You've sold me ForceFan. Hodgo for Wallabies captain.
Western Force 2014
- Thread starter Shiggins
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ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
One step at a time..........I consider that Hodgson has earned some game time for the Wallabies.
However....IF Hooper gets injured (AND I HOPE THAT HE DOESN'T) Hodgson at 7 and Captain isn't a bad option.
I've always thought that the Wallabies Captain should come from the Captain of one of the Aussie Super XV teams just because of experience.
Test Match rugby isn't the place to try-out a new Captain.
Performing well as Acting Captain isn't the same as doing the job day-in, day-out.
Prior to Dave Dennis getting injured there wasn't a single Aussie Super Rugby captain in the starting XV.
I get what you're saying, but most schools of thought would suggest picking your best team and then picking a captain, particularly when there is no real incumbent.
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Gill, due to injury, played for less than half the season in 2014 and wasn't even a run-on selection in the last round Reds vs Waratahs (played half the game).
Again, stats confirm that he was out-performed by most SXV 7s in 2014.
He needs a good showing in the CW Games to even be asked to join the squad.
And then probably only if either Hooper or Hodgson is injured.
I'd like to see him return to form and be in the squad as he's such a good, versatile player and there is always a high attrition rate of No 7s in Test Rugby. (As Wallabies found in 2011 RWC in NZ - esp when we were missing a No 7 against Ireland).
And also against the likely strength of the All Blacks at 6 & 7.
The Sth Africans appear to be struggling at 7 with Kriel (Lions) the form player - who like Hooper runs the ball well.
Interesting that the Crusaders have selected both Todd (7) and McCaw (6) for the game against the Sharks.
T
tranquility
Guest
McCaw is a 6 these days.
Gill is a superstar, he will walk back into the Wallabies squad when he is fully-fit with a Gold medal around his neck.
Gill is a superstar, he will walk back into the Wallabies squad when he is fully-fit with a Gold medal around his neck.
M
Moono75
Guest
Of course the NZ team will just roll over for that gold medal!
I will point out that every team needs an experienced hard nut to steady things, particularly going into a World Cup.....Hodgo is Clint Eastwood Heartbreak Ridge.....we don't need a clusterfuck, keep Hodgo in the Wallabies squad.....booo yaaah.
T
tranquility
Guest
Don't get me wrong, I bloody rate Hodgo - and I agree, old hard heads are just what we need heading into a WC. Good problems!
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Moono75
Guest
I agree. Good to have an abundance of talent to pick from. Just want to see the Wallabies get back to an era of dominance on the World stage. Not just win....dominate.
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Pleasing too see that it's not just me and SuperSports......
Matthew Burke in today's SMH in his article of "A Dozen of the Best: Super Rugby's Star Players"...
Matthew Burke in today's SMH in his article of "A Dozen of the Best: Super Rugby's Star Players"...
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Moono75
Guest
yeah we know it..... the rest of oz doesn't....or gives a shit. Sometimes the next shiny new thing ain't as good as the classic.
GaffaCHinO
Peter Sullivan (51)
2014 Nathan Sharpe Medal Dinner – Award Winners
Nathan Sharpe Medal: Matt Hodgson
Geoff Stooke Award: Ben McCalman & Sam Wykes
Rising Star: Adam Coleman
Members’ MVP: Nick Cummins
- See more at: http://www.westernforce.com.au/article/hodgson-claims-2014-nathan-sharpe-medal#sthash.5QelI4Qj.dpuf
Nathan Sharpe Medal: Matt Hodgson
Geoff Stooke Award: Ben McCalman & Sam Wykes
Rising Star: Adam Coleman
Members’ MVP: Nick Cummins
- See more at: http://www.westernforce.com.au/article/hodgson-claims-2014-nathan-sharpe-medal#sthash.5QelI4Qj.dpuf
Forcefield
Ken Catchpole (46)
Especially since he started the season so late. His first game was the Rnd 9 match vs the Waratahs I think.
But that's pretty fair. I don't remember DHP playing a bad game all season and he has a habit of having some really good involvements- not sprinting 80 metres down the sideline to score a try- but tackling well, being strong in contact and making some good decisions that either take the pressure off or put us on the front foot. A meat and potatoes winger. I didn't see him kick much this season but he used to have a reputation for having a very, very long kick. I wonder if that will come out if he goes back to 15.
But that's pretty fair. I don't remember DHP playing a bad game all season and he has a habit of having some really good involvements- not sprinting 80 metres down the sideline to score a try- but tackling well, being strong in contact and making some good decisions that either take the pressure off or put us on the front foot. A meat and potatoes winger. I didn't see him kick much this season but he used to have a reputation for having a very, very long kick. I wonder if that will come out if he goes back to 15.
GaffaCHinO
Peter Sullivan (51)
Be took all the kicks for touch when he was on the field.
Forcefield
Ken Catchpole (46)
Did he? Maybe my memory is hazy- I thought it was usually Hayward.
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