Wallabies selection: who are the Lion tamers?
Roar Rookie By Worlds Biggest, 5 Mar 2013 Worlds Biggest is a Roar Rookie
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In less than three months’ time the British and Irish Lions will arrive on Australian soil along with 30,000 fanatical supporters.
This is a tour unlike any other in sport. I have been fortunate enough to attend five Lions Test games, all incredible occasions.
This Lions squad will be very strong across the board, it will take a herculean effort by the Wallabies to win the series.
With that I am going to pick my Wallabies team for the first Test at Suncorp Stadium.
I am taking into account players that should be returning and selecting a few out of their current Super Rugby positions.
Wallabies First XV vs British and Irish Lions
1. Benn Robinson
2. Stephen Moore
3. Sekope Kepu
4. James Horwill
5. Kane Douglas
6. Ben Mowen
7. David Pocock (c)
8. Wycliff Palu
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. James O’Connor
12. Ben Tapuai
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. Digby Ioane
15. Kurtley Beale
I think our backs (if the right players are selected) can match it with the Lions however it’s the forwards that concern me, which is no surprise.
James Horwill will be underdone however we need his grunt and experience. Ben Mowen is a smokey, however we are still searching for a number six so why not give him a run.
His card is probably stamped however I would pick him. Sekope Kepu needs to lift his game.
I don’t know if this team is good enough to win the series however it’s one I would like to see selected in the first International.
No more selecting plodders such as Dave Dennis, Pat McCabe and Ryan Harris. Pick the best possible players in the right positions, please Robbie Deans.
Roarers, what’s your team?
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March 5th 2013 @ 3:27am
Johnno said | March 5th 2013 @ 3:27am | Report comment
Good team but mine’s a bit different
15)Jesse Mogg
14)Digby Ioane
13)Mitch Inman
12)Ben Tapuai
11)Clyde Rathbone
10)Quade Cooper
9)Will Genia
8)Wycliff Palu
7)Dave Pocock
6)Higgers
5) Timani Senior
4)James Horwill (c)
3)Dan Palmer
2)TPN
1)Ben Robinson
Bench
Kurtley Beale,Pat Mcabe,Brett Sheehan,Steve Moore,Kane Douglas, Timani Junior,Ben Alexander,Laurie Weekes
-Jesse Mogg for all the doubters has a massive boot, which is crucial for a full back (think Dagg,Steyn,Halfpenny,Andy Goode,ROb Kearney,Matt Burke), you need a fullback who can gain territory via kicking game, Mogg has that. And he is so fast as well, will link up well with other teammates.
-Rathbone is big , strong, explosive just ask JOC, who he flattened . He just shades Joe Tomane for the other wing spot.
-Mitch Inman big storng, 6’3 105kg and fast will be a big guy who can negate Tuilagi to a degree he is 2 inches taller, he is more physical than AAC who for mine has looked flat in attack, still good in defence but lacking in any attacking thrust.
-Dan Palmer is a better scrummager than Ben Alexander. We will need it in the 1st half, remember Phil Vickery getting popped in the Lions series game 1, set the tone of the series. 1st half scrums really count, bring Ben Alexander on in the 2nd half at half time, his running game will be an asset 2nd half. Laurie Weekes has been impressive physical, and into everything, offers more than Kepu, who isn;t in good form right now.
Beale, and Pat Mcabe both have good utility value , and good under pressure, both will be used in the 2nd half.
TImani junior is so explosive and has looked good, has far more impact andpower than Ben Mowen, in matches that will get very physical. Fotu Auelua is very physical too would be a very handy bench player come on last 30, as would Samo. All 3 of these guys can rough the other team up, and high impact in last 30 minutes, Ben Mowen won’t have the same impact .
And Steve Moore can bring it home in the 2nd half or last 35 minutes, cool under pressure, let TPN off the leash to go hard and rough up the Lion’s, and bruise them with some runs, and big tackles.
Same with Timani senior let him go hard, for 45 minutes rough up the Lion’s then Kane DOuglas can bring it home with Horwill.
All in all our best 25-30 players can match the Lion’s, only player’s I truly fear are Jamie Roberts, Manu Tuilagi and Richard Gray. But fingers crossed we have a near full strength squad. And we can win , going to be enthralling series.
March 5th 2013 @ 4:09am
Hightackle said | March 5th 2013 @ 4:09am | Report comment
It will be something like.
Robinson
TPN
Alexander
Horwill
Douglas
Higgs
Palu
Genia
Beale
Ioane
Tapuai/Lealiifano
AAC
Mitchell
JOC
March 5th 2013 @ 4:29am
ScrumJunkie said | March 5th 2013 @ 4:29am | Report comment
Hard to argue with much of that team Johnno, except you left JOC out of the whole squad. I’m also a Mogg fan, but don’t you think it’s a tough ask to throw in him in the deep end for a debut at 15 in the first Lions test?
