C
chief
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Hynes for JOC (James O'Connor). Seems a lot more logical, however in my defense. If you saw the Bledisloe in Wellington last year you'll understand why you might not want him there
Wallaby Squad Predictions 2010!
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Scotty
David Codey (61)
Ioane and Mitchell are miles ahead of the rest IMO. Mitchell has really stepped it up in contact this year. He has been the Tahs best back.
McCabe has looked the goods, and Morahan is getting better each game he starts. Turner is a little hit and miss, but I'm still hoping he will come good, because he is exciting to watch when in form.
Hynes still has a few question marks over him as a fullback for me, mainly to do with kicking. Then again his competitor and incumbent AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) has a few for the same reason.
Our first choice XV should have Ioane, Mitchell, Hynes and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) all in it, but in what positions I'm not sure.
McCabe has looked the goods, and Morahan is getting better each game he starts. Turner is a little hit and miss, but I'm still hoping he will come good, because he is exciting to watch when in form.
Hynes still has a few question marks over him as a fullback for me, mainly to do with kicking. Then again his competitor and incumbent AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) has a few for the same reason.
Our first choice XV should have Ioane, Mitchell, Hynes and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) all in it, but in what positions I'm not sure.
en_force_er
Geoff Shaw (53)
Biffo said:
It's opinion not evidence.
Perhaps a better comment would of been we have many potential test level looseys as oppose to test level locks.
Scotty
David Codey (61)
He may well have been your standout player, but there certainly is a shadow of lots of doubt in that ascertion. Genia and TPN have been at least as good, and I would argue have much greater impact on the result of a game.
I doubt there is anyone in Australia apart from you that would put M. Hodgson down on the Wallaby team sheet first! There is a little thing called past experience and proven test performer that needs to come into consideration somewhere.
en_force_er
Geoff Shaw (53)
DPK said:
People keep forgetting AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) has played good test rugby at wing and is unproven at OC.
Everyone says AACs natural position is 13 but I've never seen him play a good game there. Alright yes but not good. I have however seen Diggers play a good game there. As recently as this S14 season. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) has been playing fullback, which can be approached in a similar way to wing. Diggers has been playing 13 and wing.
I just think for at least the start of the test season you'd best switch these men around.
Cutter
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
Horne will come into the reckoning for 13. Picked on form, there could be some big names missing from the Wallaby starting XV this year. That can only be a good thing as there hasn't been enough pressure on incumbents for a long time. I also think the benefit of the Force is being felt this year. They may have only won one game, but they are throwing up Wallaby options and their establishment caused players to be blooded elsewhere, particularly at the Reds, which is bearing fruit this season.
It isn't inconceivable that Phil Waugh, Mortlock, Baxter (though not based on form) could miss all the tests this year. Prior to now, that would only have happened where there were injuries and, whilst they are getting on, I don't think we will miss them. In respect of the younger brigade, Barnes, Gits, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), Turner, Hynes, Chisolm, Cowan, JOC (James O'Connor) and others who have played a part in the test squad for the last couple of years could miss some or all of the tests this year. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)'s form hasn't been dynamic and he is cursed by his versatility. If Ioane or Horne are picked at 13 and Hynes at 15, where will AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) play? He's a good bench player because of that versatility but he may struggle to get a starting spot.
Its a pity Kimlin is crocked. It will also be good to have Melbourne on board even though they will be weak for a couple of seasons. Bringing back players of the calibre of MMM can only be good. I'm not so sold on Gasnier, Rooney would be a better bet but has signed with Worcester. Salvi coming back is good news, Carraro is playing plenty of 1sts rugby for Bath too and would do ok in Super rugby.
I agree that Mumm is a lock and lock only. I doubt Elsom would add value at lock as opposed to 6.
It isn't inconceivable that Phil Waugh, Mortlock, Baxter (though not based on form) could miss all the tests this year. Prior to now, that would only have happened where there were injuries and, whilst they are getting on, I don't think we will miss them. In respect of the younger brigade, Barnes, Gits, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), Turner, Hynes, Chisolm, Cowan, JOC (James O'Connor) and others who have played a part in the test squad for the last couple of years could miss some or all of the tests this year. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)'s form hasn't been dynamic and he is cursed by his versatility. If Ioane or Horne are picked at 13 and Hynes at 15, where will AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) play? He's a good bench player because of that versatility but he may struggle to get a starting spot.
Its a pity Kimlin is crocked. It will also be good to have Melbourne on board even though they will be weak for a couple of seasons. Bringing back players of the calibre of MMM can only be good. I'm not so sold on Gasnier, Rooney would be a better bet but has signed with Worcester. Salvi coming back is good news, Carraro is playing plenty of 1sts rugby for Bath too and would do ok in Super rugby.
I agree that Mumm is a lock and lock only. I doubt Elsom would add value at lock as opposed to 6.
liquor box
Peter Sullivan (51)
cyclopath said:
I think it is important to play your best players, even if they are slightly out of position, it is not as if I would have him at scrum half!
I dont think a player like Rock would fail at 5,. But I would also make room for him in the team.
en_force_er
Geoff Shaw (53)
Ash said:
I've followed Mumm since he started playing S14. I've seen him play the last 10 minutes of a test at blindside, he didn't disgrace himself but he didn't stamp his authority, its hard to dominate when you only get a few minutes.
I have always worried about a pack like SA or England eating him for breakfast but I suppose he accounted well for himself against Wales last year. We shall see I suppose, though I agree with liquor box's theory of playing your best 15 when possible.
