What could (will?) lose the RWC for Oz?

[stusker]

1. Scrum. We must not see any of B Daley, S Fainga'a or S. Maafu anywhere near a Wallaby scrum at the RWC. They are young or shit or both. Anyone who disagrees, please refer to the England tests last year and also the storming form of the Tah scrum this year and the Wallaby scrum in 2008-9 with Robinson, Moore, TPN, Alexander. Tah FR to start, Alexander/Moore to come on at 60. Palmer is acceptable and may get 5th prop in my RWC squad if needed.

2. Defence. The Gen-Yer backs are a bit shit here. QC (Quade Cooper) must simply be put back to FB on defence. he is fantastic under the high ball. Thankfully, Kurtly has learned to tackle and should defend at 10. Addiditionally, KB (Kurtley Beale) is a headless chook under the high ball. This simple switch must be made. In addition, JOC (James O'Connor) at 12 is a query. I like his defence but whether he has 80 mins in him lets see. Of course barnes is fine, Fainga'a too (although his attack may be second tier in terms of Wallabies).

3. Failure to take on Eng (Fra?) up front in the Semi. And indeed Ire in the Pool. Strong scrum, tall lineout, counter-ruck, amul repellant and pick and drive must be emphasised in preparation. We have the pack to defeat all the NH teams. Should we contemplate anything less, then the defence oriented England backs/backrow will be allowed to strangle QC (Quade Cooper) etc as they have done in the past 2 of 3 matches v Oz to successful effect.

Follow my 3 simple instructions, we win. Having seen 1995 and 2007 England losses live, if I see another senseless loss to the Poms, two words: Parramatta Eels (or Philadelphia Eagles).

Anything further??

 

[daz]

I just bet Robbie Deans has instructed the ARU to get a direct phone line to you.

There are plenty of open threads discussing these points in detail on these boards. Have a look around and jump in. A bit of advice though, if you are going to say that player a or b is shit, can you please tell us why in a recent example? (Referring to a game 2 years ago doesn't really count).

 

[stusker]

I just bet Robbie Deans has instructed the ARU to get a direct phone line to you.

There are plenty of open threads discussing these points in detail on these boards. Have a look around and jump in. A bit of advice though, if you are going to say that player a or b is shit, can you please tell us why in a recent example? (Referring to a game 2 years ago doesn't really count).

Well we all should just stop expressing an opinion, then, "Daz"....

In terms of specific examples, I have stated above that B Daley, S Fainga'a and S. Maafu are currently poor scrummagers, QC (Quade Cooper) currently cant or is unwilling to tackle and Kurtley is currently suss under the high ball. Please refer to ANY game that these players have played in at test or Super level over the past 2 years and you will find example enough.

While on the topic of specifics and examples, please do let me know of sepcific matches where such players performances contradict my opinion.

All the best "Daz",

ST

 

[TOCC]

Condescending attitudes don't tend to go far on Internet forums, especially when directed at mainstay offering some friendly advice..... "stusker"

 

[Slim 293]

Well, to start with:

Slipper's scrummaging has been much better than Alexander's this year.

Alexander's work around the field is top notch, but his scrummaging abilities have gone downhill going back and forth between LH and TH.

I too like the idea of Palmer playing TH for the Wallabies against teams like England, Italy, Wales and France, but his workrate outside of the scrum has gone from fuck all to nil.

Deans 4 props will most likely, and should be:

Robinson + Slipper starting in the front row
Kepu on the bench
Alexander to score a hattrick against the USA

 

[stusker]

Condescending attitudes don't tend to go far on Internet forums, especially when directed at mainstay offering some friendly advice..... "stusker"

Worked for me on planet-rugby for almost a decade.

 

[stusker]

Well, to start with:

Slipper's scrummaging has been much better than Alexander's this year.

Alexander's work around the field is top notch, but his scrummaging abilities have gone downhill going back and forth between LH and TH.

I too like the idea of Palmer playing TH for the Wallabies against teams like England, Italy, Wales and France, but his workrate outside of the scrum has gone from fuck all to nil.

Deans 4 props will most likely, and should be:

Robinson + Slipper starting in the front row
Kepu on the bench
Alexander to score a hattrick against the USA

I think a FR in combination to start, ie the Tahs, is a good idea. Moore and Alexander on at 60mins, I agree.

if Deans takes a 5th prop to RWC,I think Palmer would be a good choice for the 3 lesser pool games, esp to prevent injury to the top 4.

can we all agree that minimal Red FR involvement ni the RWC is a good thing?

 

[Slim 293]

Except that Slipper will, and should be the starting tighthead with Kepu as cover.

 

[Gagger]

Worked for me on planet-rugby for almost a decade.

Well, it's on it's way to not working for you here through 2 hours. How's that for condescension?

There's also an exact copy of this thread somewhere else that I can't be bothered to find, so thread closed. Have a re-read of Rule 6 as well.