Ireland v Australia

[Joeleee]

I read somewhere comments from Cooper that he was finding it tough work adapting the Cheika's style of play, which is unlike what he has played in the past. From first glance it doesn't look that different. I wonder if this is making Cheika hesitant to start Cooper.

I would imagine a quote like that would mean he hasn't been doing that well in training (as I assume that's where they get most exposure to the systems). If that's true, it might be a reason why Cheika is holding him back. I imagine with his class he'll manage to adjust, and even if he doesn't adjust exactly, he could wind up playing a bit of a KB (Kurtley Beale) at the Tahs/roving role where he can at least use his raw skills. Even if he doesn't start, he could be a pretty impressive threat coming off the bench running at tired legs...

 

[Tomikin]

Do we have any injuries, I mean Ive heard Lealifanio and Horwill came off injured last week ( Ankle and Knee) anyone know

 

[Tomikin]

I would imagine a quote like that would mean he hasn't been doing that well in training (as I assume that's where they get most exposure to the systems). If that's true, it might be a reason why Cheika is holding him back. I imagine with his class he'll manage to adjust, and even if he doesn't adjust exactly, he could wind up playing a bit of a KB (Kurtley Beale) at the Tahs/roving role where he can at least use his raw skills. Even if he doesn't start, he could be a pretty impressive threat coming off the bench running at tired legs.

Coopers pretty impressive his even won me over, it's exciting too see real depth even if we lost both Foley and Cooper we still have at least 3 other 10s in Leo, To'omua and Beale.

 

[BDA]

even if we lost both Foley and Cooper we still have at least 3 other 10s in Leo, To'omua and Beale.

4. don't forget everyone's favourite lion tamer - JOC (James O'Connor)

 

[Brumby Runner]

Three changes I would have liked to see from that lineup. Cooper for Foley, Hodgson for Hooper and Tomane for AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), with Tomane to 11 and Speight to 14.

The bench I'd like with that team would be :

Mann-Rea, Robbo, Faulkner, Horwill, McMahon, White, Lealiifano, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper).

Manta ray to give him a run for 10 - 15 minutes, Faulkner to see if he can play TH, McMahon because I'd like to see his energy on the ground in the last 15 - 20 minutes, White to help decide between Genia and him, Lealiifano to cover 10 and 12, and AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) to cover 13, wing and 15.

Opportunity to see if certain players can rise to this level and to provide good balance on the bench to cover all possibilities.

 

[Froggy]

There are a couple of Tahs you forgot to get rid of BR!

 

[It is what it is]

There are a couple of Tahs you forgot to get rid of BR!

Oh yeah Cheika out and Larkham to coach.

 

[ForceFan]

Jones training with the 1st choice pack. So was Carter. Some interesting signs at training if we can read anything into it.

If we look at everyone wearing white vests looks like this will be the team.

1. Slipper
2. Fainga'a
3. Kepu
4. Simmons
5. Carter
6. Jones
7. Hooper
8. McCalman
9. Phipps
10. Foley
11. Speight
12. To'omua
13. Kuridrani
14. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper)
15. Folau

Not many hints with the bench although Schatz was running some lineouts so possibly in and Mann-Rea too.

If this become reality then it indicates that Cheika is more concerned about our lineout than the breakdown.
This will continue the trend from the last 2 Tests when, for considerable periods, the Wallabies actively avoided defensive rucks.

It was ugly last week watching us get mangled at the breakdown by France but I expect it to be worse against Ireland.

The selection of Schatz as back row replacement may keep the linout strong but offers little at the breakdown. Schatz averaged 0.3 turnovers/game in Super XV in 2014. He is likely to replace Jones (0.4 to/g).

We will miss the impact and workrate of either McMahon (1.2 to/g) or Hodgson (1.8 to/g). In addition, in Super XV Schatz had an average tackle count of 9/game and effectiveness of only 83%. McMahon (12 at 95%) and Hodgson (15 at 92%).

FYI - Hooper (11 tackles at 90% and 1.3 to/g); McCalman (10 tackles at 92% and 0.5 to/g).

In Schatz's only Test to date (Argentina), in his 22 minutes he made 2 tackles and made 2 runs for 0m.

