The Wallabies team to play the Welsh in the First Test at Brisbane has been announced and there are significant changes made to the squad from the Scottish Test.
There are eight nine changes to the run-on team:
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW Waratahs)
14. Joe Tomane (ACT Brumbies) *Cooper Vuna (Melbourne Rebels)
13. Rob Horne (NSW Waratahs)
12. Pat McCabe (ACT Brumbies)
11. Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds)
10. Berrick Barnes (NSW Waratahs)
9. Will Genia (Queensland Reds)
8. Wycliff Palu (NSW Waratahs)
7. David Pocock (captain, Western Force)
6. Scott Higginbotham (Queensland Reds)
5. Nathan Sharpe (Western Force)
4. Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds)
3. Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (NSW Waratahs)
1. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)
Reserves:
16. Stephen Moore (ACT Brumbies)
17. Ben Alexander (ACT Brumbies)
18. Dave Dennis (NSW Waratahs)
19. Michael Hooper (ACT Brumbies)
20. Nic White (ACT Brumbies)
21. Anthony Fainga’a (Queensland Reds)
22. Mike Harris (Queensland Reds)
*Training injury replacement
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="33197 https://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/?p=33197">161 Comments
We’re fucked!!! 10,12,13. What a joke. Bring back Super Rugby.
I hope I’m wrong.
Yep. you got that right, D. Barnes > MacCabe > Horne? Digby, sorry bro, but Tuesday was about as much ball as you’re gonna get! Jeez….
Digby’s the only man in the backs thats great . no offence
Could be great if he developed a capacity to off load. He constantly dies with the ball having opened up brilliant running opportunities.
Digby, Tomane and AAC better be running off Genia all night so that we can actually witness some decent rugby from the backs.
After the way he played against Scotland genia should be sent back to play in the backyard with Quade. How anyone could blame the other backs is mind-boggling when they got such slow inaccurate service.
On the plus side, we may not have to put up with Deans’ mindless tactics too much longer after we lose this series.
Cannot disagree more with you,
With limited prep, and injuries rife, what Deans has named is the best basic skills team we have. We have no time to build any pre-set moves or intricate strategies. Going back to basic safe rugby with these guys.
No flash, no risk, just excellent tackling, ball carrying and brawn.
Good call by Robbie Deans.
Horne has the most misse tackles for any 13 in Super Rugby and has the fewest number of line breaks and tackle busts for any regular starting Australian centre. No risk? Pig’s arse.
Can you post the stats, so we can discuss without just speculating? Remember, he is in the Tahs backs, so line breaks and broken tackles will be skewed through low possession. If you got that missed tackle count tho, would be handy.
I just noticed a trend here Murph…..
Consistent whinge!
Enjoy…
Most Missed Tackles
================
1. Nick Phipps (Rebels) 36
2. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) 33
3. Willem Alberts (Sharks) 31
4. Charl Mcleod (Sharks) 30
4. Francois Hougaard (Bulls) 30
4. Josh Strauss (Lions) 30
4. Peter Grant (Stormers) 30
4. Rob Horne (Waratahs) 30
9. Brett Sheehan (Force) 28
http://www.rugbystats.com.au/rugby/super15/player-stats.html?refresh=1339056291595
Linebreaks
==========
Pat McCabe 9
Andrew Smith 6
Lachlan Mitchell 6
Nick Cummins 6
Tom Carter 5
Alfie Mafi 5
Adam Ashley-Cooper 5
Ben Tapuai 4
James O’Connor 4
Rob Horne 3 <–
http://superrugbyfantasy.foxsports.com.au/stats/elements/?element_filter=0&stat_filter=linebreak
Tackles bust
==========
Nick Cummins 33
Andrew Smith 27
James O’Connor 24
Pat McCabe 21
Ben Tapuai 20
Berrick Barnes 17
Tom Carter 16
Mitch Inman 14
Lachlan Mitchell 14
Michael Harris 11
Rob Horne 9
etc etc
There are players who’ve been injured since round 6 who have better stats than Horne
A faingaa has made 0 line breaks and scored 0 tries and has carried for 95m in 6 games.
R Horne 3 line breaks and 4 tries and has carried for 388metres in 12 games.
Yes Horne missed too many tackles, particularly earlier in the season, but Faingaa has also missed tackles in every game he has played. At least Horne can run!
Interestingly Conrad Smith has missed almost as many tackles as Horne.
Been championing A Smith for 13 with little support, good to see the numbers. Actually a good combo with slug too.
I’m not plugging for Ant Faainga – although you may notice that he isn’t a human turnstile like Horne and is, therefore, less risky
Oooohh, look who got their knickers in a knot….. Then had a whinge..
Not at all surprising for the attacking stats, as Berrick has been told by con the fruiterer to kick every ball that comes near him, something that Deans should not allow.
I honestly thought the missed tackles would have been much higher considering the traffic he has had come down his channel (Kick returns)
Can you source the completion rates for tackles? that would be interesting… How many they miss for how many they stop?
An Murph as far as your kind invitation to join you in a hot tub, i gotta confess that my heart belongs to Ant Faingaa, That bitch is mine!! hands off!
Look them up yourself, troll boy, if you’re looking to try to spin it in your favour. I’ve provided more than enough.
I wasn’t offering, Ian. Read it again and try to think about it. That’s now a multiple fail in arithmetic, basic English comprehension and not being a tool.
Happy Days! Was fun playing Murph, Just remember, The Wallabies need support in the good times and bad, We cant fall into the Warratahs trap of being fair weather supporters!
That happens, then even I will start whinging!
