Wallabies v Barbarians - 1/11/14 (Twickenham)

[Dismal Pillock]

AUCKLAND BLUES EXHIBITION MATCH

Frank Halai (AUCKLAND BLUES) to stay in UK and slot into AB's for injured Cory Jane.

Steven Luatua (AUCKLAND BLUES) also to slot in now that V.Vito has fulfilled his Handsome Jack photo ops in the USA for the AIG

Francis Saili (AUCKLAND BLUES) to slot in for SBW who has a preggers wife to attend to back in NZ

"MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY."

 

[barbarian]

I was interested to watch how Matt Hodgson played, after all the angst about us needing a 'real 7'.

While he played well, I didn't think he offered anything more than what Hooper usually does. A good workrate in attack and defence, a couple of nice steals. Hooper usually takes one, Hodgo took two. Hardly earth-shattering stuff.

But he just didn't have the physical presence that Hooper does. We missed Hooper's ball-carrying, and his general energy around the place.

I think that should hopefully silence a few Hooper critics, though I doubt it will.
.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

I was interested to watch how Matt Hodgson played, after all the angst about us needing a 'real 7'.

While he played well, I didn't think he offered anything more than what Hooper usually does. A good workrate in attack and defence, a couple of nice steals. Hooper usually takes one, Hodgo took two. Hardly earth-shattering stuff.

But he just didn't have the physical presence that Hooper does. We missed Hooper's ball-carrying, and his general energy around the place.

I think that should hopefully silence a few Hooper critics, though I doubt it will.
.

Last night was a grand opportunity for some players to stake claims on a Test jumper.

Many didn't.

Fan Clubs are noticeable by their absence today. Perhaps your post may stir some into action?

 

[barbarian]

And one more thing- am I getting carried away or will Sean McMahon be our starting 6 for the World Cup?

I'm seriously in love with the bloke, his cannonball style is what our pack is screaming out for. What can Fardy or Higgers provide that McMahon cannot?

Slate him now. NOW.
.

 

[Paradox]

Fark me, Speight did no wrong. The try down his wing was a result of 3-4 players coming at him and his inside man was Benn Robinson. I thought he kept the ball alive well and busted a few tackles. Mostly I thought the players who hadn't played for a while looked out of touch and we missed Fardy and Hooper.

 

[Paradox]

And one more thing- am I getting carried away or will Sean McMahon be our starting 6 for the World Cup?

I'm seriously in love with the bloke, his cannonball style is what our pack is screaming out for. What can Fardy or Higgers provide that McMahon cannot?

Slate him now. NOW.
.

He looks more like an openside to me. McMahon looks a bit too short and light for a blindside? What more can Fardy and Higgers provide? Both better at the lineout and Fardy is stronger over the ball.

 

[Paradox]

I was interested to watch how Matt Hodgson played, after all the angst about us needing a 'real 7'.

While he played well, I didn't think he offered anything more than what Hooper usually does. A good workrate in attack and defence, a couple of nice steals. Hooper usually takes one, Hodgo took two. Hardly earth-shattering stuff.

But he just didn't have the physical presence that Hooper does. We missed Hooper's ball-carrying, and his general energy around the place.

I think that should hopefully silence a few Hooper critics, though I doubt it will.
.

Our front 5 were powder puffs today so I don't think Matt Hodgson should be judged on that performance. In saying that, there's no doubt Hooper should be the starting 7

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

A few things I got from the game, watching on replay:

1, There is definitely more of an emphasis on support play, offloading and players keeping themselves available under Cheika. This is a good thing. It wasn't always well executed, but the intent was clearly there to expand on the up tempo game plan that we've seen from Link onwards.

2, Carter was a lot more prominent in the loose and like the commentators I think he's been given instructions to play a bit wider and carry the ball up more. I thought he was pretty solid.

3, McMahon has a huge future if he continues to play like that. He's got exactly the kind of athleticism and mongrel that Cheika would be looking for (Michael had a bit of that himself as a player too, it must be said). I think he will combine well with Hooper at some point in the tour.

4, We were far too scrappy for long periods and didn't treasure the ball enough. Good breakdown teams like Wales will crucify us unless we tighten that up.

5, Phipps and Foley are clearly the preferred halves combination for now. Genia and Cooper gradually built into the game, but that quick service and putting the ball out in front is what will win us games.

