Wallabies 2025 Spring Tour

[Dctarget]

He has some talents, but lacked a lot of the skills needed to be a test flyhalf and this quote from the article might also apply to rugby...



His best test was easily when he filled in at inside centre against Argentina.

Considering we've lost Lolesio, and Lynagh's health is up in the air, it will be good to have him back... but based on prior form I don't think he would be selected ahead of those two guys if everyone was fit.

Still need to see more of him to determine whether 2023 or 2024 was the outlier...

Apart from confidence (maybe this is harder to fix than I think) and his kicking what was he missing? He's the fastest flyhalf with Donaldson. Has the best pass, actually a dominant defender and has as good vision as the rest. I'm gonna continue my simping and hunt down a highlights video.

 

[Slim 293]

Apart from confidence (maybe this is harder to fix than I think) and his kicking what was he missing? He's the fastest flyhalf with Donaldson. Has the best pass, actually a dominant defender and has as good vision as the rest. I'm gonna continue my simping and hunt down a highlights video.

Yeah, there's a bit of Tate McDermott there in that he has some good attacking attributes...

But obviously a lot more is needed to be a successful flyhalf... and kicking is definitely one of those important skillsets that is a must... and he had a pretty poor year before his departure.

 

[Wilson]

Gordon's coverage of 12 probably makes him a pretty easy 22 at the moment - we've twice ended up with Daugunu filling in there this year (or possibly Sua'ali'i with Daugunu at 13) and I don't think that's something anyone is too keen on.

Would depend on his fitness and readiness though, and Joe generally hasn't been keen on bringing in players on a short turn around so he'll need to sign very soon if he's going to be a chance. Feels like a proper off/pre season to push his case next year is more likely either way though.

 

[wamberal99]

Japan takes on more significance than usual. Not just because we should take it personally with regards to Eddie but because good teams beat Japan by a lot and we purport to be good now.

Not always, unless South Africa is not a "good" team.

 

[TSR]

I do think there is a question mark over which squad he would find a home with. The talk when the Rebels folded was that he wanted to move back to Qld. I’d have to question if Qld are going to want to pay much for him with Lynagh, HMP, Volavola, Paisami, Henry, Pakeho, Daugunu & Flook already in the stable. Unless one of them is being released.

NSW you’d assume would be very keen - but is he now happy to relocate again.

I guess it’s going to be pretty hard for him to be a pro football player and never leave SE Qld.

 

[TSR]

TSR. I tend to agree. Don't think he fits into the style Joe wants? Didn't play with confidence v Tahs, although played well against the Reds in a beaten side. As we all know though it's not as though Lynagh, Noah and now Edmed are streets ahead? The fickle 10 position. They must all feel like they're on eggshells knowing that if they play bad they'll get dropped.

Schmidt was very consistent with his selections at 10 & otherwise up until injury intervened. I don’t think he has been quick to drop people really. At 10 he backed Lolesio until he couldn’t then did the same with Lynagh. There was a bit of chopping and changing with O’Connor but he explained that in terms of picking combinations with Tate and then, once that wasn’t available reverted to Edmed (with Gordon).

 

[KOB1987]

I’m wrapped it looks likely Carter will be coming back and he must tour if available . But, I’m also not sure he’s the answer - just like Noah, Tom, JOC (James O'Connor), Donno, Tane and Kurtley aren’t. Being selected by Eddie doesn’t make him a walk up starter, granted he had a good super season to earn that selection. Similarly, Ben Volavola announcing he’s prepared to switch allegiance back to Australia doesn’t instill a lot of confidence - I assume there’s a reason he can now switch back, most likely Fiji haven’t been picking him?

But…we need to give these guys time on the pitch on tour. Even if we end up with someone from jail rugby in the 10 shirt, which I suspect will be the outcome, we still need a plan B.

