What's the point of the Samoa game?

[Slim 293]

I think Samo isn't a great example to support the poaching argument. He was brilliant for the Brumbies, totally earned a Wallaby spot and then couldn't sustain the form. If we're using him as an example, then I guess Willie O and Ilie Tabua are too.

But Willie O was at one point one of the best backrowers in world rugby... and for a number of years...

 

[Bullrush]

With New Zealand being your '1st' team, I'd say that's a case of "people in glass houses".

For better or worse, it's the way of the world. He has the hallmarks of a future Wallaby and we should capitalize on that early.

Yep, NZ IS my 1st team AND I hate it when it happens with the ABs. Ross Filipo, Kevin Senio are two guys off the top of my head who it really pisses me off that they got AB caps and are now in the international wilderness so to speak.

I think Samo isn't a great example to support the poaching argument. He was brilliant for the Brumbies, totally earned a Wallaby spot and then couldn't sustain the form. If we're using him as an example, then I guess Willie O and Ilie Tabua are too.

I don't think he is a great example either as he DID make it into the Wallabies on form....I don't think the same could be said of Timani.

 

[Swarley]

I don't think [Willie O] is a great example either as he DID make it into the Wallabies on form....I don't think the same could be said of Timani.

Who's ahead of him? He's been the Waratah's best lock this year by far. Sharpe, Simmons and Horwill are ahead of him, yes, and I think he and Wykes are on almost equal footing in terms of form, but I see Timani as having more potential. I'd like to give Timani a cap, as not only would exposure to the elite environment aid his development, but it could also pay off if any of our first-choice locks sustained injuries or Vickerman didn't perform at Club level. I don't want to be blooding a player in a Quarter-Final, that's for sure.

 

[Penguin]

I agree that's why you get him capped in a minnow game. He won't make the 22 for the 3N, so if he doesn't play against Samoa, he'll be eligible for Tonga in the RWC.

Give him a run this year so he'll be a Wallaby for life. Hence when he is a real contender he'll be available.

Also what part of Vickerman's 10 minutes of Rugby this year made you think he was at test level?

Or we could help the island nations develop & let him play for them considering we have a lot of stock in locks and I'm not a big fan of poaching, Fiji sure could use the likes of Samo for example.
Ditto for this game, it's about rugby development world wide. Stop being so inward looking & selfish.