Recent content by matt james

3. Pocock 2. Fardy 1. Genia HM Beale.

@ Biggsy I wish people would stop conflating Hunt's situation to that of the Bali 9 members. The situation in Bali has sweet f*ck all to do with what happened with Hunt. I am happy Hunt pleaded guilty (not just because of the 'weak' punishment) but because it means he and the club can move on -...

The only possible problem with JOC (James O'Connor) is his attitude. However I cannot foresee this being an issue next year. By coming to the reds he is giving up money (obviously will be on less than at Toulon) in order to have a shot at the world cup. He wouldn't make that choice unless he planned on behaving...

Over the last month I have become increasingly despondent about the Wallabies chances at the next world cup. My main worry isn't an inability to play to Cheika's game plan, its that Cheika will go ahead in trying to balance the Tahs and the Wallabies. Surely he will have since realised the need...

When I say I have given up I am basically saying (well trying to anyway) that I want the team to show improvement and try new partnerships; I don't really care if we don't win at this stage. I would defend my statement by pointing to Chieka's desire to give everyone in the squad game time. I am...

I have kind of given up on this tour; I like the idea of abandoning any semblance of continuity and just testing positions. 9. Phipps 10. To'omua 11. Speight. 12. Goodwin 13. TK 14. Folau 15. QC (Quade Cooper). Would certainly not be our best back-line but I would be interested to see how they go. Also can...

Quade has also hit 100% goal kicking/drop goal wise this tour; he kicked 100% against the barbarians. You cannot say Foley is the better player based of place kicking alone like many on this forum suggest. If Quade returns to form he will retake the jersey, that should be clear to all. They are...

Over the last week my opinion of Horne has changed a lot. I thought he was a little bloke trying to play crash-ball style rugby to little effect; obviously that was wrong. Given he is only 25 and has such versatility I think he is likely to perform a similar role to ACC over the next few years.

My dream backline 9. Genia 10. Quade 11.Speight 12. To'omua 13. TK 14. Izzy 15. Hunt. Obviously nothing more than a pipe dream but then again one can always dream. Haven't seen anything from Hunt but he has a ton of potential in my mind. Back to the current tour, I don't think Quade or...

Certainly didn't have Foley as my MOTM. I really think Aus should re-evaluate how to play when they have penalty advantage. I mean high risk reward plays like kicks out wide to Isreal or the wingers. They only seem to try and hit it up in the forwards and end up going sideways. I am not that...

I think Foley's kicking out of hand has been woeful. However as long as he kicks like this off the tea I don't really give a shit.

The commentators are talking about the game getting loser with fatigue and the potential for the defence to get worse. I really don't think that is a possibility.

I am in a near perpetual state of fear when Skelton plays - can't really explain why. Horwill on for Cater and Hodgo for Mcmahon immediately. I can't see us winning a world cup with this style of play, I guess it is still only early days though.

Terrible grubber. I have only now realised that references to Jake Ball are to a player and not to a style of play; earlier posts on this forums suddenly make more sense.

@ Cyclopath My point was more generally that neither Alexander nor Robinson should/will be in the world cup squad - injuries permitting. I agree that in the coming tests they will have to select Robinson and Alexander on the bench. I just hate the fact that they didn't take Alo-Emile or some...