RWC: Pool C - Wallabies v Fiji - Monday 18 Sep 2am AEST

[Braveheart81]

Onto round two and we're now into absolutely abysmal timeslots.

Hopefully we see the return of Slipper and Fa'amausili to shore up our bench front row. Faessler might be lucky to retain his place after some wobbles in the lineout but could be saved by acknowledgement that the structure of our forward pack was lacking when the bench came on.

Will we see Frost return instead of Leota or Gleeson?

I expect the backs will be largely the same except for White starting and Fines-Leleiwasa on the bench with McDermott out with concussion.

Donaldson's strong game could make it really hard for Kellaway to get back into the side. I'd still prefer him in the 23 jersey over Vunivalu for better versatility. You'd certainly think Donaldson continues to wear the 15 jersey though.

 

[Wilson]

I'd be bringing Frost onto the bench for Gleeson and starting Fines-Leleiwasa - White is not playing poorly but he is looking like a square peg in a round hole for this team, so I think Isaac is better fit with McDermott out. I'd also have Kellaway on the bench for coverage, not entirely sure if Foketi holds his spot though, he has struggled in gold so far this year.

Also, your world cup is it?

 

[Derpus]

Wonder if Fiji will be hungry or drained after getting so close against the Welsh.

 

[Braveheart81]

Also, your world cup is it?
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Copy and paste went awry!

 

[Wilson]

Wonder if Fiji will be hungry or drained after getting so close against the Welsh.

A bit of both I think? I expect they'll come out firing but if we have them in hand 60 minutes in they may start to fall away.

 

[Wilson]

Copy and paste went awry!

The dangers of pre-coffee posting

 

[LeCheese]

Be interesting to see the game plan this week. Against Georgia it was clearly one designed to target territory, not possession - referenced by Skelton in his excellent rev up that was picked up in the huddle after Tate went down, as well as a few other Wobs post-match. I'm not sure that will work so well against a team like Fiji who we know thrive off the kick return and in broken play.

I think Kellaway will miss out - Donaldson showed his worth and Vunivalu looked good in his involvements (his rugby brain seems to have switched on). We can assume the Fijians will go aerial at times on attack, and I think Vunivalu, Marika, and Nawaqanitawase give us the best chance to counter that effectively.

 

[Derpus]

It'll be another test for Donaldson as the Georgians failed to challenge him in the air but I doubt the Fijians will miss that opportunity. Hopefully he steps up again if selected.

 

[RugbyReg]

Be interesting to see the game plan this week. Against Georgia it was clearly one designed to target territory, not possession - referenced by Skelton in his excellent rev up that was picked up in the huddle after Tate went down, as well as a few other Wobs post-match. I'm not sure that will work so well against a team like Fiji who we know thrive off the kick return and in broken play.

I think Kellaway will miss out - Donaldson showed his worth and Vunivalu looked good in his involvements (his rugby brain seems to have switched on). We can assume the Fijians will go aerial at times on attack, and I think Vunivalu, Marika, and Nawaqanitawase give us the best chance to counter that effectively.

I missed that - what was the gist?

 

[LeCheese]

I missed that - what was the gist?

I can do better than the gist https://www.theroar.com.au/rugby-un...elton-lays-down-the-law-to-wallabies-1304257/

 

[fatprop]

Lessons from the first week matches clearly included just keep score board pressure ramping up - ie take the kicking opportunities

Donaldson it appears will continue to be selected

The other lesson is, kick the ball into the second tier of the stands when playing Fiji and work on your chase line for those oh f*ck moments when we give them space to counter

 

[Derpus]

Apparently Fiji were robbed blind against Wales. Maybe they'll be more motivated than deflated.

 

[KOB1987]

Apparently Fiji were robbed blind against Wales. Maybe they'll be more motivated than deflated.

It certainly would have taken a lot out of them mentally and physically. I suspect it was their target match seen as the best opportunity to advance from the pool stage. No doubt they will come out firing, the issue is how much petrol they have left in the tank, and when they fatigue their discipline generally goes to shit.

 

[Wilson]

I can do better than the gist https://www.theroar.com.au/rugby-un...elton-lays-down-the-law-to-wallabies-1304257/

As an aside it was great to see him so vocal and commanding there. My biggest reservation when he was named captain is that he has a reputation as a quieter player, so to see him taking charge like that is fantastic.

 

[Stagnation]

looking ahead - assuming we make it out of our pool we will most likely either play england or argentina in the quarters correct?

 

[LeCheese]

As an aside it was great to see him so vocal and commanding there. My biggest reservation when he was named captain is that he has a reputation as a quieter player, so to see him taking charge like that is fantastic.

Yep - been pretty impressed with his media duties too. A reluctant leader, but he's really stepping up.

 

[Wilson]

looking ahead - assuming we make it out of our pool we will most likely either play england or argentina in the quarters correct?

At this stage there is a solid chance of Samoa instead of Argentina.

 

[scrans21]

Assuming everyone is fit this is the team I'd be rolling out for Fiji (replacement in brackets if the player isn't fit):
1. Bell
2. Porecki
3. Tupou
4. Arnold
5. Skelton (c)
6. Hooper
7. McReight
8. Valetini
9. Fines-Leleiwasa
10. Gordon
11. Koroibete
12. Kerevi
13. Petaia
14. Nawaqanitawase
15. Donaldson
16. Faesslar
17. Slipper (Schoupp)
18. Fa'amausili (Nonggorr)
19. Frost
20. Leota/Gleeson
21. White
22. Foketi
23. Kellaway

 

[dru]

Assuming everyone is fit this is the team I'd be rolling out for Fiji (replacement in brackets if the player isn't fit):
1. Bell
2. Porecki
3. Tupou
4. Arnold
5. Skelton (c)
6. Hooper
7. McReight
8. Valetini
9. Fines-Leleiwasa
10. Gordon
11. Koroibete
12. Kerevi
13. Petaia
14. Nawaqanitawase
15. Donaldson
16. Faesslar
17. Slipper (Schoupp)
18. Fa'amausili (Nonggorr)
19. Frost
20. Leota/Gleeson
21. White
22. Foketi
23. Kellaway

I'll take it. Though I hear fans suggesting McReight might be stood down for a bigger body. I wouldn't but I'm listening.

Edi: I think you've got the 9s right. Also think you have Faesslar right though his throws have me seriously wondering.

 

[stillmissit]

A bit of both I think? I expect they'll come out firing but if we have them in hand 60 minutes in they may start to fall away.

Dont think so They were full of running at 80mins. They are fitter than we are and I am betting it will show in our game, we need to be at our best.