Wallabies Trinations Squad

[qwerty51]

I'm not going to give details away, but he's a pretty reliable source. Up until recently was involved in the ARU coaching setup, and his contacts seem to think Giteau is the man for the backup #9 job. Makes sense- no need for Genia to come off unless he's injured, and it doesn't waste a spot on a specialist scrumhalf

I've been saying this for ages. He's a very good halfback.

 

[jay-c]

i think it all comes down to whether drew mitchel comes back from injury, if hes fit oconner takes the midfield- git captains the b team
i think it was horan who said it but with ioane on one wing the other winger needs to be a flyer> davies and morahan would be my picks
although i really believe turner has turned the corner and another month of running the ball? who knows-
git at halfback is where he could be really useful as phipps hasnt continued his early season form>> who knows maybe with cipriani back this might change

 

[BDA]

As others have already pointed out, Giteau is the logical choice for 3rd half back at the world cup for a number of reasons.
1) Genia and Burgess are both 80 minute players so unless one of them suffers a major injury there third choice half is unlikely to get game time, save for perhaps our games against minows.
2) Choosing Giteau allows us to take 6 loosies rather than 5. This is a must given our depth in that area. (id go with Elsom,McCalmun,Higgers,Palu,Pocock and Hodgson)
3) Giteau offers a lot as a back up halfback. His sniping speed makes him dangerous from the ruck and he knows how and when to direct play at test level. He's played there before for the wallabies and while not ideal, he has been at the very least competent. He also brings with him experience, leadership, and tactical kicking.
4) Phipps looks like a good replacement for Burgess next year but he has absolutely no experience at test level. Too green for me. In my mind it would be one year too early. Also he hasn't been entirely consistent this year.
5) Giteau is also a more useful bench option for us. If he is on the bench as a backup halfback, he can also cover 10 and 12.

 

[TheNextBigThing]

Totally agree although...

He's played there before for the wallabies and while not ideal, he has been at the very least competent.

I would suggest he was better than competent. In that draw against Wales he scored a solo try and had a big role in two others. The only thing that has stopped Giteau being a successful test halfback is that he has been consistently one our best fly-halfs.

 

[tigerland12]

Now that Pat McCabe is playing in the centers a bit more frequently, does anyone think Deans will look at him as a back up center as aposed to taking Fainga'a? Which would allow him to take an extra winger/fullback (Davies, Morahan, Shepherd, Turner...)

 

[Braveheart.]

Now that Pat McCabe is playing in the centers a bit more frequently, does anyone think Deans will look at him as a back up center as aposed to taking Fainga'a? Which would allow him to take an extra winger/fullback (Davies, Morahan, Shepherd, Turner...)

I honestly think that depends on the availability of Rob Horne.

I have no doubt Pat McCabe will be in the squad as a versitile back (Dingo seems to love them) and I think he's future is at 13. However, I don't think he'll be selected as ACC's back-up. You almost need another specialist 13 in the squad. A fit Rob Horne fits this bill and it's glaringly obvious Deans likes him.

If Horne is out, I have little doubt A. Fainga'a will be in the squad.

 

[Slim 293]

Now that Pat McCabe is playing in the centers a bit more frequently, does anyone think Deans will look at him as a back up center as aposed to taking Fainga'a? Which would allow him to take an extra winger/fullback (Davies, Morahan, Shepherd, Turner...)

I can't remember if A Finger was injured or not, but McCabe was the backup outside centre on the EOYT last year. And his versatility in the backline, plus Deans' unlikeliness to bring in too many new players probably means he's going to at least be in the squad.

While he should be playing 13, as its obviously his preferred position, at least at 12 he can show some glimpses of what he's capable of in the midfield.

He gets a lot of criticism for his direct running style at fullback, but I think that's because he's trying to play like an outside centre at fullback. A bit like AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) at times.

I've noticed that when he's come into the line for the Brumbies' at times this year he's run some good lines, and helped to set up that try for Speight against the Force.

