Skelton is guaranteed a spot and as Eddie said, Skelton has become a winner (English premiership, top 14 grand final, 2 European championships). He's the only player that's use to winning and Eddie will be hoping it rubs off on others.
I did think Debreczeni could be a smokey but Eddie going for youth
I'm glad that some of the boys are making the most of missing out by taking up opportunities overseas as we have seen with many of the players who have had stints overseas, it has developed their game so much more.
Certainly however for some/ many they only get one crack at a RWC . I don’t agree with the selection of Donaldson and Jorgensen (perhaps their time will come ) . Wright and Debreczeni should be in the team. It’s wrong !
I’m sad for Michael Hooper but not surprised. Will Skelton is just one more Wallaby who benefited from playing a few years elsewhere. Good luck to him.
Huge, huge gamble. All past evidence is that squads need to be experienced and battle-hardened to get through rounds of RWC. He is trying something unprecedented. It might work but it could also be a complete disaster. Because he is Eddie he will get the benefit of the doubt for now. Welsh, Fijians and even Georgians might be feeling a bit more confident today though.
Perhaps. He did mention the 2027 World Cup a bit during yesterday's press conference. Think he came into the year cock-a-hoop and thought we had the talent to steal the cup. But I think the last month has taught him where we are truly at, and he's decided to give young blokes a go in prep for 2027.
I worry about the lack of experience and no back up at 10. If Eddie wanted to go with youth, why not do that from the start of the International season? Jorgensen and Vunivalu seem bolters over Wright. Disappointing for Pete Samu as well. Quarter Finals is the expectation.
Love Skelton as captain and he's picked a squad that has zero expectations, but plenty of excitement and energy. He picked 2 10's as Donaldson is there, and Quade will come straight in if there's any injuries.
It's been so frustrating that Wright hasn't been able to execute at top level! We see it in super rugby and then.... I'm sure no one is as frustrated as he is though.
If that team takes a step forward from the final NZ game as they took steps forward before it, we have a fantastic opportunity. Our pool lends itself to strong performances (not perfect performances), as does the expected Quarter Final matchups. Long story short is that we have an opportunity to peak after some in-tournament momentum... and you know how important momentum can be!
Lots of ugly questions. I feel this is an ordinary squad. No Neville, Samu, Wright, Lonergan x 2, Holloway , Debreczeni!
Skeleton isn’t guaranteed a spot . Why is he Captain? Has he ever been a captain? Is he an inspirational leader?
It’s not a good squad and in my opinion Australian rugby will sink further.
Have a great day .
We will have that drink soon!
Mathers
Skelton is guaranteed a spot and as Eddie said, Skelton has become a winner (English premiership, top 14 grand final, 2 European championships). He's the only player that's use to winning and Eddie will be hoping it rubs off on others.
I did think Debreczeni could be a smokey but Eddie going for youth
Thanks Ben. Good luck to the players. It’s not their fault if the selectors are sub-standard.
I love your sense of humor James
I'm glad that some of the boys are making the most of missing out by taking up opportunities overseas as we have seen with many of the players who have had stints overseas, it has developed their game so much more.
Certainly however for some/ many they only get one crack at a RWC . I don’t agree with the selection of Donaldson and Jorgensen (perhaps their time will come ) . Wright and Debreczeni should be in the team. It’s wrong !
I’m sad for Michael Hooper but not surprised. Will Skelton is just one more Wallaby who benefited from playing a few years elsewhere. Good luck to him.
Typical Eddie “crash through or crash” joyride.
I'm sad too. Has been a great servant of the game and tremendous player. But everyone's time comes... and sometimes when you least expect it.
Interesting reading these comments - the risk taker v the risk averse
Very. Eddie not afraid to take risks. Particularly with 4 years left on his contract.
Pleased for Skelton being skipper too. I think that’s a very good move
Huge, huge gamble. All past evidence is that squads need to be experienced and battle-hardened to get through rounds of RWC. He is trying something unprecedented. It might work but it could also be a complete disaster. Because he is Eddie he will get the benefit of the doubt for now. Welsh, Fijians and even Georgians might be feeling a bit more confident today though.
Perhaps. He did mention the 2027 World Cup a bit during yesterday's press conference. Think he came into the year cock-a-hoop and thought we had the talent to steal the cup. But I think the last month has taught him where we are truly at, and he's decided to give young blokes a go in prep for 2027.
I worry about the lack of experience and no back up at 10. If Eddie wanted to go with youth, why not do that from the start of the International season? Jorgensen and Vunivalu seem bolters over Wright. Disappointing for Pete Samu as well. Quarter Finals is the expectation.
He did say Quade could still play a role, especially if Gordon or Donaldson get injured. He'll be first cab off the rank.
I like the squad. Only 1 specialist flyhalf confused me though...I know Donaldson is there but he has had zero minutes...
What do you reckon Eddie is planning there?
I like Skelton as captain too. Was a surprise initially but he knows what's involved in winning stuff and seems quite well spoken and respected.
Who knows, this might even signal a return to Oz rugby in the next few years?
Love Skelton as captain and he's picked a squad that has zero expectations, but plenty of excitement and energy. He picked 2 10's as Donaldson is there, and Quade will come straight in if there's any injuries.
And of course Benny Alexander is always there as a late call up as well.
Get ready!
He'll be there, but sitting comfortably in the stands 10 beers deep!
Surprised about Wright and Samu and Skeleton at Captain (What!?,).
But otherwise I don't think Michael Hooper will be missed, especially the way Hooper and McReight played last match.
Thought Len could have been named given he's due to be fit by first match.
Whats the deal with injury cover? Is the squad we have all we have or can we call in reinforcements?
Wright had a couple of shockers and paid the price. Samu just not suited to the style Eddie wants to play.
Len will be called in if a centre is injured.
It's been so frustrating that Wright hasn't been able to execute at top level! We see it in super rugby and then.... I'm sure no one is as frustrated as he is though.
Yeah, Eddie wants consistency, especially under pressure.
Captain was a surprise call. Only Gordon at 5/8 big call. Youth pace and a month to gel
Reminds me of a once Brumby side.
After watching the last 3 tests live progress is on track for a finals win. In Eddie we trust.
🏉GoYouGoodThing🏉
In Eddie we trust indeed!
Definitely exciting times ahead Ben.
No baggage to inhibit the freedom these players have.
Good luck to them in RWC 23.
Exactly. Just let the lads play!
If it wasn’t for the post match beer after the Canes game……..
Watching the young players in Super Rugby this season, Gordon is a find for sure.
Add in Hooper as well.
Maybe the injuries are a blessing in disguise.
In Eddie we trust!
If that team takes a step forward from the final NZ game as they took steps forward before it, we have a fantastic opportunity. Our pool lends itself to strong performances (not perfect performances), as does the expected Quarter Final matchups. Long story short is that we have an opportunity to peak after some in-tournament momentum... and you know how important momentum can be!