Wallabies 2020

[KOB1987]

I don't think Gordon is a lock over White, so leaves Simmons or HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) possible as part of the Tahs 3

White is stuck in the UK at the moment and I think it’s been stated that Gordon is one of the 3 Tahs.

My understanding is that this virtual squad is based purely on form to date, incumbent players out of form like Beale have been told they currently aren’t in consideration, and some uncapped players that they are. Whatever this squad looks like right now it’s likely to look a lot different if/when they actually round them up for a training run.

“Players are included in the squad for different reasons – be it to monitor fitness, future planning such as the 2023 World Cup or as a mini-reward to let them know they’re on the right track.

However, sometimes established players are left out to keep them on their toes if form is not up to scratch.”

 

[Brumby Runner]

The supposed squad could be something like:

14 Reds: Tupou, Mafi, Rodda, Salakaia-Loto, Blyth, Hockings, Wright, Wilson, McDermott, Petaia, Stewart, Paisami, Hoopert, JOC (James O'Connor)
12 Brumbies: Sio, Slipper, Ala'alatoa, Fainga'a, Banks, Valetini, Samu, Powell, Lolesio, Kuridrani, Simone, Neville
8 Rebels: To'omua, Koroibete, Naisarani, Hodge, Haylett-Petty, Rangi, Kellaway, Smith
3 Waratahs: Hooper, Bell, Gordon

Prop: Sio, Slipper, Ala'alatoa, Tupou, Bell, Hoopert, Smith
Hooker: Fainga'a, Rangi, Mafi
Lock: Salakaia-Loto, Rodda, Hockings, Blyth, Neville
Backrow: Hooper, Valetini, Naisarani, Samu, Wilson, Wright
Half: Powell, McDermott, Gordon
Fly half: To'omua, JOC (James O'Connor), Lolesio
Centres: Petaia, Kuridrani, Simone, Stewart, Paisami
Back three: Haylett-Petty, Banks, Koroibete, Kellaway, Wright, Hodge

Hard to know exactly how balanced they have tried to make this "squad" seeing as it isn't actually a selected squad. It's possible that it's overweight in various positions where there is more competition but I have gone on the assumption that it's going to be pretty close to a balanced squad in order to make some selections make sense.

BH, you have Tom Wright listed in the back three but not in the Brumbies list?

I'd also think Mat Philip would be one of the Rebels on the list.

 

[Derpus]

In terms of selecting individuals for a rep team, there were plenty from the Reds. The w/l ratio doesn’t necessarily reflect that if the WB coaches believe they can use the players.

It is however another example (a little off topic here) of why Brad needs to be seen to step up as/if we return to play.

There should be plenty of Reds in the team. They clearly have the talent - i personally think Thorn is holding them back. The Crusaders match being a prime example. They lost only because they couldn't kick goals - and it was Thorn's decision to have Jock Campbell kicking (who isn't a Super level kicker). They were otherwise excellent across the park away to the best team in the comp.

 

[upthereds#!]

I don't think Gordon is a lock over White, so leaves Simmons or HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) possible as part of the Tahs 3

Gordon is one of the names that has actually been reported as a part of the PONI squad - but as all things - always subject to change.

 

[Braveheart81]

BH, you have Tom Wright listed in the back three but not in the Brumbies list?

I'd also think Mat Philip would be one of the Rebels on the list.

That was a late change that I didn't change in both places.

I also thought Matt Philip was reasonably likely but I was also trying to squeeze in enough players in certain positions etc. and he missed out on that basis.

It's mostly an exercise in hypotheticals anyway. Both in that it's a squad we'll never actually know the full details of and we also don't know how close to a realistic squad it was.

Reportedly the selection panel were picking virtual squads every week. Was this just the last one? How much did it change every week? The Reds played probably their best two games of the season in those final two weeks (narrow loss to the Crusaders and a big win over the Bulls). Would they have had 14 players picked a few weeks earlier or a week later if they'd had a poorer game?

