Wallabies Squad - the Link Era

[Tomikin]

1. Slipper
2. Moore
3. Kepu
4. Horwill
5. Pyle
6. Mowen
7. Gill
8. Quirk (in the absence of Higginbotham)
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Morahan
12. Lealeafano
13. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
14. Folau
15. Mogg

Slipper plays THP for the Reds pick him on the side he plays. Matter of face pick all Props where they play at Super.

Morahan can't get a gig for the Reds but his better then Oconnor, Tomane, Cummins Speight etc.

Quirk, How bout Mowen at 8 and pick one of Kilmin (i know his leaving), MMM, even McCalman has been in better form.

 

[something]

This. I hope he doesnt have his Red Coloured Glasses on, but Im guessing he will as he had his Reds tie on in his first presser

As a reds supporter, i hope he doesn't do this either. I've always agreed with most of his selections and can understand why he makes them so i have faith.

As most posters have said - there probably wont be many changes to the forwards. Hooper and Gill? not much in it, they complement each others game so whoever starts starts and whoever finishes finishes. Slipper to start.

Backs will be a different story. I remember watching a press conference with Link when the reds vs'd the brumbies and he had a lot to say about Mogg at 15 so i think he will be there. QC (Quade Cooper) to 10 is a no brainer. One of KB (Kurtley Beale) or JOC (James O'Connor) dropped completely and the other to the bench as a super sub. 9, 12, 13 & the wings speak for themselves i think. White will be Genia's back up.

Just on a side note.... how fucking good is lilo, he has cemented himself a spot in 3 games and is just killing it. Very excited to seeing 9. Genia, 10. QC (Quade Cooper), 12. Lilo.

 

[Tomikin]

This is an interesting attitude. In no way am I commenting on any players in particular at the moment, but it seems with the recent Wallaby selections there is a preference for two locks who play a very tight, physical type of game, with lineout organisation/jumping not a priority for either (as is highlighted by the fact that Mowen has been in charge of the lineout ).

In other countries there seems to always be a preference for one physical, hard-working lock, accompanied by one more athletic, lineout specialist lock who is given SOME leeway for playing a slightly looser type of game. Obviously the closer you can get to a hybrid of both roles, the better, but there definitely seems to be more of an expectation in other countries that at least one of the locks must be a lineout specialist.

Do you think the reason for this at the moment is that there is currently no standout athletic type lock? Or more so a priority that a lock is physical and makes significant impact at ruck/maul time over a specialist lineout lock who possibly gives away some points in the physical stakes?

I think its a bit of being more physical but also having a amazing lineout runner in Mowen in the backrow so not needing the lineout ecialist as such in the starting team. I guess the biggest issue with that is we had to carry a specialist lineout caller on the bench (Simmions) which I think effected the bench, as an impact player would you like MMM/Futo/Kilmin etc etc.

 

[Tomikin]

As a reds supporter, i hope he doesn't do this either. I've always agreed with most of his selections and can understand why he makes them so i have faith.

As most posters have said - there probably wont be many changes to the forwards. Hooper and Gill? not much in it, they complement each others game so whoever starts starts and whoever finishes finishes. Slipper to start.

Backs will be a different story. I remember watching a press conference with Link when the reds vs'd the brumbies and he had a lot to say about Mogg at 15 so i think he will be there. QC (Quade Cooper) to 10 is a no brainer. One of KB (Kurtley Beale) or JOC (James O'Connor) dropped completely and the other to the bench as a super sub. 9, 12, 13 & the wings speak for themselves i think. White will be Genia's back up.

Just on a side note.. how fucking good is lilo, he has cemented himself a spot in 3 games and is just killing it. Very excited to seeing 9. Genia, 10. QC (Quade Cooper), 12. Lilo.

Actually, I think Links better than that then having Red coloured glasses. It did piss me off a little wearing your Reds tie to your first presser, I think he should have got a Gold tie, But sure it wasn't on purposes.

His also said already look at the Debutants like Mogg in his first Wallaby game came on and nearly scored with his first touch and was fantastic. Plus he will want to win.. So he will pick a team that will win.

And Leo has been fantastic, probably the best back in super rugby last 2 seasons.. I just wish he hadn't of got injured last year. Robbie might still be in a job the way he was playing

 

[Tomikin]

I think there could be a few more changes than some on this thread are predicting.

First, I don't see Link going with either Beale or JOC (James O'Connor) in the starting lineup, and perhaps not even in the squad until they smarten themselves up a whole lot.

I think Benny A will miss out on a starting place, probably dropping back to reserve THP. Scott Sio should come in as reserve LHP. Foolish to think that Benn Robbo will be dropped. Slipper to start at THP.

Probably no changes to the starting locks, but MMM and/or Pyle to come into the squad.

Gill will probably start at 7 with Hooper on the bench.

As soon as he proves his fitness, I expect Nic White to return to the squad. Matt To'omua to also come in as backup to Quade.

