I wouldn't start Sio for the Brumbies on form, let alone the Wallabies. Other than that it's actually surprising how many of the incumbents seem to have justified being selected again (although I wouldn't pick Hodge in a pink fit).
Wallabies 2020
- Thread starter A mutterer
- Start date
I wouldn't start Sio for the Brumbies on form, let alone the Wallabies. Other than that it's actually surprising how many of the incumbents seem to have justified being selected again (although I wouldn't pick Hodge in a pink fit).
TSR
Mark Ella (57)
I’m actually starting to go cold on Nasirani as a locked in starter.
Which is very harsh, because on form, and with the benefit of incumbency he would be there. But somewhere we need to make a change to improve our lineout.
The only possible threat I could see to Hooper was by Wright - and that was on the basis that Rennie wanted a different player type. But I think for that to happen Wright had to convincingly out play him when they went head to head and it didn’t happen.
That being the case I’m concerned about having Hooper & Nasirani in the back row. Nasirani can jump, but he doesn’t seem a good lineout operator at all. Regardless of who is 6 I’d like the 8 to at least be a threat and Samu, Wilson & Dempsey all offer that.
Which is very harsh, because on form, and with the benefit of incumbency he would be there. But somewhere we need to make a change to improve our lineout.
The only possible threat I could see to Hooper was by Wright - and that was on the basis that Rennie wanted a different player type. But I think for that to happen Wright had to convincingly out play him when they went head to head and it didn’t happen.
That being the case I’m concerned about having Hooper & Nasirani in the back row. Nasirani can jump, but he doesn’t seem a good lineout operator at all. Regardless of who is 6 I’d like the 8 to at least be a threat and Samu, Wilson & Dempsey all offer that.
Zero_Cool
Arch Winning (36)
Valentini isn't even starting for the Brumbies!
I think the only good options for 6 would be Wright, Samu, maybe Dempsey (but I'm unconvinced still) & Hanigan (he's legittt finally come good). I'd love to have LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) in that let but he's needed in lock.
I do think Isi is over rated, if you go with Samu or you reach and trust in Wilson is a tough decision.
I think the only good options for 6 would be Wright, Samu, maybe Dempsey (but I'm unconvinced still) & Hanigan (he's legittt finally come good). I'd love to have LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) in that let but he's needed in lock.
I do think Isi is over rated, if you go with Samu or you reach and trust in Wilson is a tough decision.
Up the Guts
Steve Williams (59)
McDermott came from the bench for two weeks and it wasn't anything to do with form. I think Zero_Cool's mind is firmly made up and there will be no changing it.
Probably best not to try to read its mind.
Brumby Runner
David Wilson (68)
Some interesting, though unsubstantiated, comments coming out of some Reds fans on the Reds 2020 thread about JOC (James O'Connor), his behaviours and influences on the team dynamic. If there's anything behind those comments, I think JOC (James O'Connor) will be lucky to wear the Gold let alone be considered for Captain. Or is this just a push by a few who don't like him?
Rebels3
Jim Lenehan (48)
Not even worth mentioning. There is a far greater likelihood of it been one person talking smack on an Internet forum about a guy he’s probably never met in his life.
If it was even remotely true, Thorn would have him out the door in a second
upthereds#!
Ken Catchpole (46)
Ok I like this game:
2. Fainga'a
4. Simmons
5. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
6. Wilson
9. White
10. JOC (James O'Connor)
12. To'omua
15. Banks
19. Phillip
20. Ummmm Wright or Samu
(21. Mcdermottt)
(22. TK)
(23. DHP)
Ignoto
John Thornett (49)
Given how much COVID has had an impact on Rennie and co meeting/interacting with the player group, I can see Rennie having Hooper as a stop gap Skipper while he (Rennie) gets to know the player group a bit better.
Then bring in all of your potential choices for Captain into the leadership group this year and see who you want next year.
Then bring in all of your potential choices for Captain into the leadership group this year and see who you want next year.
Jimmy_Crouch
Ken Catchpole (46)
This Hooper not being the captain or starter is laughable.
Tomikin
Simon Poidevin (60)
You could have said the same about Tate, his being rested.
TSR
Mark Ella (57)
I think Hooper will be captain and starter, but it’s hardly inconceivable that a new coach coming into a team with an abysmal prior record is going to make significant changes. Hooper is great, but he isn’t untouchable.
Adam84
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
The same was said about Tate
B
Bobby Sands
Guest
But unfortunately he is, because he was signed to the dumbest contract of all time - which made us play Dave at 8, and Liam Gill career was completely lost to Australian rugby.
It has taken an entirely new development cycle to bring in a more healthy debate around our 7.
Dave, Gill, Wright, McReight.
But somehow Hooper just gets the spot with no contest, and Cheika corruptly signs Australia's rugby fate by putting him on that ridiculous deal.
Up the Guts
Steve Williams (59)
That deal was made in 2018, Gill was long gone. Btw where is Gill playing (or where was he playing before COVID)? I haven’t heard much of him.
Jimmy_Crouch
Ken Catchpole (46)
Bobby, you are taking some liberties with the history books. Gill is only six months younger than Hooper and three Wallabies coaches have prefered Hooper over Gill. Hooper also signed that deal in 2018 after two JEM and two years after Gill bailed.
Liam Gill was/is (not seen enough of him playing in France to comment) a great player but unfortunately his career coinsided with some pretty special players. Would love to have him around in the mix now but totally understand why he isnt.