Scrubber2050
Mark Ella (57)
would rather have TPN cover - he doesn't recognise headlights
Wallaby Watch 2014
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The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Totally. He's too lateral at 10 for mine and too often looks for what's on for himself before bring the outside players into the game.
rigs23
Allen Oxlade (6)
This.
Much better off swapping the two around. I've assumed that To'omua was the best 10 whilst Lilo was injured/out of sorts. To'omua was working well enough there at Super Rugby level so I understand Bernie Larkham not wanting to swap them that easily when Lilo returned. Test rugby is a different kettle of fish.
I still don't understand why Deans didn't swap JOC (James O'Connor) and Lilo in the Lions series. Pretty much exactly the same situation, JOC (James O'Connor)'s a 12 and Lealiifano a 10 except it wasn't against the Rebels or the Stormers, it was against the British and Irish lions. It really hurt us. Our attack was directionless. A little swap like that could have made a big difference.
To'omua is great as a test 12. He's got a good pass, playmaking ability, he's strong and powerful and loves smashing anything that runs into him. Lilo also has a good pass and playmaking ability, but is a bit more aloof and distributes the ball better and more assertively...he's a very classy player and much better suited to 10. I love the concept of the second 5/8, but only if they are powerful in attack and can SMASH opposing players.
I am more than happy to see Lilo cover Foley at 10, and maybe put some pressure on him.
KB (Kurtley Beale) will hate it but I love the idea of him as a bench/impact player at the moment.
Scrubber2050
Mark Ella (57)
KB (Kurtley Beale) is important to Australian rugby. I am concerned that KB (Kurtley Beale) will convert to RL if he cannot lock down a run-on spot and IMO he cannot do that ATM
Tomikin
David Codey (61)
Look I hope KB (Kurtley Beale) sticks around, it won't take much for him to crack the starting team, we get pumped by the NZ and SAFFA's or an Injury etc and he be one of the first once put in to try and turn it.
We often have great change through the Test season, and Im sure in a few games Link will start him at 10 with To'omua at 12 to see how they go maybe against the Argies..
This time last year it was 9 Genia 10 To'omua 12 Lilo..
I think this is an exaggeration based on Beale saying he wasn't happy just being on the bench.
McKenzie said that he liked that attitude and wouldn't be happy with anyone being satisfied just by making the bench. All his squad should be striving to be in the starting team.
Tomikin
David Codey (61)
This board has exaggerated what Beale said to an extent, but lets be clear about it too, he didn't just say Im not happy on the bench. He said 'Im not happy on the bench, so I will look at my options elsewhere'.
That's a big difference, unlike what To'omua said if he was on the bench which was 'I'm a Wallaby fan first and if it's best for them for me to be on the bench then I will support it, as I want us to win'
Asked about the same question, two very different responses, one sounds like your going to have a hissy fit and go to league, the other saying he would be disappointed but the focus on the team.
Fan's don't like hearing about packing your bat and ball and pissing off home, when you don't get your way. Suck it up and force Link's hand.
T
Train Without a Station
Guest
I'm sure if To'omua was anointed a superstar at 18 he would have developed a sense of entitlement about himself too though.
Tomikin
David Codey (61)
Didn't he sign straight for the Brumbies out of school, really would have probably been playing alot more if not for injuries.. It's not like his ever had to do it tough...
EDIT: Found this
The Brumbies swooped for To'omua after he enjoyed a glittering Schoolboy career, guiding Queensland to consecutive Australian Schools titles, which earned him selection in the national Schoolboys side for 2007. Following in the immediate footsteps of Wallabies Kurtley Beale and Quade Cooper as the Australian Schools flyhalf, To'omua outdid the exploits of his forbears as he steered Australia to wins over England Under-18s (11-3), Samoan Schools (50-9) and Australia’s first win over New Zealand Schools (23-17) for a decade in the annual trans-Tasman Schoolboys clash.
T
Train Without a Station
Guest
That's great when he was signed. Refer to my previous statement.
As opposed to To'omua. Every year good schoolboy players graduate to the pro ranks.
I'm not saying it's acceptable but surely with Beale's history above - all of which occurred before he was even 20, he'd likely grow a bit of an ego and sense of entitlement if he wasn't extremely grounded.
Throw in 42 Wallaby Caps by 25 and being a player constantly rushed back in to the fold by the previous coach and surely that will assist you getting there.
I think To'omua is a better player, but taking significantly longer to cement himself as a star Super Rugby player and Wallaby, I'd hope he'd have a more grounded attitude than Beale.
As opposed to To'omua. Every year good schoolboy players graduate to the pro ranks.
I'm not saying it's acceptable but surely with Beale's history above - all of which occurred before he was even 20, he'd likely grow a bit of an ego and sense of entitlement if he wasn't extremely grounded.
Throw in 42 Wallaby Caps by 25 and being a player constantly rushed back in to the fold by the previous coach and surely that will assist you getting there.
I think To'omua is a better player, but taking significantly longer to cement himself as a star Super Rugby player and Wallaby, I'd hope he'd have a more grounded attitude than Beale.
Tomikin
David Codey (61)
I know Beale was the chosen one at a young age. I just don't agree with the sentiment that To'omua would have been the same, but the 3 classic examples are Beale, Cooper and JOC (James O'Connor).
But then we look at say Poey his not like that, and To'omua was signed young and isn't like that, granted wasn't as high profile as Beale.
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
OK, I'm a Tahs fan, and if Beale wants to leave because he can't beat anyone into a starting spot, then the door is over thataway *points*
Its the nature of pro sport that you want to reach the pinnacle. Sometimes, someone else will beat you there and you have to redouble your efforts to force your way in. If you're just going to give up then you probably didn't deserve it anyway.
Beale will realise that his value is in breaking the game wide open - or even winning it - by coming into a myriad of roles and excelling at them.
He just needs to work on his tackling technique.
Its the nature of pro sport that you want to reach the pinnacle. Sometimes, someone else will beat you there and you have to redouble your efforts to force your way in. If you're just going to give up then you probably didn't deserve it anyway.
Beale will realise that his value is in breaking the game wide open - or even winning it - by coming into a myriad of roles and excelling at them.
He just needs to work on his tackling technique.
Scrubber2050
Mark Ella (57)
plus he still gets paid the same, whether for 20 or 80
The thing is professionals really want to play the full 80.
The thing is professionals really want to play the full 80.
T
Train Without a Station
Guest
At worst Harris is just a poor man's Matt To'omua. Low error rate, punishing defence and hard running. Could do worse as a back up option.
wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
Please don't tell me that the Wobblies lack a specialist kicking coach?
We had a video-conference one under Deans, and I don't recall another being appointed once McKenzie took over.
I hope I'm wrong.
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