Wallabies v All Blacks Saturday 26th August at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

[Derpus]

Folau's copping a lot of flack for someone who actually didn't miss a single tackle Sat night.
Topped the stats for runs and line breaks.
Yes he made a defensive misread when he didn't trust his inside man - Sio who was lined up on Barrett. He was in two minds and paid the price.
Stuff up - yes.
Bad enough to drop one of our best attacking players - madness

Im just gunna go ahead and say it. Beale is a better attacking player than Folau.

 

[tragic]

I'm not saying he's a great defender - just that he wasn't the worst by a long way on Sat. Neither is Beale for that matter.
But he and Beale are both great attacking threats and there's room for both in the side. Calls for either to be left out are batshit stuff.
I'd move Folau to the wing and give him a reminder about staying on his man.
Yes he let in a try - technically not a missed tackle as he stuffed up so badly he wasn't there to miss.
But I'd be in two minds as well if there was a chubby little piggy marking Barrett inside me.

 

[Braveheart81]

I think we'll see a few key changes this weekend but not a massive number:

1. Sio
2. TPN
3. AAA
4. Coleman
5. Arnold
6. Hanigan
7. Hooper
8. Timani
9. Genia
10. Foley
11. DHP/Rona
12. Beale
13. Kuridrani
14. Speight
15. Folau

16. Uelese (hopefully Moore doesn't hang on. He is so past it).
17. Robertson
18. Kepu
19. Simmons (although maybe Rodda gets a crack)
20. McMahon
21. Phipps
22. Hodge
23. Rona/Meakes/Korobeite

 

[Mr Pilfer]

I know we need changes but not sure how to do it. TPN and Kuridrani are the obvious ones that must come in.

I hate the fact we have 2 players who can't defend in the line and a full back who can't defend. We end up with a hobbit (Foley) trying to take the high balls which is a joke.

I would like to see Hunt or Meakes in at 12 and defending in the line with K.
A back 3 of Beale/DHP/Folau. Unlucky on Speight who was quite good but DHP is the only one out of those 4 who can kick.

 

[fatprop]

I think we'll see a few key changes this weekend but not a massive number:

1. Sio
2. TPN
3. AAA
4. Coleman
5. Arnold
6. Hanigan
7. Hooper
8. Timani
9. Genia
10. Foley
11. DHP/Rona
12. Beale
13. Kuridrani
14. Speight
15. Folau

16. Uelese (hopefully Moore doesn't hang on. He is so past it).
17. Robertson
18. Kepu
19. Simmons (although maybe Rodda gets a crack)
20. McMahon
21. Phipps
22. Hodge
23. Rona/Meakes/Korobeite

Yeah, you have to reward the few positives and hope game time together will build more defensive trust

 

[Derpus]

Poor old McMahon failed to make any meaningful impression. Perhaps he is better suited to the Ardie Savea role coming off the bench.

 

[Braveheart81]

Poor old McMahon failed to make any meaningful impression. Perhaps he is better suited to the Ardie Savea role coming off the bench.

Ardie Savea has excelled starting as well.

I was pretty disappointed with McMahon. Like plenty of players he had a bit more impact in the second half prior to being replaced but in the first he was hopeless. He also missed one or two crucial tackles.

That said, Hooper had a very poor game so it would be unfair to criticise McMahon too much on his own.

 

[Brumbieman]

RE our defence:

Sitting in a Dunedin hotel about 360km south of Christchurch, Foster, the boss of the All Blacks' attack, gave Aussie fans something more to chew over. The All Blacks always thought the Wallabies would defend the way they did, and to see five-eighths Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale be shifted about the backline wasn't unexpected.
"We weren't surprised," Foster said. "They have been doing that for a couple of years where they position the 10 in different positions. And I guess when they have got both Foley and Beale on the park, they are more inclined to put them elsewhere than the traditional roles."
The All Blacks had a field day in the first 50 minutes, scoring eight tries before concentration lapses allowed the Wallabies to score four of their own.


Although Cheika was adamant Grey had his full support, he must have been clenching his back teeth in anger when he realised a month-long training camp, aimed at striking the Kiwis with all their might in Sydney, amounted to nothing but discontent for his team and their supporters.

No-one was more confused than former Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher, who tweeted: "It seems like Wallabies D is different at every set piece. Constant swapping of positions depending upon field position. Can't fathom it."​

Grey cannot overhaul his systems in the space of a week as the Aussies try to win in Dunedin for the first time since 2001. And Foster doesn't seem to be expecting any surprises


So they have been consistent with that for a couple of years, to be fair," Foster said in reference to the Wallabies changing positions in the backline on defence. "We kind of expected to see what we saw in the midfield. Will they change it? I am not sure."
Having studied how the Aussies defended during their June tests the All Blacks had done their due diligence. But it's unlikely they would have dared dream that the Aussies' application would be so poor.
"I am not sure it is the structural issues that I hear them talking about, it is more of an individual tackle thing," Foster noted. "We will see."

