Wallaby Squad Predictions 2010!

[cyclopath]

Was burgess really that bad tonight? Must have missed something. I thought he was pretty solid and provided Gahu with good ball. He didn't make many, if any sniping runs, but I don't think that was the Tahs game plan tonight.

Yes, he was. Assuredly the game plan is partly to blame, but he dithered, ran way too far across field, and at times seemed to have no idea what he was going to do, turning back inside to through a telegraphed little lob pass to a static forward who proceeded to get flattened. It was easy pickings for the Force defence who did a good job, but were hardly tested. It isn't a snipe when you run 5-10 m sideways and do nothing to set up a player running a different angle or somesuch, it is just deciding which player to hospitalise with the pass. It was not one of his better games.

 

[fatprop]

Was burgess really that bad tonight? Must have missed something. I thought he was pretty solid and provided Gahu with good ball. He didn't make many, if any sniping runs, but I don't think that was the Tahs game plan tonight.

Yes, he was. Assuredly the game plan is partly to blame, but he dithered, ran way too far across field, and at times seemed to have no idea what he was going to do, turning back inside to through a telegraphed little lob pass to a static forward who proceeded to get flattened. It was easy pickings for the Force defence who did a good job, but were hardly tested. It isn't a snipe when you run 5-10 m sideways and do nothing to set up a player running a different angle or somesuch, it is just deciding which player to hospitalise with the pass. It was not one of his better games.

The Tahs game plan appears to have Burgess moving laterally looking for runners. God he looks stupid when there are no runners.

Against the Bulls Tahs had movement and units calling for the ball.

Last night the units were calling "yours"

 

[en_force_er]

With Pocock missing out on so much of the season he may be well off the pace when the internationals start.

I don't think it is too outlandish to say that Hodgson really deserves the first crack at the 7 jersey.

 

[Godfrey]

I think that's pushing it.

 

[Langthorne]

My Aussie side so far.

...7 Pocock

He is injured. He has not been playing. Would you really pick an injured Pocock in ahead of one of the other candidates?
I guess you could go with the argument that he'll be going great guns by the end of the season...so I'm interested to know if you are picking a team based on form or history or hope or what?

 

[Spook]

My Aussie side so far.

...7 Pocock

He is injured. He has not been playing. Would you really pick an injured Pocock in ahead of one of the other candidates?
I guess you could go with the argument that he'll be going great guns by the end of the season...so I'm interested to know if you are picking a team based on form or history or hope or what?

Given that Pocock hasn't played, his performance hasn't been good or bad. Which puts him ahead of Waugh.

 

[cheezel]

I don't think it is too outlandish to say that Hodgson really deserves the first crack at the 7 jersey.

Agreed, he's been outstanding at 7.

 

[disco]

Langthorne,

He is injured. He has not been playing. Would you really pick an injured Pocock in ahead of one of the other candidates?
I guess you could go with the argument that he'll be going great guns by the end of the season...so I'm interested to know if you are picking a team based on form or history or hope or what?

Players like Pocock, Genia, Robinson & Alexander if fit will be starting based on class.

Sure they have back ups but not of the same class.

 

[tranquility]

David has earnt that spot and no-one else will play there while he is fit and not being rested. Hodgson looks like a special for the dogsbody on the bench.

Why is it called a 'dogsbody' by the way?

 

[James Buchanan]

Why is it called a 'dogsbody' by the way?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogsbody :

 

[Scotty]

I like the idea of having a hard running and tackling 12, ala Faainga, with a quick, ball playing 13. It makes me think of the Perth game last year, when Cooper came on and Giteau went to 12, but basically ranged wider in a 13 role.

Wouldn't mind seeing a backline similar to the following line up in one of the early tests:

9 Genia
10 Cooper
11 Ioane
12 Fa'ainga
13 Giteau
14 Mitchell
15 AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

 

[Spook]

I am glad to see to more back 3 options come out of this season. McCabe and Hux could make the larger squad. We need more decent back 3 players.

 

[Reddy!]

I think the interesting battle that is emerging is the backup halfback to Genia. Phibbs is starting to make a claim I feel.

 

[Reddy!]

Okay maybe that comment was an over reaction, cupboard looking pretty unconvincing :nta:

 

[Spook]

Phibbs is starting to make a claim I feel.

Reddy, his option taking is often poor. He's a great combative 1/2back but not test class.

 

[Sully]

Interesting question though. Who is the #2 halfback? Maybe Valentine.

 

[cyclopath]

Interesting question though. Who is the #2 halfback? Maybe Valentine.

Not on the evidence I've seen to date. Wide open, I'd say, so they all have something to shoot for. Burgess needs to do more to lock it down, Phibbs looked great last night but need repeat performances to back that up. Angry-Pants Sheehan has been as good as any, apart from Genia I reckon.

 

[Ruggo]

Have Gitau back up as Genia's 2nd and free up a bench spot for another inside or outside back, or use the bench vacancy fo another impact forward. It is a bit outside the square but not a bad option.

 

[Lindommer]

Wouldn't mind seeing a backline similar to the following line up in one of the early tests:

9 Genia
10 Cooper
11 Ioane
12 Fa'ainga
13 Giteau
14 Mitchell
15 AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

Nah, too many Queenslanders. Plus one ex-Queenslander. We can't have that in Australian rugby, just not on.

 

[fatprop]

I like the idea of having a hard running and tackling 12, ala Faainga, with a quick, ball playing 13. It makes me think of the Perth game last year, when Cooper came on and Giteau went to 12, but basically ranged wider in a 13 role.

Wouldn't mind seeing a backline similar to the following line up in one of the early tests:

9 Genia
10 Cooper
11 Ioane
12 Fa'ainga
13 Giteau
14 Mitchell
15 AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

Won't happen