Wallabies v Scotland, Murrayfield, Sun 30th Oct, 3.30am AEDT

[dru]

We're talking about Hooper for God's sake. If he's back you have to assume he's ready. Start him.

 

[qwerty51]

Holloway is going to be the lock backup.
More suited there than Hanigan.

 

[Tomikin]

We're talking about Hooper for God's sake. If he's back you have to assume he's ready. Start him.

Maybe I just thought of bring him back by the bench, don't think Samu's done much to be dropped, first game back off the bench start the next one.

Just an idea... wouldn't be bothered if he starts either.

 

[Tomikin]

My only issue with this team u have picked is Hanigan @ 6; somewhat handy Super R player, but not a test starter.

Holloway deserves the 6 jumper, and while Nawaqanitawase is an easy starter, I am certain he will debut from the bench; Wright to play in no. 11..

I don't think Holloway deserves the 6 jersey but much of a muchness also Halloway is the lock backup.

 

[dru]

I don't think Holloway deserves the 6 jersey but much of a muchness also Halloway is the lock backup.

If we are really going to be bringing Will Shelton in, our 6 needs to be a hybrid lock/6. I also think Hooper could expect more jumping (with Skill lifting). It doesn't directly impact the Scotland game but if we introduce that player (and bench) now it can only ease the transition later.

 

[stillmissit]

That tap and go was a garbage decision, thats not a positive example of playing “whats in front of you”

Adam, are you talking about Swain?

 

[stillmissit]

I would be starting Lolesio and Foley on the bench. Can you imagine what Finn Russell could do with Foley at 10?

 

[Members Section]

If we are really going to be bringing Will Shelton in, our 6 needs to be a hybrid lock/6. I also think Hooper could expect more jumping (with Skill lifting). It doesn't directly impact the Scotland game but if we introduce that player (and bench) now it can only ease the transition later.

Samu was equal if not our best player across the whole RC & can play anywhere across the back row surely he has to start at least against Scotland

 

[Wilson]

I would be starting Lolesio and Foley on the bench. Can you imagine what Finn Russell could do with Foley at 10?

Finn Russell will have no impact on this game, regardless of who we play at 10 - he's not even in the Scotland squad

 

[dru]

Samu was equal if not our best player across the whole RC & can play anywhere across the back row surely he has to start at least against Scotland

MS I don't disagree with the idea that we should put forward our best 23 and avoid experimentation. Unfortunately if Will Skelton is to take the field then experimentation is exactly what is on the cards and we would need, I think, to build for it. In that case 6 should be a hybrid lock.

IMO Samu will not displace either Hooper or Valetini. Nor does he fit the hybrid lock/6 scenario. Perhaps Samu to bench in this scenario?

The real question is whether the experiment with Will Skelton is worth that disruption. Maybe held for Italy? I'm not saying it is good, just that it seems to me to be the Skelton option.

 

[Members Section]

MS I don't disagree with the idea that we should put forward our best 23 and avoid experimentation. Unfortunately if Will Skelton is to take the field then experimentation is exactly what is on the cards and we would need, I think, to build for it. In that case 6 should be a hybrid lock.

IMO Samu will not displace either Hooper or Valetini. Nor does he fit the hybrid lock/6 scenario. Perhaps Samu to bench in this scenario?

The real question is whether the experiment with Will Skelton is worth that disruption. Maybe held for Italy? I'm not saying it is good, just that it seems to me to be the Skelton option.

WS isnt released for the scot game, so its either pistol pete or JH for the 1st test, maybe tp make things work bobby v can play 6 & pete could play 8? they make it work for the brums

 

[dru]

WS isnt released for the scot game, so its either pistol pete or JH for the 1st test

Yes Will comes in later. I still think that if they desire that to be regular through the EOYT they should be working the 6 role (and the back row generally) knowing that is coming. If Will is just a possible bench or Italy play then stick to our best options.

 

[qwerty51]

I think when your starting locks are going to be Neville and Frost, Skelton is an absolute must to start.

 

[Highlander35]

Hogg, Hastings, Redpath, Harris, White, Christie, J Gray, Ashman and Sutherland will all likely be unavailable because the game sits outside the international window.

Skinner, Haining and Crosbie are all starting in Edinburgh's lineup for this weekend so are presumably unlikely to play, HOyland on the bench has a slightly greater chance but I don't think he'll be seen. WHich leaves a lineup of roughly:

Ollie Smith
Darcy Graham
Mark Bennett
Sione Tuipulotu
Duhan Van Der Merwe
Blair Kinghorn
Ali Price

Jamie Bhatti
George Turner
Zander Fagerson
Scott Cummings
Grant Gilchrist
Jamie Ritchie (c)
Hamish Watson
Matt Fagerson/Jack Dempsey

Dave Cherry
Pierre Schoeman
WP Nel
Richie Gray
Jack Dempsey/Matt Fagerson
George Horne
Ross Thompson
Rufus McLean

Perhaps slightly Glasgow biased in terms of starting front row and reserve backs.

 

[stillmissit]

Finn Russell will have no impact on this game, regardless of who we play at 10 - he's not even in the Scotland squad

I am shocked I assumed he would be first picked. Is he injured or just not picked?

 

[qwerty51]

Townsend explains Russell axe, stripping Hogg's Scotland captaincy

Scotland boss Gregor Townsend has insisted that disciplinary issues played no part in his selection snubs for Finn Russell and Stuart Hogg.

www.rugbypass.com

 

[Lightblue]

So what does our best XV look like for this game? Is it worth giving Nawaqanitawase a run?

1. Slipper (c)
2. Porecki
3. AAA
4. Frost
5. Neville
6. Hanigan (although I'd love to see Gleeson)
7. Hooper
8. Valetini
9. Gordon
10. Foley
11. Wright/Nawaqanitawase
12. Foketi
13. Ikitau
14. Kellaway
15. Banks

16. Fainga'a
17. Gibbon
18. Tupou
19. Holloway
20. Samu
21. White
22. Hodge
23. Petaia

Yes it is definitely worth giving Marky a run….

 

[Froggy]

I think you play Hodge on the bench, that gives you injury cover for every position from 10 to 15, allowing you lots of choice for your other bench back. It allows you to pick Lolesio if you want to give him more game time at 10, or Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase) to try him for impact in the last 20, etc. It just opens up options.

 

[Rugby Head]

Hoping for this:

1. Slipper (c)
2. Porecki
3. AAA
4. Frost
5. Neville
6. Gleeson (Throw him into the fire, if he's struggling, get Samu on early)
7. Hooper
8. Valetini
9. McDermott
10. Foley
11. Nawaqanitawase
12. Foketi
13. Ikitau
14. Kellaway
15. Banks

16. Fainga'a
17. Gibbon
18. Tupou
19. Holloway
20. Samu
21. White
22. Hodge
23. Petaia

 

[wamberal]

Samu to start.