France v Australia

[qwerty51]

Ireland's set piece was horrendous. However everything else was outstanding.

 

[Ash]

We've smashed Ireland in the scrum before on various EOYTs over the last 6 or so years, off and on, if I remember correctly. We've been up and down with beating them, though, with a few ties I think?

 

[Muglair]

I have been watching test rugby for 45 years and the two things I think I learned this year are that if Australia is to win consistently it has to generally be confident of scoring more tries than the opposition and we have to accept that, unlike NZ SA and Eng, all of our big bruising impact loose forwards play in the NRL.

The biggest issue is that we have to be technically strong at the set piece. The line out went well on the weekend I thought, mainly due to what looked like highly accurate throwing. Although I am open to suggestion by those who watched more closely that Wales did not really contest.

The scrum was also going well I thought, at least in the first half. The first couple of penalties to Wales were a bit dodgy. However after half time Wales started to hold the ball in. I have noticed in a couple of games that Hooper starts to stand up and lean on his prop when the ball is lost. We are then exposed to a second shove. Certainly the first scrum under our posts was being held until both Hooper and McMahon started coming up. I didn't notice Skelton in the first scrum but his arse was hard to miss in the rest.

A mate of mine is fascinated by such things as pre scrum binding and he pointed out the Waratah locks started every scrum from their knees. Sloppy and casual binding is something that periodically raises its head (good pun that!) and I cannot understand why that can happen. Despite all of the snickering about Robinson coaching the Tahs scrum, maybe it might be an improvement.

Any bets on Foley and Larkham being assistants for the RWC post 2015 super rugby?

On another note. I don't see any value trying combinations out now. We have been chopping and changing for three years now. Time to pick a team and start winning. Guys like Genia, Cooper and Speight just have not played any football. Time off the bench would be great, starting them for fun is a bad idea.

 

[Braveheart81]

If Cheika genuinely wants to give everyone a crack on tour, I'd start Luke Jones at 6 in this game.

Even if Higgers is available, I'd leave him out of the side this week. We'll want him starting against Ireland and England so there's no point rushing him back after a hamstring injury.

I'd potentially start To'omua and Speight in this game. To'omua and Leali'ifano for the 12 jersey is a bit up in the air at the moment and this seems like as good a game as any to debut Speight. I thought Tomane was good though and on current form should be a starter against England in our toughest match on paper.

 

[Brumby Runner]

So the perennial question arises. Should we stick with the winning team at all costs or should we use a test match to try out other options?

I think Cheika will stick to most of his starting team but might be tempted to give others a bit of time off the bench.

In the starting team, if Higgers is fit I can see him returning, probably at 6 in place of McMahon. Can't really see any other change to the forwards, although Horwill starting could give Simmons a rest on the bench as there is little between the way they both play. I am inclined to think Carter will continue to start as I think Cheika is working on his game to introduce more aggression and he will persist with that at least for a while. Front row picks itself, as do Hooper and for the moment McCalman.

Starting backline will remain much the same as well. Could see Henry Speight getting a crack as the only potential change. If so, I believe it will be in place of AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) who will go to the bench as wing/fullback cover.

The bench is where he could make a few changes. I think Cheika will be pleased with Ben Alexander's impact in general play against the Welsh and will probably go with the same reserve props and hooker. But, it is time for Luke Jones to be given another chance and he can cover both 6 and 8. I really can't see Skelton being persisted with. He offers nothing at lineout time and is a liability at scrum time. His play around the ground generally just doesn't compensate for his core deficiencies. Therefore a bench of Fainga'a, Faukner, Alexander, Simmons and Jones.

The back's bench is an opportunity to make some changes also. White on for Genia to gauge the best option for No 9 cover in upcoming tests; Quade to get a good 30 minutes hitout and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) to cover outside backs. To'omua again very unlucky to miss out.

Any outstanding performances off the bench, especially by Jones or Cooper could see some change in the starting lineups in future, but I don't think there will be much change to the starters for the remainder of the EOYT.

 

[rugbysmartarse]

The first scrum Skelton had last night was good. He got good, low body positioning and the scrum was actually moving forward, but after about 10 minutes of play his scrum positioning went to shit. Im guessing partly a fatigue thing coupled with lack of concentration. I'm not so sure Skelton's scrum work cant be fixed with a bit of old fashioned elbow grease.

besides, Skelton as a test prospect is a worthwhile investment, even if there are growing pains.

Agree with this. The scrum before we conceded the penalty try Skelton lost contact with Horwill and the second row split badly. It's hard to tell how it happened - he may have nbeen too loose, the prop's hips could have shifted, lots of possible reasons.

Also agree with Gnostic's comments - blades has worked with 3 consecutive coaches now, and if he's not up to it maybe he should be the one to move on? We've dumped head coaches for much less

 

[fatprop]

Blades isn't the issue, it is not have 6 decent scrummaging front rowers, Kepu and Slipper get the job done, but without decent, viable bench options both play too many minutes

 

[Dctarget]

1. Slipper
2. FTS
3. Kepu
4. Horwill
5. Carter
6. Higgers
7. Hooper
8. McCalman
9. Phipps
10. Foley
11. Tomane
12. Lealiifano
13. Kuridrani
14. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
15. Folau
16. Hanson
17. Faulkner
18. Alexander
19. Carter
20. Hodgson
21. Genia
22. Cooper
23. Speight

Tough on Horne, To'omua and McMahon, but I think Hodgson is more versatile. To'omua and Horne are known quantities and a bit optimistically I've included Cooper and Speight because I think they have higher ceilings.

