Wallabies 31 Man Squad

[I like to watch]

I just snorted chocolate milk out my nose and I'm not even drinking any.

Out fucking standing!

 

[qwerty51]

Hooper has played 12 for Manly in 1st grade. Did quite well.

 

[BDA]

I just snorted chocolate milk out my nose and I'm not even drinking any.

At the very worst, Higgers to the wing and shift in one. Flankers playing centre? Egad..

We are talking worst-case hypotheticals here. Whats more likely, us having play a backrower in the backline, or us getting monstered in the scrums by trying to play a 6/lock at lock.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I just snorted chocolate milk out my nose and I'm not even drinking any.

At the very worst, Higgers to the wing and shift in one. Flankers playing centre? Egad..

Well there is precedent, Samo on the wing at the RWC anyone?

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Hooper has played 12 for Manly in 1st grade. Did quite well.

Quite right, he did too. You wouldn't want him starting there or anything, but as a last ditch emergency measure in the back end of a game he wouldn't be the worst option.

 

[Pfitzy]

Russia RWC 2011 - Higgers went to wing when Mitchell's hammy went like an over stretched banjo string I think

 

[Nathan's]

My pack for the first test would be:

1. Robinson
2. Moore
3. Slipper
4. Horwill
5. Simmons
6. Mowen
7. Hooper
8. Higgenbotham

Higgenbotham is currently, in my opinion, one of the most in form number 8's in Super rugby. He brings that extra niggle into the side, he has great defence and his work rate is very high. Both him and Palu give away plenty of silly penalties but I would still start Higgers due to current form.

Hooper or Gill are good for number 7.

Having the combination of Horwill and Simmons is vital, imo.

Can't look past Mowen.

A fun fact, Pocock played number 12 at school alongside Quade. They destroyed the opposition.

 

[BDA]

Hooper is already used running in the centres a fair bit. And in defence he's always there abouts

 

[ACT Crusader]

Well that's all if Robbie wants a 6:2. I don't think it's worth the risk of only 1 backline replacement. The other being a halfback.

It's clear Dennis is the lock/6 for the squad that allows an openside on the bench - MMM is not available, I wouldn't be getting all concerned he's been selected ahead of MMM.

I agree. 3 backs definitely needed. I think there's a bit too much worry about the lock/loosie cover. IMO it's all covered even if my preferred lineup isn't a goer.

9. Genia
10. Rabbit
11. Digby - if fit
12. Horrne - would have Lilo but I think he will go with Tahs combo
13. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
14. A. Winger
15. Barnes

21. A. Halfback
22. Lilo
23. Folau

 

[qwerty51]

Is the players selected have done nothing Wallaby related and won't meet up for the next couple weeks why was the squad announced now? Just to get some extra publicity now that the series is nearly here?

 

[ACT Crusader]

Is the players selected have done nothing Wallaby related and won't meet up for the next couple weeks why was the squad announced now? Just to get some extra publicity now that the series is nearly here?

It's not unusual qwerty for a big series like this. There's the PR side to things, fitouts for gear, lining up promotional activities for certain players, planning etc. Theres also the getting them in more regular contact with the Wallaby staff.

As I understand it, once that Wallaby squad is selected and announced then the the national coaches can have access to them without "disruption" from their relative Franchises. It's not as if the Nat'l guys take over everything, but there will be extra stuff going on.

 

[qwerty51]

There's the PR side to things, fitouts for gear, lining up promotional activities for certain players, planning etc. Theres also the getting them in more regular contact with the Wallaby staff.

As I understand it, once that Wallaby squad is selected and announced then the the national coaches can have access to them without "disruption" from their relative Franchises. It's not as if the Nat'l guys take over everything, but there will be extra stuff going on.

But as I understand it, none of this stuff has commenced yet and won't until in 2 weeks time. It's just distracting for those selected. Even the ABs who have a regular series have done more, they had an actual camp.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Hooper has played 12 for Manly in 1st grade. Did quite well.

Disagree. He looked out of position and hardly effective. Spoke to him once about his stint at 12 - he thought it was a bit of a joke and wasn't at all keen.

 

[Brumby Runner]

My pack for the first test would be:

1. Robinson
2. Moore
3. Slipper
4. Horwill
5. Simmons
6. Mowen
7. Hooper
8. Higgenbotham

Higgenbotham is currently, in my opinion, one of the most in form number 8's in Super rugby. He brings that extra niggle into the side, he has great defence and his work rate is very high. Both him and Palu give away plenty of silly penalties but I would still start Higgers due to current form.

Hooper or Gill are good for number 7.

Having the combination of Horwill and Simmons is vital, imo.

Can't look past Mowen.

A fun fact, Pocock played number 12 at school alongside Quade. They destroyed the opposition.

For me, Douglas should start in place of Simmons, but otherwise I agree with this pack. Mowen to call and run the lineouts.

 

[Brumby Runner]

But as I understand it, none of this stuff has commenced yet and won't until in 2 weeks time. It's just distracting for those selected. Even the ABs who have a regular series have done more, they had an actual camp.

I think the early naming of the squad has been quite disruptive, at least to fans if not the players. If the squad isn't in camp and training together, what was the point? Will others be named if injuries force a selected player out for a period? Or will the final six become the final 7, 8 or more?

And how set in concrete is the ultimate squad going to be. If there are injuries or drop in form during the tests, will replacements have to come from the 31 named or will others be added if required?

 

[fatprop]

The way I expect the Wobs to play either Timani or Palu will be starting.

They will play shorter lineouts with a setup mid field as one of their first options. That means one of the two (or both) will start.

My preference would be Palu of those two, but when he finishes after around 50 to 60 minutes, I expect one of the locks to be replaced at the same time.

So with the selections so far (I think it is fair to also guess the starting side will come from the 25 as well), I would guess

1. Robinson - after 40-50 mins Alexander
2. Moore - when near death Faaingaa
3. Slipper - after 40-50 mins Kepu
4. Horwill
5. Simmons - after 50-60 mins Timani
6. Higgenbotham
7. Hooper
8. Palu - after 50-60mins Mowen

Gill to replace either Higgers or Hooper depending on the game flow

 

[BPC]

Wear Red and chant 'we are Red. And so are you.'

We are Red and so is your sunburn.

 

[boyo]

I've not trawled through this thread, so apologies if already said:-

Provincialism in Wallaby selection gives me the shits (a similar point was expressed by Lindommer).

End of.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Well... Higgers vs Palu, Pyle vs Timani, Inman vs AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), etc. Thoughts?

Personally I didn't watch every minutes but from what I saw Timani was pretty anonymous and Pyle was much better. I also thought Folau was pretty quiet yet again and Mitchell seemed to be the pick of the Tahs back 3. Inman had a few good moments also.

Any word on the injuries to Robinson & Barnes?

 

[Bullrush]

Well. Higgers vs Palu, Pyle vs Timani, Inman vs AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), etc. Thoughts?

Personally I didn't watch every minutes but from what I saw Timani was pretty anonymous and Pyle was much better. I also thought Folau was pretty quiet yet again and Mitchell seemed to be the pick of the Tahs back 3. Inman had a few good moments also.

Any word on the injuries to Robinson & Barnes?

You gotta be kidding. I missed the first 20min or so of the game but Folau looks dangerous every time he touches the ball. To me, Mitchell looks like a guy who's coming back from too many serious injuries. I feel sorry for the guy cos he was one of the best wingers in Super Rugby if not the world before that injury in 2011.