Wallabies 31 Man Squad

[Slim 293]

Do you watch many Force matches?

He has been playing pretty well in a losing side

Maybe not so much out of form, but not playing anywhere near as well as a lot of players both in and out of the squad.........

I think it's fair to say that he wasn't really on anyone's radar going into the selection of the squad and his inclusion is definitely more based on test experience under Deans than any Super Rugby "form".........

 

[BDA]

Ben McCalman.

Probably a bit harsh to say he's out of form but I agree with the sentiment. You wouldn't say his form has been anything more than mediocre but I wouldn't say poor form. Taps was in poor form and left out as a result.

 

[Braveheart81]

McCalman was also left out initially.

He's effectively the fourth person chosen in his position (specialist 6 but also can play 8 or possibly lock). His form is at least good enough to be selected where he was.

 

[fatprop]

Maybe not so much out of form, but not playing anywhere near as well as a lot of players both in and out of the squad...

I think it's fair to say that he wasn't really on anyone's radar going into the selection of the squad and his inclusion is definitely more based on test experience under Deans than any Super Rugby "form"...

like who?

who has some experience in test rugby or is in top form, and is available?

 

[Slim 293]

And while I don't subscribe to the thought that Deans has ignored Super Rugby form, there would be an element of truth to it if he wasn't having reservations about playing JOC (James O'Connor) at flyhalf.........

 

[Slim 293]

who has some experience in test rugby or is in top form, and is available?

I don't think test experience is a factor when discussing Super Rugby form.........

 

[fatprop]

Probably a bit harsh to say he's out of form but I agree with the sentiment. You wouldn't say his form has been anything more than mediocre but I wouldn't say poor form. Taps was in poor form and left out as a result.

He has been better than that, he, like a few other, is inflicted with playing far, far away in a losing side.

It sometimes appears around here that if your team isn't winning, a players form or effort is instantly negated.

Please note this sites "Team of the week" as prime example

 

[Bruwheresmycar]

Slim is the final arbitrator of super rugby form on GAGR. The cases are real, the rulings are final!

 

[ACT Crusader]

does anyone really think that S15 form is an entirely reliable predictor of either suitability to test match footy or test form?
if you are prepared to allow that it isn't entirely reliable then an (even greater) element of subjectivity enters each selection choice.
No doubt different positions demand different weight be given to experience, test form from last (or even past) season(s), and s 15 form.
Therefore there is no right or wrong answer to almost any selection choice: its a question of judgment.
With that said this thread can now be closed down and replaced with the no doubt more contentious "Wallabies Match Day 24* man squad thread" to be followed by the "Match Day 15 man thread"

* one to be omitted

And I have just a slight hunch that the name Quade Cooper would find their way into both threads....

Selections are subjective things and each individual player will have an individual selection criteria. What makes it messy is when coaches (the world over) have to try and justfy their selections in a media interview so fans can have all their 'why' questions answered.

Unless you are insider you will never ever really know the real reasons why someone is left out or included. And I personally quite like it like that

 

[ChargerWA]

I'm a Force supporter and even I was surprised by the inclusion of Benny Mac.

I think we have seen what he is capable at test level. Great involvement but limited impact. In fact, I would pick Dick Brown ahead of him on Super form, though he tends to have the opposite problem. Can go missing. but when he is involved he makes an impact.

But it's a moot point, as it has rightly been pointed out we are unlikely to see him in the 23 barring injuries.

Shame Kimlin is off overseas, he could be our surpise packet in this squad.

 

[Inside Shoulder]

And I have just a slight hunch that the name Quade Cooper would find their way into both threads..

Selections are subjective things and each individual player will have an individual selection criteria. What makes it messy is when coaches (the world over) have to try and justfy their selections in a media interview so fans can have all their 'why' questions answered.