 

[Strewthcobber]

I do think there is a question mark over which squad he would find a home with. The talk when the Rebels folded was that he wanted to move back to Qld. I’d have to question if Qld are going to want to pay much for him with Lynagh, HMP, Volavola, Paisami, Henry, Pakeho, Daugunu & Flook already in the stable. Unless one of them is being released.

NSW you’d assume would be very keen - but is he now happy to relocate again.

I guess it’s going to be pretty hard for him to be a pro football player and never leave SE Qld.

He'll get a top-up, so costs to which Super Rugby squad will be capped at $200k ish.

If this is true, and I was HMP, I'd be checking out the Sydney rental options

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the Titans had granted Gordon permission to negotiate with Rugby Australia and the Queensland Reds were the likely destination.

 

[Ignoto]

Yeah, there's a bit of Tate McDermott there in that he has some good attacking attributes...

But obviously a lot more is needed to be a successful flyhalf... and kicking is definitely one of those important skillsets that is a must... and he had a pretty poor year before his departure.

There is a real chance of a Lonergan and Gordon partnership if he signs for EOYT. Lonergan can kick with Ben or Tane being on the bench.

We ain't going to pull the complete package out of think air so you may as well separate the kicking duties to the strongest kicker.

 

[Where's the beef]

Schmidt was very consistent with his selections at 10 & otherwise up until injury intervened. I don’t think he has been quick to drop people really. At 10 he backed Lolesio until he couldn’t then did the same with Lynagh. There was a bit of chopping and changing with O’Connor but he explained that in terms of picking combinations with Tate and then, once that wasn’t available reverted to Edmed (with Gordon).

I agree with you. But I think we are all missing a trick here. Who is 15. The hole Tom Wright left not just with his running game but his kicking game is not to be understated.

Campbell has the running game but not the kicking game. Jorgo is needed on the wing. Kelleway is the safe bet but is more of a link than a dominator. I dont see joseph there. I think the centre pairing is deadly if allowed to develop. So who is the 15 that the home nations wont want to kick at.

For me after this year for 10.

1. Lynagh if fit. Needs to support the ball carier a little more, but, in games against Lions Wow.
2. Tane. There is a talent there, We just need to get rid of the odd brain explosion. He is straight as well.
3. Donno. He is quick and probably supports the best, but, not convinced about game mangement
4. Noah, but its a long way back

I would not go chasing Carter Gordon. He went chasing the money, let him have it. I thought he was a carlos spencer. When on talented, when not, well that is the other side.

I still see this tour as one of development and finding.

 

[Slim 293]

There is a real chance of a Lonergan and Gordon partnership if he signs for EOYT. Lonergan can kick with Ben or Tane being on the bench.

We ain't going to pull the complete package out of think air so you may as well separate the kicking duties to the strongest kicker.

I’m actually referring to his kicking in general play… it was a step down from the other candidates.

 

[TSR]

I agree with you. But I think we are all missing a trick here. Who is 15. The hole Tom Wright left not just with his running game but his kicking game is not to be understated.

Campbell has the running game but not the kicking game. Jorgo is needed on the wing. Kelleway is the safe bet but is more of a link than a dominator. I dont see joseph there. I think the centre pairing is deadly if allowed to develop. So who is the 15 that the home nations wont want to kick at.

For me after this year for 10.

1. Lynagh if fit. Needs to support the ball carier a little more, but, in games against Lions Wow.
2. Tane. There is a talent there, We just need to get rid of the odd brain explosion. He is straight as well.
3. Donno. He is quick and probably supports the best, but, not convinced about game mangement
4. Noah, but its a long way back

I would not go chasing Carter Gordon. He went chasing the money, let him have it. I thought he was a carlos spencer. When on talented, when not, well that is the other side.

I still see this tour as one of development and finding.

I’m hoping they leave Jorgenson at 15. Pietsch & Daugunu as wings - although might be a bit too similiar. Potter & Toole both still have potential. We shouldn’t be too quick to put a line through people.

