Wallabies selection: who are the Lion tamers?

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

If Quade doesn't start, then he could theoretically cover 10, 12, 14 and 15 from the bench. He covers 14 and 15 already in some of those ridiculous defensive sets.

Crazy Horse, note that I haven't denied any of that, nor am I saying that it is always wrong to play someone out of position anyway. I am simply pointing out (in response to another post) that his test experience has all been at wing, as has his most recent S15 experience. That doesn't mean he can't play at 13 for the Wallabies but he shouldn't be talked up as having relevant experience in the position.

Cummins regularly plays 13 with the Force and even played 12 at times. He is a genuine utility outside back, not just a specialist winger. He is a much better player than Inman which is why he still has a Force contract when Inman got chopped.

You wa t "size, speed and strength" yet you've left out Cummins and play the undersized JOC at 14 instead?

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.

Don't forget that all tests, including the Lions series, now have 23 man squads, ie. there are 4 front-rowers selected.

Don't forget that all tests, including the Lions series, will have 23 man squads, ie. there will be 4 front-rowers selected.

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.

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.

This is what I think is best to tackle the Lions Robinson Moore Alexander Horwill McMeniman/Douglas Higgimbotham Pocock Palu Genia Lealiifano/Cooper Ioane Tapuai Ash Cooper Beale JOC TPN, Palmer, Slipper, Timani, Smith/Hooper, Lucas, Cummings, Folau/Mogg 1) too many play makers you say? Beale can and should be used purely for his ability to break the line. 2) McMeniman already? Love his aggression, much needed for Northen Hemisphere teams, if not Douglas enjoys the rough stuff too. 3) Tapuai is the perfect mix for the 12 position. Has the ability and the vision, plus u don't see him miss too much in that channel. 4) Smith is a speculative decision, but he would be great cover for 6/7/8. 5) Folau... That's a bit early. Folau is a game changer, it is clear everytime he touches the ball. I would bring on Cummings for safety in a match and Folau when we have nothing to lose.

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.

A moot point perhaps?

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.

Its not actually "spot on" until Deans picks it. We'll find out soon enough

Mania re: KPM, not Jiggles.

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.

Beale and Cooper wouldnt lower themselves to play at the Brumbies Jack. Is Beale out of form?

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.

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.