Unless you are insider you will never ever really know the real reasons why someone is left out or included. And I personally quite like it like that

And some selections cannot be explained - they are a hunch

 

[Sparky]

If horne or McCabe play 12 in the first play I think we will struggle in the backs, we need lilo playing 12 as he will service the outside backs with quick and good ball, giving IN FORM blokes like ac and folau early ball with space. IMO lilo would suit QC (Quade Cooper) but that is a topic for another day!! If we have just a crash ball runner/decoy runner at 12 we will struggle. I pray deans pick CL. I would also have barnes 15 and beale can struggle at 15.

 

[Braveheart81]

If horne or McCabe play 12 in the first play I think we will struggle in the backs, we need lilo playing 12 as he will service the outside backs with quick and good ball, giving IN FORM blokes like ac and folau early ball with space. IMO lilo would suit QC (Quade Cooper) but that is a topic for another day!! If we have just a crash ball runner/decoy runner at 12 we will struggle. I pray deans pick CL. I would also have barnes 15 and beale can struggle at 15.

Who has been passing the ball from 12 this year to ensure that AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and Folau have been in good form?

 

[Sparky]

Waratahs would be much higher up the ladder if they had a ball playing number 12, Horne has approved out of sight with his balls skills but not up to test standard, especially against the lions

 

[Hardtackle]

Agreed this thread should only be debating players that are n the 31 man squad, based on this my this my run on side would be

1. Rodriguez
2. Lawton
3. McKenzie
4. Horwill
5. Eales
6. Poidevin
7. Smith
8. Loane
9. Genia
10. Larkham
11. Campese
12. Horan
13. Little
14. Moon
15. Gould

What, no Cooper? FFS who are you? R Deans?

 

[lewisr]

Waratahs would be much higher up the ladder if they had a ball playing number 12, Horne has approved out of sight with his balls skills but not up to test standard, especially against the lions

As much as I would like to agree with you, this simply isn't true. The tahs have tried Berrick, a second receiver style 12, and they were not as successful as when horne was there. It depends completely on who is at 10 and obviously with Foley there, the running orientated inside is more effective. With someone like QC (Quade Cooper) (just using this as an example!!) he has always functioned better with a person who can act as a second first receiver outside of him (aka barnesy and giteau).

Unfortunately we don't know too much about JOC (James O'Connor) as a 10 but I think you will find having a bit more game management outside him in players like barnes or lilo it will work quite effectively. But this is all up for debate. For once in his career I've really enjoyed watching horne play, his offloads are well timed and his delivery is nowhere near as selfish as it used to be so I would be glad to see him with the 12 jumper on - especially in the combination with AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper).

 

[Sir Arthur Higgins]

we've seen JOC (James O'Connor) a few times at 10 down at the rebels and for the wallabies. i think he benefits from a playmaker outside him who can take some of the creative burden off him, allowing JOC (James O'Connor) to take first phase contact, then get back in the line in another position and try and cut through the defense.
if its just a runner outside of him, he's forced to solely bear the playmaking burden which means the wallabies/rebels miss out on his greatest asset which is his broken field play.

 

[lewisr]

we've seen JOC (James O'Connor) a few times at 10 down at the rebels and for the wallabies. i think he benefits from a playmaker outside him who can take some of the creative burden off him, allowing JOC (James O'Connor) to take first phase contact, then get back in the line in another position and try and cut through the defense.
if its just a runner outside of him, he's forced to solely bear the playmaking burden which means the wallabies/rebels miss out on his greatest asset which is his broken field play.

Sounds more like an outside back's role to me. hahaha. but I completely agree with what you're saying. Lilo might just be the answer to that.

 

[fatprop]

Waratahs would be much higher up the ladder if they had a ball playing number 12, Horne has approved out of sight with his balls skills but not up to test standard, especially against the lions

disagree completely, every time Horne has been replaced by a ball player at 12 (ie Barnes), the Tahs game plan goes to shit as we lost the starch in defense and the punch over the advantage line

 

[Sparky]

I guess time will tell, but as much as I hate saying this but tahs Imo will be a force next year but that's for a different forum. I reckon lilo is our best option at 12 for this tour.