Wallabies 31 Man Squad

[Tom Ando]

JOC (James O'Connor) was brilliant a couple of years ago at 10 at test level.

Key words being "a couple of years ago". When you have specialist 10's who are in form, you don't choose a predominate fullback/winger to play 10 because of a position he had to fill 3 years ago due to injury and the likes.

 

[daz]

I think Deans's obsession with defending in the line is that he doesn't want to hide him in defence, he has tried that and has decided it just doesn't work in test rugby.

If he wants to be kick return unit, then play him at 15.

Frankly, Deans needs to try something different and perhaps not always rely on the "names".

1 3N trophy in 5 years tells me something has gotta change in the setup.

 

[lewisr]

Frankly, Deans needs to try something different and perhaps not always rely on the "names".

1 3N trophy in 5 years tells me something has gotta change in the setup.

Maybe like a new coach?? Just being blunt here, he is now the longest serving Coach we've ever had and I think his time is up at the next contract renewal regardless of his success over the coming years tests. Unless there is a dramatic alteration in the way he plays the Wallabies, his style clearly hasn't suited us and we should be trying someone different. Is there anyone that has arguments to keep Deans going? Would love to hear them

 

[Bowside]

Saying JOC (James O'Connor) was brilliant at test level is like only watching Coopers game's in 2009 v Italy, 2010 v Ireland and then concluding he was also brilliant at test level.

Players get sorted out after the honeymoon period. You can bet Hooper will be somewhat less effective this year than he was last year as well.

I wish him all the best, hope he does well and hope the wallabies can bring it home, but I'm not confident.

 

[fatprop]

Frankly, Deans needs to try something different and perhaps not always rely on the "names".

1 3N trophy in 5 years tells me something has gotta change in the setup.

maybe, but a Lions series isn't the moment to create and implement a new game plan

 

[Bowside]

maybe, but a Lions series isn't the moment to create and implement a new game plan

Neither is a world cup year.

 

[qwerty51]

Neither is a world cup year.

It is when the style of rugby you're playing the previous years is not conducive to winning WCs. Only thing I give credit to Deans for in his tenure is the change at 12 from 2010-11.

 

[daz]

maybe, but a Lions series isn't the moment to create and implement a new game plan

Possibly fp, but sticking to the status quo has not set the world on fire. Why not shake things up a bit? What is the worst that could happen, apart from a series loss?

 

[Dave Beat]

There is plenty of attack in the squad selected. Just among the backs, JOC (James O'Connor), Lilo, Folau, Ioane, Genia and Tomane are all dangerous attacking players. Horne and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) are not playmakers, but they are both dangerous runners as we've seen in recent weeks. Even Barnes can play attacking rugby under the right circumstances.

Attack,
Gee some experienced combinations there, I'm sure they will all know what each other are doing.
Looks like we will have a 9, 10', 12, 13, 15 (foloau) combo who have never played test football together in their respective positions.
YeeHaa - can't wait to see how Dingo pulls this off, he'll choose Barnes at 12 or 15, a player who has had limited game time, and a great kicking game.

Gee hope QC (Quade Cooper) is one of he 6.

 

[Brumbieman]

maybe, but a Lions series isn't the moment to create and implement a new game plan

What's the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result?

I don't see it as any different. We've won diddly fucking squat, and played the worst rugby i've ever seen the Wallabies play, for the past 2 years of this 'gameplan'/players Deans favours.

I think ANYTIME would be good to try something new. Or better off, cut him loose and bring Link in. At least he has a proven ability to get the best out of key members of the team, as well as play a different gameplan each week to very high levels of success.

 

[cyclopath]

NO... its best I dont as it will stray the Thread off topic

I'm pretty sure naming players you would select, in a selection thread, would not be off topic. But maybe that's not the real reason you would rather not name names?

 

[biggsy]

I'm pretty sure naming players you would select, in a selection thread, would not be off topic. But maybe that's not the real reason you would rather not name names?

There are a few more players to be selected yet, see who they are and then I will name names when the squad is finalized.

