Wallabies at the Rugby World Cup 2011

[grievous]

What has Hodgson EVER done? He is an Eddie creation. No, Robinson or even the Orc first

 

[Slim 293]

Eddie creation?

 

[matty_k]

I'm assuming he mean Eddie Jones cooked him in a laboratory somewhere.

 

[grievous]

Actually, my mistake I was thinking he was in the dreaded smallest back row ever selection but that was Brown, The Orc and Smith. Still dont rate Hodgson

 

[vidiot]

I'm assuming he mean Eddie Jones cooked him in a laboratory somewhere.

Or that Eddie is God. Whoa.

 

[Slim 293]

Hodgson has been the best available openside in the country after Pocock.

I don't see Robinson offering more.

 

[Sully]

Hodgson has been the best available openside in the country after Pocock.

I don't see Robinson offering more.

Or less.

 

[Slim 293]

Actually, my mistake I was thinking he was in the dreaded smallest back row ever selection but that was Brown, The Orc and Smith. Still dont rate Hodgson

Eddie was dumped before the Force existed.

Brown never played under him either.

 

[Army_Gav]

Read this thread and learn it before the Qtrs. Sing it at a pub or at the game: http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/forum/threads/8885-Chants

 

[Slim 293]

According to Fox Sprots Hodgson pretty much has his boarding pass already.

Some will cry foul that Robinson deserves it more, but I don't see how.

Hodgson has been the superior player at Super level and for a few years now has been in excellent form.

Last year he was one of the best Australian Super rugby players, and I was surprised he wasn't shortlisted for the player of the year award.

He's had limited test opportunities, yet has somehow copped criticism for not doing enough at that level... although it's unlikely he's going to get any more now heading into the finals unless Pocock gets injured again.

It's a shame because he should've been in the original squad.

 

[Sully]

I'd be happy for either of them to be on the plane. But I'll still have a go at why Robinson should go over Hodgson.
Robinson's team came first in the super rugby comp Hodgson's came 12.
Robinson is the number one 7 in his side and played there all year. Hodgson is not and did not.
Robinson has played in a winning combination with Higginbotham, Samo, Genia and Cooper all year. Hodgson has not.
Robinson has just finished a finals series and is used to pressure rugby. Hodgson has been playing club rugby for months.
Robinson's rags to riches story is better for the media. [longbow]

Hopefully who ever goes they should get very limited time on the field and shouldn't matter who it is as long as he is a real openside flanker.

 

[Slim 293]

In that case Robinson should be there over Pocock.

 

[Sully]

That doesn't stack up. Pocock has been playing test matches since Super Rugby finished. He is the number one openside in his club. Some say he is best in the country.

 

[Slim 293]

That doesn't stack up. Pocock has been playing test matches since Super Rugby finished. He is the number one openside in his club. Some say he is best in the country.

And Hodgson is second best, and has been the best when Pocock has been missing in the competition.

So the correct decision has been made.

 

[Sully]

And Hodgson is second best, and has been the best when Pocock has been missing in the competition.

That is only your opinion.

To be clearer. I meant that it's subjective. In your opinion Hodgson is the 2nd best 7 in Australia. Others will say Robinson. It's not a fact. just your view on the matter.

 

[Slim 293]

That is only your opinion.

True.

But you would have to have a pretty short memory not to acknowledge Hodgson's standout form last year, and that he stood up again this year when Pocock was out.

We can only compare the two on Super rugby form, and Hodgson has been a standout for a few years now.

 

[Sully]

Got to go to the surf club. catch you later.

 

[Hardtackle]

Hodgson is a poor man's McCalman. Robinson's impact this year against the top Saffa and kiwi sides was immense.

 

[Waylon]

Hodgson has frequently outperformed Pocock whilst they are both starting for the Force. His speed to the breakdown and kick chasing and ability to turn over the ball is outstanding at super level. He is very tough. When he has had opportunities at test level, he hasn't delivered. He doesn't have the same physicality as Pocock or Robinson and his poor game against Samoa earlier this year demonstrates this. He is a great fethcher and McCaw-like nuisance at the breakdown but lacks the power to dominate if the tide of the game is against his team.

Robinson was in great form during the super season. I would be happy for him to get the nod.

Hodgson has been with the squad more so has more exposure to the team plan etc and this gives him an advantage on short notice.

The poor form of the wallabies when Pocock has not been on the field demonstrates how badly a team needs an openside. This position has not been made obsolete from law changes, especially since the law changes are not enforced at this world cup. The more things change, the more they stay the same. We need a 7 on the bench in case Pocock is injured. The wheels fall off our team without a specialist 7

 

[fatprop]

With a fit Pocock Hodgsen is a better option for the squad (and bench) than Robinson as Hodgsen covers the whole backrow well.