Wallaby 31 players for 2015 RWC

[Ignoto]

James says he wants to play THP for the Reds...

I always thought Slipper preferred playing as a LHP while he gets shoved into the THP role?

I'd imagine there would be a small group of players in Australia warned out to keep their fitness up and training together for the duration of the cup, but I doubt they would take them on tour.

With Qantas going down the gurgler, what's the chances of any emergency recruits being flown over in first/business class to ensure they're "fresh" upon arrival?

 

[djeff]

Why do you favour a strong scrum heavily over a strong line out?
Teams will be avoiding kicking it to IF,so I would imagine we will be having plenty of lineouts?
.I'm not suggesting you are wrong,just interested in the logic.
Cheers.

Even more so if they know the lineout is not that strong.

 

[djeff]

Greg Holmes to make a late charge, 7 years between test caps would surely be some kind of record

Radike would come close.

 

[RugbyReg]

Radike would come close.

Thinking David Knox may be another? Think he debuted in 85 perhaps? I know he played in 94. Not sure if he did in between?

 

[I like to watch]

Think I've outlined it here before but basically because a poor lineout will only cost you possession where as a poor scrum will cost you penalties, yellow cards and possibly a penalty try. A scrum going backwards is such a drain on the players physically and mentally. 3rd Lions Test case in point.

Now that you mention it, I do recall that.
The counter point to that argument is that a side that cannot kick to the open,because they are wary of IF,will avoid a stalemate in the scrum,and hope to win our lineout ball in our territory.
If they can't score tries,and can't get any easy penalty,there will be plenty of opportunities to take easy field goals.
Without an adequate lineout,you are conceding territory for the entire match.
Parity at both would be great if you had a strong fullback IMO.

 

[Scrubber2050]

The nucleus of the team is set.

There will be a few smokeys chosen.

The performances during the French test matches this year will further entrench probably 18 players. It is very unlikely that any player not tried and tested will be given a chance in 2015 World Cup

 

[Braveheart81]

The performances during the French test matches this year will further entrench probably 18 players. It is very unlikely that any player not tried and tested will be given a chance in 2015 World Cup

If our squad at the last RWC is anything to go by, if you haven't debuted by the EOYT in 2014, you won't be going to the RWC in 2015.

 

[emuarse]

If our squad at the last RWC is anything to go by, if you haven't debuted by the EOYT in 2014, you won't be going to the RWC in 2015.

There would have to be a multitude of injuries in a particular position (like to the Reds 5/8 position in 2012) for it to be otherwise.

 

[mudskipper]

joe Tomane has a lot more in him as a young outside back in the Wallabies...I'm sure there are other young wingers out there who could be possibles over teh next 2 super seasons, I just dont really know of any... I think the honey bagger maybe past it by then but he isd getting better not worst every year to be honest... Wallabies really need another No.8 with Mowen gone, not sure who can step up Palu may make the RWC and perhaps the Brumbies Fotu Auelua if he can get his fitness up to paly at an international level...

 

[Scrubber2050]

I reckon Jake Shatz will get a shot from the bench during the Frogs tour, obviously depending on Super form.

Mckenzie picked him last year and it was only an injury (knee I think) that kept him out of earning his first wallaby cap.

 

[Slim 293]

I reckon Jake Shatz will get a shot from the bench during the Frogs tour, obviously depending on Super form.

He might be hoping for someone to to pick up an injury..........

Good odds between MM, Pocock, Palu and Higgers.........

 

[Train Without a Station]

I think Shatz is a bit of a modern Richard Brown. Not quite cut out for 8 at international level, lacks the strong running game, would have to play at 6.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Yeah maybe you are correct but would make a good benchie to cover both spots

 

[Brumby Runner]

Yeah maybe you are correct but would make a good benchie to cover both spots

Probably a bit small for 8 (although published stats have him close to Higgers and Palu). Think Fardy, Jones and Mowen for this year and maybe Kimlin for next would be ahead of Jake.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Fardy should be run-on 6 - no question for me - like Kimlin as well

 

[Pete King]

6. fardy
7 pockock
8 Higgers

Higgers has all the attributes to be one of the best 8s in the world. He is yet to reach his potential at international level but ill back him in to peak in 2015. Hooper on for simmons at 50 min mark - fardy to second row.

 

[Brumby Runner]

6. fardy
7 pockock
8 Higgers

Higgers has all the attributes to be one of the best 8s in the world. He is yet to reach his potential at international level but ill back him in to peak in 2015. Hooper on for simmons at 50 min mark - fardy to second row.

Can't see Michael Hooper coming on late in any match unless Pocock is injured or rested (assuming Poey is number one selection). I think so far as is possible, players should specialise in the position they are best equipped for, and for both Pocock and Hooper, that is No 7. I am not a fan of moving Pocock (say) to 6 to allow Hooper or Gill onto the field. Having said that, I believe Fardy is equally at home in either 6 of the second row. I would rather see a specialist 6 like Mowen, Jones or Quirk (maybe Cotterell in time) on the bench if a lock is to make way for Fardy during a game. Mowen while he's available or Jones would be my preference as they both have good Lineout skills, especially if Simmons is replaced.

I do agree that Higgers will make the 8 his spot this year barring injuries.

 

[Pete King]

Can't see Michael Hooper coming on late in any match unless Pocock is injured or rested (assuming Poey is number one selection). I think so far as is possible, players should specialise in the position they are best equipped for, and for both Pocock and Hooper, that is No 7. I am not a fan of moving Pocock (say) to 6 to allow Hooper or Gill onto the field. Having said that, I believe Fardy is equally at home in either 6 of the second row. I would rather see a specialist 6 like Mowen, Jones or Quirk (maybe Cotterell in time) on the bench if a lock is to make way for Fardy during a game. Mowen while he's available or Jones would be my preference as they both have good Lineout skills, especially if Simmons is replaced.

I do agree that Higgers will make the 8 his spot this year barring injuries.

Mowen has played his last test.

I believe you should pick your bench based on who could enter the game and make the most impact. Hooper can break a game open with his running game, particular as opposition legs get heavy in and around the fringes.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Mowen has played his last test.

I believe you should pick your bench based on who could enter the game and make the most impact. Hooper can break a game open with his running game, particular as opposition legs get heavy in and around the fringes.

Thanks Link. If Hooper comes on, it should be for Pocock, not Simmons imo.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Also, you have to consider that generally, all your back rowers would be 80 minute players at Super Rugby level. Whether you go for a reserve 6, 7 or 8 really depends on what style you play, but also the quality of players you have at your disposal. You could do worse, than planning your game around the reigning John Eales medallist being an impact sub.

To say you can't see Hooper even coming on late in a match barring injury to Pocock is clearly biased against the bloke when you consider he was Link's first choice in 2013, despite a player more similar to Pocock who he is more familiar with (Gill) at his disposal. You'd think it that's the style of play Link wanted out of his 7, Gill would have started a few games, or even got on the park more.