Wallaby 10 debate

[rugbyAU]

Figure we need a thread for this

 

[Brumby Runner]

I'll start off.

Carter Gordon to start with Declan Meredith on the bench.

Covers 10, 12 (Gordon) and 15 (Meredith). Two best attacking 10s and with the best kicking games. Both ok under the high ball and defend at least as good as alternatives.

 

[Adam84]

Meredith has a fan or two in here, but was outplayed in Super Rugby Aus, a comp missing the other test squad 5/8s, Burey showed more when he went up against Meredith.

I get we’re desperate, but pushing for him to be the bench 5/8 is parochial nonsense.

 

[Adam84]

FWIW, I see no point in this debate until Super Rugby starts again.

But the leading contenders are Carter, Noah, Ben, Tom, Tane and JOC (James O'Connor), the pecking order will play out next year during Super Rugby.

People like HMP & Meredith for 2026 are a pipe dream.

 

[rugbyAU]

Tane isn't test level

Noah missed the whole season and is overseas, didnt set the world on fire when he got his chances and JOC (James O'Connor) likely wont make the WC

I'd go Carter starting and Lynagh and Donaldson as the other two

 

[Hogan]

I'll start off.

Carter Gordon to start with Declan Meredith on the bench.

Covers 10, 12 (Gordon) and 15 (Meredith). Two best attacking 10s and with the best kicking games. Both ok under the high ball and defend at least as good as alternatives.

Lynagh, Lolesio and Donaldson have better kicking games than Gordon imo whilst Gordon and Donaldson probably have the biggest boots. And Gordon, Donaldson and Meredith the best attacking 10’s.

 

[Strewthcobber]

Lolesio is on a one year deal in Japan, and will be available for all tests this year, and Super Rugby next year, if wanted

 

[Yoda]

I'll start off.

Carter Gordon to start with Declan Meredith on the bench.

Covers 10, 12 (Gordon) and 15 (Meredith). Two best attacking 10s and with the best kicking games. Both ok under the high ball and defend at least as good as alternatives.

Let's see how the Super rugby season pans out BR. CG has to play a whole season and show his kicking game is sound and Meredith has to get the 10 gig off Edmed.

 

[Yoda]

Lolesio is on a one year deal in Japan, and will be available for all tests this year, and Super Rugby next year, if wanted

All Tests 'next' year and then Super rugby 2027 you mean?

 

[Strewthcobber]

All Tests 'next' year and then Super rugby 2027 you mean?

Yep 2026 tests + 2027 Super Rugby.

Of course, if fit, and selected by the Wallaby coach, and if he doesn't re-sign with his Japanese side etc etc

 

[dru]

Meredith has a fan or two in here, but was outplayed in Super Rugby Aus, a comp missing the other test squad 5/8s, Burey showed more when he went up against Meredith.

I get we’re desperate, but pushing for him to be the bench 5/8 is parochial nonsense.

It might well prove nonsense, Adam, and yes we need to see things in the next season. But I don't have a Canberra parochial bone in my body, and I still like what I see in Meredith.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Does anybody really think we'll see test match standards being reached by any of Donaldson, Lynagh or Edmed in 26? Quite a few Brumbies supporters have been saying Meredith was the better No 10 available to the Brumbies for a couple of years. At the very least, there is a strong argument to say that there was no loss of performance whenever Meredith replaced Lolesio and he, Noah, was then, and perhaps moreso now, regarded as the best available for the Wallabies. Certainly, in some respects Meredith offered a distinct improvement over Noah, in area such as in-game kicking, line kicking for touch and defensive capability, as well has having the wood on him for pace. It's unfortunate to have to say it, but Stephen Larkham's commitment to Noah was a handbrake on the number of appearances Meredith has made over the past two years. I live in hope that Dan Hooper's appointment as backs coach will open up more opportunities for Meredith in 26 and that the Brumbies will be pursuing a more attacking style of play next year. It would be a travesty if a below par performer like Tane were to keep Meredith out of the No 10 spot again because of some commitment to a player who has represented the Wallabies, no matter how poorly.

 

[Adam84]

Does anybody really think we'll see test match standards being reached by any of Donaldson, Lynagh or Edmed in 26? Quite a few Brumbies supporters have been saying Meredith was the better No 10 available to the Brumbies for a couple of years. At the very least, there is a strong argument to say that there was no loss of performance whenever Meredith replaced Lolesio and he, Noah, was then, and perhaps moreso now, regarded as the best available for the Wallabies. Certainly, in some respects Meredith offered a distinct improvement over Noah, in area such as in-game kicking, line kicking for touch and defensive capability, as well has having the wood on him for pace. It's unfortunate to have to say it, but Stephen Larkham's commitment to Noah was a handbrake on the number of appearances Meredith has made over the past two years. I live in hope that Dan Hooper's appointment as backs coach will open up more opportunities for Meredith in 26 and that the Brumbies will be pursuing a more attacking style of play next year. It would be a travesty if a below par performer like Tane were to keep Meredith out of the No 10 spot again because of some commitment to a player who has represented the Wallabies, no matter how poorly.

Potentially not, but I’m yet to see a test match standards by Meredith either, and to be frank I’m yet to see him even deliver quality Super Rugby level standards from him when the others have, or at least deliver at Super Rugby Aus level.

I don’t want to ridicule the guy and I hope it doesn’t come across that way, he isn’t the one making these claims. All the 5/8s deserve their opportunities in 2026, I just disagree with the sentiment that Meredith has displayed anything resembling the level which warrants annointing him as a test fly-half in the wallabies match-day squad.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Adam, I trust that you have watched Meredith in his games and if so I respect your opinion although I think it undersells him. There are unfortunately some posters on here who express opinions about all and sundry but who at other times admit they only watch the games involving the team they support. Many more who say they just don't watch any matches involving a NZ team. Those would be some who didn't see Meredith's MOTMperformance against the reigning premiers, the Blues, at Eden Park, Auckland last year.

 

[Sully]

Oh good, now I can delete any post mentioning the Wallaby ten in any other thread on here, and you guys can repeat the same stuff over and over in here.

 

[Adam84]

Adam, I trust that you have watched Meredith in his games and if so I respect your opinion although I think it undersells him. There are unfortunately some posters on here who express opinions about all and sundry but who at other times admit they only watch the games involving the team they support. Many more who say they just don't watch any matches involving a NZ team. Those would be some who didn't see Meredith's MOTMperformance against the reigning premiers, the Blues, at Eden Park, Auckland last year.

I remember the game, he played a good game but don’t remember him getting MOTM, will take your word for it. On the subject of watching other teams I’m sure you remember watching Tom Lynagh MOTM performance against the reigning premiers the Blues earlier this year in the ANZAC Day match. I’m sure Ben and Tane have earned a few as well, Tanes performance against Crusaders in 2024 comes to mind.

Complex discussions, I’ll be interested to see 2026 Super Rugby play out….

 

[WFDS]

Carter Gordon is the best choice. There is clear daylight between him and the rest of them.

Donno on his day would be my 2nd choice

 

[rugbyAU]

Carter Gordon is the best choice. There is clear daylight between him and the rest of them.

Donno on his day would be my 2nd choice

Agreed