Dctarget
John Eales (66)
Why not Tupou? I think he'll probably be ready by then.
Wallabies 2023
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
In 2019 they spent a whole week there training so they took the whole 34 player squad.
Unless they go with a significantly different plan and only fly in a couple of days before the game I imagine they'll do the same.
Doritos Day
Johnnie Wallace (23)
Presumably he and Bell can/will only play one of that match and Argies the week after. May as well introduce them in the easier (from a travel/prep perspective) game
Mr Pilfer
Bob Loudon (25)
The squad sizes for the world cup have already been confirmed as 33 so not sure why the debate.
I believe that can give you;
- 6 props (AAA / Slipper / Tupou if fit / Bell if fit / 2 others)
- 3 hookers (Porecki / 2 others)
- 3 locks (Frost / Skelton / 1 other)
- 6 backrow (Holloway / McReight / Valentini and then 3 out of Hooper/Hanigan/LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)/Wilson/Gleeson/Samu)
- 3 halfbacks (White / Lonergan / Tate)
- 2 flyhalves (Quade and Gordon/Foley)
- 4 centres (Kerevi / Ikitau / Foketi / 1 other)
- 5 outside backs (Marika / Kellaway / Mark N (Nawaqanitawase) / Wright / 1 other)
- 1 utility (Hodge or O'Connor)
You could probably drop the extra outside back for another backrower but someone needs to play against Portugal
I believe that can give you;
- 6 props (AAA / Slipper / Tupou if fit / Bell if fit / 2 others)
- 3 hookers (Porecki / 2 others)
- 3 locks (Frost / Skelton / 1 other)
- 6 backrow (Holloway / McReight / Valentini and then 3 out of Hooper/Hanigan/LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)/Wilson/Gleeson/Samu)
- 3 halfbacks (White / Lonergan / Tate)
- 2 flyhalves (Quade and Gordon/Foley)
- 4 centres (Kerevi / Ikitau / Foketi / 1 other)
- 5 outside backs (Marika / Kellaway / Mark N (Nawaqanitawase) / Wright / 1 other)
- 1 utility (Hodge or O'Connor)
You could probably drop the extra outside back for another backrower but someone needs to play against Portugal
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
The discussion is surrounding the RC squad, which would be expected to be much larger...
rugbyAU
Arch Winning (36)
probably 4 second rowers and 3 specialist centres
The Ghost of Raelene
Andrew Slack (58)
I like you breakdown and players written in seems pretty bang on.
Said it after the Reds v Chiefs game but a guy like Josh Flook if included in the RC could play himself into that "1 other" spot with his ability to play Centre and Wing. He's a quality player for as fresh as he is.
Eddie's Eyebrows
Allen Oxlade (6)
I think you'll find that there are 4 locks - probably at the expense of one of your backs (19 forwards, 14 backs).
Unless, of course, Eddie wants to play Holloway / Hanigan / Leota at lock in an emergency - which I don't think will be the case.
interesting the lack of versatility in that backline. Foley has some flexibility but I wouldn't have him in the squad - I thought he was bog average last year. None of the other halves are really strong candidates outside of their primary position. QC (Quade Cooper) maybe in the past but not now.
Kerevi's versatility is only 12/13. Foketi the same at a stretch. Ikitau I don't see as a realistic candidate as anywhere other than 13.
Marika is purely a 12. Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase) I'd worry about at 15 unless it is a 2nd string Fiji team. Wright can obviously wing and fullback. Kellaway the same plus 13.
Some versatility will be key I reckon. Beale would be the ultimate but is a lost cause.
- Hodge the standout covering everywhere in double figures.
- JOC (James O'Connor) covers 10 and 12 but perhaps 13 and 15 at a pinch. Not wing anymore though.
- there was talk about giving Jock Campbell some time at 10 but that seems to be a Rennie thing and never happened. But he covers 15 and wing.
- Petaia pretty key at covering 13, wing and fullback and could be important.
- Donaldson ok but not really up to it at the moment.
- Jack Debreczeni a left field option having played some 15.
- I wonder if Issak Fines-Leleiwasa might consider is Wallaby having missed the Fiji squad? He adds massive versatility.
The Ghost of Raelene
Andrew Slack (58)
JOC (James O'Connor)-Slow and not a great defender
Jock Campbell would need to be in the RC and really stand out.
Donaldson - No
Jack Deb - I want to say no but hey hes the last Aussie 10 left in Super Rugby
Issak Fines is just a less complete Tate McDermott
I'll say it again. Josh Flook is lurking as someone who can play 11,12,13,14 and would probably be as good at 15 as Nawaqanitawase.
wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
Has Frost actually played at 6??
stillmissit
Chilla Wilson (44)
I think I saw him play one game at 6 and played OK but where and when? I think we lose too much putting Frost at 6 he is growing into a great lock in the Eales (bit like) mould, he handles well, runs and passes. His D is improving but not yet good enough for a 6. If we had too great locks then you could convert him in the next couple of years but atm I am happy with Frost/Skelton combo.
LeCheese
Peter Johnson (47)
Slow I’ll take, but his defence has been damn solid at 12
I was waiting to see who would reply to that, shall we say, curious and provocative post, and I was not disappointed. I put it in the stinky bait, or no clue, category.
molman
Jim Lenehan (48)
Yes. He's played wing before, but I wouldn't say he excelled there.
The Marketing Pigeon
Herbert Moran (7)
Via Socials (Samu Kerevi’s IG) looks like the bulk of the wallabies squad has formed on the Gold Coast already - looks like LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is included also
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Any Reds or Tahs spotted? Would assume they’d be given a week most likely, same for Brumbies unless they win this weekend.
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LeCheese
Peter Johnson (47)
Nela and Petaia, but obviously they don't need the rest
edit: I guess Nela's a Rebel now :'(
Mr Pilfer
Bob Loudon (25)
Yep this is why I think Hodge is a certainty. Hopefully Petaia makes it as well.
Wouldn’t be keen on any of the others mentioned, although I rate IFL as a halfback for the future