Wallabies Squad - the Link Era

[Brumby Runner]

I simply cannot understand the continuing support by many on this thread for JOC (James O'Connor) and Beale to be included in forthcoming test teams. Apart from their behavioural problems (which in themselves should be sufficient to keep them out), JOC (James O'Connor) can't seem to be able to find a S15 province willing to take him - he signed for the Pirates in the SS but didn't play last weekend, when Rory Sidey did. And his recent form at test level was not up to scratch. Beale on the other hand could not return to his provincial team after the tests but needed to remain with his support group apparently for further rehabilitation. Neither has done anything anywhere near sufficient to warrant further test selection this year imho. I have faith in Link's good sense to avoid the further problems he would be inviting if either of them are in the squad this year.

 

[fatprop]

Who's the goal kicker in this starting lineup? Godwin hasn't proved himself, and Moggy kicks long but not consistently straight. Looking forward to seeing Godwin off the bench sometime soon, but for now keep Christian at 12, not only for his kicking as he didn't really do anything wrong against the Lions.

I just picked a form team and to me, Lilo didn't do much other than kick goals, I don't see him as a threat ball in hand at the moment and he missed quite a few tackles.

Goal kicker? Mogg or To'omua are the best of that lot

 

[ACT Crusader]

Interested in the talk of Mogg to wing and Folau to fullback. I would've thought the other way around. Just need to use Folau a bit better on the reverse/change of angle play. Mogg is quick and elusive and needs to be persisted with at fullback for the Brumbies and OZ.

The likes of Lilo and Cooper being options at fullback should only occur during a match when injuries occur, not as starters.

 

[barbarian]

I simply cannot understand the continuing support by many on this thread for JOC (James O'Connor) and Beale to be included in forthcoming test teams. Apart from their behavioural problems (which in themselves should be sufficient to keep them out), JOC (James O'Connor) can't seem to be able to find a S15 province willing to take him - he signed for the Pirates in the SS but didn't play last weekend, when Rory Sidey did. And his recent form at test level was not up to scratch. Beale on the other hand could not return to his provincial team after the tests but needed to remain with his support group apparently for further rehabilitation. Neither has done anything anywhere near sufficient to warrant further test selection this year imho. I have faith in Link's good sense to avoid the further problems he would be inviting if either of them are in the squad this year.

Both Beale and JOC (James O'Connor) both had periods of very good play in the Lions series.

JOC (James O'Connor) played pretty well I thought, it's just that he was out of position. The try he scored in the 3rd test was outstanding, and he generally ran well when he had the chance. I believe he is still one of our best backs and should start on the wing.

Beale was pretty good in the first test, and had a few bright moments in the 2nd and 3rd test. Certainly showed more than a few other players (eg Tomane, Lealiifano).

Behaviour is obviously a problem, but I trust Link to sort them out.
.

 

[Pete King]

Both Beale and JOC (James O'Connor) both had periods of very good play in the Lions series.

JOC (James O'Connor) played pretty well I thought, it's just that he was out of position. The try he scored in the 3rd test was outstanding, and he generally ran well when he had the chance. I believe he is still one of our best backs and should start on the wing.

Beale was pretty good in the first test, and had a few bright moments in the 2nd and 3rd test. Certainly showed more than a few other players (eg Tomane, Lealiifano).

Behaviour is obviously a problem, but I trust Link to sort them out.
.

I wouldnt rule JOC (James O'Connor) out of being picked on the wing and think that KB (Kurtley Beale) is actually well suited to coming off the bench for the last 20 to spark something.

This could only be made possible if Link sits them both down and lays the law down.

My Backline for next test would be

15 Mogg
14 Folau
13 AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
12 Lilo
11 JOC (James O'Connor)
10 To'omua (link will pick QC (Quade Cooper))
9 Genia

N WHITE AND KB (Kurtley Beale) ON THE BENCH

 

[Braveheart81]

Beale and O'Connor make for popular scapegoats too which we will probably need after Deans' departure.