I'm not saying that turnovers and tackles are everything but they are an indication of impact and effectiveness at the breakdown and controlling what many believe to be a critical part of the game.

I would prefer to have seen Hodgson given a full game at 6 where his combination with McCalman & Hooper would have given good balance across the Back Row and still provide another option at the Lineout and allow us to regain control at the breakdown.

 

[ACT Crusader]

I would prefer to have seen Hodgson given a full game at 6 where his combination with McCalman & Hooper would have given good balance across the Back Row and still provide another option at the Lineout and allow us to regain control at the breakdown.

Hodgson, Hooper, McCalman, doesn't seem to balanced to me. In fact there's not a great deal of size and I don't think Hodgson and Hoopers game complement each other at all as a 6/7 combo.

 

[mudskipper]

we're missing depth in the forward specialists losing 15%... notably Moore and Pocock... and someone to play a RWC grade No.8... but who?
Question is could Skelton become fit enough to play at as an international world class 8... otherwise bring in Fotu Auelua now monsieur Cheika

​

 

[Forcefield]

Jones, Hooper, McCalman is a good mix for the backrow and is well worth a try. I'd put McMahon on the bench as a reserve for Jones. And Horwill or Carter as the replacement lock. Skelton shouldn't play another minute of test rugby in 2014.

Not a fan of Schatz and don't think he should get a look in unless one of our current backrowers gets injured.

Auelua needs a good Super rugby season in 2015 before he should come into consideration.

 

[Tomikin]

We miss Fardy, his the guy who just smashes the breakdown. Considering people wanted too drop him, we miss him in the north

 

[maxdacat]

Anyone know a good pub to see the game Saturday night in Gujarat?

 

[Brumby Runner]

There are a couple of Tahs you forgot to get rid of BR!

Skelton - a no brainer.
Hooper - to have a rest.
Foley - to give QC (Quade Cooper) a go to see where he's at in his proper position. Foley not versatile enough to provide good cover on the bench. He either starts or is out.
AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) to the bench to cover 13, wing and 15, while giving two real wingers a start.
Horne then misses out in favour of AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) on the bench.

It's just one test match unless the newbies show they are better than the incumbents.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Oh yeah Cheika out and Larkham to coach.

If he loses the next two tests and then has to face the real possibility of losses to the ABs and Saffas next year, there could well be wide spread calls for Cheika to go. But I wouldn't like to lose Larkham from the Brumbies for a year or two more.

 

[It is what it is]

If he loses the next two tests and then has to face the real possibility of losses to the ABs and Saffas next year, there could well be wide spread calls for Cheika to go. But I wouldn't like to lose Larkham from the Brumbies for a year or two more.

This type of thinking is simply sad.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Jones, Hooper, McCalman is a good mix for the backrow and is well worth a try. I'd put McMahon on the bench as a reserve for Jones. And Horwill or Carter as the replacement lock. Skelton shouldn't play another minute of test rugby in 2014.

Not a fan of Schatz and don't think he should get a look in unless one of our current backrowers gets injured.

Auelua needs a good Super rugby season in 2015 before he should come into consideration.

Agree with all of this. But Jones, Hodgson, McCalman might be just as good with different skills on show at 7. Could be worth a try in one game to give Hooper a rest.

Aeulua showed his best form for a couple of years in the NRC but he really does need to show he can consistently perform at Super level before being considered for the test team.

 

[Brumby Runner]

This type of thinking is simply sad.

Pessimistic perhaps, but I certainly don't feel sad. Only thing that would sadden me would be to see Beale back in the team before he shows form again at Super level. His recent test form just does not justify his return to the team now.

 

[Sandpit Fan]

Anyone know a good pub to see the game Saturday night in Gujarat?

Good luck with that. From memory it's one of the dry states, unless that's changed recently.

Probably try to find somewhere that has an OSN feed. Out of Dubai and has most games in HD. As always bigger hotels would be the best bet.

 

[Joe Blow]

Next year hopefully we have all three of Palu, McCalman and Higgers fit to play at 8.
Our best back row so far this year was in the last Bled.

Fardy, Hooper and Higgers.

Throw Pocock into the mix with all of those blokes and Hooper and we have some excellent options in the back row.