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Wallabies 2021

eastman

Arch Winning (36)
Yeah, I think Hodge was probably a bit rusty because he’s usually good with the high ball. Give him another crack for his confidence. His big boot is important in the upcoming games. If we’re up by a bit, then I wouldn’t mind seeing Petaia or Kellaway have a go at fullback. I really don’t know what Petaia’s boot is like.
Hodge has shown in his last couple of injections at fullback just why coaches are so reluctant to pick him- I honestly believe they just don’t trust his ability.

Hodges game has always relied on effort- he runs hard, tackles hard and works. At the same time half his effort plays are attempts to make up for his previous errors.

Do we really want to see another predictable performance of mistakes under the high ball, no ball-running threat but some booming kicks and tackles that somewhat redeem him?
 

KOB1987

Rod McCall (65)
Hodge has shown in his last couple of injections at fullback just why coaches are so reluctant to pick him- I honestly believe they just don’t trust his ability.

Hodges game has always relied on effort- he runs hard, tackles hard and works. At the same time half his effort plays are attempts to make up for his previous errors.

Do we really want to see another predictable performance of mistakes under the high ball, no ball-running threat but some booming kicks and tackles that somewhat redeem him?
You're opposed to every other option though because they haven't been playing there at the level below, Hodge is the only one who has. So what's your solution? Bring Jock Campbell in?
 

eastman

Arch Winning (36)
You're opposed to every other option though because they haven't been playing there at the level below, Hodge is the only one who has. So what's your solution? Bring Jock Campbell in?
We’re out of options so JOC (James O'Connor), Kellaway or Petaia - starting with the first two and potentially look to give Petaia minutes at the end of the games.

Banks is our preferred starter in big games (ABs, Boks and England though).
 

Dctarget

John Eales (66)
Hodge's two thumping tackles last night were delightful.

As was Folau Faingia'a's really late in the game, really impressive for a starting front rower.

Similar to Petaia's tackle from the first Boks game. Definite tactic that paid off well.
 

KOB1987

Rod McCall (65)
We’re out of options so JOC (James O'Connor), Kellaway or Petaia - starting with the first two and potentially look to give Petaia minutes at the end of the games.

Banks is our preferred starter in big games (ABs, Boks and England though).
I think it will be Kellaway and once he’s given a run there he will own the spot. Sucks for Banks considering the injury but I’d say it’s one of the positions Rennie would have tried out an alternative these next few games. Banks has done nothing to suggest he should be preferred in big games without seeing some other options, the opposite in fact.

With regards to other changes I’d say we will see JOC (James O'Connor) come back in via the bench, so not sure if that means Hodge will be on a wing or left right out.
 

KOB1987

Rod McCall (65)
I'd say the same if he wanted to front up in 2021.
That’s laughable. Burke would crap on every single one of the current options.

JOC (James O'Connor), Burke and Beale are all shorter than Kellaway (6’1), as is Campo. Hodge and Petaia are taller by a couple of inches. Banks is the same height. Aerial skills, playmaking ability, the boot and game smarts are far more important for a fullback.
 

KOB1987

Rod McCall (65)
Was always a fullback playing for Souths in the Hospital Cup & is much better there than wing. He just has Banks in front of him at the Brumbies. Wallabies could do much worse.
He’s even shorter (same height as the shorties Burke, Beale JOC (James O'Connor) and Campese) so rule a line through him straight away

its funny because in 50 years I have never, ever heard the height of the fullback being used as a selection criteria. I appreciate that if you are going to compete in the air being a midget is less than ideal, but looking at the names listed above there is zero evidence that one needs to be 6’2 or taller to make it as a fullback. Even Banks who has a multitude of other flaws hasn’t been subjected to this criteria, he’s the same height as Kellaway BTW.
 
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