Centre pairing looks right. Wings to be Folau/Tomane and Honey Badger and FB to be Folau or Mogg. Cannot see Morahan coming in; next best probably Crawford on his form this year. Speight for the EOYT.

And I don't hold with the contention that we can't start debutants in the RC tests, even against the ABs. The Lions' tests affirmed that in form players are the best option when selected in their proper positions. So a starting lineup of :

Robbo, Moore, Slipper, Douglas, Horwill, Mowen, Gill, Palu, Genia, QC (Quade Cooper), HB, Lealiifano, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), Folau, Mogg. That's 5 changes that I see. Reserves to be Saia, Sio, Benny A, MMM (if healthy), Hooper, White, To'omua, Tomane.

Who calls your lineout if Mowen is injured, thats the only issue I have with the team, also Tomane start in front of HB (isn't he leaving for Japan? )

 

[rugbysmartarse]

The team should be picked based on the game plan Link wants to play, and the squad should be made up of the players who can either carry out or adapt to that plan. Judging from his Super form (with both the tahs and reds) I think this game will be more up tempo and tactical than the Deans game, and so fitness and ability to scramble in defense will be key.

The scrum and bench changes will also effect how the front row is picked, as people have outlined already, and I hope it encourages actual THPs to be picked on their skill, not their adaptability to play either side. I hope to see Robbo and slipper start, and look forward to the development of Sio and possibly even Ryan. I feel for Benny A and Kepu, but it may inspire the to work harder.

Locks - I think we are generally short a good solid THL. horwill is a great lock, but I would prefer him at 4 with a bigger unit to his right. The problem is I don't know who this is. I would stick with Douglas, but may be trial Neville or Fardy in the squad.

Back row - here we are pretty well supplied. I think people overlook Hooper's tackling, and with Cooper at 10 this may be beneficial to the team. Gill is also great, but Pocock trumps both when fit.

Halves - Genia and Cooper will start, agree To'omua should be brought in to the squad as he is a fantastic prospect who could develop into a great 10.

centres - Lilo has to be there for his kicking if nothing else, but i wouldn't be surprised to see the Horne AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) combo used depending on the game plan, maybe against the argies or boks. Good defensive wall. I suspect Ant will also be in the squad

Back 3
I like Cummins in the team, probably more than Tomane. Speight will tour later in the year. I would maybe try Mogg at 14 and Izzy at 15 - I think you get better impact out of Izzy at the back, he plays within himself so wont go looking for the ball if he thinks it could leave a hole.

That leaves JOC (James O'Connor) and Beale. I think both will be in the squad, because Link won't leave that much talent on the sidelines, but I hope he makes them hold tackle bags for the first few weeks though to give them a dose of humility

 

[Starch]

Yo

I think its a bit of being more physical but also having a amazing lineout runner in Mowen in the backrow so not needing the lineout ecialist as such in the starting team. I guess the biggest issue with that is we had to carry a specialist lineout caller on the bench (Simmions) which I think effected the bench, as an impact player would you like MMM/Futo/Kilmin etc etc.

u could try starting simmons instead of douglas, with the impact players on the bench. I think he's a better starter than douglas anyway

 

[Braveheart81]

That leaves JOC (James O'Connor) and Beale. I think both will be in the squad, because Link won't leave that much talent on the sidelines, but I hope he makes them hold tackle bags for the first few weeks though to give them a dose of humility

I think they'll probably be in the squad too. They're obviously both excellent footballers and I think Link will want to decide for himself whether he can handle their discipline issues rather than going on the opinion of previous coaching staff and the media.

I absolutely think he won't stand for the sort of behaviour they've exhibited recently but I also think he'll want to make that choice for himself by picking them in the squad if they merit it rather than deciding in advance that they're not welcome.

 

[Sully]

I've talked to Ewen about team selections a couple of years ago. Admittedly I was completely spastic and he was in full political mode but I think what he said was poignant. He really does think selections are a week by week proposition. If you're the best man for the job within the confines of the game plan you'll get the nod. If you play crap or the game plan changes and he thinks someone else will do a better job he will get the job.

The difference is now he has 150 guys to choose from instead of 35.

 

[Bullrush]

I've talked to Ewen about team selections a couple of years ago. Admittedly I was completely spastic and he was in full political mode but I think what he said was poignant. He really does think selections are a week by week proposition. If you're the best man for the job within the confines of the game plan you'll get the nod. If you play crap or the game plan changes and he thinks someone else will do a better job he will get the job.

The difference is now he has 150 guys to choose from instead of 35.

Gotta say that I don't buy this.

The best player in each position is usually the best player no matter what the game plan is. It's not like gridiron where players skill-sets are so vastly different on each team and each position. On rare occasions you mite find that you pick one guy over another in a 'horses-for-courses' decision but I think this is a rarity.

