. Jury still out on Gleeson for me, but hasn’t been bad. Enough to like about the work of Reimer in Australia A & Uru v Wales to be confident around our depth
9 - (B-) - all the halves have their good points and their bad. None are the full package and we aren’t quite getting that extra 20% a good half back pairing provides
10 - (C) - this has been done to death, including by me
Centres - (B+) - Ikitau probably an A. Sua’ali’i a B but with plenty of obvious areas for improvement. Everyone else has work to do
Wings (C+) - they’ve all had some good moments, but all found out at times too. I hope I’m wrong, but I feel like Koriobete is in decline, Kellaway has also peaked and the next brigade aren’t quite there yet. Some promising youngsters so hopefully they really come on next year.
Fullback (B+) kudos to Tom Wright who has really come on this year. If I was just rating home it would be an A. Depth is an issue though.
rugbyAU
Bob Davidson (42)
Props (B-) - Bell was very good, but below him at LH we're in an awkward position with Slipper past it and Kailea quite inexperienced at this level, although good that we've given him some tests as he's the long term backup to Bell. By the end of the year AA was good, Nonggorr improved although probably still not test standard, we still don't get the most out of Taniela, with injuries and fitness, need more minutes from him. I think Tupou and Kailea will benefit from moving to the Tahs and Nonggorr will benefit from another Super Rugby season starting.
Hookers (B+) - Good to have BPA back in a gold jersey and Faessler really improved, Nasser also had a few good tests
Locks (B+) - We have a clear idea now of out top 4 locks. Williams really had a breakthrough year, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) was good on his return and is a good fit for the #19 jersey, not sure why Blyth was picked up until SA, Skelton shows he needs to be in our starting side but it inevitably creates line out issues
Backrow (A) - Valetini and McReight are our two best players, Wilson played well coming back as the captain, while Tizzano is a solid backup 7, alongside Uru and Gleeson and Wright and Leota coming back from injury, we have good depth in these positions and quality starters
9 (B) - Gordon is solid but not spectacular, McDermott is generally a good finisher but should be given a chance to start, I think we need to move on from White and offer Ryan Lonergan a spot
10 (C) - Lolesio is a good goal kicker, it's good we finally pick and stick at ten with him starting in 11/13 tests, but every side we face pretty much has a better 10 and we have no quality depth in this position, with Donaldson, Edmed and Lynagh having about 15-20 tests between them
Centres (B) - Ikitau very good, Sua'ali'i too considering the England game was his first professional rugby game, I thought Paisami never nailed the 12 jersey and Stewart and Flook while didn't do much wrong aren't test standard, it will be interesting to see if Kerevi gets another look in
Wing (B) - Peitsch and Jorgensen had promising debut seasons, I think Marika has played his last test, Kellaway was pretty good, although defensively in-consistent, I think he is clearly our best 14, hopefully Daungunu comes back, he played well in July
Fullback (A) - Wright was very good and the most improved player this year, but if he gets injured there's not too many other players with much experience at 15
Hookers (B+) - Good to have BPA back in a gold jersey and Faessler really improved, Nasser also had a few good tests
Locks (B+) - We have a clear idea now of out top 4 locks. Williams really had a breakthrough year, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) was good on his return and is a good fit for the #19 jersey, not sure why Blyth was picked up until SA, Skelton shows he needs to be in our starting side but it inevitably creates line out issues
Backrow (A) - Valetini and McReight are our two best players, Wilson played well coming back as the captain, while Tizzano is a solid backup 7, alongside Uru and Gleeson and Wright and Leota coming back from injury, we have good depth in these positions and quality starters
9 (B) - Gordon is solid but not spectacular, McDermott is generally a good finisher but should be given a chance to start, I think we need to move on from White and offer Ryan Lonergan a spot
10 (C) - Lolesio is a good goal kicker, it's good we finally pick and stick at ten with him starting in 11/13 tests, but every side we face pretty much has a better 10 and we have no quality depth in this position, with Donaldson, Edmed and Lynagh having about 15-20 tests between them
Centres (B) - Ikitau very good, Sua'ali'i too considering the England game was his first professional rugby game, I thought Paisami never nailed the 12 jersey and Stewart and Flook while didn't do much wrong aren't test standard, it will be interesting to see if Kerevi gets another look in
Wing (B) - Peitsch and Jorgensen had promising debut seasons, I think Marika has played his last test, Kellaway was pretty good, although defensively in-consistent, I think he is clearly our best 14, hopefully Daungunu comes back, he played well in July
Fullback (A) - Wright was very good and the most improved player this year, but if he gets injured there's not too many other players with much experience at 15
PhilClinton
Mark Loane (55)
I think we have a pretty clear best 23-26 players now.
I mentioned in the game thread that obviously flyhalf will be a heavily scrutinised position in SRP2025 but Noah has done enough to hold that jersey if no one else goes on to have a breakout season.
The other players I’ll be interested to watch and hopefully keep building are the guys who can be our wildcards and at the moment sit in wider squad positions.
