The Wallabies Thread
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topgun
Billy Sheehan (19)
Which would be ludicrous
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Which would be a shame, but he's got plenty of time to prove himself. I just hope that Cheik doesn't have designs on wheeling Cliffy out one more time. The big fella just doesn't have any gas in the tank any more. Probably more likely that he'll go with McCalman and also try and find a bench spot for McMahon, because he seems to love his mongrel (and who can blame him for that).
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Totally agree that he makes opposition teams change their plans, well except for the All Blacks, who have so much class across the paddock that they will expose a bloke when he's not 100% fit.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
On present form, I'd probably start with Slipper with Sio on the bench and I'm not convinced yet that Hunt has shown enough to be on the bench. Not many alternatives, but Harris might get the spot based on his previous Wallabies' experience. Otherwise, agree with all of your selections.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
I'm sure I heard Cheika say on Rugby 360 that there would be development opportunity for a few new players in the England tests. Even if there is only one, that would have to be Holloway imo. He is a standout as a relatively newcomer and would fit perfectly as a late replacement into a back row containing any of Fardy, Pocock, McMahon and possibly Hooper given they work well at the Tahs.
Just a pity we haven't got any backs coming through who show the same level of promise. That is where we are most deficient atm.
Viking
Mark Ella (57)
I have faith in Cheika. If he chooses not to pick him it will be for good reason. After all, McCalman and McMahon are respectable alternatives.
I would certainly like to see him in the extended squad this year. But I bet my house if he doesn't make it and backs up his great super xv season next year he will be in it next year. He is young so there is still time.
I have no issue with leaving out a player who only has one good super xv season under this belt to date. Sure he is playing well, but its not THAT well that Cheika has no choice but to pick him (over McCalman and/or McMahon).
topgun
Billy Sheehan (19)
I think Arnold or Timani will be thrown in there, surely Holloway should get the spot that Vaea took up before retirement?
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Me too Seb. I think Cheik's record across all the levels of the game he's coached tells us that he knows what he's doing. Having seen him at Leinster, the Tahs and now at the Wallabies I think we know what he favours: big confrontational gnarly forwards and highly skilful backs. Hmm, sounds a bit like Randwick doesn't it.
Marcelo
Ken Catchpole (46)
Mike Ala'alatoa could be lost to NZ rugby for good?
But we are lucky, we kept Jeremy Tilse
I don't see Mike making the ABs squad. I mean, What is the list of NZ THP? He isn't on the top 4. Is he elegible for Maori ABs?
Dave Beat
Paul McLean (56)
Not fussed - we have Tilse, he's now a seasoned veteran.
Gnostic
Mark Ella (57)
The Tahs and the Brumbies are supposed to be the best the Australian Conference has to offer. Judging from the performances of them against the NZ sides I have to say there is no chance at all that they will win the Bled this year. Shit as it stands they will be lucky to be competitive, and certainly if they attack like Larkham has the Brumbies playing it will take me right back to the shitty days of watching the Tahs play under Foley.
I think Folau has to be moved to the wing at the very least because while he is a brilliant counter attacker and unmatched under the high ball his kicking is woeful and he is now constantly targeted in that facet of play. Maybe move him to 13 and move Kurindrani into 12 and put the second playmaker at 15. Whatever is done I think against the English and then the ABs the Wallabies need at least two very good kickers in the back three, and IMO Folau is not one of them. So that will exclude Horne, Tomane (if fit) and just about every other winger in Oz.
I think Folau has to be moved to the wing at the very least because while he is a brilliant counter attacker and unmatched under the high ball his kicking is woeful and he is now constantly targeted in that facet of play. Maybe move him to 13 and move Kurindrani into 12 and put the second playmaker at 15. Whatever is done I think against the English and then the ABs the Wallabies need at least two very good kickers in the back three, and IMO Folau is not one of them. So that will exclude Horne, Tomane (if fit) and just about every other winger in Oz.
T
TOCC
Guest
Folau even with his kicking deficiencies is still the best fullback Australia has, you replace him with someone who is a better kicker and they present their own weaknesses, whether they be their ability to take the ball in the air, positioning or kick returning.
Whilst it will probable be defensively fragile, a backline with a centre pairing of Kerevi-Kuridrani and Folau at fullback would present a defensive nightmare for England.
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Whilst it will probable be defensively fragile, a backline with a centre pairing of Kerevi-Kuridrani and Folau at fullback would present a defensive nightmare for England.
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