Wallaby Debutant Usage

[RugbyReg]

How are we going to use them on tour? I think I read Deans say he wants to give them all a run.

Does he wait for the Baabaas? There isn't an easy test really, when you consider what Italy did to us last time.

In saying that, I'd like to see Kepu come off the bench v the Italians and start at least one other test (probably France).

I'd play Cooper off the bench v the Italians too.

Then I'd play Pocock off the bench v the Poms the next week (with Philbo starting and Smith resting), with a start v Wales at tour end.

I'd throw Kimlin in there from the bench v France with a start v Wales.

And then O'Connor plays off the bench v Wales.

Then I'd let them all pretty much start v the Baabaas.

Injuries permitting I'd love to see a team to take on the baabaas of:

15 Lachlan Turner
14 Peter Hynes
13 Timana Tahu
12 Berrick Barnes
11 Digby Ione
10 Quade Cooper
9 Luke Burgess
8 Richard Brown
7 David Pocock
6 Hugh McMeniman
5 Peter Kimlin
4 Dean Mumm
3 Sekope Kepu
2 Tatafu Polata-Nau
1 Ben Alexander

16 Adam Freier
17 Matt Dunning
18 Wycliffe Palu
19 Phil Waugh
20 Brett Sheehan
21 Adam Ashley-Cooper
22 James O'Connor

With JOC (James O'Connor) coming on early in the 2nd half.

Dunno who would be skipper. Probably Barnes? Perhaps start Freier (for some more experience up front) and he could skipper.

 

[disco]

Deans has said that every squad player will get gametime. I would like to see Pocock warm the bench against the All Blacks in Hong Kong.

Deans didn't want to bring on Waugh in Brisbane & with Palu missing maybe Smith could play the last 20 minutes at #8.

I hope he does pick a young team for the Baa Baas as I'm not going to lose any sleep over that match if we lose.

 

[formeropenside]

I dont know that Kepu lining up against the Italians is a great idea, as they apparently have the best scrum in Europe. Maybe Pocock gets a run off the bench instead.

I recall the NZ commentators talking about about in a Oz A Pac Nations game - that he was "not noted for his scrummaging", I assume based on the previous year's NPC form.

 

[RugbyReg]

I thought Kepu scrummed pretty well at THP v Tonga for Aussie A. I know what you're saying about Italy but off the bench is worth a shot.

We'll be wanting to give Alexander a run too at some stage and where do you look? England? France? Even Wales are decent enough.

 

[disco]

They've got to scrum against someone we can't keep them in cotton wool forever, It's not like we have a brilliant scrumming reputation in the north anyway.

 

[Pfitzy]

I thought Kepu scrummed pretty well at THP v Tonga for Aussie A.

Yeah but he wasn't exactly up against masters of technique. Even the best Tongan props are there for ball-running and hurting people, not scrummaging.

 

[the gambler]

I recall the NZ commentators talking about about in a Oz A Pac Nations game - that he was "not noted for his scrummaging", I assume based on the previous year's NPC form.

They say that about any Australian prop.

 

[Major Spliff Biggins]

I recall the NZ commentators talking about about in a Oz A Pac Nations game - that he was "not noted for his scrummaging", I assume based on the previous year's NPC form.

They say that about any Australian prop.

And with good reason

 

[Spook]

I don't we should use Cooper at any point given his capacity to fuck up games