Wallaby 31 players for 2015 RWC

[something]

I've always been a big Quade Cooper fan and I still believe he is the player who has the best chance of winning us a RWC. But, I've also been a believer in results (or form) trumping potential. I think our backline should be:
9. Phipps
10. Foley
11. Tomane
12. To'omua
13. Kurindrani
14. Horne
15. Folau

res. White, Beale/Lilo & AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

 

[something]

on another note - Cheika looking relaxed http://www.rugby.com.au/News/NewsAr...armichael-to-be-Cheik-ed-out-at-fullback.aspx

 

[Aussie D]

Depends what position he plays.

Surely Albert is a fullback considering his expertise with space and time.

 

[Aussie D]

Alexander in for the fifth prop spot due to his ability to play both sides (against Uruguay and Fiji), and probably Fainga'a as third hooker due to his EOYT performance.

Is that even necessary considering that Slipper and Kepu have packed the scrum on both sides effectively (and arguably better than Alexander on both) at test level and Greg Holmes, whilst being talked about as a selection as a reserve tight head initially came to the fore as a loosehead prop. That is 3 who can effectively play both sides, so IMO a specialist tighthead who can hold up his side of the scrum is what is most needed as the 5th prop. The obvious selection would be PAE.

 

[TOCC]

Tonight's match is stressing the importance of the line out, Tahs are struggling to retain their own ball which is been compounded by a poor kicking game from Foley and a good kicking game from the Highlanders, leaving the Tahs running it out from their own half.


The Highlanders game plan is one I fear will be used against the Wallabies come the RWC, Wallabies don't have the kickers to get us out of our own half so they need a rock-solid lineout to ensure they can at least retain their own ball and hopefully disrupt the oppositions.

For that reason, whoever plays number 8 will be the 3rd lineout option alongside the blindside flanker(Jones/Fardy) and lock(Simmons/Jones). It's also the reasons that we can't risk Ita Vaea at 8 or afford to start both Hooper and Pocock.

 

[Highlander35]

Gits may have gotten a big boost from this game as well. No left foot kickers has hurt here as well.

Plus all the lineout stuff that everyone with a thimblefull of common sense has been saying.

 

[Benaud]

Well after tonight we can't pick any Tahs or Brumbies, not to mention Reds, Rebels or Force, so where does that leave us?

 

[cyclopath]

Tonight's match is stressing the importance of the line out, Tahs are struggling to retain their own ball which is been compounded by a poor kicking game from Foley and a good kicking game from the Highlanders, leaving the Tahs running it out from their own half.


The Highlanders game plan is one I fear will be used against the Wallabies come the RWC, Wallabies don't have the kickers to get us out of our own half so they need a rock-solid lineout to ensure they can at least retain their own ball and hopefully disrupt the oppositions.

For that reason, whoever plays number 8 will be the 3rd lineout option alongside the blindside flanker(Jones/Fardy) and lock(Simmons/Jones). It's also the reasons that we can't risk Ita Vaea at 8 or afford to start both Hooper and Pocock.

Our lineout will be much better - Moore / Simmons / Fardy and maybe Higgers will present a much stronger one, no doubt.
Foley's kicking was really poor tonight, much worse than it has been most of the year. Really needs to work hard in the next few weeks on this. Funny, the Highlanders relied on A Smith's (mainly) box-kicks rather than depth and it worked a treat. I don't think we need to kick super-long, just super-smart. It does highlight the disregard to kicking in Aus rugby in general though.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Our lineout will be much better - Moore / Simmons / Fardy and maybe Higgers will present a much stronger one, no doubt.
Foley's kicking was really poor tonight, much worse than it has been most of the year. Really needs to work hard in the next few weeks on this. Funny, the Highlanders relied on A Smith's (mainly) box-kicks rather than depth and it worked a treat. I don't think we need to kick super-long, just super-smart. It does highlight the disregard to kicking in Aus rugby in general though.

The worry is that A. Smith's kicks worked because they were pretty good, with lots of chasers and targetted at Foley defending out on one wing. I don't think he dealt with one out of 6 or 7 that came his way.

And on that left wing is probably where he'll be defending in a couple of months

 

[cyclopath]

The worry is that A. Smith's kicks worked because they were pretty good, with lots of chasers and targetted at Foley defending out on one wing. I don't think he dealt with one out of 6 or 7 that came his way.

