Wallabies vs All Blacks 10th August @Optus Stadium Perth

[VassMan]

Ioane to make a fool of Hodge. Then hopefully selectors realise something and he drops out of the 31 altogether. I can only think that they are keeping him there cause they know Petaia will be there soon.

 

[Shaker]

I am not too fussed. Think he will provide some more attacking threat at the breakdown, which we are lacking with Hooper and no Pocock. Although I do think he can provide more impact coming off the bench.

Thats the key for me, he doesnt even start for the Tahs, why are we starting him for the Wallabies. Hes a decent bench options but i guess the World Cup is the ultimate aim. Just would like to see us go strong for the Bledisloe seeing as we havent won it in forever.

 

[Tex]

Reports I read have O'Connor and Kerevi switching positions depending on attack vs defence, with Kerevi defending at 12 and attacking at 13.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Well, I'm over getting all bitter and twisted by Cheika's (and his co-selectors) selections. I will say that it now looks like the second row and loosies are established. Still experimenting in the front row.

 

[Slim 293]

Reports I read have O'Connor and Kerevi switching positions depending on attack vs defence, with Kerevi defending at 12 and attacking at 13.

With Nathan Grey at the helm, what could go wrong?

But I do fear we’re going to smoked in those channels.........

We should have the lineout won, except we’ve gone with Latu, so we’ll see........ but we’re likely going to lose the breakdown contest.

 

[Dan54]

6. Savea 7. Cane - The Caveat

Well it shows how much I know, didn't see them starting these 2 together, but think it confirms that Jacobson was probably going to be 6 if he fit?? I a little worried about lineouts, but hopefully they got a plan to cover that, i more than happy to see how this works, and wonder will we see Read and Savea swap depending on field position! Although not sure how they will handle Savea jumping at 6? I prefer this line up to having Fifita there. Always can bring on PT and move Barrett to 6 if lineout becomes problem I suppose.
Pretty pleased to see ALB and Goodhue in centres, and Bridge covering back 3. With the back up props named can see ABs trying to play pretty fast game? And Lumpy to come on to run at tired defence?

 

[BDA]

Bit concerned about this team. Cheika seems to love playing guys out of position and there's a strong chance we'll pay for it on Saturday. The only hope we have is to beat them at set piece. If the scrum and lineout can get the upper hand we might be able to stay in striking distance. Otherwise, New Zealand by 20.

 

[Dan54]

Have to say I a little surprised that Foley not even on bench for Wallabies, seem to be putting faith in the fact that To'omua just had bad outing last game.

 

[dru]

Well, I'm over getting all bitter and twisted by Cheika's (and his co-selectors) selections. I will say that it now looks like the second row and loosies are established. Still experimenting in the front row.

This.

It is a reasonable side when you consider:

• the available talent, form, and desire for Bled
• Up n coming RWC, 3 games left, really need to offer a chance of combinations building where you are making a stand, but also a need to nail last moment experimentation - especially with guys returning from Europe.

I remain fascinated with how the strategy is building and the intentions with game play. ABs a decent test.
Overall, about as good as it's going to get at this point in time. Does not make me think we are a shoe in, but I feel I can understand what is going on (not a bad step up from recent years).

 

[Silverado]

Have to say I a little surprised that Foley not even on bench for Wallabies, seem to be putting faith in the fact that To'omua just had bad outing last game.

I see your point, but To'omua covers more positions than Foley who I view as a 10 only. Unless Lilo gets injured he'll play 80 mins. To'omua must perform in whatever position he comes on or he should be moved on

 

[fatprop]

I see your point, but To'omua covers more positions than Foley who I view as a 10 only. Unless Lilo gets injured he'll play 80 mins. To'omua must perform in whatever position he comes on or he should be moved on

does he really? The only spot To'omua covers to a better than Foley is 12 - and with JOC (James O'Connor) & Beale there already .......... that is covered

I think it is more about a plan to play field position and continue to keep the ball close to the pigs to limit opportunities from turnovers.

 

[KOB1987]

To'omua is probably still auditioning for a spot on the plane as well. Almost guaranteed they'll start next week with Genia & Foley in the halves

 

[Set piece magic]

Time for a good news bad news

Bad news: In my opinion the Wallabies have beaten the full strength NZ team twice in about 10 years, 2015 and 2011.
Good news; it was both world cup years

Great news: I'm still tipping a win for the true believers

 

[TSR]

Not a huge fan of Latu, but with that back row I see the logic of starting him. At least we’ll hopefully have a breakdown presence and, if anything, he is even stronger in the scrum then Fainga’a.

Gee I hope he nails his throws though.

 

[Joe Blow]

Is there anything conceptually wrong with having our 12 providing the attacking impetus and our 13 being a largely defensive figure? Defense wins games.

No, but if we want to score tries then our 12 and 13 should be able to distribute, particularly with Beale, Banks and Koroibete outside.

 

[KOB1987]

I'm still quite bemused about the retention of both Hodge and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto). They are the positions that actually need experimentation. Neither are Tahs so the tin foil hatters are out of luck..

 

[barbarian]

LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)'s vote in the John Eales medal last year spoke volumes - it's clear he is held in very high regard by the playing group.

 

[Derpus]

Have to say I a little surprised that Foley not even on bench for Wallabies, seem to be putting faith in the fact that To'omua just had bad outing last game.

To'omua is the least deserving Wallaby in the entire squad as far as im concerned. At least JOC (James O'Connor) had some half decent form at Sale. To'omua was slated before he came back from Europe, did nothing for Rebels in limited time and has been average to poor in all Wallaby outings (being played out of position at 10).

 

[VassMan]

Are they just playing To'omua and JOC (James O'Connor) cause they had to dangle the Wallaby and World Cup carrot for them to bring them home to play Aus Super?

 

[RugbyReg]

Are they just playing To'omua and JOC (James O'Connor) cause they had to dangle the Wallaby and World Cup carrot for them to bring them home to play Aus Super?

I would very much doubt it.