I’d have him on the bench, maybe, depending on the fitness of the other fullback options.
Agree that you want you’re tighthead to be someone who’s been playing a lot in that position in the build up to a Lions series. I think Deans will still pick Alexander at 3 however.
Even harder to argue with HT’s, especially if I was picking what I think Dean’s will do.
March 5th 2013 @ 4:39am
Johnno said | March 5th 2013 @ 4:39am | Report comment
JOC was my back up back, the 24th man. For me Mcabe offers a little more not by much though. If an injury happens early on Mcabe’s defence is so good, and he is a hard runner, and good under pressure, and he will be physical at I/C or wing, and can play full back verl well too.
JOC lacks a bit of size, is strong but lacks size, his defence is medium. The Lion’s backline will be pretty big , and it will be a physical series, I only see JOC as a fullback and nothing else , can fill in the wing but for me is a fullback now or a fill in five eigth. Long term he probably will be a five eigth.
Mogg may not have played test footy but , you have to debut some time, his massive boot, and speed will be crucial if he gets a gap , or support play he will have a lot of pace.
And Mogg will be 24 by the time the Lion’s series starts, he is 1 year old than JOC, so he has been around long enough 24 is no spring chicken.
March 5th 2013 @ 5:17am
ScrumJunkie said | March 5th 2013 @ 5:17am | Report comment
You’ve just about got me convinced.
One thing I will say about McCabe, I’m really quite fearfull of the injuries he could suffer if played at 12 at test level, especially with the likes of Tuilagi and Roberts trying to run through him. The bloke has no concern for his own well being.
March 5th 2013 @ 5:24am
Johnno said | March 5th 2013 @ 5:24am | Report comment
True but even if he only lasts 1 match he will do his job, defend as if his life depends on it. You have to be born with that courage it can’t be coached, you either have that or you don’t, most player’s don’t Mcabe has that.
-Mcabe has handled big centres JDevilliers, Ma Nonu comfortably before, so is fine. That I/C defensive channel is crucial.
Mcabe is 6’1 so he is not short either.
March 5th 2013 @ 9:05am
nickoldschool said | March 5th 2013 @ 9:05am | Report comment
You’re right Johnno. Always thought McCabe was smaller! Not sure he is a world class twelve but he is definitely one of the few wallabies who put his body on the line at every test match.
March 5th 2013 @ 9:15am
Boomeranga said | March 5th 2013 @ 9:15am | Report comment
I think JOC is a must. He’s a gun, plus if we pick him we don’t need to then squeeze a Barnes or Harris in. You can still pick them obviously but it would be a legitimate choice not predominately driven by goal kicking.
March 5th 2013 @ 10:40am
WOLF said | March 5th 2013 @ 10:40am | Report comment
Johnno. Are you serious in saying Mccabe is a better fit than JOC.
As iv’e said before Mogg, Inman, Rathbone and Quade will not make the squad.
Are you convinced that QC is the best 10 in the country?
You are delusional!
March 5th 2013 @ 8:46am
B-Rock said | March 5th 2013 @ 8:46am | Report comment
I think we have had this conversation before Johnno
Selecting on size is not a realistic strategy to beat the Lions (or anyone for that matter). Our only chance is to try to compete on our terms – not theirs. Sacrificing skills for size without gaining a comparative size advantage (Lions will still be bigger than your team above) is just silly. Johnno – do you seriously think that Inman, Rath, Timani Jr and Palmer are up to it?
While coaching tactics are crucial, we need the likes of KB and JOC out there to open them up. We will be undersized no matter who we select, lets try to beat them to the breakdown and go round them not through them
I personally would lean very close to Worlds Biggest’s team above
March 5th 2013 @ 8:58am
mania said | March 5th 2013 @ 8:58am | Report comment
totally agree B-Rock – picking solely on size is slowly killing aus rugby. brains and skills is so much more important than size. waste of time having a big fast strong player if he’s stupid and stands around doing nothing. the saying “a good big man will always beat a good small man” doesnt point out tho that “a small smart man will always beat a big dumb man”
March 5th 2013 @ 4:49pm
jeznez said | March 5th 2013 @ 4:49pm | Report comment
B-Rock – I agree and am also similar in the pack to WB’s team. At the moment Kepu has done nothing to warrant selection though and think that Alexander, Palmer and Slipper are all in front with Ryan possibly edging him as well.
6 is wide open as well and I like to think that the two rangas are in the frame Kimlin and Quirk.
Final comment is on 8 – Palu is a default selection but rolled an ankle on the weekend and may be out for a while. Will have to see who puts their hand up in the coming weeks. Given he is a Deans favourite McCalman could come back into frame.
