Wallaby 31 players for 2015 RWC

[Dave Beat]

On the matter of Hooper, Pocock et al, this continual urging from posters for the champion from their home states really shits me. I, as a dyed-in-the-wool-Tahs-supporter, would be perfectly happy for Pocock to start in matches where his skills are appropriate to wear the 7 jumper. Unfortunately for Gill and Hodgson there's only space for two first-choice openside breakaways in the RWC squad, and the coach has indicated his preferences. AND HE SHOULD STICK BY THEM! Hooper and Pocock, thankfully, have complementary skills allowing TGC some wonderful choices when sizing up our potential opponents.

Yep - either or subject to game plan and opposition.
And the balance of the pack.
They both bring different strengths so I have trouble comparing them - can't understand some debates - I'd much rather choose the game plan to win, rather than play not to lose - for that reason I'd simply enjoy have both in my game day 23.

Really interested to see how selection options Smith / Gitteau / Mitchell evolve.

 

[BDA]

As long as Pocock and Hooper are fit, I don't see a place for George Smith.

However, honestly I'd probably rate Smith ahead of Gill and Hodgson. Smith has that invaluable experience that would benefit the squad in its entirety.

If Pocock was to go down injured I'd probably replace him with Smith. If Hooper were to be unavailable, I'd replace him with McMahon. Pretty harsh on Gill, but thems the breaks.

 

[BDA]

I understand Cheika has been in touch with George Smith. There would be some value in having him brought into the 45 man squad. I imagine Cheika might have Smith in mind as an injury back up for the world cup. He'll already by living up north, so logistically it would be easier to bring him into the fold on short notice. There'd be no problem with jet-lag or acclimatisation. Plus of all of the possible injury back-ups he's the best equipped to come in on short notice, given that he's played at world cups before and wont be overawed by the situation.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I read Cully's article with a bit of a smirk. It's like playing three opensides, just because you can doesn't mean you should. Rugby isn't just about brawn and power, it's also about angles and skill. This is why you need balance in the back row and midfield. Yes, have the sledgehammer(s), but you've also got to have the rapiers too because defences don't unlock themselves.

 

[Tomikin]

To'omua should be our 12 ATM with TK 13.. it's not like To'omua hits hard but also passes well.. Hopefully he will play like the 25mins outside Lilo in the Lions game, he looked deadly.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Yeah I found his dismissal of To'omua a little offputting. MT smashes blokes on D and can pass/kick like a 10. I'm not sure what more you could ask really, especially given that he has an approaching world class bulldozer in TK next to him.

 

[Pete King]

If I was picking the backrow to play tomorrow I'd strongly consider Higgers, Pocock and Palu as the starters.

Interesting backflip on higgers BH.

 

[Scrubber2050]

IMO
I wouldn't have 2 sevens in my 23. Obviously both Hooper and Poey are fantastic AT 7. Pick whichever suits the gameplan against a particular team. No problems from me.

I just don't believe that either are champion 6 or 8 players. There are better options

Why not bring George in as a specialist Assistant Coach dare I say it he is just a wee bit over the hill

 

[Pete King]

When have we ever seen that at test level? He's had some reasonable impact off the bench and a couple of good games at 6 early in his test career (where I think he is better suited for test match rugby) but I don't think he's had a single really strong game starting at 8.

I don't think he's been one of the Rebels stronger forwards this year either. I reckon he'll miss out on the RWC squad unless there are injuries to some of his competitors.

What a difference a month makes

 

[Braveheart81]

Interesting backflip on higgers BH.

What a difference a month makes

I guess this is the difference in going off actual form and changing views to reflect what is happening on the field versus preconceived perceptions about the best players.

I think Higgers has gone from being outshone by Jones, Timani, and McMahon
earlier in the season to being the Rebels best player in the last few weeks by some margin. He's produced some magnificent games.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I think Higgers works in the context of having the right balance around him. If he's given free reign to run a bit wider of the ruck and carry the ball up, then you don't pair him with Hooper (for instance). He'd be better off with Pocock at 7, who does more of the tight stuff in close.

 

[something]

I'm still liking the idea of hooper and poey playing blind and open. Hoopers stats are those of a good #6, and poey can be used as a jumping option, or half option along with Skelton. Prob need hig bum at 8

 

[TOCC]

I'm still liking the idea of hooper and poey playing blind and open. Hoopers stats are those of a good #6, and poey can be used as a jumping option, or half option along with Skelton. Prob need hig bum at 8

So Simmons, Skelton and Pocock are out line out options?

That will end well....


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[Braveheart81]

So Simmons, Skelton and Pocock are out line out options?

That will end well..

He had Higgers at 8.

 

[Viking]

So Simmons, Skelton and Pocock are out line out options?

That will end well..


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It can work in the last 20 minutes of the game:
4. Simmons - plays 80
5. Horwill - replaces Skelton
6. Hooper - replaces Fardy
7. Pocock
8. Higgers - replaces Palu/McCalman

Still 3 quality jumpers.

 

[Slim 293]

I'm moving towards a 6. Fardy 7. Pocock 8. Higgers back row........

Combined with Skelton/Simmons you've got a good combination of high workload, strong lineout, strong ball carriers, players who are effective at the breakdown and good maul defence.

 

[Elfster]

Though with Hooper you have some speed. If things go pear shape you could toss him into the backs where his speed also wouldn't be out of place.

 

[qwerty51]

Ask Cuthbert how Hooper in the backs goes.

 

[Viking]

Ask Cuthbert how Hooper in the backs goes.

Obviously Hooper won't be great in the backs but he'd still be better then any other forward if things go pear shaped.

 

[Braveheart81]

This whole Michael Hooper is a centre thing is such rubbish.

It's like saying that AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is good at the breakdown so if things go pear shaped with injuries move him to openside flanker.

They just have some skills that are more accustomed to players in other positions but are becoming more and more crucial across the park.

The best players in any position are exactly that because they do more than just the basics of their role.