2025 Bledisloe Cup Series

[HogansHeros]

Just need the backline to figure itself out and get some continuity
Need to find a way to get Sua'ali'i and Toole more involved
ATM it’s all ikatau or nothing in that backline

When JAS first debuted, we were using him with some attacking chip kicks, so he could assert some dominance in the air, and setting up some offloads when he was 1 on 1. The plan seems to have changed drastically from that and he really doesnt get much of a chance to be involved. He could be an asset if we can work it out.

 

[Yoda]

Please save us Stan... Sonny 'Bro'..... great player.... terrible commentator... he's on Between Two Posts now.. offers nothing... Hooper makes Sonny sound even worse.

 

[Spamnoodle]

Is the Bledisole up for grabs this weekend?

No
But a test match is.
A drawn series is better than a lost series.

 

[dru]

When JAS first debuted, we were using him with some attacking chip kicks, so he could assert some dominance in the air, and setting up some offloads when he was 1 on 1. The plan seems to have changed drastically from that and he really doesnt get much of a chance to be involved. He could be an asset if we can work it out.

I do see JAS unique athleticism, but I feel he has had his shot at 13 and we are far better with Ikitau to out centre. JAS didn't work too good shifting in the 12 either, noting it was a forced unexpected test.

My preference right now would be to try Daugunu as a bash it up 12 and Ikitau to 13. JAS might get a shot at 15 when both Wright and Kellaway out. Jorgensen went fine but not enough to hold out a test for JAS.

 

[Adam84]

Please save us Stan... Sonny 'Bro'..... great player.... terrible commentator... he's on Between Two Posts now.. offers nothing... Hooper makes Sonny sound even worse.

unbearable

 

[rugbyAU]

No
But a test match is.
A drawn series is better than a lost series.

I agree - no such thing as dead rubber internationally, look at that third Lions test, World rankings on offer every game - this weekend is practically a must win for us to come away with something before the EOYT and have evidence we’re turning a corner

 

[HogansHeros]

I do see JAS unique athleticism, but I feel he has had his shot at 13 and we are far better with Ikitau to out centre. JAS didn't work too good shifting in the 12 either, noting it was a forced unexpected test.

My preference right now would be to try Daugunu as a bash it up 12 and Ikitau to 13. JAS might get a shot at 15 when both Wright and Kellaway out. Jorgensen went fine but not enough to hold out a test for JAS.

I agree, give him a shot at 15, might need to work on kick return.

Not sure why edmed didnt come on at 12?

 

[TSR]

This will not be popular, but Tizzano is outplaying Fraser atm. He should start and Fraser needs a rest, out altogether. For the record, I think Fraser is our best No 7 but he's sorely out of form right now.

I also believe that whenever we have three or more other Locks available, eg, Frost, Skelton, Williams and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Hooper is a backrower only. But he and Valetini are essential in the 23, so no more playing two No 7s please. Tom H is as adept at turnovers or winning penalties at the breakdown as either McReight or Tizzano but much more effective in the heavy stuff. If the No 7 goes down in a game, Hooper is well credentialed to fill in off the bench.

No so much that it’s unpopular. I just think you’re wrong.

You’ve been on this horse for a while now and whilst I think it’s great that your always willing to swim against the tide of opinion, and often I agree with you I struggle to see how you can call McReight out of form. Earlier during the super rugby season - sure. He seemed to be struggling with his shoulder. But over the international season he’s been consistently one of our best.

 

[Tomikin]

Is the Bledisole up for grabs this weekend?

No but the Rugby Championship is

 

[rugbyAU]

Injury update:

- Scott Barrett and Clarke set to be fit
- McDermott had scans today
- Tom Hooper fit after HIA
- Dylan Pietsch is back to Wallabies training for non-contact work

 

[Mr Pilfer]

Agree with the calls to give Tizzano a start in his home state, will have a massive game and always good for at least one try. Mcreight can have a rest and hooper to cover 7 off the bench

 

[Yoda]

By starting Carlo it's just a rotation, not that Fraser is out of form or dropped. He comes off the bench. It's just giving more minutes to other squad members. Not saying Schmidt will do this but it wouldn't be a slight against Fraser if he did.