March 6th 2013 @ 3:25pm
Bananas said | March 6th 2013 @ 3:25pm | Report comment
The attrician rate will probably see about 20 forwards required
Run on eight Robinson Moore Alexander Horwill Douglas Higgs Pocock Mowen
Bench from TPN Faiinga Palmer Ryan Slipper Simmonds Fardy Mcmeniman Pyle Jones Gill Hooper
It might seem a little harsh on the incumbent backs but Ioane is the only likely survivor from the last run on Wallaby backline of Phipps Beale Cummins Tapuai AAC Ioane Barnes. My fantasy backline is – Genia Lealiifano Mogg O’Connor Ioane Volavola Beale with backup from White Cooper Cummins and the door is ajar should Folau fulfill.
March 7th 2013 @ 2:29am
Malo said | March 7th 2013 @ 2:29am | Report comment
KB, qc and JOC are the past, they are myths premadonnas who have no respect for the jersey lets look for the future and people playing in good S15 form. KBs defence was pathetic before his shoulder and hand injury, qc hasnt played well since 2011, and JOC is worried about his looks and is arrogant as. Campaign AXE THE THREE AMIGOS.
March 5th 2013 @ 8:49am
adsa said | March 5th 2013 @ 8:49am | Report comment
Inman was shown up for a lack of pace on friday against the tahs.
March 5th 2013 @ 10:32am
WOLF said | March 5th 2013 @ 10:32am | Report comment
Nice try Johnno
March 5th 2013 @ 12:06pm
Simon_Sez said | March 5th 2013 @ 12:06pm | Report comment
Johnno, where in the starting line of the Wallaby backs is AAC, JOC, Berrick Barnes, Volavola, Folau, F’Sautia, Lealiifano, Speight, KB?…you don’t have to answer! It is much more competitive to win a spot in the Wallaby backs and the value of the jersey is appreciating. We can thank the quality of the coaching of the Super 15 teams bringing through more talent. With regard to Quade Cooper, he is going to find it very hard to make the Wallabies this year, he is really missing Will Genia making him look good.
March 5th 2013 @ 1:40pm
RebelRanger said | March 5th 2013 @ 1:40pm | Report comment
If you’re considering Volavola, Folau, F’Sautia and Speight for Wallabies there may be competition but at a very low level.
March 15th 2013 @ 1:04pm
BetterRedThanDead said | March 15th 2013 @ 1:04pm | Report comment
Agree with most less comments re McCabe, who is too small to have the impact needed, Rathbone (seriously?) and Dan Palmer / Ben Alexander. The focus has been too long on the front three of the tight 5 as the source of our scrummaging problems which, in my view, has been a mistake. Timani demonstarted where the problem has really been – soft locks not giving enough weight in the scrums. BA is an adequate tighthead, however his placation of Phil Vickery (a far better technical prop) was acheived largely as a result of the huge weight given to him by Sitaleki Timani. And I bet he would confess to that himself.
Our locks have been pillows in the scrums for too long and we will get owned if the pair we pick cannot or will not support the front three adequately.
Also reckon Dom Shipperley has been given a raw deal and needs to be seriously considered
March 5th 2013 @ 3:43am
Billy Bob said | March 5th 2013 @ 3:43am | Report comment
Great positivity there Johnno.
March 5th 2013 @ 3:47am
bluerose said | March 5th 2013 @ 3:47am | Report comment
we need size, speed, strength and skills so my team would be
1-Ben Robinson.
2-Stephen Moore.
3-Dan Palmer.
4-James Horwill.
5-Kane Douglass.
6-Scott Fardy.
7-David Pocock.
8-Wyclef Palu.
9-Will Genia.
10-Quade Cooper.
11-Digby Ioane.
12-Christian Leali’ifano.
13-Joseph Tomane.
14-James O’Connor.
15-Jessie Mogg.
March 5th 2013 @ 6:31pm
Terry Kidd said | March 5th 2013 @ 6:31pm | Report comment
Bluerose, I think you gave it a good shot and in the pack its only THP that I have doubt over. I don’t really like Palmer’s work around the field. I think Kepu and Alexander will get the nod there but another I like is Paddy Ryan, now there is a bloke on the rise.
I do have issues with your backline. I think 10 is quite open at the moment and Beale will probably get first shot but I would like to see Lealiafano get a shot. I think his skills are being wasted at the Brumbies at the moment simply to get Toomua into the run on team. I don’t think that Digby has earnt a spot but will probably get selected.
My backline would be Genia, Beale, Lealiafano, ACC, JOC, Honey Badger, Mogg ….. pace and skill and no defensive speed bumps.
March 9th 2013 @ 10:17am
Crazy Horse said | March 9th 2013 @ 10:17am | Report comment
You wa t “size, speed and strength” yet you’ve left out Cummins and play the undersized JOC at 14 instead?
