Wallabies vs All Blacks 10th August @Optus Stadium Perth

[KOB1987]

Reasonable argument that there is only space for one of Hooper or Pocock in a matchday 23. Not much point taking two 7s, particularly with Samu who covers all three spots.

There's plenty of point when one is Hooper and the other is Pocock.

 

[Joe Blow]

I’d say so. Naisarani brings exactly what was needed to compliment the pooper. With Pocock we also all of a sudden have massive breakdown presence and increased defensive capability. He gets through at least as much work as any tight 5 player.

If he remains fit Cheika will probably mix it up a bit but revert to the pooper for the big games.

 

[dru]

Can’t drop Dempsey yet. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) hasn’t proven at 6. Edit and Jones was less than impressive

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Reasonable argument that there is only space for one of Hooper or Pocock in a matchday 23. Not much point taking two 7s, particularly with Samu who covers all three spots.

Pocock covers 7 and 8, and as much as big fan of Samu - Pocock would get the bench spot behind Hooper every day of the week. And yes you could argue for Pocock starting over Hooper but no point going there. And that means unless injury means Samu sadly would miss out on match day 23.

 

[KOB1987]

I’d say so. Naisarani brings exactly what was needed to compliment the pooper. With Pocock we also all of a sudden have massive breakdown presence and increased defensive capability. He gets through at least as much work as any tight 5 player.

If he remains fit Cheika will probably mix it up a bit but revert to the pooper for the big games.

Interestingly I think Pocock would have to play 7 to maximise the breakdown presence and Hooper play 6, his style is more of a 6 anyway, without the size. No-one has stepped up at 6, I reckon it will happen. Subject to Poey's fitness of course.

 

[Up the Guts]

No disrespect to LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) because I think he’s a great bench lock option but apart from the lineout playing the Pooper with Naisarani can only be an upgrade from LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto). He had something like 5 touches and 4 of them were turnovers conceded. I wish Valetini had got a shot in the last few games though, he seems to have the best skillset of any 6 we have.

 

[Viking]

Reasonable argument that there is only space for one of Hooper or Pocock in a matchday 23. Not much point taking two 7s, particularly with Samu who covers all three spots.

Pocock covers all 3 spots too? Cheika has played him at 6 and 8 in the past.

I'd rather Pocock then Samu, unlucky for Samu but that's the reality.

 

[Viking]

I’d say so. Naisarani brings exactly what was needed to compliment the pooper. With Pocock we also all of a sudden have massive breakdown presence and increased defensive capability. He gets through at least as much work as any tight 5 player.

If he remains fit Cheika will probably mix it up a bit but revert to the pooper for the big games.

All true around the park...except we lose a solid line-out option.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Pocock covers all 3 spots too? Cheika has played him at 6 and 8 in the past.



I'd rather Pocock then Samu, unlucky for Samu but that's the reality.

I hope at least Samu gets RWC squad place as if he was to miss out I would feel after his Super Rugby season form he would have every reason to feel very unlucky.

 

[Derpus]

Be madness not to take him.

 

[dru]

Pocock covers all 3 spots too? Cheika has played him at 6 and 8 in the past.

I'd rather Pocock then Samu, unlucky for Samu but that's the reality.

Having played there does not mean he covers the position. He covers 7. 7 only. Outside that you play him out of position.

 

[Derpus]

It sucks we have to wait two whole weeks for this.

 

[Joe Blow]

More time for the boys coming back to get fit

 

[TSR]

So.....wait....... we like the Pooper now?

 

[Up the Guts]

So...wait... we like the Pooper now?

Well, it’d be an upgrade on LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) at 6 but then again most combinations would. I’d like to see Valetini or Dempsey given a shot (even Jones despite his dumb shit on Saturday) before we try the Pooper though.

 

[Ulrich]

Wallabies gotta keep their eyes on Barret

 

[Hawko]

Pocock covers all 3 spots too? Cheika has played him at 6 and 8 in the past.

I'd rather Pocock then Samu, unlucky for Samu but that's the reality.

This is all predicated on a 5:3 bench. If Cheika runs a 6:2 bench then Samu, Hooper and Pocock could play, but probably only one of those three would start. I would start Jones next week to give him a chance to show what he's got. He's not the sort of player you give 15 minutes to show impact, he's more of a workhorse 6 who can get around the park. IMO he's a better balance for the backrow, particularly against the Darkness.

Given the flexibility we have in the backs, we could probably cover 10-15 with just one player - say JOC (James O'Connor) or Pez's other half.

 

[Derpus]

Wallabies gotta keep their eyes on Barret

Didn't he miss anyway? can't remember.

 

[Ulrich]

Didn't he miss anyway? can't remember.

He kicked that one.

 

[Derpus]

Cheeky devil