 

[Brumby Runner]

I have no idea how they pick this squad as I still can't get my head around who is available when.

So for Japan when we have an Australia A game same time don't we?? I'd go (assuming McReight injured)

1 Bell
2 Pollard
3 AAA
4 LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
5 Frost
6 Valetini
7 Tizzano
8 Wilson
9 Gordon
10 Edmed
11 Daugunu
12 Paisami
13 JAS
14 Jorgensen
15 Kellaway (assume he will be right?)

16 Faessler
17 Ross
18 Nonggorr
19 Williams
20 Samu
21 Lonergan
22 Donaldson
23 Potter

Then for the rest of the travelling squad I'd have:

BPA
Robertson
De Luttis
Canham
McReight (assuming he will be right soon enough)
Thomas
Lynagh
Pietsch
Flook

The Aust A game would be:

1 Lambert
2 Nasser
3 De Luttis
4 Swain
5 Canham
6 Nick CdC
7 Reimer
8 Talataina
9 Thomas
10 Lynagh
11 Pietsch
12 Pakeho
13 Flook
14 Anderson
15 Grealy

16 Asiata (or Donnins if he is still in Italy)
17 Ieli
18 Botha
19 Uru
20 Halaholo
21 Wilson
22 HMP
23 Harvey

I'd probably also take Jarrah McLeod and Marley Pearce as depth players.

We are so short of inside centres we perhaps Feilaui should be considered too.

You really do dislike and disrespect the Brumbies RR. A total of 7 players only across two squads. Nobody would suspect they have been the premier team among the Aussie franchises in living memory.

 

[rugbyAU]

You really do dislike and disrespect the Brumbies RR. A total of 7 players only across two squads. Nobody would suspect they have been the premier team among the Aussie franchises in living memory.

other than Toole who else would you have?

Sure they're the premier team but still they haven't won in 21 years or made a final in 12 years

 

[Where's the beef]

For me:

9 Lonegan
10: Edmed or lynagh if fit
11 Dunguno / Peitch
12 Ikitau
13 JAS
14 Jorgo
15 Kelleway

21 Gordon
22 Edmed / Lynagh or dono if not fit
23 Flook / Dungunu

Forwards pretty much pick themselves,

 

[Brumby Runner]

other than Toole who else would you have?

Is Hooper definitely unavailable? Otherwise, Lachlan Shaw has probably done enough to warrant a spot in the A squad. I would think Tualima would get a spot over some of the others mentioned. Anyone with decent eyesight and a reasonably balanced viewpoint would include Declan Meredith in the Wallabies squad. Has more skill in his little toe than most of his competition. Feiuai and Sapsford are better centres than some who have been mentioned. And where is Corey Toole?

 

[rugbyAU]

Pietsch is progressing well with recovery- need him back soon

 

[Red Runner]

Is Hooper definitely unavailable? Otherwise, Lachlan Shaw has probably done enough to warrant a spot in the A squad. I would think Tualima would get a spot over some of the others mentioned. Anyone with decent eyesight and a reasonably balanced viewpoint would include Declan Meredith in the Wallabies squad. Has more skill in his little toe than most of his competition. Feiuai and Sapsford are better centres than some who have been mentioned. And where is Corey Toole?

Corey Toole a big oversight. He should be there definitely. I mentioned Feiuai. Sapsford I don’t get the love but acknowledge he may end up being there. Tualima good too and is versatile so has some plusses.

 

[Yoda]

" Has more skill in his little toe than most of his competition."....big call.... is he going to put the Test 10 on the bench at the Brumbies?

 

[Yoda]

For me:

9 Lonegan
10: Edmed or lynagh if fit
11 Dunguno / Peitch
12 Ikitau
13 JAS
14 Jorgo
15 Kelleway

21 Gordon
22 Edmed / Lynagh or dono if not fit
23 Flook / Dungunu

Forwards pretty much pick themselves,

If Lynagh is one of our best, I'll give it up.