Wallabies 2023

[Joe Blow]

Simone has had a few chances where he did not capitalise. I’d have Foketi ahead of Simone but Paisami well in front of both.

 

[Slim 293]

Simone has had a few chances where he did not capitalise. I’d have Foketi ahead of Simone but Paisami well in front of both.

Simone has only played two tests, in 2020: his first, a starting debut (along with Lolesio) against the All Blacks, and a bench cameo in a draw against Argentina.

Last year he wasn't good enough to be considered...

He was, in my opinion, the form Aus 12 in Super Rugby this year, but since he's going overseas and unlikely to be considered for a foreign player exemption going forward, I don't think it's worth playing him unless the others go down on this tour.

 

[fatprop]

Our backs are quite down in standard when you get past the elderly

 

[Dctarget]

Wouldn't hate seeing Pone on the bench and Vunivalu starting against the Argies.

 

[Rugby Head]

Wouldn't hate seeing Pone on the bench and Vunivalu starting against the Argies.

Agreed with Vunivalu. But for Pone, are you dropping Tongan Thor or AAAAAAA?

 

[Hawko]

Agreed with Vunivalu. But for Pone, are you dropping Tongan Thor or AAAAAAA?

Maybe if we win the first Argie game comfortably then we give him a run off the pine in the second. But the first game is must-win, so Thor and Ala'alatoa are mandatory.

 

[wamberal99]

Absolutely agree. Probably should have put it as “IF????” He showed up to an Emus session.

My suspicious nature tells me that he was told to go.

 

[fatprop]

I think Cheika is going to have the Argies up and pumped, we are going to be against it

 

[dru]

I think Cheika is going to have the Argies up and pumped, we are going to be against it

Unfortunately, yes. Big games and we need both.

 

[Lightblue]

I think Cheika is going to have the Argies up and pumped, we are going to be against it

“I’ll never coach against the Wallabies” Cheika! Well you can take his word with a grain of salt…
And yes, I reckon he will have the Argies ready for an ambush…

 

[Viking]

Simone has had a few chances where he did not capitalise. I’d have Foketi ahead of Simone but Paisami well in front of both.

Actually I like both Foketi and Simone ahead of Paisami. I think both Foketi and Simone had much better Super XV season's. Both have made large improvements this year. Paisami seems the same player he was last year. You know what you get from him and I don't think it's quite enough. This is one of the positions I think it's worth picking on potential given the lack of depth after Kerevi, which means Foketi is my choice (given Simone is heading overseas anyway).

 

[Viking]

Simone has only played two tests, in 2020: his first, a starting debut (along with Lolesio) against the All Blacks, and a bench cameo in a draw against Argentina.

Last year he wasn't good enough to be considered...

He was, in my opinion, the form Aus 12 in Super Rugby this year, but since he's going overseas and unlikely to be considered for a foreign player exemption going forward, I don't think it's worth playing him unless the others go down on this tour.

My thoughts exactly. Simone had a superb season, his timing on heading overseas has hurt him for sure.

 

[Drew]

Foketi maybe slightly better on the runs, Simone slightly more skillful with the ball. As mentioned previously, Simone leaving might tip the scales to Foketi.

 

[A mutterer]

Foketi maybe slightly better on the runs, Simone slightly more skillful with the ball. As mentioned previously, Simone leaving might tip the scales to Foketi.

i think the question is whether simone's form warrants a giteau place. personally i dont think so, and foketi looked good in the A's.

 

[qwerty51]

Simone isn't classified as an overseas player this year.

 

[Marce]

Foketi maybe slightly better on the runs, Simone slightly more skillful with the ball. As mentioned previously, Simone leaving might tip the scales to Foketi.

So if you want to play an NFL rushing style, pick Foketi but I don't see Rennie as an bold coach when he picks players. He has been pretty consertive so far, so I expect to see Leota at 6, White at 9 and Paisami at 12 for the first game

 

[Derpus]

Foketi would be ahead of Simone

True - fuck knows why though.

 

[Derpus]

Simone has had a few chances where he did not capitalise. I’d have Foketi ahead of Simone but Paisami well in front of both.

One chance, really, against NZ. He also got around 15 off the bench against Argentina and instantly looked our best back.

Then deposited right into the bin.

 

[Derpus]

Wouldn't hate seeing Pone on the bench and Vunivalu starting against the Argies.

As long as Vunivalu doesn't sit at 23 and then get 3 minutes after the game is lost. Don't know what the fuck Rennie was thinking with that little maneuver.

 

[PhilClinton]

As long as Vunivalu doesn't sit at 23 and then get 3 minutes after the game is lost. Don't know what the fuck Rennie was thinking with that little maneuver.

I hope Vunivalu gets a few starts

RA and the QRU didn’t throw him a new contract just because they felt like it - clearly they see value in him leading into the RWC.

We know Vunivalu would have other offers on the table as well, so you’d think there is a plan to get him playing some decent minutes