Wallabies 2025

[Wilson]

I think Schmidt is going to be very interested in O'Connor for the squad - he's talked a lot about player lead training and having senior guys around to impart wisdom (it looks like a big part of Beale was picked last year before injury) and O'Connor is perfect in that role. I expect if that happens it will be in a utility role though, or at least it won't come at the expense of having 3 of the local tens in the squad (assuming everyone remains fit and available). Part of the value of his experience is he can talk to just about every back line position with knowledge (and test match experience) and has developed a really good understanding of how the integrate with each other.

As far as making the actual team goes? I think he's only really pushing for the bench role, and that's an outside chance. There will definitely be appeal in using him as a closer, particularly if Tate is on the bench again and he can tap into an established connection, but I can't see Schmidt rushing to start a 10 who didn't spend any time with side last year. It could change a bit if O'Connor takes over the 10 jersey for the Crusaders, but I that time with squad and systems is a tough barrier to overcome on such a tight turn around. I wouldn't be amazed to see him feature a bit more throughout the year to help bring some of these young guys on though.

 

[Hogan]

After 6 rounds and a few head to heads, who starts at 10?
- Donaldson
- Lolesio
- Lynagh

Way too early to tell. Donaldson in front at present but I think incumbency will play a role. Lolesio’s confidence has taken a hit but he’s too good a player not to bounce back.

Players whose teams go deep into the competition will definitely have an advantage imo. But all three 10’s will be in the first Wallabies squad announced. I don’t think they’ll go back to O’Connor.

 

[Marbig]

For me Donaldson and Lynagh are neck and neck. Both teams, particularly the Reds look completely different without them and not positively.

To me the Noah experiment is done, he’s had his chance to make the Wallabies spot his own and his Super form this year is behind those two.

JOC (James O'Connor) has been excellent in anchoring the back end of the Saders games this year and he could have been selected for the Wallabies based purely on his game against Wales for the Reds last year so wouldn’t upset me to see him included in the squad.

 

[Braveheart81]

To me the Noah experiment is done, he’s had his chance to make the Wallabies spot his own and his Super form this year is behind those two.

He was picked to start the last test we played and we won.

I think saying the "Noah experiment is done" doesn't seem anchored in reality.

 

[fatprop]

For me Donaldson and Lynagh are neck and neck. Both teams, particularly the Reds look completely different without them and not positively.

To me the Noah experiment is done, he’s had his chance to make the Wallabies spot his own and his Super form this year is behind those two.

JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) has been excellent in anchoring the back end of the Saders games this year and he could have been selected for the Wallabies based purely on his game against Wales for the Reds last year so wouldn’t upset me to see him included in the squad.

errr the Super Rugby season hasn't got hard yet and the ponies will get their shit together, Noah will be there or thereabouts

JOC (James O'Connor) is playing off the bench for a form Kiwi side, I have bitched about Noah's armchair ride behind the pony's pigs in the past (with questions about how that works for a Wob set of pigs being dominated), JOC (James O'Connor) is enjoying the same type of arm chair ride

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Not really an experiment when it's his 6th year of international footy. He has been one of the top options his entire career here and we only speculate about the job because he's not truly elite but neither has anyone else for the job. Why do you think coaches keep looking at Quade and Foley over the past couple of years.

 

[rugbyAU]

For me Donaldson and Lynagh are neck and neck. Both teams, particularly the Reds look completely different without them and not positively.

To me the Noah experiment is done, he’s had his chance to make the Wallabies spot his own and his Super form this year is behind those two.

JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) has been excellent in anchoring the back end of the Saders games this year and he could have been selected for the Wallabies based purely on his game against Wales for the Reds last year so wouldn’t upset me to see him included in the squad.

He's certainly been given plenty of opportunities and hasn't been great this season or last year, I think Donaldson should be the starting 10 on form, but I expect it will still be Lolesio given the incumbency advantage, which I think will matter a bit more for the Lions

 

[Yoda]

He was picked to start the last test we played and we won.