 

[RugbyReg]

Is that purely based on his tackle/suspension earlier this year Reg, or is there more to it then that?

purely based on tackle/suspension

 

[TSR]

Okay. Well personally I hope that isn’t the case. Daugunu is, IMO, one of a handful of wingers we have that has some way to go, but also some genuine potential. On current form I would put Kellaway & Wright in the same boat. I know Daugunu has only had sparse minutes so far due to his indiscretion but, from what he has shown, he has come along way in 2 years and I would definitely have him there.

The hard luck story might be Speight - who seems to have wound the clock back and has been very solid, but I just think his chance has probably passed him by unfortunately.

 

[Braveheart81]

If the list really was focused around "Players of National Importance" it would look more around contracting future contracting decisions. Players like Rob Simmons would be very unlikely to sign another RA top up contract given his age but would be far more likely be picked in a 2020 Wallaby squad.

The discussion around Matt Philip would also change. If he has signed a contract to go overseas next year he would certainly be off a PONI list because he won't be around. He very much could make a squad in 2020 though.

The PONI list could very easily contain a bunch of players who wouldn't make a 2020 Wallabies squad but are very much in the frame for RA contracts because of their obvious importance moving forward. This would also support the Reds having 14 players named. They clearly have the largest contingent of our best young talent.

 

[upthereds#!]

Having a look at the PONI squad - obviously with a few guess. Going to have a crack at a "Top 23"

14 Reds: Mafi, Tupou, Rodda, Salakaia-Loto, Blyth, Wilson, Wright, Mcreight, McDermott, JOC (James O'Connor), Paisami, Petaia, Daugunu, Campbell

12 Brumbies: Fainga'a, Sio, Slipper, Ala'alatoa, Neville, Valetini, Samu, Powell, Lolesio, Simone, TK, Banks

8 Rebels: Uelese, Phillips, Naisarani, To'omua, Hodge, DHP, Koroibete, Kellaway

3 Waratahs: Bell, Hoops, Gordon

Hooker: Fainga'a, Uelese, Mafi
Prop: Sio, Slipper, Ala'alatoa, Tupou, Bell
Lock: Salakaia-Loto, Rodda, Phillips, Blyth, Neville
Backrow: Hooper, Wright, Mcreight, Valetini, Naisarani, Samu, Wilson
Half: Powell, McDermott, Gordon
Fly half: To'omua, JOC (James O'Connor), Lolesio
Centres: Simone, Paisami, Petaia, TK, Hodge
Back three: DHP, Banks, Daugunu, Koroibete, Kellaway, Campbell


1. Sio 2. Fainga'a 3. Ala'alatoa
4. Rodda 5. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
6. Valetini 8. Naisarani 7. Hoops
9. Powell 10. JOC (James O'Connor) 11. Koroibete 12. To'omua 13. Tk 14. DHP 15. Banks
16. Uelese 17. Slipper 18. Thor 19. Phillips, 20. Wilson 21. Wright 22. Mcdermott 23. Petaia/Hodge

 

[TSR]

At this point I reckon Slipper would be clear favourite for the number 1 jersey at this stage.

If Petaia was fit & confident I’d have him in the 14 jersey. Failing that I wouldn’t mind seeing Wright (although I know he isn’t in your squad), Kellaway or Daugunu get a chop at it. I can understand why they might go with DHP, but I think with the balance of your backline you could afford to give someone with a bit less experience a crack on the wing.

Aside for that most of that looks pretty good to me. There are a few that could be argued, but not to any major extent IMO.

 

[Adam84]

1. Sio 2. Fainga'a 3. Ala'alatoa
4. Rodda 5. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
6. Valetini 8. Naisarani 7. Hoops
9. Powell 10. JOC (James O'Connor) 11. Koroibete 12. To'omua 13. Tk 14. DHP 15. Banks
16. Uelese 17. Slipper 18. Thor 19. Phillips, 20. Wilson 21. Wright 22. Mcdermott 23. Petaia/Hodge

Too many Tahs

 

[formerflanker]

Shouldn't we pause all armchair selections until we see who has been eating all the meat pies?

