Wallabies V Samoa - Test 2011

[qwerty51]

Speculation on SMH and The Australian seems to think the starting lineup will be as follows:

1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Nathan Sharpe
5. Sitaleki Timani
6. Dave Dennis
7. Matt Hodgson
8. Ben McCalman
9. Nick Phipps
10. Matt Giteau
11. James O'Connor
12. Pat McCabe
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. Rod Davies
15. Mark Gerrard

With rumours of Hanson, Simmons, Samo, Genia on the bench.

Actually is this an attempt a full strength side with no Reds starting? An article did state Pocock has a troublesome foot and Elsom is only light training as well. But what's the story on Beale?

 

[light]

With Elsom again out of this game I hope he doesn't start straight away during the tri-nations. If he's not fit enough now, he needs to slowly be brought back in by way of bench appearances.

 

[Lee Grant]

I can't believe we have all just glossed over Fatcat's knee. Sounds bad, we would be screwed without him. Sending good vibes.

Exactly right - we could end up with the same prop mediocrity we had against England 12 months ago when Daley and Ma'afu started. It won't matter to the result against Samoa but I hope that all of Cat, Slipper and Kepu are fit for 3N. Apart from injuries to Genia and Cooper this is our greatest area of concern for both 3N and the RWC.

There are noises in the SMH that Kepu will be fit enough to come off the bench. At least that will be one of the triumvirate back.

Grumbies is reporting that Horwill is raring to play in the test:

It appears likely that some Reds players will be rested, but their skipper James Horwill was one Queenslander who yesterday stressed he wanted to play at ANZ Stadium.

''I want to play. I haven't played a Test match since 2009,'' Horwill said.

I had forgotten about that.


More in the article here:

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/robinson-knee-injury-adds-another-question-mark-to-wallabies-selection-picture-20110712-1hc8f.html

 

[liquor box]

This looks like we could have the worst team we have fielded for a long time, I hope we dont criticise the Boks too much, we seem to be resting players just as much and claiming injuries.

I realise it is a Test against a potentially lesser nation but we should set an example.

Of the back of the Reds success (and record ratings) we should field a full strength team and show how to score points in an exciting manner and try to grow off the record ratings. Theoretically it would be nice if our national team could get more viewers than a domestic team. I dont think this will happen because of the poor oposition and the poor team.

 

[Scotty]

Speculation on SMH and The Australian seems to think the starting lineup will be as follows:

1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Nathan Sharpe
5. Sitaleki Timani
6. Dave Dennis
7. Matt Hodgson
8. Ben McCalman
9. Nick Phipps
10. Matt Giteau
11. James O'Connor
12. Pat McCabe
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. Rod Davies
15. Mark Gerrard

With rumours of Hanson, Simmons, Samo, Genia on the bench.

Except for Giteau at 10 and Gerrard at 15, I like that team.

 

[Scotty]

This looks like we could have the worst team we have fielded for a long time, I hope we dont criticise the Boks too much, we seem to be resting players just as much and claiming injuries.

I realise it is a Test against a potentially lesser nation but we should set an example.

Of the back of the Reds success (and record ratings) we should field a full strength team and show how to score points in an exciting manner and try to grow off the record ratings. Theoretically it would be nice if our national team could get more viewers than a domestic team. I dont think this will happen because of the poor oposition and the poor team.

No point risking players that are slightly injured, or burnout from Reds players against Samo. The 3N and World cup isn't won in July.

 

[RugbyReg]

assume Sharpie would be skipper of that team, or do you think Gits may get it?

 

[TOCC]

No point risking players that are slightly injured, or burnout from Reds players against Samo. The 3N and World cup isn't won in July.

No, but his point is, Australians a quick to criticize the Bols when they rest players.. but we are doing the same thing..
Yes the situations are vastly different, hut the principle is the same, why burnout players or play those with minor injuries..
Winning the Tri-Nations doesn't win you the RWC, just ask the All Blacks

 

[TOCC]

assume Sharpie would be skipper of that team, or do you think Gits may get it?