March 5th 2013 @ 3:55am
biltongbek said | March 5th 2013 @ 3:55am | Report comment
The concerning aspect here should be the suggestion that Beale play 15 and O’Connor 11 against the Lions.
That is not the positions they play in Super Rugby, now I do realise they are both talented plauers, but they are honing their skills in different positions.
Perhaps one of th reasons why the Wallaby attack struggle at times.
March 5th 2013 @ 6:58am
nickoldschool said | March 5th 2013 @ 6:58am | Report comment
Same here. I think JOC would (re)adapt ok on the wing but to play KB at FB if he stays at ten with the Rebels is a big call. If Mogg, or any other full back, has a great SR season they should get the starting spot with the wallabies.
Looking at everyone’s team, it looks like the midfield is still very much up for grabs, which is a bit of a worry.
March 5th 2013 @ 7:04am
mania said | March 5th 2013 @ 7:04am | Report comment
joc is definately one of the most adaptive players in aus rugby, right up there with AAC. but as good as joc has been mogg is playing awesome so far and deserves a call up.
beale had a great 2010 season but he hasnt shown any as #15 form since. beale cannot be handed the #15 jersey, way too big a risk and hs last game there wasnt impressive. has he improved considering he’s been playing #10 all this time? i doubt it.
i’m worried that some how folau will get the nod ahead of mogg. moggs in the wrong team if past seasons are anything to go by.
March 5th 2013 @ 7:32am
nickoldschool said | March 5th 2013 @ 7:32am | Report comment
agree re Mogg mania. I still want to believe that Folau wouldnt get a jersey if the wallabies were named today. But we have seen some strangest selections in the past.
March 5th 2013 @ 7:37am
mania said | March 5th 2013 @ 7:37am | Report comment
yeah nos, i’m a probably being a bit paranoid. no way should folau get a test jersey when u have mogg and joc on offer.
but then again i was surprised how easily all the other league converts were given test jerseys. as good as mattRogers was (and he was awesome imo), there is no way he was a better fullback than chrisLatham (who was on par with cullen imo) but still it happened.
March 5th 2013 @ 4:22am
Hightackle said | March 5th 2013 @ 4:22am | Report comment
Imo the Wallabies will really struggle to win against the Lions. Australias weakest points are lineouts, tactical kicking, scrums and under the high ball.
The Lions will pick a team (should) that has good tactical and place kicking, strong set piece and good under the high ball and force Aust to kick or run out of its own half.
I think the Lions coach will pick
1) Sheridan
2) Best
3) Cole/Jones
4) Gray
5) Hamilton
6) Ferris/R.Jones/Croft
7) Robshaw
8) Morgan/Felatau
9) Youngs/Phillips
10) Farrell/Wilkinson
11) Zebo
12) BOD
13) Tuilagi
14) Halfpenny
15) Kearney
And imo Aust will really struggle against a side like this
March 5th 2013 @ 4:28am
Johnno said | March 5th 2013 @ 4:28am | Report comment
Either way I just can’t leave Manu Tuilagi out of the starting line-up he is too good now, ripped through the AB’S too.
Tuilagi played I/C on the STH Africa tour he did well I would put him there, and put BOD at 13 . Jamie Roberts will be tough call to leave out though, but if BOD still has the fitness for a Lion’s tour he must start. Tuilagi could play wing too.
March 5th 2013 @ 6:40am
Red Menace said | March 5th 2013 @ 6:40am | Report comment
No George North? You wll find Ashton will be the other winger and Halfpenny to fullback….which makes it a stronger side. I have doubts about Robshaw at 7, I would have had O’Brien but his form has fallen away. Robshaw plays like a 6/8 but I won’t be surprised if he is named Captain.
As for the Wallabies, can we wait a couple of months, so we can truely gauge form.
March 6th 2013 @ 12:41am
Hightackle said | March 6th 2013 @ 12:41am | Report comment
No George North.
Imo he is not the best option and Im a big fan of wings that can or do play FB like Jane,Brown, Zebo, B.Smith, Halfpenny, JOC etc.
Secure under the highball, good kickers etc.
North, Visser, Cuthbert and co are overrated imo.
Ashton def should not be the other winger imo. Not on form or reputation.
I want versatile well rounded players that offer security. Not one dimensional players that can and do implode or play poorly quite often. Ashtons defence is one of the worst of any top ten international winger imo and although he may tour, imo he should not be the test winger. North maybe but even then Im not gonna pick him over guys like Bowe or Zebo.
