Wallabies 31 Man Squad

[RoffsChoice]

Now that nobody is telling Horne he needs to bulk up to avoid injury, all should be good.

 

[Dave Beat]

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.

Very well put.
The 25 players put forward suggest a very similar game to the past 2 years, and that unfortunately is giving me nothing to look forward to.

On paper I'm concerned about lack of combinations, combinations enable players to play with confidence, instinct, and awareness of players around them. How much match awareness will they get before the first test.

That being said each of the players selected deserved their name to be read out. They others that I would have liked read out, QC (Quade Cooper), MMM, TPN, Smith - I would not have had Barnes.
Not enough game time, and the last 24mths.

 

[Cosmo Jones]

Very well put.
The 25 players put forward suggest a very similar game to the past 2 years, and that unfortunately is giving me nothing to look forward to.

On paper I'm concerned about lack of combinations, combinations enable players to play with confidence, instinct, and awareness of players around them. How much match awareness will they get before the first test.

That being said each of the players selected deserved their name to be read out. They others that I would have liked read out, QC (Quade Cooper), MMM, TPN, Smith - I would not have had Barnes.
Not enough game time, and the last 24mths.

Smith, as in the George smith ruled out after a suspected ACL injury last night? You would not have had barnes? I think after last nights game it would have ben very hard not to pick him, hes in great form and without him the its arguable that the Tahs would have won not to mention his experience with the wallabies. I agree with you on the combinations bit though, thats why i would love to see Cooper in the next 6 (although given his relationship with Deans i find it highly unlikely). His combination with Genia is fundamental to the success of the Reds, sad to not see him in the squad.

On a side note thrilled that McCabe wasn't in the squad!

 

[Tom Ando]

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.

Ant Fainga'a is aggressive with ball in hand and is arguably the best tackler in Australia. I agree with your opinion on Taps, its a real shame. But I think Ant provides more options then just a crash ball. But as you say, Horne fits the game plan that Deans wants. And thats what sucks and thats why I don't particularly rate Horne at the moment. I think the game plan sucks. I think Dean's structure doesn't allow for a creation of space out wide. When you have a back three like Tomane, Izzy and Diggers, the cross kick and chip kick is a stupid option. Play sideline to sideline rugby. Gaps open up. People like Digby and Izzy make use of the created space due to fatigued forwards and scrambling backs, try time. Over and over again. Having someone whose main attribute is the crash ball, doesn't allow for that. IMO I believe Ant has shown he himself can provide good ball out wide, whilst having the option to break the line. This isn't some sort of anti tahs rant, otherwise I would be saying the Lilo is the undisputed 12. He isn't. He is a fantastic option and I'm glad he is in there, but I don't agree with the selection.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Could not agree more Dave. He isn't a once in a generation talent who you should be fitting back in after 2+ years of sporadic appearances due to injury. He's an average international player who gives reliable performances when called upon. With 3 teams showing form, and the other 2 being capable of matching and defeating top teams, with a minimal injury list, I don't consider this the time to be calling on that type of player.

 

[Scotty]

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.

I wonder if the ARU can invoke some sort of clause in Deans contract if he continues to ignore form players due to personal grudges. Are they looking to give him rope to hang himself so the don't need to pay him out to get rid of him?

I can't imagine that Pulver would be happy paying a big top up to a player that has next to no chance of being selected for the wallabies.

 

[Dave Beat]

Smith, as in the George smith ruled out after a suspected ACL injury last night? You would not have had barnes? I think after last nights game it would have ben very hard not to pick him, hes in great form and without him the its arguable that the Tahs would have won not to mention his experience with the wallabies. I agree with you on the combinations bit though, thats why i would love to see Cooper in the next 6 (although given his relationship with Deans i find it highly unlikely). His combination with Genia is fundamental to the success of the Reds, sad to not see him in the squad.

On a side note thrilled that McCabe wasn't in the squad!

Cosmo I haven't seen last nights game yet so can't comment.
The last 2 years worries me with Barnes.

 

[Tex]

Sounds like QC (Quade Cooper) and Robbie still have a bit of beef going on.

This was confirmed to me by a Rebels member of staff and former Wallaby. Very petty if true!

 

[Inside Shoulder]

I wonder if the ARU can invoke some sort of clause in Deans contract if he continues to ignore form players due to personal grudges. Are they looking to give him rope to hang himself so the don't need to pay him out to get rid of him?

I can't imagine that Pulver would be happy paying a big top up to a player that has next to no chance of being selected for the wallabies.

There's a lot going on in this post.
Do you think Deans was asked whether the ARU should top up Cooper's contract?
Who started the feud?
Should a coach be required to pick someone because he has gamed the system sufficiently to receive a top up when, based on his abusive attitude towards the team, he does not deserve a top up?
Should a coach whose livelihood depends on the results of the team be forced to pick anyone?
Does the coach have the final, and therefore only, say in selections?
Does lack of team harmony matter?
Should a disruptive influence who trashed the team and the jersey be picked when he has never retracted the things he said nor admitted his own, at least moral, error in saying the things he did?
Should Khoder Nsser have a say in selections?
Are we yellow or gold? Should we just be yellow and give up on the gold idea?

 

[disco]

I really have no beef with JOC (James O'Connor) playing 10, yes I wanted Quade but if Deans does play Barnes & AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) in the centre I think we have enough attacking fire power as well as quality in defence to win the series. I think Deans will start with Tomane but I think Cummins is a safer bet because I really worry about Tomane & Folau throwing wild passes back inside whenever they look like crossing the sideline that is a very dangerous habit they need to stamp out.

