Highlander35
Steve Williams (59)
#Weeks4Wallabys
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Wallaby Watch 2014
- Thread starter No4918
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BDA
Jim Lenehan (48)
Cant believe people are still picking alexander. it took him about 2 minutes to get yellow carded last night. Im glad he's injured for the test series. We need to start looking for replacements. Kepu to start, Ryan comes into the squad (ugh - he was better yesterday but the chiefs' scrum hasnt been very good this year anyway) and Alo-emile comes into the extended squad.
I really think Link should look at moving Cowan or Slipper to tighthead for the world cup, but it really means that they will have to play TH in Super rugby next year.
I really think Link should look at moving Cowan or Slipper to tighthead for the world cup, but it really means that they will have to play TH in Super rugby next year.
BDA
Jim Lenehan (48)
I think most of the team is pretty set in stone but there are a few positions where i can see a few possibilities
No.13 - Kuridrani v AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper). AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is in great form and id probably be minded to play him at 13. although i think that's pretty tough on Kuridrani. I thought Kuridrani played quite well for the Brumbies yesterday. He's essentially the incumbent; so im not sure his form deserves to see him dropped. Plus To'omua/Kuridrani have developed a nice combination as a centre pairing. Also AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) can play elsewhere in the backline. I think there are fair arguments either way. I didn't start Kuridrani, i probably wouldn't have him on the bench. he's a specialist 13 and i see no reason to carray him on the bench if you've got guys like horne and mccabe who can play 13 if necessary. tough call
No.4 and 5 - Simmons and Horwill put on a master class in the lineout on the weekend, so depending on the tactics that we think the French will employ that might be an attractive combination. Simmons has probably locked in his spot. Skelton needs to continue his development and should get an opportunity off the bench at some stage in the series but wont be in the starting 15. Carter was very good yesterday, but not sure he is a direct replacement for Horwill who has a lot of hit ups (carter seens to be more of a defensive player). Jones is probably a better replacement for horwill because he runs the ball more. I'm still not sure he is better than horwill. the Rebels pack didn't do particularly well the last few weeks and I cant say that Jones stood out as playing particularly well but he i think this is a good opportunity to give him a shot in the side especially given that he'll be the only rookie player in an otherwise experienced pack. Jones/Simmons to start, Horwill on the bench. Hopefully if we can manage to get up 2-nil in the series, we can see the likes of Carter and Skelton get some game time.
McCabe v Horne - both in great form this year. Both great bench options. Horne more likely to start on the wing if AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) plays 13.
No.13 - Kuridrani v AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper). AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is in great form and id probably be minded to play him at 13. although i think that's pretty tough on Kuridrani. I thought Kuridrani played quite well for the Brumbies yesterday. He's essentially the incumbent; so im not sure his form deserves to see him dropped. Plus To'omua/Kuridrani have developed a nice combination as a centre pairing. Also AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) can play elsewhere in the backline. I think there are fair arguments either way. I didn't start Kuridrani, i probably wouldn't have him on the bench. he's a specialist 13 and i see no reason to carray him on the bench if you've got guys like horne and mccabe who can play 13 if necessary. tough call
No.4 and 5 - Simmons and Horwill put on a master class in the lineout on the weekend, so depending on the tactics that we think the French will employ that might be an attractive combination. Simmons has probably locked in his spot. Skelton needs to continue his development and should get an opportunity off the bench at some stage in the series but wont be in the starting 15. Carter was very good yesterday, but not sure he is a direct replacement for Horwill who has a lot of hit ups (carter seens to be more of a defensive player). Jones is probably a better replacement for horwill because he runs the ball more. I'm still not sure he is better than horwill. the Rebels pack didn't do particularly well the last few weeks and I cant say that Jones stood out as playing particularly well but he i think this is a good opportunity to give him a shot in the side especially given that he'll be the only rookie player in an otherwise experienced pack. Jones/Simmons to start, Horwill on the bench. Hopefully if we can manage to get up 2-nil in the series, we can see the likes of Carter and Skelton get some game time.
McCabe v Horne - both in great form this year. Both great bench options. Horne more likely to start on the wing if AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) plays 13.
Laurie Weeks has been brought into the Wider training squad. Probably means Ryan has been promoted the full squad.
Ryan was really good yesterday. Best game he has played this year, his work around the park was strong as usual, and his scrummaging improved. Slightly...
Ryan was really good yesterday. Best game he has played this year, his work around the park was strong as usual, and his scrummaging improved. Slightly...
I thought I'd have a stab at a team now that all the games have been finished. This is the team for the first game.
1 - Sio - He is an absolute powerhouse and giving him the full series against the French to cement his spot will do him the world of good.
2 - Moore (C) - Who else?? TPN needs quite major dental surgery after losing his two front teeth last night so Charles may get the bench spot for the first test atleast.
3 - Slipper - He is the best option now that Alexander is injured, I probably would have started him anyway.
4 - Simmons - Will be the line-out caller so I expect him to start.
5 - Horwill - Will be in there for his experience, with Jones, Skelton and Carter cycling through the bench perhaps to give them all a chance.
