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Wallabies no 7 for the world cup

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B

Braveheart.

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In my opinion, Ben McCalman is probably the player covering 6-8 in the squad - the mantle.

Further, I think potentially Saia Fa'aingaa, Scott Higginbotham or TPN could be used as a 7 against the dirt trackers of Russia and the USA.
 

ChargerWA

Mark Loane (55)
If he gets injured, a boarding pass for one Mr B Robinson will be quickly purchased by the ARU.

And McCalman covers 7 for the Dirt trackers.
 

tigerland12

John Thornett (49)
I'm just confused about who will play against Russia and USA, those would be the games I'd be resting Pocock
 

tragic

John Solomon (38)
The problem will be if he gets an injury that rules him out for a few games only - eg up to the quarters or semis but will recover in time for the final (should we make it) If we send him home he cant come back. Alternatively if he stays we play the lead up matches without a fetcher. Big risk IMO.
 

EVERYFWDTHINKTHEYREA6OR7

Syd Malcolm (24)
I just think that after 10, 7 is probably the most important position on the field (Sorry front row) i think that a specialist 7 would have been a better option. Seems like we have NO problems at covering 6 or 8...
 

redstragic

Alan Cameron (40)
Crazy decision for mine. With Higgs, Rocky, Palu and Samo in the squad, why not have Beau in there and call for McCalman if required?
 

Scotty

David Codey (61)
I also think that McCalman is the most likely emergency back up, but wouldn't be surprised if we see the following loosies in big matches:

6 Elsom
7 Pocock
8 Samo

Bench: Higginbotham, Palu

If Pocock goes down during the game, then Higgers or Rocky go to 7. I love the idea of having some big loose forwards being able to work their arses off for 50-60, knowing that we have a couple of guys just as bigger (or bigger) sitting on the bench.
 

Scotty

David Codey (61)
The question is then, does that mean he is automatically on the bench for all top games?

No Samo/Palu + Elsom/Higgers double double team?
 

Joe Blow

John Hipwell (52)
McCalman as a 7?

Can't be serious. Higgers or Rocky would be much better.
Deans must feel the game is going away from needing a fetcher, but if we don't have a fast little bloke on the paddock getting to all the breakdowns in a hurry we will get slayed by the big boys (NZ, SA, France, Eng).
Mind you France do not have a fetcher and NZ didn't take one to SA.
I dunno........it has always been our game to play quick phase rugby.
I guess we will see.
 

Gnostic

Mark Ella (57)
This comes back to the debate last week where I said then that I think the way the Breakdown is being refereed the On-ball 7 really is a thing of the past. Yes we will still see a few turnovers like we saw against the Bok, but a link player and counter ruck player is now more important IMO. For that Higginbum or Hodgeson would be able to fill the position. The only loss will be in slowing opposition ball by a single backrower.
 

qwerty51

Stirling Mortlock (74)
McCalman as a 7?

Can't be serious. Higgers or Rocky would be much better.
Deans must feel the game is going away from needing a fetcher, but if we don't have a fast little bloke on the paddock getting to all the breakdowns in a hurry we will get slayed by the big boys (NZ, SA, France, Eng).
Mind you France do not have a fetcher and NZ didn't take one to SA.
I dunno........it has always been our game to play quick phase rugby.
I guess we will see.

Mate what you on about, there's no way Rocky and Higgers are better 7s than McCalman. Especially Higgers. Both are seagulls, McCalman is very on the ball.
 

darkhorse

Darby Loudon (17)
For the uninitiated amongst us what are the issues with a breakaway switching sides?

A blindside (6) breakaway and a traditional (australian) openside breakaway (7) perform very different roles and require very different physical attributes. An openside is required to secure position and disrupt the opposition's position. Often mobility, workrate, low centre of gravity for strength on the ball are key attributes, whilst a 6 is more likely to be similar to an 8. McCalman could be quite good, but Beau Robinson would be better as a fetcher. Although the way things are heading there is not as much need for a fetcher.

For what it's worth I don't think it will be a huge issue having 1 specialist 7. A 7 doesn't have as much impact these days and it is only a player of Pockock's quality that will force you to pick one. Even Pockock has struggled to have the same impact in recent weeks. There is much more emphasis on clearing out and counter-rucking, than being first there and pilfering. Even the top 7s atm don't bother going for the pilfer, they just charge straight through. Their fitness and mobility is what makes them an asset. As far as McCalman's ability to perform the role required, he is certainly fit enough, has a high workrate, solid tackler, decent counter-rucker compared to the other 7s. Sure his impact in the carry is lacking for an international 8, but they way the game is going, he might be a very good 7.

For what it's worth, I don't like the fact that this is how the game is played. I am a 7 and love to see a pilfer, but the rules favouring the attacking and making sure you release the player, make it very hard to get a clean pilfer atm.
 
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