RA moving in a positive direction and happy to have the best possible player options available to us. Rushing Carter into a test match is not a smart move.
Wallabies 2025 Spring Tour
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The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
Shame it couldn't have happened a month sooner and he get some time in Super Rugby Aus but so be it. 6 weeks in camp is a pretty good way to get up to speed although he's likely to be called upon to play in some tough games.
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Ignoto
Geoff Shaw (53)
Rushing him into a test in what sense?
I would dare say he is fit enough, has played some QRL over the last few months and has played Union for a number of years.
In fact, if his body is up to the rigour, I would say he need to be getting as many minutes with the Wallaby squad both on the paddock and on the field to help speed up his return.
Even if he is 0.5% better than Tom and or Ben, anything that helps us have a good EOYT winning more matches than we lose will have a profound impact for our rankings.
To suggest I am baffled by this decision would be an understatement, touring with Gordon makes sense, treat him as the "rookie" let him train and remember that he has to place the ball in a tackle etc etc
Run him off the bench in 2 weeks vs Japan ..................................... OK
Run him off the bench in 3 weeks vs England - f*ck no. But "starting" Edmed @ Twickenham ..............................................
I would be amazed not to see Donaldson added to this squad, to at least have one competent 10 who has played a game of rugby in the last two years
Run him off the bench in 2 weeks vs Japan ..................................... OK
Run him off the bench in 3 weeks vs England - f*ck no. But "starting" Edmed @ Twickenham ..............................................
I would be amazed not to see Donaldson added to this squad, to at least have one competent 10 who has played a game of rugby in the last two years
In the backline, a winger and centre for sure, get him on the paddock. In the halves, particularly flyhallf it’s the position that touches the ball the most and with limited rugby ball in hand and unfamiliarity with the plays, easing him in for consistency and confidence in the players around him. There is no Ikitau or Wright to be the second playmaker. If Jake Gordon is the starter it helps. The pack without Hooper and Slipper also might be a problem peddling backwards. Getting him into camp a good move but getting him in for test 1 and 2 not a good idea. Bring Donaldson or JOC (James O'Connor) in for a bit.
Smash that f@cker.
Where's the beef
Larry Dwyer (12)
I think the whole carter thing was Les Kiss. When Joe came in he sat down with carter and gave him some feedback that I don't think carter liked very much. I recall Carter signed soon after. Joe came out at that time saying that Carter was far from perfect and there were some significant work ons for him to compete for the 10 jersey.
Joe has picked 10's that are not necessarily creative but are dependable. These were Noah and Lynagh. Unfortunately, we lost them both to injury. They are both tough and generally make good choices. Noah needed a longer boot Lynagh needed time. Donno had a bigger boot, but was less dependable in driving the ship around the park, but more inventive. Joe uses speed and pressure to score points not one on one brilliance.
Tane drives a good ship with the odd brain fart that we have all seen. Remove the brain farts and he is straight, has a good boot, supports well and kicks well. Not many things not to like. Some of the brain farts i think are confidence and being 'over coached'. I think he has earnt his way and will do well at the Brumbies, if given the chance.
Carter may play 12, with Lynagh inside him and Ikitau outside him. That way we have options either side of the ruck. JAS may yet move to the wing or 15, though I really rate Tom wright at 15. Depends how he comes back.
Over this tour I think we will start to see Les have more say in which way he wants to go. Carter will play. I am not sure JOC (James O'Connor) will get the call unless there is injury.
Lots still to go and I don't think the top 6 ranking is as high on the list as people think. They have already demonstrated that they can trouble teams. The backline is not fluid at this time, but when it is it can be lethal.
For me, The big work ons are:
1. Getting out of our own half and applying pressure
2. Backline shape
3. Hitting the ball in motion. When we do it we are such a different team as to when we get the ball from a standing start. Joe has worked hard at this but its still not there.
Out.
Joe has picked 10's that are not necessarily creative but are dependable. These were Noah and Lynagh. Unfortunately, we lost them both to injury. They are both tough and generally make good choices. Noah needed a longer boot Lynagh needed time. Donno had a bigger boot, but was less dependable in driving the ship around the park, but more inventive. Joe uses speed and pressure to score points not one on one brilliance.
Tane drives a good ship with the odd brain fart that we have all seen. Remove the brain farts and he is straight, has a good boot, supports well and kicks well. Not many things not to like. Some of the brain farts i think are confidence and being 'over coached'. I think he has earnt his way and will do well at the Brumbies, if given the chance.
Carter may play 12, with Lynagh inside him and Ikitau outside him. That way we have options either side of the ruck. JAS may yet move to the wing or 15, though I really rate Tom wright at 15. Depends how he comes back.
Over this tour I think we will start to see Les have more say in which way he wants to go. Carter will play. I am not sure JOC (James O'Connor) will get the call unless there is injury.
Lots still to go and I don't think the top 6 ranking is as high on the list as people think. They have already demonstrated that they can trouble teams. The backline is not fluid at this time, but when it is it can be lethal.
For me, The big work ons are:
1. Getting out of our own half and applying pressure
2. Backline shape
3. Hitting the ball in motion. When we do it we are such a different team as to when we get the ball from a standing start. Joe has worked hard at this but its still not there.
Out.
Yoda
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
Donaldson won't get a gig. Not under Joe now. JOC (James O'Connor) will be called in if needed as he's there. Back fit after injury in SA but Joe still runs with Edmed. Donaldson not want Joe wants.
Ignoto
Geoff Shaw (53)
Look, I would get this if Carter had never played Union before, but considering he's played most of his career as a union guy, I don't think it's a problem.
A wrap or unders move is still the same as it was 2 years ago. The defensive pattern for a 10 is not that complex. What is complex is getting used to playing with the guys inside and outside of you that will only happen by playing.
The Ghost of Raelene
John Eales (66)
I do want to see how he meshes with guys who have been playing with a passive style of 10. He's a bit more of a gun slinger type which tbh I think can be good to put guys like JAS in more 1v1 situations. It will come with errors and intercept opportunities but still interesting to see how it goes.
I don't see him as a starting 12 option. He's a playmaker and if required to truck it up it isn't his game regardless of his size.
I don't see him as a starting 12 option. He's a playmaker and if required to truck it up it isn't his game regardless of his size.
Strewthcobber
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
Stand back on the right wing and wait for box kicks to drop on your head?
Crashy
Chilla Wilson (44)
The Japan games could be an option for him though. We need to win that game by a million so Jones fully fucks off.
Tomthumb
Jim Lenehan (48)
They are fit though, ran Fiji ragged and nearly beat them
HogansHeros
Vay Wilson (31)
He has also played 4 QLD Cup games and 1 NRL game in the last 3 months
emuarse
Chilla Wilson (44)
It would'nt surprise me if Kellaway plays at fullback when CG is at 10.
Looking at some of the video replays of the past
'Stoked to return': Carter Gordon signs with Queensland Reds on three-year deal
In welcome news for Australian rugby's fly-half stocks, Wallaby Carter Gordon is set to make his long-awaited return to the XV man code, signing a three-year deal with the Queensland Reds.
www.rugby.com.au