Australia v South Africa - Perth - 6 September 2014

[KOB1987]

I hope Link intends to sub Beale very late. Whilst we have adequate positional cover from 10 out, We could find ourselves in trouble if there is an injury after Beale goes on due to the 6-2 split.

Everyone in the backline except Kuridrani can cover at least one other position and Beale can cover every position except 13 (and 9)..
EDIT: sorry TWAS, I misread your post..you are right but Phipps covers wing

 

[Slim 293]

I'm glad that Link has opted for the necessary changes and not reactionary ones...........

6-2 split a good idea against the Boks, particularly as we're short on backline talent with injuries and Speight yet to be eligible............

 

[Lorenzo]

Phipps/Foley combo has worked really well this year and it's hard not to go past it. White and Beale IMO didn't gel like these two have all year.

On what basis are you comparing them? Phipps and Foley behind a pretty capable (by Super Rugby standards) pack playing 20 games against provincial sides....and White/Beale behind a pack that got dominated whilst playing the ABs away?

I agree that it is time to give Foley and Phipps a shot, but to even expect that Beale and White might "gel" against the ABs like Phipps and Foley have in Super Rugby is basically the stuff of fantasy.

 

[TahDan]

The backline definitely does look a better one, but I still have serious doubts about the forwards... lock and hooker in particular just aren't where they need to be. Simmons and Carter seemed ineffectively against the All Blacks, and even Hooper didn't feel combative enough for that level of intensity.

 

[Viking]

I would have liked to see Horwill in for Carter. Carter has been poor 2 games in a row and I honestly can't see much of an improvement happening in a week, as I think its much more strength and conditioning based rather then technically based attributes which contributed to a poor game. For example he was continually losing in the contact zone.

 

[fatprop]

Still worried about our forwards especially the locks. The bench looks better, I hope they come on early. Hodgeson a good inclusion for the last 30minutes.

So there are expectations of finishing the game with

Hooper, Higgers & Hodgson? OK .......................

 

[Viking]

So there are expectations of finishing the game with

Hooper, Higgers & Hodgson? OK .........

Not necessarily that combination. Hodgeson could easily replace Hooper too. D

 

[BDA]

Looks like Link is giving his first choice pack a chance to redeem themselves after last week. Given that they'd won 7 on the trot before their last game, I guess that's fair enough. Surprised Carter kept his spot though. He needs to make an impact this weekend, or make way.

Hodgson selection is a bit weird. I would have thought McCalman would be a better choice for a second backrower. He must be training down the house. It'll be interesting to see if we go for two 7s late in the game. Could be a sign of things to come in the world cup next year, with Pocock on the bench.

Link is clear trying a few things to see how they work out.

 

[Inside Shoulder]

I would have liked to see Horwill in for Carter. Carter has been poor 2 games in a row and I honestly can't see much of an improvement happening in a week, as I think its much more strength and conditioning based rather then technically based attributes which contributed to a poor game. For example he was continually losing in the contact zone.

And he was too high in contact - sound like technical issues to me - particularly since he started the game doing them

 

[BDA]

Finishing the game with Horwill/Higgers/Simo leaves you with 3 strong line-out options. If you are ever going to play two 7s that's what you want.

 

[Train Without a Station]

I would have liked to see Horwill in for Carter. Carter has been poor 2 games in a row and I honestly can't see much of an improvement happening in a week, as I think its much more strength and conditioning based rather then technically based attributes which contributed to a poor game. For example he was continually losing in the contact zone.

Come on Seb. You've forgotten the rule about provincial bias and have failed to come to the defense of your Brumbies man there.

 

[Train Without a Station]

I can't see the point of Hodgson honestly. Hooper is unlikely to be subbed and therefore he's likely going to come on for Fardy who is effective, high risk but good at the breakdown. Only he doesn't have quite as much power in contact and isn't as good in the line out.

 

[Lorenzo]

I know AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) was part of a formidable Tah backline and I know he's very popular, but I really think he's going to end up fighting JOC (James O'Connor) (and Tomane?) for a wing spot next season (I imagine Speight will secure a spot) as I think Kuridrani has more potential against the teams we have difficulty beating with regularity. He'd (as in , AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)) be an absolute stud to have on the Bench, though, covering every spot from 11 to 15.

 

[KOB1987]

I am a bit miffed about it too, McCalman seems like a more logical choice for a 6:2 split..the rationale behind it has my brain frying but I just can't I can't think of a reason why unless Link sees a fully functional 7 as part of the game plan and he's there in case Hooper goes down..or maybe he plans to sub Hooper off for a fresh legged 7 late in the game?

 

[KOB1987]

I know AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) was part of a formidable Tah backline and I know he's very popular, but I really think he's going to end up fighting JOC (James O'Connor) (and Tomane?) for a wing spot next season (I imagine Speight will secure a spot) as I think Kuridrani has more potential against the teams we have difficulty beating with regularity. He'd (as in , AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)) be an absolute stud to have on the Bench, though, covering every spot from 11 to 15.

I don't disagree but expect to see Izzy tried at 13 at an opportune time..

 

[Lorenzo]

I can't see the point of Hodgson honestly. Hooper is unlikely to be subbed and therefore he's likely going to come on for Fardy who is effective, high risk but good at the breakdown. Only he doesn't have quite as much power in contact and isn't as good in the line out.

Link seemed happy playing in NZ with no backup 7. I'd probably rather another 6/8 so both Fardy and Palu can be subbed.

 

[Wilson]

There was some talk of an ankle issue for McCalman perhaps he's still not right.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Maybe it's just he didn't consider a single additional back worthy of the 23 and went for the 6/2 split for that reason. He always speaks of substitutes needing to bring an impact and if he didn't consider any of the fit options able to do that, why would he carry them. It's a risk but so are all selections.

 

[Slim 293]

I know AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) was part of a formidable Tah backline and I know he's very popular, but I really think he's going to end up fighting JOC (James O'Connor) (and Tomane?) for a wing spot next season (I imagine Speight will secure a spot) as I think Kuridrani has more potential against the teams we have difficulty beating with regularity. He'd (as in , AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)) be an absolute stud to have on the Bench, though, covering every spot from 11 to 15.

I would prefer to have AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) somewhere in the starting lineup, and while I'm no fan of JOC (James O'Connor) I could see him pushing for selection on goal kicking alone unless Quade retains his spot and continues with his kicking form...........

 

[cyclopath]

I would prefer to have AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) somewhere in the starting lineup, and while I'm no fan of JOC (James O'Connor) I could see him pushing for selection on goal kicking alone unless Quade retains his spot and continues with his kicking form.....

You mean regains? If he retains his current spot, he's left right out!