Wallabies 31 Man Squad

[lewisr]

that wasn't defending in the line, which is Dean's point, nice slow down though though, he still fell off, came again and was pushed off

What is Deans' obsession with defending in the line? Is it like some macho 'prove you're a man' opinion? I know there is a big debate over the 10 being there to receive first phase ball but I don't see it being as big an advantage as having him at the back producing more counter attacking opportunities.

Regardless, defieding in broken play is much more difficult than defending in the front line. His form this year has shown he can make the big tackles. Surrounded by forwards and his outside backs he would do fine and last night he was effective at making the tackles while morohan played 15.

 

[Inside Shoulder]

I think quade will be in the 6 players named in June. His only problem is that he is only a 10. We have 3 potential 10's already with JOC (James O'Connor), lilo and Barnes

What other country (and i think your comment reflects an ozzie view)in the world thinks that only being a 10 is a disqualifying characteristic for a 10?
We're not playing in the amazon where it might take 2 weeks to ship in a new 10.


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[Dark Shark]

Yeah JOC (James O'Connor) showed a lot of physicality on Ranger last week.

Maybe they should have a highlights package put together to show the physicality of both players versus Ranger in the last couple of weeks. Light years apart in execution and result!!

Edit - Sorry, just saw further postings with video of such hit by Cooper.

 

[Rugby Is My Life]

I struggle to understand how Simmons continually gets picked - Douglas showed last year he is well and truly up to it and plays a much more physical game. Surely McMeniman, if he proves his fitness, will get a spot in the squad.

Thoughts on a starting 15 based on the 25 man squad picked today? I'll get the ball rolling:

1) Robinson
2) Moore
3) Slipper
4) Horwill (C)
5) Timani
6) Higginbotham
7) Hooper
8) Palu
9) Genia
10) O'Connor
11) Tomane
12) Lealiafano
13) Ashley-Cooper
14) Ioane
15) Folau

 

[No4918]

I will be very surprised if Folau starts.

 

[qwerty51]

Me too, I think he'll play from the bench. Barnes to start at 15 and goal kick.

 

[Sully]

Cooper has played 12 for the wallabies and half a game of full back every week

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[Richo]

Me too, I think he'll play from the bench. Barnes to start at 15 and goal kick.

Yes, that's what I think will happen too. Digby and Tomane/Cummins on the wings.

 

[Sir Arthur Higgins]

I'm not sure O'Connor's ribs want to hear "physiciality" so soon after his encounter with the rampaging Ranger.

But just to stir the pot some more, perhaps Deans hasn't watched this just yet:

what is this meant to prove? he bumped a guy, he didn't tackle him.
knocked both he and ranger down, didn't hold ranger and ranger got up and continued his attack.
i don't think that proves much.

besides - until genia came back QC (Quade Cooper) was probably 3rd best 10 in aus. genia comes back and his form improves, but to say he should be automatic is a bit rich for my mind. ignoring his questionable form in test atmosphere post 2011 rugby championship, he hasn't set the world on fire since genia came back. i dont know that i could honestly say his form is better than To'omua or even foley.

physicality is important because 50% of the game is defense and defense is physical. it is also important in attack. taking the ball into contact and not throwing loose passes out, preservig possession and taking the hit properly.

i think a lot of what QC (Quade Cooper) does just doesn't work that well at test level. his cut out to ant would probably have been intercepted by a test level defense (as usually happens at test level with him) his willy nilly passes in contact usually don't come off at test level

he has definitely improved and matured this year however, but i don't know that he's the clear cut 10 by any means. i do however think he should be in the 31 man squad. but he's no 10 messiah.

 

[Train Without a Station]

I struggle to understand how Simmons continually gets picked - Douglas showed last year he is well and truly up to it and plays a much more physical game.

Simmons has been playing much better rugby this year as the season progresses. But more importantly I'm almost certain he has been picked as a replacement for Sharpe as the line out leading loosehead lock. Personally I would go for Douglas, but I wouldn't have Palu at 8. So if Palu was there I'd have Simmons.

 

[Bowside]

The only surprise I see is Dennis, but he is an 5/6 option and with MMM not playing I can see the logic

God help us if Dennis has to pack in the second row at any point. Hopefully Kepu isn't on at the time.

 

[Train Without a Station]

i think a lot of what QC (Quade Cooper) does just doesn't work that well at test level. his cut out to ant would probably have been intercepted by a test level defense (as usually happens at test level with him)

So now Quade's passes are usually intercepted at test level? I have seen the odd intercept but wasn't aware it was more often then not.

It's what can happen when you attack flat and try and take the line on.

In addition, I'd say a lot of what JOC (James O'Connor) does won't work that well at test level... Because it doesn't even at Super Rugby level. Same with Barnes. If you were looking to pick the bloke, that 40 minutes says a lot, if you are trying to pick an unbiased team of the best performers, it's probably more likely too little too late.

 

[fatprop]

I think Deans's obsession with defending in the line is that he doesn't want to hide him in defence, he has tried that and has decided it just doesn't work in test rugby.

If he wants to be kick return unit, then play him at 15.

 

[Inside Shoulder]

Got to love the ARU: no one told their webmaster (fi thats the correct name) that the squad was announced at 2pm - you can still take your pick and be right!

 

[Shiggins]

Hahaha gold

From rugby memes on FB

 

[fatprop]

God help us if Dennis has to pack in the second row at any point. Hopefully Kepu isn't on at the time.

If we have both locks go down it may happen. A 5/6 on the bench isn't a bad option and he did it last season for the Wobs with no one dying

 

[Tom Ando]

So he's in the top 4, then?

Because you just named 3. One of whom was also selected. One of whom is too inexperienced. And one of whom has only played 2 games at 12 this season and is a defense-only player.

I can't see what Horne has bought to any Tahs game this year. He is hardly a standout. Form in one game doesn't constitute Wallabies selection. And I named 3 players who I think have been playing better rugby, consistently this year. So being in the top 4 isn't good enough for Wallabies selection. Great. You are in the top 4. There are 5 Super Rugby teams... Playing only 2 games in that position didn't stop Deans from making other choices based on limited game time in that position. Dean's premise for O'Connor's fly half selection was because "he served them well" in the 2010 Spring Tour. a few games in the Wallaby 10 jumper, 3 years ago. No doubt James should be in there. But I think he is better off at Fullback and Wing where is normally plays.

 

[Shiggins]

JOC (James O'Connor) was brilliant a couple of years ago at 10 at test level.

 

[fatprop]

I struggle to understand how Simmons continually gets picked - Douglas showed last year he is well and truly up to it and plays a much more physical game.

Simmons has been much better this season and deserves his spot, good lineout unit

 

[lewisr]

JOC (James O'Connor) was brilliant a couple of years ago at 10 at test level.

Yes... 'a couple of years ago' being the operative phrase. Don't know if you're being sarcastic or not but I think this is a key factor in what appears to be Deans' selection approach. I honestly believe he is a bit of a pessimist and refuses to be positive in his game plans or selections.