Wallaby 31 players for 2015 RWC

[BDA]

My 15

1. Sio
2. TPN
3. Weeks
4. Jones
5. Timani
6. McMahon / Cottrell - hard to split
7. Pocock
8. McCalman
9. White
10. To'omua
11. Morahan
12. Lealiifano
13. Kuridrani
14. Speight
15. Harris

HM: C. Fainga'a, Higgers, Kepu (good scrummaging performance), Skelton, Stirzaker, Inman

 

[Braveheart81]

I actually thought young Lawrie Weeks was the best THP. the Rebel scrum looked uncharacteristically strong against the Saders before he was subbed off. Here's hoping he's going to have a huge year (we need him to).

But you haven't factored in the 100th match sentimentality points for Ben Alexander. That puts him well over the top for the best THP of the weekend.

 

[BDA]

ha. yes, I did factor that in and weighed it against my biased distain for Alexander. To be fair I'm not sure I'm looking at Alexander objectively any more. I so want another young THP to shine its probably going to cloud my judgment

 

[qwerty51]

He's not exactly young, he's 28.

 

[BDA]

true, but at least he's not damaged goods on the international stage

 

[Brumby Runner]

BR giving credit to McCalman - I've seen it all.

Credit where credit's due.

 

[hammertimethere]

Cottrell is a fucking weapon. If a backrower is going to Debut this year it will be him. He would have been on the EOYT last year instead of McMahon had he been fit.

Is it just me or does he look bigger right now than previously?

Colemans hands let him down but most of his carries were effective, his ruck work excellent, set piece very good and some rather big hits in defence.

I'm backing him for a debut this year

 

[Tomikin]

ha. yes, I did factor that in and weighed it against my biased distain for Alexander. To be fair I'm not sure I'm looking at Alexander objectively any more. I so want another young THP to shine its probably going to cloud my judgment

I would like to say this, Alexander didn't have the best Test season last year or end of year for the Brumbies. His coped it pretty harshly since he was a fantastic loosehead who got push to Tighthead. He was easily in the top 3 tightheads and I would say 2 (Longbottom and him) before his neck injury.. He didn't come back steller and didn't have a good tour.

But Friday he held tight and put pressure on Slipper (Australia's best LHP). Let's give the man a chance..

 

[BDA]

In terms of prospect (perhaps I should be posting on the old "Wallaby Watch" thread) there are some nice forwards coming through the ranks.

-Lopeti Timani looks like a decent prospect. I note he's currently playing lock, but with Palu entering the twilight of his career, he could maybe be a good option at no.8. Hope he keeps up his form from round one.

- Adam Coleman looks like a future Wallabies lock.

- Luke Jones looks to have picked up from where he left off last year. Could be a big year for him. Thankfully Cheika had a chance to blood him on the EOYT so he's someone I'd love to see have a huge year and put his hand up for the wallabies squad. Has a really good work rate. He's built in the same mould as Fardy, which seem to be what we need at 6. Good work rate but enough size that you can have basically another lock packing behind your tighthead when required.

I look at Sean McMahon and kinda scratch my head. What do you do with the bloke? I think Cheika proved on the EOYT that you cant play him as a starting 6. We just give up too much size and, as I mentioned above, I think you need a "lock-style" 6 that can offer extra scrum support. He'd be a decent bench option but provided Pocock is fit, I couldn't justify his selection in the squad.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

The Notta Dilemma - Does Size Matter?:

Here are some stats I stumbled upon at http://www.rugby-sidestep-central.com/player-sizes-12.html:

The data set I have summarised below is that of the 2013 B&I Lions team, and the Wallabies and NZ Rugby Teams from 2013 TRC games.

