Wallabies 2024

[Ignoto]

Putting all athleticism arguments aside, having an extremely fresh, raw and learning young player in the squad will mean you need to surround them with experience to help guide their development.

Len is an excellent option on the outside to help keep a consistent voice in the defensive line.

But inside of suialia we are going to struggle. Gordon and Tate will be fine one position over but I can see the struggle our 10's are having not helping Suialia's development.

 

[rugbyAU]

Paisami is set to have his second child during the end of year tour

 

[TSR]

Putting all athleticism arguments aside, having an extremely fresh, raw and learning young player in the squad will mean you need to surround them with experience to help guide their development.

Len is an excellent option on the outside to help keep a consistent voice in the defensive line.

But inside of suialia we are going to struggle. Gordon and Tate will be fine one position over but I can see the struggle our 10's are having not helping Suialia's development.

This really highlights the issue with Lolesio.

He is 24 now, almost 25 has 25 tests and 5/6 yrs as a super rugby player but as still don’t feel he is experienced enough to be a guiding hand to those around him.

Not saying you’re wrong BTW.

 

[Proud Pig]

I don't think moving Len to 12 is a sensible idea at all. He plays well at 13 because he is a really strong lateral mover with quick feet and good hands. Move him to 12 and you negate his quick feet because he has less room to work in. That is why 12s traditionally are either crash ball types who run hard and straight or a second 10 type. Len is neither of those he is an elusive runner, who covers good ground in defense and can feed his winger when needed. He is pretty much the archetypal 13 and should remain there.

The problem we have in halves and center combinations is that if you are going to play a straight running 12 you need a creative 10 as he is required to be the playmaker. Noah is game manager, he is steady and balanced, he is not a playmaker so he doesn't supply the creativity that the backs need. Donaldson is more creative but still not a real flair player. Playing Hunter outside either one of them means we lack any real surprise factor and as such the rush defense works really well against us as we don't have anyone who can throw that killer pass that breaks the line. I do think it is Schmidt's selections that are the issue however I don't blame him as I think he is playing with simply what he has available.

 

[Brumby Runner]

There are a lot of good posts above analysing the issues the Wallabies have at No 12. It's hard trying to remember the last No 12 we had who would generally be regarded as real test standard (and please don't mention Matt Giteau). For our present coach/selectors who make a deal about developing players for the Lions and upcoming RWC, I would ask why someone like Ollie Sapsford has not been tried at this level and only minimally at Aus A level.

Sapsford has something like 7 years experience playing at NPC and Super Rugby level, playing at 12. 13. 11 and 14. He has been consistently a good to very good performer for the Brumbies in a time where they have been our top Super Rugby team. He has the physicality that has been missing from across our backlines for many years, 1.91m and 104kg. Out of 76 appearances in the NPC and Super Rugby, 17 games have been at the No 12 spot. I expect he will be likely the No 12 for the Brumbies in 2025.

I think he has the skills, experience and size to make a better fist of 12 for the Wallabies than the alternatives right now. But lack of opportunity seems to have put the brakes on him. Come on Schmidt, you won't know if you don't try.

 

[TSR]

Samu Kerevi?

 

[Braveheart81]

Samu Kerevi?

Without a doubt. His form in 2021 when the Wallabies had a good run was outstanding and I'd argue he was the crucial piece to that.

Sapsford has something like 7 years experience playing at NPC and Super Rugby level, playing at 12. 13. 11 and 14. He has been consistently a good to very good performer for the Brumbies in a time where they have been our top Super Rugby team.

I think he's fine but don't really see any more. I wouldn't say he's a standout player for the Brumbies and I can't see him being somehow better suited to test rugby.

Paisami, Stewart, Foketi, Sapsford, Feliuai, whoever are all decent players but none of them really strike me as the sort of player that could be a consistently strong test players. I think until another option emerges it will remain a position of weakness.

 

[Tomikin]

Without a doubt. His form in 2021 when the Wallabies had a good run was outstanding and I'd argue he was the crucial piece to that.



I think he's fine but don't really see any more. I wouldn't say he's a standout player for the Brumbies and I can't see him being somehow better suited to test rugby.

Paisami, Stewart, Foketi, Sapsford, Feliuai, whoever are all decent players but none of them really strike me as the sort of player that could be a consistently strong test players. I think until another option emerges it will remain a position of weakness.

And lets be honest Tamati Tua was probably the form 12 and easily kept Sapsford on the wing. If he was Australian I'm sure he would have at least got a go. But can't see Sapsford being the Wallabies 12, and he'll have a fight to be the Brumbies 12 his best games this year came on the wing.

​

 

[Brumby Runner]

Without a doubt. His form in 2021 when the Wallabies had a good run was outstanding and I'd argue he was the crucial piece to that.



I think he's fine but don't really see any more. I wouldn't say he's a standout player for the Brumbies and I can't see him being somehow better suited to test rugby.

Paisami, Stewart, Foketi, Sapsford, Feliuai, whoever are all decent players but none of them really strike me as the sort of player that could be a consistently strong test players. I think until another option emerges it will remain a position of weakness.

You are likely right BH but all of Paisami, Stewart and Foketi have been tried and really found wanting over the past couple of years. In that time Sapsford has been a consistent performer in the best performing team in Aus Suiper Rugby. I'm just asking for him to be given a go. He is the only option among those you list who might have the physical presence to make an impact.