And on that left wing is probably where he'll be defending in a couple of months

True. They also work well because he has very good blockers - watch them closely, he does it so often he has a well set screen every time. Even his shit box-kicks, of which there were quite a few, reaped dividends. No threat of charging them, well chased.

 

[Brendan Hume]

That game will put a lot of pressure on players for selection in the RC and RWC. Phipps and Foley both struggled, I though Hooper was quiet compared with Poey on a losing side and the scrum and line out we're awful for the Tahs for a couple of weeks in a row. Maybe the ref could be more discerning with his game management (repeated infringements in attacking zones, blockers for box kicks ahead of last feet and not bound and a lot of general offside play) but overall the Tahs were poor. Unsure about Skeltons effectiveness tonight also - he'd do my head in if I was coaching him. He plays such an unorthodox role and I wonder if his impact is going to be enough for the tests.


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[Gnostic]

A big consideration in the performances of the players is the lmiited game plans of both sides. Both teams were severely hampered by the limitations that their game plans impose, and indeed some of the selection policies of the coaches.

The Brumbies version of the Jake White plan is so outdated and needs to be perfectly executed against reasonable opposition to be effective. Against good opposition it poses no real threat, as we saw tonight. How do players shine under such conditions? Vaea made some good carries and defence, as did Fardy, Pocock tried hard but achieved little. Moore was worryingly anonymous. They were obviously worried about using the maul , I think because of the IRB directive and the fact that their lineout has been largely illegal all year. So what attacking threats did they really have? Their kicking game was run back with gusto by a very good and fast Canes backline. They couldn't maul, and their backline attacking structures pretty much rely on first phase possession inside 40 metres. That happened once.

Now for the Tahs, they have the opposite problem. They don't and generally cannot kick. They rely on physicality and gain line dominance. Turn them around with a judicious kicking game and defend aggressively and stop the Tahs on or behind the gain line and they are stymied. Even better kick for the corners but keep it in play and you expose a massive weakness, the Tahs have no real pace. No out and out flyers. Apart from a few standout players and a couple of incumbents in losing sides from the Reds and Rebels the bulk of the players will come from two teams that play a limited game plans.

My fundamental question is can Chieka bring them together and actually play a complete balanced rugby game plan. Just as the Brumbies Jakeball plan is easily broken down and defeated, and is boring as shit as well (just not as boring as the Force or the Hickey/Foley Tahs), IMO the Tahs aggression and physical dominance rugby will not work at test level against good opposition. Playing into these fears is the added concern I have regarding the Wallaby coaching staff, Larkham has shown nothing in coaching the Brumbies that he has a plan away from what White left, and it just hasn't worked since 2007-2009. There is no kicking coach that I know of to correct the massive issues with the Tahs backs who may be selected. Who is the set piece, forwards coach? Because the Brumbies weren't great tonight and the Tahs may as well have just given the Highlanders a free kick and lined up in defence when they got a lineout.

Considering the issues of the Brumbies and the Tahs, which will most likely fill the bulk of the starting Wallabies side, and the lack of coaches skilled in correcting the issues those players have displayed under the limited game plans they have been given I have serious concerns about the Wallabies this year.

 

[Joe Blow]

So Cheika has to choose a lot of these players from two limited sides and mix in a sprinkle of Reds and Rebs players that will make a difference and run out a close to new approach to the game............no problem?

Those players for me would be Cooper, Higginbotham, Simmons, Slipper and possibly Genia. Cooper is key if there is not another playmaker on the field. His boot is also a lot better than Foleys.
However, teaming up Foley and To'omua at 10-12 strengthens both the kicking game and provides a second playmaker.

Lots of work to do.

 

[TheKing]

Front Row

The Wallaby front row is pretty settled in my opinion

1. James Slipper (plays both sides)
2. Stephen Moore (c)
3. Sekope Kepu

16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. Scott Sio
18. Greg Holmes (plays both sides)

Squad: Toby Smith, James Hanson

Locks

Rob Simmons is a lock () to start for the Wallabies as the lineout general. Last week's "Wallabies by the Numbers" piece has him carrying 6.3 times a game at 1.4 m per carry - the same carry distance as Lopeti Timani. With 5 lineouts stolen, Simmons is ranked one of the best lineout operators in the country. To boot, Simmons had given away one penalty from nine games.