I think saying the "Noah experiment is done" doesn't seem anchored in reality.

I thought after Lolesio’s game v Scotland, and the Wallabies chances of a Grand Slam out the window, Schmid may have started Donaldson v Ireland? Noah didn’t play well in the crunch Scotland game and Donaldson had minimal minutes on tour. It was his play in the final minutes that helped the Wallabies beat England. Noah is the most experienced as per Tests played but imo he has hardly taken his game to the next level to be first choice 10. It will be interesting to see him play from here on in, as no doubt he will bounce back. Donaldson and Lynagh are definitely playing well this season, that’s for sure, and go head to head this week.

 

[Slim 293]

I don't believe he was selected in any of Schmidt's squads last year, but maybe this is Ryan Lonergan's year...

ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham is hoping the fact he's been instructed to rest Ryan Lonergan is a sign he is nearing a breakthrough Test appearance.

Lonergan and Luke Reimer will miss Friday’s match against the Highlanders. The pair is among a select group of managed players who can not play more than six games in a row, barring extreme circumstances, with the Wallabies' upcoming Test season in mind.

Larkham calls for Lonergan, Toole Wallabies debut as scrumhalf rested for Highlanders match

ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham is hoping the fact he's been instructed to rest Ryan Lonergan is a sign he is nearing a breakthrough Test appearance.

www.rugby.com.au

 

[Wilson]

I don't believe he was selected in any of Schmidt's squads last year, but maybe this is Ryan Lonergan's year...

Larkham calls for Lonergan, Toole Wallabies debut as scrumhalf rested for Highlanders match

ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham is hoping the fact he's been instructed to rest Ryan Lonergan is a sign he is nearing a breakthrough Test appearance.

www.rugby.com.au

I wish they'd publish the list at the start of the season, it's next to impossible to work out who has actually been flagged for rests until they are announced as being on a rest (or the logic underpinning it). That's no knock against Lonergan (or Reimer), but given Gordon was the starter last year and both White and McDermott have had wallaby rests it looks like a odd list if it includes 4 halfbacks, but not Potter who was on the EOYT and in the pre-season camp. Theoretically Pollard as well, but with an injury to Lachlan Lonergan there could be an exception there.

 

[wamberal99]

I am feeling confident, for a change. If we can keep our key players fit we will give the Loins something to think about.

 

[rugbyAU]

I am feeling confident, for a change. If we can keep our key players fit we will give the Loins something to think about.

Particularly as this Lions team won’t be a strong as the last few - the Autumn Nations Series and particularly the 6 Nations showed that Ireland have passed their peak, Scotland had a poor 6N and Wales are now Tier 2

 

[Sword of Justice]

I am feeling confident, for a change. If we can keep our key players fit we will give the Loins something to think about.

Hopefully the Lions too!

 

[cyclopath]

Particularly as this Lions team won’t be a strong as the last few - the Autumn Nations Series and particularly the 6 Nations showed that Ireland have passed their peak, Scotland had a poor 6N and Wales are now Tier 2

I don't agree the Lions won't be strong. Ireland, England and Scotland have plenty of very good players. I don't think the 6N table tells the tale you're reading.

 

[wamberal99]

Hopefully the Lions too!

That's the thing. Lions are big, strong, brave, and fast. That's us!!!

 

[rugbyAU]

I don't agree the Lions won't be strong. Ireland, England and Scotland have plenty of very good players. I don't think the 6N table tells the tale you're reading.

They'll definitely be strong - but just not as strong as the last few teams IMO

 

[cyclopath]

They'll definitely be strong - but just not as strong as the last few teams IMO

I disagree.

 

[TinRattler]

Hopefully sleepy Joe wakes up and stops picking lolesio (who is club rugby standard at best) for the wallabies

 

[Rhino_rugby]

Hopefully sleepy Joe wakes up and stops picking lolesio (who is club rugby standard at best) for the wallabies

Hopefully, selections start reflecting form and impact at the highest level.

 

[Derpus]

my boy Rhino is back