T
Wallaby 31 players for 2015 RWC
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Garry Owens
Alan Cameron (40)
PROPS : Slipper , Kepu , Alo Emile
HOOKERS : Moore , Latu
LOCKS : Skelton , Arnold ,
FLANKERS : Pocock , Gill , McMahon , Fardy
No 8 : Palu, McCalman
9 : Phipps, Genia
10 : Foley
12 : Cooper, Kerevi
13: Kurindrani
Wings : Ashley Cooper, Cummins , Speights
Fullback : Folau
HOOKERS : Moore , Latu
LOCKS : Skelton , Arnold ,
FLANKERS : Pocock , Gill , McMahon , Fardy
No 8 : Palu, McCalman
9 : Phipps, Genia
10 : Foley
12 : Cooper, Kerevi
13: Kurindrani
Wings : Ashley Cooper, Cummins , Speights
Fullback : Folau
Gnostic
Mark Ella (57)
I think the starters are pretty much settled except for who partners Skelton in the 2nd Row. Regardless of his form last year Simmons has been pretty average so far this year, though it would be very hard to shine with the Reds, though not impossible as Holmes proves. If I was picking I'd be leaning towards Jones whose numbers which I posted a few pages back are second only to Dennis. It all comes down to balance IMO and covering specialist skills. On form I could see both Dennis and Jones as 2nd row and 6 cover. In fact given how quite Fardy has been this year in comparison an argument could be made to have Fardy on the bench and to start with both Jones and Dennis. Not saying that will happen but it is certainly possible.
As for McCalman, I remain a doubter, because I think if you want to play a game of dominance of the gain line he just doesn't fit the bill. He is superb in executing Foley's risk averse defensive game plan, as it requires a very high work rate and indefatigable spirit. It doesn't have space for lower work rate in exchange for genuine impact. I would certainly be looking at Vaea or Higgers as back-up 8 before McCalman just on what we have seen from the individuals. That is however tempered by the restrictions placed on those individuals by the team's game plan and structures. A pity that there are probably not enough games before the RWC to see if McCalman can perform in the role that we are likely to see required by the Wallabies. That said Hoiles filled the 6 against the Crusaders and the intensity was the best we have seen this year without the big hitter Jackpot.
As for McCalman, I remain a doubter, because I think if you want to play a game of dominance of the gain line he just doesn't fit the bill. He is superb in executing Foley's risk averse defensive game plan, as it requires a very high work rate and indefatigable spirit. It doesn't have space for lower work rate in exchange for genuine impact. I would certainly be looking at Vaea or Higgers as back-up 8 before McCalman just on what we have seen from the individuals. That is however tempered by the restrictions placed on those individuals by the team's game plan and structures. A pity that there are probably not enough games before the RWC to see if McCalman can perform in the role that we are likely to see required by the Wallabies. That said Hoiles filled the 6 against the Crusaders and the intensity was the best we have seen this year without the big hitter Jackpot.
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
I would say that Fardy is a definite starter, but if you didn't have Simmons there you would want Fardy to be commanding the lineout.........
Having said that, I'd have Simmons starting. He puts in a lot of work around the field and would be our top lineout target........
Having said that, I'd have Simmons starting. He puts in a lot of work around the field and would be our top lineout target........
Gnostic
Mark Ella (57)
Genia - on what basis? Certainly not form.
Cooper - on potential he would be 10 cover certainly but not at 12. Kerevi has played 2 games at 12 for the Reds this year with one spectacular and the second not so great. With Cooper you are selecting to play a running passing game from the 12 and Kerevi is a straightening defensive 12. What is the game plan?
You need more props - who is reserve LHP?
Need another lock and who is calling? Both Arnold and Skelton are TH locks.
Cummins - on form he won't make the RWC squad. Horne on numbers is the form winger in Australia. I'd like more pace on the wings but the genuine speedsters just are not performing.
Genica?
Gnostic
Mark Ella (57)
Over the last few weeks and my post earlier where I reviewed the statistics I have become more of a Dennis supporter. Most here will know how scathing I was when the Tahs retained Dennis instead of Mowen and have been a detractor of his for a long time. Last year to some degree and this year especially Dennis has been in the form of his life as the numbers indicated. In years past I wouldn't have even considered him for the Wallabies, but this year I must say he has been to my eye one of the best locks in Australia and the numbers when I looked confirmed my view (and I took a lot of convincing). Jones is second best. Up until I was looking at the numbers I regarded both as 6's who play lock. Now are they locks who play 6?