6 - Fardy - Again he is clearly the stand-out for the 6 jumper
7- Hooper (VC) - Better all round player than Hodgson. And the Vice-Captain in the Forwards.
8 - Palu - Still the best 8 in Australia, will be replaced by Higgers or McCalman after 50 - 60 Minutes.
9 - White - Currently the most consistent halfback in Australia, his selection chances have improved with Coopers injury.
10 - Foley - With Tomoua being pencilled in at inside, Foley is the best 5/8 option for Australia, he has been fantastic this season, challenges the line and has a good passing game, and his organisation of the tahs backline has improve immensely this season.
11 - McCabe - Such a strong ball runner, has been in career best form this year.
12 - Tomoua - Directing the traffic well at the Brumbies and will be a good option for the wallabies. The play to set up McCabe's try last night saw Matt slot in at 2nd receiver as Christian was at 1st.
13 - AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) (VC) - His form has been irresistable the last few weeks. He needs to start at 13! He is the best 13 Australia has! Kurindrani is developing well but he is not at the level of AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) just yet.
14 - Cummins - The Honey Badger! Could be there just for the marketing potential.
15 - Folau - Is an absolute beast and no one else has really been challenging him for the 15 position this season.
Bench:
TPN (Provided his dental surgery goes well), Cowan, Ryan, Jones, McCalman, Genia, Kurindrani, Beale
1 - Sio - He is an absolute powerhouse and giving him the full series against the French to cement his spot will do him the world of good.
2 - Moore (C) - Who else?? TPN needs quite major dental surgery after losing his two front teeth last night so Charles may get the bench spot for the first test atleast.
3 - Slipper - He is the best option now that Alexander is injured, I probably would have started him anyway.
4 - Simmons - Will be the line-out caller so I expect him to start.
5 - Horwill - Will be in there for his experience, with Jones, Skelton and Carter cycling through the bench perhaps to give them all a chance.
6 - Fardy - Again he is clearly the stand-out for the 6 jumper
7- Hooper (VC) - Better all round player than Hodgson. And the Vice-Captain in the Forwards.
8 - Palu - Still the best 8 in Australia, will be replaced by Higgers or McCalman after 50 - 60 Minutes.
9 - White - Currently the most consistent halfback in Australia, his selection chances have improved with Coopers injury.
10 - Foley - With Tomoua being pencilled in at inside, Foley is the best 5/8 option for Australia, he has been fantastic this season, challenges the line and has a good passing game, and his organisation of the tahs backline has improve immensely this season.
11 - McCabe - Such a strong ball runner, has been in career best form this year.
12 - Tomoua - Directing the traffic well at the Brumbies and will be a good option for the wallabies. The play to set up McCabe's try last night saw Matt slot in at 2nd receiver as Christian was at 1st.
13 - AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) (VC) - His form has been irresistable the last few weeks. He needs to start at 13! He is the best 13 Australia has! Kurindrani is developing well but he is not at the level of AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) just yet.
14 - Cummins - The Honey Badger! Could be there just for the marketing potential.
15 - Folau - Is an absolute beast and no one else has really been challenging him for the 15 position this season.
Bench:
TPN (Provided his dental surgery goes well), Cowan, Ryan, Jones, McCalman, Genia, Kurindrani, Beale
Inside Shoulder
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Haven't seen all of AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)'s game from yesterday yet but on the bits I've seen he is in career best form at 13.
Scrubber2050
Mark Ella (57)
Ryan in squad now that Alexander injured.
Predictions on run-on
1. Slipper
2. Moore and CAPTAIN
3. Kepu
4/5. Carter & Simmons
6 Fardy
7 Hooper
8. Palu - higgers just doesn't quite do enough
9 White
10 Foley
11/14 Badger and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)\
13 Kurindran
15 Izzy
Predictions on run-on
1. Slipper
2. Moore and CAPTAIN
3. Kepu
4/5. Carter & Simmons
6 Fardy
7 Hooper
8. Palu - higgers just doesn't quite do enough
9 White
10 Foley
11/14 Badger and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)\
13 Kurindran
15 Izzy
When did Slipper last play any meaningful time at THP? I know he has before, but he's been pretty much a LHP for a while now, no?
I think it more likely McKenzie will keep him at LHP and pick a THP at 3 - Kepu or Ryan. I'm sure others will disagree as to whether that should happen. I don't know, to be honest.
Ryan scrummed MUCH better yesterday than pretty much any time this season, but there's the rub, he has been struggling in that facet, and he really needs some specialist attention. He scrummed well in previous years, so I think he can be improved very much in that department. I think he has the makings of a good longer-term prospect, but work still needed. Very good around the field. Kepu scrummed well enough too, and was actually pretty dynamic in his time on the field yesterday, but he, too, has been a bit patchy in workrate.
Lucky for us, McKenzie and Blades probably know more than all of us put together!
Inside Shoulder
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Now that you mention it: he sure did.
Just the idea of getting some technical guidance in Wallaby camp has helped.
