Wallabies Watch

[Paradox]

And while we're on props, Alexander has regularly been shown up as an amazingly average tightead

Which Aus prop performed better than him tight head last year in the tests? It's bemusing how posters keep perpetuating the myth that we have better options than him. He forced his way back into the test side over Kepu, Slipper and co. Palmer is probably the only better scrummaging tight head but Alexander is closing the gap in my opinion. The Brumbies are losing nothing in terms of scrummaging when Alexander slips into tight head. Ryan was chewed up by the Brumby front row although I do rate him. He did have Holmes at hooker as well. Sio and Ryan could make the squad though.

 

[Batman]

Oh come on. Robinson plays loosehead not tighthead. And while we're on props, Alexander has regularly been shown up as an amazingly average tightead. Pyle and Simmons is too lightweight a locking combo. The frontrunners at the moment would be Horwill, Douglas, MMM and Timani - probably in that order. Timani because Deans loves him, not because of any real form concerns. Has Auelua ever played 6 at Soup level? Lilo hasn't played ten this year and that doesn't look likely to change, likewise O'Connor at 12. Speight is ineligible. You've got no lock cover on the bench and do you really think Rathbone is the best utility back cover?

The thing with aussie second rowers no one has proven them selfs throughout the season that that spot is theirs. and yes Auela does play at 6, very well i might add with his performances of knocking people over in south africa, he continuously proves him self to be a person who can get over the advantage line game in game out.Timani does get good go forward however he does lack the defensive ability (try line defense). Lealiifano last year was inline for wallabies selection at 10. he has shown throughout this year that he is a playmaker. lock cover is provided by Higginbotham, and basically the back row as it isnt much of a specialist position. no i didn't know that Speight was ineligible. and again no one is taking those positions into their own

 

[Train Without a Station]

lock cover is provided by Higginbotham

Higgers has never played Lock. Also if Fotu cannot get picked over Kimlin at 6 for the Brumbies, why should he be for the Wallabies?

 

[Paradox]

Having Auelua at #6 would be a pretty fantastic foil to Gill at #7 (even more so with Pocock, looking down the line) as he would allow Gill to focus more on linking and pilfering than carrying and tackling. It would also allow us to insert a #8 into that mix based upon what we want to do. We could put Palu or Samo at #8 if we want to plain old beat the life out of a team or a player like Higgers at #8 if you wanted to run them around the park or maybe exploit a weakness they have defending outside channels, etc.

If you pick a Fotu or Palu, you don't want to tire them out tackling. Your other backrowers need to tackle a lot in order to allow these big men to put everything into their runs (accompanied by the occasional bone rattling hit). You also lose a genuine lineout option at 6. That's why I wouldn't play them (Fotu and Palu) at the same time. I'd start Palu at 8 (with say Gill at 7, Mowen at 6) and bring Fotu off the bench when Palu tires at 50+ minute mark.

 

[Paradox]

Also if Fotu cannot get picked over Kimlin at 6 for the Brumbies, why should he be for the Wallabies?

That's a rather disingenuous post. Often Kimlin goes to lock, Mowen and Fotu interchange between 6 and 8 during the match. I personally wouldn't start Fotu at 6. See my post above.

 

[Train Without a Station]

More often he starts at 6 with Fotu on the bench however. If somebody proposed Kimlin to start at 6, that would be a reasonable option.

 

[Batman]

Higgers has never played Lock.

Higgers last year backed up as a lock for the wallabies given that lock isn't a specialist position.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Higgers last year backed up as a lock for the wallabies given that lock isn't a specialist position.

He never packed a scrum at lock. Did he even play off the bench at all last year?

 

[Paradox]

Kimlin is pretty strong at both 6 and lock. A pretty handy bench player for Oz IMO and he's abrasive. He's been pushing passes though lately so needs to cut that out. His offloads are quite high so I suspect he's under instructions.

 

[Batman]

yes he did

 

[USARugger]

If you pick a Fotu or Palu, you don't want to tire them out tackling. Your other backrowers need to tackle a lot in order to allow these big men to put everything into their runs (accompanied by the occasional bone rattling hit). You also lose a genuine lineout option at 6. That's why I wouldn't play them (Fotu and Palu) at the same time. I'd start Palu at 8 (with say Gill at 7, Mowen at 6) and bring Fotu off the bench when Palu tires at 50+ minute mark.

