Wallabies 2025

[upthereds#!]

Don't reckon Schmidt will pick Hodgman even if he's fit.

Who would be the 3rd LHP? Kailea - has he outplayed Hodgman? Ross? How has he gone this season. Faagase? Is he better then Hodgman - is he eligible? Does Robertson get the LH option/versatility with Nonggoor as the 3rd THP specialist??

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Well Kailea has been lining up in the SS which has probably knocked him back a peg regardless of Schmidts opinion of him. I tend to think last year he was blooded over being backed in a genuine starting option. I'm interested to know his attitude atm given he's clearly not in favour although he is looking fitter.

Big body known quantities are required v the Lions depth in the Front Row.

 

[Wilson]

I get the feeling Kailea has slipped out of the top 3 loose heads and the squad as a result but can easily push his way back in with a good showing against the Lions for the tahs (or maybe in one of the invitational sides). Without that he just doesn't have the game time or runs on the board, but his experience with Schmidt's Wallabies means he doesn't need much to push his way back in.

 

[Wilson]

Donaldson locked in through to the world cup:

Ben Donaldson latest Wallaby to re-sign until home World Cup

www.rugby.com.au

 

[hawko07]

Is Sua'ali'i really a shoe-in for 13 (or 11/14/15)?
I'm not so sure, I've been trying to think about him objectively.

Undoubtably he offers a hell of a lot in terms of a running threat and is also excellent under the high ball.
But to me, there are big question marks on his defence (particularly high-risk technique), general play kicking, ability to create for others.

We definitely have more well-rounded options. Kuenzle? Daugunu? Even Pakeho has been pretty impressive (but I'm not suggesting he's ready yet).

 

[Major Tom]

Who would be the 3rd LHP? Kailea - has he outplayed Hodgman? Ross? How has he gone this season. Faagase? Is he better then Hodgman - is he eligible? Does Robertson get the LH option/versatility with Nonggoor as the 3rd THP specialist??

THP - AAA, TT, ZN
With Shoup out I reckon we are a tad light on LHP. Works in Ross's favour.

 

[Wilson]

Is Sua'ali'i really a shoe-in for 13 (or 11/14/15)?
I'm not so sure, I've been trying to think about him objectively.

Undoubtably he offers a hell of a lot in terms of a running threat and is also excellent under the high ball.
But to me, there are big question marks on his defence (particularly high-risk technique), general play kicking, ability to create for others.

We definitely have more well-rounded options. Kuenzle? Daugunu? Even Pakeho has been pretty impressive (but I'm not suggesting he's ready yet).

He's a shoe-in for the 23, and almost certainly the 15. Specific position is probably a bit more up in the air, but Ikitau and Wright are probably the only backs who would definitely be selected ahead of him in the positions he covers right now.

 

[parkfootyenthusiast2]

Is Sua'ali'i really a shoe-in for 13 (or 11/14/15)?
I'm not so sure, I've been trying to think about him objectively.

If I was picking the team tomorrow, I'd have

Gordon
Noah
Jorg/HP/Kellaway (depending on health and what coverage you want)
Lenny
JAS
dangunu (FFS it's Daugunu!)/HP/Kellaway (depending on health and what coverage you want)
Wright

For me that is a backline that offers great defense, oozes attacking promise and can cover a few different positions, allowing you to pick 5 forwards on the bench, with Tate as the best finishing 9 in the world and JOC (James O'Connor) for position coverage.

 

[BDA]

Don't reckon Schmidt will pick Hodgman even if he's fit.

Who do you think the 3 LHPs will be then?

 

[Backintheolddays]

Is Sua'ali'i really a shoe-in for 13 (or 11/14/15)?
I'm not so sure, I've been trying to think about him objectively.

Undoubtably he offers a hell of a lot in terms of a running threat and is also excellent under the high ball.
But to me, there are big question marks on his defence (particularly high-risk technique), general play kicking, ability to create for others.

We definitely have more well-rounded options. Kuenzle? Daugunu? Even Pakeho has been pretty impressive (but I'm not suggesting he's ready yet).

Ask the opposition coaches if they would like him there. Sure there are defensive patterns to improve and tackle height but he is one of the most threatening ball carriers in the world.

 

[parkfootyenthusiast2]

Gosh it's gonna be brutal if we lose a test because one of the Poms takes a dive on a questionable high shot from JAS

 

[fatprop]

Is Sua'ali'i really a shoe-in for 13 (or 11/14/15)?
I'm not so sure, I've been trying to think about him objectively.

Undoubtably he offers a hell of a lot in terms of a running threat and is also excellent under the high ball.
But to me, there are big question marks on his defence (particularly high-risk technique), general play kicking, ability to create for others.

We definitely have more well-rounded options. Kuenzle? Daugunu? Even Pakeho has been pretty impressive (but I'm not suggesting he's ready yet).

None of the options are playing better rugby, no other options has that x" factor, to me, Daugunu is the plan B

What I really like from his play this season is his moments when he has just ripped in as the crash ball option to provide front football

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

JAS has the ability and we've seen it in games this year as he's figuring out the spacing in Rugby to create something from nothing. Len is all class and Wright has magic feet but JAS can go through the bloke in front of him for a line break. We haven't had that since Izzy.

As teams know that it will open up space for those around him as defenders will hold that extra second to watch someone other than their assignment because it's JAS. Defence needs to keep learning but I enjoy his aggression in it. It can shift momentum.

Pretty impressive for a bloke who's 21

 

[Major Tom]

Who do you think the 3 LHPs will be then?

Yeah I'm actually struggling to come up with the 3 with Schoup injured and Kaliea playing SS.

 

[Derpus]

Is Sua'ali'i really a shoe-in for 13 (or 11/14/15)?
I'm not so sure, I've been trying to think about him objectively.

Undoubtably he offers a hell of a lot in terms of a running threat and is also excellent under the high ball.
But to me, there are big question marks on his defence (particularly high-risk technique), general play kicking, ability to create for others.

We definitely have more well-rounded options. Kuenzle? Daugunu? Even Pakeho has been pretty impressive (but I'm not suggesting he's ready yet).

I think Suaallii is good enough in defence in terms of reading the play and making the tackle. His tackle technique is terrible though.

The main reason he’ll still be 13 is we have no one to cover 12 except Len. Maybe Daugunu gets the not at 13 but i doubt it.