Wallabies Squad - the Link Era

[It is what it is]

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.

I like his effort but far too often he goes to ground too easily. He needs to learn to widen his feet and drops his hips because he continues to get knocked over like a felled tree.

 

[Zander]

Some times going to ground is a good thing in rugby. Quick ball. Nathan Sharpe specialised in that.

 

[It is what it is]

Some times going to ground is a good thing in rugby. Quick ball. Nathan Sharpe specialised in that.

Just watch him play more closely and then pass judgement.
The difference is that Sharpe sometimes wanted to go to ground quickly and Carter doesn't because his head's up and he's striving to make ground.
A good coach could fix this problem.

 

[Slim 293]

I like his effort but far too often he goes to ground too easily. He needs to learn to widen his feet and drops his hips because he continues to get knocked over like a felled tree.

Meh, he smashes rucks and tackles, tackles, tackles.........

 

[Scotty]

I think the reds vs Tahs game threw up a few changes to the wallabies.

- Simmons was better than Douglas (although both still have consistency issues)
- gill was better in the first 60 than hooper, then hooper was better at the end
- Slipper was not only good in the set piece but great around the field

 

[fatprop]

I think the reds vs Tahs game threw up a few changes to the wallabies.

- Simmons was better than Douglas (although both still have consistency issues)
- gill was better in the first 60 than hooper, then hooper was better at the end
- Slipper was not only good in the set piece but great around the field

I don't think anyone showed enough in that game, both sides were just horrible, various players had moments, but no one demonstrated the ability to play at a decent standard and intensity for their time on the field

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[Brumby Runner]

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? )

I believe Pyle calls for the Rebels. That might tip the scales in his favour. Kimlin should also be an option for the RC, and he showed he can call and dominate the lineout against the Lions.

 

[Scotty]

I don't think anyone showed enough in that game, both sides were just horrible, various players had moments, but no one demonstrated the ability to play at a decent standard and intensity for their time on the field

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Really? Just because the overall performances were poor doesn't mean we need to paint all players with the same brush. Reds were mostly dominant at the breakdown (see possession stats), and the performances of Gill and Slipper were a big part of that.

Anyway, my post was more of a comparison between players that had the chance to go head to head with their competitors.

 

[fatprop]

Really? Just because the overall performances were poor doesn't mean we need to paint all players with the same brush. Reds were mostly dominant at the breakdown (see possession stats), and the performances of Gill and Slipper were a big part of that.

Anyway, my post was more of a comparison between players that had the chance to go head to head with their competitors.

I appreciate that, my point is that both sides were rubbish - there was no intensity and everyone was so inaccurate; and using that game as bench mark isn't useful as everyone was substandard, and being less substandard is still substandard

 

[RoffsChoice]

I'm really starting to like Phipps, he was good for however long he was on against the Lions in game 3 and has been great for the Rebels. Never without enthusiasm.

 

[TOCC]

Agree Scotty, I thought a few wallabies really failed to live up to there potential and a few others stood up in the Reds v. Tahs match, regardless of the quality of the overall match...

 

[Braveheart81]

Does anyone know when the first squad is announced?

I would guess that after this weekend would be a good plan as there will potentially be more players available if either Aussie team gets knocked out.

Presumably an initial squad will be named well before the final.

 

[No4918]

Does anyone know when the first squad is announced?

I would guess that after this weekend would be a good plan as there will potentially be more players available if either Aussie team gets knocked out.

Presumably an initial squad will be named well before the final.

Not expecting it will be out while there is still a side in the finals. If the Reds do make the finals it will make Link a very busy man in the next few weeks.

 

[Braveheart81]

Not expecting it will be out while there is still a side in the finals. If the Reds do make the finals it will make Link a very busy man in the next few weeks.

Hmmm... looking back at last year it does appear that the squad isn't announced until after the final which will give them about 11 or 12 days to prepare for the first test.

I don't know why you wouldn't assemble earlier with the players that are available or announce the squad a week earlier if no team is in the final.

 

[Inside Shoulder]

Hmmm... looking back at last year it does appear that the squad isn't announced until after the final which will give them about 11 or 12 days to prepare for the first test.

I don't know why you wouldn't assemble earlier with the players that are available or announce the squad a week earlier if no team is in the final.

I thought they had a "train on" squad which was added to when a team was eliminated. I suppose that's not possible as they'd have no coach.
{opportunity for cheap shots concerning the last 6 years foregone}


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[Bowside]

Who are links assistants?

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Not expecting it will be out while there is still a side in the finals. If the Reds do make the finals it will make Link a very busy man in the next few weeks.

Last night put paid to that suggestion.


Link now free to concentrate on the Wobs. 13 NZ RT players showed 13 current/former Men in Gold how to play knockout footy last night. Big challenge ahead of Link to resolve by 17 August, or we will be toast in Bled 1.

 

[wamberal]

I reckon Link will be having a lot of sleepless nights. That starting Reds pack had five current Wallabies in it, and they were thrashed, up-hill and down dale.


Palu is probably out, I believe.


He has to go for MMM, somewhere in the starting eight, for mine. Mowen probably also has to be there, because of his lineout prowess.


If TPN is fit, I reckon he should start. I would probably start with Gill, because of his guts and determination (without taking anything away from Hooper - but he might do some damage in the last 15, if we are anywhere near the Blacks at that stage. Unlikely, I know).


My 8 would be

1. Robinson
2. TPN
3. Alexander
4. Horwill
5. MMM
6. Mowen
7. Gill
8. McCalman (assuming that Palu is kaput).


Don't care much about the backs, frankly. If we get the forwards battle right, we will do okay. If we don't, it won't matter who we play from 9 to 15.

 

[cyclopath]

I bet Palu is not out, unless injured and out. Just my gut feeling. Not that I have an issue with MMM or Mowen at all, if both fit. MMM at 6, Mowen at 8 OK for me.
I would not be as keen on McCalman though. More likely to see Simmons, or Douglas in at lock.
What I think will happen, not necessarily my ideal team.

 

[Athilnaur]

if Kimlin shows some of the form he had in the Brumbies Lions game I'd have him ahead of MMM and by a fair margin, the lad was immense in that game.