Bowen is the son of Scott Bowen, former Wallaby who is/was intwined in junior development. Yes in my opinion there are a dozen better 10's than him the most notable being Harry Mclaughlan Phillips who scored the last try and set up what should have been the match winner only for another of the "anointed" juniors in David Vaihu to blow it. Why is Bowen there? I believe it is due to horrible pathway structures we have in place, also being the son of wallaby helps. Boy attends GPS school he is already 75% ahead of the rest of society who dont get looked at for these teams. The issue with our pathways is these kids are put into stupid academies or whatever they want to call it, they are identified at 14 or 15 and my belief is that RA have already invested so much time/money into them that they feel obliged to select them.
incredibly poor all tournament
not at all, just need the pathways program cleaned out so kids with actual ability at 19/20 are selected not because when they were 14/15 and bigger and stronger than their peers RA continues to persist with them.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
I don't necessarily disagree, but what would you recommend as an alternative?
Vaihu has been one of the standouts backs for Australia at the tournament. He won man of the match in the first game against Fiji i'm pretty sure.
Wallaby Man
Trevor Allan (34)
It’s laughable for people to think in a pro environment certain players get a leg up because of their name. As if people are prepared to put their job on the line by not selecting the best possible players. This thought process just doesn’t make sense. “Hey I’m prepared to lose my 6 figure salary because I want to pick an ex-players son over a more talented player”. See how stupid that sounds when said out loud.
I generally think there is a strong correlation between past players and their fathers because they have someone growing up that understands what areas to focus on, the mentality needed and from a young age have access to greater resources which ultimately makes them better players.
Wilson and Bowen are potentially the elite halves combo of the competition. Although I think Bowen has a lot of work to do on his kicking, his passing and vision is elite. They also aren’t getting much from the pack in front of them which hampers the best of halves.
I generally think there is a strong correlation between past players and their fathers because they have someone growing up that understands what areas to focus on, the mentality needed and from a young age have access to greater resources which ultimately makes them better players.
Wilson and Bowen are potentially the elite halves combo of the competition. Although I think Bowen has a lot of work to do on his kicking, his passing and vision is elite. They also aren’t getting much from the pack in front of them which hampers the best of halves.
its not shitcanning, it is speaking the truth. he might have earnt a super rugby contract, it doesnt mean he deserves one. If we are to improve as a country we need to move away from the status quo.
Rob42
John Solomon (38)
I'm excited to hear about the dozen 10's who are better than Bowen. I see Maclaughlin-Phillips is getting big wraps in QLD grade rugby. Bowen is impressing with Easts in Sydney. I assume the other 11 better options are also starting for their Shute Shield/Hospital Cup teams? Or has Scott Bowen stopped that from occurring?
Bowen is very clearly an excellent talent and has looked good starting in the Shute Shield from when he was 18.
There's absolutely zero surprise he's been selected for various rep teams and has a Super Rugby contract. It's because he's very good.
Yes. In my view he's a massive priority for the Waratahs to keep. I think he'll be the starter within a couple of years.
The Ghost of Raelene
Andrew Slack (58)
Can you explain how earning a contract doesn't mean he deserves it? Earning it would mean he's put in the work for it right?
You're on a tear here and go for it but the comments don't make sense if youve watched the 5 U20s games this year. Do you hold the same opinion of Lynagh, Jorgenson, Wilson, Hooper? Have they skipped the que because of family ties?
Purce
Jim Clark (26)
Confucius Say
Arch Winning (36)
I have put 2+2 together and it equals “you didn’t watch the full game”.
Vaihu was 12 not 13 and was solid.
O’Donnell ran straight and hard and instead of kicking it or passing to someone in a worse position when confronted by defenders (both bad Australian rugby habits!) he put his head down and took the tackle.
Vaihu was 12 not 13 and was solid.
O’Donnell ran straight and hard and instead of kicking it or passing to someone in a worse position when confronted by defenders (both bad Australian rugby habits!) he put his head down and took the tackle.
Let me preface what i am saying. I believe that have worked i probably phrased things incorrectly. I feel that they have been placed on a pedestal for what they have done as 14/15 year old. I feel that despite what others have done in those ensuing years these guys who were placed on the pedestal at 14/15 are pursued with due to so much time/money/energy invested in them and it would mean an admission of not getting it right if they didnt choose them. With regards Lynagh i 100% believe he is only there due to his surname, i watched him play 1st grade colts for UQ last year and he just looked like a standard 1st colts player not a super rugby player. Lachlan Hooper is an outstanding prospect and another year left in the 20''s program, Jorgenson is a far better player than his father and the jury is out on Wilson for me. I ask would he have been in discussions if it wasnt who he was related to?
Yes. He's again excelled playing Shute Shield from 18 years old. It is clear that he is very good. How good remains to be seen.
LeCheese
Peter Johnson (47)
A bit unfortunate his 12 caps and very strong performances for the Reds this season suggest otherwise
The Ghost of Raelene
Andrew Slack (58)
Ok. I disagree, but everyone is entitled to their opinion on players. Don't want to be skewering these guys who a lot of them are still teenagers.
Don't disagree about the notion some kids are put on a track young and will be left on it. Very rarely do these guys end up having professional careers where they are being paid so only time will tell with the aforementioned players.