Fotu doesn't seem to have any issues for the Brumbies right now putting in some massive hits and big runs all in the same game. Gill and Hooper both have naturally high work rates so even a slight dip in tackling in favoring of pilfering would still have them well into double digits. Although I wouldn't play Hooper/Fotu at the same time. Also, I was just kind of talking off the top of my head. I realize a Palu/Fotu back row would lack a viable line out but it was a fun idea to entertain. In that case Samo would be a great #8, his dynamism is a pretty huge bonus too. On form right now though Mowen will have to be in the squad at 6 or 8, we need his consistency in the line out pretty badly now that Sharpie is gone.

 

[Paradox]

Fotu doesn't seem to have any issues for the Brumbies right now putting in some massive hits and big runs all in the same game. Gill and Hooper both have naturally high work rates so even a slight dip in tackling in favoring of pilfering would still have them well into double digits. Although I wouldn't play Hooper/Fotu at the same time. Also, I was just kind of talking off the top of my head. I realize a Palu/Fotu back row would lack a viable line out but it was a fun idea to entertain. In that case Samo would be a great #8, his dynamism is a pretty huge bonus too. On form right now though Mowen will have to be in the squad at 6 or 8, we need his consistency in the line out pretty badly now that Sharpie is gone.

The idea of Fotu and Palu on the field at the same time is very fun indeed. Lots of carnage. I still think we can carry both in the 22 but Cliff needs to stay fit.

 

[Dumbledore]

Higgers last year backed up as a lock for the wallabies given that lock isn't a specialist position.

lock cover is provided by Higginbotham, and basically the back row as it isnt much of a specialist position

Hang on, so you think lock, blindisde flanker, openside flanker and Number 8 aren't specialised positions? I'm out.

 

[Scott Allen]

Batman, if you just want to be argumentative you won't be posting here much longer.

Alternatively you can be constructive.

 

[Ruggo]

Alexander has been bad at THP at times though he has also been damn good at others. Now it seems he is getting regular game time there I think he is only going to get better. THP is a position we are having others play well at. Slipper is going well for the Reds and Ryan also at the Tahs. What is also good about all these blokes is they also put in around the park. I know it is said that scrum work needs to be the first priority but the reality is the game is played at a pace where it is more difficult for the rest of the pack to carry the extra work load.

Locking stocks look positive also and on both sides. Realistically this is a game of find a partner for Horwill. I doubt Horwill will pack on the LH side come Wallaby time so finding his LH partner is the main question. The main options are Douglas, MMM and Simmons. These players are all playing well ATM. Carter is also playing well but inexperience will probably be his undoing come selection time. I would look to rectify this come RC or EOYT because he is a bright prospect and doesn't show any signs of shaming himself at the next level. Simmons and Douglas can play both sides if required but MMM is also viable back row cover. This is what the selectors need to work out when selecting the bench option. Douglas and MMM are both known for aggression (Simmo is playing more aggressive these days but less so than the other two) but Simmons has the runs on the board when it comes to running a tidy lineout.

We have some really positive selection dilemmas going on at the moment.

 

[Ruggo]

He never packed a scrum at lock. Did he even play off the bench at all last year?

The only ever time I have ever seen higgers pack at lock was Canberra 2010 when the Reds lost both Van and Simmo in the first 20 minutes. Can't really blame Higgers but it was a nightmare. It was the injury crisis that lead to Samo coming on board at the Reds where he played the next week vs the Canes in Wellington.

 

[Bowside]

Is MMM strong enough in the scrum and lineout to be considered at lock?

I think he might fit the 6 role better.

 

[Ruggo]

I think he is Bowside. My only memories with him at lock was part of an unbalance pairing. With the cattle we have now I just don't see that will be an issue.

 

[Dumbledore]

Is MMM strong enough in the scrum and lineout to be considered at lock?

I think he might fit the 6 role better.

From memory last time he packed down at lock for Australia he was paired with either Mumm or Chisolm which was just asking for trouble. Throw him in with an animal like Horwill and he'll be fine.

 

[Sully]

He seems to be a bit of an enigma as far as locks go. Not a 4 or a 5 but can play both. Not just a lineout specialist or a body mover. Can be found in the tight and the loose. Can run with the ball and step. Is he the second row version of a notter?