Bledisloe #4 New Zealand vs Australia Nov 7 2020
- Thread starter Dismal Pillock
- Start date
wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
He really stepped up, I thought. Very pleasing to see him perform like this, I for one was in favour of bringing Latu back, now I am sure we have the hookers here that we need for the long haul.
dru
Tim Horan (67)
Yes, great to see you back Dave.
Joe Blow
Peter Sullivan (51)
Both hookers looked the goods on the weekend. I am a massive fan of Ueleses but have to admit he was disappointing a couple of weeks ago. He might be carrying an injury as he was not involved for Aus A?
BPA in particular has stepped it up.
Viking
Mark Ella (57)
He put in a great attacking touch-finder in game 1 (i think), and made a solid clearance kick in Bled 4. Two solid kicks. So I think theirs hope for Paisami's kicking game.
Viking
Mark Ella (57)
yes Fainga looked good from the bench, and probably some impact with a solid run. I like him as the bench Hooker.
Dave Beat
Paul McLean (56)
People perhaps had too harsh a judgement on Hodge prior to this match. He's still a pro rugby player and coaches love him, which means that he knows what he is doing and works his butt off. So he can just go out there and play anywhere. He's still not a great option at any position and people saying he should be used at 12, or regularly playing 10? No, no and no. He did exactly what he is suited for today: being the third option and being able to come in and replace someone injured. Literally anywhere in the backline save 9.
I wouldn't be shocked if Liam Williams, Elliot Daly, Jordie Barrett, James Lowe etc... could step in to play 10 for one game and do fairly well and Hodge has more experience there.
I wouldn't be shocked if Liam Williams, Elliot Daly, Jordie Barrett, James Lowe etc... could step in to play 10 for one game and do fairly well and Hodge has more experience there.
eastman
Arch Winning (36)
He's actually quite similar to where Laumape was a couple of years ago; powerful and robust in contact with limitations on his distribution.. It would be great for Australian rugby to actually invest and support/ pressure him develop a broader range of skills like the All Blacks did Laumape.
eastman
Arch Winning (36)
But is he the best 12 in Australia? To'omua provides all the qualities mentioned above with more finesse (and a slightly higher propensity to get injured) and vision.
Viking
Mark Ella (57)
To'omua also has a habit of kicking away possession and missing tackles going for big hits. Plus he is 30 and will be 34 at next RWC, whereas Hodge is only 28.
I like the idea of them battling it out and we choose the one in form. Then in 2 years time, Hodge will be battling it out with Simone, Paisami, Stewart etc.
Competition for spots is a good thing. I don't like the idea of "well theres already a player slightly better then him so let's move positions". If 12 is HIS best position, then back himself and stay there.
Although, happy for him to back himself for 15 too. Just needs to stay in one spot.
BDA
Peter Johnson (47)
Based on this year's form, I'd select To'omua ahead of the rest. I don't think his age is a reason we should be looking elsewhere for the next world cup. He'll be 33 by my calculations. Dan Carter was 33 when he won player of the tournament in 2015, as was Matt Giteau (who had a stellar world cup at 12). Every good backline needs some experienced campaigners.
Personally I'd like to see Hodge given a shot at 15
waiopehu oldboy
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Ofa & Swinton front the judiciary tonight. On the basis that Ofa wrapped an arm I'm expecting Swinton will get a slightly longer suspension, a week or maybe two (not sure what his previous record is).
Viking
Mark Ella (57)
I would also select To'omua ahead of Hodge. But I still stand by my point, Hodge shouldn't play 15 just because To'omua is currently a better 12. I think it's better for Australian Rugby and Hodge to try and back himself to be a better 12. Given To'omua is aging then that gives Hodge an advantage in the future IMO.
Both are already experienced campaigners so having them interchangeable in one position creates depth. If To'omua is down we replace him with Hodge and don't lose much. Rather then Simone coming in and getting destroyed as he's out of his depth.
We need this depth/competition in all our positions.
rodha
Dave Cowper (27)
Really? I'm fairly sure Rennie with an eye on 2023 views O'Conner & To'omua as an extremely critical partnership going forward. They are the key leaders and the most experienced players in the backline & are very composed under pressure. I'm sure that combination would be invaluable for this young Wallabies team at the next World Cup, barring injury.. wouldn't you think?
Tex
Greg Davis (50)
I'll let the saner heads around here comment on individual performances. But for me, the age of the 23 is by far the most exciting thing. Lots of room to grow and develop into a more cohesive unit.
1. Slipper (31 years)
2. BPA (24)
3. AAA (26)
4. Simmons (31)
5. Philip (26)
6. Swinton (23)
7. Hooper (29)
8. Wilson (20)
9. White (30)
10. Hodge (26)
11. Koroibete (28)
12. Paisami (22)
13. Petaia (20)
14. Wright (23)
15. Banks (26)
16. Fainga'a (25)
17. Bell (20)
18. Tupou (24)
19. Hanigan (25)
20. Wright (23)
21. McDermott (22)
22. Lolesio (20)
23. Daugunu (25)
1. Slipper (31 years)
2. BPA (24)
3. AAA (26)
4. Simmons (31)
5. Philip (26)
6. Swinton (23)
7. Hooper (29)
8. Wilson (20)
9. White (30)
10. Hodge (26)
11. Koroibete (28)
12. Paisami (22)
13. Petaia (20)
14. Wright (23)
15. Banks (26)
16. Fainga'a (25)
17. Bell (20)
18. Tupou (24)
19. Hanigan (25)
20. Wright (23)
21. McDermott (22)
22. Lolesio (20)
23. Daugunu (25)
KOB1987
Rod McCall (65)
I actually think (and hope) they should both be downgraded to yellows. Both players had mitigating factors.
Joe Blow
Peter Sullivan (51)
Unlikely though. Hoping they deem the red card enough.
KOB1987
Rod McCall (65)
That would be satisfactory too, but I think once it's a red there's an auto suspension
Spruce Moose
Fred Wood (13)
Hodge did great, but the reason myself and others were skeptical prior to kick off was that he probably had one of his worst Super Seasons this year as well as his previous for the Wallabies has never really shown he was much a of a distributor of the ball.
As you say though with Hodge at test level he always goes hard. Sometime has the odd brain fart or whatever but his endeavor is always there and why the coaches probably love him. Plus he can boot the ball the length of the field off the tee.