Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
It's been suggested, on this very thread I think, that Eddie might be looking to fight fire with fire by selecting his biggest and most aggressive side against the Saffas.
I would assume, with both Bell and Tupou on the plane, they will both be in the selection mix. If that is the case I hope he starts with the two of them and have Slipper and Ala'alatoa on the bench as injury cover or to finish. It can be risky to have players returning after long injury spells to sit as reserves because they might not have the gas to see out a game if the starter goes off early. In any case, they are the biggest we've got in the props spots so get them on early to impose themselves.
Similarly, Uelese if he plays should start for his physicality and preferably Feassler on the bench as the next most aggressive hooker.
By this reasoning, Skelton would also start with Frost and Richie Arnold to come off the bench. The backrow I'd then like to see would be Holloway at 6, Leota at 7 and Valetini at 8. The idea would be to use the size and aggression available to apply as much pressure as possible at the breakdown and hopefully win turnover ball in the process, or cause the opposition to stuff up. A pilfering No 7 just doesn't have that influence in the modern game. Pete Samu on the bench to cover all spots in the backrow.
The backline almost selects itself.
I would assume, with both Bell and Tupou on the plane, they will both be in the selection mix. If that is the case I hope he starts with the two of them and have Slipper and Ala'alatoa on the bench as injury cover or to finish. It can be risky to have players returning after long injury spells to sit as reserves because they might not have the gas to see out a game if the starter goes off early. In any case, they are the biggest we've got in the props spots so get them on early to impose themselves.
Similarly, Uelese if he plays should start for his physicality and preferably Feassler on the bench as the next most aggressive hooker.
By this reasoning, Skelton would also start with Frost and Richie Arnold to come off the bench. The backrow I'd then like to see would be Holloway at 6, Leota at 7 and Valetini at 8. The idea would be to use the size and aggression available to apply as much pressure as possible at the breakdown and hopefully win turnover ball in the process, or cause the opposition to stuff up. A pilfering No 7 just doesn't have that influence in the modern game. Pete Samu on the bench to cover all spots in the backrow.
The backline almost selects itself.