You also don't drop players because they have a gad game. You don't judge most of your top players on a game-by-game basis and start cutting them after a bad performance. Most times you trust that you know that they are a good player - your best player in that position - and you give them time to get their game right and find their form.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Does anybody know when TPN is due back playing ?

 

[BDA]

Does anybody know when TPN is due back playing ?

His injury must be close to healed. expect to see him in the RC, maybe a club rugby appearance in the interim.

 

[Braveheart81]

Does anybody know when TPN is due back playing ?

He is back training.

He broke his arm on the 18th of May so he is pretty much at 2 months which was the expected time out.

I imagine he'll be playing Shute Shield in the next week or two and will be picked in the initial Rugby Championship squad.

 

[Bowside]

I think given the player we have, about half the team picks itself - almost regardless of gameplan and opposition:

1. Robinson
2. Moore
3. Slipper
4. Horwill
5.
6. Mowen
7.
8.
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11.
12.
13. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
14. Folau
15.

The rest really depends on injuries, gameplan and who performs when given the opportunity.

I think it is crucial for link to nail down who are his first choice selections at #5, #8, #12 and #15. Therefore a huge opportunity in the coming months for Simmons, Pyle, Neville, Carter, Fardy, MMM, Shcatz, Lilo, Horne, Godwin, Tapuai, Mogg and Beale to nail down Wallaby starting spots in the 4 positions mentioned above.

We have enough depth at #7 and #11 that who ever he selects will do a reasonable job.

 

[Scrubber2050]

The Link Era will be puncuated by players being responsible for their actions both on or off the field

that in itself will lift performance and attitude by 5-10%

 

[Scrubber2050]

I think Simmons and Schatz's workloads will be favourable to selection.

McKenzie will make changes but it would be stupid to make many.
A few should have the desired effect (I hope)

 

[Zander]

He is back training.

He broke his arm on the 18th of May so he is pretty much at 2 months which was the expected time out.

I imagine he'll be playing Shute Shield in the next week or two and will be picked in the initial Rugby Championship squad.

I find that absolutely staggering TPN is back already. I would've thought 3-4 months minimum and looking only towards the EOYT.

 

[It is what it is]

This is an interesting attitude. In no way am I commenting on any players in particular at the moment, but it seems with the recent Wallaby selections there is a preference for two locks who play a very tight, physical type of game, with lineout organisation/jumping not a priority for either (as is highlighted by the fact that Mowen has been in charge of the lineout ).

In other countries there seems to always be a preference for one physical, hard-working lock, accompanied by one more athletic, lineout specialist lock who is given SOME leeway for playing a slightly looser type of game. Obviously the closer you can get to a hybrid of both roles, the better, but there definitely seems to be more of an expectation in other countries that at least one of the locks must be a lineout specialist.

Do you think the reason for this at the moment is that there is currently no standout athletic type lock? Or more so a priority that a lock is physical and makes significant impact at ruck/maul time over a specialist lineout lock who possibly gives away some points in the physical stakes?

Good question.
I would select the best individuals in each position in the forward pack and then check the pack overall for balance. Balance for me means physicality, line out skills, ball carrying and defensive structure.
For example against the AB's I would start with Douglas and Mowen in the same pack but baulk at playing Simmons and Higginbotham together. I don't think the later two are 'opening exchange' types.
If we had a hard arse on baller like Brad Thorn (in his prime) and Kieran Reid at No 8 it would allow us to pick an athletic ball runner or line out specialist.
This is why I can't see value in playing say a Horwill, Pyle and Mowen combo.
If Palu was playing at his most physical best, I'd play an athletic lock. I still think Neville is the one with the most athletic potential.

 

[Athilnaur]

When I look for a lock I like to see a hungry player always looking for work. Everytime I see bodies I expect him to be there or underneath them, and I love to see them having the fitness levels to do that and still inject themselves into broken play . If they have the knack of finding yards I'll take that cake too

To me Pyle achieves more work and is more dangerous ball in hand than the others. His mobility and workrate as well as his ability to be in the right spot at the right time make him more of a threat on defense, in broken play and on attack than Douglas or Simmons, though I will say I am liking what I have seen of Simmons lately. Simmons has a bit to do to sway me as for a number of years I felt he was a penalty magnet who drifted from play to play occasionally doing some work.

One of the reasons I liked Timani was he was a bit of a dynamo, he just kept going from ruck to ruck, rarely doing something flashy he'd somehow most always be there and would always get the opposition moved. Neither Douglas or Simmons achieve that. Unfortunately Sita never fixed his ball handling and lineouts or he could have been a far more dangerous player.

I like Jones for similar reasons to Pyle - he works his butt off in tight and somehow keeps popping his head up in all the right places, but I think he has some way to go particularly as a six.

tl:dr seeing players play in loose doesn't automatically mean they're being slack in tight.

 

[Ruggo]

The lock that continues to impress me is Sam Carter. I wouldn't class him as fashionable but he is a workhorse and damn effective. He does the whole range of things you would require of a lock and he does them well.