A Finger is favoured because of his defence and his performance in a team that's dominated this season. However, I think McCabe is not a lesser defender, is more skillful and has the versatility working in his favour.

 

[Ruggo]

I think both are good players. Ant may have the wood because of combination. I think both will be in the squad and deservedly so.

 

[Joe Mac]

Im surprised by the love on this thread for Palu and Turner.

I understand Palu was great in ummm..... the 2009 spring tour. BUT, I cant remember him having an impact since then and its now..... 2011.

And Turner? He has the same impact in the backline as Mark Chisolm has in the forward pack. PASSENGER... He hasn't had a blinder since the Super 14 final and certainly has never made an impact at Wallaby level- 3 tries from 11 caps isn't exactly ground breaking. For f*cks sake he has only scored 2 tries this season for the Tah's!

 

[qwerty51]

I'm surprised you don't rate Palu and Turner tbh.

 

[tigerland12]

I'd definatly have Ben McCalman starting at 8. Palu has been constantly injured for so long you can't really assume he'd be guarenteed starting.

 

[Swarley]

For me, the core of the side is pretty self explanatory, only a few spots undecided and for grabs. All comes down to these last few S15 matches. In my opinion, the team should be as follows:

1. Benn Robinson
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Nathan Sharpe
5. James Horwill
6. Rocky Elsom (c)
7. David Pocock
8. Wycliff Palu
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Digby Ioane
12. James O'Connor
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. Lachie Turner
15. Kurtley Beale
------------------------------
16. Stephen Moore
17. James Slipper
18. Rob Simmons
19. Matt Hodgson
20. Radike Samo
21. Matt Giteau
22. Luke Morahan
-----------------------------
23. Saia Fainga'a/ Nathan Charles
24. Ben Alexander
25. Dan Vickerman
26. Scott Higginbotham
27. Ben McCalman
28. Luke Burgess
29. Berrick Barnes
30. Pat McCabe/Anthony Fainga'a/ Cameron Shepherd


There are a couple of big calls, but I really like the balance of this squad. For mine, it has all bases covered.
Firstly, it covers the issue of the collapsing scrum with a solid, experienced and reliable front-row who all play together for NSW. Slipper on the bench provides stable backup over the shaky Alexander. Secondly, there's abundant cover for the currently injured Elsom and Palu. Hodgson plays the 'pilferer' role to great effect when Pocock is out for WA, and Samo is in career-best form at the Reds. Samo is the impact player Deans has been looking for, and his linebreaking, dominating runs of the back of scrums could completely unravel the best defences in the world, as seen this S15 season. Another positive is the 5:2 split on the reserves bench, no longer wasting a halfback backup for a player who shouldn't come off unless injured (Genia, in case anybody was wondering). Giteau provides excellent backup for 9, 10 and 12 and allows the Wallabies to play a more physical gameplan. Also, Morahan's provincial form has been incredible, both in regards to his finishing ability and positional play. Great player to have in the sqaud. I know a lot of people won't agree with Turner, but he has speed, hands and a wonderful kicking game and IMO was one of the most underrated players last international season. Vickerman is almost certainly going to be in the squad, however I'd look at replacing him with McCalman as 2nd row cover and having an extra back (Preferably Shepherd). All in all, a pretty solid, skilled and physical squad, one that is more than capable of bringing Bill home

 

[Lindommer]

PS. Where was Samo playing before the Reds last year?

Started at the Brumbies in 2000 before moving to Stade Francais in 2006. Played for SF in 06/07 and 07/08 and then Yokogawa for the 08/09 and 09/10 NH seasons. The Japanese Top League finishes in February and last year Link signed Radike to a short-term contract in April.

