Wallabies squad for Ireland series

[Zero_Cool]

That’s a pretty embarrassing fuck up.
Leaving a spot open.
Not getting it squared away before the team announcement.
Cheika and RA were living in a fantasy land by assuming NZRU would help them out.
Amateur hour.
Cheika is always looking for the ineligible player to plug the problem: that’s how we got giteu’s law.
Just fuckin’ Pick your next best available player and COACH him, FFS.

Well I'm genuinely not sure if one of those 4 aren't better than Pete Samu (particularly once accounting for fit). Samu could never be anything more than a bench player for the Wallabies in their current configuration.

 

[Inside Shoulder]

Well I'm genuinely not sure if one of those 4 aren't better than Pete Samu (particularly once accounting for fit). Samu could never be anything more than a bench player for the Wallabies in their current configuration.

I don’t know him from Adam but if you’re right why would they bend over backwards to get him? I’m convinced they think that a miracle is out there waiting to be found.
It’s late in the RWC cycle and Cheika will own this result entirely.

 

[kiap]

On the bright side, it's getting a few excuses in early.

Last year it was the players weren't fit. Can't keep going to the well on that though if you've already flagged it.

So this time it is the NZRU (and Brumbies) wot dunnit.

 

[Zero_Cool]

I don’t know him from Adam but if you’re right why would they bend over backwards to get him? I’m convinced they think that a miracle is out there waiting to be found.
It’s late in the RWC cycle and Cheika will own this result entirely.

Well if nothing else he's far too short (185) to play with Pocock and Hooper. Pocock is probably the best Aussie player in Super Rugby at the moment (or pretty close to), and Hooper is your 'captain till the next world cup', so I don't see how you can play him with the other two. He's not even the first choice for the Crusaders.

They should have waited until he's playing for the Brumbies to really consider him. It feels like Cheika is giving out Wallabies Caps / Squad Spots as sweaters ton contract negotiations, and if that's the case that's pretty fucking poor form!

 

[Inside Shoulder]

Maybe we’re trying to exploit some loophole by having the smallest back row in world rugby.

 

[zer0]

Maybe we’re trying to exploit some loophole by having the smallest back row in world rugby.

Also known as the Oddjob strategy.




Now to see who knows the reference.....

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

 

[Brumby Runner]

If, as is likely, Uelese is out, then I'd favour Latu to come in. The other two Hookers are very inexperienced and Latu at least has a couple of years in Super rugby behind him as well as a few recent games to get him fit.

My choice to replace Samu would be Cottrell for his aggressiveness, though after tonight's efforts Higgers has again well and truly put his name forward. I just can't see Cheika being able to spell Higger's name in full, so that's looking pretty unlikely.

A back three spot might be available if Maddocks injury puts him out. Either of Perese or Clark would benefit from time in the squad.

 

[drewprint]

Yeah. I hate to be ‘That Reds Guy’ but Higgers was massive tonight and I think an inclusion in the squad, given how skinny we are in that position, is warranted. I know I know, his papers are stamped, but it’s a shame.

 

[Up the Guts]

If, as is likely, Uelese is out, then I'd favour Latu to come in. The other two Hookers are very inexperienced and Latu at least has a couple of years in Super rugby behind him as well as a few recent games to get him fit.

My choice to replace Samu would be Cottrell for his aggressiveness, though after tonight's efforts Higgers has again well and truly put his name forward. I just can't see Cheika being able to spell Higger's name in full, so that's looking pretty unlikely.

A back three spot might be available if Maddocks injury puts him out. Either of Perese or Clark would benefit from time in the squad.

Apparently Maddocks should be fine. Interestingly there are quite a few guys who will be training with the Wallabies even though they’re not in the squad like Latu, Perese, and Stewart.

 

[TSR]

Regardless of form, I heard last year that Higgers and Cheika clashed last year prior to his omission from the RC squad. Does anyone know if that is correct?

 

[cyclopath]

Apparently Maddocks should be fine. Interestingly there are quite a few guys who will be training with the Wallabies even though they’re not in the squad like Latu, Perese, and Stewart.