I’m a Reds fan and have been rain or shine for 30 odd years. The Reds were rubbish from 2002 to 2009 precisely because nobody with any clout vigorously challenged the Reds heirarchy. It’s all well and good to support your team through thick and thin but, at some point, something has to give. The Reds are doing well because Rod McCall etc cleaned the joint out of big head players, coaches, directors and made the decision to win by bringing in a good coach who picks on form, not reputation. The Waratahs need the same. The ARU needs the same. until that happens, the Waratahs will lose six in a row and the Wallabies will have a 57% win rate.
Full disclosure – I’m a Force tragic. BUT… based on the stats above, one has to wonder why the Honey Badger wasn’t even included in the training squad.
Leads the tackle busts, top 4 in linebreaks, isn’t in the conversation about most missed tackles – AND those stats are without getting any ball and missing a couple games.
What’s the guy got to do to get a look in – be part of the Tahs?
Its not as though the International season just popped up, there has been ample time for core players to tuned up.
Murph,
You are 100% right about the politics and the BS that eroded the reds during that period and does till this day in Cockie land and Wallaby land. Who can forget what the NSWRU did to Knuckles in promoting that idiot Smith to national coach back in the 90’s. Until they get rid of the wouldbe’s and wannabes, we are at 57%. Like you I am RED and have been for 40 years.
I disagree. This is the team we need to win the match!
I see Deans’s PR agent has 5 IP addresses..,
Doesn’t look too bad
Stating forward pick themselves, other than TPN starting, I am a Tahs Supporter and I don’t understand that one, hope he proves me wrong.
McCabe has had a lot more time at 12 now and is looking the form 12 to me.
Barnes is lucky as he is the only flyhalf not injured.
Three backs and no lock replacement… that is concerning
Tomane looked good last week and deserves a chance but if I were Wales I would be kicking to to him all night. Only one recognised kicker in the back three again is concerning, especially as it is meant to rain in Brisbane.
Come on boys! omfg I am nervous about this one.
Agree about the bench. I know it’s a non-issue as deans doesn’t do benches, but no real lock replacement (Dennis I spose plus out locks are both 80 min players) and then finger and Harris??? Surely we should have a wing/fullback sub instead of 2 centers. AAC, ioane, Horne McCabe can all play 13, so why have finger? AAC is the only real 15 out there (maybe McCabe). Harris is not test standard, I feel his kicking has got him picked-not that makes sense to have him on the bench? Would rather have: TPN (Moore starting), Palmer, timani/douglas, Dennis, white, morahan
Locks are biggest concern, didn’t Sharpie play the full 80 in Newcastle. And if Dennis is called into cover 4 or 5 then Palu or Higgers have to play the full 80. What happens if we go backwards in the first scrum?( remember the scrum is Simmons weak suit and Sharpie ain’t no spring chicken and play a full match in the mud on Tuesday ). This will be our Achilles.
7 horrortahs and 6 reds/brumbies combined and 2 force players (force, what an oxymoron)
So Deans was able to hold the Wallabies back the last 4 years so the AB’s could win the WC. Now his agenda is to hold them back further as most of the great AB players have moved on and the AB’s have a new squad. A losing mentality doesn’t want to be created as it has in camp Wallaby. Conspiracy? Absolutely. But doesn’t it make more sense than Deans trying to pick a winning side to beat the 6N champions?
Praps you’d like to share your winning combination with us all. Will you be nominating to the coaching pos after Dingo’s contract is up (or he’s fired)?
15. Luke Morohan (Queensland Reds)
14. Pat McCabe (Brumbies)
13. Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds)
12. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Horrortahs)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
10. Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)
9. Will Genia (Captain, Queensland Reds)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Queensland Reds)
7. David Pocock (Western Force)
6. Dave Dennis (Horrortahs)
5. Nathan Sharpe (Western Force)
4. Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds)
3. Sekope Kepu (Horrortahs)
2. Tatafu Polota Nau (Horrortahs)
1. James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
You’re welcome……..
i think it is silly to even care which province they are from. if they are the best players they are the best players. do you think any welsh care how many players come from the ospreys or the cardiff blues?? not on your life!
Miller
Hate to tell you this, but the Welsh do care very much. It’s one of the eternal problems in Welsh rugby. That’s why Gatland and Edwards were an ideal coaching combo. Only a foreigner can truly be considered to be neutral. When the Welsh lose a match listen out for the Ospreys, Dragons and Turks fans blaming Rob Howley…
I lived in the Uk for 10 years. No one EVER gave a shit about which club someone came from when they played for the national team. In this years 6 nations Harlequins were the best club side and only had 1 or 2 players in the national team. Not one complaint from any of my die hard quin fan mates who I keep in contact with. They cease to be club fans and get behind their national team. I suggest you do the same or just bugger off!
I live in the UK and have done since 1997…for my sins. You said Wales and that’s what I’m addressing; unless of course I’ve been of the mistaken belief that Quins are not a Welsh side. I agree that, generally, England supporters don’t care (although there is often some contention between Leicester and non-Leicester supporters).
Anyhow, I don’t care either way about what provincial side Wallabies players are from just as long as they are the best for the job. For instance, I’m a Reds supporter but for the life of me I can’t work out why Harris and A Finger are on the bench.
Seems like a fair squad given the injuries.
Well done to Hooper, Dennis and White.
Weakness is Barnes but there are a lack of alternatives.
I’m actually excited about McCabe these days due to the guidance from Larkham down in Brumbyland.
Big ask but I sincerely hope that the “play what’s infront of you” gameplan is discarded and we can run some plays to dismantle the welsh defense.
I’m nervous about this game.
8 Waratahs named!!! Is this some kind of joke on all of us!?? Well done Robbie, another clusterfuck awaits us on Saturday night!
I think I’ll stick with the U20’s until this train wreck is over.
You’ve got to wonder… way too many Tahs in that mix… I’m going with Pink Rugby. We’re stuffed!
