Strewthcobber
Mark Ella (57)
If we had a Whitelock and Retallick we wouldn't be having this conversation......
Wallabies 2024
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Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Sure, but aside from all of the most recent tests he played for the Wallabies where he was routinely judged as being one of the best on ground...
eastman
Arch Winning (36)
World Cup rugby is completely different- when has he performed in a rugby championship game?
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Last year, apparently...
2023 G&GR POTY
No more games this year so its time to run through the votes for the year - Bronwlow style. Game 1 v South Africa in Pretoria - South Africa win 43-12 (Tom Hooper, Zane Nonggorr, Richie Arnold and Carter Gordon debut) 9 players polled points. Top three were: 3 - Marika Koroibete 2 - Nick...
www.greenandgoldrugby.com
eastman
Arch Winning (36)
So that one time he was able to collect a single point in a game we lost by 30 points? Are you intentionally being obtuse.
This guys meant to be the best player in the world.
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Two times, in three RC games.
Each of Skelton's involvements with the Wallabies has been progressively better. It wasn't great when he came in with no preparation to join them on the 2021 EOYT but then got better in 2022 and a lot better in 2023.
It is pretty clear to me that the main aspect was just getting more time with the squad.
I would select him to start for the Wallabies whenever possible in a heartbeat.
dru
Tim Horan (67)
Let's say that Schmidt can select, maintain consistency and and build min 2 primary starting back rowers, and a bench back rower, and a bench lock, who are primary jumpers, whether Skelton is present or not. And those selections work with a pack strategy in his absence that doesn't require a similar function from someone else, or we have a starter who can do that with a modicum of ability in that role.
And the usual issue of northern hemisphere Wallabies having limited time with training build up and the game plan -0 in the absence of a need to flip strategy when he is or is not there - yeah OK.
FWIW don't necessarily see that list as impossible, especially with the extraordinary back row options we have in 2024. Schmidt might even be the bloke to pull it together.
I really don't see our selections changing based on Skelton.
The only one I would hesitate against picking would be a starting backrow of Wilson, McReight, Valetini. I have balance concerns with that regardless of the locks though. If Wilson continues to play at this level though we might have to give it a try and see.
No longer having a glaring hole at 6 or 8 certainly helps us with balance in the pack.
The only one I would hesitate against picking would be a starting backrow of Wilson, McReight, Valetini. I have balance concerns with that regardless of the locks though. If Wilson continues to play at this level though we might have to give it a try and see.
No longer having a glaring hole at 6 or 8 certainly helps us with balance in the pack.
stillmissit
Chilla Wilson (44)
Skelton is a class lock and I thought as capt. and player he tried to lift a team that was unliftable. If he's not there in the big games Arnold had better improve his game.
Derpus
George Gregan (70)
Arnold need not be there IMO. Either of them. No slight on Richie but pretty sure he got selected purely to spite Rory.
Strewthcobber
Mark Ella (57)
Presumably Rory sat home watching his brother while wiping the tears away with $1.5m worth of 10000 yen notes
Mr Pilfer
Bob Loudon (25)
Yes the non selection of Hooper and Cooper gets all the headlines but the Richie Arnold selection was another shocker by Eddie and then of course he was too arrogant to stop picking him. Dropping Kellaway to start the World Cup was another
A mutterer
Chilla Wilson (44)
I think skelton should be picked, he's good enough so he should play.
The big question mark for me is captain. As old school as it may sound we'd do well to have a captain unafraid to give a spray to someone on the field who made a major mistake, like kolisi's "do your job or get off the field".
The big question mark for me is captain. As old school as it may sound we'd do well to have a captain unafraid to give a spray to someone on the field who made a major mistake, like kolisi's "do your job or get off the field".
Bullrush
John Hipwell (52)
That would be a loooong hard argument.
Would Skelton make any Team of the Tournament for any of the international tournaments he's played in?
whitefalcon
Bob Loudon (25)
If fit I think 7As (Allan Ala'alatoa) will be a strong contender for captain.
The challenge with props as captains is their time on field, 50 minutes? So who leads for the backend?
