Wallabies v Wales, 6 July

[Yokohama Slim]

Go Wallabies.

 

[cyclopath]

Pietsch is a worse call than Wright if true. I have a few doubts but Wright has undoubtedly been in good form and has all the skills.

Pietsch has pace and is reasonably physical but otherwise is lacking in all of the skills of a top line winger.

You do like a good hyperbole.

 

[Mr Pilfer]

I like Wright and hope he does well but not convinced he holds a starting spot for long with strong competition from Leota, Wilson, Hooper etc

AAA or McReight would have been the safer calls but let’s see how he goes

 

[Steve_Grey]

Pietsch is a #7 playing #11 - if we have gas on the other wing it could work. He has a problem finishing, but his work rate is high.

 

[eastman]

Pietsch has always been more of an athlete than a rugby player; hence the multiple switching off positions during his career to try to best use his physical capabilities (number 8, centre and now wing).

Wing looks like the long term solution as it’s less technical than the others. Honestly I think he’ll be fine against Wales and Georgia but will be outclassed against top opposition.

 

[GTPIH]

The stadium is new so I haven't been to it (though have been to it's predecessor). Give it 30 mins though. Drinks before/after on Oxford Street. If you're going by train you'll need to allow a good 20 mins walk.

Or catch the light rail

 

[Joe Blow]

I think Daugunu on the wing makes more sense than Lancaster at this stage.

No longer has the raw speed and Lancaster has the height to be a threat in the air. Ditto for under the high ball in defence.

 

[TSR]

IMO the best backrowers in Super Rugby for the Aussie teams were Wilson, McReight, Wright, Cale, Valetini & Swinton. Throw Leota in there if you want. With Swinton and Wilson out (plus Leota) and assuming Valetini & McReight are in their spots the choice between Wright & Cale becomes a choice of styles/priorities.

Over the last few years Australia has desperately needed someone to do the graft work at breakdown.

Wrights selection as our starting 6 makes perfect sense IMO.

 

[John S]

Nine months ago, the Wallabies were flogged by Wales. This week, they’re strong favourites ... to beat Wales

The bin fire of Australian rugby in 2023 has been largely forgotten, it seems, with the Wallabies tipped to down the touring Welsh on Saturday.

www.smh.com.au

The build up has started - Ian Payten in SMH writing that Wobs are favourites to win at $1.15, and Wales long odds at $5.85.

Most quotes in this article from Wales, none from the Aussie camp.

 

[Derpus]

You do like a good hyperbole.

Of all the ridiculous shit I've said here I don't think that is one of them. He is deficient in all the key skills like passing, kicking, finishing and decision making.

 

[Slim 293]

This was my take on the Wallabies thread...

The choice of Wright, with his skillset, going forward opens up some flexibility with backrow combinations depending on the game...

You probably have Wright and Valetini as the two constants at 6/7 or 8/6 respectively, and then you've got options with McReight, Cale, or even Hooper depending on the game.

I'm actually surprised by some of the reactions... he's probably the unheralded hero of the Reds' backrow IMO.

And here is a bit of Wright's breakdown analysis from a few months ago:

The understated flanker who could be just what Joe Schmidt is looking for

Liam Wright hasn’t pulled on the gold jersey since 2020, but he might not be far off Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies radar.

www.rugbypass.com

Smart breakdown operator, pilferer, and good in the lineout...

I'd say he's a good chance to be a permanent member of the backrow.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

It does feel strange we are nitpicking Wright and while it took me by surprise he's up to standard when we will see some guys who straight up aren't involved in Tests at some stage.

Reminds me of Ben Mowen situation tbh. Gonna suck now if he signs overseas

 

[TSR]

The other thing I like about Wright’s selection is he’s a good example of a guy given some exposure early then set away to work on his short comings. After several years of growth (and a couple of injuries) his game has progressed and he has now added some grunt to his game smarts and work rate and, at face value, seems more likely to make his mark at test level.

 

[LeCheese]

The other thing I like about Wright’s selection is he’s a good example of a guy given some exposure early then set away to work on his short comings. After several years of growth (and a couple of injuries) his game has progressed and he has now added some grunt to his game smarts and work rate and, at face value, seems more likely to make his mark at test level.

I think it wasn't so much that he was sent away to work on things (i.e. H Wilson), more that he was unavailable due to injury, or not really selectable due to limited game time he'd seen as a result.

Probably a hot take from a one-eyed Reds fan, but I reckon his form has been consistent enough across the last few seasons that he would've been in the Wobs picture if available.

 

[fatprop]

Wright’s selection solves multiple problems

He can be our new "Hanigan" blamed for every loss whilst getting shit done and playing his role

 

[Eastcoast]

Pietsch cant play on the wing for the Wallabies. Never nice to knock a bloke, good solid player, but not National team quality at this point. There were periods throughout the year that he would have been better in Shute Shield rather than Waratahs level. Ill be taking Wales with the line if some of these selections happen.

 

[Braveheart81]

Pietsch has always been more of an athlete than a rugby player; hence the multiple switching off positions during his career to try to best use his physical capabilities (number 8, centre and now wing).

I'd have gone in the opposite direction. I think he's a really good rugby player who isn't necessarily suited to a particular position. His overall skillset is pretty good it just isn't ideal for any position.

As a Waratahs fan though who will be attending on Saturday I wholly support the a potential token Waratahs selection.

 

[TSR]

I think it wasn't so much that he was sent away to work on things (i.e. H Wilson), more that he was unavailable due to injury, or not really selectable due to limited game time he'd seen as a result.

Probably a hot take from a one-eyed Reds fan, but I reckon his form has been consistent enough across the last few seasons that he would've been in the Wobs picture if available.

Sent away is probably the wrong way to put it, but he did go out of favour. I’m pretty sure he got left out a couple of times even when available. But maybe my recollection is wrong.

Agree that he’s been excellent for the Reds when he’s been available, but I’m pretty sure he said himself earlier in the season that with Les Kiss’ guidance he specifically trained to add some bulk and strength and I think it’s helped him advance his game even further.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Sent away is probably the wrong way to put it, but he did go out of favour. I’m pretty sure he got left out a couple of times even when available. But maybe my recollection is wrong.

Agree that he’s been excellent for the Reds when he’s been available, but I’m pretty sure he said himself earlier in the season that with Les Kiss’ guidance he specifically trained to add some bulk and strength and I think it’s helped him advance his game even further.

He just kept having season-ending injuries in Super Rugby. He's had six major injuries since 2021. Never out of favour, just never fit to be selected

 

[fatprop]

Pietsch cant play on the wing for the Wallabies. Never nice to knock a bloke, good solid player, but not National team quality at this point. There were periods throughout the year that he would have been better in Shute Shield rather than Waratahs level. Ill be taking Wales with the line if some of these selections happen.

And there were games when his efforts were some of the best in a shitty team that had given up

He is a work rate unit, chases kicks, tackles hard, good in contact and works hard off the ball to provide viable options whilst our more celebrated winger would just waive his hand in the air

There will be better finishes, there will be faster units, but he isn't crap