I thought that article about the wallabies being deflowered meant there would be less waratahs.
Nice.
your best comment ever Pedro.
One can only hope
Here is where I have decided to stand:
I will turn up, scream my nuts off,
Offer my undying support for the boys in Gold
VEHEMENTLY support the selection of all 22 players as genius
Enjoy the rest of my week not stressing about something that is well out of my control
Deal with whatever comes on Saturday night
Why Robbie has ever phoned and asked for my input is a mystery to me…
What the F….?
Two Brumbies starting – and they’re the leading Aust franchise.
No Rebels.
Robbie Deans is an infection.
I am utterly speechless. I just don’t know where to start. Should I start with:
The fact there 8 Waratah players in the team given they are playing the worst rugby at the moment (anyone care to remember the Hurricanes game?)
The fact Pat McCabe is there again?
The fact Rob Horne is the 13?
The fact Palu puts in one decent performance and is back in the team?
The fact AAC is playing at fullback after having played how few games there this year (and poorly at that)?
The fact Barnes is still there (granted there really isn’t anyone else but give Ben Lucas a try FFS)?
The fact TPN is there ahead of Stephen Moore?
The fact there isn’t a goalkicjker of note in the starting XV?
Anyone care to help me as this is all rumbling around in my head and I can’t decide which point I should start ranting about!
Maybe Robbie is gunning for a 0-3 defeat in the series so he can get fired, take a payout and leave?? Is the only thing I can imagine he is up to.
Ok so the tahs are crap but they still have the best scrum in the oz conference, so Kepu abd Robinson make sense. I agree Moore should be starting. Palu has been excellent this year so deserves to start. Expect Dennis to come on for Palu around the 60 min mark and higgers to move to 8. Dennis and Higgers play a very different game and will hopefully complement eachother nicely.
Not going to argue for Barnes
AAC always plays better when in Gold and always looks at home in the back three.
Horne is playing better since injury but I am still nervous about his selection.
There are a lot of tahs but most (most) of them deserve their selection.
if Palu lasts 60, who is the replacement lock??
Is that a whinge?? meh.. close enough!
Opps, let another whinge out just there
I’d say stephen Moore is just completely rooted. We may get a slightly better scrum with TPN, but once his throwing starts to go to the bejeezus (I.e the 7.5 min mark!), Moore will be brought on. I’m a tahs fan, but see NO justification in the presence of, at least, AAC or Horne. Lucas deserves a look and why not Foley???
Presumably Barnes is kicking then. Any stats on % of successful shots at goal ?
Pretty good- over 80 i think but he hasn’t had a lot.
I can understand picking the Waratahs props (not TPN over Squeaky though)… but I can’t for the life of me understand picking any of their backline, they haven’t touched a rugby ball since the world cup.
Just looked at the backline NZ have named for Ireland.
Pretty happy we’ve still got a few months before we have to play them.
The abs still have cory jane,kahui and kaino to return.plus could stii add perenara and taylor/fruen just to name a few. They outmatch us in about 10 of 15 positions plus hav quality players behind them to step in if injured.mate we’re miles behind.im not happy about where we are at all.we have a couple of stars that carry this team not including quade. We all know hes no test player.but saw the all black squad not they’re strongest but still a good side.wouldnt we love to have a backline like that.
I don’t like our chances with this team. The pack looks not too bad, but I have no idea where tries will come from with that backline. McCabe/Horne are pretty limited playmakers in the centres, but it doesn’t matter as there won’t be any decent ball through Barnes anyway.
Can we forfeit?
what a goose of a comment!
We just did.
Is this a joke? Here are some serious questions I’d love to hear someone ask whoever is fucking with my mind by selecting this side.
– Palmer had a fantastic game against Scotland and Ben Alexander ruined our scrum. Why is Alexander starting over Palmer?
– Stephen Moore, in my opinion, was one of the better Wallabies on Tuesday and has played well for the conference leading Brumbies. TPN can’t throw a straight line out and plays for the Waratahs. Why is TPN starting over Moore?
– There are SEVEN WARATAHS IN THE STARTING LINEUP. WTF?
– Pat McCabe greatly hindered our backline movement/creativity throughout all of last year. The proof is that the backline looked significantly better against Wales in the 3rd place game and in Cardiff when McCabe wasn’t playing. Why is he getting another chance at a position he just can’t play?
– Rob Horne can’t tackle, has never done anything special in a gold jersey, and plays for the Waratahs. Why does he keep getting to play in test matches?
I just realized that “Pie Thrower” a few comments above me basically asked the same questions that I have stated here so I will stop. I’m glad that I’m not alone in feeling frustrated about the direction of this team. It really makes me sick that whenever Robbie Deans puts out a shit side ahead of time, I predict which players are going to suck/underperform and I’m usually right. I’m an American. This is bullshit that after watching the Wallabies play under Robbie Deans for the past 5 years, I can confidently say that I (100% born and raised in the USA) can pick a Wallabies side better than the coach.
“Why is TPN starting over Moore?”
Because Moore played his heart out in game 4 days previous to this one. To put him on again as run on would be irresponsible. (Not that Deans is adverse to that!)
Besides which TPN is a bloody good hooker. Sort his throws out and job done.
You’d think he’d have to sort out his throws prior to wearing a gold jersey but, hey…
It is one of his few limitations (admittedly a big one for a hooker). But he is awesome around the park and a solid scrummager who puts his body on the line every time. I too would prefer Moore to start but TPN is a great alternative and the gap between the two is not as large as some here are making it sound. It’s even arguable that there is one.
Another Whinge from Murph
TPN is a much improved thrower these days…think Fiangaa and Hanson are in better form though. Moore looked flat last game.
he only thing that can save this team on Saturday night is Suncorp. If they were playing anywhere else I would be remortgaging on Wales to win. I still think we’re in serious shite.
