You mean as opposed to Douglas who played 6 Tests last year and did quite well?
One could have easily made a case for Pyle back then as well.
You mean as opposed to Douglas who played 6 Tests last year and did quite well?
Well done genius.
No, his kicking success rate isn't 100%, unlike er...um..
But the EOYT will be a grand slam, so we can't have non experienced players picked. And the following year is too close to World Cup, so we can't pick non experienced players then. That is precisely the crap that will be sprouted when the EOYT comes around.But Douglas has the experience and we know what he'll do at Test level. It's an easy decision. Pyle and Carter are right up there but I'm thinking EOYT for them.
But the EOYT will be a grand slam, so we can't have non experienced players picked. And the following year is too close to World Cup, so we can't pick non experienced players then. That is precisely the crap that will be sprouted when the EOYT comes around.
This may have been answered, but why a 25 man squad and then 6 later? Was that designed to motivate Quade?
6 tests does not seem to me to be sufficient to claim experience as a significant factor. Douglas played okay, but didn't set the world on fire.
This may have been answered, but why a 25 man squad and then 6 later? Was that designed to motivate Quade?
I don't disagree with you but I think it is fair to say he has been better than Tamani and he has better skills, plays hard and does much more work.
I think there is a solid case to bring Pyle up to Wallaby level based on form but the critical thing for me is the need for the second lineout caller at Wallaby level. So much bitching about Simmons though he is the only one known to do the job at that level. The retirement of Sharpie was hardly a surprise and it baffles me that this was not done a year earlier. It doesn't help the players either not having the competition.
Beale will now stay in Sydney to continue training. Randwick has the bye this week before Wallabies coach Robbie Deans adds the final six players to his squad on June 11. As for his British and Irish Lions chances, Beale's welfare remains the top priority for all concerned, but the 2011 John Eales medallist is likely to make it into the squad.
A character who thrives in the team environment, Deans and Condon personally oversaw his training after Beale was stood down twice from the Melbourne Rebels due to behavioural breaches. Deans will want to usher him into camp as soon as possible to accelerate his progression towards match fitness.
He'd take Shmoo over Betham surely?