I've come to the conclusion that starting Skelton just isn't an option for the Wallabies. With a less than stellar scrummaging CV against international teams, and ruining the lineout, Skelton's impact needs to be from the bench.

In my mind, forward pack balance can only be ensured by picking another reliable lineout jumper, who contributes to the running game.

Dave Dennis is a better defensive lineout option than Adam Coleman and Luke Jones. However, Coleman is 150% more effective carrying the ball than Dennis and Jones, but playing just 70% of the minutes (50 per game). With Skelton needing 30 off the bench, this seems fair to me.

4. Rob Simmons (lineout option)
5. Adam Coleman (lineout option)
19. Will Skelton

Squad: Luke Jones

Loose Forwards


Pocock needs to be the Wallabies RWC openside for his defensive contribution.

As a foil to Pocock, attacking duo Scott Higginbotham and Ita Vaea will do the job nicely - the Wallabies answer to Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino. One wide running lineout jumper, one physical enforcer in tight.

With plenty of versatility available in the backline, I'm going with a 6-2 bench split to combat the Home Nations forwards.

Michael Hooper deserves minutes in the world cup for attacking dynamicism - he came in at fifth in Super Rugby for try assists. I thought he was decent enough tonight.

Ben McCalman adds an element of grind that isn't quite present in the pack thus far, but his spot is interchangeable with Fardy.

6. Scott Higginbotham (lineout option)
7. David Pocock
8. Ita Vaea
20. Ben McCalman (lineout option)
21. Michael Hooper

Squad: Scott Fardy (lineout option)

Halves

Quade Cooper's ability to take on the line before hitting wide runners at pace is exactly what I'm looking for in my flyhalf. General play kicking is good, defence is becoming an issue as he's just getting too phsyical and hurting himself.

After Nick Phipps embarassing capitulation tonight, I've cut him from my starting side - I think the speed of his delivery would have gelled well with Cooper, but if he can't hit a barn door then he's not the man to start for the Wallabies.

Genia showed some good form when playing alongside Quade in 2015, so I've given that old combination some love.

Matt Giteau can cover 9, 10, 12 and 15, and provides a left-footed kicking option. That's a pretty perfect backline sub in a 6-2.

9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper (goalkicker)
22. Matt Giteau (goalkicker)

Squad: Nick Phipps, Bernard Foley (goalkicker)

Centres

Matt To'omua and Quade just click together. To'omua's physicality in defence can shelter Quade, while his ball-playing at second-fiddle can unlock defences concentrating on Quade's distribution. A good kicking boot

Kuridrani is a phenomenal outside centre. I'd take Kerevi in my squad for experience as Kuridrani's heir apparent.

12. Matt To'omua
13. Tevita Kuridrani

Squad: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Samu Kerevi

Outside Backs

Israel Folau is okay, I guess.

Joe Tomane got the nod over Rob Horne for one wing spot after that spectacular knock against the Stormers.

Henry Speight is one of the world's best wingers when on song, and he covered 13 pretty well this season also.

Rob Horne's versatility 11 through 14 make him a handy addition to close out the squad. A lack of straight line pace hurts his stock, but physicality and footwork in attack and defence overcome that. With a genuinely pacey back three, the Wallabies can afford one slower finisher.

I'm rating Horne higher than Adam Ashley-Cooper at the moment - I'm not sure I'll ever be able to believe in AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) again after his Spring Tour performances against Ireland and England.

11.Joe Tomane
14. Henry Speight
15. Israel Folau
23. Rob Horne

Absentees

Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander, Paul Alo'Emile, Laurie Weeks, Tetera Faulkner, Pek Cowan, Saia Fainga'a, Tola Latu, Pat Leafa, Nathan Charles, Dave Dennis, Rory Arnold, Sam Carter, James Horwill, Cadeyrn Neville, Liam Gill, Matt Hogson, Sean McMahon, Jake Schatz, Wycliff Palu, George Smith

Nick White, Nic Stirzacker, Nick Frisby, Jack Debreczeni, Christian Lealiifano, Kurtley Beale, Mitch Inman, Kyle Godwin, Karmichael Hunt, James O'Connor, Drew Mitchell, Dom Shipperley, Taqele Naiyaravoro

 

[Groucho]

Snip...