.

 

[Whale]

Okay, for next Saturday, can anyone tell me the injury status of Hunt, Latu, Naivalu and DHP?

As an Australian, and living in Dunedin I cope a lot of shite!

So...Dear ARU..

YOUR TEAM HAS NO HEART, and play for the money only. Absolutely nothing like the teams i so admired with the likes of Farr Jones, and Eales and so forth.

Time to rebuild, so here is the offer.

I can supply four players (myself and 3 sons-Australian by decent)

You dont have to waste money on talentless players with hearts of squashed peas, for flights, accom and food!

We can survive on Speights range of beers and pies!

So already your a mile ahead of saving those costs and match payment to boot...

I played Aussie rules etc, so pretty sure i can catch a ball...No need for Mike Byrnes (ex Hawthorn, and ex All Black specialist coach) to train us up!

I know i will get smashed, because i will tackle...A concept that these guys dont have!

But i wont give up...pretty sure the current crop of players cann't make the same claim!

You need to let us know by Friday 3.00pm at the latest! After that we have Friday afterwork drinks!

And if we do get the nod, then i will have time for a one off training drill consisting of darts and pool to get my eye in!

If you decide to pass on this amazing offer, it will be at your own peril!

I have not planned on going to the game, so no good looking for us at half time to help you out of a bind!

I just cann't justify paying good money to watch these clowns go out on the paddock, and claim they are professional athletes...

 

[Brumby Runner]

I think we'll see a few key changes this weekend but not a massive number:

1. Sio
2. TPN
3. AAA
4. Coleman
5. Arnold
6. Hanigan
7. Hooper
8. Timani
9. Genia
10. Foley
11. DHP/Rona
12. Beale
13. Kuridrani
14. Speight
15. Folau

16. Uelese (hopefully Moore doesn't hang on. He is so past it).
17. Robertson
18. Kepu
19. Simmons (although maybe Rodda gets a crack)
20. McMahon
21. Phipps
22. Hodge
23. Rona/Meakes/Korobeite

I go along with your tight five BH, but there is a lot to dislike about the rest, including the bench.

Timani will add a bit of much needed size and weight to the backrow, but it is still very uninspiring as a unit. You won't agree and will throw shit (metaphorically) on the idea, but The backrow will not function properly at test level with Michael Hooper continuing in the 7 spot. The way he's going and his effect on the team dynamics makes him a bench option at best.

Genia/Phipps at 9 is just asking for trouble. Will is not in the level of formm required atm (although am I correct in thinking he didn't try one box kick at all in test 1?) and Phipps is too erratic, mentally as well as with his physical game.

Foley/Beale at 10/12 is sheer madness. Trying to cover for their defensive deficiencies was a major factor in the first half demolition last week.

Robertson was even less effective last week that I've ever seen him before. Apart from his scrum involvements, he just as well might not have been on the ground. He does not warrant a test jersey the way he is playing.

Similarly, Rob Simmons had next to no impact at all when he came on. He was back to his most ineffectual self and should not be anywhere near the team.

McMahon, like always, tried hard but hasn't ever had much impact at test level. Let him loose to go to Japan, or play him at 7 where he could put his strengths to better use for the benefit of the whole team. Otherwise, bring Hardwick into 7.

Hodge on the bench is a negligent use of his skills. He should be starting at 12 and be doing all the field kicking, including penalties for line, on behalf of the Wallabies.

Sadly, I was proven correct with my criticisms of the first test side, and fully expect the next weekend to be even worse for the Wallabies if they go with a team resembling your picks or the side that turned it up in the first test.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Poor old McMahon failed to make any meaningful impression. Perhaps he is better suited to the Ardie Savea role coming off the bench.

That, or play him at 7 where his aggression at the breakdown will have more impact on the game than running an additional back there.

 

[Strewthcobber]

I go along with your tight five BH, but there is a lot to dislike about the rest, including the bench.

Timani will add a bit of much needed size and weight to the backrow, but it is still very uninspiring as a unit. You won't agree and will throw shit (metaphorically) on the idea, but The backrow will not function properly at test level with Michael Hooper continuing in the 7 spot. The way he's going and his effect on the team dynamics makes him a bench option at best.

Genia/Phipps at 9 is just asking for trouble. Will is not in the level of formm required atm (although am I correct in thinking he didn't try one box kick at all in test 1?) and Phipps is too erratic, mentally as well as with his physical game.

Foley/Beale at 10/12 is sheer madness. Trying to cover for their defensive deficiencies was a major factor in the first half demolition last week.

Robertson was even less effective last week that I've ever seen him before. Apart from his scrum involvements, he just as well might not have been on the ground. He does not warrant a test jersey the way he is playing.

Similarly, Rob Simmons had next to no impact at all when he came on. He was back to his most ineffectual self and should not be anywhere near the team.