Prop: Height (cm) min: 180, avg: 186, max: 193 - - Weight (kg) min: 109, avg: 118, max: 130
Hooker: Height (cm) min: 176, avg: 183, max: 187 - - Weight (kg) min: 102, avg: 108, max: 114
Lock: Height (cm) min: 196, avg: 200, max: 205 - - Weight (kg) min: 104, avg: 115, max: 120
6 - BSF: Height (cm) min: 190, avg: 194, max: 198 - - Weight (kg) min: 101, avg: 107, max: 110
7 - OSF: Height (cm) min: 182, avg: 187, max: 191 - - Weight (kg) min: 96, avg: 102, max: 107
No 8: Height (cm) min: 188, avg: 190, max: 193 - - Weight (kg) min: 107, avg: 109, max: 109
1/2 Back: Height (cm) min: 171, avg: 181, max: 191 - - Weight (kg) min: 76, avg: 88, max: 103
Flyhalf: Height (cm) min: 178, avg: 183, max: 188 - - Weight (kg) min: 84, avg: 91, max: 96
Wing: Height (cm) min: 170, avg: 187, max: 198 - - Weight (kg) min: 81, avg: 96, max: 106
Centre: Height (cm) min: 175, avg: 185, max: 196 - - Weight (kg) min: 85, avg: 99, max: 110
Fullback: Height (cm) min: 178, avg: 184, max: 187 - - Weight (kg) min: 83, avg: 91, max: 95

It is not a huge set of data but in terms of 6 and 7, the tallest #7 was only 1 cm taller than the shortest #6. The fattest #7 was the average weight for a #6.

In terms of a #6 that is a backup lock, the tallest #6 was only 2cm taller than the shortest lock. The average #6 is 8kg less than the average weight for a lock.

 

[Brumby Runner]

The Notta Dilemma - Does Size Matter?:

Here are some stats I stumbled upon at http://www.rugby-sidestep-central.com/player-sizes-12.html:

The data set I have summarised below is that of the 2013 B&I Lions team, and the Wallabies and NZ Rugby Teams from 2013 TRC games.

Prop: Height (cm) min: 180, avg: 186, max: 193 - - Weight (kg) min: 109, avg: 118, max: 130
Hooker: Height (cm) min: 176, avg: 183, max: 187 - - Weight (kg) min: 102, avg: 108, max: 114
Lock: Height (cm) min: 196, avg: 200, max: 205 - - Weight (kg) min: 104, avg: 115, max: 120
6 - BSF: Height (cm) min: 190, avg: 194, max: 198 - - Weight (kg) min: 101, avg: 107, max: 110
7 - OSF: Height (cm) min: 182, avg: 187, max: 191 - - Weight (kg) min: 96, avg: 102, max: 107
No 8: Height (cm) min: 188, avg: 190, max: 193 - - Weight (kg) min: 107, avg: 109, max: 109
1/2 Back: Height (cm) min: 171, avg: 181, max: 19 - - Weight (kg) min: 76, avg: 88, max: 103
Flyhalf: Height (cm) min: 178, avg: 183, max: 188 - - Weight (kg) min: 84, avg: 91, max: 96
Wing: Height (cm) min: 170, avg: 187, max: 198 - - Weight (kg) min: 81, avg: 96, max: 106
Centre: Height (cm) min: 175, avg: 185, max: 196 - - Weight (kg) min: 85, avg: 99, max: 110
Fullback: Height (cm) min: 178, avg: 184, max: 18 - - Weight (kg) min: 83, avg: 91, max: 95

It is not a huge set of data but in terms of 6 and 7, the tallest #7 was only 1 cm taller than the shortest #6. The fattest #7 was the average weight for a #6.

In terms of a #6 that is a backup lock, the tallest #6 was only 2cm taller than the shortest lock. The average #6 is 8kg less than the average weight for a lock.

Quite a variation in the sizes of the No 9s.

But in relation to McMahon, it looks to me that he is built to be a No 7 rather than a No 6.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Alright every week I'm going to update a XV I consider to be the best in Super Rugby thus far. Couple rules, no reputations at all, a 100 Test player is considered the same as a 0 Test player, has to picked in the same position they're playing in (locks/wings flexible).