I'm actually quite interested whether the general analysis on this forum and elsewhere will become more considered than just blaming the coach now that we've gone from the least popular coach ever to a very popular coach.

I find it slightly concerning already that several people have blamed Richard Graham for the Reds' loss against the Crusaders rather than Link.

There seems to be a long running commonality of attributing blame to unpopular players and coaches whilst popular characters are given a free ride.

 

[Pete King]

The Bledisloe is still a massive occasion and no matter what a player has done prior to that, starting their test/international career on such an occasion is IMO a huge ask. The pressure goes up a notch

If All Black selections are anything to go by in the 15 years we've only had 4 players start against Oz on debut - Donnelly (09), Hosea Gear (08), Xavier Rush and K Meuws (both 98). Only 5 other players during the same time period have debuted vs OZ off the bench, most of which was time in the last 10 minutes.

And the numbers are far less for debuts vs the Boks. Only 1 starter and 3 off the bench.

All in all its pretty rare for the ABs to be throwing a fresh face out against our biggest rivals.

WHY WOULD THE ALL BLACKS BE CHANGING THEIR TEAM WHEN THEY KEEP WINNING? THATS THE FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCE

 

[EatSleepDrinkRuck]

I think Link should try and take advantage of the honey moon period and blood a lot of young guys early, creating competition and letting the JOCs of the world know they are very replaceable if they do not toe the line even with their personal time and attitude.

This team is focused on building potential (keeping a few leaders) and is unlikely to be able to do much damage against the ABs but take some chances:

1. Robinson
2. Moore
3. Slipper
4. Horwill
5. Pyle
6. Neville
7. Gill
8. Mowen
9. Genia
10. To'omua
11. Folau
12. Lealiifano
13. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
14. Cummins
15. Mogg

16 TPN
17 Kepu
18 Sio
19 Quirk
20 Hooper
21 White
22 Kuridrani
23 Cooper

 

[Braveheart81]

I don't think Neville is ready for test rugby yet. I think he has too many quiet games at Super Rugby level at the moment. I'd pick MMM, Dennis, Kimlin, Jones or Fardy at 6 before him. When Higgers is fit, he'd be above all those players too.

I also don't think Quirk is quite there yet. I think he is excellent when the game is a bit of a scrap but he struggles when it becomes more physical.

The area the Wallabies seem to struggle with most is having a strong, decisive clean out consistently. Somone like Scott Fardy could really make an impact in this area. We need more forwards who excel in this area. Our pilferers are great when the game goes that way but we tend to get blown away when referees don't allow much competition for the ball at the break down and turnovers are won purely on a fast and strong clean out.

 

[KevinO]

I think Link should try and take advantage of the honey moon period and blood a lot of young guys early, creating competition and letting the JOCs of the world know they are very replaceable if they do not toe the line even with their personal time and attitude.

This team is focused on building potential (keeping a few leaders) and is unlikely to be able to do much damage against the ABs but take some chances:

1. Robinson
2. Moore
3. Slipper
4. Horwill
5. Pyle
6. Neville
7. Gill
8. Mowen
9. Genia
10. To'omua
11. Folau
12. Lealiifano
13. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
14. Cummins
15. Mogg

16 TPN
17 Kepu
18 Sio
19 Quirk
20 Hooper
21 White
22 Kuridrani
23 Cooper

Like your side but picking Neville at 6 would be a mistake, would consider Jones at 6 first. Neville spent nearly all his time in the second row this season.

 

[Joe Blow]

Robinson
Moore
Slipper
Horwill
Fardy
Kimlin
Hooper
Mowen
Genia
Cooper
Cummin
Lilo
AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
Folau
Mogg

TPN
Sio
Alexander
MMM
Gill
White
Horne
To'omua

something like this might work for his first test in charge.

 

[EatSleepDrinkRuck]

I don't think Neville is ready for test rugby yet. I think he has too many quiet games at Super Rugby level at the moment. I'd pick MMM, Dennis, Kimlin, Jones or Fardy at 6 before him. When Higgers is fit, he'd be above all those players too.

