Wallabies v Lions - 3rd Test, Accor Stadium, Saturday 2 August

[PhilClinton]

I would be really disappointed if we saw more than maybe 3 changes to the team, taking into consideration that a few of them will be forced.

So much death riding Australian rugby in the previous match thread and I know its gutting that we lost, but it was the most enjoyment I've had watching a Wallaby game in years.

Can't expect to see continuous improvement if we swap out 5-6 players after a game like that. Lets back our players to have a bit of fire in the belly to avenge the loss.

If anything, I'd like to see the subs used a bit differently and hoping that Skelton can go for 65mins with some match fitness under his belt for example.

 

[Joe Blow]

It’s maybe a good chance to push JAS out one and give Paisami a run but he(JAS) will not have much time to train in a new to him position. We need some props and likely we go back to a 5-3 bench. Tizzano out so CDC or Gleeson the backrow reserve. Like everyone else I would have LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) on the bench to replace Skelton when he runs out of steam. If not then Hooper.
Pietsch to take Potters place. The JAS move comes later if at all.

 

[notdeadyet]

McReight, isn't there a better option?

 

[Wilson]

I would be really disappointed if we saw more than maybe 3 changes to the team, taking into consideration that a few of them will be forced.

I mostly agree, but between injuries to Potter, Ala'alatoa, possibly Valetini, Tizzano and Slipper, and a likely reversion to a 5-3 bench I think we're looking at more than 3 changes

 

[Wilson]

McReight, isn't there a better option?

That's a bit greedy, don't you think?

 

[PhilClinton]

I mostly agree, but between injuries to Potter, Ala'alatoa, possibly Valetini, Tizzano and Slipper, and a likely reversion to a 5-3 bench I think we're looking at more than 3 changes

Yes true.

Will be interesting if Schmidt is going to die on the LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) being left outta the team hill or bow to the pressure of the online community and include him as a swap for Williams.

 

[Wilson]

Yes true.

Will be interesting if Schmidt is going to die on the LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) being left outta the team hill or bow to the pressure of the online community and include him as a swap for Williams.

I don't think they ever called him into the squad, so it seems very unlikely he'll be rushed into the side. I think his time will come in the rugby championship, particularly if Skelton isn't there.

 

[Major Tom]

I mostly agree, but between injuries to Potter, Ala'alatoa, possibly Valetini, Tizzano and Slipper, and a likely reversion to a 5-3 bench I think we're looking at more than 3 changes

Yeah, I would only change what you have to. Pietch is the safe bet for Potter but I don't mind a smokey like Toole. Agree bench will probably go to 5-3. I think Robertson should either go to LHP or out of the team completely. I like Gleeson off the bench but I can see him starting if Bobby V doesn't. In that case CDC on the bench. Hooper to come in for Tizzano. McDermott, Daungu or Kellaway, and Donaldson.

 

[Shiggins]

I think I know why th NH fans online are so vocal and retarded. The pornhub ban has given them too much time on their hands. They are usually wankers but now they are taking all their wanking out on the rugby pages

 

[Pfitzy]

Pissing down rain in Sydney staying tomorrow through Saturday in the current forecast. Not sure if it's Toole weather

 

[Rob42]

Pissing down rain in Sydney staying tomorrow through Saturday in the current forecast. Not sure if it's Toole weather

Just watering the field, like for the Tahs game. Seems like the NH players struggle with it.

 

[Tomthumb]

Doran reporting Nic White and Dylan Pietch starting, and Tom Hooper in at 6 with Valetini ruled out and Tupou coming in for AAA

 

[Upthemaroon!]

Would have hoped to see Tate and Tom starting with Nic and Ben coming from the bench. Shame about Valetini, but was really impressed with Hooper. Excited to see how the game goes.

 

[JRugby2]

Tate could realistically be pigeon-holed into being the perennial finisher for his entire career. Good chance the next gen comes along an usurps him for the 9 jersey - not because they will be better but because Tates skills are just so much more impactful in the last quarter than the first.

Needs to lose a lick of agility and add that onto his pass if he wants to be a realistic shot at 9.

 

[Tomthumb]

Tate could realistically be pigeon-holed into being the perennial finisher for his entire career. Good chance the next gen comes along an usurps him for the 9 jersey - not because they will be better but because Tates skills are just so much more impactful in the last quarter than the first.

Needs to lose a lick of agility and add that onto his pass if he wants to be a realistic shot at 9.

True, although with the incoming coach having him as his captain will be interesting to see which way he goes

 

[Yoda]

Would have hoped to see Tate and Tom starting with Nic and Ben coming from the bench. Shame about Valetini, but was really impressed with Hooper. Excited to see how the game goes.

Reverse that. Dead rubber and both 10's need start time. We will miss Valetini. Sydney Morning Herald article today on "Have we found our new 10"? Well, there's a big call.

 

[rugbyAU]

Potentially going to be Whites last test

 

[JRugby2]

Potentially going to be Whites last test

In the most respectful terms possible - I hope it is. Time to move on.

 

[Tomthumb]

Yeah he's been a great servant but it's time to get some of the younger guys experience in the squad

 

[rugbyAU]

Definitely, feel like we could have let him go at the end of 2023 - time for Ryan Lonergan now