Along with the fast disappearing aura of the Wallabies, after Saturday night, Suncorp may have taken a knock to it’s fortress-like nature.
Given the inept performance of Tuesday night, and this team selection, I doubt how many peiople will turn up on saturday night. I have been umming and ahhing about whether to go or not – the events of the last few days aren’t exactly encouraging me.
Wonder if the ARU have thought about that? Play a mid-week game, risk losing (was always going to happen) and turn more people away from the subsequent games. Will probably have a bigger impact on the revenue than if they had of not had the Scotland game.
What’s Deans thinking??? This team defies logic (and form). The dartboard could’ve picked a better 15. A Dingo stole our Wallabies!
I imagine this was the team that was always going to start this game. I think Barnes is benefiting from every fly half in Australia being injured at the moment. As his kicking performance and decision making on Tuesday weren’t up to scratch. But he did play well against Wales in the RWC, defensively as well.
It’s a solid defensive midfield. 10, 12, and 13 are all capable defenders. Say what you will about the Tahs but this front row is more than capable. Nathan Sharpe, why is he retiring? I’m still not convinced about Simmons – he seems well underdone to me. Higgers needs to make a statement wearing the green and gold as he has failed to that yet. Pocock – has he had a bad game yet? Palu I like but I want to see him run over a few more people. He puts in a little jink just before every contact possibly to make room for an offload, but occasionally he just needs to show a little more distain for the opposition by flattening a few would be tacklers.
If he can put Tuesday behind him Will Genia at his home ground is always formidable. Although I would love to see Nic White get a run. The Welsh won’t know too much about him which will work in our favour. Ioane needs to find more space. At the moment, in SR too, he’s suffering from being marked so heavily by the opposition. I don’t imagine the Welsh will be treating him lightly either. This should hopefully give Tomane a bit more room. He needs to go hunting for it though. AAC at the back? I’ve never been convinced by him there, but he’ll be solid and needs to be on the field somewhere.
Overall an OK team selection I think. (That’s as positive as I can be after Tuesday’s debacle). I don’t think it’s as bad as some people are making it. Hopefully the heavy Tah contingent will learn how to play some positive rugby again. For that matter I hope the Wallabies do too!
Sportsbet has the WBs as favourites. After Tuesday’s effort I thought the Wallabies could claim underdog status. C’mon Deans, I’d be more than happy to be proven wrong about you.
I’m backing the Wallabies, not just supporting them, this match.
Psychologically they’ll be tuned up after the Scotland loss.
I like Horne outside of the ‘2012’ McCabe.
A mild concern if Tomane is subbed, I’m predicting he will be outplayed, how will Deans reshuffle the backline?
Sharpe and Simmons, that’s a tad worrisome also scrummaging.
Has Ioane ever played 12? I realise it’s weakening a big Wallabie strength but without the flairy 10 a blockbusting (Nonu-like) 12 would be a big help.
I always thought the 3 and 12 were the make/breaking positions, we’ve been very weak in both for a while now,
am looking forward to the match, should have a bit of biff (after the WC) I hope, mark
I cannot believe sharpe and Tpn got picked. Also our centre pairing is basically picking the same player. I also question the value of having both higgers and palu in the the back row instea dof dropping one for more of a ‘flanker willing to the ‘shitters’
I agree about TPN but Sharpe no. Sharpe was one of the few going forward on Tuesday on what was really a forwards game.
The backs are a bit of a worry (other than digby, of course).
Also, none of the reserves really look like big impact players to me…not that they’ll get used anyway, so it’s a moot point.
My initial thought is that this team would be the big, sturdy types to weather the storm of a big, mobile Welsh pack (Falotau, Lydiate etc), and our game would come later in the piece when the game opened up. But the reserves bench isn’t indicative of that, especially in the backs. TPN over Moore I can understand considering Moore’s workload on Tues, and TPN will be injured after 20 anyway.
My worries are:
– No goal kicker
– Fairly one dimensional back line (wingers excepted)
– Reserves (ie. wtf is Alexander doing there. My thoughts would have been the same re: Slipper)
BUT
I’ll still be there screaming at the telly, willing the boys on. Robbie can jog on, Suncorp will remain a fortress
Can everybody here cheer the fuck up? This isn’t a bad team. Ironically Scotland would kill for this team. I know Tuesday’s game was a debarcle but this everyone sucks, too many Tahs, McCabe 1 dimensional, Barnes hopeless, Horne a disappointment, not enough Brumbies, going to be a train wreck – blah blah blah blah blah. Stop sulking ffs. Everyone’s entitled to have a whinge but swallow your dissappointment and get behind your team. None of this shit is constructive nor much of it accurate.
Dave finally some common sense. Tuesdays scratch match was ridiculous, half the team had hypothermia, Pocock couldn’t do press because he was so crook and one of the forward pack who had worked their bums off all night. They had to make some changes, feel sorry for Dan Palmer though. This attitude of Aussie rugby fans is absolute shite, we are beginning to sound like poms!!! I agree, suck it up and get ready for Saturday….I’ll be there in front of the TV screaming at the ref and cheering my bollocks off for the boys in Gold!!!
A lot of tests coming up. Dan Palmer will get another run.
Scotland also played in those conditions too Force Fan. So to say excuses like “half the team had hypothermia” is ridiculous. Are the scottish immune to hypothermia?
The whole problem that I know I have and I believe my sentiments are echoed through 98% of these comments are that this side has not been chosen on in form players and with 1/2 the team from the Waratahs, it’s not a team that has a winning mentality at the moment.