I also don't think Quirk is quite there yet. I think he is excellent when the game is a bit of a scrap but he struggles when it becomes more physical.

The area the Wallabies seem to struggle with most is having a strong, decisive clean out consistently. Somone like Scott Fardy could really make an impact in this area. We need more forwards who excel in this area. Our pilferers are great when the game goes that way but we tend to get blown away when referees don't allow much competition for the ball at the break down and turnovers are won purely on a fast and strong clean out.

Picking Kimlin is pointless, he's gooone. Picking Dennis is wasting a pick - he doesn't impact upon a game, he's the invisible forward. Picking MMM would defeat the purpose of the team I chose.

I like the Fardy Idea though - I hadn't considered him. He can replace Neville. I'm going to defend Quirk though - He is a good utility player who can cover either side of the scrum if he has to and has more impact than Gill and Hooper in terms of clean outs. His spot should probably go to another 2nd rower though... Bugger it, drop Hoops and put the ranga in.

One thing I haven't really given thought to is the line-out. Although, I suppose if you're going to blood a new set of players you diminish your ability to have polished set pieces.

 

[I like to watch]

Beale and O'Connor make for popular scapegoats too which we will probably need after Deans' departure.

Why the need for player scapegoats after the coach has been sacked?
The coach got the blame didn't he?

 

[Joe Blow]

Kimlin has earned his spot several times over. Assuming we will have Palu and/or Higgers for the EOYT, Kimlin can keep one of those spots warm. he is the form backrower in Australian rugby right now and may be convinced to hang around.

I would have him starting.

 

[Braveheart81]

The team I would pick for the first Bledisloe is:

Robbo
Moore
Slipper
Horwill
Pyle
Kimlin
Gill
Mowen
Genia
To'omua
Cummins
Lealiifano
AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
Folau
Mogg

TPN
Kepu
Sio
MMM/Douglas/Fardy
Hooper
White/Phipps
JOC (James O'Connor)/Beale/Cooper
Horne

The bench spots with multiple players would come down to squad training and how well players apply themselves and adapt to the team environment.

 

[JSRF10]

I simply cannot understand the continuing support by many on this thread for JOC (James O'Connor) and Beale to be included in forthcoming test teams

I think its crucial that Link gives all squad members a clean slate, that means at the very least these two blokes should be in any training party. Right now however I'd struggle to find a space for either of them in the 15 unless a utility back was required on the bench. As big headed pricks as they are they are two seriously talented rugby players so Link should at least have a look to see if he can keep them on the straight and narrow

 

[FrankLind]

Re Rene Ranger I can only conclude Hansen has completely lost the plot letting him leave when they have already lost SBW. Quite probably the most devastating runner in world rugby since Kaino went yen hunting and the kiwis have cut him loose. Boggling.

As far as I understand it, it had little to do with Hansen. Someone had to cough up 300,000 just to get a release fee from his contract with Montpellier. Ranger wasn't going to do it, given he not guaranteed a starting place in the AB test side at center (seen as behind Smith C and Smith B) or wing (seen as behind/equal to Savea, Jane, and Smith B). Great bench player to cover center and wing.

 

[EatSleepDrinkRuck]

Kimlin has earned his spot several times over. Assuming we will have Palu and/or Higgers for the EOYT, Kimlin can keep one of those spots warm. he is the form backrower in Australian rugby right now and may be convinced to hang around.

I would have him starting.

I would have him starting if he wasn't leaving - I don't think he has a choice to stay at this point, short of paying out his contract with Japan out of his own pocket...

 

[Joe Blow]

He's in career best form and even if he is going he should be selected, as Folau should despite the possibility of him leaving the code shortly.
Select your best squad at the time.

 

[Slim 293]

I would have him starting if he wasn't leaving - I don't think he has a choice to stay at this point, short of paying out his contract with Japan out of his own pocket.

First, he's not going to Japan, but France...........

Second, he may only be gone for the year meaning he would be back here in contention for the next World Cup..........

So, if he's good enough, select him........... because he's not completely lost to us..........