McMahon, like always, tried hard but hasn't ever had much impact at test level. Let him loose to go to Japan, or play him at 7 where he could put his strengths to better use for the benefit of the whole team. Otherwise, bring Hardwick into 7.

Hodge on the bench is a negligent use of his skills. He should be starting at 12 and be doing all the field kicking, including penalties for line, on behalf of the Wallabies.

Sadly, I was proven correct with my criticisms of the first test side, and fully expect the next weekend to be even worse for the Wallabies if they go with a team resembling your picks or the side that turned it up in the first test.

So what's your team?

Sent from my D5833 using Tapatalk

 

[Derpus]

That, or play him at 7 where his aggression at the breakdown will have more impact on the game than running an additional back there.

I really don't think his impact will change based on the number on his back... He was certainly no better than Hooper. Who was shite too.

 

[KOB1987]

Man you go on with some crap BR. No-one is claiming we're suddenly going to produce a performance or team that will catapult us to number 1 in the world, but by and large the players being selected are the best we have in most positions, even though some of them are Waratahs. Your constant rant about your personal opinionated shortcomings of various players over and over again is fucking boring to tell you the truth.

The team of debutantes you propose to trot out would get smashed doubly so, the problem is we can't prove it because it ain't going to happen.

 

[Viking]

Folau can't defend a wing, he was skinned by Ioane who had absolutely no space to work with whatsoever. Actually, Folau can't defend from anywhere very effectively.

You want a defensive side? Here it is:

Genia
Foley
DHP
Hunt/Meakes
Kuridrani
Naivalu/Koroibete (he can defend a wing)
Beale

Ruru/Louwrens
Hodge
Hunt/Meakes

DHP gets skinned on the wing just as much as Folau. Remember he is a fulltime fullback too.

 

[Viking]

Poor old McMahon failed to make any meaningful impression. Perhaps he is better suited to the Ardie Savea role coming off the bench.

Not even that. He's better suited to Super XV or carving up the international minnows like USA or Baa Baa's. Not exactly damaging against Teir 1 teams.

I wish we'd given Gill more game-time instead of him. How bloody handy would he be right about now.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Man you go on with some crap BR. No-one is claiming we're suddenly going to produce a performance or team that will catapult us to number 1 in the world, but by and large the players being selected are the best we have in most positions, even though some of them are Waratahs. Your constant rant about your personal opinionated shortcomings of various players over and over again is fucking boring to tell you the truth.

The team of debutantes you propose to trot out would get smashed doubly so, the problem is we can't prove it because it ain't going to happen.

Thank you KOB for your kind words. Unfortunately, the only crap that continually gets rolled out here is the never-ending blind faith in anything light blue, and I have to say you are one of the main culprits. If you have the time and inclination, just go back and look at my thoughts and opinions on the first test side posted days before the match. I identified the backrow and the centres as being weak spots that would allow the ABs to have a field day against us, as it indeed panned out. Must be hard as a Tahs fanboy to see others able to highlight real deficiencies in the selected side and have to come up with all sorts of excuses when your own favourites fail again and again to measure up.

If you can't take the truth about your beloved Cheika and his cohorts and the perennial underperforming sides he puts together, than I suggst you give my, and many other posters, input a miss in future.

 

[KOB1987]

Thank you KOB for your kind words. Unfortunately, the only crap that continually gets rolled out here is the never-ending blind faith in anything light blue, and I have to say you are one of the main culprits. If you have the time and inclination, just go back and look at my thoughts and opinions on the first test side posted days before the match. I identified the backrow and the centres as being weak spots that would allow the ABs to have a field day against us, as it indeed panned out. Must be hard as a Tahs fanboy to see others able to highlight real deficiencies in the selected side and have to come up with all sorts of excuses when your own favourites fail again and again to measure up.

If you can't take the truth about your beloved Cheika and his cohorts and the perennial underperforming sides he puts together, than I suggst you give my, and many other posters, input a miss in future.

LOL. Evidence please. The crap is in fact your constant rant AGAINST anything that evolves from 'light blue'.

Personally I couldn't give a fuck if there are no Waratahs in the side, I just want the best team selected. I try to remain optimistic and balanced. I'm also of the view that the coaches (whoever they are) are in a better decision to make selection decisions than we are.

And FWIW I don't disagree with some of the shortcomings identified, mostly with coaching issues though, it's your constant rant about them that is boring. Man on man our players mostly come up short against the AB's but they're still BY AND LARGE the best options. Not always but mostly.

 

[jimmydubs]

I'm also of the view that the coaches (whoever they are) are in a better decision to make selection decisions than we are.

Hmmm. Really?
So no coach has ever been an incompetent selector?

 

[KOB1987]

Hmmm. Really?
So no coach has ever been an incompetent selector?

No I'm not saying that, and all coaches have favourites. Point is that they make selections for reasons, often that we don't know about or understand. There are selections that I'd make differently as well, but what do I know?