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I think this would be the current thinking. And the side selected for the Bledisloe suggests he's comfortable with Gits as a back up 9 if necessary, so Douglas looks to have the inside running. Still a game to go to change their minds. And more importantly, win back our trophy that's gone...

Yeah I've been thinking that too tonight. Ideally Cheika will get to see how Cooper and Giteau combine with To'omua. But he's obviously there as cover for 9 just in case too.

Most of the team didn't surprise - Speight and Palu are obviously part of the world cup squad plans so had to get decent game time. Gits being used as cover for 9,10,12 is something we've all pondered to allow a 6-2 bench and an 18-13 squad split, so he's giving that a crack. Everyone including...

Agree with all of this IF Gits performs well at halfback on Saturday. I think that part is still experimental. If not and we take 3 specialist halfbacks, I think one of Horwill/Mumm/Douglas will make way in a 17-14 split, and all 3 will have plenty to prove on Saturday to make sure it's not them!

I'd guess it will be all but finalised, injury-permitting, on reflection after the Bledisloe. I'd be surprised if they didn't know the 31 on Monday, even if they wait to release it later.

Front row looks right - only 1 spot up for grabs and its the 5th prop. Locks probably right, although there'll only be 4 of them. If any of your "13s" are selected, it'll likely be instead of Horwill or Mumm. Back row pretty much locked in, although Palu may need game time. Scrum halves - I...

Oh really? I didn't know that. Will be hard to pick him in the world cup squad without a game in the TRC.

Cheika said he cramped up a bit late so took him off as a precaution. How much that had to do with playing halfback for a bit I don't know. Suspect he's still not quite back to 80 mins in a Bledisloe fitness. He was certainly a marked improvement on Phipps at half, although that had a lot more...

Well we got a lot of clarity around the make up of the squad tonight! Front Row: Sio's addition at LH has made an extraordinary difference in all 3 tests to date. Suddenly our scrum is a strength rather than a weakness for the first time in decades when he is on the park. The combination with...

3 Pocock 2 White 1 To'omua HM Sio, Kepu, Fardy, Hooper

Looks pretty good to me except Giteau is bound to be there somewhere. They changed selection rules this year mostly to get him. If he is even half decent against the ABs, I'd say he is a certainty for the 31. Most likely for Lilo, outside chance we only carry 2 specialist halfbacks. The other...

Think Giteau will pip Lilo. Not sure if they'll go three specialist halfbacks with him there so may have room for Palu or Mitchell. And still unsure whether Jones/Carter are in contention for Horwill's spot. Otherwise looks spot on to me.

They're the only kicks that get a run in forcings back! Love watching them, particularly when you have time, it's been a surprise to see it go from the main option worldwide to non-existent. I figured the balls must have changed to make them more difficult to execute effectively.

The fly half (and to a lesser extent inside centre) dilemma is becoming the most interesting selection issue. I think while goal kicking is a part of that debate, the main contenders - Cooper, Foley, Gits, To'omua: are all struggling, and the outside chances - Lilo and Beale are no better. It...

By my calcs we now have a final next week against the ABs, winner wins the TRC and a draw sees Wallabies pinch it by 1 for and against point!

3 Pocock 2 Mumm 1 Folau

Is there any chance at all we can play a 6-2 bench with Gits and Mitchell as the only backs? I haven't watched any France stuff so no idea if Giteau has played any HB recently.

I'd have the same starting XV, with all 3 of your ors starting. Think TPN, Horwill and Giteau will be on the bench.

Yeah if Skelton starts, Palu doesn't, and vice versa.

I assume whoever starts 7 will be the VC.