Over the last four years, I’ve been a Deans supporter and I’ve backed his decisions on blind faith (which I believe Jon O’Neil is still doing), thinking there was a rabbit he was going to pull out of his hat or a trick up his sleeve. That hasn’t happened and I’m done keeping the faith. There is a time where myself, along with other supporters judging by the comments in this thread, that we are fed up with an under performing side. The talent is there to be world beaters. I’m done with drinking the kool-aid and I want a winning team again. Eddie Jones made the WC final and had the same win/loss ratio. Technically he has a better record than Deans as he made the final. Look what happened to Eddie. He got boned.
You can’t tell me that the Springboks supporters were wrong in the calling for PDivi’s head. The guy didn’t produce and he got axed too.
Call it whinging, call it what you want. I call it “I’m sick of seeing ridiculous decisions being made” I can’t back a team that is for shit. I’m a Reds supporter and stuck with them through thick and thin because there was a difference. That difference was when that team was developing, their best performing players were played. This Wallaby team has been chopped and changed over the last 4 years where I think Robbie is hoping for a miracle rather than developing the players he picked. Of course a team is going to suck if there are no combinations built.
Okay there are injuries right now, but that’s no excuse for last year’s WC.
I believe I’m putting my support on ice right now.
I’m looking forward to the return of Super Rugby.
@D….I have a mate who is a Kiwi and your attitude makes him laugh…..as along with any All black supporter this thread is reinforcing his view that Aussies are worse whingers than Poms. I was fortunate enough to attend the world cup and I didn’t see Robbie Deans out on the field in the Semi Final kicking the opening kick out on the full, nor did I see Robbie Deans hiding behind Dave Pocock when it came time to defend a hole, no it was your precious Quade Cooper. where is he by the way….not in the squad thank goodness. It wasn’t Robbie Deans who went out onto the park and completely stuffed up the first 15 minutes of that final. I sat amongst 4,000 All Blacks supporters and not one of them said very much at all until Joubert blew the final whistle…and then the relief was amazing. To a man they said to me we never never underestimate the Wallabies and nor should we. If there is any Australian in you then take your ridiculous remarks about your support being on hold and barrack for ……Iceland, they might appreciate your support…..what they don’t play Rugby in Iceland…..you don’t say!!
and @d….just so we are clear, the Scots thought it was just a summer shower!!
I gotta say I do find your statement “putting my support on ice right now” a weird one. It’s something that I can’t understand. So you leave when the going is tough (it’s not actually that bad) and come back when all is winning again? That is quite simply the precise definition of a fair weather supporter. This is surprising if what you say is true about sticking with the reds through the lean years. Because there were many, many, lean years.
You write, “That difference was when that team [the Reds] was developing, their best performing players were played.” Let us put the truth aside for one moment just to say that this could explain why they sucked for so long. If this is true how did Copper ever get a game? His early games were woeful. I mean truly shocking. My point is you can’t tell me he was the best they had at the time? He was picked to gain experience, and hopefully perform one moment of magic. Incidentally it wasn’t until he was picked and played for the Wallabies that he started to really perform for the Reds.
Form is not the only factor in selections. Ask Steve Hansen, who’s picked Weepu and Nonu in the AB squad – both of whom have had a pretty bad SR season so far.
Deans may not be the best coach for the WBs. He may not even be a good international coach full stop. Criticise him all you want, doubt his selections and tactics, question his ability to effectively communicate to his players, you can do all this as many here have done – as I have done. But to drop your support because you’re frustrated that they’re not giving you the wins you think you deserve? Well I guess you can do that if you want too. But the next time you come back to this site be prepared for some ridicule my fair weather friend.
I actually don’t think you mean it and you are merely piping up for rhetorical effect. Tell the truth now, you’ll be watching on Saturday. And the first try the WBs score you’re heart will be all a flutter. Because, similar to what force fan said, what other team are you going to get behind this weekend – the All Blacks? I hear they win quite often. You’d be happier no doubt. You won’t though will you. So, say it with me now: C’mon the Wallabies!
I’m definately not a fair weather fan. For me, it’s gotten to a point where I think it is lunacy how some of these decisions, “game plans” and results turn out. It’s gotten to a point where I’m done. “If” it was the best team going out three every time and giving it all, with a proper captain (let’s be honest, Pocock is no public or motivational speaker) then I would feel completely different. These selections are just mind numbing. I’m done giving a shit till proven wrong. One game isnt going to turn me around. Being an Aussie living in the US, A: makes it difficult to watch games here up until a few years back and B: Time zones are also a big factor. I’m up at 3:30am when games are in NZ. I’m up at 5:30am when they’re in Oz. I haven’t missed a live game in 12 years. I’m far from fair weather. I that pissed off, tomorrow will be that day.
I’m more interested in the boks v England game.
Sam Ikin was right when he tweeted earlier in the week “@PTTonline: It think the big winner for tonight was rugby. Rugby leage. Thanks Robbie.”
To have an opinion that you’re fed up and are done with the way things are playing and “when” proven wrong (I know I will be eventually) to be “ridiculed” is nice to know.
I hope the Wallabies win tomorrow. Do I care….nope.
Bye.
Agreed – a lot of people throwing the baby out with the bathwater here.
So @D what constitues a “proper captain” and how the hell would you know what kind of speaker Daid Pocock is…..you don’t even want to support Aussie rugby anymore, because despite your comments to the contrary I agree with Dave you are a “fairweather” supporter. In fact you might as well become an “gridiron supporter” for all the use you are here.
Like I said they play something in Iceland which you might as well support and until you have spent time with players like Dave Pocock who is every bot a “proper captain” then keep your ridiculous opinions borne out of nothing but sheer ignorance to your US Based self.
