P
Paradox
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It's harder to defend from a decision making point of view but the defense is a lot less direct. I wouldn't want to see JOC (James O'Connor) making front on tackles at 12.
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It's harder to defend from a decision making point of view but the defense is a lot less direct. I wouldn't want to see JOC (James O'Connor) making front on tackles at 12.
Dave Beat
Paul McLean (56)
Barnes had some very poor kicks, I don't think he should be picked
rigs23
Allen Oxlade (6)
I think JOC (James O'Connor) is more than capable shutting down direct attack straight at 12, especially more so than making those difficult defensive decisions at 13...that Rene Ranger bounce not withstanding. Different circumstances I know, but one of his great games was at 12 for the Force against Sonny Bull. JOC (James O'Connor) held him all game.
About Barnes your probably right, Dave Beat. The way Beale played last night they definitely don't have to try and find room for Barnes anywhere, we already have able play makers, but then again as someone else said the gameplan for 10, 12 and 15 all relied on Lilo. I know its hard to say, but I have no doubt it would have worked with Lilo's fantastic kicking game. It was like Barnes tried to overplay his part in the tactical game, which he almost had to with Lealiifano off the field. As soon as he went off they should have moved Beale to 10 and JOC (James O'Connor) to inside.
About Barnes your probably right, Dave Beat. The way Beale played last night they definitely don't have to try and find room for Barnes anywhere, we already have able play makers, but then again as someone else said the gameplan for 10, 12 and 15 all relied on Lilo. I know its hard to say, but I have no doubt it would have worked with Lilo's fantastic kicking game. It was like Barnes tried to overplay his part in the tactical game, which he almost had to with Lealiifano off the field. As soon as he went off they should have moved Beale to 10 and JOC (James O'Connor) to inside.
Richo
John Thornett (49)
Deans will not move JOC (James O'Connor). He declared him to be the flyhalf and definitively so. He won't go back on that after one match. Especially one for which excuses are readily available.
I think that, in Deans' mind, his selections need to plug holes, not reinvent the wheel.
I think that, in Deans' mind, his selections need to plug holes, not reinvent the wheel.
Bullrush
John Hipwell (52)
Kaino - RWC semi-final
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
It irks me, but I think you're right. If he moves him, it will be a direct change with Beale because he will be able to justify that in his muddled way of thinking.
If all of Barnes, Ioane, AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), McCabe and Lealiifano are out injured, I would go with Genia, To'omua (assuming QC (Quade Cooper) is no chance), Tomane, Horne, Kuridrani, Cummins, Folau, Beale and JOC (James O'Connor) to the bench. If that's too radical, Beale to 10 but I don't like it.
jollyswagman
Ron Walden (29)
tigerland12
John Thornett (49)
I dont want to see Smith replace Gill....no match fitness means he should be no chance barring injuries.
Good call.
The match thread is littered with posts about selecting underdone players like Ioane who then didn't perform.
Why are people now arguing that George Smith comes straight back into the starting XV?
Hawko
Tony Shaw (54)
Because he's George Smith.
Dave Beat
Paul McLean (56)
Totally understand.
Hooper had a strong game, didn't do anything wrong.
Gill came on and played well, couldn't fault his involvement.
George Smith more often than has at least one display of brilliance ever game (Hoops or Gill didn't do that last night) - some of them match turning plays. Even his first game back in Soup he had a number of crucial turnovers and was strong in defence (one crunching tackle on Folau I recall) so match fitness I'm sure Smithy is fine.
I do like the back row mix of Mowen, Smith, Palu, but someone has to drop out and all three of them have an agreement to be there.
Woodenspoon
Herbert Moran (7)
Considering that Deans is very stubborn sometimes, I guess (and fear) he sees the same backline as the first test, the only obvious exceptions beign Tapuai instead of AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and Mogg instead of Barnes.
No4918
John Hipwell (52)
The forwards were not the problem so dropping someone for George would be a tough call. Lack of direction with the little ball they had was the issue. I can't believe I am calling for this but Beale is amuch better option at 10.
A realistic (no one just called into the squad or people not even in it) backline i'd like to see would be:
Genia
Beale
Cummins/Tomane
Lilo
Horne
Folau
JOC (James O'Connor)
A realistic (no one just called into the squad or people not even in it) backline i'd like to see would be:
Genia
Beale
Cummins/Tomane
Lilo
Horne
Folau
JOC (James O'Connor)
The big problem we have this week with the two concussions is that even if the players are available come Saturday, they might not be able to train for much of the week and their availability won't be clear for a while.
rigs23
Allen Oxlade (6)
Horne is very underrated in attack. He runs great lines and has a good pass, plus he is surprisingly quick. Every time he's been knocked for been an attacking liability he's been in a team not known for throwing the ball around. Plus, he's a 13, not a 12. As everyone knows they are sometimes interchangeable but not in his case.
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