To my mind Samo returning to Australian rugby and proving himself up to Super (and possibly Wallaby) standard is a two-edged sword: it's great to have another big bopper available for the Wallaby backrow, as you gather from my blatherings over the years I'm all in favour of a big bruiser at number 8 and in Palu, McCalman and now Samo we certainly have some depth. It's also heartening to see a 35 year old run around with the energy of a little tacker, is NH rugby so soft Radike hasn't expended any of his rugby years or not suffered any career-threatening injuries for one his age? But on another level it makes a NH sojourn with its attendant riches, followed by a successful swansong back in Oz, appealing for our badly needed Super Rugby squad talent. If a journeyman like Radike can jump on the English/French/Irish/Japanese/Welsh gravy train and push for Wallaby selection when he returns here in his 30s why can't I?

Apart fom that (minor) grizzle I wish Samo well and he'd be in my TN and RWC squad in a blink.

 

[qwerty51]

Palu's showed enough in the few minutes he got on why he should be our #8. Constantly made dominant hits and strong runs, no other #8 is capable of what he does.

 

[Reddy!]

I just watched the Giteau "Shut the fuck up, I'm the captain" video, and I gotta say, he is the man. That's what you want from your leaders. Leaders need to tell those who follow what to do in order to do what is best by them and not give in to what they think is best for themselves. It was an important decision as leader and a greater outcome for the Brumbies.

So I don't know where to play Giteau, but he has got to be in the 22, starting or from the bench as I feel he has a lot to prove this season. From the bench he offers cover at 9, 10, 12 and 15 at a pinch. He also offers a mostly accurate boot from the bench which is very handy. And most of all he offers 90 odd caps of experience. I am totally fine with Giteau starting as well, but I think it comes down to a few other selection decisions:

1) Who is on the right wing; is O'Connor best here?
2) Need a big straight running outside centre eg. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
3) Will Quade be playing defensive fullback? With Ioane on one wing, do we really need another winger with a fullbacks boot or can we play somebody like Davies/Morahan? Or can Quade and Beale do the job.

 

[Bullrush]

I just watched the Giteau "Shut the fuck up, I'm the captain" video, and I gotta say, he is the man. That's what you want from your leaders. Leaders need to tell those who follow what to do in order to do what is best by them and not give in to what they think is best for themselves. It was an important decision as leader and a greater outcome for the Brumbies.

My thoughts exactly. He basically had the nuts to deliver the killer blow even when his 2IC didn't. He listened to Moore the week before against the Force but he backed himself in this instance....loved it.

 

[Joe Mac]

Palu's showed enough in the few minutes he got on why he should be our #8. Constantly made dominant hits and strong runs, no other #8 is capable of what he does.

So Qwerty, Palu plays 40 minutes against a Highlanders team off their game, and performs well against sub-standard opposition. So we should definitely give him the 8 jersey for the Wallabies???

How about Samo who was a key figure in the Reds beating the Crusaders, Blues and Stormers. Making more dominant tackles than anyone, against the best the AB's & Boks can offer.

 

[qwerty51]

So Qwerty, Palu plays 40 minutes against a Highlanders team off their game, and performs well against sub-standard opposition. So we should definitely give him the 8 jersey for the Wallabies???

How about Samo who was a key figure in the Reds beating the Crusaders, Blues and Stormers. Making more dominant tackles than anyone, against the best the AB's & Boks can offer.

What game did you watch? He just showed again why he has the #8 awaiting his name. Offloading and dominant hits once again. Work rate was fine.

He played 40 because he is not match fit.

 

[cyclopath]

What game did you watch? He just showed again why he has the #8 awaiting his name. Offloading and dominant hits once again. Work rate was fine.

He played 40 because he is not match fit.

It might be waiting, but even the most blue-eyed Tahs fans must realise it is waiting for him to get FIT!! Sure he hits hard, made a few decent little runs, but he looks sluggish and slow. Samo looks like he has the Portrait of Radike Grey on his wall at home! Not to mention McCalman, who has been part of the most dynamic backrow in the Oz conference, week in, week out. If all 3 were fully fit and match-hardened, I would probably prop for Palu. But he just isn't there...yet.

 

[qwerty51]

We're not selecting a team to play tomorrow are we... he'll get fit.