Wallabies team named to play Springboks: McMahon to start at 8

I'm also with you on this EJ. Would just twist it to say many supporters have permanent black-tinted glasses on, it's never good enough, something is always wrong. Can things be improved? Certainly. Would I field a different team? Sure, I have my opinions. But that's been the case for over a decade and will always be. AB supporters argue about their team, as do US basketball fans. I think all three "other" southern nations (all of which semi-finalists in the RWC) are not playing at their best, for varied reasons. ABs are on song, in contrast, so results against them aren't a great measuring stick. Wallabies seem a bit better than the other two, at the moment, after winning two home games, but we have to see how they do on the road. Winning in SA is hard and winning in Pretoria is harder. SA are up against a wall and won't want to drop this one. You would expect the Boks to put their heart into this one (unless they have knives out for the coach). I think, all things considered, this looks like a 50-50 game, but that could go horribly wrong for either team (given their recent wobbling). I'm not going to read too much into a victory or a defeat. Just hope it's a good game. Go Wallabies.

It's strange to me that one of the most regular players of the Wallabies at this time, Scott Fardy, has been erased from the side. He was one of my favorites, he is the kind of player that does everything well, and a type of player that our Pumas would like to have, He has good Line, is a tough tackler, ball carrier, even very good on the break down. Dean Mum is Ok to me, but Fardy is much better. That is my opinion.

Agreed Cooper better have been getting some practice. Mind you with the way the Boks coaching staff have been going they will probably be looking to Target Folau with kicks!

I'm more concerned about Cheikas ongoing inability to count to 8. He always seems mess it up & come to 9.

There is an adage in the NFL that a worst thing a good QB in a poor team can do is make magical plays that win games. It means the coach is not forced to make changes or be sacked because the wins are on the board. That might apply here as well!

Steyn has been picked to kick the ball deep or up high for contested kicks at altitude.

He would retain a winning formulae. If Mumm missing 7 tackles, making no metres on his runs was not going to get him dropped then no matter how he performs if they win again he will be selected. The only caveat to that is if he is playing so poorly , the wallabies are behind, he gets taken off, Timani on and Wallabies win.

I think De Klerk could be a great Bok. Real livewire runner, troubles defence, nice pass, great competitor. Jantjies is not up to it however. Time and again when the pressure has come on he hasn't been able to right the ship. He's decent when his team has the momentum, but otherwise he is suspect. SA need to concentrate on Pollard, Lambie and Goosen at 10 for the future. Steyn is fine for now while there have been injury issues. Fullback is the real area of concern. No one consistently putting their hand up.

Douglas is one of Chiekas pets..He was always gonna get him back in at some stage...

This comment commenced on what appears to be the assumption that Sefa Naivalu is Taqele Naiyaravoro, and just went downhill from there.

I thought after he reached his 50th, then Cheika agreement with his dad would have been finished, maybe it is 60 test, that way he can go back to NH and still represent the Wallabies.

eJ... there is no place for these types of rationale albeit sensible comments in these forums! Please work-on your hyperbole as this will insure more reply comment of the inane variety. I have the greatest confidence in your ability to do so, thus bringing it all down to the gutter. More gutter-snipe stuff... please.

I am with Fionn on this one, And Hooper was never a full service #7 in any form of the game, Cheika can't be blamed for this. But yes he does exploit the few skills that he does have. If you look at the endless number of breakdown penalties in English tests, it may be realistic to say that yes, Cheik has surrounded the breakdown. He has prematurely moved on to the new trial rules. As to what's comment about "Best Australian Player" Nobody understands why he gets this. Is it most time on camera? Folau picked one up as well and he is horribly out of form It feels like it is an encouragement award to inspire players to lift their game.

"Patience is key"

That is as accurate a summary as I have seen at The Roar, eagleJack, and I agree with your conclusion. There is little patience evident among commenters here however I am pleased to report there is a much better informed and more realistic view expressed by those who actually contribute their time and effort and support to Club and district rugby each week. Sir Graham Henry's accurate assessment of the worst ever Wallabies was better received there too (and he wasn't pilloried for it). The Wallaby condition is going to take years to correct, not matches within a season, and I will spend that time enjoying my Club rugby and watching the marvelous standard on show in the Mitre 10 competition. I am satisfied that Michael Cheika has the ability, nous and political protection to deliver a better team in time, so long as the ARU, NSW (non Randwick) and QLD bureaucracies don't track him down and lock him up. His two predecessors were equally well equipped but unprotected, even in the dressing room.

ej - very good post

Lopeti Timani is an extremely versatile forward and I'm glad he's finally getting a run. He certainly does play lock for the Rebels, in a side overflowing with loosies. Naming him on the bench means he can be blooded sparingly, and play the last 20min against the Boks. Does his confidence no harm!

I missed that point - yes, new players should have at least a total of 40 minutes game time off the bench before they get a run on spot, preferably in their natural position, but why start now? DHP and Hodge debut on the wing? Kerevi @ 12

Is Arnold injured or something? I wonder why he was dropped from the bench for Douglas.

No Fionn, you said that people were happy under Deans too. I liked Deans. Just as I liked McKenzie. I have long known that the coach isn't the problem with the Wallabies. But no need to reply. Your last point gives me all I need to know about your thought process.

Here here EJ. Wallabies to be genuine contenders for RWC 2019.