The likes of Uru, Toole, Daugunu and I’d probably even throw Kerevi and Skelton into that group.
The kind of players where if it’s clear the BIL have figured us out, we have a few guys who just come on and fuck shit up with an intense or explosive game style. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn’t but it’s more of the ‘break glass in case of emergency’ scenario players.
I mentioned in the game thread that obviously flyhalf will be a heavily scrutinised position in SRP2025 but Noah has done enough to hold that jersey if no one else goes on to have a breakout season.
The other players I’ll be interested to watch and hopefully keep building are the guys who can be our wildcards and at the moment sit in wider squad positions.
The likes of Uru, Toole, Daugunu and I’d probably even throw Kerevi and Skelton into that group.
The kind of players where if it’s clear the BIL have figured us out, we have a few guys who just come on and fuck shit up with an intense or explosive game style. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn’t but it’s more of the ‘break glass in case of emergency’ scenario players.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
A couple of omissions by both rugbyAU and TSR.
At LHP, we should have Blake Schoupp coming back this year. He will vie with Kailea for that 2nd/3rd spot in the event Slipper falls down the list.
At hooker, both Porecki and Lonergan should be back in the mix, at least for the 3rd spot, but personally, I don't rate BPA as highly as others here do.
THP looks to be only Tupou/AAA/Nonggorr until after the Lions but long term in a good place with De Luitiis, Alatini and Trevor King coming through in time for the RWC.
Lock I'd have Canham also in the wings as depth. IMHO Skelton should not get a look in because of the impacts his presence has on the team makeup otherwise. Shouldn't forget Tom Hooper as well.
Backrow, where is mention of Charlie Cale? Was in the squad and team early on and probably Wilson only got a start due to Charlie's injury. He is an absolute menace on opposition ball at the lineout and we've all been impressed with his attacking capabilities. Best bench prospect if not starting. Luke Reimer looks to have the makings of a test standard No 7 also. With Uru/Gleeson and Leota also there, the backrow is very well catered.
No 9, is presently weaker than the No 10 spot. Nic is on the way down from his peak, Gordon and Tate both have issues, being good in some aspects and poor in others. Lonergan needs to come in for Nic, while hopefully both Gordon and Tate show good improvement in SR25.
No 10, stick with Lolesio/Donaldson and forget the rest.
Centres, wing and fullback, quite thin on the ground after the starters. Only Jorgensen and Potter coming along after Wright, Kellaway and Pietsch from this EOYT. Hopefully, Daugunu comes back to his best in Super Rugby next year.
At LHP, we should have Blake Schoupp coming back this year. He will vie with Kailea for that 2nd/3rd spot in the event Slipper falls down the list.
At hooker, both Porecki and Lonergan should be back in the mix, at least for the 3rd spot, but personally, I don't rate BPA as highly as others here do.
THP looks to be only Tupou/AAA/Nonggorr until after the Lions but long term in a good place with De Luitiis, Alatini and Trevor King coming through in time for the RWC.
Lock I'd have Canham also in the wings as depth. IMHO Skelton should not get a look in because of the impacts his presence has on the team makeup otherwise. Shouldn't forget Tom Hooper as well.
Backrow, where is mention of Charlie Cale? Was in the squad and team early on and probably Wilson only got a start due to Charlie's injury. He is an absolute menace on opposition ball at the lineout and we've all been impressed with his attacking capabilities. Best bench prospect if not starting. Luke Reimer looks to have the makings of a test standard No 7 also. With Uru/Gleeson and Leota also there, the backrow is very well catered.
No 9, is presently weaker than the No 10 spot. Nic is on the way down from his peak, Gordon and Tate both have issues, being good in some aspects and poor in others. Lonergan needs to come in for Nic, while hopefully both Gordon and Tate show good improvement in SR25.
No 10, stick with Lolesio/Donaldson and forget the rest.
Centres, wing and fullback, quite thin on the ground after the starters. Only Jorgensen and Potter coming along after Wright, Kellaway and Pietsch from this EOYT. Hopefully, Daugunu comes back to his best in Super Rugby next year.
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
Thanks BR. I tried keep my post to a reasonable length by not mentioning every player - but agree with most you’ve mentioned. Also think Van Nek has potential at THP too. I didn’t have the same wrap as you on Canham and I am not sure he’ll have it all his own way making the Reds 23, but I’ll obviously be very happy to be proven wrong.
I will throw one hand grenade and say I’m not sure Cale has the physicality for test rugby at this point, but then I’ll caveat a bit by saying that I had a similiar concern around Liam Wright and also that it is an issue he could easily resolve in a decent off-season (or it could take a few more - much like Wright).
I will throw one hand grenade and say I’m not sure Cale has the physicality for test rugby at this point, but then I’ll caveat a bit by saying that I had a similiar concern around Liam Wright and also that it is an issue he could easily resolve in a decent off-season (or it could take a few more - much like Wright).
Tomikin
David Codey (61)
The guy who got a few off the bench spots but then got dropped for Grant?
