Bandar
Bob Loudon (25)
Brad Thorn in 195
Wallabies 2023
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
Itoje is probably the most dynamic lock in World Rugby. If you can't take advantage of his smaller size and bulk (which is difficult because he's very good) then he's almost certainly a winning selection for England.
He can play 6 but you lose out on much of his upside there because he doesn't have that same advantage in terms of his skills relative to other 6s compared to other locks.
He can play 6 but you lose out on much of his upside there because he doesn't have that same advantage in terms of his skills relative to other 6s compared to other locks.
Thorn is absolutely a good example. He was shorter than ideal but was fine in the lineout and a huge positive in terms of workrate and physicality.
Drew
Bob Davidson (42)
I’d image they’d look at Holloway as a bench option lock/6,8. Or a starting lock who could move to 6. Personally I like the first option as he can then be used as tactical or injury replacement rather than having a specialist lock on the bench.
Other posters are correct that at the beginning of his career he showed glimpses of what he could be capable of, but he would drift in and out of matches. I think the move to lock made him focus on work rate more than skill. So now he’s a skilful player but with a higher work rate.
You’d hope he’d take his form and apply it to whatever position he’s given
Other posters are correct that at the beginning of his career he showed glimpses of what he could be capable of, but he would drift in and out of matches. I think the move to lock made him focus on work rate more than skill. So now he’s a skilful player but with a higher work rate.
You’d hope he’d take his form and apply it to whatever position he’s given
This is probably the best run he's had without injury for a long time too.
I really think it's a case of lock being the position where he brings more upside relative to his alternatives vs what he brings in the backrow.
He'd make a good bench option if McReight was the bench backrower you're looking to carry.
I really think it's a case of lock being the position where he brings more upside relative to his alternatives vs what he brings in the backrow.
He'd make a good bench option if McReight was the bench backrower you're looking to carry.
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Yep, Rennie plays his 6 and 8 in reverse as to what the Brumbies do, with the 6 playing wide in the formation... which really didn't work when they played Samu at 8 in Bled 1 in 2020, and then Valetini at 6 for the French series...
I expect Valetini to be locked in at 8 with Leota or Wilson at 6.
Drew
Bob Davidson (42)
I agree with that. It would depend on the sub split I guess, if it’s 6/2 you have the luxury of picking more specialists on the bench. 5/3 would require a bit more adaptability, which might help him. He’s not taking a starting spot from Valetini, Leota, Swinton, et al. But I see him doing a better job replacing them than Philip, Rhoda, etc.
Tomikin
Simon Poidevin (60)
They also lost
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
I think Holloway's form this season warrants inclusion in the match day 23, covering lock/blindside/eight. He's stepped up several gears for mine and has been excellent in contact, which is what you want from your forwards.
Joe Blow
Peter Sullivan (51)
Holloway is having an outstanding year but I just cannot see where he fits in at either lock or in the back row. We have better specialist options in both with excellent cover for the bench. He would not let us down but it wouldn’t make sense looking ahead to the RWC and from where Rennie has already taken the Wallabies.
KOB1987
Rod McCall (65)
Holloway is a perfect RWC squaddie
Dctarget
John Eales (66)
QC on Instagram: "If I knew playing 7 was this easy I’d have made the switch a while back "
30K likes, 332 comments - quadecooper on May 18, 2022: "If I knew playing 7 was this easy I’d have made the switch a while back "
www.instagram.com
Man Japan Rugby looks fun
LeCheese
Peter Johnson (47)
Crazy money for a bit of shenanigans - you can see the appeal.QC on Instagram: "If I knew playing 7 was this easy I’d have made the switch a while back "
30K likes, 332 comments - quadecooper on May 18, 2022: "If I knew playing 7 was this easy I’d have made the switch a while back "
Man Japan Rugby looks fun
Surely both the pilfer and bump off are a first for Quade at pro level?
Derpus
George Gregan (70)
I too would to play touch for millions of dollars.QC on Instagram: "If I knew playing 7 was this easy I’d have made the switch a while back "
30K likes, 332 comments - quadecooper on May 18, 2022: "If I knew playing 7 was this easy I’d have made the switch a while back "
Man Japan Rugby looks fun
Joe Blow
Peter Sullivan (51)
If there is room for him. Leota would fill that spot ATM and I would say that Uru would also give it a run. I guess LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is off so that may open up opportunity for a 5/6.
Marce
John Thornett (49)
By 1 point against 16 players lolThey also lost
KOB1987
Rod McCall (65)
That’s true - those two have incumbency/experience on their side however Jed is ahead of both purely on current form. There is room for 2 such players in a RWC squad, He definitely needs to be in the calculations.
Dctarget
John Eales (66)
Hope he doesn’t try the bump off in a Bledisloe