I realise I'm starting to bore some with my comments on Big Willie, but he simply isn't fit enough for this level of rugby. I made a point of watching him on Saturday night, when he came on he wandered from side to side and positioned himself next to the ruck/breakdown ready to take part in the next one BUT HE DIDN'T. I reckon he didn't hit a ruck for a good five minutes after coming on, fresh 'n' all.
We desperately need tight five forwards for the Wallabies who roll their sleeves up and get stuck into the hard work at the coalface. Coleman does this, as does Mumm when he comes on. Skelton doesn't. Willie needs to go back to NRC and play every minute of every game with one of the coaching staff assigned to counting his involvements while continually revving him up.
Yes I am a bit tired of the 'lets try Skelton again' ploy. He is not test standard, has not been for some time, and shown no evidence he will be for some time, and frankly if ever (hit fitness continues to be an issue). So lets stop going back to the rejects and move forward.
Agree Arnold now back should be the bench option to replace Skelton. And the positive out of what has not been many is that Coleman definitely seems to be a good test standard lock that could only get better if given time and decent run. Got that bit of mongrel that has been missing.
The midfield needs to change. Some options there - not going to rehash all those which many have posted on here. TK no at 13 for the mo, and Foley no for 12. And not sure about Kerevi. I prefer Hodge at 12, Folau at 13 and DHP at 15 please or out. Kellaway in recent NRC games and Waratahs season looks like he could be a 15 in waiting for the Wallabies but probably not this season.
Soon we will be able to field Melbourne Rebels two Fijian wingers as our starting wingers who have pace. Wow a winger with genuine pace - been a long time since had one of those. Funny I thought that was meant to be one of the key qualities of a winger/finisher.
Yes we need a real 8 not the pooper - Timani needs to be given a go. Forget Houston as what I have seen in NRC is he is not test standard. Holloway when returns from injury probably in with a chance to nail 8 and who would have said that last year. Definitely not me. Our cupboards are certainly bear on the 8 front.
Cooper - cripes - yes best what we have to offer. Is there anyone half decent coming through that we should be aware of! Got to be better than lets recycle the rejects. But yes Cooper best option for the moment (and this is from someone who was never a Cooper fan)
Moore - can we just accept he needs to not start at least! Please.