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Poor HJ bore the brunt of an unhappy rant from me yesterday after I had a chance to see the NSW1-WA game. <snip>
And it was a quality rant and honest analysis and appraisal too. Schoolboy footy is cyclical.
Possible Smokies:
WA: Jooste.
Vic: Leota, Clarken. Coward (15) plays an exciting and unpredictable form of attack but when caught (and he will be by the NZers) he will get rag dolled. He could also be more effective in defence. Not sure the Selectors will take that chance.
ACT: Solid enough team effort, and while no individual particularly caught my eye, one will be one chosen.
CS: McReight. He is behind some quality 7's but look out for this lad next year.
The bulk of the Schoolboy team will come from N1 and Q1, and rightly so. As N2 were a little underdone at the selection table in 2014, I think there will be some disappointed folk in the Q2 camp this year, although there will be the Aust Schools Barbars selection to compensate this year.
N2 is weaker than previous years N2's, particularly in the double digits. Q2 is stronger than 2014 Q2 were. Q1 are significantly stronger than Q1 were in 2014 or 2013 even though their scrum is horrible. N1 is stronger than last year and similar to the 2013 version.
ACT seem weaker than 2014 and 2013 ACT. VIC lack a bit of size but are probably marginally better than last years team. CS haven't knitted together as well as previously, and we usually see their best on the last day.
There is a lot of debate on the several threads about the relative merits of Pocock and Hooper, and some punters have suggested that we should run both Pocock and Hooper. Both N1 and N2 tried similar combinations and IMHO failed. Teams need physically imposing players at 6 and 8, and Q1 have probably got the loose forward balance right.
The Under 19 law variations do not favour or reward dominant scrums, and this was used to Q1 advantage yesterday. There seems to be an unfortunate flow on into the international game where ball playing runners seem to get the nod over pot plant strongmen for the 1, 3, 17 and 18 guernsey.
Yeah sometimes you wish these selectors would take of there goggles and pick a wild card. Give them a chance I say. Whats the worst that could happen?
Getting pantsed by The Darkness. Good preparation for later life in the Wallabies.