Wallabies 2025

[Wilson]

I'm sorry but Feliuai kinda sucks. So does Paisami at the moment.

Len is starting at 12.

I get the impression Kerevi is going to be very seriously in considered for the 12 jersey at this point. A position with no one really putting their hand up is probably the perfect place for bringing back the experienced pro and there is a degree base case reliability there, even if he's past his peak. He has apparently been in pretty good form in Japan too (10 tries in 14 games), which certainly doesn't hurt.

If nothing else having him in the squad potentially frees up the other contenders to play some of the tour matches against the Lions to stake their claim.

 

[Derpus]

True. Id certainly take him over Feliuai or Paisami.

 

[Yoda]

True. Id certainly take him over Feliuai or Paisami.

Definitely.

 

[Yoda]

With Flook, good player as he is, I'd really like to see him play a string of games before being in the discussion for the Wallabies squad. Sure, named in the original lot of Force players, but so was Feliuai named in theat original squad and a later one too iirc, and he at least is playing the game. Bayley Kuenzle is another who is currently playing and making a mark. Perhaps sadly, but Josh must be behind at least these two in the pecking order for Wallaby selection.

I similarly think any discussion about Carter Gordon being in the squad, or even brought back in at Super level, is insanely premature, Let's wait and see what fate has in store for him before even contemplating a Super Rugby team that might benefit from his services.

The No 10 pecking order seems to be changing each Super round. I have no idea who will finally get the nods at 10, but Tom Lynagh's case is weakening by the match now that the season has hit the hard part and teams are desperate for results. Noah's out with injury and some of his form has been disappointing. Right now, Meredith is opening eyes in the rugby fraternity and many are talking him up as having better skills than Noah. He is most certainly a big step up from Taine and is likely a dark horse for selection based on form.

BR. Agree Meredith is very handy. Doubt he will in Wallaby squad for Lions but could see him being picked for UK Tour at the end of the year with Lynagh and Donaldson. Meredith will grab Brumby starting role next year definitely even with Edmed possibly there, although I think the Tahs will keep him, as they only have Bowen and Creighton. Would have liked to see Donaldson and Meredith sharing the 10 jersey at the Brumbies to be honest next year, although that won't happen now Donaldson signed with the Force again. The Red fans talk up young Tom but as you said, he looked a bit off last night, goal kicking aside. The Lions would target him big time. World Cup in two years he will be definitely better. I'm sure Carter Gordon will look to come back to rugby but a back injury is not great. Could he get a gig at the Brumbies next year? Not sure of his NRL contract, release options? I'm also a fan of JOC (James O'Connor) getting selected for the Lions as a bench specialist with his experience a big plus. I'd be surprised if he's not in the squad. It will be interesting to see if Joe picks Noah. Most Tests played of the younger 10's but not great form this year, goal kicking percentage way down from his career highs and coming off a scary injury. So much pressure on our playmakers but it does depend on having good forward momentum and good talk between backs to help there decision making. Also, a 9 who knows when his 10 wants the ball, he gets it. The Kiwi teams have that down pat. Onward we go and looking forward to the Brumbies and Reds playing well in the finals and our Wallabies surprising the many critics with the up coming Lions series.

 

[Brumby Runner]

I'm sorry but Feliuai kinda sucks. So does Paisami at the moment.

Len is starting at 12.

In what aspects does DF suck D? Easy to say but what are the particulars?

He carries hard (but drops a few) and tackles good in a good defensive backline (wingers apart?). Which other local No 12 really is playing any better? Hamish Stewart for all the accolades some give him dies with the ball much too often, mostly at or behind the gain line. He rarely makes ground against good defences, and it seems a long time since he was the distributor people remember. Paisami is too inconsistent and on the small side to play the bash ball game against the Lions that he prefers. Walton has one outstanding game among many not up to scratch. None of these three have lifted or assisted their respective backlines or teams to achieve overall challenger status in this year's Super Rugby competition. As I noted before, Feliuai is playing his part, and improving, in the best backline and best Australian team in the competition. I reckon Kerevi is the only 12 option who would look better in the spot this year, depending on his form.

 

[upthereds#!]

THP - AAA, TT, ZN
With Shoup out I reckon we are a tad light on LHP. Works in Ross's favour.

and Hodgmans (barring injury)

 

[upthereds#!]

I'm sorry but Feliuai kinda sucks. So does Paisami at the moment.