So drop all the Waratahs except Kepu and Folau? I'm not saying that's wrong. The Brumbies and Reds did good. But it seems a bit obvious. Maybe keep Skelton. Then you could promote Holmes.

 

[Beefcake]

I think KB (Kurtley Beale) will figure in there somewhere. Cheika, cheikaball and the overall tone of the squad needs and will rely on more creative playmakers if it is to progress and develop.

He was picked at fly on 2014 EOYT and generally this yr he's been solid without being outstanding

Tahs missed him tonite - especially Foley. Beale is the roving 10, the foil, the risktaker etc, IMO the Tahs backline plays better in broken play with Beale there and opposition defenders are more jittery when KB (Kurtley Beale) is in line

Very sound squad @theking - lots of different game strategies can be played with that type cattle - key will be reserves.

Blueprint will obviously be the Tahs with dominance, skillful backs - realistically int rugby is built on that platform

Unsure where Giteau fits in - Foley has similar skillset as Gits, I think Giteau is better player, but Cheika must have some confidence in Foley - Drew and JOC (James O'Connor) are similar players - GSmith jus inked new deal, I dont think any of em will get picked..haha

 

[light]

Entire RWC squad will need to take a long hard look at themselves. Remaining optimistic but that was a huge reality check.

IMO a few positions are now really obvious,

1 Slipper
2 Moore
3 Kepu
4 Simmons
7 Pocock
10 Cooper
13 Kuridrani
15 Folau

Giteau will probably find himself in there somewhere. I'm also warming to the idea of Mitchell on one wing and using Skelton as an impact player off the bench.

 

[No4918]

1. Slipper
2. Moore
3. Kepu
4. Skleton
5. Simmons
6. Fardy
7. Pocock
8. Higgers
9. Phipps
10.Cooper
11.Tomane
12.To'omua
13. Kuridrani
14. Horne
15. Folau

16. TPN
17. Sio
18. Holmes
19. Jones
20. McCalman
21. Genia
22. Foley
23. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

Tempting to drop Foley from the bench and add Hooper but I really think you need 3 back reserves. Giteau over Foley could be an option as well as he also covers 12 and To'omua could slot into 10.

 

[KOB1987]

We need someone at the back with a boot and I'm thinking it will be KB (Kurtley Beale). Not sure which of Folau or he will be named at 15 but I'm guessing they would play a bit of switcheroo. The cheika interview re harmichael though was an interesting development, it points to him being tested back there during the RC.


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[TheKing]

So drop all the Waratahs except Kepu and Folau? I'm not saying that's wrong. The Brumbies and Reds did good. But it seems a bit obvious. Maybe keep Skelton. Then you could promote Holmes.

I've still picked nine Waratahs to my 31-man squad, eight Brumbies, seven Reds, three Rebels and two Force players.


When I look at the Waratahs 1-15 I just don't think they offer the Wallabies what they need to start.

1. Robinson is behind Slipper and Sio - no one can argue that. At 30, it's time to pass the jersey down to Slipper (26) and Sio (23)

5. Dave Dennis was really close to making it, only being beaten out by Coleman because of his running effectiveness, and Jones because of his defence (leads Aus in tackles), lineouts (leads Aus in receptions) and carries (leads Aus in carries per game).

6. Potgieter's not eligible.

8. Palu is past his best at 33 years of age - this world cup has probably just come 12 months too late for poor cliffy. Time to pass the Number 8 jersey on to 26 year old Ita Vaea/28 year old Higginbotham or 27 year old Ben McCalman.

12. Beale - yuck. 12 has got to tackle. His natural crabbing game from flyhalf doesn't work against organised defences, and he's not safe enough under the high ball to play fullback. Jack of all trades, master of none.

14. Taqele Naiyaravoro went missing last night. He's produced some spectacular highlights, but his defence and spatial awareness when other teams kick let him down - though it's definitely not unique to him. That's why I chose Samu Kerevi over him for the squad, but that could just be a Reds bias. They've both got plenty to work on.

Just thought I'd justify a little