Rugby Championship 2025: South Africa v Australia

[Heavyd]

I’m really warming to Frost. Sure he doesn’t bend the line with his carries but his work rate is immense, always plays 80 and is an excellent support player.

 

[Uh huh]

I am one who questions Tom Wright. When the game is going wrong he's a liability, but when the rest go well he goes well. My problem with him is the D, he always seems to be missing in final line ie the Boks second try.
A mate of mine thinks he might go better at outside centre, where his size, close D and ball skills could be used. Maybe correct as Joesph ain't going well in the D.

One of the most enjoyable Wallaby games I have watched in 50 years!

He spent his first two years at the Brumbies in a tussle for the 12 jersey until Irae Simone made it his. Anything that allows Ikitau to return to 13 has got to be an improvement, and I'd be less concerned about Sua'ali'i's defensive reads if he was at fullback (or on the wing, with Jorgensen at fullback).

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Do you reckon it’s somewhat similiar to a NSW fan suggesting Foley should have been called into the squad at all?

Not close IMO and that suggestion was over Hamish Stewart since we are thin at 10.

I reckon he would be a good inclusion but we also should select with an eye to 27 so I understand not doing it for the health of a wider group.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

He spent his first two years at the Brumbies in a tussle for the 12 jersey until Irae Simone made it his. Anything that allows Ikitau to return to 13 has got to be an improvement, and I'd be less concerned about Sua'ali'i's defensive reads if he was at fullback (or on the wing, with Jorgensen at fullback).

I reckon JS will be fine and these games along with the Lions are going to speed up his learning.

Jorgo is also making himself the prime Winger with his ability to pounce on moments.

 

[TSR]

Not close IMO and that suggestion was over Hamish Stewart since we are thin at 10.

I reckon he would be a good inclusion but we also should select with an eye to 27 so I understand not doing it for the health of a wider group.

But that’s my point. You think it’s a good inclusion. I think it’s a ridiculous suggestion - even with our current injury list.

But of course my views on Wilson & Foley are because I am one eyed, whilst your comments are based on rational judgement.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I’m ranking the idea of Stewart v Foley as potential Wallaby 10s. Foley has had plenty of shit moments and been called out for it. That’s the point I’ve been making. Some players seem not allowed to be criticised.

Tbh Max Burey or Meredith would be a better 10 than Stewart.

 

[TSR]

Yes. I understood completely what you were doing.

 

[rugbyAU]

So if both Pietsch and Wilson are out next week

Start Kellaway and bring Toole off the bench

and start Gleeson at 8 and then it depends on Valetini

 

[stillmissit]

I reckon JS will be fine and these games along with the Lions are going to speed up his learning.

JS is not a dumb player, but he is struggling at 13, and it's obvious. I agree with Mortlock that the rest of this season on the wing would help him. He is amazingly fast, it surprised me. On that break he scored from, I thought the winger would pick him up easily, and he just pulled away from him.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Surely Valetini gets the start with Gleeson staying on the bench.

Does Toole start being a specialist and a point of difference. Squad is thin and Kellaway offers cover.

 

[TSR]

I think if Valetini is fit he starts. Run him for as long as he can, then bring your reserve back rower from the bench.

 

[Uh huh]

So if both Pietsch and Wilson are out next week

Start Kellaway and bring Toole off the bench

and start Gleeson at 8 and then it depends on Valetini

Given Hooper's performances in Valetini's absence, is it worth considering starting both, and bringing Gleeson on after 45 minutes to manage Valetini's workload?

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

JS is not a dumb player, but he is struggling at 13, and it's obvious. I agree with Mortlock that the rest of this season on the wing would help him. He is amazingly fast, it surprised me. On that break he scored from, I thought the winger would pick him up easily, and he just pulled away from him.

It’s the big strides. He summed up what was happening at first and then realised it was open so he went for it.

I think the 10 situation has Schmidt wanting a guy like Len close to the play. He’s a great brain who takes pressure off the 10. JS right now couldn’t do that.

Is a valid point about Wing though. Mortlock did start out there for the Wallabies right?

 

[TSR]

JS is not a dumb player, but he is struggling at 13, and it's obvious. I agree with Mortlock that the rest of this season on the wing would help him. He is amazingly fast, it surprised me. On that break he scored from, I thought the winger would pick him up easily, and he just pulled away from him.

We are already invested with him at 13. Might as well continue now. He is having his issues but he’s also doing more than enough good stuff to warrant persevering. Especially seeing we’ve won our last two and his contribution has been a net positive in both.

 

[stillmissit]

Will MCRight be captain? I hope so.

 

[stillmissit]

It’s the big strides. He summed up what was happening at first and then realised it was open so he went for it.

I think the 10 situation has Schmidt wanting a guy like Len close to the play. He’s a great brain who takes pressure off the 10. JS right now couldn’t do that.

Is a valid point about Wing though. Mortlock did start out there for the Wallabies right?

Yeah! I think Mortlock had 2 seasons on the wing. Don't get me wrong, I am not about shuffling the team around so much as building what we need for 27!

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

We are already invested with him at 13. Might as well continue now. He is having his issues but he’s also doing more than enough good stuff to warrant persevering. Especially seeing we’ve won our last two and his contribution has been a net positive in both.

The more Len and JS play together the better as well with it likely they are a pairing at the WC all going well. May shift at Super Rugby but these are valuable mins given they play at different franchises.

Makes Lynaghs injury suck even more. Having those 3 get games would have been great when they all play separately for most of the year.

 

[Uh huh]

Surely Valetini gets the start with Gleeson staying on the bench.

Does Toole start being a specialist and a point of difference. Squad is thin and Kellaway offers cover.

I think having Toole on the bench limits South Africa's ability to structure their game (strategy and selections) to target him, which they absolutely would, given he's on the small side and will be on debut. Coming on late means he'll face a slower and less structured defence, which will suit his game well.

 

[LeCheese]

We are already invested with him at 13. Might as well continue now. He is having his issues but he’s also doing more than enough good stuff to warrant persevering. Especially seeing we’ve won our last two and his contribution has been a net positive in both.

I agree - but, if Pietsch is out, I also don't completely hate the idea of moving JAS to wing, Ikitau to 13, and Paisami (or even O'Connor - don't crucify me) to 12.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Don’t hate it with how he played. I was impressed by the effort over the course of the game given he’s played 20-25 mins all year.

Does it mean Edmed to 10?