March 5th 2013 @ 6:10am
mania said | March 5th 2013 @ 6:10am | Report comment
wow no quirk or mogg
March 5th 2013 @ 7:29am
Jack said | March 5th 2013 @ 7:29am | Report comment
Cooper and Beale wouldn’t make the Brumbies. White picks on performance. Neither can tackle. Both transfer pressure. Copper hides at fullback. Beale is targeted on the line when he’s one on one. Coleman ran straight over the top of him to score – which went on commented by his cheer squad commentators, as does his ball security. Beale turns over the ball way too much for test rugby and his kicking game is inaccurate and short. How AAC gets a place is beyond me. Must of on form from 3 years back. He is seemingly unable to draw and pass, almost always tries to beat his man regardless of the unmarked players outside. Pick on form not perceived reputation.
March 5th 2013 @ 9:11am
Short-Blind said | March 5th 2013 @ 9:11am | Report comment
Jack- well said you are on the money IMO. Beale is a high risk 15 very loose in some key fundamentals. I live Coopera long passing game but if he can’t defend in the line he shouldn’t be there. McKenzie continuing to hide him at the Reds is doing the Wallabies a huge disservice . This is the prob with OZ rugby, RD and the ARU don’t seem to have the clout (unlike NZ) to get key people developing in their best (for the Walys) positions. BTW I think that Mogs is streets ahead of any other 15 on show in OZ at present but RD will pick favs only
March 5th 2013 @ 12:15pm
Hoy said | March 5th 2013 @ 12:15pm | Report comment
I noticed Cooper was in the line against the Hurricanes on the weekend, and defended the line solidly enough. But someone like Peter Ryan or Trevor Gillmeister should be employed to take him for a three week sandpit session to really hone his technique. Would have been a good thing to do over the christmas break…
March 5th 2013 @ 12:24pm
mania said | March 5th 2013 @ 12:24pm | Report comment
Yeah the Axe
March 5th 2013 @ 5:19pm
Mike said | March 5th 2013 @ 5:19pm | Report comment
Gillmeister, brilliant idea.
March 5th 2013 @ 9:02pm
Suzy Poison said | March 5th 2013 @ 9:02pm | Report comment
At last someone who talks sense. If Cooper is at 10, the Wallabies will lose 3 zip. However I think Deans is smarter than that.
Defence and kicking game, I would have O’Conner and Barnes as backup on the bench. I would have Mogg starting and Beale on the bench too. Cooper wouldn’t make my 22 or Izzy Foloua.
Can’t understand why no-one has mentioned Hugh McM…that guy took it took the Bulls, and they didn’t like it. Go re-watch some you tubes of the Lions versus Boks and realise how confrontational it’s gonna be. He is closest abrasive forward that the Wallasey have. You really need an enforcer in the Bakkies mould.
The Lions forwards are going to dominate otherwise. You guys do realise they are going to pick the biggest thugs in the northern hemisphere to grapple you guys. Plus the Lions tour is unlike any other tests, it really brings out the Northern Bogan.
All those soccer yobs come along for the ride. And all the trashy English Soccer papers get right behind those yobs too. It only happens once in four years that Poms, Welsh, Irish and Scots can agree with each other.
March 5th 2013 @ 10:47pm
ScrumJunkie said | March 5th 2013 @ 10:47pm | Report comment
Agree Suzy. I have to admit I found it offensive Hugh McM was invited to those wallaby prep camps over players who had been playing super rugby, but he looks to have lost none of his sting.
If he’s not injured, he will be in the squad for sure.
March 6th 2013 @ 10:43pm
kombiutedriver said | March 6th 2013 @ 10:43pm | Report comment
Some people need to watch the games a bit more closely. Cooper stays in the defensive line and tackles pretty dam well. Ask those Hurricanes players he tackled last weekend.
March 6th 2013 @ 12:58am
Hightackle said | March 6th 2013 @ 12:58am | Report comment
Beale and Cooper wouldnt lower themselves to play at the Brumbies Jack.
Is Beale out of form?
March 5th 2013 @ 8:31am
formeropenside said | March 5th 2013 @ 8:31am | Report comment
With Robbie selecting, who knows what we will get? It also depends on whether a Deans favourite is deemed fit (ie has played half a game in the last 6 months). Its not beyond the realms of possibility that regardless of form, we will get a team of, say:
Benn Robbo
TPN/Moore
Alexander/Kepu
Horwill
MMM/Douglas
Dennis
Pocock/Hooper
McCalman (assuming Palu is broken, as he usually is).
Genia/Phipps
Barnes
Digby
McCabe
Horne
AAC/Vuna
Beale/JOC
That team is not the worst running around, at least in places, but its made up of players Robbie has picked deliberately and promoted into “leadership” positions. Deans wont introduce too much new blood in a Lions series – first and foremost, he is trying to save his job – with the possible exception of naming Folau to boost ticket sales and poke the mungoes in the eye.
