Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
I think that's what Schmidt will start with. Or at least, that's plan A for him
Wallabies 2025
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drewprint
Dick Tooth (41)
I’d have Daugunu and Jorgensen on the wings (recovery dependant), with Kellaway at 23. But would have centres and fullback the same as you.
Daungunu
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
9. Gordon 10. Lolesio 11. Kellaway 12. Ikitau 13. JS 14. Potter 15. Wright (JS)
21. Mcdermott 22. JOC (James O'Connor) 23. Daugunu
I'd happily explore Kerevi at 12 to keep Ikitau at 13 and both Wright and JS in the back3.
Either way, in the initial 40 man squad (the number schmidt is rumoured to pick), I would be going with 18 backs. I think we need Kerevi as 12 cover as without him you are looking at Walton, Foketi, Feliuali, Stewart etc - I'd rather Kerevi for the Lions.
Mcdermtot Gordon White
Lolesio Donaldson Lynagh JOC (James O'Connor)
Kerevi Paisami Ikitau Daugunu JS
Kellaway Potter Jorgo Wright Pietsch Toole
21. Mcdermott 22. JOC (James O'Connor) 23. Daugunu
I'd happily explore Kerevi at 12 to keep Ikitau at 13 and both Wright and JS in the back3.
Either way, in the initial 40 man squad (the number schmidt is rumoured to pick), I would be going with 18 backs. I think we need Kerevi as 12 cover as without him you are looking at Walton, Foketi, Feliuali, Stewart etc - I'd rather Kerevi for the Lions.
Mcdermtot Gordon White
Lolesio Donaldson Lynagh JOC (James O'Connor)
Kerevi Paisami Ikitau Daugunu JS
Kellaway Potter Jorgo Wright Pietsch Toole
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PhilClinton
Paul McLean (56)
I’m not convinced a team with Andrew Kellaway starting wins anything notable. I’d much rather us have some genuine attacking weapons to mix things up with the best of them like Potter, Daugunu, Peitsh, Jorgo and Toole who all have a much better X factor.
I don’t think a safe pair of hands in critical scoring positions will cut it at international level these days. Gotta be able to turn shit ball and bad field position into points and I don’t feel Kellaway brings enough of that.
I don’t think a safe pair of hands in critical scoring positions will cut it at international level these days. Gotta be able to turn shit ball and bad field position into points and I don’t feel Kellaway brings enough of that.
Kellaway seems to play his best in gold though.
Derpus
Phil Waugh (73)
I think Kellaway is a great bench option. I'd argue Daugunu doesn't really bring that x-factor from the wing anymore either (not that he shouldn't be picked, though).
Probably looking at Jorgo, Potter or Toole if you want good finishers. I'm not a fan of Toole at test level though. Too easy to expose in defence.
Probably looking at Jorgo, Potter or Toole if you want good finishers. I'm not a fan of Toole at test level though. Too easy to expose in defence.
The Ghost of Raelene
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
Kellaway and Donaldson for the bench. Gives cover across the entire backline.
Jorgo would have been a walk up start the way he was playing but it'll come down to his recovery and if he's not 100% I'd start Potter and Daugunu on the Wings. Big, powerful and fast ball runners. With JAS in the Centres suddenly the Wallabies have a backline capable going through you and not just playing cute. I expect Jorgo to feature at some point though and if he's fit he may get the start in which I'd drop Potter to the bench in place of Kellaway.
Pietsch quad injury has hurt his chances and Toole for all his awesome moments is a liability in defence. There was a play late in the Brums v Tahs where JAS casualy just pushed his arms attempt away like an U9s coach.
Jorgo would have been a walk up start the way he was playing but it'll come down to his recovery and if he's not 100% I'd start Potter and Daugunu on the Wings. Big, powerful and fast ball runners. With JAS in the Centres suddenly the Wallabies have a backline capable going through you and not just playing cute. I expect Jorgo to feature at some point though and if he's fit he may get the start in which I'd drop Potter to the bench in place of Kellaway.
Pietsch quad injury has hurt his chances and Toole for all his awesome moments is a liability in defence. There was a play late in the Brums v Tahs where JAS casualy just pushed his arms attempt away like an U9s coach.
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
JOC (James O'Connor) over Donno - a better 10 and 12. 15 is already covered by Kells
The Ghost of Raelene
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
I tend to think JOC (James O'Connor) either starts at 10 or isn't in the 23 but that's just me. Same with Lynagh, starts or isn't there.
saladsdontwinscrums1
Stan Wickham (3)
Mcdermott/Lynagh has been a good combo at the Reds this year; it could easily translate to the Wallabies.
The Ghost of Raelene
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
A lot may come down to the backend of the Super Rugby season. Noah and Lynagh likely to be playing in some bigger games. I'd have no issue with Lynagh if he has great weapons outside him so he doesn't crash ball it and keep taking life off his career.
I think Gordon is Schmidts guy and Tate off the bench is such a weapon late in games.
I think Gordon is Schmidts guy and Tate off the bench is such a weapon late in games.
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
I don't disagree, but I just don't think Schmidt will start with McDermott given his pass hasn't stood up to test rugby to date, and hasn't improved this year at the Reds, and Lynagh has played 3x20 mins of junk time for the Wallabies, and has barely made a pass at that level (literally, I don't think he has passed the ball more than once or twice in the attacking half yet in his test career). He wasn't even selected for end of year tour last year.
His time will come, but to start him against the Lions would be "a very courageous decision."
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griffins
Syd Malcolm (24)
Lolesio vs the world has been done to death already and will continue to be until the poor bloke moves away, but his form has improved markedly in the last few weeks. If that continues it's hard to see Schmidt going with anyone else, especially given his connection with Ikitau and Wright.
Similar situation for Gordon as outlined above - he's far from my favourite but he did a job for them last year and his basics are better than Tate's. He'll be hard to leave out if he stays healthy.
Similar situation for Gordon as outlined above - he's far from my favourite but he did a job for them last year and his basics are better than Tate's. He'll be hard to leave out if he stays healthy.
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
Recovery from that concussion early in the season? I think we sometimes underestimate how long a brain injury takes to recover, especially for skills players
If he plays Lolesio, Schmidt needs to take a leaf out of the Brumbies book and get Wright far more involved as second (even first) receiver than he has done so far at Wallabies level. Wright has huge value as a playmaker, and really takes the pressure off Noah
I think Lolesio & Gordon will get first look
I don't think Gordon would have got another Wob contract without plans to use him
griffins
Syd Malcolm (24)
Ikitau also did a lot more distribution on the weekend, and looked fairly sharp. Bodes well for him to start at 12 inside JAS.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Len has developed an excellent short passing game that means he's equally useful at 12 or 13.