Sharpe, Gits or Moore... In that order

 

[Joe Blow]

But this is not the Tri Nations and the point was that all 3 SANZAR sides agreed to and committed to fielding their best test sides in all 3Ns tests.
This is the only test we have this year that gives us a chance to experiment a little and we have some uncapped players in our squad along with a few that have not played test rugby for quite some time.
There is absolutely no issue with not fielding our best side in this one.

 

[TOCC]

Rubbish!

The agreement between SANZAR was reached because of the implications/pressure it had on the broadcasters and crowds.. This is exactly the same..We whinge about CH9 not showing this game in Vic and WA, not exactly putting up a compelling argument by resting players.

If they want to experiment/give exposure/rest players, then this should be Australia A.

My point is, we need to look at ourselves before whinging to much about the Boks.

 

[fatprop]

Except for Giteau at 10 and Gerrard at 15, I like that team.

They are the chosen back ups for Cooper & Beale, it makes sense to start them once before the RWC

 

[Jnor]

Wasn't the announcement this morning? Or is it yet to be made?

My vote to Sharpie for capt, especially if Elsom's still a while away from even training properly

 

[DPK]

Wasn't the announcement this morning? Or is it yet to be made?

11:30

 

[Joe Blow]

Rubbish!

The agreement between SANZAR was reached because of the implications/pressure it had on the broadcasters and crowds.. This is exactly the same..We whinge about CH9 not showing this game in Vic and WA, not exactly putting up a compelling argument by resting players.
If they want to experiment/give exposure/rest players, then this should be Australia A.

My point is, we need to look at ourselves before whinging to much about the Boks.

We will have to agree to disagree on this one TOCC.

 

[RugbyReg]

I reckon Rocky will start and I think Digby will be the only Red (on the wing probably).

McCabe and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) in the centres most likey, with GErrard at fullback.

Rocky will also start I think.

Reckon they'll pick Kepu @ 1 and Alexander @3.

Beau probably on the bench I'm guessing, with Samo and Genia and Hanson.

 

[François]

From the look of things JOC (James O'Connor) stays on his wing.. After all that was discussed among the fans, many of us will be very disappointed ! What does he have to do to be developed in the second 5/8 role at the international stage ?

I'm sure that Deans probably wants him to play a role similar to that of Guilford for the crusaders: roaming around, injecting himself as a ballplayer everywhere and not just as a finisher on his wing. But why wouldn't give him a shot closer to the action if he wants him to look for the ball ?

Oh well.. the man probably knows about rugby than all of us put together.

That being said, the prospect of him combining with Beale from the back is mouth watering : )

 

[Lance Free]

The Wallabies team to play Samoa in the Test at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Sunday is:

15. Mark Gerrard (Melbourne Rebels)
14. James O’Connor (Western Force)
13. Adam Ashley Cooper (Brumbies)
12. Pat McCabe (Brumbies)
11. Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds)
10. Matt Giteau (Brumbies)
9. Nick Phipps (Melbourne Rebels)
8. Ben McCalman (Western Force)
7. Matt Hodgson (Western Force)
6. Rocky Elsom (Brumbies, captain)
5. Nathan Sharpe (Western Force)
4. Sitaleki Timani (NSW Waratahs)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
1. Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)

Reserves:

16. James Hanson (Queensland Reds)
17. To be advised
18. Dan Vickerman (NSW Waratahs)
19. Scott Higginbotham (Queensland Reds)
20. Beau Robinson (Queensland Reds)
21. Will Genia (Queensland Reds)
22. Kurtley Beale (NSW Waratahs)

 

[Groucho]

Rubbish!

The agreement between SANZAR was reached because of the implications/pressure it had on the broadcasters and crowds.. This is exactly the same..We whinge about CH9 not showing this game in Vic and WA, not exactly putting up a compelling argument by resting players.

If they want to experiment/give exposure/rest players, then this should be Australia A.

My point is, we need to look at ourselves before whinging to much about the Boks.

If we didn't give our backup players a run in this game, we'd have to in a Tri-Nations game. There is a world of difference between experimenting at the start of a test season, and falsely claiming your entire first XV is injured at the start of an important tour. There would be no problem at all if South Africa fielded 6 new players in a test. Everyone has to do it from time to time in single games. It is the systematic deception that makes it an affront to rugby.

 

[qwerty51]

Nice team. Looking forward to it.

Any news on how bad Pocock's injury is?