Highlander35
Steve Williams (59)
Ryan is technically deficient. He's more than adequate against the big boys of scrummaging, the type that was regularly preferred prior to the change in the laws.
His problems begin to emerge when he comes up against looseheads who are good technical scrummagers on their own, not just good for the push. He got utterly demolished by Toby Smith 2 weeks ago, a player who McKenzie Obviously rates as the 4th or 5th best loosehead in the country, including a massive tighthead off the Tahs feed, during the yellow card and he was without a flanker.
I've not got a lot of faith in Ryan, I'd prefer it for Aus, if they just stuck with Kepu and Alexander, Slipper as an emergency third then try to develop an Anae, or a Weeks or a PAE, but I'll have to suffer it for at least the French series.
His problems begin to emerge when he comes up against looseheads who are good technical scrummagers on their own, not just good for the push. He got utterly demolished by Toby Smith 2 weeks ago, a player who McKenzie Obviously rates as the 4th or 5th best loosehead in the country, including a massive tighthead off the Tahs feed, during the yellow card and he was without a flanker.
I've not got a lot of faith in Ryan, I'd prefer it for Aus, if they just stuck with Kepu and Alexander, Slipper as an emergency third then try to develop an Anae, or a Weeks or a PAE, but I'll have to suffer it for at least the French series.
kiap
Steve Williams (59)
Our THP stocks are dire.
Robbie Deans used to cop flak for playing props out of position in the days when at least there was an excuse of being only one prop reserve.
Slipper's going to be in a world of hurt against the French switching sides on one week's notice for a test after not playing at all for three weeks - and playing on the loose side all season.
3. Kepu > 3. Slipper
Longbottom should be brought into the squad (I rate PAE for the future but it's early for him).
Robbie Deans used to cop flak for playing props out of position in the days when at least there was an excuse of being only one prop reserve.
Slipper's going to be in a world of hurt against the French switching sides on one week's notice for a test after not playing at all for three weeks - and playing on the loose side all season.
3. Kepu > 3. Slipper
Longbottom should be brought into the squad (I rate PAE for the future but it's early for him).
When did Slipper last play any meaningful time at THP? I know he has before, but he's been pretty much a LHP for a while now, no?
I think it more likely McKenzie will keep him at LHP and pick a THP at 3 - Kepu or Ryan. I'm sure others will disagree as to whether that should happen. I don't know, to be honest.
Ryan scrummed MUCH better yesterday than pretty much any time this season, but there's the rub, he has been struggling in that facet, and he really needs some specialist attention. He scrummed well in previous years, so I think he can be improved very much in that department. I think he has the makings of a good longer-term prospect, but work still needed. Very good around the field. Kepu scrummed well enough too, and was actually pretty dynamic in his time on the field yesterday, but he, too, has been a bit patchy in workrate.
Lucky for us, McKenzie and Blades probably know more than all of us put together!
Yeh I realised Slipper hasn't played there for 2 years, but i still think he is a better proposition at tighthead than Kepu or Ryan at the moment. Ryan although improving is still struggling. And Kepu although he did some good work coming off the bench yesterday he is no longer regarded as the 1st choice tight head because of his low workrate.
Also if Slipper plays tighthead we do get to blood Sio against the French instead of the All Blacks.
I agree with others that Longbottom could have been a good solution had he not signed with Saracens for next year.
Lucky for us, McKenzie and Blades probably know more than all of us put together!
If you adopt that line it will cut the number of posts on the forum.
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kiap
Steve Williams (59)
We need to start paying THPs more. A lot more.
(I know we probably can't match Saracens but the gap needs to be smaller).
Problem is that the style most Super rugby coaches want requires more mobile, good-round-the-park props who can scrum OK. The approach to Pro rugby up north in that department is different. They value a different quality.
It doesn't mean we can't have good scrummagers, but that aspect has long been a secondary thing in Aus rugby. I wish it weren't so.
swingpass
Peter Sullivan (51)
as has been said many times
"in france the first man picked is the THP, the second the reserve THP"
Scrubber2050
Mark Ella (57)
Slipper will probably play LHP for a few more seasons but may change to THP when hr thickens up a bit and becomes a bit less mobile - 25 soon so maybe when he's 28 or so that may be an option.
Link likes workrate and mobility in his front row. Slipper and Moore offer heaps and actually so does Alexander. Which out of Keps and Ryan. Keps has done it plenty of times so he would be my No. 3 and Paddy to the pine.
I also reckon Horwill will be lucky to make the bench - based on performances - Simmons will be the experienced lock chosen and Carter with him. Big non - jumping Willie should be a benchie and bring a huge impact into the game when injected
Link likes workrate and mobility in his front row. Slipper and Moore offer heaps and actually so does Alexander. Which out of Keps and Ryan. Keps has done it plenty of times so he would be my No. 3 and Paddy to the pine.
I also reckon Horwill will be lucky to make the bench - based on performances - Simmons will be the experienced lock chosen and Carter with him. Big non - jumping Willie should be a benchie and bring a huge impact into the game when injected
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