Bledisloe 1: 29 July @ MCG
- Thread starter Tex
- Start date
LeCheese
Peter Johnson (47)
Doran's article merely stated a new captain would be needed, and that Tate fulfilled the role when Slipper went off against the Argies. The implication was he may be a candidate, but there was no suggestion that decision was made. He or 7As (Allan Ala'alatoa) seemed the natural choices though
There was some punter who has a reasonable instagram profile and masquerades as being a source of news saying they McDermott was going to be captain.
Wilson
Michael Lynagh (62)
Should be the Reds current backline
Goosestep
Syd Malcolm (24)
Good parlay
Dismal Pillock
Simon Poidevin (60)
Joe Blow
Peter Sullivan (51)
Better for Petaia to be at 13 than Perese for this reason among others.
Derpus
George Gregan (70)
There will be plenty of space between Kerevi, Petaia and Nawaqanitawase. Of those three only Petaia is a strong defender, but he's no master of the positional play like TK was or Ikitau has become. We'll be conceding line breaks through the midfield for sure.
Brumby Runner
David Wilson (68)
I agree but that's par for the course with new combinations, isn't it? I have hope that this backline will put the ABs under considerable pressure and tries will come, but really there would be expected to be very little in the way of cohesion with Tate and Carter playing together at this level for the first time, in what will be Carters debut run on. Couple that with a backline of Kerevi, Petaia and Nawaqanitawase who I don't think have ever played as a unit before, and put them outside the halves combo that they've never had any previous experience with, and it spells a lot of missed tackles and leaked points. I am not expecting miracles, but I do hope and trust this lineup is persevered with for the lead up and duration of the RWC, Len Ikitau being the obvious inclusion if he gets over his injury.
Very happy to see Frost partnered with Skelton. Different but hopefully complementary skills and the beginning of a very successful partnership. Arnold (or Philip or Neville - not in the squad I know) could replace either one later in the game depending on form and how the particular game is playing out.
Bell at LHP is a winner with a bit of game time under his belt and will give Slipper a bit of a rest. Tupou off the bench is best until his fitness and form can be fully assessed. I wish Tom Hooper a good game. This could be a changing of the guard, or a return to the fetcher No 7 if he doesn't step up.
KiwiM
Nev Cottrell (35)
There are a few players that could fill the 23 jersey better than Clarke I think (DMac, Narawa, Leicester etc).
Tomthumb
Colin Windon (37)
To be fair I don’t think knowing how to beat Australia is a state secret
zer0
Jim Lenehan (48)
Pleasantly surprised to see Roigard on the bench. Conversely, bummed to see Williams absent. As far as I know he's available, so hoping this is very much a last chance situation for Ofa and, in particular, Nepo before Moody and Newell also return.
Remain unconvinced on Savea as skipper after some of his tactical choices at the Hurricanes, and his penchant to throw a wobbly when they fail. Feel like old Dogroll Barrett or possibly Retallicka would've been better options.
Remain unconvinced on Savea as skipper after some of his tactical choices at the Hurricanes, and his penchant to throw a wobbly when they fail. Feel like old Dogroll Barrett or possibly Retallicka would've been better options.
Confucius Say
Arch Winning (36)
It’s just due east or west. Simple.
Kicking should be simple too but has a lot more scope for directional error. And more forgiveness.
dru
Tim Horan (67)
You've got to give it to Eddie - he sure as hell can generate enthusiasm from previous rock bottom pessimism. And doing it with nothing but amused attitude. I don't expect a win but I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what the Wallabies do.
waiopehu oldboy
Stirling Mortlock (74)
rugbyAU
Nev Cottrell (35)
Yep, Gordon dosent even kick for the rebels