 

[Scotty]

Brumbies 5, Reds 7, Waratahs 10 ..

If TPN and Smith weren't injured it would likely have been:

Brumbies 6 Reds 5 Tahs 11

11? So either a) the Tahs are under performers and badly coached or b) there are some selections that are not form based.

 

[Ash]

There's a lot of justification of why Cooper should be there, and why he shouldn't, but really I think it's personal with Deans (despite the denials). I just can't see Deans selecting Cooper unless absolutely forced.

Greg Growden's opinion supports this:
http://www.espnscrum.com/australia/rugby/story/183014.html

He claims that Barnes and Lealiifano were also selected as flyhalves, and Beale would be the next if he's ready to play. That puts Cooper in at 5th best, if that, in Deans' estimations. If Beale is available, I would expect that Cooper won't be in the next 6, either.

 

[cyclopath]

I can't see what Horne has bought to any Tahs game this year. He is hardly a standout. Form in one game doesn't constitute Wallabies selection. And I named 3 players who I think have been playing better rugby, consistently this year. So being in the top 4 isn't good enough for Wallabies selection. Great. You are in the top 4. There are 5 Super Rugby teams. Playing only 2 games in that position didn't stop Deans from making other choices based on limited game time in that position. Dean's premise for O'Connor's fly half selection was because "he served them well" in the 2010 Spring Tour. a few games in the Wallaby 10 jumper, 3 years ago. No doubt James should be in there. But I think he is better off at Fullback and Wing where is normally plays.

This really is drivel.
Horne has played really good Super rugby footy for the Tahs at 12 this season - aggressive running the ball, a few offloads, making tackles well and providing a really good combo with AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) for the Tahs. Given the style of 12 Deans has repeatedly favoured, it is no surprise he is there. I would like to see how Lealiifano goes - I think he is a terrific player. As far as players consistently playing 12 this year go, he's in the top couple. McCabe has been semi-busted, Fainga'a has played more 13, Tapuai (whom I rate) has been going backwards unfortunately, and Godwin is raw, but is the future. For now, for the Lions it is hardly surprising that Horne has got the nod.

 

[Inside Shoulder]

Players get sorted out after the honeymoon period.

Amen

 

[Scotty]

Meltdown mostly averted. Thankfully we had at least a month to get used to get used to the no Quade idea. While I don't agree the back line is still capable and could have been worse.

Pretty clear now that it was the ARU or Deans himself that leaked the information from the other coaches.

 

[Penguin]

This really is drivel.
Horne has played really good Super rugby footy for the Tahs at 12 this season - aggressive running the ball, a few offloads, making tackles well and providing a really good combo with AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) for the Tahs. Given the style of 12 Deans has repeatedly favoured, it is no surprise he is there. I would like to see how Lealiifano goes - I think he is a terrific player. As far as players consistently playing 12 this year go, he's in the top couple. McCabe has been semi-busted, Fainga'a has played more 13, Tapuai (whom I rate) has been going backwards unfortunately, and Godwin is raw, but is the future. For now, for the Lions it is hardly surprising that Horne has got the nod.

Yep, he's a much better 12 than outside centre. I hope he takes his chances this time & also hope he doesn't break.

 

[cyclopath]

Yep, he's a much better 12 than outside centre. I hope he takes his chances this time & also hope he doesn't break.

I agree. Whether he is a good quality international 12, we will see. But he has done pretty much all that has been asked of him at 12 by Cheika. Durability will always be a question mark.

 

[Blue]

Also, perhaps if Deans focused on physicality in the numbers 1-8, a physical 10 would not be as important.

When exactly did that become one of the more important traits of a 10 anyway? Obviously you can't have liabilities out there but when did we start to look for "physicality" from out playmakers?

Like last night? Not taking control behind a forward pack that was getting more than enough pill.

He was decidedly average.

Whilst he has been improving all season, last night was a step back.

Be a team man that displays all the attributes of the field that you will give it your all and a coach will forgive you inconsistency.

Publicly piss on the jersey and you have no leeway whatsoever. That's life.

Having said that I would still pick him but I am not in Robbie's shoes.