upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
Yeh i agree. But i have to admit that i have a bit of a man crush on Jordi, therefore i couldn't leave him out of my side and i also wanted Timani at no8 for the sake of the wallabies. Both selfish reasons. haha
It wouldn't surprise me to see
1 Smith
2 Hanson
3 Weekes
4 Jeffries
5 Timani
6 Mafi
7 Reid
8 McMahon
That's just about the most mobile pack in the competition, but is the balance right?
As for Stirzaker being a lock at 9.. I am yet to be overly convinced, Meehan looked far better last year and looked more composed at NRC level. Having a Stirzaker/Meehan 9/10 is also a big no no for me. Its a potential turn style against a team with a dynamic 12 or even if they do make their tackles, the lack of dominance in them would lead to offloads and dangerous second phase play. Not saying either of them are bad tacklers but being a good tackler doesn't make you a good defender, hence my complete distaste of tackle % statistics etc. Winning the contact is just about the most important facet of modern rugby in defense otherwise it will just create quick ball or second phase play and we all know how that went against the kiwi sides last year. I just like the idea of a little bit more size to at least mentally deter opposition teams running at that channel all day.
I think Jordy is the goods also. Then again I also like Fainga'a and think Mcmahon would be a poor 7 for the rebels as it would mess the balance up. Annoyed they got Mafi though also he is so epic (though would be happier with Mafi at the sunwolves) leaving Jeffries, Rettalick, Mcmahon Timani & Reid at the Rebels with Day and Fainga'a off the bench.
Fainga'a should have gone to the Brumbies instead of Alcock. All 3 fingers at the Brumbies.