Forwards coming off the bench look solid and should make impact, if the game isn’t already lost by then.
Where is Wilcox, is he injured? If not, and he hasn't been played due to form since the first SAF game... that's disappointing! As it seems all the other big names in this WC team have been rewarded for their ordinary form / judgement, the loads of defensive mistakes, ball handling or position errors? Wilcox has experience, is better in the back field as a 15 in open space, also has a long kicking game and that x-factor (like Watters), that could make the difference if the team fires. Harvey should be on a wing, as although has that x-factor in his running game, its riddled with ball handling and defensive errors and he needs to be mature enough to hand over the goal kicking when he isn’t having a good day with the boot – 2/7 goal kicking stat at this elite level is beyond poor, especially when there are other options.
Not taking anything away from Conway, he is solid and young, so will be exciting watching his development.
Also Dillion should be starting at flyhalf. Apart from the fact he has shown better form as a ball player so far in this WC than Fowler, it would be good for his development. The starting first 20-40mins of a game against these bigger, mobile teams like SAF and ENG is quite different from that of an impact player/finisher. After the poor start against SAF and limitations in effectively managing the field position. Knowing ENG post there fall/wake up call against SAF, they will come at AUS hard and fast. Surprised the coaching panel (or external selectors/power brokers pulling the strings speculating whoever is running the show) wouldn't change it around... after all based on form alone, to do the same thing and expect a different outcome is problematic.
Lastly with a 5/2 bench, just put it out there - would it a better option to carry just one 9 (or 10) into the game and have a multi-positional player like Wilcox on the bench. Plus, there are a few smaller ball players like Fowler etc who can be quick to the breakdown and throw a ball with a bit of precision, if say Martins was to get injured or red carded. I don’t really see the bench ball players having the speed or positional experience to play as an outside back, against a team like ENG? Just thoughts?
Where is Wilcox, is he injured? If not, and he hasn't been played due to form since the first SAF game... that's disappointing! As it seems all the other big names in this WC team have been rewarded for their ordinary form / judgement, the loads of defensive mistakes, ball handling or position errors? Wilcox has experience, is better in the back field as a 15 in open space, also has a long kicking game and that x-factor (like Watters), that could make the difference if the team fires. Harvey should be on a wing, as although has that x-factor in his running game, its riddled with ball handling and defensive errors and he needs to be mature enough to hand over the goal kicking when he isn’t having a good day with the boot – 2/7 goal kicking stat at this elite level is beyond poor, especially when there are other options.
Not taking anything away from Conway, he is solid and young, so will be exciting watching his development.
Also Dillion should be starting at flyhalf. Apart from the fact he has shown better form as a ball player so far in this WC than Fowler, it would be good for his development. The starting first 20-40mins of a game against these bigger, mobile teams like SAF and ENG is quite different from that of an impact player/finisher. After the poor start against SAF and limitations in effectively managing the field position. Knowing ENG post there fall/wake up call against SAF, they will come at AUS hard and fast. Surprised the coaching panel (or external selectors/power brokers pulling the strings speculating whoever is running the show) wouldn't change it around... after all based on form alone, to do the same thing and expect a different outcome is problematic.
Lastly with a 5/2 bench, just put it out there - would it a better option to carry just one 9 (or 10) into the game and have a multi-positional player like Wilcox on the bench. Plus, there are a few smaller ball players like Fowler etc who can be quick to the breakdown and throw a ball with a bit of precision, if say Martins was to get injured or red carded. I don’t really see the bench ball players having the speed or positional experience to play as an outside back, against a team like ENG? Just thoughts?
Hush hush
Frank Row (1)
Just to put water on the fire that could erupt due to nice things being said about Shane, he was rested for game 2 then sustained a minor hamstring strain before game 3. He should be back by game 4. There’s so much that goes on with these kids that isn’t seen or reported. Play nicely.