Wallabies vs Lions , 19th July Suncorp

[emuarse]

I don't think Lynagh's game is more complete right now.

I agree that Lolesio and Donaldson have both been ho hum at test level. It's largely why Lolesio never really nailed down the spot despite being first choice for most of the last 3+ years.

Lynagh has barely played at test level and (I think it is either Strewthcobber or KOB's stat) that he has only passed the ball a handful of times and never in the opposition half. So far there's basically no evidence of him doing anything (good or bad) at test level in his limited appearances.

At Super Rugby level where we've seen them all play a fair bit they look like much of a muchness to me. Lynagh is younger so it's reasonable to assume some development but at this point it's all projection. I don't think it is a reasonable position to think that the Wallabies are in a stronger position this weekend with Lynagh instead of Lolesio or Donaldson. That to me seems like pure hope.

My view on Lynagh is that he probably isn't the future at 10 for the Wallabies (and if he is, it will continue to be rough sledding for the Wallabies). He's too small and isn't a plus athlete so is already at a significant disadvantage to 10s from the other top 10 nations. I have felt the same about Lolesio for the last few years. I don't think any of these guys are good enough to be the long term solution.

Hopefully we will have someone come through in the next couple of years and it will be crystal clear that we've finally got an option that looks like a long term solution at 10 for the Wallabies.

It is very annoying and shows some opinioned rugby guru's are so far from the game when they keep cricising a flyhalf for beign small.
So many of the great flyhalves are small, agile, & quick thinking players, who know how to vary & control the game. Perhaps Tom Lynaugh is yet to prove himself on the international stage is one thing, but to keep saying he's too small is an insult to the other abilities he possesses.

 

[Derpus]

If I recall he topped the tackle count…

I think my point stands. His poor reads and lateral movement were exploited by Fiji leading directly to points. Just as it was by the Chiefs in the semi-final.

Any good team will target him.

He gets through a lot of work and makes a lot of tackles in tight but I dont think that necessarily means his defence is good.

 

[Slim 293]

According to Doran’s updated article…

Valetini, Gleeson, Skelton and Tupou are all out…

Champion de Crespigny to start.

 

[Filipo Daugunu]

According to Doran’s updated article…

Valetini, Gleeson, Skelton and Tupou are all out…

Champion de Crespigny to start.

Is this reading as both Tupou and Skelton were overlooked for selection? or are they both injured? or is just Skelton injured?

Nick Champion at 6 is really good. This bloke is exactly what the Wallabies have been missing. Has really opened up for him with Valetini and Gleeson both injured, and Hooper covering 2nd row with Skelton being overlooked/injured,

 

[Derpus]

According to Doran’s updated article…

Valetini, Gleeson, Skelton and Tupou are all out…

Champion de Crespigny to start.

Holy shit…

 

[Mr Pilfer]

This is a bloody disaster. The only reason I thought we were a chance in this series was because we had a full strength side to pick from and now we have potentially lost what 4 or 5 in a week

I bloody hope he is not starting bell on the bench again cos we need some ball runners and agree LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) should be brought on to the bench

 

[Derpus]

It’s definitely a recurring theme…

 

[upthereds#!]

This is a bloody disaster. The only reason I thought we were a chance in this series was because we had a full strength side to pick from and now we have potentially lost what 4 or 5 in a week

I bloody hope he is not starting bell on the bench again cos we need some ball runners and agree LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) should be brought on to the bench

Ball runners and guys who can stop ball runners in their tracks and even drive them back. Frost may be our highest tackler, but usually gives up metres in the process so eventually they can just fall over the try line even with a 100% tackle efficiency.

 

[Purce]

Fark me what is going on with all these injuries? Noah I get, do we know if the rest are training injuries? Influenced by load or surface?

At least we have a bit more depth in the piggies now. Losing both Bobby and Gleeson sucks. Our most dynamic backrow ball carriers. Hooper and NCD will do a job, just different.

Like others i cannot see why LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) isn't selected. He has played bloody well against the Lions and proved last year he is a good test performer.

I think paisami has to be in the 23. We have zero legit centre coverage outside of the starters. Was interesting to head the GBR NZ boys praising him on a recent podcast.

Lynagh into the fire. Good luck to him.

 

[Tomthumb]

Honestly this is all starting to feel very Eddie Jones in terms of the prep.

Talked about prioritizing players that signed with Australian rugby, only to then pick all the departing players in the squad, Picked a guy an hour and a half before the squad announcement that had never even been part of the group, picked an injury prone 22 year old to start his first test at 10 after not taking him on the end of year tour, refusal to name a captain, 4 training injuries in the lead up to a Test match. And now picking another debutant at blindside over an experienced and in-form Tom Hooper

I hope it all works out but none of this feels greatly planned

 

[KOB1987]

It sounds like Skelton and Tupou just haven’t been selected. No real mention of Tupou in the article and the only mention of Skelton is that Schmidt said he is further ahead in his recovery than Valetini, who is expected to be fit next week. Gleeson did a hammy this week but doesn’t say how bad. There is always the possibility there is a bit of foxing going on here.

 

[Running_rugby_1954]

Man you go to bed and wake up to this..

 

[rugbyAU]

Honestly this is all starting to feel very Eddie Jones in terms of the prep.

Talked about prioritizing players that signed with Australian rugby, only to then pick all the departing players in the squad, Picked a guy an hour and a half before the squad announcement that had never even been part of the group, picked an injury prone 22 year old to start his first test at 10 after not taking him on the end of year tour, refusal to name a captain, 4 training injuries in the lead up to a Test match. And now picking another debutant at blindside over an experienced and in-form Tom Hooper

I hope it all works out but none of this feels greatly planned

I didn't watch many Force games? Is Nick CDC that good/test quality?

 

[rugbyAU]

It sounds like Skelton and Tupou just haven’t been selected. No real mention of Tupou in the article and the only mention of Skelton is that Schmidt said he is further ahead in his recovery than Valetini, who is expected to be fit next week. Gleeson did a hammy this week but doesn’t say how bad. There is always the possibility there is a bit of foxing going on here.

Yep just says they've missed selection