Australia v South Africa - Perth - 6 September 2014

[Viking]

Just seen Wobs squad for Perth & see AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is listed as Back-Three. WTF is wrong with you people? Surely he's in the top-4 or -5 centres in the world right now esp with JdeV out've sorts. Can't see how he's more effective for you at 14 than 13.

I know you're short on wingers but if you've gotta convert a 13 why not Kuridrani?

Its not about "converting". Its about covering for injuries. There's a difference. Kuridrani only plays 13 and would be a bit slow on the wing, and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) has a load of experience on the wing.

 

[Braveheart81]

Most interesting thing to me is that Speight hasn't been named in the squad for these two tests. I would have expected him to be just about healthy now and it would seem unlikely that he's going to debut when possible on September 13 against Argentina unless there are injuries.

Edit: an SMH article does say he's struggling to recover from a hamstring injury so perhaps the initial four weeks has been blown out.

Only having four props in the squad is also unusual. I guess it provides flexibility of calling up whoever Link wants if there is an injury.

Maybe he'll consider adding someone after the next NRC game.

 

[Bullrush]

Back three - here is one area where we can potentially outperform NZ..it didn't happen in the last 2 games because we didn't have proper wingers, but a back 3 of Folau, Speight and Cummins (if he comes back) or JOC (James O'Connor) is better than the AB's. There's also AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) if required there, Horne & Beale as cover, and Tomane & Betham as new kids on the block. Don't tell me there's no improvement/development coming in this area.
That's my piece..

Thought most of this post was good except for this part. ABs have the following to call on:

B Smith
J Savea
C Jane
C Piatau
I Dagg
Frank Halai
Lolagi Visinia
Tim Nanai-Williams
Andre Taylor
George Moala

which I think would match up pretty squarely with any of the names you've thrown out there.

 

[Viking]

Thought most of this post was good except for this part. ABs have the following to call on:

B Smith
J Savea
C Jane
C Piatau
I Dagg
Frank Halai
Lolagi Visinia
Tim Nanai-Williams
Andre Taylor
George Moala

which I think would match up pretty squarely with any of the names you've thrown out there.

Not as much depth if an injury happens but I agree a back-three of Spreight, Falou, JOC (James O'Connor) could hold their own with all the names you listed.

 

[Braveheart81]

Thought most of this post was good except for this part. ABs have the following to call on:

B Smith
J Savea
C Jane
C Piatau
I Dagg
Frank Halai
Lolagi Visinia
Tim Nanai-Williams
Andre Taylor
George Moala

which I think would match up pretty squarely with any of the names you've thrown out there.

How many centres are we allowed to name as back three options?

 

[KOB1987]

note, I only said 'potentially outperform'..so I agree, yours could match up pretty squarely..depends which 3 v which 3

 

[Bullrush]

How many centres are we allowed to name as back three options?

LOL - at least 3 (AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), Horne, McCabe , and even Beale!)

 

[Bullrush]

note, I only said 'potentially outperform'..so I agree, yours could match up pretty squarely

I don't want to seem arrogant or over-confident so I picked my words carefully

If JOC (James O'Connor) comes back, he would be great for your winger stocks.

 

[KOB1987]

I don't want to seem arrogant or over-confident so I picked my words carefully

If JOC (James O'Connor) comes back, he would be great for your winger stocks.

mail is he is going to be announced as coming to the Reds at their dinner on Friday night and will be beamed in

 

[Bullrush]

mail is he is going to be announced as coming to the Reds at their dinner on Friday night and will be beamed in

He is a fantastic finisher...hopefully time in the 'wilderness' has sorted out his off-field shit

 

[Hugh Jarse]

You don't think Link is looking to blood our 7th string hooker just in case?

Alex MAFI, Nudgee College has just withdrawn from the Aust Schoolboys squad due to injury.
Apparently they are now anxiously waiting around the phone in the CRAIG (new Schoolboys starting hooker) Household in case Link decides to go to a double digits string Hooker for his squad.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) has been listed as a back 3 in all the squad announcements this year even before he ended up playing 13 in the two Bledisloes.

As you were then. I know it's none of my business, being a dumb-arse kiwi & all, but it shits me seeing a class & potentially great player used as gap filler.

 

[Viking]

As you were then. I know it's none of my business, being a dumb-arse kiwi & all, but it shits me seeing a class & potentially great player used as gap filler.

Story of his career unfortunately. Deans should have locked him in as a 13 from day 1. Instead shifted around to 15, wing, even to 12 at one stage.

 

[Bullrush]

As you were then. I know it's none of my business, being a dumb-arse kiwi & all, but it shits me seeing a class & potentially great player used as gap filler.

We went thru a couple of RWCs trying to convince ourselves that FBs could play center and wings play FB and so-on and so-on - maybe Link should give John Hart a call.....

 

[Train Without a Station]

As you were then. I know it's none of my business, being a dumb-arse kiwi & all, but it shits me seeing a class & potentially great player used as gap filler.

The thing about AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is he's the outside centre Australia deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So we'll pick him on the wing him. Because he can take it. Because he's not our outside centre. He's a utility back. A Mr Fix It. Adam Ashley-Cooper.

 

[Ignoto]

As you were then. I know it's none of my business, being a dumb-arse kiwi & all, but it shits me seeing a class & potentially great player used as gap filler.

Ben Smith says hi.

Honestly, it's just goes to show how good some players are if they're able to naturally slot into multiple positions like that.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I'd prefer to see AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) as outside centre as well, but also accept that we're short on wing depth right now. So be it.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

How is AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)'s lineout throwing?

 

[wamberal]

How is AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)'s lineout throwing?

Aaaaah, memories.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Hugh Roach was pretty decent in the first round of the NRC.

Wouldn't that cause a stir in the threads. Plays and looks (in body shape) like Michael Hooper. Too small; too lightweight; runs like a back; doesn't make ten pilfers per game. Too small for a hooker, should play 7.