Rugby Championship 2025: South Africa v Australia

[Strewthcobber]

While we were all being distracted by Rassie and Eddie converting backs to forwards, the real innovation is Harry Wilson as the ultimate bomb squad 10

 

[Wilson]

As good as it would be to see Wilson slot in there, Kellaway and White are the coverage at 10:

Schmidt confirmed Andrew Kellaway and Nic White will serve as playmaker cover behind the returning James O’Connor after an innocuous kick in the second-last play of training caused an injury to Donaldson.

...

“We've only been back from training for about an hour so he will get a scan now and we'll have a definitive picture because we need to know for next week as well whether we need more cover.

“Nic White can cover ten and is astute enough to do so, Andrew Kellaway has the skill set as well if we go with what we've got at the moment.”

Schmidt breaks down Donaldson injury setback as veteran duo set to cover flyhalf void

www.rugby.com.au

 

[KOB1987]

The disappointment to me is the absence of LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto). I thought his recent form was worthy of a bench spot to continue the work of Skelton in the second half.

The biggest concern I have otherwise is with JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor)'s ability to see out a large part of the game, maybe even the whole game if another 10 isn't added before the game. Given his age and very restricted game time this year, I am fearful he is at high risk of injury forcing an early departuere from the field.

On your first point, he said of Edmed that their MO is to have new players train with the squad for a week before putting them in the match day squad, so it's probably reasonable to assume they are taking the same stance with LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto). On your second point, I think we all have the same concern and I think it's highly likely we'll see a change announced after the captain's run - he needed to name a team and given the spontaneity of Donno's injury he hadn't quite worked out what the best coverage would be.

 

[Upthemaroon!]

I bloody love the crazy mind games Rassie started in test match footy. I don't think Schmidt has a deeper motive behind naming the 6-2, but my first thought was: "Is CdC or Langi about to have a warm up injury and swap Tane in to make it a 5-3 again and putting Rassie on the backfoot?"

Keen for the game!

 

[whitefalcon]

As good as it would be to see Wilson slot in there, Kellaway and White are the coverage at 10:

Schmidt breaks down Donaldson injury setback as veteran duo set to cover flyhalf void

www.rugby.com.au

You know who else has played (semi) professional rugby at 10

R.Lonergan

 

[stillmissit]

I have been banging this drum for a while but it will be hard to win if we revert to our outmoded D by lord laurie. McRight et al will need to be at the top of their games, as will the clean out pods or the turnovers will kill us.
Nick Bishop stated on RP said "In Joe we may trust, but it is getting harder by the game to trust the outmoded defensive system he oversees.

 

[Red Runner]

You know who else has played (semi) professional rugby at 10

R.Lonergan

who for?

 

[fatprop]

It makes more sense with Donno injured, but the idea of White or Kellaway stepping in is a brave move and a sad highlight of our lack of depth and the lack of confidence they have in Edmed. He has been in and out of camp all year

We can assume JOC (James O'Connor) will be underplaying and looking preserve himself, whilst the Boks will be looking for him, especially if he is isolated on kick receipt

 

[stillmissit]

It makes more sense with Donno injured, but the idea of White or Kellaway stepping in is a brave move and a sad highlight of our lack of depth and the lack of confidence they have in Edmed. He has been in and out of camp all year

We can assume JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) will be underplaying and looking preserve himself, whilst the Boks will be looking for him, especially if he is isolated on kick receipt

HI FP, didn't know Donalson was injured. Edmed at 15 would have been a different kettle of fish!
This is high risk stuff against a team where you need to have key positions covered. Kellaway at 10? The Bokke would love that.
I don't think it is lack of depth (quality yes) but having the amount of injuries is a real worry. I wonder how our injury stats compare to others.

 

[Alex Sharpe]

who for?

Vikings

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I'm picking a blown calf for JOC (James O'Connor) in the 25th min when he has gone past his season average for mins. Tate to slot in at 10 and further become a utility after his impressive stint on the Wing.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Yikes, no 10 coverage for a bloke in his mid 30's playing his first test for a couple of years. Best of luck fellas. I do like our pack though.

 

[Sully]

Yikes, no 10 coverage for a bloke in his mid 30's playing his first test for a couple of years. Best of luck fellas. I do like our pack though.

Kellaway and White are the 10 cover. No Valetini either.