6, Our tight play improved considerably when Slipper and Kepu came on. If Slipper isn't now one of the premier props in the world I'll eat my hat.

7, Hooper is clearly the first choice openside now. I thought Hodgo had a pretty good game and had his head in the tough stuff, but Hooper provides an extra dimension that makes him even more valuable.

8, It's going to be a ding dong battle for the 12 jersey. To'omua had a storming game I thought and really laid the smackdown on D, but Lilo didn't drop off the intensity when he came on either. The midfield combo of Foley, To'omua/Lilo and TK is going to cause some real headaches for opposition coaches.

 

[cyclopath]

A few musings:-

I was disappointed to see Genia have a bit of a lacklustre game. The old hop, step, pass was evident again, and he got away with it a few times, but got towelled up a few as well. there's no reason he cannot deliver a faster game - he is experienced, skillful and athletic enough. It's a mental thing. He's too good a player to not have in the mix, but he really needs his mojo back, and soon.
Cooper was a bit off, but it struck me he is closer than Genia. His timing of the pass was not at his usual level, but there were glimpses. A few went to the trailing hip of the support player. Following the "discussion" about his defence, I though he put in well, made some solid contacts and put his body on the line with effect. I reckon he'll be in form quicker than Will. And I reckon he'd thrive a bit more with faster ball, a la Phipps ( at the moment).
Horwill was busy, but as others noted, is less impactful than in the past. I still think he'll get better and needs to stay in the mix. Carter was pretty good.
I won't go over the front row too much - the good ones were evident. Interesting that Fainga'a is putting in solid games week in and week out. I'm the first to admit I had my doubts and have been pleasantly surprised by his play. With our hooking rehab ward, it's a good thing!
To'omua looked pretty good and I would start him at 12 next week.
No need to comment on Kuridrani or McMahon as others have covered them well - beasts!
Speight was fine with fewer opportunities than others; I thought both he and Horne were hard enough and abrasive enough.

Our tight 5 needs to aim up big time next week. I hope Cheika and Grey get the "new" defensive structures humming soon too!

 

[Viking]

And one more thing- am I getting carried away or will Sean McMahon be our starting 6 for the World Cup?

I'm seriously in love with the bloke, his cannonball style is what our pack is screaming out for. What can Fardy or Higgers provide that McMahon cannot?

Slate him now. NOW.
.

I think the real question is what can Hooper provide that McMahon cannot.

 

[Biffo]

Fan Clubs are noticeable by their absence today. Perhaps your post may stir some into action?

some fan clubs have been disbanded.
some fan clubs have gone for summer recess.
some fan clubs have amnesia
one new fan club has found it can't cope with the volume of requests for admission.

 

[Biffo]

I think the real question is what can Hooper provide that McMahon cannot.

a tick for one more of the Waratah quota supplied?

 

[Biffo]

I hope Cheika and Grey get the "new" defensive structures humming soon too!

what do you think is the "new defensive structure"?

 

[cyclopath]

what do you think is the "new defensive structure"?

I don't know. I heard Cheika talk about how they were changing the defensive structures, and that it would take some time to get it right. Time is precious over the next 4 weeks.

 

[Gagger]

Love McMahon's energy - would like to be celebrating more counter-rucks and big hits than line-breaks though

I've run out of superlatives for TK

Watching Genia was painful. If runners getting caught behind the gainline because of his skip step(s) wan't enough, Cheikball relies on the ball getting cleared as soon as it's presented, otherwise you need another man in the ruck. I counted at least 3 times we were turned over because of this.

It didn't get better with Cooper. White was a step up.

Massive gap between A team props and B team. Why aren't we trying to find a replacement for Ben A?

 

[dillyboy]

Legend, thankyou!!

 

[Tip]

I remember watching Tevita Kuridrani play up in here in Brisbane for UQ in the first grade comp.

University had him on the wing for most of the games I watched and what struck me was home skilful he was. He wasn't anywhere near as big as he is now but still possessed great acceleration and strength.

Uni of course had Morahan in the backline as well and when these two combined it was sensational to watch.

Although this particular fete didn't occur against a well drilled Brothers side. haha.