 

[Tomthumb]

No but the Rugby Championship is

That is South Africa's to lose. They embarrassed Argentina last week

 

[Tomthumb]

No
But a test match is.
A drawn series is better than a lost series.

I'm not saying I don't want to win, but at some point we need to win a trophy if we want to be taken seriously. I've watched us win too many games after the series is gone, it's time to win the games where trophy's are actually at stake

 

[Backintheolddays]

This will not be popular, but Tizzano is outplaying Fraser atm. He should start and Fraser needs a rest, out altogether. For the record, I think Fraser is our best No 7 but he's sorely out of form right now.

I also believe that whenever we have three or more other Locks available, eg, Frost, Skelton, Williams and LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), Hooper is a backrower only. But he and Valetini are essential in the 23, so no more playing two No 7s please. Tom H is as adept at turnovers or winning penalties at the breakdown as either McReight or Tizzano but much more effective in the heavy stuff. If the No 7 goes down in a game, Hooper is well credentialed to fill in off the bench.

While it impacts the effectiveness of our bench I think we could even consider starting Hooper at 7. Won’t be as quick but in the first half of a test physically more important. As game opens up can move to 6 or be replaced.

 

[Brumby Runner]

By starting Carlo it's just a rotation, not that Fraser is out of form or dropped. He comes off the bench. It's just giving more minutes to other squad members. Not saying Schmidt will do this but it wouldn't be a slight against Fraser if he did.

I disagree about Fraser coming off the bench. That is keeping one of our better (or more needed) players out of the side altogether, eg, one of Hooper, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) or Williams, assuming Skelton will be in the team.

In case Fraser does start, then my comment would apply equally to Tizzano. One No 7 in the 23 is enough with Hooper able to fill the 7 spot in case of emergency.

 

[The Phoenix]

Outplayed by HMP yesterday...

Disagree

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

You're right, HMP kicked all his goals and looked good behind a dominant pack. I just like Donno's uncanny speed and big boot. He is frustrating with a few errors in his game and I guess that is what Joe sees, although what 10 doesn't? Reds definitely showed some young talent and deserved their win. Force forwards were outclassed.

This is it.

He backed Noah at every opportunity as he's the safest pair of hands. He has then gone with Lynagh, JOC (James O'Connor) and Edmed who would all be rated as safer than Donaldson regardless of other attributes.

When none truly shine in the position it seems they are attempting to limit the bad as much as possible and the side has been more competitive in games.

I'd be more inclined to run Donaldson at 15 and shift Jorgo back to a Wing in place of one of either Toole or Potter. Jorgo isn't any bigger but he makes better reads and positions himself to at least take a guy down. A lot of arms attempts on the weekend.

 

[stillmissit]

View attachment 23431

He's not supporting his bodyweight, he's not on the ball here and he has an All Blacks player bound onto him so the ruck is formed.

Yeah BR, I get it now. I couldn't see it in slow mo and that is my only excuse. Strewth and you are correct, still don't like the ref but!!!!

 

[Dctarget]

What does he even mean by this? Guy is an utter plum at the best of times, not surprising to hear he has yet another moronic take

I actually have a bit of time for Tim generally. He's making a concerted effort to support the game and be positive. Maybe the bar is low in comparison to his colleague that absolute flying fuckwit JB. But Tim's stuff during the Lions was good and no one wants ref bashing. He's also appreciated that their podcast sucks and his youtube channel is way better.

I think Stan cop it a lot because it's weirdly becoming the international broadcaster (I'd suggest because they're the most professional with the best coverage). So, international fans get Aussie broadcasters. If they were to get French commentators on a French game, or god forbid Saffa commentators on a Springboks game they would be blown away by the bias.