Wallabies 2025

[The Ghost of Raelene]

It's crazy to debate Wright not being a starter at this point. JAS may pressure him by 2027 but right now that jersey is his and our lack of Centres means JAS is best served there OR at a stretch the Wing as a target.

Locks in the Backline right now should only be:

10.
11.
12. Ikitau
13.
14.
15. Wright

Players like JAS, Daugunu, Jorgo, Potter, Loloseio, Donaldson, Lynagh are going to be wearing gold but yet to be seen where exactly.

 

[Homer]

I dont think Daungunu has the speed anymore for wing. He said himself he has put on a few kgs to play in the centre and he has been outstanding there, also one of the hardest working backs over the ball and in support.
The Lions will have plenty of pace out wide so i think Jorgo is essential for that. Daungunu and Potter working together would be exciting. However, i think his utility value means he will come off the pine.

 

[Homer]

Our top notch centre ranks are slim. Ikitau and JAS are the best we have. Kerevi has seen his best days go by and Paisami is solid but struggles for impact at the top level. Feluai has been solid this year without being a standout, while Stewart, Flook and Kuenzle are not at the standard required.
Centre is our weak point, and we are an injury away from a crisis.

 

[Upthemaroon!]

I like the call of having JAS on the wing with Potter on the other. We can rain bombs on them with those two very good in the air.

Play Kerevi at 12 where he is going to take a lot of crash ball and get us over the gain line.

I could see a backline of: 11. JAS 12. Kerevi 13. Ikitau. 14. Potter 15. Wright do some real damage. With potenial subs like Jorgensen, Daugunu, Perese (he is a hard hitter, wouldn't mind him as an impact sub), Flook, Pietsch you've got enough impact in my opinion.

 

[Wilson]

Speaking of Lynagh - has there been any update on his HIA/concussion?

Not on the concussion, but apparently he fractured his finger in that game:

Lynagh picked up a finger fracture as the Reds’ Super Rugby campaign ended last week and is facing a three- to four-week recovery, which will see him racing the clock to be fit to play for Queensland against the Lions on July 2, or for the Wallabies against Fiji on July 6.

There is confidence Lynagh’s injury is not major, and he will be fine by the start of the Wallabies-Lions Test series on July 19.

‘Bash them’: The Anzac team tasked with softening up Lions for Wallabies

One of goals of the Les Kiss-coached side that will take on the Lions in Adelaide was revealed, as a young star was hit with an injury concern.

www.brisbanetimes.com.au

 

[fatprop]

I think there is only one spot up for grabs in the backs, our 11

The rest pretty well select themselves or the coach has made his preference quite clear

 

[James Ryan]

Daugunu for me is the perfect bench outside back. Covers wing and 13 and will give you great impact off the bench. My backline would be:

9. Gordon
10. Lolesio
11. Jorgensen/Pietsch
12. Ikitau
13. Sua'ali'i
14. Potter/Kellaway
15. Wright

21. McDermott
22. Lynagh
23. Daugunu

 

[Braveheart81]

I think Donaldson is going to be ahead of Lynagh.

 

[The Marketing Pigeon]

9. Gordon
10. Lolesio
11. Daugunu
12. Ikitau
13. JAS
14. Jorgensen (Potter if injured)
15. Wright

21. Mcdermott
22. JOC (James O'Connor)
23. Kellaway

 

[Yoda]

I think Donaldson is going to be ahead of Lynagh.

I agree. Just can’t seeing Joe throwing him in against the Lions with a couple of Wallaby caps off the bench to his name and his history of concussions. He would have a massive target on his back. My preference is Donno to start and JOC (James O'Connor) off the bench. Noah just hasn’t nailed the position and is leaving.

 

[Strewthcobber]

I think Donaldson is going to be ahead of Lynagh.

Looking more and more likley isn't it. Two concussions and broken finger is not the preparation you want for a Lions test

 

[Hogan]

9. Gordon
10. Lolesio
11. Jorgensen
12. Ikitau
13. JAS
14. Potter
15. Wright

21. McDermott
22. Donaldson
23. Kellaway

Kerevi no chance imo. Donaldson preferred over Lynagh as he also covers 15 and offers more in attack and Kellaway can cover back 3 and centre if required. JOC (James O'Connor) could be a smokey on the bench but his last performance wasn’t convincing.

 

[Major Tom]

9. Gordon
10. Lolesio
11. Jorgensen
12. Ikitau
13. JAS
14. Potter
15. Wright

21. McDermott
22. Donaldson
23. Kellaway

Kerevi no chance imo. Donaldson preferred over Lynagh as he also covers 15 and offers more in attack and Kellaway can cover back 3 and centre if required. JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) could be a smokey on the bench but his last performance wasn’t convincing.

Not sure you can leave Daugunu out of the 23. He comes in for Kellaway at least.

 

[Tomthumb]

Not sure you can leave Daugunu out of the 23. He comes in for Kellaway at least.

I'd prefer Kellaway to be honest

 

[rugbyAU]

I think Donaldson is going to be ahead of Lynagh.

Any chance of JOC (James O'Connor)?

 

[Braveheart81]

Any chance of JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor)?

I'd potentially pick him in the squad but I'm not sure I'd have him in the 23.

A little while ago I thought he was a solid shout to be a specialist bench player and maybe that could still be on the table. I think a lot of it will come down to how much upside he can potentially have there versus integrating a new player in the matchday 23 with limited preparation time.

Clearly JOC (James O'Connor) is very experienced so should slot in pretty seamlessly but likewise I expect there won't be a lot of changes from last year's regulars to help build on that continuity.

 

[Dctarget]

He was not great last week in a dominant 'Saders side.

 

[JRugby2]

He was not great last week in a dominant 'Saders side.

In fairness relative to his season it was a rare off night.

 

[JRugby2]

Any chance of JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor)?

I see him being the glue guy. My bet is that he wears 22/23 for us with Lolo starting. JOC (James O'Connor) off the bench to me gives us more than Dono off the bench, just in big game experience and composure. Second bet is that Dono starts and JOC (James O'Connor) off the bench, Lolo holding pads.

 

[Dctarget]

'cause I'm trying to waste that final 30 minutes of work on a Friday: which team is better? Our predicted 2025 one for Lions match 1 or our 2013 one?

My combined team would be:
1. Bell 2. Moore 3. Ala'alatoa 4. Williams 5. Horwill (c) 6. Valetini 7. Hooper 8. Palu 9. Genia 10. Lolesio (yeah that's right) 11. Ioane 12. Ikitau 13. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) 14. Sua'ali'i 15. Wright 16. Fez 17. Slipper (fuck yeah) 18. Kepu 19. Skelton 20. McReight 21. White 22. JO'C 23. Folau (Folau's debut right? I'd trust Joseph in his 2nd season over Izzy on debut).

2025: 8/15 starters and 3/7 bench, so 11/22.