Wallabies 2025

[Braveheart81]

If you picked James O'Connor you're doing it because you want him to play that 15 minute role to close out a game and be able to take pressure shots at goal.

Not picking him is fine though. It's really about what you're looking for in that position.

 

[Wilson]

This is why Donno is probably going to be on the bench though isn't it? He can cover 10 or 15 which are the main issues. edit +goal kicking

I think the backup 10 will be there as a 10 alone, fullback coverage won't really matter much - Sua'ali'i, Kellaway and Jorgensen all cover fullback and I'd be amazed if we named a 15 without one of them (likely 2).

Paisami is pretty likely the other bench back if we are going 5-3 - he covers 12 and 13 if either centre goes down and Sua'ali'i slides out to anywhere in the whole back 3 if something goes wrong there. It's the only way we can get full coverage of the backline as it stands.

If we go 6-2 than Donaldson does make more sense in terms of broader coverage from the bench.

5-3 or 6-2, the only way we have completed coverage is if Ikitau and Paisami are in the 23, at least from the squad as it stands. Given the modern realities of HIAs and the lions strength in the centres it would be a huge gamble to not have that channel properly covered.

 

[Wilson]

If you picked James O'Connor you're doing it because you want him to play that 15 minute role to close out a game and be able to take pressure shots at goal.

Not picking him is fine though. It's really about what you're looking for in that position.

Yeah, the value he offers in the 23 is as a closer and experienced coverage of every position 10 through to 15, something non of our other 10s come close to. Probably only a concern if Joe was really keen on 6-2 though, and he hasn't picked that for the wallabies yet.

The other reason to pick him would be the seniority and guidance in the squad, but that's a luxury more than a necessity.

 

[Box_Kick_]

“ James O'Connor missed out despite strong form.” Playing 10-15 minutes per game? Kicked a goal from in front to win a game. I have always liked JOC (James O'Connor) (James O'Connor), but I think his ‘form’ has been exaggerated a fair bit. He didn’t get much time v the Blues in a crucial close match?

I don't think that's a fair assessment. James O'Connor has consistently delivered strong performances for the Reds, and his experience and skillset would be valuable assets for the Wallabies. The fact that he didn't get much game time in one match doesn't define his entire season or his ability to contribute to the team. His omission from the squad seems surprising given his track record and talent.

 

[Nuggetyflyhalf]

Wallabies should look at Cheika as a high performance director.

- *Proven Track Record*: Cheika's tenure as the head coach of the Australian national team (2014-2019) showcased his ability to lead a team to significant victories and navigate complex situations.
- *Coaching Expertise*: His experience in developing and implementing effective game plans, as well as his ability to motivate and improve player performance, would be valuable assets for Rugby Australia.
- *Leadership and Communication Skills*: Cheika's leadership style, which emphasizes clear communication and building strong relationships with players and staff, would be beneficial in a high-performance management role.
- *Understanding of Australian Rugby*: Having already worked with Australian teams, Cheika has a deep understanding of the country's rugby landscape, which would enable him to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies.
- *Passion for the Sport*: Cheika's passion for rugby and his commitment to developing the sport in Australia would make him a strong fit for a high-performance management role.

Some potential areas where Cheika could make a positive impact as a high-performance manager include:

- *Player Development*: Cheika could work on developing programs to identify and nurture young talent, ensuring a strong pipeline of players for the national teams.
- *Coaching and Game Development*: He could contribute to the development of coaching programs and game plans that align with Rugby Australia's strategic goals.
- *High-Performance Culture*: Cheika's experience in building high-performance cultures could help Rugby Australia create an environment that fosters excellence and supports the well-being of players and staff.

Overall, Michael Cheika's experience, expertise, and passion for rugby make a strong case for his potential employment as a high-performance manager for Rugby Australia.

 

[cyclopath]

Thank you for your submission, Michael.

 

[Wilson]

Wallabies should look at Cheika as a high performance director.

- *Proven Track Record*: Cheika's tenure as the head coach of the Australian national team (2014-2019) showcased his ability to lead a team to significant victories and navigate complex situations.
- *Coaching Expertise*: His experience in developing and implementing effective game plans, as well as his ability to motivate and improve player performance, would be valuable assets for Rugby Australia.
- *Leadership and Communication Skills*: Cheika's leadership style, which emphasizes clear communication and building strong relationships with players and staff, would be beneficial in a high-performance management role.
- *Understanding of Australian Rugby*: Having already worked with Australian teams, Cheika has a deep understanding of the country's rugby landscape, which would enable him to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies.
- *Passion for the Sport*: Cheika's passion for rugby and his commitment to developing the sport in Australia would make him a strong fit for a high-performance management role.

Some potential areas where Cheika could make a positive impact as a high-performance manager include:

- *Player Development*: Cheika could work on developing programs to identify and nurture young talent, ensuring a strong pipeline of players for the national teams.
- *Coaching and Game Development*: He could contribute to the development of coaching programs and game plans that align with Rugby Australia's strategic goals.
- *High-Performance Culture*: Cheika's experience in building high-performance cultures could help Rugby Australia create an environment that fosters excellence and supports the well-being of players and staff.

Overall, Michael Cheika's experience, expertise, and passion for rugby make a strong case for his potential employment as a high-performance manager for Rugby Australia.

Put the AI down and go to bed. Cheika has openly stated he has no interest in backroom roles like director of rugby or high performance director.

 

[Major Tom]

Yeah that would be a disaster!