Just loving the depth that’s being created by Dave. I can imagine Harry Wilson is breathing fire trying to get his spot back. Now he sees Sean McMahon back in the squad and he has to work even more just to get that jersey back. Can only mean good things when getting the jersey is so hard
So do I Teddy, and depth forces everyone to lift their game! Been hugely impressed with Harry Wilson and think he's got a very bright future. But Sean McMahon is something else and will need to prove himself again to get his starting spot back after being in Japan.
I actually thought about swapping Valetini and McMahon right after posting!!! The only problem with it is that he plays 6 for Brumbs with Pete Samu there. If Brumbs could swap the two, it would give Valetini time to get comfortable at the back of the scrum. Bell could start too, and bring on Slips for his experience in the championship minutes.
Slips is probably one of, if not my favourite player. But, I just love the hands and ball running that tupou and bell bring evidenced by that last try on the weekend. Tupou also arguably had a hand in 3 of the wallabies 4 tries on the weekend. I think McMahon will suit Rennie's gameplan but I haven't seen him play for so long, I do worry a little bit about the lineout if he takes Swinton's spot. With Skelton and Samu/Wilson on the bench, you have ball runners to cover tupou/bell when they come off.
Benny, Interesting thoughts and for the most part I agree. Some questions regarding selection though - don't think you can be successful deep into a World Cup with a short back row. While the Springboks have definitely come off - and this points to some other arguments relating to the relaxing of the Giteau law. While it may achieve short term results - I question the value of it for the long term and keeping Super Rugby a pre-eminent competition vs. an Academy type competition like the A-League. I also wonder if the Springbok players - having not being exposed to the quality of competition of Super Rugby since early 2020 - whether that may have affected them. Yes they beat the Lions - but both teams played exactly the same game. Teams like Australia and New Zealand that actually... play with the ball in hand - particularly New Zealand that thrive off kick return and turnover ball - do seem to be able cause the South Africans more grief. That though is a debate for another day.
The Wallaby performance against the Springboks was for mine both surprising and a welcome surprise. A caveat though - the Springboks are also missing 4 players that are arguably key to their game and will be key to their game at the business end of a World Cup in Pieter Steph Du Toit, Lood De Jager, RG Synman and Cheslyn Colby.
The addition of the 1st 3 in the 22 adds another 3 big bodies over 2m in addition to Mostert & Etsebeth. Their game (while boring) is significantly more effective with these players in the team. I would select Salakai-Loto ahead of Valentini. McMahon (if he is still at the same level as when he went to Suntory) has to be in there somewhere so Salakai-Loto at least offers a genuine third option in the lineout. Brendan Paenga Amosa is also unfortunately (and not something that I can understand as it's a closed skill) a poor lineout thrower - this just plays into the hands of a good lineout. Tolu Latu in my view should start as he is a better Lineout thrower and arguably at similar level in terms of scrummaging. Backup - Lonergan. Why not Faingaa? - Lonergan a better lineout thrower & I'm gambling on the fact that his scrummaging will improve over the next two years - offers greater workrate and more effective ball carry around the field.
Further, Folau's attitude concerns me - every year he is pulled up for workrate and letting himself 'go'. I just can't see that lack of discipline/motivation changing suddenly. I also had heard that prior to being recalled back into the Wallabies - was actually ranked 3rd hooker at the Brumbies at the end of the Super season due to the above concerns.
Scotty Sio - Love him to death, but similar to Faingaa - turning up to the first Wallaby Camp in 2019 horrifically out of shape. Was horrifically out of shape in Super Rugby this year - just wonder after being a professional rugby player since the age of 20 - whether the motivation & discipline is still there.
The other Smokey is Nick Frost - great workrate, athletic (bit like our old mate Kimo') can play 6 as well as lock over 2m and still only 21.
All Blacks I'd imagine will also run with a back row that offers at least 2 jumpers in addition to the locks - so as I said above - just don't think you can run with a short back row & only 2 genuine jumpers. It's hurt the Wallabies in 2 World Cup finals 03' and 15' - While in 15' Fardy was there - The All Blacks had Retallick, Whitelock, Read, Jerome Kaino & while McCaw was only 6/2 - was also an option. England should have also learned from the last World Cup in both not carrying at least 3 genuine options in the lineout and a genuine tight head lock.
My Crystal ball below:
1. Slipper
2. Latu
3. Alaalatoa
4. Rodda
5. Arnold
6. Salakaia-Loto/Frost
7. Hooper
8. McMahon
Bench:
16. Lonergan (Potentially another smokey - Pollard)
Totally agree Boss re having the required timber at line out time to win the cup. Don't think any team has won it without at least 3 genuine world class line out jumpers? In that case, I need to change my 6, and would go Salakaia-Loto on the blind with McMahon/Valentini at 8 and Samu or Wilson covering on the bench.
