Wallaby 31 players for 2015 RWC

[Brumby Runner]

Higgers really hasn't been that great this year. I see him as our 3rd best 8 and would ordinarily see him as our 2nd best 6 behind Fardy but probably not this year. He's not doing enough to indicate that he's a much better option at 6 than playing the Hooper/Pocock combination if Fardy isn't available.

I agree with Slim that this spot probably goes to someone who can play lock as well as 6 rather than 6/8.

Timani might be an option because he plays lock/6 and 8. Has the versatility, but needs the form.

 

[Braveheart81]

And yet, FP, Latu was penalised for a chopping tackle against the Rebels.

On the replay, his initial point of contact was the ball carriers thigh.

I think the tackle was fine. Latu just needs to make a better effort to wrap his arms so the tackle looks less dramatic.

 

[BDA]

I'd probably play McCalman at 6 before I'd play Higgers at 6.

McMahon I see as a similar player to Hooper. Provided Hooper is fit I see very little need for McMahon in the squad.

 

[Dumbledore]

Higgers really hasn't been that great this year. I see him as our 3rd best 8 and would ordinarily see him as our 2nd best 6 behind Fardy but probably not this year. He's not doing enough to indicate that he's a much better option at 6 than playing the Hooper/Pocock combination if Fardy isn't available.

I agree with Slim that this spot probably goes to someone who can play lock as well as 6 rather than 6/8.

I'd have him behind Palu, McCalman and Vaea at 8. Wouldn't have him at 6 over Fardy, Jones or even McMahon. He just isn't playing great footy.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Without a doubt Hooper and Pocock have to start in the TRC just to see how it goes.

Best time to try it. I don't want us going into the RWC without having cycled through the untried combinations. I personally don't think it will work that well, but better to know now than at the end of the England game. Who better to trial it on than a couple of the best packs in world rugby.

 

[something]

Whats thoughts on
10. Cooper
11. Speight
14. Folau
15. Foley

 

[RugbyReg]

Don't mind it at all. Would have Beale at fullback though.

 

[Viking]

A smokey for the second fullback spot could well be Moggy if he continues to play as he did against the Clan, and shows he has regained some defensice heart. Big provisos, I know, but his kicking game puts all others in the shade.

Mogg's ability under the high ball and kicking game would certainly come in handy. Although I highly doubt their is enough time for him to prove himself before RWC. His best hope would be if the Brumbies make the finals and he plays well in those high-pressure games - as well as having some heart in defence which you already mentioned.

 

[MonkeyBoy]

that'd be a brave call,Moggy seems to fade under pressure.

 

[topgun]

Best time to try it. I don't want us going into the RWC without having cycled through the untried combinations. I personally don't think it will work that well, but better to know now than at the end of the England game. Who better to trial it on than a couple of the best packs in world rugby.

I reckon if Cheika will test the Hooper-Pocock starting combination, he'll try it against Argentina

 

[GaffaCHinO]

In terms of back up fullbacks I'd be interested in getting people's thoughts on DhP I feel he has been in great form this year and would be second behind izzy (in terms of players actually playing 15) in Aus but would you have him behind the likes of Beale AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and JOC (James O'Connor)?

 

[Braveheart81]

I reckon if Cheika will test the Hooper-Pocock starting combination, he'll try it against Argentina

I don't know about that. It would be almost pointless to do it in that game in my opinion.

We obviously lost in Argentina last year but we really shouldn't.

If it goes well (which hopefully it would), what does it prove? I think it needs to be trialled against a much better side to work out whether it is viable for the RWC.

 

[Braveheart81]

In terms of back up fullbacks I'd be interested in getting people's thoughts on DhP I feel he has been in great form this year and would be second behind izzy (in terms of players actually playing 15) in Aus but would you have him behind the likes of Beale AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and JOC (James O'Connor)?

I think he's a good player but I really doubt he's in the frame for the Wallabies. One or more of the utility players you've listed will be the backup fullback for Folau. Some of those players will already miss the RWC so I doubt Cheika would plan on an extra one missing out to include a second specialist fullback.

 

[something]

1. Slipper
2. Moore
3. Kepu
4. Skelton
5. Simmons
6. Pocock
7. Hooper
8. McCalman
9. Phipps
10. Quade
11. Speight
12. To'omua
13. Kurindrani
14. Folau
15. Foley

16. TPN
17. Sio
18. Holmes
19. Dennis / Fardy
20. Palu / Timani
21. Genia??
22. Horne / Beale
23. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) / JOC (James O'Connor)

20, 22 & 23 are dependent on the game plan. Horne & AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) if you want guys who aren't going to let you down. Beale & JOC (James O'Connor) if you want guys who will open up the game in the death. Likewise with Timani.

 

[qwerty51]

Start it against the Saffers, that's the real test to see if it works against England/Wales.

 

[Wilson]

In terms of back up fullbacks I'd be interested in getting people's thoughts on DhP I feel he has been in great form this year and would be second behind izzy (in terms of players actually playing 15) in Aus but would you have him behind the likes of Beale AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and JOC (James O'Connor)?

If it wasn't a world cup year I think he'd be a decent chance of a cap, but I don't think they'll want too many debutantes and he isn't at the top of the list of uncapped players.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Agree with that Qwerty. The Boks have a big heavy pack and are aggressive to boot. If we do well against them it might be worth another try.

 

[Gnostic]

Westie did it really have to take 5 or 6 posts of 6 words or less to disagree with those individual posters?

In any case with regard to your replay to my post, what you have said is irrelevant to what I posted.

Genia's good games (which have been few) have been better than White's (which when his behaviour is taken into account have also been few). As I said on actual consistent form Stirzacker is ahead of both IMO. But when considering a RWC berth I would have to agree that experience is a necessary factor and given this point when selecting two generally out of form players I would always go for the individual I think has the greater upside for the game plan the Wallabies want to play. Since an attacking game has been predicted I would go with Genia, BUT he must get the the ruck quicker and clear the ball quicker, acknowledging in saying that the Reds haven't been giving him anybody to clear to in most games.

 

[Brumby Runner]

On the replay, his initial point of contact was the ball carriers thigh.

I think the tackle was fine. Latu just needs to make a better effort to wrap his arms so the tackle looks less dramatic.

He might have been ok on the replay BH, but at the game he was penalised.

 

[Brumbieman]

Alright, he's my pick.

Slipper, Sio

Moore, TPN, Fainga'a

Kepu, PAE/Alexander

Skelton, Timani

Simmons, Carter

Fardy, McMahon

Hooper, Pocock

Palu, Vaea, McCalman


Phipps, White, Genia

Foley, Cooper

Tomane, JOC (James O'Connor)

To'omua, Lealiifano

Kuridrani, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

Speight

Folau, Beale


32 players.

2 Options for each position, with a few able to cover 2 spots with a net effect of roughly 3 possible options for any given position.

Of course when 2/3rds of them go down with compound spinal fracture/dislocations in this weekends Tahs/Brumbies derby, as is the usual tradition, then we start going crazy and picking randoms.