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Joined September 2017
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Lots to like about this team, with the power play apparent in both backs and forwards. The main issue for me is Tom Hopper at 7 and JU on the bench. Hopper is good option for 6 or 8 but am concerned about his lateral mobility in defence. Was caught out for Brums and WBs when their defensive structures broke up. I really hope Uelese shows what the selectors see in him. They must see good potential but surely he has to shine this time around. He will also need a decent amount of time on the field to show that, if he has it? Other than that the finishers look solid.
'Butch defence, Larkham glide': What Eddie sees in Test rookie as Wallabies make SEVEN changes
Although it’s seems an age ago after all the noise of the new Eddie era, DR had established intent, line speed and attacking and defensive cohesion and competitive and improving set pieces. Kicking and discipline were works in progress. We don’t seem to be anywhere near most of the positive things built from the DR time, although intent has been shown pretty strongly in our goal line and scramble defence. That defence shows that when clarity of purpose is there we work hard and quite effectively. In other areas of the game that clarity is missing and needs sorting out quick smart.
The two-week observation: The Wallabies can play low possession rugby OR find the Australian way – but not both
It’s hard see how The Fezz is not a better option than both DP and JU. Surely JU’s last crack at it.
Wallabies CONFIRMED: 10 changes with McReight in for Hoops, Eddie's bench gamble, Rebel's debut and Suli dropped
A hard nosed call on Hoops has be made. I understand wanting his experience and leadership. He played well in most of the tests last year but he was poor in SRP and was mostly ineffective in this test. Time has overtaken him and now the grit, energy and youth of F.McW is needed.
REACTION: 'You don't have to be a smart arse, mate' - Eddie blows up at journo after Wallabies shocker
Agree with all of those. Lack of cohesion was shown up big time. Also Reece Hodge’s selection at 12 was wildly hopeful with the back line disjointed in attack and defence after the forwards were routed at the breakdown.
REACTION: 'You don't have to be a smart arse, mate' - Eddie blows up at journo after Wallabies shocker
Spot on Brett. It really highlights one of the main reasons the SRP comp itself struggles because it’s not a truly integrated and synchronised comp like the NRL or AFL that helps fans excited and involved. Like the game and player stats issue, I want to know more about the players themselves, their backstories and injury progress etc. Going to franchise websites doesn’t help and only the rare featured high profile players or upcoming starlet in the occasional media article gives that. As a fan, I want more. Not only do Aussie rugby fans have to endure the slings and arrows of our outrageous fortune, they have to actively dig for morsels of information or contribute to their own news about it (eg, the roar). I know volunteerism it part and parcel of rugby but if rugby is to lift itself out of the shadows, the powers that be really need to get their act together now! The glossy veneer of a World Cup year only lasts so long before we’ll again see the realities of our second rate ‘showpiece’ that could be so much better.
Burning issue Super Rugby Pacific Commission must put top of its priority list
DuPont has to be considered the best scrum half ever and France are now clear RWC favs. Not sure if I saw it right but in the Italy Wales game did one of the try scorers use a white supremacist sign after he scored?
Wasn't this meant to be Eddie's fault? 'Exposed' England walloped by France, Wales win battle of also rans
FF, I agree about the limited dimensions of Aussie rugby at the moment. I think there is an attempt to pick up skill levels in franchises but it will take time. Maybe coaches are trying to work their strategies around their current skills levels. Having come back to Aussie recently from OS and having played a bit league in England in the late 80’s I think Australia’s love of structure and regulation has gone a too far. It has served us well but there needs to be balance. In England in League in the 80s and 90s Aussie coaches smashes it by added greater structure to the English high skill ad lib style. We probably won two Rugby World Cup off the back of that organisational and structure skills too. What was a great strength now seems to be a weakness where creativity and innovative across a lot of activities in Australia has lost traction and we are a bit complacent about how things work best. IMO rugby is one of many examples of that.
The Trans-Tasman showed a glaring weakness in Australian rugby
WB have completely run out of ideas in attack. Use the last 2 game to acknowledge this and use them to try something new. Beale and Foley need to be put out to pasture. It’s hard to accept, but we are now an ordinary international team slipping into tier 2 territory.
Seven talking points from Wallabies v Wales
Good article. I’m hopeful that Lukhan Tui will develop into that consistent big hard running 5, 6 or 8 we need and that Ireland, England and NZ posses. With him and McMahon and maybe Dempsey our go forward prospects are better but still probably not up with those 3. Simmons and Ned should be out of contention. Also, I don’t think we can afford the luxury of both Hopper and Pocock on the field together but don’t want either dropped. They should interchange, although that could be hard depending on the split up of reserves. As for the 2 distributors, new options are needed Foley and Beale are not consistent enough. To be a world class team, you need a world class 10 or 12, there are real problem with their defence and composure at times. Cheika-ball can work but not with what we have at the moment.
'Cheika-Ball': Making two playmakers and dual opensides work
Missed opportunity – agree. ABs are at their relative weekest for a while. I would like to have seen more robust options in the tight 5 to complement the hard working but light weight
backrow. With Simmons, the scrum looks vulnerable. Arnold ahead of him for mine and definitely Hanigan out for virtually anyone. Would have liked to have seen Hunt on the bench instead of Speight. Even if he’s lacking a bit of match fitness and the pace of Speight, his previous form, experience, versatility and nouce would be worth the risk.
Wallabies team for Bledisloe 3: Cheika makes one change for New Zealand clash
Just don’t get the Ned Hanigan thing. He seems to have good hands but at the moment has no impact anywhere, apart from jumping. Not enough to be an international player yet. Not good enough from Cheika as custodian.
Michael Cheika makes two changes to Wallabies squad for Argentina clash
Agree, McReight was huge! If not the best on ground, close to it.
Five things we learned: Aussies given early Super Rugby warning, Lolesio's timely reminder