Wales vs Australia, 5 November 2016, (1:30am 6 November AEDT) @ Millenium Stadium
- Thread starter KOB1987
- Start date
wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
Absolutely a minefield I reckon. Chubby needs to pull himself together in a hurry, unless he starts to exercise a fair bit more self-restraint the vultures of the UK and Irish press will crucify him and that will have a hugely detrimental effect on a team at the end of very long season, well two very long seasons, and a lot of drama.
A mutterer
Chilla Wilson (44)
chieka will be looking at wales as a must win to build momentum, facing a scottish team looking for revenge. cant see how he wont treat evey match as a championship final tbh.
Dalai Ninja
Ward Prentice (10)
Everyone knows that the answer to every complex question is to be found in Internet forums. So much talent, thwarted by life's cruel pyramid. It's almost enough to make one get off the couch.
Dalai Ninja
Ward Prentice (10)
Also, the broadcasting organisations that value the away tests most aren't the same broadcasting organisations that value the home tests, so packaging them theoretically reduces the price.
TSR
Mark Ella (57)
All good points and most likely correct. But, in the back of my mind I can't think of a time so far this year when there has been a compelling reason for Cheika to really choose between Pocock & Hooper for the 7 jersey. This, IMO, has been the first time both are on an equal footing fitness wise and there has been a viable alternative for the 8 jersey - which I think Timani has presented himself as.
If it becomes a straight choice between Hooper & Pocock for one jersey, then Pocock getting the nod is quite possible.
I'll wager there's going to be some rotation in those wearing 5 to 8 over the next five weeks, can't see either Douglas, Fardy or Hooper/Pocock permanently riding the pine. Same for the backs, Hodge and DHP'll both probably play in two positions over this tour. And also Folau.
Twoilms
Trevor Allan (34)
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Caught the tail end of a news report on ABC tonight that seemed to indicate Cheika has already decided to play Izzy at 13 on the weekend. Anybody else see this, or did I misconstrue what was said?
If true, then I'd say he has decided to go all out in attack in the backline by favouring Izzy at 13 over the more experienced and qualified defender there in Kuridrani. I hope that is the case, and that Cooper is at 10 with Naivalu on one wing and probably Speight on the other. DHP to No 15 of course.
If true, then I'd say he has decided to go all out in attack in the backline by favouring Izzy at 13 over the more experienced and qualified defender there in Kuridrani. I hope that is the case, and that Cooper is at 10 with Naivalu on one wing and probably Speight on the other. DHP to No 15 of course.
I think this is Australia's game for the taking. I usually (and wrongly) have a bit of confidence that a win is a possibility but I don't see Wales staying in the game for the final 1/4. We are always slow starters when any set of internationals start and have lost to many key players for this game..... Warburton, Faletau and now Alun Wyn Jones. Beyond this we do have quite a few players in form for a change so not all doom and gloom.
Would like to see some of our youngsters get game time such as Sam Davies at 10 but not holding my breath. Also Scott Williams getting the 12 starting spot would expand our game. Haven't got much faith in change happening and not moving far enough away from our outdated power game.
Would like to see some of our youngsters get game time such as Sam Davies at 10 but not holding my breath. Also Scott Williams getting the 12 starting spot would expand our game. Haven't got much faith in change happening and not moving far enough away from our outdated power game.
Viking
Mark Ella (57)
That's also probably more indication Foley will start at 10 given his combination with Phipps and the fact he was preferred last test.
Twoilms
Trevor Allan (34)
That's also probably more indication Foley will start at 10 given his combination with Phipps and the fact he was preferred last test.
What about the fact that they both played really well?
Pfitzy
George Gregan (70)
Viking
Mark Ella (57)
Think Foley's performance is a little overstated.
Foley threatened the line superbly. Was very impressive in that department indeed.
But then there's his kicking game, and that didn't improve at all. It actually cost us points once again.
So do you pick the guy who's a threat in attack but costs us points with his kicking (Foley), or do you pick the guy who doesn't have a great running game but is a better playmaker and kicker (Cooper)?
I'd prefer the later because like I said, his weakness doesn't cost us points. But it is a close call.
Phipp's passing at times was so slow - Refer to the Hodge chargedown. His speed at the ruck is superb but again, what's with the slow lobbing passing he brings out?
Viking
Mark Ella (57)
You can't ignore the mistakes especially if they are a large contributor in costing the team points.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
It helps to have blue glasses on to see that Phipps/Foley had good games in Bledisloe 3.
Phipps was not at his usual speed to the breakdown and his passing game overall is really not what we should want to see from a test No 9. He does not provide any variety in options at the scrum or breakdown. He is in fact a player of very limited talent.
Foley is also limited in what he does well. He can and does challenge the defensive line and is capable of making linebreaks. But that's where he stops being a threat. He doesn't manage the backline play, set up his outside backs with creative plays or have the versatility of a good kicking game to be a class No 10.
The sooner we can produce a quality No 9 to back up Genia when he's available (please stand up one of Gordon or Louwrens), and the sooner our coaches work out that BF is at best a bench option, the better it will be for the Wallabies.
Phipps was not at his usual speed to the breakdown and his passing game overall is really not what we should want to see from a test No 9. He does not provide any variety in options at the scrum or breakdown. He is in fact a player of very limited talent.
Foley is also limited in what he does well. He can and does challenge the defensive line and is capable of making linebreaks. But that's where he stops being a threat. He doesn't manage the backline play, set up his outside backs with creative plays or have the versatility of a good kicking game to be a class No 10.
The sooner we can produce a quality No 9 to back up Genia when he's available (please stand up one of Gordon or Louwrens), and the sooner our coaches work out that BF is at best a bench option, the better it will be for the Wallabies.
Scoey
Tony Shaw (54)
SSSSSSSHHH! Don't mention blue glasses!!!!
Joe Blow
Peter Sullivan (51)
I thought Phipps had a pretty good game and sped up our phase play well. It certainly put the ABs under more pressure than they have seen for quite some time.
I still reckon he will revert to 10 - Cooper and 12 - Foley. Personally I would like to see TK at 12 and Folau at 13 no matter who is at 10.
I still reckon he will revert to 10 - Cooper and 12 - Foley. Personally I would like to see TK at 12 and Folau at 13 no matter who is at 10.