As there have been in the past. It's a thing he does. I think it's a good idea.

 

[TSR]

Absolutely. The core of our WC squad is either in the current squad or is injured or rested. But there are still a handful outside who are capable of being in the full squad next year. The home test series gives and ideal chance to have these guys involved.

Plus there can't be any harm in letting some of these young guys know that they have a future in gold if they knuckle down and do the work.

 

[Joe Blow]

The problem with a Higgers is that his discipline is suspect at times. If he gets carded or gives away stupid penalties then it will be an issue. However there are other blokes in the squad that could do the same.
Last time he was in the squad with the Pooper he didn’t get a run with them. Hanigan did and Fardy did. Cheika never started Higgs with them. I think he would balance them out nicely playing a little wider a la Kieren Reid. He reads the game well and invariably puts himself in places where things happen and obviously his lineout work is top shelf.
I’m excited about Timu in gold but wish his lineout work was a bit more prominent in his game. It would be a big call to start him.

 

[TSR]

The problem with a Higgers is that his discipline is suspect at times. If he gets carded or gives away stupid penalties then it will be an issue. However there are other blokes in the squad that could do the same.
Last time he was in the squad with the Pooper he didn’t get a run with them. Hanigan did and Fardy did. Cheika never started Higgs with them. I think he would balance them out nicely playing a little wider a la Kieren Reid. He reads the game well and invariably puts himself in places where things happen and obviously his lineout work is top shelf.
I’m excited about Timu in gold but wish his lineout work was a bit more prominent in his game. It would be a big call to start him.

I agree with you that he is the best complement to the Pooper. I find it a bit ironic that Lukhan Tui - with no form, match fitness or experience at 6 has been picked while Higgers has been passed over.

As above, my understanding (although certainly not from any personal source) is that the problem with Higgers is one of his relationship with Cheika, not his on field form. I apologise that I may well be spreading unsubstantiated gossip and I am happy for someone to shut it down if they have inside knowledge that Cheika & Higgers relationship is fine. I genuinely hope I've been mislead as, whilst by no means perfect, the claim that he has had no form at test level is not correct. Inconsistent - yes, but i struggle to see how anyone can predict with confidence that some of the other names being bandied around will be a likely improvement.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Higgers had his chance last year. Asked to play a role in the coaches systems and he couldn't/wouldn't do it.



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[TSR]

Higgers had his chance last year. Asked to play a role in the coaches systems and he couldn't/wouldn't do it.


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As I understand it, that is the point of conjecture. The KPIs he was given before the game and the KPIs he was given feedback on after the game differed by some margin.

 

[Up the Guts]

I agree with you that he is the best complement to the Pooper. I find it a bit ironic that Lukhan Tui - with no form, match fitness or experience at 6 has been picked while Higgers has been passed over.

As above, my understanding (although certainly not from any personal source) is that the problem with Higgers is one of his relationship with Cheika, not his on field form. I apologise that I may well be spreading unsubstantiated gossip and I am happy for someone to shut it down if they have inside knowledge that Cheika & Higgers relationship is fine. I genuinely hope I've been mislead as, whilst by no means perfect, the claim that he has had no form at test level is not correct. Inconsistent - yes, but i struggle to see how anyone can predict with confidence that some of the other names being bandied around will be a likely improvement.

Agree that Higgers is a better fit than Tui at 6 currently but I thought Timu all but secured his place in the side when he came on last night. I would tip the Poopermu as Reg calls it to be the starting back row for the Wallabies.

 

[Joe Blow]

Higgers had his chance last year. Asked to play a role in the coaches systems and he couldn't/wouldn't do it.



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He wasn’t given a run with Hooper and Pocock

 

[TSR]

Agree that Higgers is a better fit than Tui at 6 currently but I thought Timu all but secured his place in the side when he came on last night. I would tip the Poopermu as Reg calls it to be the starting back row for the Wallabies.

He was good. And the rest is a moot point anyway. Whether what I heard was right, not right or somewhere in the middle, Higgers is clearly not in the plans.