I
Ishmael
Guest
To be honest I've been a little underwhelmed by Hynes at fullback this year. He's been OK, but not stellar. Right at this moment I'd have AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) or JOC (James O'Connor) ahead of him there, depending on whether you want Ioane at wing or 13. If Ioane plays 13 then I'd put AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) at fullback and Hynes starting on the wing. If Ioane plays wing then it'd be AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) at 13 with JOC (James O'Connor) at fullback and Hynes on the bench.
Biffo
Ken Catchpole (46)
en_force_er said:
We have four locks who have proven themselves as test standard: Sharpe, Horwill, Chisholm and Mumm. The rising brigade includes, in no particular order, Simmons, Douglas, Kimlin and Hocking. Then there are war horses who just may be test standard - Humphries and Caldwell.
The back row position isn't so flash.
Palu is the number 1 number 8. Who is the number 2? Probably Richard Brown who hasn't set the world afire in his test appearances. It would be polite to say there is daylight between Palu and the next best.
Rocky is the number 1 number 6. Higginbum is probably number 2 but he is yet to be thoroughly proven at S14, let alone test standard. Then there's Chapman, Dennis, Mowen, and Hodgson. None of those is anywhere near Rocky's quality. It would be polite to say there is half daylight between Rocky and the next 6.
On the other side, we are in good order. Pocock is the top banana and Hodgson is probably up to it in tests. Then there's the pensioner with the wild stare and three or four kids.
In the back row positions we appear to have one test quality player for each and only hope that three someones will step up.
That's opinion.
S
Spook
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Cutter said:
He's been excellent this year and was the best Wallaby back, by some margin, in 2009. He continues to the best player under the high ball in Australia and is with Ioane, the strongest player in contact. Horne hasn't proved much yet this year with his injuries and in previous years has struggled in breaking tackles - great potential but needs to prove he is up to test rugby. If Ioane is picked at 13, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) will play wing or fullback. Hynes, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), Mitchell and Ioane all must be in the Oz 15 somewhere. If push came to shove, I'd pick AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) over Hynes. I'd even tempted to select Hynes over Mitchell despite his good form this year. Mitchell is still flakey in defense.
C
CanadianRugby
Guest
While I've read this thread, I'm still confused with why anyone would NOT pick AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) as 15.
I'm totally with Spook on this one. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) has been pretty good this year and in the last EOYT he and Ben Robinson were the only two Wallabies who preformed well almost every game. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is good under the high ball, tends to beat the first tackler, is very smart and defends well. Also, Ioane has played more games this year at 13 then AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and looks good when he does. Even when Chambers was put in the 13 jersey last game, Ioane hung around the centers alot. To me the back "four" has to be 13. Diggers, 11. Hynes, 14. Mitchell and 15. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper). Though you could talk me out of the wingers. I think 13 and 15 are already picked.
I'm totally with Spook on this one. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) has been pretty good this year and in the last EOYT he and Ben Robinson were the only two Wallabies who preformed well almost every game. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is good under the high ball, tends to beat the first tackler, is very smart and defends well. Also, Ioane has played more games this year at 13 then AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and looks good when he does. Even when Chambers was put in the 13 jersey last game, Ioane hung around the centers alot. To me the back "four" has to be 13. Diggers, 11. Hynes, 14. Mitchell and 15. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper). Though you could talk me out of the wingers. I think 13 and 15 are already picked.
Cutter
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
I didn't say AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) wouldn't be picked. I said his versatility might prove a curse and that if Hynes is picked at fullback and Ioane at 13 he could find himself on the bench. Alternatively, its not out of the question that Hynes, Mitchell and JOC (James O'Connor) would be the back 3 for a test. I don't think AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)'s S14 form has been as good as some of the other candidates but I agree he should be in our starting 15.
If Cooper starts at 10, will they look to play Gits or Barnes somewhere else? I wouldn't do it, but its not out of the question that the Wallabies coaches might. If so, the most likely option would be fullback as both are solid defenders and have a good kicking game. That would also complicate the back 3 scenario.
My run on team if we were playing a Bled tomorrow would be:
1. Robinson
2. TPN
3. Alexander
4. Sharpe
5. Mumm
6. Elsom
7. Pocock
8. Palu
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Mitchell
12. Gits
13. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
14. Ioane
15. Hynes
Hynes and Mitchell would swap around during the game.
16. Moore
17. Baxter
18. Chisolm
19. Hodgson
20. Burgess
21. Barnes
22. JOC (James O'Connor)
This isn't necessarily a form team, but its what I would pick to play a Bled. I hope form dictates that there is a bit of a shake up by the end of the season.
If Cooper starts at 10, will they look to play Gits or Barnes somewhere else? I wouldn't do it, but its not out of the question that the Wallabies coaches might. If so, the most likely option would be fullback as both are solid defenders and have a good kicking game. That would also complicate the back 3 scenario.
My run on team if we were playing a Bled tomorrow would be:
1. Robinson
2. TPN
3. Alexander
4. Sharpe
5. Mumm
6. Elsom
7. Pocock
8. Palu
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Mitchell
12. Gits
13. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
14. Ioane
15. Hynes
Hynes and Mitchell would swap around during the game.
16. Moore
17. Baxter
18. Chisolm
19. Hodgson
20. Burgess
21. Barnes
22. JOC (James O'Connor)
This isn't necessarily a form team, but its what I would pick to play a Bled. I hope form dictates that there is a bit of a shake up by the end of the season.
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