Would love to see Billy Pollard there as well! Been super impressed when chatting to him at Owls training. Big future and definitely one for 2027. As does Nick Frost, but feel this cup maybe too early for him.
What was impressive is the ball handling from the forwards. Not disrespecting Tupou's no look pass, but it went through the hands of Hooper (playing scrum half, then Bell, to get to Tupou. And Koroibete's second try went through the hand of Swain, Phillip (who looked to see what was going on before passing), and then break by Samu. It was then kept alive by Phillip and Valenti cleaning out.
Go back to QC'd kick to win, there was 5 Wallabies chasing the kick in case something happened.
The Wallabies are now getting into position to create their own luck, and are reaping the rewards.
Me too Adam. All 15 players need to be able to do the basics with the ball in hand well. Maybe not no-look passes though! And totally agree re luck. The harder you work... the luckier you seem to get! Or just a in position to get lucky!
Gee that squad is looking pretty competitive Benny.
I reckon you'd need at least 5 props in the squad, if not 6. If 5, you'd need one to be able to play both LH and TH. I'd roll with Slips (LH and 3rd choice TH), Alaalatoa, Tupou, Bell & Sio.
Kaitu'u has looked pretty strong at hooker, and I'd take him as my 3rd choice behind Paenga-Amosa and Fainga'a. Longeran looks like one for the future.
Do you see Salakaia-Loto as a second rower or 6? I reckon he's been a little off the pace this year. Swinton, Valetini, Wilson & McMahon all in front of him at 6. Phillip, Skelton, Arnold and Rodda in front of him in the row.
Timmy! What's doing mate?! Nah, I reckon we only need 5 and can call over another like Greg Holmes or Tom Robertson if needed. Haven't watched much of Kaitu'u, but he's a solid unit. Longeran a tremendous player, but has more physical development ahead of him if he's to perform at test level like he has been at super. LSL can play either, and been impressed with him around his lineout technique. His scrummaging and physicality around the game has always been good, but I'm pressed with the technical parts of his game lately, especially around leading the maul.
Just loving the depth that’s being created by Dave. I can imagine Harry Wilson is breathing fire trying to get his spot back. Now he sees Sean McMahon back in the squad and he has to work even more just to get that jersey back. Can only mean good things when getting the jersey is so hard
So do I Teddy, and depth forces everyone to lift their game! Been hugely impressed with Harry Wilson and think he's got a very bright future. But Sean McMahon is something else and will need to prove himself again to get his starting spot back after being in Japan.
1. Angus Bell
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
3. Taniela Tupou
4. Izack Rodda
5. Rory Arnold
6. Sean McMahon
7. Michael Hooper
8. Rob Valetini
16. Folau Fainga'a
17. James Slipper
18. Allan Alaalatoa
19. Will Skelton
20. Lachie Swinton/Pete Samu
21. Harry Wilson (if 6/2)
I actually thought about swapping Valetini and McMahon right after posting!!! The only problem with it is that he plays 6 for Brumbs with Pete Samu there. If Brumbs could swap the two, it would give Valetini time to get comfortable at the back of the scrum. Bell could start too, and bring on Slips for his experience in the championship minutes.
Slips is probably one of, if not my favourite player. But, I just love the hands and ball running that tupou and bell bring evidenced by that last try on the weekend. Tupou also arguably had a hand in 3 of the wallabies 4 tries on the weekend. I think McMahon will suit Rennie's gameplan but I haven't seen him play for so long, I do worry a little bit about the lineout if he takes Swinton's spot. With Skelton and Samu/Wilson on the bench, you have ball runners to cover tupou/bell when they come off.
Slips will be there regardless as we need his experience. Agreed re line out, and Darcy Swain or Nick Frost could make great blindsides at test level
Benny, Interesting thoughts and for the most part I agree. Some questions regarding selection though - don't think you can be successful deep into a World Cup with a short back row. While the Springboks have definitely come off - and this points to some other arguments relating to the relaxing of the Giteau law. While it may achieve short term results - I question the value of it for the long term and keeping Super Rugby a pre-eminent competition vs. an Academy type competition like the A-League. I also wonder if the Springbok players - having not being exposed to the quality of competition of Super Rugby since early 2020 - whether that may have affected them. Yes they beat the Lions - but both teams played exactly the same game. Teams like Australia and New Zealand that actually... play with the ball in hand - particularly New Zealand that thrive off kick return and turnover ball - do seem to be able cause the South Africans more grief. That though is a debate for another day.
The Wallaby performance against the Springboks was for mine both surprising and a welcome surprise. A caveat though - the Springboks are also missing 4 players that are arguably key to their game and will be key to their game at the business end of a World Cup in Pieter Steph Du Toit, Lood De Jager, RG Synman and Cheslyn Colby.