 

[Braveheart81]

You are likely right BH but all of Paisami, Stewart and Foketi have been tried and really found wanting over the past couple of years. In that time Sapsford has been a consistent performer in the best performing team in Aus Suiper Rugby. I'm just asking for him to be given a go. He is the only option among those you list who might have the physical presence to make an impact.

Likewise over that time most people would have picked two or three of those guys as being a better option to Sapsford.

The concept of giving someone else a go just because other players who have regularly looked superior at Super Rugby level aren't standouts at test level is pointless.

Anyway, keep asking for him to be given a go but I doubt it will happen. He is pretty clearly a fair way down the pecking order given whenever there's been a player called into the squad that would be competing there, it isn't him.

 

[fatprop]

You are likely right BH but all of Paisami, Stewart and Foketi have been tried and really found wanting over the past couple of years. In that time Sapsford has been a consistent performer in the best performing team in Aus Suiper Rugby. I'm just asking for him to be given a go. He is the only option among those you list who might have the physical presence to make an impact.

I don't see Sapsford as an upgrade, the reality is that they are all average, I think we have to accept and lower our expectations

 

[Homer]

We are missing the good old days when most of the backline was over 6ft and 100kgs. We have the smallest backline in the pro era and our lack of penetration shows. Paisami tries hard but doesnt have the bulk for the narrow game plan Schmidt runs. I think Foketi was doing well under Renni (France game and some Bledisloes stand out) and is the only option out of the current talent we have.

 

[capalaba]

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.

It's a good thing you are not a selector.

 

[eastman]

You are likely right BH but all of Paisami, Stewart and Foketi have been tried and really found wanting over the past couple of years. In that time Sapsford has been a consistent performer in the best performing team in Aus Suiper Rugby. I'm just asking for him to be given a go. He is the only option among those you list who might have the physical presence to make an impact.

You want to select a NZ reject and mediocre Super Rugby wing, at 12 for the Wallabies? And you wonder why people accuse you of bias.

 

[dru]

I don't think moving Len to 12 is a sensible idea at all. He plays well at 13 because he is a really strong lateral mover with quick feet and good hands. Move him to 12 and you negate his quick feet because he has less room to work in. That is why 12s traditionally are either crash ball types who run hard and straight or a second 10 type. Len is neither of those he is an elusive runner, who covers good ground in defense and can feed his winger when needed. He is pretty much the archetypal 13 and should remain there.

Thanks, Proud. You have verbalised 12 v 13 in a way I could not (but now can).

 

[Sir Arthur Higgins]

Thanks, Proud. You have verbalised 12 v 13 in a way I could not (but now can).

JS is both a crash baller and a potential second 10 with good distribution skills and a good kick.
Alternatively fullback in my mind but that would require shifting MJ and TW
I think MJ is a longer term fullback with stints in the wing. If he could bulk up I could see a case for him in the 13 slot personally if not 15.
As always - the case for a 10 remains elusive.

 

[cyclopath]

JS is both a crash baller and a potential second 10 with good distribution skills and a good kick.
Alternatively fullback in my mind but that would require shifting MJ and TW
I think MJ is a longer term fullback with stints in the wing. If he could bulk up I could see a case for him in the 13 slot personally if not 15.
As always - the case for a 10 remains elusive.

How good would it be if we had some players coming through who just actually played a position and were obviously suited to / good at that position, and there was no real mystery to it.
We always seem to be shoe-horning players into some compromise spot.

 

[stillmissit]

How good would it be if we had some players coming through who just actually played a position and were obviously suited to / good at that position, and there was no real mystery to it.
We always seem to be shoe-horning players into some compromise spot.

We seem to be focused on players who can wear several hats rather than a specialist position. Maybe that has advantages with our injury record.
OTOH Larkham got moved from 15 to 10 and might have been a winger before that but I don't remember if he was or not.

 

[Thalium]

I think based on our current crop of 10’s Hamish Stewart is our best 12 to pair with them as he is solid in defence and can distribute the ball but also isn’t afraid to take a hit up. His defensive efforts are probably the biggest positive and expect to see more of him on the northern tour. I think the Noah and Paisami don’t work well. Paisami shooting out of the line too often always puts Noah under more pressure having to defend the 10 and 12 channel if Paisami’s tackle doesn’t land or the attacker gets the offload. I notice this happens a lot 1 or 2 out from a big ruck and both channels become a huge gap when Paisami shoots and fails and the attacking team just side steps through while all our forwards are still getting up from the ruck.

Someone who could be a possibility is Harry Potter is he can stay injury free. Played at 13 last week and was very impressive, he has played at 12 before.

 

[Slim 293]

Campo is feeling neglected again…

“I don’t believe we should have a Kiwi coach,” Campese told The Rugby Paper. “I was in New Zealand last week for the Test and they all said, ‘Isn’t Schmidt a good coach?’ I said, ‘Why? What has he actually won?’ He hasn’t won anything.

“Yes, he might have won a Six Nations, but the World Cup is the ultimate for any sports player or coach, and he hasn’t won anything.

David Campese criticises Joe Schmidt and labels All Blacks ‘very ordinary’

Legendary winger David Campese has criticised the appointment of Joe Schmidt as head coach following the Wallabies’ last-place finish.

www.rugbypass.com