The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
The more Aus A games the better I reckon
Wallabies 2024
- Thread starter rugbyAU
- Start date
It suggests a big squad is off to the UK
whitefalcon
Ron Walden (29)
Feels like a good idea leading into a Lions year to try and figure out our depth and also get guys minutes at a higher than super level
Strewthcobber
Simon Poidevin (60)
Phil Waugh must have found some old pound coins down the back of the couch.
Highlander35
Steve Williams (59)
Are A fixtures counted as full internationals for the purpose of Club releases?
They have just sold out pretty much the entire Lions series at premium prices. Probably using some of that to build some depth to be competitive.
Strewthcobber
Simon Poidevin (60)
Mr Pilfer
Alex Ross (28)
I like this option. I feel like Wright and Williams are too similar so shouldn’t really play both at the same time.
I am excited about the backrow running out this weekend though but not sure it works with Skelton in second row
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
WIlliams has the skills but has he ever played 6? I am still not ready to dump Hooper as the backup to Valetini.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
? With Rodda and Carter filling the second row for most of the latter part of SR24, Williams captained the Force from 6.
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
Didn't now that. He should be useful then.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
If he puts in another performance against Tonga like the one he did last night I wouldn't be surprised to see O'Connor called up to the Wallabies squad. I wouldn't be looking at him for much beyond a bench role at this stage, put he was very slick last night with ball in hand and nailed all his kicks, with most of them from the sideline. Schmidt might be keen to get another experienced voice in the backs into the squad, particularly with Beale ruled out.
Smith, Grealy, Uru and Campbell all did plenty to push their cases for call ups too, though aside from injury I'm not sure how quick Schmidt will be to drop anyone out of his squad at this stage.
Smith, Grealy, Uru and Campbell all did plenty to push their cases for call ups too, though aside from injury I'm not sure how quick Schmidt will be to drop anyone out of his squad at this stage.
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
Could well happen as he played very well and took a few knocks. I wonder if the speed of the game in the RC would be too much for him.
Ignoto
Peter Sullivan (51)
Grealy only issue was, over thinking that mark. Just needed to slow down for a moment as it unfortunately ended up giving the Welsh field position to score a try off.
Last night definitely shows we need to be doing more for the players to give them an opportunity to prove Schmidt wrong. That shouldn't be done at club level if anything like last night is to go by.
stillmissit
Peter Johnson (47)
Australia A is almost essential to our young guys proving their worth. Great game by the way, well done to the Reds very competitive against a team that was desperate not to leave Australia without a win.
LearningCurve
Bill Watson (15)
Ideally (cost of course being an issue) we would tour Australia A, so they could play some of the Tier 2 nation test teams to provide them with more high level competition, and play against the Tier 1 A sides (like the England A match). It would be great experience for the players to visit some of these countries and play matches on the road and show who can step up.
snoopycatchicken
Frank Nicholson (4)
Form implies he has played well for more than a single game.
drewprint
Dick Tooth (41)
So, three games for Schmidt to test players out and rebuild as we march on to out first TRC match. What have we learned?
Front row is looking solid and settled. Kailea has been a great surprise package. TT, AAA, Slipper locked in. Faessler good and reliable, Pollard and Nasser in a shootout for bench.
Locks a bit up in the air. Frost and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) stocks have risen, Williams industrious, Blyth ok, Hooper good from the bench in Georgia game.
Backrow exciting. Valetini and McReight might be our best and most consistent players. Huge shame about Wrights injury, so who fills that final slot: Wilson or Cale? Or even Hooper/Williams? Wilson was very busy against Georgia, with both him and Valetini doing plenty of lineout jumping too.
Halfback, Gordon another who‘s stocks have really risen. I think he’ll start against SA, with McDermott/White on the bench.
Flyhalf we have major issues. Lolesio has been very flakey, I was pushing for Donaldson to get a shot and I think he flopped too. Does he get another game or two and the chance to settle in? I’m at a bit of a loss here. Ultra wildcard suggestion from the punters: JOC (James O'Connor) who was excellent in the Reds vs Wales match.
For our centres Paisami has been busy and grown each game, in a position we are a bit thin in. Ikitau showed his class when he finally got on the field and is a lock for 13. Honorable mention for Flook who’s time will come.
Back 3 some concerns too. I was hoping with successive games Wright would really be able to take it to Georgia but it was his worst match after two quiet ones (ripping try excluded). Kellaway has been polished as expected, Daugunu a strong series but giving away some simple penalties. Didn’t get to see much of Pietch and Lancaster was ok on debut. Overall an area I’m not feeling too confident in.
Front row is looking solid and settled. Kailea has been a great surprise package. TT, AAA, Slipper locked in. Faessler good and reliable, Pollard and Nasser in a shootout for bench.
Locks a bit up in the air. Frost and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) stocks have risen, Williams industrious, Blyth ok, Hooper good from the bench in Georgia game.
Backrow exciting. Valetini and McReight might be our best and most consistent players. Huge shame about Wrights injury, so who fills that final slot: Wilson or Cale? Or even Hooper/Williams? Wilson was very busy against Georgia, with both him and Valetini doing plenty of lineout jumping too.
Halfback, Gordon another who‘s stocks have really risen. I think he’ll start against SA, with McDermott/White on the bench.
Flyhalf we have major issues. Lolesio has been very flakey, I was pushing for Donaldson to get a shot and I think he flopped too. Does he get another game or two and the chance to settle in? I’m at a bit of a loss here. Ultra wildcard suggestion from the punters: JOC (James O'Connor) who was excellent in the Reds vs Wales match.
For our centres Paisami has been busy and grown each game, in a position we are a bit thin in. Ikitau showed his class when he finally got on the field and is a lock for 13. Honorable mention for Flook who’s time will come.
Back 3 some concerns too. I was hoping with successive games Wright would really be able to take it to Georgia but it was his worst match after two quiet ones (ripping try excluded). Kellaway has been polished as expected, Daugunu a strong series but giving away some simple penalties. Didn’t get to see much of Pietch and Lancaster was ok on debut. Overall an area I’m not feeling too confident in.