March 5th 2013 @ 8:32am
formeropenside said | March 5th 2013 @ 8:32am | Report comment
strangely, I can only assume that using the word “m u n g o” get auto-moderation. How silly, especially for what started as a Rugby site.
March 5th 2013 @ 8:51am
maximillian said | March 5th 2013 @ 8:51am | Report comment
I agree fos, Deans has his favourites so even tho I dont really like your side, I think this is closer to what will be picked. I actually like McCabe at 12 even tho not many others have picked him to start on this thread. He can be one dimensional but he is a rock on defence & you’d have to think the Lions will use their massive midfield of Roberts/Tuilagi & also giant wing M North to punch holes in a relatively small Aussie backline.
March 5th 2013 @ 12:18pm
Hoy said | March 5th 2013 @ 12:18pm | Report comment
Like George North has done on the upteen times we have played him in the last two years?
Honestly that bloke is a myth. I have not seen him to any damage to the Wallabies yet. Even his try when he was here last year was the result of the Welsh forwards joining a ruck from the side clearing out defenders, so he could fall over the line.
But I might touch wood now just in case he unleashes on us for the Lions…
March 5th 2013 @ 12:35pm
Markus said | March 5th 2013 @ 12:35pm | Report comment
I’ve been thinking the same thing every time North’s name is mentioned.
Yes, at 194cm and over 105kg, on paper he is a monster. But so are guys like Mitch Inman and Andrew Smith, neither of whom strike fear into the hearts of opposition.
March 5th 2013 @ 1:55pm
maximillian said | March 5th 2013 @ 1:55pm | Report comment
North is still only 20 so his best Rugby is in front of him for sure. I remember when the Lions came in 2001 & guys like O’Driscoll/Robinson/Wilkinson really started to come into their own on that tour & now we can look back at these guys as having exceptional careers. I see the same for North on this tour so hes a player to watch out for.
the massive units in the Lions midfield is the biggest area of concern for the backs & I can see the tourists expoiting the size mismatch against the Aussies.
March 5th 2013 @ 12:49pm
formeropenside said | March 5th 2013 @ 12:49pm | Report comment
maximilian, I dont like my side! While most of those blokes would be a 30-man squad, some would not, and my 22 would be very different.
March 5th 2013 @ 1:18pm
Jiggles said | March 5th 2013 @ 1:18pm | Report comment
I’d happily put money on that team being picked and I’d happily put money on them getting beaten 3 zip.
The only way the Wallabies can beat the Lions is by picking a fast pack that tries to limit the time spent messing around in rucks. Robbinson, TPN, Kepu & Palu are way to lazy for this type of game.
March 5th 2013 @ 2:04pm
maximillian said | March 5th 2013 @ 2:04pm | Report comment
yea id normally agree with that Jiggles but I like the way Robbie Deans is approaching this series. He wrote an insightful article on the Roar a few weeks back & hes looked at what has worked in the past against the Lions to formulate a plan (the 3week camp for key players/frontline Wallabies probably not playing for their super rugby sides against the Lions etc).
No doubt the series will be tight so it could come down to coaching tactics/selections etc. I think Robbies doing everything possible to win this series so I back him to choose the right team, even tho its probably different to my selection.
March 5th 2013 @ 2:19pm
Jiggles said | March 5th 2013 @ 2:19pm | Report comment
Robbie’s plans haven’t worked for 5 years so I don’t see how they’ll work now or why we should trust him. Using history to forecast the future is fraught with danger. Particularly when it comes to an event which occurs as infrequently as a Lions tour.
March 5th 2013 @ 11:11pm
Ben.S said | March 5th 2013 @ 11:11pm | Report comment
If the Wallabies opt for a lick and mobile pack then so can the Lions, and with players like Healy, Tom Youngs, Launchbury, Parling, Evans, Ryan, Croft, Wood, O’Brien, Tipuric etc I don’t think they’ll win that war either.
March 6th 2013 @ 10:40am
Jiggles said | March 6th 2013 @ 10:40am | Report comment
Do you think Gatland will bit a pack like that though? I personally don’t think Robbie will deviate must from what he’s been doing, i.e. a slow Waratah based pack so it’s really a mute point.
March 6th 2013 @ 11:03am
pogo said | March 6th 2013 @ 11:03am | Report comment
A moot point perhaps?
March 6th 2013 @ 11:41am
Ben.S said | March 6th 2013 @ 11:41am | Report comment
I think at this point it’s hard to say, but with Sheridan and Hines not playing Test rugby, Matthew Rees out of form, Corbisiero, Brad Davies and Stephen Ferris injured and Euan Murray not playing regular rugby etc, there’s not a huge amount of giants or set-piece specialists to choose from currently playing in the 6N. I personally don’t think the Lions forwards will blow the Wallaby pack away, but I do think they will be better at their core roles than the Wallabies. The Wallaby scrum is still very hit and miss, and I could imagine the Wallabies really struggling to match the Lions in the air (depending on the selections). Whoever fills the 5 jersey (and Scott Higginbotham) will potentially have a huge amount on their plates come re-start and lineout time.
