Current Wallabies team!

[barbarian]

I just don't understand the manlove for Dan Palmer.

He's a decent enough player, but the idea that he is a brilliant scrummager just doesn't match the evidence. Have the Brumbies scrum been dominating all before them? No. I would suggest they are about average. Has he made numerous bullocking runs, linebreaks, tackle busts etc? God no.

Look at the stats of Palmer vs Kepu.

Runs - Kepu 33, Palmer 18
Tackles bust- Kepu 7, Palmer 1
Linebreaks- Kepu 3, Palmer 0
Tackles- Kepu 87 at 88%, Palmer 71 at 81%

Is Palmer a better scrummager than Kepu at tighthead? Maybe. But not by much. Certainly not enough to justify the difference in workrate at the moment.

In conclusion, Kepu is our best tighthead. Palmer is still a year away.
.

 

[Paradox]

Noone has dominated the Brumbies scrum and it is one of the better scrums in the comp IMO. FatProp mentioned this before. Palmer's not as dominating at scrum time since his work rate has increased but noone has gotten over him either.

However Palmer IS A MUCH BETTER SCRUMMAGER THAN KEPU. He is technically the best in Oz.

Kepu was shite in the world cup. A real pussy cat but I'd be happy to see him get selected so he can prove me wrong. We'll probably see a 22 featuring Kepu, Robbo and Alexander and I'd be pretty happy with that. Palmer should be in the squad though.

 

[No4918]

1st choice: Kepu, Robinson, Slipper

2nd choice: Holmes, Palmer, Alexander

 

[barbarian]

Paradox- Just because you say it in capitals doesn't make it correct.

The Tahs scrum has been consistently one of the top 5 scrums in the Super comp. On Friday they pretty comprehensively rolled the Bulls pack (albeit with green props). Kepu has been a large part of that, all the while maintaining a much higher workrate than Palmer. When the Tahs played the Brumbies I would suggest both packs were pretty even.

Kepu was fine in the World Cup, considering he was playing out of position. I wouldn't select him at 1. He is a tighthead.
.

 

[Slim 293]

But let's not forget that Deans played Kepu at looshead instead of tighthead where he's excelled at the Tahs...

 

[fatprop]

Kepu was inflicted with playing LHP at the RWC, he is a THP, with Alexander at THP (who is a LHP) Why?


http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/lets-play-wallaby-props-in-their-best-position/

f*cked if I know

 

[Richo]

Kepu was inflicted with playing LHP at the RWC, he is a THP, with Alexander at THP (who is a LHP) Why?


http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/lets-play-wallaby-props-in-their-best-position/

f*cked if I know

Some things are just a mystery. Or fucking abysmal coaching.

 

[Viking]

I just don't understand the manlove for Dan Palmer.

He's a decent enough player, but the idea that he is a brilliant scrummager just doesn't match the evidence. Have the Brumbies scrum been dominating all before them? No. I would suggest they are about average. Has he made numerous bullocking runs, linebreaks, tackle busts etc? God no.

Look at the stats of Palmer vs Kepu.

Runs - Kepu 33, Palmer 18
Tackles bust- Kepu 7, Palmer 1
Linebreaks- Kepu 3, Palmer 0
Tackles- Kepu 87 at 88%, Palmer 71 at 81%

Is Palmer a better scrummager than Kepu at tighthead? Maybe. But not by much. Certainly not enough to justify the difference in workrate at the moment.

In conclusion, Kepu is our best tighthead. Palmer is still a year away.
.

You just convinced me to pick Kepu ahead of Palmer. Would still like to see Palmer in the extended squad though, training with the wallabies should do him a load of good.

 

[Viking]

Heres my squad (so far this year):

1. Benn Robinson
2. Stephen Moore
3. Kepu
4. James Horwill
5.
7. David Pocock
8. Fotu Auelua - Not impressed with Palu's form. Fotu's form is good. Big strong, perfect 8.
9. Will Genia - Form getting better, proven test player.
10. Kurtley Beale - Rebels game looked VERY good at 10, better then id expected.
11. Digby Ioane
12/13. Pat McCabe - Passing game getting better. Low error rate. Who can forget his efforts at RWC?
12/13.
14. Drew Mitchell - Fingers cross he can be back on form, awesome wingers if both digby and drew are on form.
15. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)/Mogg

16. Tatafu Polota Nau
17. Alexander - Plays both sides well.
18.
19. Mowen/Elsom/Dennis
20. Nic White - Very good player, the form 9 of the comp.
21. Spreight/Tomane
22.

Left lots blank. Id like to see a centre pairing of Tapaui and McCabe, i think it would be nicely balanced. But I guess we need to see more of Tapaui. Or if JOC (James O'Connor) is fit, he'll be in the started squad, either at 12 or winger. Still scared about his high ball skills at 15.

If Drew isnt fit, Then one of the Brumbies wingers should get the nod, both are on great form and have been finishing some great tries. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) has been out of form so id probably consider putting Mogg at 15, unless he returns to form.

Locks? Just hope deans picks the hardest worker.

 

[barbarian]

Aulea has had a couple of good games but let's not get too carried away just yet.

