The discussion in this thread over the last couple of days has got pretty weird where more people seem convinced players already dumped from the squad are more likely to be selected in the RWC squad than Hooper regardless of whether he's fit or not.
We should 100% take two specialist opensides. 33 is more than enough to be able to carry both of them (again, assuming Hooper is fit).It's not silly at all, it's based around only being able to pick 33 players
In a vacuum, Hooper would be great to have in the squad, but carrying 2 players that can only play 7 isn't really feasible in a 33 man squad that needs versatility. You can only really pick one of them, otherwise you are in big trouble if (realistically when) injuries occur
Agree. I was supportive of Deans for so long but I was done at this point. His calls completely blew my mind. Nick Phipps got less than one half against Russia. Even after coming from the 7s program we decided to go with our first string #8 (Samu) on the wing rather than our 3rd string halfback. McCalman had a crack but the the game at the time needed a 7 (see Pocock v SA in QF).We should 100% take two specialist opensides. 33 is more than enough to be able to carry both of them (again, assuming Hooper is fit).
I am old enough to remember Ben McCalman packing down at 7 in a game against Ireland in 2011. I still wake up in a cold sweat sometimes thinking about it. I have it tattooed, Memento style, on my ribs - 'take two 7s to a World Cup'.
Langi Gleeson is a number 8. He is not too small. In fact he is just about the right size.I am not discussing what eddie has done or will do. Where else can he play? too small for test 8, too light for a good 6 and most people here seem to assume he is a 7. At this time I don't think he is test ready and my post reflects why I think that. Can you state why you think I am wrong?
I am over all this Gleeson love affair and waiting for a game from him where he proves me wrong. Incredible!
Height | Weight | ||
Langi Gleeson | Aus | 1.89 | 112 |
Rob Valetini | Aus | 1.93 | 113 |
Ardie Savea | NZ | 1.88 | 102 |
Luke Jacobson | NZ | 1.91 | 107 |
Duane Vermeulan | SA | 1.93 | 119 |
Jasper Weise | SA | 1.9 | 110 |
Caelan Doris | Ire | 1.93 | 106 |
Jack Conan | Ire | 1.93 | 110 |
Taulupe Faletau | Wal | 1.89 | 110 |
Grégory Alldrit | Fra | 1.91 | 115 |
Rodrigo Bruni | Arg | 1.87 | 109 |
Billy Vunipola | Eng | 1.88 | 130 |
Matt Fagerson | Sco | 1.86 | 110 |
Ave | 1.90 | 111.77 |
He's 1cm too short and thus will never make itLangi Gleeson is a number 8. He is not too small. In fact he is just about the right size.
Height Weight Langi Gleeson Aus 1.89 112Rob Valetini Aus 1.93 113Ardie Savea NZ 1.88 102Luke Jacobson NZ 1.91 107Duane Vermeulan SA 1.93 119Jasper Weise SA 1.9 110Caelan Doris Ire 1.93 106Jack Conan Ire 1.93 110Taulupe Faletau Wal 1.89 110Grégory Alldrit Fra 1.91 115Rodrigo Bruni Arg 1.87 109Billy Vunipola Eng 1.88 130Matt Fagerson Sco 1.86 110Ave 1.90 111.77
Fair enough, but you'll have to either only take 3 locks or only have 1 player to cover 6 and 8 off the bench to have them both in the squad though. That's tough to manage throughout a tournamentWe should 100% take two specialist opensides. 33 is more than enough to be able to carry both of them (again, assuming Hooper is fit).
I am old enough to remember Ben McCalman packing down at 7 in a game against Ireland in 2011. I still wake up in a cold sweat sometimes thinking about it. I have it tattooed, Memento style, on my ribs - 'take two 7s to a World Cup'.
Fair enough, but you'll have to either only take 3 locks or only have 1 player to cover 6 and 8 off the bench to have them both in the squad though. That's tough to manage throughout a tournament
The huge issue by doing this is leaving yourself stuck if any injuries occurNah, with about 18/33 to be forwards there's plenty of room for 2 x opensides, 4 x locks, and then another 3-4 backrowers depending on how many hookers they take.
The huge issue by doing this is leaving yourself stuck if any injuries occur
Taking 2 hookers means any injuries the day before the game (like Uelese) and you're cooked. Ditto for only taking 5 props. And if you only have 3 players coving 6 and 8 then you will need McReight and Hooper to play at the same time which would really affect the size and makeup of the pack
Fair enough, lack of number 8 backup is a bit of a worry hereHypothetically...
6 x Props
3 x Hookers
4 x Locks - Frost, Skelton, Arnold and Holloway (covers 6)
2 x openside flankers - McReight and M Hooper (or Samu/Gleeson covering if injured)
3 x backrowers - Valetini, T Hooper (also covers openside and lock), Leota (also covers lock)
And then depending on how many backs are selected, there's still potentially room for another forward.
But ultimately there's enough variation there.
South Africa have basically taken 3 hookers with Deon Fourie in the squadIf you only take 2 hookers it means you have to have a prop that can play hooker in an emergency. Do we have someone we can name there?
From some of the squads named so far:
All Blacks 3 hookers, 6 props, 4 locks, 5 backrowers (18 forwards)
England 3 hookers, 6 props (19 forwards total)
Fiji 3 hookers, 6 props (18 forwards total)
South Africa 5 props, 2 hookers (19 forwards total)
I like it, but I suspect we'll see Donaldson or Hodge in the squad at the expense of Wright.Here is my crack at the squad:
LHP: Bell, Slipper, Gibbon
HK: Porecki, Faesslar, L Lonergan
THP: Tupou, Fa'amausili, Talakai
Lock: Arnold, Frost, Skelton, Phillip
Backrow: T Hooper, M Hooper, Valetini, Gleeson, McReight, Holloway
Half Back: McDermott, White, Lonergan
Fly Half: Gordon, Cooper
Inside: Foketi, Kerevi,
Outside: Ikitau, Perese
Wing: Koroibete, Nawaqanitwase, Petaia
Fullback: Kellaway, Wright
- Schoupp, Nongorr, Peitsch are not ready yet.
- If they need another utility back I think it should be Hodge (can cover everywhere pretty much and always gives his best).
- Vunivalu no, Donaldson no, I feel for Leota, Samu and Wilson but no.
- We need 3 halfbacks esp with concussion protocols.
- First players listed are the strongest XV in my opinion.
I suspect Hodge to be in the squad; who is very versatile as a utility player covering just about every back position, plus with a cannon for a kicking boot - very handy for a 60 metre penalty after 50 mins.I like it, but I suspect we'll see Donaldson or Hodge in the squad at the expense of Wright.
They both can provide cover at 10 and 15 (Hodge 12/13 also).
We need a 3rd 10 cover. If Cooper or Gordon get a head knock - who is the back up 10?
I suspect Hodge to be in the squad; who is very versatile as a utility player covering just about every back position, plus with a cannon for a kicking boot - very handy for a 60 metre penalty after 50 mins.
Reece Hodge vs Donaldson is hardly an inspiring choice is it?Is it a different Reece Hodge from the one that played in South Africa?
I am sure we can look at Foley instead ...........................................Reece Hodge vs Donaldson is hardly an inspiring choice is it?