Rugby Championship 2025: South Africa v Australia

[John S]

Beyond that blaming Schmidt for our current position is divorced from reality IMO.

And it's really, really appreciated when the fans of other teams tell us our coach sucks and should have just "coached better".

How many arguments have we had over the years around 10? Too many to count, numerous threads shut down over some contentious 10 calls etc.

 

[Ignoto]

Last minute scramble to bring Edmed into the system when a youngster should have been around and in the process as the third choice.

But Tane was and has been in the system last year and also at the start of the lions campaign.

He was released to play extra games against the Lions to keep him fit.

In Joe's short tenure he can't manufacture an international ready to go fly half from what was available.

 

[whitefalcon]

But Tane was and has been in the system last year and also at the start of the lions campaign.

He was released to play extra games against the Lions to keep him fit.

In Joe's short tenure he can't manufacture an international ready to go fly half from what was available.

Tane is a challenging one as McKellar wasnt playing him

 

[Yoda]

In the earlier trial against Fiji and the 1st Test against the Lions, Donaldson made an immediate impact on the team’s attack when he came on. He sparked the attack…getting the ball to width and space on the edges which Lynagh struggled to do against the Lions. Lynagh simply caught the ball standing still and shovelled it to Ikitau and was never a threat to the defensive line.

It's funny how many people didn't see that.

 

[Strewthcobber]

I don't think we have that much of a development issue, there are other problems.

The last time they played for the Wallabies each of Lolesio, Lynagh and Edmed were significantly injured.

 

[chasmac]

When is the team announced ?

 

[chasmac]

Is Skelton available?

 

[Slim 293]

It's funny how many people didn't see that.

It is... funny.

 

[Major Tom]

I’ll have whatever Blue’s smoking!

 

[Slim 293]

"Hey Joe, I'm worried about the flyhalf supply. After Lolesio, Lynagh and O'Connor, there's only Donaldson and Edmed left!”​

 

[Spamnoodle]

And it's really, really appreciated when the fans of other teams tell us our coach sucks and should have just "coached better".

How many arguments have we had over the years around 10? Too many to count, numerous threads shut down over some contentious 10 calls etc.

It's goes around in concentric circles on every test match thread.

 

[Drew]

To me Schmidt seems to want his starting halves to steer the team around the park, nothing fancy, just basic field position, put the ball in front of the pack and basic organisation. He then wants his reserve halves to up the tempo and exploit the fatigue that the opposition hopefully are experiencing later in the game. He obviously sees Tate and Donno as the reserves.

 

[parkfootyenthusiast2]

I am glad someone got the reference haha

Hahah "I want some answers that Nick Phipps might not have right now"

 

[parkfootyenthusiast2]

Perhaps the 'development' of Donaldson includes not throwing him to the wolves in an environment they're not confident he can handle? Playing JOC (James O'Connor) at 10 doesn't neccessarily help your World Cup prep but it does if it gives Donaldson more time to gain confidence as he works into starting 10 in future outings.

Further, are we really sure O'Connor couldn't be a bench utility when the World cup rolls around? 37 isnt THAT old....

 

[Joe Blow]

Donaldson got the same problem' McDermott has, too good off the bench for Schmidt to start lol

No. His game is not solid enough to control the game. JOCs is limited but he has been around the block a few times.
Its a good choice in this situation.

 

[parkfootyenthusiast2]

Yeah Donno slightly different to McDermott in that I think Tate would be a great starting 9 regardless - not sure I could say the same about Ben, but what I meant is that I think Schmidt has them both pigeon holed into that bench sparkplug role, for better or worse.

 

[Joe Blow]

What do you gain from playing JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor)? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. You do not increase your chances of winning. You do not build for the future. You are an outgoing coach who wants to save face.

The fact that there are no alternatives after the Lynagh and Lolesio injuries falls squarely on Scmidt. He should have had another youngster in the wings, working in the system from the start of the season.

Terrible planning.

Unless we all agree that there is literally nobody who as worth having 9in th squad and I donlt believe that. Even having Debrezsini around would have been a better idea.

JOC (James O'Connor) is a lot more robust than any of the other options. His defence is good and he can stick to a basic game plan. Better for him to do that for 50-60 minutes and let Donaldson come in when the game opens up.

 

[Tomthumb]

JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) is a lot more robust than any of the other options. His defence is good and he can stick to a basic game plan. Better for him to do that for 50-60 minutes and let Donaldson come in when the game opens up.

He averaged 24 minutes a games this year

 

[Joe Blow]

He averaged 24 minutes a games this year

Yes. Not ideal but it is going to be as rough a test match atmosphere as is possible. I think he is better equipped to deal with it than the other two.
If he fails then it’s not the end of the world. Maybe Donno comes on early if it’s going well? Who knows. Losing Lolesio and then Lynagh in succession is very unfortunate.

 

[Spamnoodle]

He averaged 24 minutes a games this year

This does not mean he can't last more minutes, it's just how his club saw fit to play him. The guy knows what's required of him.