In any event I am not saying Fardy shouldn't be selected as starting 6, just that his position isn't as cut and dried as the real certainties which in my opinion are:-
1. Slipper
2. Moore (C)
3. Kepu
5. Skelton
8. Palu
9. Phipps
10. Foley
12. To'omua (if he can stay fit)
11. Speight
15. Folau
16. Sio
Strewthcobber
Simon Poidevin (60)
Not necessarily a criticism but I wonder when the last time Australia started someone of Dennis's height at lock (listed at 1.92m).
Don't think there's anyone even close in the world cup list (though I don't know RJ Reynolds from 1987?) or since professionalism (there's a few more in there I'm not sure of)
Don't think there's anyone even close in the world cup list (though I don't know RJ Reynolds from 1987?) or since professionalism (there's a few more in there I'm not sure of)
nathan
Watty Friend (18)
Well, most of the who is pretty well known as far as assistants go. The initial premise (before your post) that it was Cheika alone was a bit silly. Especially after last year's shenanigans.
Gnostic
Mark Ella (57)
Troy Jaques? I think he only played as a reserve. Can't remember but I don't think he was much taller.
David Giffin listed as 1.98m and one of the best lineout forwards Australia has ever produced.
Mark 'Buzzard' Connors 1.96m also a very accomplished lineout man.
Both Connors and Giffin in the 1999 RWC side.
Jagman
Trevor Allan (34)
PAE was also invited to one a while back when the Tahs were in Melbourne.
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BDA
Jim Lenehan (48)
On Rugby HQ last week Holmes mentioned that he'd met with Cheika regarding national duties this year. Sounds like Cheika has plans for him (although really he'd have to be blind not too).
Not sure about PAE.
Crazy Grey
Frank Nicholson (4)
If Fardy doesnt start coming back into form, I'd want mccalman at 6. Could get hooper onto the bench with poey starting I reckon
Garry Owens
Alan Cameron (40)
Buzzard was nowhere near 1.96m
If he is then so am I and I'm 1.92m
If he is then so am I and I'm 1.92m
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
Ross Reynolds was a big unit, he'd be a fair bit taller than 192cm. More of a 6/8 though.
There are some interesting players on the list of wallaby locks there! Including pocock, hooper, gill and TPN.
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Garry Owens
Alan Cameron (40)
@ GNostic
Genia - more durable and experienced and in a go forward pack he runs rings around White as a running 9 . White is a kicking 9 . Ball in hand .
Cooper is , admittedly , a left field suggestion at 12....and I should explain ....I wouldn't necessarily start him at 12 .....but he is undoubtedly in my squad of 23 , and may , even be my fullback if Folau moved to the Centres to partner Kurindrani...something I know Rod Kafer has been a big advocate of . However ....with the two play creator model of the Tahs ....Cooper is > than Beale off Foley.
Kerevi is a bolter and on sheer raw talent and as a future building block needs to go . He's a learn on the job talent but his talent warrants it.
Fardy calls the lineouts and is your 3rd lock in a pinch , and yes , there may be a case of losing McCalman in that 23 and bringing in Greg Holmes as the 4th Prop
Ashley Cooper and Speights are my starting wings
Genia - more durable and experienced and in a go forward pack he runs rings around White as a running 9 . White is a kicking 9 . Ball in hand .
Cooper is , admittedly , a left field suggestion at 12....and I should explain ....I wouldn't necessarily start him at 12 .....but he is undoubtedly in my squad of 23 , and may , even be my fullback if Folau moved to the Centres to partner Kurindrani...something I know Rod Kafer has been a big advocate of . However ....with the two play creator model of the Tahs ....Cooper is > than Beale off Foley.
Kerevi is a bolter and on sheer raw talent and as a future building block needs to go . He's a learn on the job talent but his talent warrants it.
Fardy calls the lineouts and is your 3rd lock in a pinch , and yes , there may be a case of losing McCalman in that 23 and bringing in Greg Holmes as the 4th Prop
Ashley Cooper and Speights are my starting wings
Garry Owens
Alan Cameron (40)
I remember Reynolds more as an 8 to lock and vice versa. A bit before the time of Steve Tuynman at 8
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