Wallabies 2019 Thread

[Brumby Runner]

Yep, I did watch the game, through impartial eyes. I didn't think Bernard had a good game at all, but I've thought that of all of his games (well most of them) this year. He is not in the form I'd want to see in a Wallaby, and certainly his defensive efforts have been a big part of that slump.

 

[Derpus]

Yep, I did watch the game, through impartial eyes. I didn't think Bernard had a good game at all, but I've thought that of all of his games (well most of them) this year. He is not in the form I'd want to see in a Wallaby, and certainly his defensive efforts have been a big part of that slump.

He hasn't been in outstanding form and yet he still outplayed QC (Quade Cooper) in the Rebels match.

It's a little disappointing TBH.

 

[KOB1987]

It's that same argument, that he is the best option we have at the moment but still below what we want for the Wallabies. His game wasn't great against the Sharks, but another same argument comes into play there, he was behind a pack that had no go forward. Overall his form in the second half of the season so far has been better than it was in the first half. Still more improvement required no dispute. Specifically referring to his defence, like all #10's he misses his fair share but his actual tackling technique and effectiveness when he makes them has improved greatly. He definitely has a go and puts his body on the line.

 

[Joe Blow]

What happened with Uelese this week? The talk was that he would play.

 

[Finsbury Girl]

I don't think it's asking too much to expect guys playing for Australia to be able to tackle.

 

[Mr Wobbly]

What happened with Uelese this week? The talk was that he would play.

He's apparently going to play a game in the Dewar Shield.

 

[Derpus]

He's apparently going to play a game in the Dewar Shield.

When was the last time he played? might be best for him.

 

[Froggy]

While I agree in the ideal world all wallabies would be strong defenders, in the real world it just isn't so, particularly players whose main attribute is ball skills and game management. While not suggesting for a second that Foley or Cooper are in the same category as 10's, neither B Barrett, Mounga nor D MacKenzie are very strong defenders.

 

[Mr Wobbly]

When was the last time he played? might be best for him.

From memory, a bit over 12 months.

 

[KOB1987]

While I agree in the ideal world all wallabies would be strong defenders, in the real world it just isn't so, particularly players whose main attribute is ball skills and game management. While not suggesting for a second that Foley or Cooper are in the same category as 10's, neither B Barrett, Mounga nor D MacKenzie are very strong defenders.

That's the thing. 10s don't end up playing 10 because of their defence, it's because of their game management and if not that it's their attack. If they are a good defender it's a bonus. If anyone can identify a time when a fly half was selected for an international team purely for their defence I'd be interested to hear it. Halfbacks same.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I'm not asking for a 10 to be a defensive monster as a general rule, I'm just asking for them to bend their backs and put the shoulder in. I don't want them being hidden in defence because it over complicates things and leads to points being conceded unnecessarily. I think we all know that your 10, even at test level, isn't exactly Tim Horan on defence, but you don't want them be like some of the worst examples we've seen from QC (Quade Cooper) or Kurtley either.

 

[Adam84]

Has RA started selling tickets to the test match at the new Paramatta stadium yet, haven’t been able to find them?

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Did not know test match being played at new Parra stadium as is amazing stadium to watch rugby at as so close to the action so definitely up to wallabies game there with some mates

 

[Finsbury Girl]

That's the thing. 10s don't end up playing 10 because of their defence, it's because of their game management and if not that it's their attack. If they are a good defender it's a bonus. If anyone can identify a time when a fly half was selected for an international team purely for their defence I'd be interested to hear it. Halfbacks same.

No one is saying they need to be Billy Moore, but tackling is a basic rugby skill like passing and catching. If you're not up for it there's no way you should be playing rep football. Unfortunately standards have dropped for certain players in recent times. It is very unfair on their team mates indeed.

 

[Adam84]

Think it’s the Samoa test?
I want to go just to watch rugby in a great new stadium, ANZ and SCG don’t do it for me

 

[Rebels3]

Think it’s the Samoa test?
I want to go just to watch rugby in a great new stadium, ANZ and SCG don’t do it for me

I don’t think they are available yet

 

[Brumby Runner]

Lealiifano put his hand up again against the Blues. Was impressive with his defense. He's probably the only 10 atm who brings a well rounded game to play. Hegarty is improving and is forming a bit of a combination with Kerevi at 12.

 

[KOB1987]

No one is saying they need to be Billy Moore, but tackling is a basic rugby skill like passing and catching. If you're not up for it there's no way you should be playing rep football. Unfortunately standards have dropped for certain players in recent times. It is very unfair on their team mates indeed.

You aren't going to incite an argument from me about this. Reality is most 10s tackle at around 70%, some around 75%, up to about 80% for outliers like Dan Carter. They are 'up to it', it's international footy, it's just not their core skill.

 

[KOB1987]

Lealiifano put his hand up again against the Blues. Was impressive with his defense. He's probably the only 10 atm who brings a well rounded game to play. Hegarty is improving and is forming a bit of a combination with Kerevi at 12.

You are placing too much emphasis on his defence as far as 'well rounded' goes. He is a good defender, no argument from me about that. And I love him as a player in general, like To'omua though he is more of a 12. Certainly a solid back up option at 10, but he's not the one. Good run metres, shit kick metres and drops a lot of pill.

 

[Sully]

You aren't going to incite an argument from me about this. Reality is most 10s tackle at around 70%, some around 75%, up to about 80% for outliers like Dan Carter. They are 'up to it', it's international footy, it's just not their core skill.

Dan Carter and Jonny Wilkinson both are great defensiveflyhalves. How many world cups have they won? Probably add Lynagh to the list too.