Wallabies dealt major blow with star back out for the year

Yes that makes sense. Except he isn't eligible for the Springboks. He has played for Australia. He possibly could qualify for them through the 7s loophole. But after a 3 year mandatory stand down, and 4 world series events we should be somewhere around March 2021 and Dane will be 32 by the Boks next test - primed to make his debut. Yeah, nah...

DHP should look to moving to a SA rugby club rather than another Australian Super Rugby Club. Then in the future look to play for the Springboks. They have a better future than the Wallabies who have ditched the west coast in favour of expansion in Asia. A decision which will yeild them few players and ultimately because of this, no money.

Timbo, yes Fardy, Alcock, Smiler and Butler all gone as well as Staniforth who they tested out at blindside at times. Pocock coming back in place of Alcock, but other than him they have only signed Lachie McCaffrey, so are really banking on Fakaosilea, Cusack, Hyne and Valetini stepping up next year. Cubelli, Toua Ah Wong, Nic Jooste and the Faingaa brothers gone as well, and while some had little involvement in the match day 23 this season that is still a lot of squad turnover.

Is there any situation where Coleman, Lance and DHP weren't going to be?

Pop Star All about Image. A diva that won't carry his own instrument to help out the Roadies.

Fionn, The Brumbies have lost their entire Back Row and bench haven't they? The Force have one ready made. Swap Poey for Hodgo and you get a formidable back row. How about Taking Ritchie as well to get the Bro's back together? The only problem is the location. Perth beaches to Canberra Sleet could be a culture shock. I bet a lot of the guys have shacks down at Batemens or Georges bays. That said, most of the guys have ARU contracts and don't need to jump any time soon. I am betting they hold out to see if they can get a better offer from The Forrest (Bush) League. (See what I did there ;) )

Oops yes, Naivalu at 11. Have the Rebels signed Faulkner?

if the rebels do get all those players from the force it is obvious they followed wessels. Probably also means by and large they will be preferred over incumbent rebels players I wonder where Louwrens and Ruru will end up? One or both to the reds would be ideal, they are the future and potentially the best scrumhalves. Tahs have Phipps and Gordon, Rebels Genia and Stirzaker, Brumbies Powell and Lucas. TPN may be lost to aust since his previous o/s contract fell through due to injury. He would be of most worth at the brumbies. Tahs could really use Arnold, Nasarani, Ainsley, Meakes and Rona. Happy if they get any of them.

Unfortunately a lot of changes were unavoidable given the player departures over the last two seasons. I can understand resigning current players who have demonstrated they can play at that level. But there were gaps in key positions where instead of looking for experienced Super Rugby players or strong performing U20s players, they have signed a number of early-mid 20s players who have been either fringe Super Rugby players or yet to make it to a Super Rugby squad.

If nothing else, the injury will sure up our defence a bit.

Naisarani won't end up without a team. Literally every single franchise would value him almost above any other Force player bar perhaps Coleman. The ARU should also be desperate to keep him given he will plus the biggest hole in the Wallabies. I'm glad the Brumbies didn't go for too many. I would rather prioritise resigning players who already play for the Brumbies – mass changes rarely works well.

The Brumbies could have really done with securing Dane and Ross as a package deal. Ross would be a great replacement for the departing Fardy, I am not yet convinced Hyne or McCaffrey will be up to filling that gap, or even filling the gap of the also departing Smiler. Banks had a solid end of season but still a bit raw. With his speed he could have formed a strong back three with Speight and DHP. Rona would also be a great pick up to fill the gap Tomane left, but I think they have now already filled their backline roster. I expressed my disappointment previously when they signed Matt Lucas, as I think Louwrens Ruru and Prior are all stronger scrum halves. It would be criminal if Naisarani ended up without a team next year.

Naivalu at 11 not Naisarani Parling from England would be at 4 partnering Coleman I imagine. RHP and Timani would battle for 6. Pity DHP went to rebels, Hodge is a better F/B but since they have no decent 12 he has to move. Debraczeni has signed in japan. Their other props are Faulkner and Sa'aga

Shipperly, English, Maddocks and Semisi Tupou are all options at 15 in addition to Hodge. DHP will certainly start there if true but it wasn't dire straights all fullback. Coleman, Lance and Wessels are huge compared to alternatives.

TWAS I don't really think 15 is that strong a position for the Rebels. They do have Naivalu and Koroibete on the wings though. Who are their FBs? Hodge plays more 12 and Placid is so so. Who does that leave? Naisarani, Ainsley, Richie Arnold, Vui in the forwards. And of course Taf In the backs, Louwrens, Ruru, Meakes and Rona. So with those guys, how are the Rebs looking at full strength for 2018? Who am I missing? They do need a good LHP. TH is looking ok with Weeks and Lomax. Timani/RHP/Mafi makes nice strength around 5-6-8 and the backs look pretty good. 1. ?? 2. Hanson 3. Lomax 4. Timani 5. Coleman 6. RHP 7. Hardwick 8. Mafi (assuming he's back) 9. Genia 10. Lance 11. Naisarani 12. Hodge 13. English 14. Koroibete 15. DHP 16. Uelese 17. Ah-Nau 18. Weeks 19. ?? Day, Retallick 20. Faingaa (McMahon gone) 21. Stirzaker 22. Debre 23. Inman

Pandaram reporting Wessels, Coleman, Lance, RHP, DHP and Hardwick to the Rebels. If so the first 3 are huge given their quality, and they are in the Rebels weakest positions. RHP is a great quality player who fills a valuable type of position too. DHP is good to have, but will play in a Rebels position of strength (back 3) and Hardwick is also a good player but 7s are not a rare commodity. I would have liked to have seen him go to the Reds where after Smith, Gunn is no certainty and may even be more of a 6 where Hardwick would get great opportunity to own a starting jersey.

Yes, Also agree..DHP has been in poor form this year. Hope to see him come back strongly after, hopefully, a quick and complete recovery

Pretty sure most have.

no reason players couldn't sign contracts conditional on force being cut. If force wasn't cut then they can stay at the force. Most players should have tried to do that.

agree that he was better than ronu but hodge is an ever choice