Wallaby 31 players for 2015 RWC

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Whilst I don't think we should pick a specialist kicker (if they don't have a good skill set in other areas then it creates too big a hole), we certainly need someone who can reliably kick goals. At the knockout stage games can be won or lost on that basis (for instance, even though our scrum got smashed in the QF against England in 2007, if Stirlo had knocked one or two more kicks over we would have won).

 

[RugbyReg]

Hunt at fullback!

 

[Wilson]

If Kuridrani is out injured I think Kerevi becomes a viable option to make the squad but AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) would easily be in front of him and I'd bet that someone like Rob Horne would be picked at 13 for the Wallabies before him as well.

Kerevi's biggest problem at this stage is his defence so I don't think he's going to be rushed into the Wallabies outside centre role.

Certainly AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) would be the first choice if TK was injured, but I think it comes down to two questions, the first being do we play AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) there, changing the style and foregoing his use elsewhere or do we try for a like for like replacement. If Chieka wants to go for that like for like replacement it then becomes a question of who, which atm looks like Kerevi or Inman, with the rest of the larger strong running style of outside centres (maybe only CFS right now) being a fair way behind. However if AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) goes straight in than the squad replacement would probably be someone who offers some of his versatility while still covering oc (if a player is going to be a first choice starter I think you almost have to ignore their coverage of other positions, at least at a squad level). If that's the case it probably becomes CFS or Godwin who'd come in though it obviously depends on the squad make up.

That said this is all highly speculative at this stage and relies on a hypothetical injury.

 

[TOCC]

I'd take Kerevi ahead of Inman..


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[Braveheart81]

I'd take Kerevi ahead of Inman..


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So would I.

I doubt either would be in Cheika's first three choices for the 13 jersey though.

Anyway, there's lots of rugby to be played before any of these become more than hypothetical.

 

[Brumby Runner]

I get it that posters don't think it's relevant to discuss the return to the Wallabies of a world class player who has been injured for most pf the past two years, but to be discussing the potential injury replacement for our unquestionably best No 13 when he is not injured is really a low act.

 

[Wilson]

I'm not sure I follow.

 

[TOCC]

but to be discussing the potential injury replacement for our unquestionably best No 13 when he is not injured is really a low act.

there must be a different definition of low act in Canberra, because discussing the depth of a position and where players sit in the pecking order doesn't fall into what i consider a 'low act', its called an internet rugby forum where people discuss everything from the first picked wallaby to the 3rd ranked prop in the Randwick colts side.

 

[Bairdy]

How dare someone discuss Australia's options at 13 on a rugby discussion forum.

Naming a prospective Wallabies 2016 squad that is full of players that are not even first choice at their Super Rugby teams is fine, but ascertaining who the Wallabies 13 is in the event of an injury to Kuridrani is reprehensible - insulting even.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

It's an interesting discussion though: TK and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) are clearly our best two outside centres, so who would be third in line if the need arose?

 

[Braveheart81]

It's an interesting discussion though: TK and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) are clearly our best two outside centres, so who would be third in line if the need arose?

I've said it a couple of times before but I think it would fairly comfortably be Rob Horne at the moment based both on his history in the position and his experience within the test team.

After that it's way more of an unknown and would probably be an uncapped player.

 

[BDA]

Ordinarily I'd say Kerevi would be in the frame to make the wider squad, but in a world cup he's not going to get a look in.

 

[Slim 293]

Ordinarily I'd say Kerevi would be in the frame to make the wider squad, but in a world cup he's not going to get a look in.

Yeah, I think the only two positions that might be up for grabs in the wider 31 group would be at lock and maybe tighthead prop...........

There's going to be a few good backs who miss out...........

Probably one or two high profile players too ala Finegan and Giteau in 2003 and 2011 respectively..............

 

[Brumbieman]

How dare someone discuss Australia's options at 13 on a rugby discussion forum.

Naming a prospective Wallabies 2016 squad that is full of players that are not even first choice at their Super Rugby teams is fine, but ascertaining who the Wallabies 13 is in the event of an injury to Kuridrani is reprehensible - insulting even.

Oh rubbish, it's a perfectly normal discussion.

No one is hoping he gets injured, but in the game of rugby you'd be foolish to not have 2-3 other options lined up in the event of an injury.

Would the Brumbies be insulting Pocock if they were discussing who might be the replacement 7 if his knee went again?

 

[Viking]

I've said it a couple of times before but I think it would fairly comfortably be Rob Horne at the moment based both on his history in the position and his experience within the test team.

After that it's way more of an unknown and would probably be an uncapped player.

I agree, if Horne and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) weren't both at the Tahs I would certainly think Horne would be playing 13 regularly.

I think their is potential in players like Inman or even Godwin to excel at 13.

 

[Braveheart81]

Oh rubbish, it's a perfectly normal discussion.

No one is hoping he gets injured, but in the game of rugby you'd be foolish to not have 2-3 other options lined up in the event of an injury.

Would the Brumbies be insulting Pocock if they were discussing who might be the replacement 7 if his knee went again?

Bairdy was being sarcastic.

 

[cyclopath]

Oh rubbish, it's a perfectly normal discussion.

No one is hoping he gets injured, but in the game of rugby you'd be foolish to not have 2-3 other options lined up in the event of an injury.

Would the Brumbies be insulting Pocock if they were discussing who might be the replacement 7 if his knee went again?

 

[fatprop]

I agree, if Horne and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) weren't both at the Tahs I would certainly think Horne would be playing 13 regularly.

I think their is potential in players like Inman or even Godwin to excel at 13.

and yet Horne wasn't moved there for tomorrow's match (but he will play good minutes defending at 12)

 

[BDA]

will be interesting to see whether Cheika opts for 3 THPs in the RWC squad or only two. Last season there was talk of Sio moving to THP, but its probably to late for that experiment. If I'm not mistaken, Slipper played some games at THP at the 2011 RWC. He's probably still one of our best THPs.

Barring injuries I presume the 4 props will be:-
Sio, Slipper (LHP)
Kepu, Alexander (THP)
Plus 1 ? - I think the plus 1 is probably more likely to be another THP given that Alexander and Kepu can both play LH.

Front runners for me are Laurie Weeks and Sam Talaki.

 

[Viking]

and yet Horne wasn't moved there for tomorrow's match (but he will play good minutes defending at 12)

Interesting. I doubt Cheika's selections at times. Who's playing at 13 then?