Yeah, Tuesday is history and you have to look to the next encounter with optimism. Then. win lose or draw do the same for the following test. But you are allowed a 24 hour window of cathartic relief on these pages to cleanse the system (if we have to) for the next test.
We get three whacks at Wales and each one will be a defining moment for somebody. But who that will be and why is the question that keeps me coming back for more and more pain followed by spasms of elation. At some point the ratios have got to start getting better. It’s not a great start, but maybe this is the season for that to happen.
I am probably going to repeat a lot of what people have said (yes I have read the comments I just need my say. I’m like that).
TPN / Moore – Only reason I can think of for not having Moore starting is that he has not recovered to well from Tuesday.
We need a lock on the bench. Sharpie has been good, and bless his cotton socks, will play with a broken leg if he has to, but I just have a feeling that backup is going to be needed. I am like others – not sure if I have full confidence in Simmo yet. Would have been a good opportunity to blood Pyle.
Who to drop from the bench? Dennis has more flexibility then Hooper so I am sorry Hooper would have to go. Or do we go for a 5/3 split on the bench and leave Ant out.
I would also have put Palmer on the bench above Alexander. Palmer surprised me on Tuesday, as he did a few others, and should be rewarded.
Glad to see Nic White on the bench over Phipps. I do hope he gets a run.
10 through 15 and 20-22 is a bit of a mess, but beggers can’t be chooses. I maintain the BB is not a 10, he is a 12, but what to do…. Maybe :
10 Lucas
11 Diggers
12 Barnes
13 Harris
14 Tomane
15 AAC
20 White
21 Ant
22 McCabe
And before you all bitch – yes I know heavy on the Reds. 10 is the problem and we don’t have much option. Maybe even 10 Barnes, 12 Harris, 13 Ant.
I guess Saturday we will know what is in store. All I know is that I will be there like Muffy, screaming (in my case) my tits off and supporting those boys in gold for all they and I am worth. Come join us. It will be a good night.
If the wallabies lose this weekend Deans should be fired. I tired of watching him pick out of form players, and players out of position. What’s even more worrying is that the Wallabies don’t seem to have any game plan in these game (apart from relying on a magic moment from Beale, O’Connor or Genia).
Seriously how the hell is Rob Horne chosen in this side?
Why is their no specialist kicker?
Why start TPN ahead of Moore?
Why no backup for Sharpe (how played 80 minutes 2 days ago)?
Why not give Lucas a chance at no.10? Barnes hasn’t been able to produce anything in that position all year!
The only thing I disagree with in your statement is starting Moore ahead of TPN. The only reason being is this would be his 3rd game in 7 days. The guy needs a rest whether he thinks it or not.
Other than that, you’re on the money.
Why would you care…your’e not even a supporter anymore
I think you will find that this is barnes’ last test match. Beale will be back next week or they will play Lucas.
But i still cant get over that the WBs dont seem to have any set piece plays or smart game plan. What “background” is it that Deans keeps talking of??
Barnes is the least of the problems. Behold the two drongos outside him
Whinge!
Hey, Ian. I see what you’re doing there.
That’s really funny.
No, honestly it is.
Ask anyone.
Cheers mate, I am sure Murph has a decent sense of humour, what rugby supporter doesn’t?
Time to get off the computer and tidy your room before dinner…
Come on Murph, you too…..
ok….
Both of you outside and sort it out like grown men
Did you nick my pornos?
If they don’t fix the standing around waiting on the ball, and instead running onto it, it won’t matter who’s selected. That appeared to be the game plan against Scotland…..maybe that’s why Dingo picked so many Tah’s this time, they’re in form this season.
At least he’s got the backrow mix Right!
That is the best backrow we could have fielded in years.
The backs is a bit of a mind bender.
Barnes…. Rush Cooper in.
Centres, put AAC to outside and Morahan the form fullback at the back.
this is why i have grown to hate (not hate) Robbie Deans, I don’t know what he’s thinking putting that many tahs in the starting line up. Why bench the best performing hooker Australia has and put the best bench hooker on? And Horne…. yep nope, speaks for itself. AAC at fullback? you’ve got to be joking.
I liked D.’s idea of Ioane at 13, he’s incredible there, and with this team why not? Horne and McCabe are gonna hog that ball anyway. McCabe’s a hard-hitter and Horne thinks he is.
And lastly, where the f- is Pyle?
Worst Wallaby team in 30 years
Apparently Tomane rolled his ankle at training with Vuna taking his spot during training. Is Shipperley injured?
So with the team selected would anyone care to guess what the game plan is meant to be? It can’t be’play what is in front of you’, is it ‘pin them into their own quarter and hope they infringe’, can somebody help me out…
I would prefer to see Shipperly there, but not entirely unhappy with Vuna. Problem is that is one of the wingers get injured….. what then?
As to your other question. Not idea. Hopefully someone in the wallaby camp knows.
Vuna is a human turnstile…but then again so is Horne
Aaaand
Whinge!
You sure your not a pom or kiwi in disguise?
Must have sucked when Shipperley burned off your girlfirend in Round 1. You still bitter about that one, Ian?
Am a Reds supporter mate :)
Pretty certain ‘play what is in front of you’ is coach code for: ahh fuck, I forgot to write a game plan.
I’d like to be swearing about this team but I don’t know if there is an appropriate word to adequately express what I am feeling. If anyone has a profanity that is suitable for the occasion please share.
I’ll still be there on Saturday most likely sobbing into my midstrength beer along with Muffy and Suckerforred and I’d love to be proved wrong but I can’t find the courage to tip these midstrength Wallabies.
Injuries have left us with the weakest Wallaby back line in memory.
It’s not however the selected player’s fault so good luck to them.
Overall, the foward pack is pretty good, I think Moore is getting a little rest. He has played a lot of rugby, and I would imagine he would pretty sore after his effort on tuesday.