 

[Rebels3]

Having a look at the PONI squad - obviously with a few guess. Going to have a crack at a "Top 23"

14 Reds: Mafi, Tupou, Rodda, Salakaia-Loto, Blyth, Wilson, Wright, Mcreight, McDermott, JOC (James O'Connor), Paisami, Petaia, Daugunu, Campbell

12 Brumbies: Fainga'a, Sio, Slipper, Ala'alatoa, Neville, Valetini, Samu, Powell, Lolesio, Simone, TK, Banks

8 Rebels: Uelese, Phillips, Naisarani, To'omua, Hodge, DHP, Koroibete, Kellaway

3 Waratahs: Bell, Hoops, Gordon

Hooker: Fainga'a, Uelese, Mafi
Prop: Sio, Slipper, Ala'alatoa, Tupou, Bell
Lock: Salakaia-Loto, Rodda, Phillips, Blyth, Neville
Backrow: Hooper, Wright, Mcreight, Valetini, Naisarani, Samu, Wilson
Half: Powell, McDermott, Gordon
Fly half: To'omua, JOC (James O'Connor), Lolesio
Centres: Simone, Paisami, Petaia, TK, Hodge
Back three: DHP, Banks, Daugunu, Koroibete, Kellaway, Campbell


1. Sio 2. Fainga'a 3. Ala'alatoa
4. Rodda 5. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
6. Valetini 8. Naisarani 7. Hoops
9. Powell 10. JOC (James O'Connor) 11. Koroibete 12. To'omua 13. Tk 14. DHP 15. Banks
16. Uelese 17. Slipper 18. Thor 19. Phillips, 20. Wilson 21. Wright 22. Mcdermott 23. Petaia/Hodge

Pretty close to what I think it will be.

Nick White will be in there for sure

 

[TSR]

Shouldn't we pause all armchair selections until we see who has been eating all the meat pies?

Sorry - but with the lack of any actual rugby and given the other news dominating rugby at the moment, picking teams and debating the various attributes of the players - particularly at the moment when we’ve got a bunch of untarnished rookies to blindly put our faith in - is about as much joy as I can get out of rugby at the moment.

I’m well aware that it is a token of exercise at the moment, but at least it’s an enjoyable one.

 

[upthereds#!]

Pretty close to what I think it will be.

Nick White will be in there for sure

Happy to see him there over Gordon.

 

[upthereds#!]

At this point I reckon Slipper would be clear favourite for the number 1 jersey at this stage.

If Petaia was fit & confident I’d have him in the 14 jersey. Failing that I wouldn’t mind seeing Wright (although I know he isn’t in your squad), Kellaway or Daugunu get a chop at it. I can understand why they might go with DHP, but I think with the balance of your backline you could afford to give someone with a bit less experience a crack on the wing.

Aside for that most of that looks pretty good to me. There are a few that could be argued, but not to any major extent IMO.

Writing fake teams is my life atm thank you.

Petaia is an interesting one. Even with a dual playmaking combo at 10/12, I still feel 1 of the wingers needs to have a 'FB' factor around them, with sound backfield positional nous, and a clearing boot. JOC (James O'Connor) used to fill this role, more recently its been DHP and Hodge. I'd rather see him come off the bench with an impact.

With reports that there are players who have multiple years left on contracts, set to leave early, there could be an opening. I am just guessing, but I feel DHP is a player who may want to leave/ they wouldn't mind see leaving (especially as he is one of the top 4 highest paid players with Hoops, To'omua and Beale) and not a WC contender. This would open up an squad position (in the 31 or 33) for a winger with kicking/ kick receiving ability (like Kellaway/Campbell).

I also like Wright (the winger) but with the Brumbies preferring Muirhead at this stage, seems unlikely.

