Wallaby 31 players for 2015 RWC

[barbarian]

The battle for the Wallabies 7 jersey isn't a two way battle and shouldn't be billed as such.

I think it is, though. And I say that as a guy who thinks that Liam Gill is in great form, and Matt Hodgson is also a world class 7.

Realistically, the 7 is going to be either Hooper (the incumbent and captain) or Pocock (previous captain and IRB PoTY nominee). Both of those players not only have runs on the board, but are also in top form as well. And there is a strong possibility that whichever one starts may well be captain as well.

It may be a hard pill for some to swallow, but Gill will be lucky to make the World Cup squad, barring an injury to Hooper or Pocock.

A part of me would love to see Cheika pick Gill to start in the RC, and give him a chance to show what he's got. But I can't see it happening, due to the experience and leadership qualities of those ahead of him.
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[Purce]

Agree with Skelton being one of the first picks now... he has come a long way over the past 2 seasons. Well done to him and the Tahs.

With him in the 2nd row my thoughts are that a 6. Higgers 7. Pocock 8. McCalman would be a well balanced back row. With Poeys new and significantly improved running game(both in the tight and a bit wider) we have an effective workhorse in McCalman and a more powerful Higgers. Both capable of jumping well. Of course you could trade in Higgers for Fardy for a slightly different balance. Hooper & Palu on the bench.

My shot at current Wobs 23:
1. Slipper
2. Moore
3. Kepu
4. Skelton
5. Simmons
6. Higgers
7. Pocock
8. McCalman
9. Phipps
10. QC (Quade Cooper)
11. JOC (James O'Connor)
12. To'omua
13. Tevita
14. Mitchell
15. Izzy

16. Taf
17. Sio
18. Holmes
19. Jones/Fardy
20. Hooper
21. Genia
22. Gits
23. Speight

I think we will see a lot of variation in the 23 through out the test season. Trials of different benches etc. Wouldn't be surprised if Hooper is trained to fill an emergency 12 if they go with a 6/2 split. Jones/Fardy both covering 4/5/6, Gits & To'omua 10/12, Mitchell & JOC (James O'Connor) 11/14/15. Mitchell could easily be swapped for AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) who then provides 13 coverage as well.... I believe Mitchell is a better back 3 player though, also has a huge boot these days.

My point with some of these notes is that we will have huge flexibility within our squad allowing us to adjust to a number of game plans.

 

[light]

We have one world class 6 in Australian Rugby and yet he's on most people's bench.

For mine, Fardy is one of the first names on the team sheet regardless of Super Rugby form.

 

[KOB1987]

Agree with Skelton being one of the first picks now. he has come a long way over the past 2 seasons. Well done to him and the Tahs.

With him in the 2nd row my thoughts are that a 6. Higgers 7. Pocock 8. McCalman would be a well balanced back row. With Poeys new and significantly improved running game(both in the tight and a bit wider) we have an effective workhorse in McCalman and a more powerful Higgers. Both capable of jumping well. Of course you could trade in Higgers for Fardy for a slightly different balance. Hooper & Palu on the bench.

My shot at current Wobs 23:
1. Slipper
2. Moore
3. Kepu
4. Skelton
5. Simmons
6. Higgers
7. Pocock
8. McCalman
9. Phipps
10. QC (Quade Cooper)
11. JOC (James O'Connor)
12. To'omua
13. Tevita
14. Mitchell
15. Izzy

16. Taf
17. Sio
18. Holmes
19. Jones/Fardy
20. Hooper
21. Genia
22. Gits
23. Speight

I think we will see a lot of variation in the 23 through out the test season. Trials of different benches etc. Wouldn't be surprised if Hooper is trained to fill an emergency 12 if they go with a 6/2 split. Jones/Fardy both covering 4/5/6, Gits & To'omua 10/12, Mitchell & JOC (James O'Connor) 11/14/15. Mitchell could easily be swapped for AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) who then provides 13 coverage as well.. I believe Mitchell is a better back 3 player though, also has a huge boot these days.

My point with some of these notes is that we will have huge flexibility within our squad allowing us to adjust to a number of game plans.

I think if QC (Quade Cooper) is fit then the only queries on that teamsheet are:
6. Fardy or Higgers - I think it will be Fardy but if he's not in the starting 15 I don't think he'll be in the 23. Palu is a better bench option.
7. If it's Fardy at 6 it will be Hooper at 7 for mine. If it's Pocock it SHOULD be Higgers or even McCalman at 6, but could also be Fardy. All would work.
Bench - assuming both 7s are there it will be a 6/2 split.
14/23. Speight will either be on the wing or nowhere. If he's not on the wing it will be AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) with Gits on the bench. If he's on the wing then AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) will be on the bench. Either way Mitchell's in his suit behind the bench.
16. Could well be Latu

PS: @Purce, BTW I was agreeing by and large with your team, not criticising it

 

[KOB1987]

Watching the Tahs game last night I came to the conclusion that we aren't going to win the RWC with Bernard as our primary 10. I believe we can with QC (Quade Cooper) there, and if he's not fit then To'omua is the best option there. Behind him is Lilo, Giteau, and then Foley. Foley plays well when everything's going right, he's not great under pressure..and he'll get that in spadefulls in the RWC.

