Wallabies 2024
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Adam84
Rod McCall (65)
If its Mark N (Nawaqanitawase) who wins then rig the system against him.. don't give it to Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase) the year he has signed with the NRL, it'll be a big circle jerk for NRL journos and turn a positive publicity event into another embarrassment for rugby.
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LevitatingSocks
Alfred Walker (16)
So the trailer for the World Cup documentary is out. The impression a neutral party would get from the trailer is definitely different from what they would think if they watched the entirety of the World Cup campaign.
Do we think the actual documentary will pull punches or will it give us warts and all?
Do we think the actual documentary will pull punches or will it give us warts and all?
yep - last 12 months. Bell won the GAGR POTY in a canter. For what its worth.
Agent
Billy Sheehan (19)
Has to be Bell doesn’t it?! Surely the most consistent Wallaby last year.
Members Section
John Thornett (49)
Same, geez it says a lot about our season
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
This can now be confusing as we've had 2 completely different Hoopers playing 7 for the Wobs in the past two seasons. I think this was in reference to M Hooper but I've also recently read some comments re the suitability of T Hooper to the role.
The jury is certainly out on the bigger bodied #7, however I think as no one locked down the number #6 jersey we can probably put an asterisk next to T Hooper, and probably bracketed with Leota, for this position in the preliminary team selections, I think it's clear he is much more suited to the blind side of the scrum. McReight was the stand out open side last season, but if Schmidt is going to persist with a bigger body for the open side role I think the skill set of a #8 is more suited. Thus, in this instance we could see Gleeson or Wilson here.
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
Pretty sure it was reference to Tom Hooper who has played some 7 for the Brumbies - albeit as Slim pointed out not in the manner we normally associate with a 7 - but he does have an on-ball game.
The discussion is really what do we want from our backrow as a cohort and then how does each player fit into that. And whether the traditional Aussie smaller 7 is no longer viable at test level
I agree McReight is the standout choice as a ‘traditional’ Aussie 7. Even if he gets blown off a lot of rucks he still slows a lot down, is a generally accurate defender and is an excellent link between forwards and backs.
If we go for a bigger player I think it’s a matter of what the other two players bring. I don’t think, for example Wilson would work with T Hooper/Holloway/Leota & Valetini. Gleeson maybe, but I’m not convinced. He is really only just going into his second full Super season so let’s see how he progresses this year. Gamble maybe or Wright or Anstee - three players who all play on the ball would be a more viable option IMO.
The discussion is really what do we want from our backrow as a cohort and then how does each player fit into that. And whether the traditional Aussie smaller 7 is no longer viable at test level
I agree McReight is the standout choice as a ‘traditional’ Aussie 7. Even if he gets blown off a lot of rucks he still slows a lot down, is a generally accurate defender and is an excellent link between forwards and backs.
If we go for a bigger player I think it’s a matter of what the other two players bring. I don’t think, for example Wilson would work with T Hooper/Holloway/Leota & Valetini. Gleeson maybe, but I’m not convinced. He is really only just going into his second full Super season so let’s see how he progresses this year. Gamble maybe or Wright or Anstee - three players who all play on the ball would be a more viable option IMO.
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Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
Can't really see Gleeson as a Wallaby 7 option, he's still only played a couple of 80 minute games at super Rugby level and Coleman has mentioned that fitness as something he's still working on. He'll likely get there in time, but I think that's going to take a season or two more at least.
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
He's a ball carrier who can put a shot on. Just a bonus he's not bad on the ball but so should all the backrowers if they want to be considered top tier.
Not a 7 though and I don't think he will even get time in the 7 for the Tahs even if Gamble got hurt.
Not a 7 though and I don't think he will even get time in the 7 for the Tahs even if Gamble got hurt.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Think we can discount Tom Hooper as a 7 for the Wallabies. He has a huge frame and looked completely at ease in his rightful spot at Lock on the weekend, though he is likely to still also be in the mix for the 6 spot. At the Brumbies, there are plenty of options for the 7 spot in Brown, Reimer, Scott, Lachlan Hooper and maybe even Cale. I doubt we'll see Tom in that role again.
Members Section
John Thornett (49)
He is no where near good enough in contact as 2 let alone a 7
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
It’s really something that isn’t feasible with Brumbies list management. At the moment he’s presumably Brumbies 1 or 2 ranked Hooker and, as BR points out above, they have a host of good 7s. Doesn’t make any sense for them to try and convert him (and it’s not like his ability to pilfer is being wasted at 2).
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