dru
Tim Horan (67)
Jeez. Stop being so abstruse. Off the bench obviously!
Wallabies 2021
- Thread starter KOB1987
- Start date
Jeez. Stop being so abstruse. Off the bench obviously!
To me the really interesting decision comes at 6. Rennie mainly used Hanigan, though Swinton would have had more starts if not for suspension you'd think. Clearly he likes work rate in that position.
Rob Valetini has improved his game to the point where it's surely very hard not to pick him. The most appealing thing about him is his physicality, which is as good as I've seen in a 6 for a long time. He was smashing blokes on Saturday night, in attack and defence.
But the Brumbies play him wider. He doesn't jump in the lineout much (as Reg's stats show). He's not a Hanigan or a Scott-Young workhorse type, though he plays the full 80 so he's clearly got a motor. So there's a case he will stay on the bench as Rennie opts for work over impact in his 6.
I would disagree with this case. Rob's time has surely come. Let him hurt blokes from the opening whistle.
Rob Valetini has improved his game to the point where it's surely very hard not to pick him. The most appealing thing about him is his physicality, which is as good as I've seen in a 6 for a long time. He was smashing blokes on Saturday night, in attack and defence.
But the Brumbies play him wider. He doesn't jump in the lineout much (as Reg's stats show). He's not a Hanigan or a Scott-Young workhorse type, though he plays the full 80 so he's clearly got a motor. So there's a case he will stay on the bench as Rennie opts for work over impact in his 6.
I would disagree with this case. Rob's time has surely come. Let him hurt blokes from the opening whistle.
If Valetini plays 6 to be that physical ball runner, does it increase the chance of someone like Michael Wells (or Josh Kemeny) playing 8 for their workrate?
Harry Wilson's form last year was certainly better than it is currently. I certainly expect him to get the first crack again at number 8 but last year we largely opted for a 6 to complement his skillset.
If Valetini is playing 6, does Wilson's role change somewhat to complement Valetini and can he do it effectively?
Harry Wilson's form last year was certainly better than it is currently. I certainly expect him to get the first crack again at number 8 but last year we largely opted for a 6 to complement his skillset.
If Valetini is playing 6, does Wilson's role change somewhat to complement Valetini and can he do it effectively?
Maybe, but I think Wilson is up to it. He's been a hard worker for the Reds before, I think he can get in the trenches a bit more than he did in Gold last year.
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...in-wallabies-starting-xv-20210414-p57j6t.html
Rennie's statements echo a lot of what we have been discussing recently.
Hooker and fullback are the two most problematic/open positions in the team.
Rennie's statements echo a lot of what we have been discussing recently.
Hooker and fullback are the two most problematic/open positions in the team.
eastman
Arch Winning (36)
He plays quite tight at the Reds currently, although he still needs to improve his subtlety and footwork in his attack. He's not going to dominate on the international stage (and this was demonstrated last year) if he doesn't move on from his Sam Burgess- inspired kamikaze running.
Derpus
George Gregan (70)
If Valetini plays the physical ball runner and enforcer why doesn't he just play 8?
eastman
Arch Winning (36)
Think his hands might be a little bit suspect...
Jimmy_Crouch
Ken Catchpole (46)
Dctarget
John Eales (66)
That's my thinking, says he was given an option of longer but opted for a 1 year deal. Reckon he has eyes to link up with Maddocks.
Joe Blow
Peter Sullivan (51)
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...in-wallabies-starting-xv-20210414-p57j6t.html
It’s sounds as though Rennie has his finger on the pulse
It’s sounds as though Rennie has his finger on the pulse
Agree. I kinda hope he puts the pressure on Valetini and Wilson by picking them but saying they have to assume they are there for the 80. Of course both probably won't be, but let's see.
Zero_Cool
Arch Winning (36)
That first half from Valetini was EPIC, but he went missing for a lot of the second half. He only finished the night with 11/2 tackles, and 8 runs. Very respectable but he had something like 6 runs and 9 tackles in the fist half. And IIRC he played out the 80. If you can get that first half, drag it out another 20 mins then bring in someone from the bench for him your golden, but if he does good missing from games your left with a big problem.
upthereds#!
Ken Catchpole (46)
I don't REALLY worry too much if Valetini is a bit quieter, not everyone can be all workrate all the time, sometimes you need that guy on the field whose job it is to hit hard that handful of times and make a real dent. With Wilsons high work rate and Valetinis high power, should be a complementary combination.
Palu and Samo didn't have a million involvements, but they would kill a few people in their moments. The elsoms and horwills had the workrate
Palu and Samo didn't have a million involvements, but they would kill a few people in their moments. The elsoms and horwills had the workrate
Up the Guts
Steve Williams (59)
Overrated, much better edge forwards running around in the NRL.
Valetini>Wilson at this point in time. Still reckon Wilson is too much puppy fat and will establish himself properly in a few years time when he has a few more preseasons under his belt.
Joe Blow
Peter Sullivan (51)
I reckon we will see Swinton start in that first test at 6. He, if he plays like he did for all but the last few seconds of his one test, provides exactly what the back row needs to balance it out. Physicality, lineout ability and grunt at the coal face.
Valentini will be in the mix no doubt and Uru may be as well.
Wilson will start at 8. He’s earned it.