Before you mention him - Debrezcini..not this time around.

 

[wamberal]

I do not care which player wears 10 on his back. My major worry is our pathetic kicking. From the ground, and out of hand.


How can we beat the best teams in the world, when they have good kickers, and we give away points, and metres, like drunken sailors?

This aspect of our game is sloppy and unprofessional.

 

[KOB1987]

I do not care which player wears 10 on his back. My major worry is our pathetic kicking. From the ground, and out of hand.


How can we beat the best teams in the world, when they have good kickers, and we give away points, and metres, like drunken sailors?

This aspect of our game is sloppy and unprofessional.

This is true.

 

[Purce]

I think if QC (Quade Cooper) is fit then the only queries on that teamsheet are:
6. Fardy or Higgers - I think it will be Fardy but if he's not in the starting 15 I don't think he'll be in the 23. Palu is a better bench option.
7. If it's Fardy at 6 it will be Hooper at 7 for mine. If it's Pocock it SHOULD be Higgers or even McCalman at 6, but could also be Fardy. All would work.
Bench - assuming both 7s are there it will be a 6/2 split.
14/23. Speight will either be on the wing or nowhere. If he's not on the wing it will be AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) with Gits on the bench. If he's on the wing then AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) will be on the bench. Either way Mitchell's in his suit behind the bench.
16. Could well be Latu

PS: @Purce, BTW I was agreeing by and large with your team, not criticising it

Agree with most of this except Hooper, I just cannot justify starting a game with him over Pocock. However I see your point starting Hoops with Fardy being a hard on the ball 6. My point (which you get) is that we have many options now(back row and back line), if they decide on a game plan which goes hell for leather at the breakdown/turnover you would throw Fardy/Pocock/McCalman, if you want dynamic ball runners/ power you could go Higgers/Hooper/Palu. Leaving you with anything in-between to balance between the two.

I agree with your note about AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)/Mitchell. I'm a firm believer in picking the best players in the positions, at the moment I'd pick either Mitchell or Speight on the sting (depending on how mitchell performed in the lead up to RWC) with AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) on the bench. Speight had a much improved game last night.

16. Latu wouldn't be a bad option if Taf doesn't make it. I'd probably lean towards Hanson as he has had exposure to the test arena, been playing the house down since he has been getting solid game time and over his neck issues.

 

[wamberal]

The irony of this situation. We live in a country which produces some of the world's best out-of-hand kickers, players who are in demand for their skills in American Football.


How dumb, or lazy, are we?

 

[ChargerWA]

1. Slipper
2. Moore
3. Kepu
4. Skelton
5. Simmons
6. Fardy
7. Pocock
8. McCalman
9. Phipps
10. Foley
11. JOC (James O'Connor)
12. To'omua
13. Kurindrani
14. Speight
15. Folau

16. Latu
17. Sio
18. Holmes
19. Coleman
20. Higginbotham
21. Stirzaker
22. Cooper
23. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)

I think that is our best team for the first RC game. Cooper could force his way into the 10 Jersey if he gets fit and finds some form, but can't see it in the first few RC games.

Skelton at 4 means McCalman get the nod at 8 and I think he deserves it on form. The Tahs manage to fit Skelton and Palu in the 15, but I don't think we would get away with it at test level against the best locks in the world. This pushes Palu out of the 23 because Higgers is more versatile.

Wingers are still wide open, which kind of plays into JOCs favour as he is considered a big game player and will lift. Speight is there on reputation. I don't think Mitchell is under genuine consideration.

Reserve Hooker is a crap shoot. It wouldn't be surprised if TPN is close to calling it over. He's a considered/clever guy and won't risk his long term health if he thinks he head had too many head knocks. Hanson is probably at the front on form but Latu is a "Cheika" type player which might get him the nod.

 

[Gnostic]

The irony of this situation. We live in a country which produces some of the world's best out-of-hand kickers, players who are in demand for their skills in American Football.


How dumb, or lazy, are we?

Even bigger irony is that this was recognised years ago by the ABs and they hired a specialist kicking coach from the AFL. While the closest ARU can come to treating the issue with seriousness is to hire a bloke to do some video consulting.