Len is starting at 12.

100% - also why IMO Kerevi needs to be in the squad, because next options are average and Kerevi is likely still above average.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Jorgo doing the Coogee stairs with other Tahs today.

Good sign the recovery is well on track.

 

[Dctarget]

Feliuai sucks, I say that as the most one eyed rebels supporter who swings off the nuts of any Rebels ex players and he sucks. He can’t tackle for shit and he offers little in attack. The ball dies with him and he’s a turnstile.

 

[griffins]

Feliuai sucks, I say that as the most one eyed rebels supporter who swings off the nuts of any Rebels ex players and he sucks. He can’t tackle for shit and he offers little in attack. The ball dies with him and he’s a turnstile.

He has been ok for the Brums year but in a limited role that suits him. Len does all ballplaying in the centres and looks like he doesn't trust Feliuai in d at all. Feliuai has put a few good shots on but he's missed a lot cold as well. I very much doubt he's in the mix. Len shuffling in 1 with Suallii at 13 will be the first choice. Suallii at 12 and Dagunu at 13 will nearly be 2nd if Len is hurt. After that it probably is Stewart though Walton has improved to be pretty close to him this year.

I actually really want to see Kuenzle at 12 for the Force. Looks like he has all the tools but probably too late this year.

 

[fatprop]

100% - also why IMO Kerevi needs to be in the squad, because next options are average and Kerevi is likely still above average.

12 is our weakest spot, has been for years. Len was a revelation at 12, and if Kerevi can be taped/bolted together - he is the only other 12 that has looked a threat
So ................

12 - Len, Kerevi
13 - Suallii , Dagunu (still not sure why he gets pushed around away from 13, tackles well, can make yards and pilfers)

 

[Adam84]

We’re in real trouble if Feliuai is in the mix for Wallabies 12..

 

[Derpus]

We’re in real trouble if Feliuai is in the mix for Wallabies 12..

We are in real trouble there.

 

[upthereds#!]

12 is our weakest spot, has been for years. Len was a revelation at 12, and if Kerevi can be taped/bolted together - he is the only other 12 that has looked a threat
So ................

12 - Len, Kerevi
13 - Suallii , Dagunu (still not sure why he gets pushed around away from 13, tackles well, can make yards and pilfers)

In a 38 squad, Paisami still gets a seat on the room, as with the versatility of JAS and Daugunu, (With Daugunu probably a starting winger atm) you don't need a ton of outside backs.
17 backs for me
White Gordon Mcdermott
Lynagh Lolesio Donaldson (15) JOC (James O'Connor) (12)
Paisami Kerevi Ikitau Daugunu (11/14) JAS (15)
Jorgo Kellaway Potter Wright Pietsch

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

The way he’s playing at the moment he’s been outplayed by Pakeho and even Stewart last night.

 

[Derpus]

The way he’s playing at the moment he’s been outplayed by Pakeho and even Stewart last night.

Pakeho is just Paisami 2.0. Same build and play style.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Similar but doing an equal job at his age is impressive.

I also think the Reds have a plan with the 12 to just carry and get the phase play going so we aren’t seeing as much of their skill in show.

 

[tig]

12 is our weakest spot, has been for years. Len was a revelation at 12, and if Kerevi can be taped/bolted together - he is the only other 12 that has looked a threat
So ................

12 - Len, Kerevi
13 - Suallii , Dagunu (still not sure why he gets pushed around away from 13, tackles well, can make yards and pilfers)

I can't help wondering if the next pick at 12 after Ikitau could be Sua'ali'i. Too late to give him any exposure there, i suppose.

 

[hammertimethere]

It's annoying that it is hard to gauge how Kerevi is playing. I'm highly attracted to the idea of him in the squad if he's even 80% as good as he was at his peak. He fits well onto the Wallabies bench if they play a 5/3 split with Donaldson there who can cover 10/15 pretty well and our starters who could cover the whole back 3 (JAS and Kellaway/Jorgo or Potter if they're on a wing). If we go a 6/2 bench then I would have JOC (James O'Connor) in 23 (cover 10/12).

I would start Kerevi against Fiji to help make that decision

 

[Sword of Justice]

The way Paisami defended against the canes i would say Kerevi is an automatic selection for the squad. Whether you play him against Fiji if you believe Ikitau is first choice (as I do) is a bit dicey given it’s our only warm up game.