If I could make just one change to the 25 then I'd swap Sai Fainga'a for James Hanson, I think Hanson is better suited for test rugby and I don't really want Fainga'a coming on for a scrum with 5 minutes to go 5 metres out & the game in the balance.

 

[No4918]

Horne is my favourite Tah, rated him as a 13 as well. IMO he will start at 12. Different skillset to Lilo who will likely be on the bench. Pretty clear from the games this week that he is a bigger threat with ball in hand than Fainga'a and McCabe, gives up a little bit in defence but from an attacking point he is the right call. If Taps was in form it would be a closer but he doesn't deserve to be in the squad unfortunately.

Robinson
Moore
Slipper
Simmons
Horwill
Mowen
Gill
Higgers
Genia
JOC (James O'Connor)
Ioane
Horne
AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
Honey Badger
Barnes

Fainga'a, Kepu, Alexander, Timani, Palu, White, Lilo, Folau

 

[p.Tah]

Those who have managed people would generally agree that the secret to a successful team is team harmony. It can be a juggling act dealing with egos but ultimately is paramount that everyone feels loved and no one gets preferential treatment.

I think that ultimately is what is behind Quade's omission. I don't buy into the defensive frailties argument anymore. It is not just Deans being pissed with Quade there is a lot of resentment amongst the squad after his toxic comments last year. That's why he was omitted from the logistics camp.

Quade's advisors have to take a fair bit of blame for getting him into this predicament.

On face value I'd pick Quade in my XV, but if he caused division in the camp I wouldn't pick him.

All Quade can do is play the house down for the Reds and make it impossible for them not to pick him. The team have to want him back playing beside them as well. Quade always says he wants to back himself. Now is his chance. I hope he can do it.

 

[daz]

I wonder if the ARU can invoke some sort of clause in Deans contract if he continues to ignore form players due to personal grudges. Are they looking to give him rope to hang himself so the don't need to pay him out to get rid of him?

I can't imagine that Pulver would be happy paying a big top up to a player that has next to no chance of being selected for the wallabies.

Scotty, this is pure nonsense. For a start, I don't recall RD starting this "feud", and secondly, if QC (Quade Cooper) wanted to be an automatic selection perhaps he should play better?

Finally, while I have no idea if Pulver has any say in Wallaby selection, if he did it would be a disgrace. Nothing to do with RD. I would also suggest that the non-payout thing sailed years ago. Are you suggesting the ARU don't want to pay him out on the final few months of his 5 year contract? That's funny!

I have plenty of beef about RD, but the QC (Quade Cooper) non-selection is not one of them. Happy for QC (Quade Cooper) to stay in the doghouse for a bit longer; he sure hasn't cemented his spot that much just yet.

 

[The Galah]

Shame for White , Burgess must be a monty as back up half . Absolutely applaud the absence of Phipps shame the Tahs weren't smarter.

O'Connor had to be there and team politics have done for QC (Quade Cooper) . Deans wants players like McCabe smart, strong work ethic and do as they're asked (told) which is all the more reason to suspect Horne is well placed to start at 12.

 

[disco]

Well Horne & AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) have been the form centre pairing the last 3 weeks but thats playing under an expansive game plan which is fine but Deans won't play it wide & 2 doesn't usually have a plan.

 

[gel]

Those who have managed people would generally agree that the secret to a successful team is team harmony.

This is true. Those who have managed people also know that this harmony starts and ends with the manager.

 

[Tangawizi]

Deans has lost credibility in my book by excluding Quade from the 25. Quade has played well enough to make the sqaud and I don't believe Deans' justification for excluding him that he wants him playing in the front line in defense for the Reds. Last time I checked, Link was the Reds coach, not Robbie. Hopefully that is soon the case for the Wallabies.

If Robbie came out and said - "We had a massive blowup after the Argentina match last year, and then that little prick tried to get me sacked so he can get stuffed", - I'd definitely believe that.

I just wish English was Robbie's first language, instead of bullshit.

 

[gel]

I should add, I don't necessarily reckon this exactly the team I would pick (duh!) but for the most part is is ok and will do their best to win. The changes I would make would probably be only two or three.

These guys will be brave and play a tough game and this is what deans seems to have evolved our team to be for whatever reason.

It's not really the rugby I like to watch, but there you go.

 

[Train Without a Station]

I should add, I don't necessarily reckon this exactly the team I would pick (duh!) but for the most part is is ok and will do their best to win. The changes I would make would probably be only two or three.

These guys will be brave and play a tough game and this is what deans seems to have evolved our team to be for whatever reason.

It's not really the rugby I like to watch, but there you go.

Gel I agree, but those 2 or 3 changes I make, would be players not in the 25, being in my starting team, probably at the expense of players which actually will end up in the starting thing, which is pretty big really, we're talking 20% of the starting team.

 

[Tangawizi]

The battle is heating up! Between Link and Robbie, that is.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/mckenzie-defends-omitted-cooper-20130519-2juo8.html

McKenzie - Deans' most likely successor as Wallabies coach should Australia lose the series against the Lions and also fail to win back the Bledisloe Cup - said it was ridiculous to suggest that Cooper couldn't tackle.
"What's Quade been doing for the last 13 weeks?" asked McKenzie.
"He defended in the front line last night (against the Cheetahs). He defended there against the Hurricanes.
"It's not Test rugby, but he's tackled at 70 per cent in the front line and he's improved defensively every year I've been at the Reds.
"He's more dominant in the tackle and he's more aggressive.
"And he's played more minutes for us this season than anyone and there's players in the (Wallabies) squad who have barely played a game."
McKenzie also questioned O'Connor's defensive starch, claiming he had been "speedbumped" while playing for the Melbourne Rebels.