1. Scott Sio
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Ben Alexander
4. Luke Jones
5. Lopeti Timani
6. Sean McMahon
7. David Pocock
8. Ben McCalman
9. Nic White
10. Matt To'omua
11. Rob Horne
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Henry Speight
15. Mike Harris

I feel a little bad not picking more Rebels given their win but the Brumbies were just so dominant.

I reckon out of this mob there will be 2 certain starters only, when the business end comes around

To'omua abd Kuirdrani

 

[Tomikin]

Quite a variation in the sizes of the No 9s.

But in relation to McMahon, it looks to me that he is built to be a No 7 rather than a No 6.

And Mate I agree his a North style 7 like Robshaw.. But it puts him in direct contest with Hooper and Poey.. and maybe he will be better.

Fardy is currently our best 6.. Jones, Higgers, Dennis behind him .. all big guys..

 

[emuarse]

I thought Pocock was super effective for the Brumbies on defence. He put so much pressure on the reds breakdown and on Hunt. I really think we will be having a big debate over the next 4 months as to what is more important for the Wallabies: Hooper's running game or Pocock's defensive game.

Its a quandry that will probably eliminate Hooper's chances of being captain. Surely the captain has to be a player most likely to play every game = Moore. I can't see Hooper playing against the England 8 set pieces. Not the French, or Springbok packs if we play them.

 

[TOCC]

I think a running game is more important in the Rugby Rhampionship but against then NH teams and especially in the Rugby World Cup where percentage rugby comes to the fore I personally think Pococks style is better suited...

That's if he is even fit,.


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[emuarse]

Pocock gave away three penalties as well so it wasn't all perfect from him.

Hooper made 18 tackles and was equal top in run metres amongst the Tahs forwards. He was almost certainly the Tahs best player.

The thread has well and truly given the honors to Pocock in round 1 and I probably agree with that but it was closer than people are suggesting.

The general theme of the discussions is that many people have just been waiting for Pocock to return to punt Hooper from the starting XV. I think the fan comments are very likely to go in the direction of Pocock all season regardless of how well Hooper plays.

I think you might well be right BH81. For instance, refer to post #1094

BDA said: ↑

I thought Pocock was super effective for the Brumbies on defence. He put so much pressure on the reds breakdown and on Hunt. I really think we will be having a big debate over the next 4 months as to what is more important for the Wallabies: Hooper's running game or Pocock's defensive game.​

Its a quandry that will probably eliminate Hooper's chances of being captain. Surely the captain has to be a player most likely to play every game = Moore. I can't see Hooper playing against the England 8 set pieces. Not the French, nor Springbok packs if we play them.

 

[emuarse]

BR giving credit to McCalman - I've seen it all.

 

[qwerty51]

1. Scott Sio
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Ben Alexander
4. Lopeti Timani
5. Rory Arnold
6. Sean McMahon
7. Liam Gill
8. Ben McCalman
9. Nic White
10. Matt To'omua
11. Rob Horne
12. Samu Kerevi
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Henry Speight
15. Robbie Coleman

 

[topgun]

Ok. The posts in this thread kind of confuse me as a week by week there is sudden enthusiasm/disdain for players. This would be mine

1. Slipper/Sio
2. TPN
3. Kepu
4. Simmons
5. Skelton
6. Dennis
7. Hooper
8. Pocock/Auelua/McCalman
9. Phipps
10. Foley
11. Speight
12. Kerevi/To'omua
13. Tev Kuridrani
14. Horne/Badger
15. Folau

Reserve

1. Slipper/sio
2. Moore
3. PAE/Talakai
4. Fardy
5. Hodgson
6. Genia/Stirzaker
7. Godwin/Lealifano
8. Naiyarovoro/Badger

Banished into the fiery pit:

1. Beale

 

[TOCC]

It seems people are confusing team of the week with this thread..


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