Why both having a High Performance Unit if it doesn't put in place programs to fix glaring skill inconsistencies and deficiencies throughout the Australian Professional player base. For despite repeated calls from a huge number of fans and experts there is still no national scrum school/coach that works across all players/teams like Mike Cron. Same with kicking from hand and tee.

I was very happy to Foley get 100% last night from the tee and regardless of QC (Quade Cooper)'s injury status he has to be regarded as the front runner for the 10 spot.

 

[KOB1987]

It seemed to me last night that Folau had been given more reign with regards to in-play kicking. I don't recall any brilliance but I can't recall any shockers either.

 

[tigerland12]

I'm suprised to hear so much about Latu and nothing on Hanson for the reserve hooking spot, presumming Polota-Nau is no good. I think Hanson has been one of the few Reds who have had a strong season.

 

[cyclopath]

I'm suprised to hear so much about Latu and nothing on Hanson for the reserve hooking spot, presumming Polota-Nau is no good. I think Hanson has been one of the few Reds who have had a strong season.

Read a bit further (I know, tedious in a thread like this) but Hanson has been mentioned more than a few times. Problem is, once we look beyond Moore and TPN, the rest are hard to split easily. They're all a bit up and down over the past year or two.
I would say that we must pick the reserve 2 that scrummages best first and foremost. Then lineouts. Then anything else they might do.
If TPN is crocked, I honestly don't know who that would be currently.

 

[Gillys_ghost]

changed my mind for the 42nd time

1. Slipper
2. Moore
3. Kepu
4. Coleman
5. Arnold
6. McMahon
7. Pocock
8. McCalman
9. Phipps
10. Cooper
11. O'Connor
12. To'omua
13. Kuridrani
14. Mitchell
15. Folau

16. Polota-Nau
17. Sio
18. Holmes
19. Skelton
20. Hooper
21. Higganbotham
22. Genia
23. Beale

 

[KOB1987]

changed my mind for the 42nd time

1. Slipper
2. Moore
3. Kepu
4. Coleman
5. Arnold
6. McMahon
7. Pocock
8. McCalman
9. Phipps
10. Cooper
11. O'Connor
12. To'omua
13. Kuridrani
14. Mitchell
15. Folau

16. Polota-Nau
17. Sio
18. Holmes
19. Skelton
20. Hooper
21. Higganbotham
22. Genia
23. Beale

I'm pretty sure there'll be a 43rd..


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[SammyP]

Read a bit further (I know, tedious in a thread like this) but Hanson has been mentioned more than a few times. Problem is, once we look beyond Moore and TPN, the rest are hard to split easily. They're all a bit up and down over the past year or two.
I would say that we must pick the reserve 2 that scrummages best first and foremost. Then lineouts. Then anything else they might do.
If TPN is crocked, I honestly don't know who that would be currently.

Ok, I'll go left field and throw up Mann-Rae as an option (haven't scrolled through all of this thread, but assuming he isn't really on most people's radar).
He is solid in the scrum and good in general play, both in attack and defense, has made an impact when he has come on for the Brumbies.
His line out is pretty good too, a few off throws here and there, but which hooker hasn't done that this season?
Other than that, I would probably look at Hanson.

 

[Viking]

1. Slipper
2. Moore
3. Kepu
4. Skelton
5. Simmons
6. Fardy
7. Pocock
8. Higgers / McCalman / Palu
9. Phipps
10. Cooper
11. JOC (James O'Connor) / Mitchell / AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
12. To'omua
13. Kuridrani
14. Speight
15. Folau

So I've locked in 13 spots with only 2 with question marks. Can't choose between 8 and an all-round type winger to compliment an all-out finisher in Speight.

 

[cyclopath]

It's curious that Cooper is "locked in" by many, given how little rugby he's played this season. If he was fit and in form, I'd say no problem, but it seems a bit presumptuous at the moment to be so confident of it. I'd say 10 is well open until we have some more surety of his performance. I'm a little concerned about To'omua too, getting re-injured. Cooper / Foley and To'omua is quite a different prospect to, say, Foley / Leali'ifano and ????
The latter scenario might raise Giteau's stocks a fair bit, although I'm a tad sceptical that he is the answer.

 

[Chris McCracken]

Ok, I'll go left field and throw up Mann-Rae as an option (haven't scrolled through all of this thread, but assuming he isn't really on most people's radar).
He is solid in the scrum and good in general play, both in attack and defense, has made an impact when he has come on for the Brumbies.
His line out is pretty good too, a few off throws here and there, but which hooker hasn't done that this season?
Other than that, I would probably look at Hanson.

I'm actually right behind you on that. I think Mann-Rae might well be the right guy. It's a bit hard to get past the fact he's not starting in a Super Rugby side, but I just think he has the potential to be the rock when the chips are down.