Wallabies v Lions Game 2 MCG 26 July

[PhilClinton]

That was his own doing early in the career. Coulda and shoulda been a 100 capper if he hadn't thrown it in the crapper.

I still remember a film crew following him around when he was at high school, doing a mini doco about him. It's no wonder he had a big ego.

He definitely didn't do himself any favours, but he was also one of the first 'superstars' to come through during the dawn of the social media era where your brand becomes more important than your playing ability sometimes.

From what I understand, most sporting organisations do a much better job at coaching their young players on how to handle it these days.

 

[Froggy]

Yes, a bit off thread, but he, Cooper and Beale were all young superstars at the time who, for a variety of reasons, simply weren't equipped to handle it.

 

[TSR]

To be fair it seems O’Connor has done a pretty decent of developing himself as a person over the last few years. Even in his first stint at the Reds there were a lot of stories around - I’m sure not all true - but seems a pretty well grounded person now who is genuinely good to have around. The guys deserves credit where it’s due.

 

[Tazzmania]

Hooper can make the tackles, carries better and pilfers as much. Covers entire back and 2nd row. Pollard can score the rolling maul try.

Tizzano has a better tackle percentage, however he is not very far behind and may even be a more effective ball carrier.

2025 Super Rugby season:

Tizzano 9.5 carries per game for an average of 2.4 metres per carry. 26 defenders beaten and 4 clean breaks.

Hooper 11.6 carries per game for an average of 2.5 metres per carry. 8 defenders beaten and 1 clean break.

All dependes on what stat we take as being effective

 

[Joe Blow]

I’d guess Tizzano is the fall back option in the backs if needed and is dynamite in that last quarter.
Pollard is good for 70 mins if needed.
We need better line speed to put more pressure on their 9 and 10 when kicking. Breakdown pressure too.

 

[Major Tom]

I’d guess Tizzano is the fall back option in the backs if needed and is dynamite in that last quarter.
Pollard is good for 70 mins if needed.
We need better line speed to put more pressure on their 9 and 10 when kicking. Breakdown pressure too.

Mcreight would be filling in the backline before Tizzano does.

 

[Derpus]

Tizzano has a better tackle percentage, however he is not very far behind and may even be a more effective ball carrier.

2025 Super Rugby season:

Tizzano 9.5 carries per game for an average of 2.4 metres per carry. 26 defenders beaten and 4 clean breaks.

Hooper 11.6 carries per game for an average of 2.5 metres per carry. 8 defenders beaten and 1 clean break.

All dependes on what stat we take as being effective

Just seems like Tizzano carries in the loose a little more. As he should, being an openside.

They are both great. I would mainly have had Hooper in for lineout cover but its hardly going to be the make or break selection decision for the test.

 

[Yoda]

Yes, a bit off thread, but he, Cooper and Beale were all young superstars at the time who, for a variety of reasons, simply weren't equipped to handle it.

The senior Wallabies in the squad at the time should have banged all of the 3 amigos heads together and said .. " You are representing your country.. don't fu. k around and waste this opportunity and disrespect this jersey ..." Then anymore misbehaviour give it to them behind closed doors. That's what they needed.

 

[Yoda]

We do have a 35 year old 64 cap 10 in the squad

Who has played minimal minutes all year really and only one minute in the Super rugby final. Great to be in the squad for Tom and Ben. Not to play unless there's an injury.

 

[Tomthumb]

These comparisons get more silly and disingenuous with every post…

…

 

[TSR]

The senior Wallabies in the squad at the time should have banged all of the 3 amigos heads together and said .. " You are representing your country.. don't fu. k around and waste this opportunity and disrespect this jersey ..." Then anymore misbehaviour give it to them behind closed doors. That's what they needed.

My understand was that they did - but that caused more problems than it solved.

Anyway - all history now.

 

[Spamnoodle]

He was as involved as Dave Porecki or Nick Champion De Crespiny was last year...

I didn't realise they started their careers as wonderkind outside backs who later became a 10\12 hybrid.

 

[Spamnoodle]

I still remember a film crew following him around when he was at high school, doing a mini doco about him. It's no wonder he had a big ego.

He definitely didn't do himself any favours, but he was also one of the first 'superstars' to come through during the dawn of the social media era where your brand becomes more important than your playing ability sometimes.

From what I understand, most sporting organisations do a much better job at coaching their young players on how to handle it these days.

I agree, I love the guy and how his career has evolved. Just an observation why he didn't get more international caps. Would have loved to see him get some redemption this series, but it's a real long shot.

 

[Tomthumb]

I didn't realise they started their careers as wonderkind outside backs who later became a 10\12 hybrid.

What does that have to do with anything? My point was simply that none of them were involved in the Wallabies at all in 2024 so not that I’m advocating for it but picking O’Connor wouldn’t be without precedent for Joe

 

[Strewthcobber]

The senior Wallabies in the squad at the time should have banged all of the 3 amigos heads together and said .. " You are representing your country.. don't fu. k around and waste this opportunity and disrespect this jersey ..." Then anymore misbehaviour give it to them behind closed doors. That's what they needed.

Senior Wallabies around the time included AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper), Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau and George Smith (soon to get in a Japanese taxi)

 

[Spamnoodle]

What does that have to do with anything? My point was simply that none of them were involved in the Wallabies at all in 2024 so not that I’m advocating for it but picking O’Connor wouldn’t be without precedent for Joe

It has more to do with your constant whinge about every Wallaby 10 chosen over the last couple of years than anything to do with the other blokes you're trying to drag into your flawed and frankly, boring argument.

 

[Italophile]

That was his own doing early in the career. Coulda and shoulda been a 100 capper if he hadn't thrown it in the crapper.

Most of the blame attributable to his father who drove the notion of the O'Connor "brand" to create a celebrity while offering zero personal guidance. A dead cert to go off the rails and he did. Cocaine issues in France. Took him a long time to grow up. Thanks, Dad.

 

[Derpus]

Fuck we better win tomorrow to validate my decision to read this shit.

 

[The Red Baron]

Fuck me let's not rehash the flyhalf argument. I don't know if I can take the same person posting the same god damn opinion across multiple accounts again.

 

[John S]

It's almost becoming like the thread that shall not be named