The backs, taking into account injuries. I would have liked to have seen genia, lucas, ioane, harris, aac, shipperly if tomane is injured, morahan.
The bench, would have liked to have seen palmer or slipper instead of alexander. I think dennis will be able to cover lock, and gives some flexibility.
As a welshman I am convinced you australians are not mentally stable. What kind of rugby supporters are you if all you do is criticise your own team before they even play?
Looking forward to the series! Wales to win 2-1 but it will be very close in each match.
Don’t worry mate, you can divide them three ways, The negative guys are usually over expectant Warratahs supporters or naieve reds fans, The Optimistic guys are usually Rebels, Force or knowledgable reds fans, All others are Brumbies supporters.
And if they lack all cohesion… They are Victorians!
Oh and 2 – 1
Wallabies to take the series!
Ian – you may already have but time to stop the ‘whinge’ comment mate….
Yeah, I think some of us are still a bit sore after the Scots repeated the dose of 2009. Don’t be surprised if by Saturday we are back behind our boys and demand a three nil series win.
ahhh, Welsh fan, good for you, except maybe you better have a look at some of your countrymens posts in a certain other forum.
The wallabies have named a much stronger team than against Scotland. The team I watched play Scotland had players I’ve not even heard of. The two front rowers, the no 8 and no 6, the centres, a winger, the full back, and they didn’t exactly play well. I liked the big lock Timani though. But this is the team we expected to play except Elsom who I’m surprised is not playing. Is he injured? I had the pleasure of seeing him in action for Leinster in the Heineken Cup final. I read an article where I heard he was despised in his own country. Send him back over here. Best backrower i’ve ever seen live. Better than Lydiate even.
the number 8 was Higgenbotham…mate just walk away..you have no idea the shit fight that will start :)
should be a cracker on Saturday..
Who? never heard of him but I see he’s playing at 6 this weekend. Give him your best wishes up against ou man Lydiate. He’s going to need all the luck in the world!
Rocky had hamstring surgery after the RWC and is just working himself back. I fear Leinster may have got the best of him.
wales rugby forever, if we’re unstable it’s because we’re being mind fucked by Robbie… ok that’s a bit unfair, couldn’t resist.
Far too many under-performing Tah’s for my liking, how many games have they won this year again? And with such style I hear……
Such a shame about Tomane. He’s a much better player than Vuna. We’ll be missing soething that I thought Tomane would bring.
No problem with the NSW front row, although I’d prefer Squeaky in there for the first 50 minutes or so. I think the forwards pick themselves and look solid. That’s close to the pack I’d select but would have Slipper on the bench and a specialist lock replacement.
I’d like to see Diggers at 13 too. I can understand why McCabe is back there in lieu of not too many other options (JOC, Taps et,c although Ant would do me). I’m not confident the centres are going to work but I’d like them to prove me wrong.
Someone said Vuna is a turnstile. He was last year but seems to have picked it up a bit since.
I think the game will be close and we have the capacity to win it. The Welsh are a top of the range threat and it wouldn’t surprise if they prevail.
looking at the stats already posted in the hand-bags over Rob Horne showed one clear thing: Pat McCabe and Andrew Smith should be the 12/13 combination, 1 and 2 in line breaks and 2 and 4 in tackles broken. Defensively they’d be the best, and if there’s one player you can be certain will give a fuck, have some actual pride in wearing the green and gold and run into a train for you, it’s McCabe.
Totally agree. I can’t understand why Smith wasn’t in the squad. A proper big 13 and good at off loading. It just seems that unless you’re lightning quick Deans won’t give you a look in. That being said, Smith isn’t slow, just more SBW/Conrad pace.
Drop everyone, especially drop R (etard) Deans. Send in the Reds and Ewen McKenzie. Wales defeated, 3-nil.
Reds + Beale + O’Conner + Pocock wd beat the Allblacks.
Reds + Beale, JO’C, Pocock, Moore, Waratahs front row. We’d win a world cup with that team. Oh no we didn’t. I forgot to add + Robbie Deans.
This is another potential banana skin for the wallabies, Tuesday’s game was very hard to watch, they played very much like the waratahs and to put more of them in the side, Gheesh! I hope this bunch has a game plan.
It’s only a banana skin if you’re expected to win it, I don’t think on form we can be the favourites. If we do win it the wallabies will have to play well and Robbie should be entitled to have a pat on the back.
The Wallabies are going to get pumped…
Wales: Leigh Halfpenny (Blues); Alex Cuthbert (Blues), Jonathan Davies (Scarlets), Scott Williams (Scarlets), George North (Scarlets); Rhys Priestland (Scarlets), Mike Phillips (Bayonne); Gethin Jenkins (Toulon), Ken Owens (Scarlets), Adam Jones (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Blues), Luke Charteris (Perpignan), Dan Lydiate (Dragons), Sam Warburton (Blues, capt), Toby Faletau (Dragons).
Replacements: Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Paul James (Bath), Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Lloyd Williams (Blues), James Hook (Perpignan), Ashley Beck (Ospreys).
That sucks for Tomane, such a rising star! big hopes for him when he returns, that goes with Toomua and Lealiifano!
Vuna could be a young Gerrard – take this opportunity to score big
He’ll more likely get pneumonia with Barnes and McCabe inside him
I cannot understand how you are not putting a lock who can run line outs on the bench, with your chief line out boss having played S15 rugby the whole season and at age 35.
It’s madness.
I suspect they figure Higginbotham/Dennis covers as a jumper.
The backs? it’s a bit of a departure, 4/3 split. At least Nic White is getting a go.
Jumpers are the least of concern, Bill. What happens to the scrum if Simmons or Sharpe go down after Palu plods off at 65mins?