Palu's form has been consistently good all season, and has really lifted his game in the last four weeks. I can entertain Mowen or Higgers as an alternative 8, but not Fotu. Bench player at best.
.

 

[Ruggo]

Mogg has more potential, and is the form Aussie fullback...

Gerrard is in his later years an just played one good game..

Perspective guys...

Mogg is a fantastic prospect and I also think he has a good kicking game. Lets introduce the lad into international rugby via the bench. He deserves selection but deserves to be developed properly also.

I would like a fullback who is a good frontline defender. Beale can defend, no issue with that but we could also benifit from lowering his load and give him the opportunity of time and space in counter attack. I also like his periferal vision and ability to ingite the likes of Digby on the front foot.

Gerrard could be the fullback to fit that role.

God I love the controversy that depth creates.

 

[Slim 293]

Aulea has had a couple of good games but let's not get too carried away just yet.

Palu's form has been consistently good all season, and has really lifted his game in the last four weeks. I can entertain Mowen or Higgers as an alternative 8, but not Fotu. Bench player at best.
.

I think Fotu is the perfect Palu alternative...

Probably not ideal as a bench option, but if Palu is injured then Fotu can come into the team to provide the same sort of destructive role...

 

[Slim 293]

Mogg is a fantastic prospect and I also think he has a good kicking game. Lets introduce the lad into international rugby via the bench. He deserves selection but deserves to be developed properly also.

I would like a fullback who is a good frontline defender. Beale can defend, no issue with that but we could also benifit from lowering his load and give him the opportunity of time and space in counter attack. I also like his periferal vision and ability to ingite the likes of Digby on the front foot.

Gerrard could be the fullback to fit that role.

God I love the controversy that depth creates.

I actually believe Mogg could be a bolter for a wing spot with the injuries out there...

That would certainly be a safer way of introducing him into test rugby while utilising his best skills.

Or, of course off the bench.

But he's far more deserving than Gerrard of a gold jersey. That's for sure.

 

[Viking]

Aulea has had a couple of good games but let's not get too carried away just yet.

Palu's form has been consistently good all season, and has really lifted his game in the last four weeks. I can entertain Mowen or Higgers as an alternative 8, but not Fotu. Bench player at best.
.

Having said that Id probably be inclined to have Higgers and Elsom/Mowen 6 and 8. Palu just isnt doing it for me at the moment

I have high hopes for Fotu. He is a hard worker in my opinion. But I have always been a huge supporter of Palu. Ideally if Palu was fully fit and at peak form id have 6. Higgers 9. Palu with Fotu on the bench.

 

[The Red Baron]

I am warming to the idea of:

6. Mowen
7. Pocock
8. Higgers

I think that is a well balanced backrow. Mowen is a real worker, which should allow Higgers to play a little looser and run on the fringes. The type of game Higgers loves. A backrow like that also provides support to Poey at the breakdown.

Running with that backrow would also enhance our lineout greatly. If Deans selects Pyle (or Simmons, or Carter, or Sharpe) to partner Horwill in the second row, then we have 4 genuine lineout options. Dennis at six would be fine with me also, but I just feel that a backrow of Mowen, Poey and Higgers is the best balanced.

 

[tigerland12]

The Tahs have the best scrum (and props) in Australia by far, how anyone thinks the Brumbies are better is beyond me.

With the backrow I don't mind the idea of:
6-Dennis
7-Pocock
8-Higginbotham
19-Palu

 

[Slim 293]

The Tahs have the best scrum (and props) in Australia by far, how anyone thinks the Brumbies are better is beyond me.

With the backrow I don't mind the idea of:
6-Dennis
7-Pocock
8-Higginbotham
19-Palu

I dont' think anyone has stated such a thing... with the exception that Palmer is quite rightly in contention for the tighthead spot.

 

[The Red Baron]

As other have already stated, I think we should go for our specialists in the front row. That would mean Fat Cat, Moore and Palmer. Kepu's scrummaging has gotten better this year, and his ability to cover both sides of the scrum (even though he much more effective at tighthead) means he is invaluable as a sub. If Kepu were to start, it would HAVE to be at tighthead. The last thing I want to see is Deans playing swapsies with our props.

A good problem to have, and I am sure that either Kepu or Palmer would do the job quite well. Lets just hope that Robbie doesn't go with Daley and Mafood as our starters.....

 

[Slim 293]

As other have already stated, I think we should go for our specialists in the front row. That would mean Fat Cat, Moore and Palmer. Kepu's scrummaging has gotten better this year, and his ability to cover both sides of the scrum (even though he much more effective at tighthead) means he is invaluable as a sub. If Kepu were to start, it would HAVE to be at tighthead. The last thing I want to see is Deans playing swapsies with our props.

A good problem to have, and I am sure that either Kepu or Palmer would do the job quite well. Lets just hope that Robbie doesn't go with Daley and Mafood as our starters.....

I wouldn't be surprised if Deans starts them against Scotland...

Unfortunately...

 

[Gnostic]

Eh....you HAVE actually watch the Wallabies in the last 5 years?


There is no gameplan. Its 'give it to someone better than me and hope for the best'

Ah yes. I do realise this, but the alternative is to give up hope.