Wallaby 31 players for 2015 RWC

[Brumby Runner]

Also, you have to consider that generally, all your back rowers would be 80 minute players at Super Rugby level. Whether you go for a reserve 6, 7 or 8 really depends on what style you play, but also the quality of players you have at your disposal. You could do worse, than planning your game around the reigning John Eales medallist being an impact sub.

To say you can't see Hooper even coming on late in a match barring injury to Pocock is clearly biased against the bloke when you consider he was Link's first choice in 2013, despite a player more similar to Pocock who he is more familiar with (Gill) at his disposal. You'd think it that's the style of play Link wanted out of his 7, Gill would have started a few games, or even got on the park more.

Nit-picking I know, but I did say if Poey was injured or rested, and I also said assuming Poey was number one choice. I am a big fan of Michael Hooper and have been since he starred in the U20s world cup. I am not a fan of playing two No7s at the same time. As good as Gill is, he is not a better No7 than Hooper. If Link prefers Hooper's style to Pocock's then I fully expect him to continue starting. Then my comment would be the same iro Pocock. However, without seeming to be biassed, I am betting Pocock will be the starting No7 if he is fit.

 

[Train Without a Station]

I just don't think it's a foregone conclusion that Pocock will play 80 minutes.

Based on a potential back row of Fardy, Pocock and Higginbotham, all would be 80 minute players.

Unless you were playing set piece, line out dominant field position rugby, surely Hooper would be the reserve flanker of somebody like Dave Dennis or Ed Quirk, in which case, unless they were willing to weaken the line out, he would replace Pocock.

 

[A mutterer]

gill clearly seems out of reckoning at this stage, so it looks like a 2 horse race for the 7.

 

[Pete King]

Thanks Link. If Hooper comes on, it should be for Pocock, not Simmons imo.

Link reference in relation to Mowen statement? You honestly think a year out from the World cup they will pick Mowen?

 

[Tip]

Pocock, Gill & Hooper should draw straws.

Whoever draws the shortest straw has to bite the bullet and make the transformation to Hooker.
Either one could add 10 kilo's and pack down in the front row. Throwing in a lineout is not as hard as it looks. If TPN & SFaiangaa can make it to the international arena without being able to throw then surely one of these incredibly talented athletes can learn to hook a ball and to throw it straight over a period of 18 months.
By the time the WC comes around we can have a reserve 7 that can play Hooker. Moore is an 80 minute player - so why waste the bench spot on a specialist.
By the time Moore moves on, we'd have a world class 7 who would be playing as a hooker.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Reckon Gilly won't get a shot either at run-on (obviously) or even near the pine.

he may have to wait a number of years without injuries to Poey and Hooper.. Reckon he will get the shits being behind these 3 blokes and may be a candidate for an overseas stint mid career.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Jeez, Hooper or Gill with an extra 10kg - their game woulkd alter substantially and if their frames are not destined to carry the extra beef then injuries may be more likely. Better to have naturally big blokes for up front

 

[tigerland12]

Reckon Gilly won't get a shot either at run-on (obviously) or even near the pine.

he may have to wait a number of years without injuries to Poey and Hooper.. Reckon he will get the shits being behind these 3 blokes and may be a candidate for an overseas stint mid career.

He has been offered big money from France a few times now, wouldn't surprise me after the WC if he left.

 

[Train Without a Station]

In this modern age you really have to accept that players who in another generation potentially would have been a 1st choice selection, will consider going overseas when they are 3rd in line for what could be their whole career.

 

[Jagman]

He has been offered big money from France a few times now, wouldn't surprise me after the WC if he left.

But Gill would be a good bet for Aus Olympics captain.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Gymnastics????????????????

 

[Try-ranosaurus Rex]

Gymnastics????????????????

\

Nah, Badminton.

 

[Jagman]

Sevens. Maybe captain of the entire team might be a bit much. Who knows maybe he'll carry the flag though.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Sevens. Maybe captain of the entire team might be a bit much. Who knows maybe he'll carry the flag though.

Whilst I know and like Gilly I think it a bit of a stretch for him to carry the flag. Maybe the esky !!!!!!!!!!!!

Flag bearers are often multible Olympic ahtletes who have super achieved - Personally even Liam would be incredulous at the thought.

Also it will be interesting IF O'Connor does try and sellect some 15's players like Gilly, Morahan to name just 2. - Heaps of others would also be excellant at 7's

 

[Jagman]

Whilst I know and like Gilly I think it a bit of a stretch for him to carry the flag. Maybe the esky !!!!!!!!!!!!

Flag bearers are often multible Olympic ahtletes who have super achieved - Personally even Liam would be incredulous at the thought.

Also it will be interesting IF O'Connor does try and sellect some 15's players like Gilly, Morahan to name just 2. - Heaps of others would also be excellant at 7's

Sorry I haven't worked out the emoticon for tongue in cheek. It wouldn't bother me if Gill carried the flag but I can't see it happening.

However I can't see any better choice than Gill for the Aus SEVENS Olympic team at this stage. U20 captain, has already done the required 12 months O'Connor has demanded of anyone in the olympic team. Was very good in the last Commonwealth Games at only 17 or so.

 

[Scrubber2050]

Jagman

happy to see him rep Aussie at Olympic Sevens and bring home the GOLD

 

[djeff]

Poor Gilly really does have a serious case of Chris Whittaker syndrome.

For me Pocock would be 1st choice and the backrow bench spot goes to either Hooper or tall lineout specialist (not Dave Dennis - sorry not a fan of his)I'd be thinking MMM/Fardy to fight it out for 6 and the spot on the bench.

Who gets the bench spot depends on the opposition. Links shown his hand that he like to tailor his team especially his bench to suit his plan for the last 20-30 minutes of the match. Remember he used Dennis as a lineout specialist against Wales on the spring tour as an attempt to attack their lineout in the last quarter of the game. It worked to some extent, but Dennis is so ineffective around the paddock his impact was nullified.

 

[TSR]

I am not ready to write of Gill's Wallaby chances just yet. Personally I thought he was the best Australian forward in Super rugby last year - yes, even better than George Smith & Co.

Hooper & Pocock, if fit, will both deservedly be ahead of him in the pecking order at present, but if either falter and Gill improves again on last years form I don't see why he would be out of the frame to get a crack. I still believe he has the capability to be the best of the 3, although that statement does include a confidence that he will continue to physically develop.

Even if Gill needs two injuries to get his shot, that is very possible.

 

[Tomikin]

I am not ready to write of Gill's Wallaby chances just yet. Personally I thought he was the best Australian forward in Super rugby last year - yes, even better than George Smith & Co.

Hooper & Pocock, if fit, will both deservedly be ahead of him in the pecking order at present, but if either falter and Gill improves again on last years form I don't see why he would be out of the frame to get a crack. I still believe he has the capability to be the best of the 3, although that statement does include a confidence that he will continue to physically develop.

Even if Gill needs two injuries to get his shot, that is very possible.

I rate him be foolish to count him out.. But he has a fight on his hands..

I think he would have started against Scotland if he wasnt one of the Dublin 6.. Maybe missed his chance

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[Ash]

I'd say that Gill was the best Aus openside in Super Rugby in the first half of last season. But, I wouldn't say he was the best in the second half though. He tapered off slightly, although he still played well.

I don't like MMM as blindside flanker. I like MMM as a lock. MMM as loosehead lock makes sense to me, or MMM as bench lock.

If Fardy doesn't deserve first shot (as it currently stands, Super Rugby form in 2014 aside) as Wallaby blindside I'll eat my hat. The guy was outstanding in the RC and EOYT.