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.