March 5th 2013 @ 8:38am
kingplaymaker said | March 5th 2013 @ 8:38am | Report comment
Robinson
TPN,
Kepu
Horwill
Timani
Higginbotham/Samo
Pocock
Palu
Genia
Cooper
JOC
Tapuai
Ioane
Folau/Tomane
Beale
I move Ioane into the centres to allow an extra X-factor player on board, either Folau or Tomane.
I think:
a) You need as many X-factor players on board as possible.
b) 1: Moving Ioane into centre keeps him in the team, while allowing the extra X-factor in the shape of Folau or Timani.
2: Ioane is a very strong tackler, and would be playing opposite the most powerful Lions threat, Tuilagi, at 13.
c) I would consider playing Samo instead of Higginbotham. Higginbotham has not made that much impression yet at international level, less than Samo last season. Palu and Samo in the backrow would offer a lot of grunt.
d) I would consider Mccabe over Tapuai. Tapuai is definitely a better player in general, but Mccabe is better in defence and rock solid, where he may be needed to stop Jamie Roberts and shore up the 12 channel. Mccabe and Ioane would be a strong defensive centre combination and Ioane wuld offer attacking threat.
March 5th 2013 @ 8:52am
mania said | March 5th 2013 @ 8:52am | Report comment
nah KPM – u dont need many xFactor players, in fact u need the soldiers more imo. those guys that regardless of whats happening, win or lose, they’re doing their core roles well.
ioane hasnt played well at centre so far. i remember him playing there last years vs the blues and he got put on his a55 a couple fo times before he disappeared from the game. why would u move your most devasting wing?
i consider quirk ahead of higgers.
how does folau get ahead of mogg?!?! incredulous.
March 5th 2013 @ 9:00am
kingplaymaker said | March 5th 2013 @ 9:00am | Report comment
mania Quirk won’t play. Making a debut in the pack is very hard in a Lions series.
Ioane is a proven force at international level, so keeping him in the team is good, but adding another really effective player even better.
Folau has 10000000000000000000000000000 times the talent of Mogg. More talent in an atomic particle in his little finger.
March 5th 2013 @ 9:06am
mania said | March 5th 2013 @ 9:06am | Report comment
KPM – why shouldnt quirk play? he’s a soldier and seems to be a player that is focussed at doing his role and doing it well. he’s easily outplayed higgers and samo so far. i agree its a bit early to say he should be given a test, but if he keeps this form up then u have to pick him.
so quirk cant make a debut vs the lions but folau can? double standards much?
cant believe your man love for folau. he’s a better athletic specimen but mogg is the infinately better rugby player.
ioane is one of the worlds best wingers and u want to move him for a league convert that still hasnt proven jack at super level let alone test?
wow i’m aghast KPM
March 5th 2013 @ 9:12am
kingplaymaker said | March 5th 2013 @ 9:12am | Report comment
mania putting in an impressive forwards performance in a debut in a Lions series would be tough, but Quirk although he has done fine so far, has not been dominant in a way to justify what would be a risk. Folau is dynamite as a player. A match winner.
March 5th 2013 @ 9:17am
mania said | March 5th 2013 @ 9:17am | Report comment
yet u think folau has the goods? wow double standards.
quirk does better and knows more about his role and rugby than folau does. imo quirk has been the in form aus player in super
mogg is a better fullback, can tackle, kick ,read the play and seems to be at his fastest at the mo. easily faster than what i’ve seen of folau.
March 5th 2013 @ 9:41am
kingplaymaker said | March 5th 2013 @ 9:41am | Report comment
Yes mania Folau has the goods in droves. He is a powerhouse talent. Quirk hasn’t done that much.
Mogg is not even comparable to Folau. Folau is only playing his second match and look at his work in the build-up to the two Waratahs tries. Where I do agree though is that he is not a full-back but a wing or centre.
March 5th 2013 @ 10:51am
mania said | March 5th 2013 @ 10:51am | Report comment
KPM – i watched most of folau’s league career. i reckon i know more about league and its players than most ppl on roar do. i played and follwed league since i was a 12 back in the 80′s. folau isnt all that. mogg is the better rugby player by a country mile. folau wasnt all that. he wasnt a thruston or inu or lockeyer.
tbh imo folau hasnt got the brains to be a great rugby player. he has zero innovation and u only ever see him repeat the same attack over and over. which is fine because in league it scored tries. but in rugby u dont have the 5th tackle where u can set up for a cross kick.
his defence is suspect one on one in the open.
he cant kick (well no evidence so far) despite playing AFL. i’d like folau to be a good rugby player but i dont think he has the intelligence or the discipline.
and KPM i cant understand why u dont solely just watch league. u seem to think all the players and the level of play is better when its not. super is the superior product, despite the aus derby’s last year. rugby is a harder game and jsut as physical than league.
