The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
I think Hanson will be "holidaying" in the UK during the RWC and will be available if one of the two squad hookers are crocked.
Wallaby 31 players for 2015 RWC
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Gnostic
Mark Ella (57)
Its funny that even though it has been mentioned numerous times, Argentina has only taken two Hooker to each of the World Cups and the hysterical debate doesn't touch their decision. To my eye it is an example of the reputation of the Australian Scrum again coming into play. It looks like no matter what actual results are produced the perception of Australian teams acting to the detriment of the set piece is just going to hang around and taint every single decision.
No4918
John Hipwell (52)
That did not enter my thoughts at all when I was critical of the decision. Of course other countries have done it, and is it any wonder that an Aus rugby site isn't concerned about the Argies not doing it? Wales also has two hookers and Gatland was open about the risk of doing so. To my knowledge Cheika has not commented at all about the decision. I think you are stretching on all counts taking this line of argument.
RedsHappy
Tony Shaw (54)
I certainly hope L Gill is as well.
I've said before: if Poey goes down, or Hooper, I don't think we've got the right essential skills in the 31 to adequately replace them without very high risk that our breakdown capability is dangerously weakened vs the best RWC teams.
KOB1987
Rod McCall (65)
I'm sure he is the next 7 in line, but he is better off staying here playing NRC. He doesn't need to be requisitioned as readily as Hanson.
Jagman
Trevor Allan (34)
I suspect one George Smith is ahead of him and already in England.
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Highlander35
Andrew Slack (58)
If any player went down after the Fiji game, unless it was a prop or a Scrum half, Hanson would be in I reckon.
The teams been selected specifically to counter the playing 3 games in 11 days. With Fardy and Mumm Capable of playing lock and 6, they can be a backrower down without much issue, and with a buttload of backs, outside or otherwise, one of them going down wouldn't require external coverage.
The teams been selected specifically to counter the playing 3 games in 11 days. With Fardy and Mumm Capable of playing lock and 6, they can be a backrower down without much issue, and with a buttload of backs, outside or otherwise, one of them going down wouldn't require external coverage.
Gnostic
Mark Ella (57)
Chieka has commented briefly. Ladesma commented extensively.
As for making it a stretch, I don't think so, have a look at the English sites and the comment is all Australian focussed about the risks of only carrying two hookers. Very little mention of the Welsh and no mention of the Argentines. Is it reaching to think there is a reason why that focus is?
Dai bando
Charlie Fox (21)
I suspect the two hooker saga is because you might have struggled in that area before, but your coaches must have talked it through and opted for cover elsewhere,
I did say earlier that we have only two hookers but, it seems Jarvis one of our props can play hooker too,
Looking forward to it, in fact I cant wait.
I did say earlier that we have only two hookers but, it seems Jarvis one of our props can play hooker too,
Looking forward to it, in fact I cant wait.
How important is the third hooker?
Ross Petty has done some figures on the Hookers game time at RWC 2011.
Ross Petty has done some figures on the Hookers game time at RWC 2011.
hammertimethere
Trevor Allan (34)
The difference between our gamble and Wales' is that they have Richard bloody Hibbard in camp within 3 hours or so if one of their hookers has a sniffle
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
T
Train Without a Station
Guest
It's a stupid risk. But absolutely no less stupid for Wales or Fiji.
But somebody else being moronic doesn't justify your own stupidity.
But somebody else being moronic doesn't justify your own stupidity.
Marcelo
Ken Catchpole (46)
Ok, you know more than Mario Ledesma (4 World Cups)
No, it is a calculated risk that has been clearly detailed to be not unusual in a RWC squads over the years.
And with all calculated risks, they get to look like geniuses if it works or fools if it doesn't
But that is why they get paid the big money, to make those decisions; and they will live by those decisions
But personally, I think it is a side show, having a third hooker in the squad is unlikely to win us the RWC or even win us a game; no matter how many outrageous scenarios we can devise
T
Train Without a Station
Guest
Being a good player absolutely does not mean somebody is a good coach.
How insightful is some of the commentary from the Fox Sports commentary team for example?
Tahtrajic
Ted Fahey (11)
I'd say he must be doing something right. Look at the improvement in the Tahs/ Walabies scrummaging since he's been involved.
T
Train Without a Station
Guest
FP, Cheika thinks of his bench as "finishers". Any time the term is mentioned people south of the Tweed jizz their pants. This risk affects the bench in the case of one minor injury, and leaves you planning not to replace your hooker.
We have 2 hookers. One has missed 50% of the tests since his debut, the other about 33%. Both have averaged playing less than 60 minutes per game all season.
So now in the event of a very likely injury you are going to expect a guy who hasn't played 80 all year at Super Rugby level to do so at test level, or you lose work rate around the ground, line out and potentially hurt the scrum due to players shuffling out of position (I'm sure that Sio, Moore, Kepu is a strong row than Slipper, Sio, Kepu for example).
And what for? To apparently have 2 full teams for opposed training. First game is played and like every game, a couple of guys pick up niggles and they can't train anyway. There goes your whole benefit.
Either that or it it's about backing up for short turn arounds your still stretching both the hookers anyway because neither have been 80 minute players recently.
We have 2 hookers. One has missed 50% of the tests since his debut, the other about 33%. Both have averaged playing less than 60 minutes per game all season.
So now in the event of a very likely injury you are going to expect a guy who hasn't played 80 all year at Super Rugby level to do so at test level, or you lose work rate around the ground, line out and potentially hurt the scrum due to players shuffling out of position (I'm sure that Sio, Moore, Kepu is a strong row than Slipper, Sio, Kepu for example).
And what for? To apparently have 2 full teams for opposed training. First game is played and like every game, a couple of guys pick up niggles and they can't train anyway. There goes your whole benefit.
Either that or it it's about backing up for short turn arounds your still stretching both the hookers anyway because neither have been 80 minute players recently.
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