 

[Braveheart81]

Blades isn't the issue, it is not have 6 decent scrummaging front rowers, Kepu and Slipper get the job done, but without decent, viable bench options both play too many minutes

I'd be tempted to give Robinson a start this week and then Alexander a start the weekend after giving Slipper and Kepu a game on the bench each.

The idea being that it will strengthen our scrum late in the game by having one of our best props coming off the bench.

It also gives the guys who we need to improve a chance to play more minutes. We have a huge difference between our starting props and reserve props both at scrumtime and in general play. As such, our starting props have played huge minutes this year and it becomes a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy that our bench props are weak because they get very few minutes to play.

Slipper and Kepu would then both start against England to field our best front row for our last and probably hardest game.

 

[Joe Blow]

We cannot do much about the back up props except to work on Faulkner, Cowan and Sio when he returns.
The two Ben(n)s are know quantities but it has to be said that they have put some of the best scrums in the business to the sword at times. Scrummaging is an 8 man deal and we need our back 5 to be effective if we are going to get back to having a consistently good scrum.
Having a bit of beef on the side doesn't hurt either.

 

[Joe Blow]

Also, both Stephen Moore and TPN will improve our scrum immeasurably.
Other test sides generally take a step down as well when their bench front rowers enter the fray.
We are not that far off and I think that Skelton was fatigued during that scrum marathon and he just couldn't maintain his form and the pressure behind Kepu. Would have been nice to have Fardy there to back him up.

 

[hammertimethere]

We want to win all games on tour and establish the style and playing group that will carry us forward through 2015. No wholesale changes, only tinkering. Horwill in for one of the 2nd rowers (on last weeks stats I'd say Simmons), Higgers to return if fit, if not give Jones an opportunity with McMahon on the bench. Cooper to come on to the bench. Speight to get a chance.

Not major shuffles, just little bits

 

[I like to watch]

Blades isn't the issue, it is not have 6 decent scrummaging front rowers, Kepu and Slipper get the job done, but without decent, viable bench options both play too many minutes

Yep, it's the same old story.
It's our lack of depth,not the standard of our coaches that has been the issue since Adam was a boy.
On our day,at full strength,we are up with the best of them.
Unfortunately that is a rare occurrence.

 

[Viking]

Tough on Horne, To'omua and McMahon, but I think Hodgson is more versatile. To'omua and Horne are known quantities and a bit optimistically I've included Cooper and Speight because I think they have higher ceilings.

I like your squad. I agree about Hodgson, he has also provided great impact from the bench recently. More-so then the others. Some key turnovers have been crucial.

 

[fatprop]

We cannot do much about the back up props except to work on Faulkner, Cowan and Sio when he returns.
The two Ben(n)s are know quantities but it has to be said that they have put some of the best scrums in the business to the sword at times. Scrummaging is an 8 man deal and we need our back 5 to be effective if we are going to get back to having a consistently good scrum.
Having a bit of beef on the side doesn't hurt either.

The challenge is there is that they are all LHPs THPs is the issue

 

[Scrubber2050]

Skelton has been around for a while, at S15 level particularly.

You don't =have to be a brain surgeon to know or be taught how to push......

The scrum was good with both Carter and Simmons but went to shit on Keps side because of Skelton and to a lesser degree James Hanson.

If you are not effecticve at set piece (as a lock) then go back to club land and learn your trade.

 

[Teh Other Dave]

1. Slipper
2. FTS
3. Kepu
4. Horwill
5. Carter
6. Higgers
7. Hooper
8. McCalman
9. Phipps
10. Foley
11. Tomane
12. Lealiifano
13. Kuridrani
14. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
15. Folau
16. Hanson
17. Faulkner
18. Alexander
19. Carter
20. Hodgson
21. Genia
22. Cooper
23. Speight

Tough on Horne, To'omua and McMahon, but I think Hodgson is more versatile. To'omua and Horne are known quantities and a bit optimistically I've included Cooper and Speight because I think they have higher ceilings.

You've got Carter in there twice, are you putting Simmons on the bench and donning Skelton in a suit and tie?

 

[RugbyReg]

The challenge is there is that they are all LHPs THPs is the issue

I remember Link saying they were keen to trial Sio at THP and Bernie Larkham was happy to make this happen. Wonder what Cheika's thoughts on this and if Bernie is as willing to experiment when a request comes from an opposition coach?

 

[hammertimethere]

1 Slipper
2 FTS
3 Kepu
4 Carter or Simmons
5 Kev
6 Jones or Hodgo (rest Higgers even if fit)
7 Hooper
8 Big Dog

9 Phipps
10 Foley
11 Tomane
12 Lilo
13 TK
14 AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
15 Izzy

16 Hanson
17 Tetera or Robbo
18 Hinge (cringe)
19 Skelton
20 Hodgo or McMahon
21 Genia
22 Cooper
23 Speight

 

[Forcefield]

I remember Link saying they were keen to trial Sio at THP and Bernie Larkham was happy to make this happen. Wonder what Cheika's thoughts on this and if Bernie is as willing to experiment when a request comes from an opposition coach?

I wouldn't have thought that would be in the Brumbies best interests unless Alexander wants to play LHP. Brumbies have Ruan Smith and Alan Ala'alatoa as other options at THP. Why have four?

I'd anticipate the Force move Faulkner to 3 (he played there in 2013). Between Faulkner, PAE and possibly a resurgent Greg Holmes, there might be some good options come June next year.