Wallabies v Fiji, Sunday, 6 July, 1:30pm @ McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
- Thread starter Wilson
- Start date
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
I think one of Williams or Hooper should start at 6 with Skelton in the row. Valetini and Wilson do a bit of jumping, but that is a particularly weak backrow at lineout time. My thought would be Hooper to start with Williams covering lock from the bench. Valetini to No 8 and Wilson probably drops out. Alternatively, Skelton to the bench and start Williams at lock and Wilson at 8.
I haven't yet given up on Pietsch being on the wing in place of Jorgo. There must be a reason DP was replaced early in the Force game when he had been setting the field alight. And Jorgo might still be short of fitness and a test match is not a place to run someone back to match fitness after a long layoff.
I haven't yet given up on Pietsch being on the wing in place of Jorgo. There must be a reason DP was replaced early in the Force game when he had been setting the field alight. And Jorgo might still be short of fitness and a test match is not a place to run someone back to match fitness after a long layoff.
Dctarget
David Wilson (68)
Any guess on the captain? I've got a good suggestion. Williams. He's a guaranteed first choice pick for me and Wallabies captain being a lock just feels right ya know. McReight seems to not want it/be chosen. Wilson is too iffy, 9s as captains is morally wrong, props too unfit and scrum related. It makes sense.
Maybe Jorgensen will end up on the bench but it seems very unlikely he won't be in the 23 at all given he hasn't been released to play for the Waratahs.
Given he was selected in all matches on the EOYT (2 starting, 2 on the bench) it also seems pretty clear that Schmidt is a fan.
Given he was selected in all matches on the EOYT (2 starting, 2 on the bench) it also seems pretty clear that Schmidt is a fan.
Dctarget
David Wilson (68)
Our scrum might hold up might not, don't want the captain at risk of yellow cards for repeated infringements. Whereas a little french ref will be too intimidated by handsome Jeremy looking down from the clouds, placing a big mitt on his shoulder and saying magnanimously, 'it's alright cobber, I've got it'.
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drewprint
Bob Davidson (42)
Been thinking about this the last week or so and I agree. I think he’s a bolted on starter now, already captains the Force, and is a calm head. He’d be a good choice.
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
Could we rotate the captaincy amongst the players through each half of the tests?
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
I can see how we could get here, but Wilson's 17 carries and 17 tackles a game, along with Valetini's immense impact are just fundamental to the game plan, and (probably) can't be replicated by anyone else. Would require a really different game plan to what Schmidt has been working towards to date.
I do think we need Skelton's point of difference though, so I don't know how to square that circle
I do think we need Skelton's point of difference though, so I don't know how to square that circle
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Wilson
John Eales (66)
The backrow set of Valetini, McReight and Wilson saw all 3 of them play career best rugby last year and it's only going to get better with time. Even if it wasn't clearly the direction Schmidt was set on last year, the impending departures of Hooper and Gleeson make it a no brainer.
I think it's just a matter of working on the lineout with that grouping, it's not impossible to improve at all. Arguably this Lions series will actually be an easier place to get it done, given the squad they've picked an the lineout struggles they've already had.
I think it's just a matter of working on the lineout with that grouping, it's not impossible to improve at all. Arguably this Lions series will actually be an easier place to get it done, given the squad they've picked an the lineout struggles they've already had.
Strewthcobber
Michael Lynagh (62)
Also worth noting that even though it has always been obvious that improving Wilson (4 takes) and Valetini (0 takes) as lineouts options would be critical to the Wallaby's success, their Super Rugby coaches barely used them.
Not much centralization in Australian rugby underway still!
Not much centralization in Australian rugby underway still!
Rugby Head
Ted Thorn (20)
This looks spot on. Would much prefer LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) over frost and hopefully we can get an upgrade on Slipper. Surely Aidan Ross gets parachuted in, he has been a consistent performer at the Chiefs for many years. JOC (James O'Connor) would also be ideal for the 22 jersey.
According to Iain Payten, Harry Wilson is captain for this game, Jake Gordon is missing the game due to a hamstring niggle, McDermott and Lolesio will start.
Jorgensen and Potter on the wing with Sua'ali'i at 13.
Jorgensen and Potter on the wing with Sua'ali'i at 13.
Maulalltheway
Johnnie Wallace (23)
very very limited lineout options with this side.
LeCheese
John Hipwell (52)
Ehhh Wilson averaged 3 line out takes per game (18 in 6) last Rugby Championship. Clearly he isn't a primary jumper, but I don't think his ability as a secondary is too far off the mark - even if he wasn't central to the Reds' plans this season.
Nothing to say either of them haven't been working on it in the background, either.
Nothing to say either of them haven't been working on it in the background, either.
rugbyAU
Chilla Wilson (44)
Based on reports it should be
1 - Bell
2 - Porecki
3 - AA
4 - Williams
5 - Skelton
6 - Valetini
7 - McReight
8 - Wilson
9 - McDermott
10 - Lolesio
11 - Jorgensen
12 - Ikitau
13 - JAS
14 - Potter
15 - Wright
Pollard, Slipper, Nonggorr, Frost, Gleeson, White, Donaldson & Daugunu/Pietsch
1 - Bell
2 - Porecki
3 - AA
4 - Williams
5 - Skelton
6 - Valetini
7 - McReight
8 - Wilson
9 - McDermott
10 - Lolesio
11 - Jorgensen
12 - Ikitau
13 - JAS
14 - Potter
15 - Wright
Pollard, Slipper, Nonggorr, Frost, Gleeson, White, Donaldson & Daugunu/Pietsch
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Slim 293
George Smith (75)
Apparently no Valetini or Skelton for Fiji...