The addition of the 1st 3 in the 22 adds another 3 big bodies over 2m in addition to Mostert & Etsebeth. Their game (while boring) is significantly more effective with these players in the team. I would select Salakai-Loto ahead of Valentini. McMahon (if he is still at the same level as when he went to Suntory) has to be in there somewhere so Salakai-Loto at least offers a genuine third option in the lineout. Brendan Paenga Amosa is also unfortunately (and not something that I can understand as it's a closed skill) a poor lineout thrower - this just plays into the hands of a good lineout. Tolu Latu in my view should start as he is a better Lineout thrower and arguably at similar level in terms of scrummaging. Backup - Lonergan. Why not Faingaa? - Lonergan a better lineout thrower & I'm gambling on the fact that his scrummaging will improve over the next two years - offers greater workrate and more effective ball carry around the field.
Further, Folau's attitude concerns me - every year he is pulled up for workrate and letting himself 'go'. I just can't see that lack of discipline/motivation changing suddenly. I also had heard that prior to being recalled back into the Wallabies - was actually ranked 3rd hooker at the Brumbies at the end of the Super season due to the above concerns.
Scotty Sio - Love him to death, but similar to Faingaa - turning up to the first Wallaby Camp in 2019 horrifically out of shape. Was horrifically out of shape in Super Rugby this year - just wonder after being a professional rugby player since the age of 20 - whether the motivation & discipline is still there.
The other Smokey is Nick Frost - great workrate, athletic (bit like our old mate Kimo') can play 6 as well as lock over 2m and still only 21.
All Blacks I'd imagine will also run with a back row that offers at least 2 jumpers in addition to the locks - so as I said above - just don't think you can run with a short back row & only 2 genuine jumpers. It's hurt the Wallabies in 2 World Cup finals 03' and 15' - While in 15' Fardy was there - The All Blacks had Retallick, Whitelock, Read, Jerome Kaino & while McCaw was only 6/2 - was also an option. England should have also learned from the last World Cup in both not carrying at least 3 genuine options in the lineout and a genuine tight head lock.
My Crystal ball below:
1. Slipper
2. Latu
3. Alaalatoa
4. Rodda
5. Arnold
6. Salakaia-Loto/Frost
7. Hooper
8. McMahon
Bench:
16. Lonergan (Potentially another smokey - Pollard)
17. Bell
18. Tupou
19. Skelton
20. Frost/Salakaia-Loto/Wilson
21. Gill/Samu/Valentini
Totally agree Boss re having the required timber at line out time to win the cup. Don't think any team has won it without at least 3 genuine world class line out jumpers? In that case, I need to change my 6, and would go Salakaia-Loto on the blind with McMahon/Valentini at 8 and Samu or Wilson covering on the bench.
Would love to see Billy Pollard there as well! Been super impressed when chatting to him at Owls training. Big future and definitely one for 2027. As does Nick Frost, but feel this cup maybe too early for him.
What was impressive is the ball handling from the forwards. Not disrespecting Tupou's no look pass, but it went through the hands of Hooper (playing scrum half, then Bell, to get to Tupou. And Koroibete's second try went through the hand of Swain, Phillip (who looked to see what was going on before passing), and then break by Samu. It was then kept alive by Phillip and Valenti cleaning out.
Go back to QC'd kick to win, there was 5 Wallabies chasing the kick in case something happened.
The Wallabies are now getting into position to create their own luck, and are reaping the rewards.
Me too Adam. All 15 players need to be able to do the basics with the ball in hand well. Maybe not no-look passes though! And totally agree re luck. The harder you work... the luckier you seem to get! Or just a in position to get lucky!
Gee that squad is looking pretty competitive Benny.
I reckon you'd need at least 5 props in the squad, if not 6. If 5, you'd need one to be able to play both LH and TH. I'd roll with Slips (LH and 3rd choice TH), Alaalatoa, Tupou, Bell & Sio.
Kaitu'u has looked pretty strong at hooker, and I'd take him as my 3rd choice behind Paenga-Amosa and Fainga'a. Longeran looks like one for the future.
Do you see Salakaia-Loto as a second rower or 6? I reckon he's been a little off the pace this year. Swinton, Valetini, Wilson & McMahon all in front of him at 6. Phillip, Skelton, Arnold and Rodda in front of him in the row.
Timmy! What's doing mate?! Nah, I reckon we only need 5 and can call over another like Greg Holmes or Tom Robertson if needed. Haven't watched much of Kaitu'u, but he's a solid unit. Longeran a tremendous player, but has more physical development ahead of him if he's to perform at test level like he has been at super. LSL can play either, and been impressed with him around his lineout technique. His scrummaging and physicality around the game has always been good, but I'm pressed with the technical parts of his game lately, especially around leading the maul.