Wallabies v Italy, Florence, Sun 13th Nov 12am AEDT
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Gordon was 1st choice halfback for both Bledisloe tests before we went into this three way roatation for the Spring Tour. Not sure you can argue he's a downgrade
Marce
John Hipwell (52)
The most important thing about it. If you are a Top 3 like NZ, you consistenly beat the best teams in the world. If you are a Top 10 nation like Italy, you are Italy
Is it the same to you to be New Zealand or Italy?
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
emuarse
Chilla Wilson (44)
Actually probably his Dick Tracey watch.
You have Hanigan in the backrow, so there are plenty of jumping options
dru
David Wilson (68)
Wam - my hands down preference would be no experimentation and to stick and pick. I get the Skelton thing along with the necessary impacts it brings but I don't rotation would not have been my first consideration on a European tour.
Certainly doing so has implications wrt work load. I'm happy Rennie is in control and get behind his call here. I still worry about that hubris. Clearly our ranking is not a KPI.
Though it has been suggested that Will might be better suited to lifting one of the smaller back rowers - eg Hooper. Skelton is unlikely to be any faster getting off the ground nor less likely to broadcast it. Doesn't mean he can't be an option, just less likely to be considered a primary jumper.
PhilClinton
Mark Loane (55)
Noah's future in gold will be the main talking point during/after this match.
If he steers the team around well and the Wallabies put in a good show with a convincing win, I think it's likely he comes back into the picture for the Ireland game. In contrast, I reckon if the Wallabies struggle in a close game, his Gold stocks will really plummet to the point where he may not see RWC23.
Again, not trying to be disrespectful to the Italians, but skill wise our team should really have them here and it's just up to executing the right gameplan.
If he steers the team around well and the Wallabies put in a good show with a convincing win, I think it's likely he comes back into the picture for the Ireland game. In contrast, I reckon if the Wallabies struggle in a close game, his Gold stocks will really plummet to the point where he may not see RWC23.
Again, not trying to be disrespectful to the Italians, but skill wise our team should really have them here and it's just up to executing the right gameplan.
Dctarget
Tim Horan (67)
Resting Kellaway is interesting. Are they wrapping him in cotton wool as he's next in line for fullback after Campbell?
John S
Chilla Wilson (44)
Interesting write up in the SMH - DR's comments on Darcy Swain returning - not wanting him to get a reputation (which I think is closing the barn door after that horse has bolted)
"Returning for the Wallabies, via the bench, is second-rower Darcy Swain, who was suspended for six weeksfollowing an ugly cleanout on New Zealand’s Quinn Tupaea in September’s Bledisloe Cup opener.
It made Swain public enemy No.1 in New Zealand. Swain, who didn’t want to be interviewed about the hit this week, spoke to the Canberra Times last month about the incident.
“I knew I’d stuffed up straight away,” Swain said. “If I could take it back, I would. It was a mistake and for that I’ll always be sorry.”
Rennie said he had spoken to Swain about what was expected in his comeback match, following another two-week suspension earlier in the year for a headbutt on England’s Jonny Hill.
“What we don’t want is him getting a reputation,” Rennie said. “His first suspension was provoked. I think if the officials had done a better job when he got punched in the face and then his hair pulled and elbowed, maybe he wouldn’t have retaliated. Anyway, he did, and he’s got to wear that.
“He’s learned from that and the last one was clumsy. It’s not malicious. He’s trying to be physical but he was pretty inaccurate. We still want him to be physical but he’s got to be accurate.”
www.smh.com.au
"Returning for the Wallabies, via the bench, is second-rower Darcy Swain, who was suspended for six weeksfollowing an ugly cleanout on New Zealand’s Quinn Tupaea in September’s Bledisloe Cup opener.
It made Swain public enemy No.1 in New Zealand. Swain, who didn’t want to be interviewed about the hit this week, spoke to the Canberra Times last month about the incident.
“I knew I’d stuffed up straight away,” Swain said. “If I could take it back, I would. It was a mistake and for that I’ll always be sorry.”
Rennie said he had spoken to Swain about what was expected in his comeback match, following another two-week suspension earlier in the year for a headbutt on England’s Jonny Hill.
“What we don’t want is him getting a reputation,” Rennie said. “His first suspension was provoked. I think if the officials had done a better job when he got punched in the face and then his hair pulled and elbowed, maybe he wouldn’t have retaliated. Anyway, he did, and he’s got to wear that.
“He’s learned from that and the last one was clumsy. It’s not malicious. He’s trying to be physical but he was pretty inaccurate. We still want him to be physical but he’s got to be accurate.”
Late injury and illness drama for Wallabies before Italy clash
Australia could be forced to bring in replacements before next week’s crunch match against Ireland. But first, a tricky assignment awaits in Florence.
John S
Chilla Wilson (44)
Maybe they think Wright actually had a better game last week? Or as Wright is only just back, get him some more game time and rest AK (Andrew Kellaway)?
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
I kind of agree and think I would have fully been behind this 18 months ago. I'm more keen to see him play 5 games in a row for the Reds. He gets up every time after a tackle like he's been shot. Weve all seen the glimpses of brilliance, but he needs to be a bit more robust.
PhilClinton
Mark Loane (55)
You wonder at what stage part of those reactions become habitual, he's had that many injuries and now a few concussions, every time he stands up and feels a bit off, he probably thinks he's on the side-lines again for a month.
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
Absolutely. Not fussed about having slightly less line out options if we get more front foot ball around the field.
If our Hooker can throw accurately which has been its own issue then having 2 primary jumpers is fine. 60% will go to the main guy anyway then split the rest between others. Know your calls, get in there and execute. As soon as the Wallabies seem to stall and have to figure it out it goes to shit.
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
That's why I'd love to see him play multiple back to back starts for the Reds. Get through them unscathed hopefully and then the injury memories start fading away.
LeCheese
Greg Davis (50)
The fact that Petaia's coming back from a minor injury is probably a factor in why he's not starting too - on form for Rennie.
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