Wallabies 2025
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HogansHeros
Ron Walden (29)
The argument that a 10 only looks like they are playing well, because they are behind a good pack confuses me. You can still be a rubbish 10 behind a good pack. Sure a good pack helps, but so what? Do we give a 10 who hasnt played that well, more of a shot because their forward pack also hasnt played that well?
JRugby2
Trevor Allan (34)
Calling out my own bias here - big JOC (James O'Connor) fan, but -
These to me are contextualized by the role he's playing for them, in that he's the glue guy at the end of games that adds structure to chaos.
The rest I'm interested to see how it compares to the 3 chosen.
Yeah, but if he hasn't done the body of work why would you pick him? I'm pretty sure Joe doesn't want to select a bloke for their ability to ice a game. In reality he's targeting that bench role, whose job is to cover multiple positions for potentially long periods of game time. I'm very confident that Donaldson is a better option.
He's really only in the picture because of his experience.
JRugby2
Trevor Allan (34)
Maybe but he's picked for this exact reason every week for the crusaders so if one coach sees value their wouldn't be any reason to think Joe definitely wouldn't either. I agree that Dono is probably the next guy for us in this role - but my guess is that he could start
Tazzmania
Dave Cowper (27)
Not signed by the Crusaders for next year........
Yeah, but in Test footy you're not picking players based on their ability to make handy cameos off the bench. Joe probably sees it as a waste of time. Multiple injuries may the only way he resorts to JOC (James O'Connor) IMO.
It's probably the same reason that Kerevi wasn't included. Both would be good in the AUS/NZ game or the Pasifika game for Samu.
parkfootyenthusiast2
Ted Fahey (11)
Yeah this is unfortunate, I had that AUNZ game pencilled in originally as a real highlight... would be great if they would at least drip feed us a few confirmed names.
Derpus
Phil Waugh (73)
My impression is that the bigger names they had lined up are falling through e.g. Hooper and Mo'unga.
parkfootyenthusiast2
Ted Fahey (11)
Yep that's my thinking too, which is a shame but listening to Hooper you can definitely understand the thought process behind it.
JRugby2
Trevor Allan (34)
The springboks have pioneered exactly this though
Alex Sharpe
Larry Dwyer (12)
I understand it from Hoopers perspective but you wouldnt have thought an opportunity to play against the Lions infront of a big crowd would be that hard of a sell
waiopehu oldboy
Rocky Elsom (76)
You might get a few after AB squad is named tomorrow.
With their bomb squad? They are very particular positional players. They would also walk into many other sides first choice team
Yoda
Nev Cottrell (35)
“ James O'Connor missed out despite strong form.” Playing 10-15 minutes per game? Kicked a goal from in front to win a game. I have always liked JOC (James O'Connor), but I think his ‘form’ has been exaggerated a fair bit. He didn’t get much time v the Blues in a crucial close match?
Yoda
Nev Cottrell (35)
Donno is a starter imho now. Noah is going and we have seen what he does or does not provide in his 29 Tests. Donno hasn’t had the same amount of perseverance and starting opportunities as Noah has.
JRugby2
Trevor Allan (34)
Yes but picking players specifically to play a strategic role from the bench at a particular point of the game is somewhat new to rugby, and JOC (James O'Connor) has been doing this. Arguably given the chance JOC (James O'Connor) could also start for the crusaders but doesn't as it's not the point of him being in that team. Good chance he goes over to Leicester and starts.
FWIW - I think you are right in that Joe not seeing the value in it as, as you have pointed out, we have players who can do the job (maybe not as good though this is subjective) AND are going to be around on more than a season-by-season basis which is where JOC (James O'Connor) is at 34/35yo now
parkfootyenthusiast2
Ted Fahey (11)
I mean I'd do it tomorrow if they asked me and I'm a division 3 park footy player, so I understand both sides. It's probably more he just didnt think he'd be up to it, and I guess if your alternatives from a competitiveness standpoint is someone like Gamble or another game ready super player who would relish the opportunity than it probably makes sense, it just doesn't put anywhere near as many bums on seats (either at the ground or on the couch).
It does seem like one of those things though where if a couple of big names threw their hands up, more would do the same with the momentum. Shouldve let Folau in....
parkfootyenthusiast2
Ted Fahey (11)
Schmidt also has a record of doing this with guys like Tate McDermott. There's definitely merit to having game breakers off the bench for when they come on against tired bodies (Corey Toole you up?), though I think the merit of JOC (James O'Connor) was the coverage he could provide. If you've got a back utility on your bench who can cover off almost any position in the backline like him or Beale or someone theoretiicaly could, you can name 5 forwards on your bench, which I think is vital against a big physical lions pack.
I'm not sure you could play Lynagh or Noah anywhere but 10 so they're either start or leave out. Comes down to pick your poison after that. Do you want coverage in case things go nips up, or do you want a potential spark plug?
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
This is why Donno is probably going to be on the bench though isn't it? He can cover 10 or 15 which are the main issues. edit +goal kicking