Wallabies 2020

[Braveheart81]

I think the original point was that it is a sad indictment that we are considering 20 year olds for test rugby because a bunch of 30 year olds left. Either there were no good 10s in that time period or if there were they got bored of waiting for an opportunity and explored other options. I’d prefer Harrison or lolesi to be given a go now as they are specialist 10s. But why hasn’t there been a succession plan in place?

There pretty much haven't been.

Look at how or under 20s have fared in the last decade compared to last year. We have generally struggled.

Most of the 10s we have played across those years have been pretty average and then gone on to what you'd describe as a journeyman career.

People have been very critical that we haven't turned players like Jack Debreczeni into test stars but if you look at how they compared to the stars of the tournament at under 20 level it is pretty clear they weren't close to starting from the same level.

 

[wamberal]

It's a fairly sad indictment on the state of Australian rugby, when we are considering these two players at this stage of their career for actual game time with the Wallabies (I suspect they would still be running around in club land over in NZ). I think with JOC (James O'Connor) and Touma in a squad, you can reward players like Simone or Meakes in the 23, who have performed in Super rugby over consecutive years. There's nothing wrong in making a Harrison/ Lolesio perform for another year in Super rugby before they get a cap.

France have included some players from last year's under 20s, if I understood the commentary. I have pointed out a few times, both Etsebeth and Retallick debuted at 19. If you are good enough, you are old enough.

 

[Dctarget]

And they look good enough. Harrison looks the best of a flailing team including Beale & Hunt. Loleiso has been handy against arguably the best team in the competition (the Chiefs).

 

[Mr Wobbly]

Absolutely no problem with playing a 19/20 year old in a test match - if they are the best in their position, pick 'em.

I think we should select the best available team and aim to win every test match. The young guns need to earn their spots and be picked on merit. I reckon there would be huge value in an Australia A team playing a series against 2nd tier countries, especially 2-3 years out from the RWC.

 

[RoffsChoice]

We have to consider the long term impact on younger players if we pick them too early. They might be the best right now, but throw them in the deep end too early and we can mess with the long term confidence of players. If it's marginal gains, pick the old player, don't mess with the young star too early.

 

[Derpus]

We have to consider the long term impact on younger players if we pick them too early. They might be the best right now, but throw them in the deep end too early and we can mess with the long term confidence of players. If it's marginal gains, pick the old player, don't mess with the young star too early.

Certainly, Hanigan comes to mind. Ease them in - but they need fo be involved.

 

[Froggy]

I think both Harrison and Lolesio should be around the squad this year, I think either To'omua or JOC (James O'Connor) will be the initial 10, but there will be pressure on them to perform.
Both these guys have strengths, I think Lolesio has the better game management skills at this point, both have good kicking games and pace, and Harrison is the stronger runner and defender.

 

[RoffsChoice]

Having young guns in the squad is good for the older heads too: perform or these guys will replace you.

 

[Drew]

Agree that no one has put their hand up in that time and it was ridiculous to play non aussies in key playmaking positions. A roll on from that is someone like Kyle Godwin, who looked promising, playing outside a traditional SA fly half who kept it tight and never reached his potential.
But why hasn’t there been a 10 in all that time? Personally I think a young mans not going to wait for an opportunity when they can adapt what they know in rugby and maybe make $ and get on tv in league. We have 4 professional teams and that means limited opportunities. To me it’s no surprise we are loaded with front rowers but lack depth other positions, it’s the one spot where you can’t play another sport as easily (locks could be basketball or Afl with a different training regime).

 

[eastman]

Calling out Ntamack is not supporting the argument to blood Lolesio/ Harrison, as the guy has played two years of professional rugby, and warranted his initial selection through form and not just potential.
I don't think those two guys are in such exceptional form that they demand selection at this stage- broader squad sure but not getting caps yet.

 

[eastman]

I think we've also had an issue with talent identification over the last 5/6 years with fly halves, and preoccupation with certain individuals (which has been covered to death here). Sam Greene who is running around in Japan, is a better player than the majority of 10s running around in the Australian Super squads.

 

[Derpus]

Agree that no one has put their hand up in that time and it was ridiculous to play non aussies in key playmaking positions. A roll on from that is someone like Kyle Godwin, who looked promising, playing outside a traditional SA fly half who kept it tight and never reached his potential.
But why hasn’t there been a 10 in all that time? Personally I think a young mans not going to wait for an opportunity when they can adapt what they know in rugby and maybe make $ and get on tv in league. We have 4 professional teams and that means limited opportunities. To me it’s no surprise we are loaded with front rowers but lack depth other positions, it’s the one spot where you can’t play another sport as easily (locks could be basketball or Afl with a different training regime).

I think the natural athleticism and build of most backrowers would make them the most natural League converts. Hooper, as an example, would probably have excelled in League. Backrowers and Centres.

 

[RoffsChoice]

I still have no idea how McIntyre was considered a better 10 than Greene. It's insane.

 

[Dctarget]

Calling out Ntamack is not supporting the argument to blood Lolesio/ Harrison, as the guy has played two years of professional rugby, and warranted his initial selection through form and not just potential.
I don't think those two guys are in such exceptional form that they demand selection at this stage- broader squad sure but not getting caps yet.

Ntamack debuted for the French Barbarians same year he debuted for Toulouse. He debuted for France in the Six Nations with about 20 caps for Toulouse.
Lolesio if he debuts will have a similar number for the Brumbies after this season.

 

[Brumby Runner]

They will probably continue to play games without crowds. The financial hit is going to be huge thougb.

That only works while no player tests positive. As soon as one is positive, it will shut down the entire team, at least for 14 days but I suspect probably longer if others then test positive too during the 14 day period. Very nasty.

 

[cyclopath]

They should just voluntarily expose every player at the same time. Then we can pause for a week or two and kick things back off.

Even if an attempt at humour, pretty rank.

 

[Derpus]

righto then

 

[Joe Blow]

After this last weekends play there is a very real possibility that the Wallabies squad will be picked on Super Rugby form to date.
What 23 would you go with right now?

 

[Slim 293]

A Super Rugby form XV..........

1. Slipper
2. Rangi
3. Ala'alatoa
4. Philip
5. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
6. Valetini
7. Samu
8. Naisarani
9. Powell
10. Lolesio
11. DHP
12. Simone
13. Kuridrani
14. Kellaway
15. Banks

I’ve taken liberties with Samu and DHP because I believe they both deserve to be there, and there’s no other clear candidate.

 

[Slim 293]

I’ll add a bench to that team...........

16. Mafi
17. Bell
18. Tupou
19. Neville
20. Wilson
21. McDermott
22. To'omua
23. Wright