March 5th 2013 @ 11:02am
kingplaymaker said | March 5th 2013 @ 11:02am | Report comment
mania league has the most amazing players, the problem is the game they’re playing.
March 5th 2013 @ 11:16am
mania said | March 5th 2013 @ 11:16am | Report comment
no kpm, the only thing league has is the most amazing league players. most of them couldnt make an aus super side. its only ever the top 2 percent of players that ever get signed by ARU and then only a quarter of them are any good in union. the only aus league imports imo that really made it was andrewWalker and tuqiri. the rest put in cameos and were either below average or didnt stay long enough to really gel.
mattrogers was a far smarter better all round player than folau will ever be and he left before he completely understood rugby. imo folau is no where near as talented as rogers was.
March 5th 2013 @ 10:43am
mania said | March 5th 2013 @ 10:43am | Report comment
jiggles play the ball. hugely offensive accusation.
March 5th 2013 @ 11:07am
Jiggles said | March 5th 2013 @ 11:07am | Report comment
It goes both ways Mania, and some of his remarks about certain players are just unfounded in truth and down right bizarre. eg. rubbishing Horwill for Timani last year and now Mogg for Israel.
March 5th 2013 @ 11:20am
mania said | March 5th 2013 @ 11:20am | Report comment
jiggles its only rugby and we’re only talking about it. never have i heard KPM call other people racist and nor have a heard him launch a personal attack on someone. the times he’s been provoked i’m pretty sure he still doesnt get personal.
this forum would be a little bit greyer and boring without someone like KPM around. yes he’s opinionated but he provides good opposition for a heated exchange of ideas.
March 5th 2013 @ 12:58pm
formeropenside said | March 5th 2013 @ 12:58pm | Report comment
He makes we wish the site has an ignore function. Though I am sure many NSW-men wish there was one for me.
March 5th 2013 @ 2:37pm
jameswm said | March 5th 2013 @ 2:37pm | Report comment
LOL – nah, your stuff’s fun to read, even if I don’t always take those red-tainted opinions seriously…
March 6th 2013 @ 3:23am
Ben.S said | March 6th 2013 @ 3:23am | Report comment
Actually Wayne Smith and Brett have both taken exception to his disinformation, and I’ve seen him insult people, including myself, numerous times. I’ve also seen him (somewhat bizarrely) insult and question the integrity and morality of players like Nathan Sharpe, Hugh MMM, Sonny Bill Williams and Quade Cooper. Pure thread clogging with very little respect for the truth.
March 6th 2013 @ 3:24am
Ben.S said | March 6th 2013 @ 3:24am | Report comment
Mania re: KPM, not Jiggles.
March 5th 2013 @ 9:07am
Ben.S said | March 5th 2013 @ 9:07am | Report comment
Nick Stiles, Rod Moore (basically), Justin Harrison, Heinrich Brussow (basically)…
March 5th 2013 @ 9:01am
maximillian said | March 5th 2013 @ 9:01am | Report comment
good side but everyone from 11 – 15 is playing in a position different to what they play in their Super 15 side. This is such a massive series so I think it would be a mistake to go down this path as youd think the Lions will have dangerous backs, but also specialists in each position.
Id like to see these backs:
Genia
Cooper
JOC
Mccabe
AAC
Ioane
Mogg
most playing their normal position so they can hit the ground running in the crucial 1st test
March 5th 2013 @ 9:08am
kingplaymaker said | March 5th 2013 @ 9:08am | Report comment
maximilian I think I only shifted Ioane in effect. Both Mccabe and Tapuai have played a lot of 12.
Mogg has his fans, but it’s unlikely he’ll debut against the Lions and indeed debutants are unlikely in general. AAC isn’t an exciting player anymore, but given his experience I see the advantage of playing him in a one-off series like this.
March 5th 2013 @ 8:43am
Ben.S said | March 5th 2013 @ 8:43am | Report comment
Those other ‘X-factor’ players are certainly going to be seeing a lot of the ball with that pass master Ioane at 13…
March 5th 2013 @ 6:43pm
Terry Kidd said | March 5th 2013 @ 6:43pm | Report comment
Agreed Ben, tis a really dumb call to put Ioane at 13. In fact because of his poor handling, and talent at getting isolated, I would not pick him at all.
March 5th 2013 @ 11:14pm
Ben.S said | March 5th 2013 @ 11:14pm | Report comment
I think he’s a game changer but has very poor core skills. Somebody like Cummins is popular on the Roar, but as a defender I’d rather face him than Ioane.