Honestly, its the Backrow combination that concerns me. Not so much the 6 guys I think will get into the final squad (Wright, Hoops, Samu, Wilson, Naisarani, Valetini) - but the combination as to how they are used. If LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is a lock, then I need someone to convince me that Valetini, Naisarani and Wilson are all reliable and proven lineout options and not just big hitters. I don't include Samu and Wright as I don't think they will start them with Hooper.

 

[dru]

I still feel 1 of the wingers needs to have a 'FB' factor around them, with sound backfield positional nous, and a clearing boot.

Clearly he is not ready, and perhaps we need to see how he settles at Super before thinking of rep rugby - but Jock Campbell is exactly what you are talking about. It isn't always obvious on the broadcast but at the game, his communication and organisation is forefront. It is not something I have seen in DHP or Hodge.

 

[upthereds#!]

Clearly he is not ready, and perhaps we need to see how he settles at Super before thinking of rep rugby - but Jock Campbell is exactly what you are talking about. It isn't always obvious on the broadcast but at the game, his communication and organisation is forefront. It is not something I have seen in DHP or Hodge.

Morohan is a good example of someone who filled this role well.

 

[TSR]

Writing fake teams is my life atm thank you.

Petaia is an interesting one. Even with a dual playmaking combo at 10/12, I still feel 1 of the wingers needs to have a 'FB' factor around them, with sound backfield positional nous, and a clearing boot. JOC (James O'Connor) used to fill this role, more recently its been DHP and Hodge. I'd rather see him come off the bench with an impact.

With reports that there are players who have multiple years left on contracts, set to leave early, there could be an opening. I am just guessing, but I feel DHP is a player who may want to leave/ they wouldn't mind see leaving (especially as he is one of the top 4 highest paid players with Hoops, To'omua and Beale) and not a WC contender. This would open up an squad position (in the 31 or 33) for a winger with kicking/ kick receiving ability (like Kellaway/Campbell).

I also like Wright (the winger) but with the Brumbies preferring Muirhead at this stage, seems unlikely.

Honestly, its the Backrow combination that concerns me. Not so much the 6 guys I think will get into the final squad (Wright, Hoops, Samu, Wilson, Naisarani, Valetini) - but the combination as to how they are used. If LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is a lock, then I need someone to convince me that Valetini, Naisarani and Wilson are all reliable and proven lineout options and not just big hitters. I don't include Samu and Wright as I don't think they will start them with Hooper.

Petaia has actually played some fullback at NRC. He doesn’t kick much, but he does have a good clearing kick and is good under the high ball. I think he would cover everything you would want in a winger in that respect and brings a lot more to the table. The bigger issue is fitness/confidence and I guess a lot depends if/when they next test is played. I’d really hope his body comes good and he doesn’t endure they type of early career injury run that CFS had.

With regards to lineout options in the backrow - it is an interesting one. Based on form/incumbency you would think Nasirani & Valetini would be a good chance for the 8 & 6. Wherever that weakens our lineout I’m not sure. I know Wilson has excellent hands. I’m not sure on his speed off the ground as I admit I haven’t watched that part of his game closely enough.

 

[KOB1987]

Petaia has actually played some fullback at NRC. He doesn’t kick much, but he does have a good clearing kick and is good under the high ball. I think he would cover everything you would want in a winger in that respect and brings a lot more to the table. The bigger issue is fitness/confidence and I guess a lot depends if/when they next test is played. I’d really hope his body comes good and he doesn’t endure they type of early career injury run that CFS had.

With regards to lineout options in the backrow - it is an interesting one. Based on form/incumbency you would think Nasirani & Valetini would be a good chance for the 8 & 6. Wherever that weakens our lineout I’m not sure. I know Wilson has excellent hands. I’m not sure on his speed off the ground as I admit I haven’t watched that part of his game closely enough.

it was spoken about a bit before the meltdown, but neither of Naisarani or Valetini are renowned jumpers. Particularly an issue if LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is one of the locks. Big powerful forward pack but in a lineout sense would be no better than the Pooper. Naisarani will likely be selected before Valetini.