Rugby Championship 2025: Wallabies v Argentina

[liquor box]

One thing I'm sure of is that JAS does not have a suitable kicking game to play 15.

Sometimes a player is good enough to overcome their weakness. Israel Folau was not much of a kicker but did alright at 15.

JAS when available was 15 for NSW so he should have a bit of an idea about the position, I would have him at 15, he will then have a year of Super Rugby and test matches at 15 while Wright recuperates and then they can battle it out for the jersey.

I think Kellaway is best saved for the bench as he is currently able to play multiple positions at a proven high standard if required.

 

[Backintheolddays]

Len and JAS our best centre combo hands down. Kidding yourselves if you think that will get changed up. Yes Len can play 13 and JAS 15, but none stack up as a suitable 12 alternative. Kidding if you suggest Flook, Kerevei, Stewart et al. Total gap in skill set, capability, and potential.
Attacking skill of Wright will be missed but 15 is generally an easier role to replace. I like Kellaway as a bench option but he’s probably best place to step up. JOC (James O'Connor) not a bad fallback for 23.

 

[Linerunner2023]

Len and JAS our best centre combo hands down. Kidding yourselves if you think that will get changed up. Yes Len can play 13 and JAS 15, but none stack up as a suitable 12 alternative. Kidding if you suggest Flook, Kerevei, Stewart et al. Total gap in skill set, capability, and potential.
Attacking skill of Wright will be missed but 15 is generally an easier role to replace. I like Kellaway as a bench option but he’s probably best place to step up. JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) not a bad fallback for 23.

Kerevi is easily a better centre then Sua'ali'i
Still one of the best centres around
Sua'ali'i is really left in defence at 13 and only offers a crash ball at the moment and isn’t really getting utilised at all
Just reasons he isn’t getting picked apparently

 

[Linerunner2023]

Sometimes a player is good enough to overcome their weakness. Israel Folau was not much of a kicker but did alright at 15.

JAS when available was 15 for NSW so he should have a bit of an idea about the position, I would have him at 15, he will then have a year of Super Rugby and test matches at 15 while Wright recuperates and then they can battle it out for the jersey.

I think Kellaway is best saved for the bench as he is currently able to play multiple positions at a proven high standard if required.

Correct Folau didn’t have a kicking game and was a great 15
And Sua'ali'i did well at the tahs at 15
At 13 seems to struggle to make an impact

 

[BDA]

JP was one of the most promising players of the time when he first came into Super Rugby. I well remember, as a 19yo, he scored a try on his first touch of the ball against the Brumbies. Over the course of his Super Rugby and test careers to date, he has had his ups and downs but really never achieved the promise he showed early on. May have started 30 tests or more but never reached the position where he was a locked on starter, nor did he establish a singular position which he called his own. Even now, I daresay there would be argument about where his best position would be. I think it is just dreaming to suggest he would now be in contention for a Wallaby callup despite us looking lean at fullback right now. Given the strength of options now available in the outside backs he would need to prove himself with a season or more at a Super Rugby side before seriously being considered.

Honestly its hard to argue with any of this. All that said, i still wouldnt mind having him as an option. At his best, he's world class. Fingers crossed he can get past the injuries and find some form in europe. If he really tears it up for Perpignan i could see their being call to include him on the end of year tour in 2026. Unlikely perhaps but possible

 

[Hogan]

Len and JAS our best centre combo hands down. Kidding yourselves if you think that will get changed up. Yes Len can play 13 and JAS 15, but none stack up as a suitable 12 alternative. Kidding if you suggest Flook, Kerevei, Stewart et al. Total gap in skill set, capability, and potential.
Attacking skill of Wright will be missed but 15 is generally an easier role to replace. I like Kellaway as a bench option but he’s probably best place to step up. JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor) not a bad fallback for 23.

Why would JOC (James O'Connor) be on the bench? Both he and Edmed deserve to be retained for the first Argies Test. Lynagh will need to earn his stripes at training. His form was patchy during the Lions series and O’Connor has proved the benefit of experience in the playmaking role.