The problem with Kuridrani at UQ was that he was playing for a Super Rugby contract, not for the team.

Which is why he was regularly dropped to Colts. Which in itself was even more frustrating, as the ball would never get outside the Inside centre channel.

Thank god for 2 seasons of Stephen Larkham tho, I never thought he was capable of passing it!

 

[Forcefield]

I think that should hopefully silence a few Hooper critics, though I doubt it will.
.

I think the only thing you can criticise Hooper on is his on field leadership. But you have to accept that he is a young fella and that that should develop. Watching how Hodgson operates (both the positives and the negatives) may have been a helpful experience.

 

[Bowside]

A few musings:-

I was disappointed to see Genia have a bit of a lacklustre game. The old hop, step, pass was evident again, and he got away with it a few times, but got towelled up a few as well. there's no reason he cannot deliver a faster game - he is experienced, skillful and athletic enough. It's a mental thing. He's too good a player to not have in the mix, but he really needs his mojo back, and soon.
Cooper was a bit off, but it struck me he is closer than Genia. His timing of the pass was not at his usual level, but there were glimpses. A few went to the trailing hip of the support player. Following the "discussion" about his defence, I though he put in well, made some solid contacts and put his body on the line with effect. I reckon he'll be in form quicker than Will. And I reckon he'd thrive a bit more with faster ball, a la Phipps ( at the moment).
Horwill was busy, but as others noted, is less impactful than in the past. I still think he'll get better and needs to stay in the mix. Carter was pretty good.
I won't go over the front row too much - the good ones were evident. Interesting that Fainga'a is putting in solid games week in and week out. I'm the first to admit I had my doubts and have been pleasantly surprised by his play. With our hooking rehab ward, it's a good thing!
To'omua looked pretty good and I would start him at 12 next week.
No need to comment on Kuridrani or McMahon as others have covered them well - beasts!
Speight was fine with fewer opportunities than others; I thought both he and Horne were hard enough and abrasive enough.

Our tight 5 needs to aim up big time next week. I hope Cheika and Grey get the "new" defensive structures humming soon too!

I think the criticism of speight was more about how he got found out in defence too many times.

Genia was managing behind a badly beaten pack.

 

[Brumby Runner]

A few musings:-

I was disappointed to see Genia have a bit of a lacklustre game. The old hop, step, pass was evident again, and he got away with it a few times, but got towelled up a few as well. there's no reason he cannot deliver a faster game - he is experienced, skillful and athletic enough. It's a mental thing. He's too good a player to not have in the mix, but he really needs his mojo back, and soon.
Cooper was a bit off, but it struck me he is closer than Genia. His timing of the pass was not at his usual level, but there were glimpses. A few went to the trailing hip of the support player. Following the "discussion" about his defence, I though he put in well, made some solid contacts and put his body on the line with effect. I reckon he'll be in form quicker than Will. And I reckon he'd thrive a bit more with faster ball, a la Phipps ( at the moment).
Horwill was busy, but as others noted, is less impactful than in the past. I still think he'll get better and needs to stay in the mix. Carter was pretty good.
I won't go over the front row too much - the good ones were evident. Interesting that Fainga'a is putting in solid games week in and week out. I'm the first to admit I had my doubts and have been pleasantly surprised by his play. With our hooking rehab ward, it's a good thing!
To'omua looked pretty good and I would start him at 12 next week.
No need to comment on Kuridrani or McMahon as others have covered them well - beasts!
Speight was fine with fewer opportunities than others; I thought both he and Horne were hard enough and abrasive enough.

Our tight 5 needs to aim up big time next week. I hope Cheika and Grey get the "new" defensive structures humming soon too!

A good set of musings. I also think Quade is closer to top form than Will and will possibly make the bench for Wales. On the question of defense with Quade v Bernard, I noticed late in the game Foley pulled off a try saving tackle, so he probably isn't the defensive liability I may've made him out to be.

I would expect with the better players selected, the Wallabies will be a lot tighter in the Wales test than in this game, but I remain concerned that our backup props are not up to the task and we will still have issues closing out close games. I dread what will happen in the later tests if either Slipper or Kepu go down with injury.

All in all, Cheika has some interesting selection decisions to make with McMahon having such a storming game, the competition at 12 and the addition of Henry Speight to the mix of potential wingers.