Wallaby 31 players for 2015 RWC

[TOCC]

Why do the Wallabies need a line out specialist in the forward pack? just look at the poor ball/turnovers coming off the Waratahs set piece tonight..

 

[Train Without a Station]

Horwill showing his line out stealing chops. 2 steals in a row at one point.

 

[qwerty51]

No one has been questioning Simmons' place in the team..

 

[Train Without a Station]

Pfitzy has!

 

[TSR]

We're starting to see some real potential out of our current crop of locks. However, I wonder if there is still a place for Adam Coleman on the end of year tour. From the small amount I've seen, he seems to have more potential upside then any of them. Looks big, tough and quite strong in the scrum. Although I say that having only seen him a couple of times. It is not a good sign that he was only on the bench against the brumbies when the Force season was on the line.

I also wonder if McKenzie will have any temptation to leave Horwill at home for the EOYT to have a full off/preseason. Not something we have every had the luxury of being able to do before, but if Carter & Skelton, backed up by Fardy & Jones, have a good RC, maybe it will be an option.

I still think the 2011 version of Horwill is a level above any of the current contenders (except possibly Coleman) but maybe he just needs a really good period of S&C if he is going to return to that level - although even in current form I would still have him in my 23 at the moment.

In reality, I doubt either will happen.

I'd be interested in the views of some of those who get to see Coleman more often though, as to where they would have him in the current pecking order.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Just my 2 bobs worth.

Carter and Simmons will be run on with Skelton on bench. Jones or Horwill will be lucky to make it. - unless Horwill can rediscover his 2011 form.

Reasoning: both Carter and Simmons are absolute workhorses - can both go 80 easily - Skelton to be used in last 20 when opposition are becoming tired.

 

[Train Without a Station]

I don't think it's that cut and dry. Skelton is considered a bench prospect because of his lower work rate and set piece work. How beneficial is his impact on contact if it causes us to lose a scrum, a line out or turn the ball over on attack?

My point is, if it makes him not a starting option, how is it less important late in the game?

Providing you can be comfortable with the line out, I think he is a starting option if he can get through more work for the period he is on.

 

[Slim 293]

I think we'll see a continuation of the French tests with Carter and Simmons being the preferred lock combo, but Carter and Skelton to rotate on some matches..........

Horwill will be the next backup..........

 

[Train Without a Station]

I think we could see any combination of the 4 really. Horwill is showing his line out wares making him a potential Simmons replacement. I don't think any one of the 4 have played so unbelievably bad that we could discount any of them. In addition none have played so consistently great that they are head and shoulders above any other option.

I think Carter had consistently been the best, but Skelton and Horwill have shown a higher ceiling at times. Will likely come down to their importance to the set piece and whether link backs himself to get the best out of them consistently.

 

[TSR]

I tend to agree Slim. Although I would probably prefer Carter be given every start possible for the purpose of building his experience. Maybe rotate Horwill and Skelton on the bench instead.

Scrubber, it was only one game, but I though Horwills more alround game was clearly superior to Skelton last night. Mind you - I like Skelton's intent at the breakdown - manhandle the opposition as much as possible.

 

[TSR]

No opinions on Coleman? Does that mean I am miles wide of the mark there. Or is it a case of two many other 'works in progress' already under way?

 

[cyclopath]

Pfitzy has!

In the past he has, but not so much of late, if you read closely what he says. He has questioned his effective physicality in the past, as have others, and Simmons seems to be steadily improving in that aspect. I'm sure he'll always question him in some way, but even @Pfitzy has conceded Simmons is rightly in there.

 

[Braveheart81]

No opinions on Coleman? Does that mean I am miles wide of the mark there. Or is it a case of two many other 'works in progress' already under way?

I think he is definitely a future prospect but I can't see him playing for the Wallabies anytime soon unless there are a lot of injuries.

We've got Simmons locked in with Horwill in the 23 and Carter, Jones and Skelton all recently introduced.

Neville has also been put through a couple of squad camps.

The queue is now long and I think Coleman needs to have an excellent season next year to put himself in the frame for 2016.

 

[Train Without a Station]

In the past he has, but not so much of late, if you read closely what he says. He has questioned his effective physicality in the past, as have others, and Simmons seems to be steadily improving in that aspect. I'm sure he'll always question him in some way, but even @Pfitzy has conceded Simmons is rightly in there.

I concede. That is 100% correct.

 

[cyclopath]

I'll be surprised if Horwill is not in the 23. Very.
And that is no discredit on any other options mentioned. I suspect Skelton will be in a wider squad, but probably not the 23.

 

[Pete King]

Long time Simmons critic , recent fan (was also good eoyt). Great line out general and he is really muscling up in defence these days.

 

[TSR]

I think he is definitely a future prospect but I can't see him playing for the Wallabies anytime soon unless there are a lot of injuries.

We've got Simmons locked in with Horwill in the 23 and Carter, Jones and Skelton all recently introduced.

Neville has also been put through a couple of squad camps.

The queue is now long and I think Coleman needs to have an excellent season next year to put himself in the frame for 2016.

All fair enough Braveheart. Previous squad experience is an important thing. You are most likely correct in that he won't be in the squad in the near future.

Let me ask a hypothetical though. If there were no incumbents and you were just ranking the locks - where would you place him.

Again, I have only seen bits and pieces but I thought he looked excellent the other night. Better than any of the others, including Simmons & Carter. Was it just a good night at the office for him?

I did note earlier this year Bob Dwyer said he would have him straight in the Wallaby squad, so I am not completely alone here.

Just interested really.

 

[wamberal]

How many times has Coleman started for the Force? How many minutes of game time has he had?

Surely, if he is all that good (and I am not saying he is not a good prospect - I have just not seen much of him) he would be starting, and playing at least 60 minutes every week?

Dwyer is still dining out on his selection of Phil Kearns from club reserve grade into a starting Wallabies jersey. Times have changed since then.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Fair call. If he's good enough for the wallabies, why isn't he a clear 1st choice selection at the force?

 

[TSR]

Fair points. I do find some of Dwyers comments a bit hard to agree with. He does have more World Cups then me though.

And I don't think he is as bad as Mark Ella.