Who are we to complain JDog? No reserve lock, just like having no specialist #7 against Ireland…
Considering Ireland played two no 6’s in that match it is hardly what cost us!
Turnovers won: Australia 3; Ireland 6.
Enough said
I now expect Wales to win.
Starting the Waratahs front row is a good move, they are already a unit and a strong one at that.
Having Alexander on the bench is stupid. He is insipid at scrum time. Palmer didn’t play in the Brumbies match on the weekend and played 70 minutes of the Scotland game – he can back up off the bench.
Where is Douglas? Or Pyle? Simmons and Sharpe in the second row are great for the lineouts not so good for the grunt factor.
If I was Wales I would be keeping in touch until Alexander comes on, then really put the screws to the scrum on the tight side – Alexander with Sharpe behind him will fold like a deck chair.
Back row is good, not sure about 2 loose forwards on the bench though.
But the backline is going to be pumped. Davies will run through Horne. North probably won’t even notice Vuna as he runs into space on that wing. And if Genia doesn’t start clearing the ball quickly Phillips is going to monster him.
Oh yeah, and Priestland should be kicking to Vuna’s wing all night long, the guy has the worst positional play I’ve ever seen in a back-three player.
Wales by 10 I say.
I agree with you on almost everything.
Horne is a lot better than you make out. I doubt you watched him these last 4 weeks because he has been dominant.
The key for me is the breakdown. Will higgers deliver the goods or will he waste his potential by doing what you’ve always criticised Elsom for doing and seagulling his way into ambiguity? Will Palu produce his amazing super xv go forward into the test arena and can pocock produce another rwc QF performance. If the answer to these 3 are yes…… Australia to win by 6.
Wallaby Fan I agree with you 100%.
RE: Horne – Deans had no choice but to select him. It was either Horne or Fainga’a and of the two Horne is more likely to win you the match. If he fails, he fails and kisses his Wallaby career goodbye, he there is still something about him that suggests he could be a good international centre – he needs to step up now. It’s a calculated gamble.
RE: Higginbotham – He too needs to deliver now. The Wallabies need him to stand up and prove he can cut it. He is up against probably the form flankers in world rugby in Lydiate and Warburton, time to prove me right (or wrong).
RE: Palu – He is finally fit, it is time for him to show that he really is the number eight we all thought he would be back in 2009. If he can’t, Australian rugby will need to move on.
I would also add Simmons and Barnes and AAC to the list of Wallabies that really need to stand up this match for Australia to be in with a chance.
You are right about Horne needing to deliver.
I was really excited when I saw him play in his first season of super rugby, he reminded me alot of Ben Tune but I don’t think he has played as well since (injures acknowledged).
I worry about the balance of the team. Like it or not and I don’t, rugby is a 22 man game (24 if you count this rubbish subbing props on and off at will) and we have rarely utilised our bench well. Mcabe not getting a run on Tues was odd, a straight hard running no nonsense inside centre would have been suited to that game, as much as anyone could have.
Lucas (I think still injured) would be great on the bench and with AAC you have every back position covered, some multiple times.
Ant F should start or not be in the side for mine.
GO THE WALLABIES! I’LL BE THERE FRONT AND CENTRE
I never thought i’d see the day when we are agreed.
C’mon the wallabies!
Good to see the passion coming out before a big test. Its a shame that its all missguided back towards our own team. It sounds like most here would be frothing at the gash to take over from Deans or JON rather than have the honour of putting on a Wallabies jumper and playing for your country. I know which id rather. How about show some support for the guys playing rather than agitating your fellow Aussie with remarks about who’s better than who because they wear a red or blue jumper. On Saturday there is no red or blue or white. There is only green and gold and the sooner we remember this the better.
So, what happens if we win the series 3-0 (or 2-1) and Dean’s selections are vindicated?
Objectively speaking does beating Wales excuse losing to Scotland?
But personally speaking I will write Robbie Deans a letter and apologise for repeatedly calling him a moron on the internet (he must read them because the last one I sent (June 19, 2011) was a plea to replace Rocky Elsom as Wallaby captain and look what happened!)
Can we go back to listing the team from 1- 22, not reverse like in league its annoying!
On form I dont think we have a single player at the moment in that squad who would be picked in a world 1st XV.
Lads,
It was not Robbie that scheduled a test with only two days to prepare against a team with a month of preparation under their belts.
Having spent several winters in Scotland, I can assure you they are much more adapted to the conditions experienced on Tuesday night even taking into account our el nino summer.
It’s a long rugby season this year, rotation will be key to our teams longer term success.
We lost a match, and we will lose others but heck there’ some bitter lounge lizards on this forum giving it to a team that has been admirably ranked second in the world for some time now and only second to a team that comes from the land of rugby religion with more depth than an ocean trench.
Sure there’s players from a team short of wins, but does that mean pocock should be left out because the force have been losing, or be ale or conner when they are fit?
Steady on, paint your face, Gold have faith and remind yourself anything is possible, Even Robbie won us the Tri-Nations right!………….. Or does he cop the blame for the crap and the players get the glory for the victory’s. – would seem so in this forum.
I’m a link fan – always have been, but Robbie was a coaching God when the Crusaders were winning all and sundry as well. The wind can change direction for anyone.
Ah, your common sense is such sweet elixir and an all too rare thing it seems!
C’mon the Wallabies!!!!
Thanks Tahzan….nice moniker by the way, as Dave said some common sense and you are so right about this bitter and twisted forum…such a shame we have become so much like whinging saffa’s and poms……Go Wallabies
Oh dear me. What is the point of picking two defensive centers who can’t attack and then picking Vuna on the wing. It basically means we will not be able to score any tries and Wales will merrily kick to and run at Vuna’s wing all night.