Michael Cheika mixes things up with experimental Wallabies side to play Japan

It is the eloquent ones that irk me the most. Continually sprouting articulate and damning criticisms as though they are facts, and yet you know by their dismissive arrogance that they have never known the physical, psychological and emotional extremities it takes to be an elite sportsman or a world class coach.

Scuba, but Foley doesn't even attempt to tackle..

No worries Fionn. I like guys to have an impact at the start particularly those that do run out of gas. So I like starting with a Timani type. That impact gets the momentum rolling. We used to play the first half with an extremely tough old Tongan at 8 and then sub him at half time for a slim energetic young guy at 8. Decent player but a very undersized 8. Anyone opposing player who felt like punching anyone got it out of their system in the first half - by losing the fight and come second half they just didn't bother. My idea with Simmons is that he is only the third lock. So I'd put him on when Arnold etc runs out of gas. In this game I think it much more important that Matt Phillip gets as many minutes as possible so for that reason alone I'd have Simmons on the bench. And why is Moore is playing? Surely this is a good game for Uelese to get some practice with with next years front row.

Mitch, I rate Simmons too, and I actually think he has improved a lot for the Wallabies recently. That begin said, we are starting to develop some strength and depth in locks that we haven't had for a long, long time. I prefer Simmons starting than on the bench. Someone like Arnold or Tui you can bring on in the second half and expect them to provide some real impact off the bench. Simmons is an 80 minute grinder, not an impact player.

My problem with Simmons is his lack of physicality but he is worthy of his place on bench until someone forces him out of the 23 and over the years he's proved remarkedly durable. Fionn, you seem to have forgotten that Nick Bishop actually rates Simmons. I don't know how highly in terms of a pecking order. If you have two locks for a test match and one of them is Simmons that is okay. I'd be inclined to have Simmons as my bench lock for a while yet. He has improved a bit now that Coleman and to some extent Arnold is setting a bit of a bar for him to aim at in terms of physicality. Simmons is pretty consistent and he is up to test match standard. But he is only keep a seat warm. He'll never be an all time great of mine just because he is not physical enough. Just like a prop who can do everything except scrummage is just an overweight flanker and can never be an all time great. For this Japan game we are much better off with Simmons on the bench and giving Matt Phlip a run. Similarly, we know what Hanigan can do. He has had a consistent international season. Better to give Timani some practice. He has much more scope to improve rapidly than Hanigan.

I don't see Hodge having a future as a test match 10. Nor even Beale although he is the best 10 in the squad Timani should start because he needs a run more than Hanigan. Matt Philip should start with Coleman because we know what Simmons can do and does do. Matt will do a good job against the Japanese. Why bother playing Stephen Moore. He's played plenty of test matches he doesn't need this one.

I dunno, Timbo, it seems like you have a double standard when it comes to defence. It's a big cross against Quade but doesn't really factor into your opinion of Foley.

Yep, We have a nasty habit doing that. Pocock/MacMahon is Rubbish at 8. Hodge/Rona isn't a very good Winger. Cheika has got us into the habit of judging wallabies by the number on their back where we should be looking at the roles they are playing.

http://www.rugby.com.au/news/2017/11/02/wallabies-japan-team-announcement I am pretty sure I have seen him play at 10 for the Rebs after an injury and have a vague recollection of a handful of fumbles and climbing passes but my recollection is a bit fuzzy. If he has been training in that position, there is a good chance that he has ironed out those wrinkles.

Agree

There was a hint of grounds for an obstruction call, but it didn't explain why he had jumped in the air like a cat started by a cucumber. Quade has collected a number of cards in both red and yellow wearing both red and Yellow for similar tackle attempts. This is not new. His tackles have always been a bit dodge. I do like his skills dropping back to fullback though, it is only when there is a breakout and he needs to stop a player 1 on 1 that it becomes a problem. To balance the reporting, Foley is racking up a bit of a collection as well, but my read is that this is happening because of his size, not his technique. And that is why I come Back to Jono. Kicks well Tackles Well Runs well On the negative, QC has better creative flair. But I don't mind sacrificing a little in some areas to get someone that is good in all areas. If Foley had a better kicking game, I would have him over Lance. If Quade went and spent a season on the tackle bags, like Barret did to earn his spot, I would start him, no question.

Santa's Little Helper? Lassie? Otis? Old Yella?

Fionn, My Bad, I meant #8, I was brought up calling the #8 a Lock. Must have slipped into old habits. Probably from my Rugby League Days in Brizvegas.

A friend of mine's son played Aus schoolboys with Hodge and tells me he was a great 10. Larkham was a half back so, if he was any good why didn't he stay there? Good players some times play where a coach/team has a need, like Larkham played outside centre then fullback at the Brums originally. I'm hoping Hodge goes well and is at least given a chance.

Their will never be pressure on Bernard Foley.He will walk back into the Wallaby team when he is ready.Same goes with Hooper Folau and Phipps.Hanigan and Robertson are getting to that untouchable status like the former.

I don't even think it is his weight... Player can play above weight if they have it in them. He doesn't have that... more weight will not help him miss clean outs like he does now.

Hanigan & Phipps in again grrrrrrrrrr Lucky they only playing Japan. Maybe they'll get away with 2 liabilities. But watch out for the standard gifting of at least 1 try to Japan by Phipps :)

Randwick people that I have spoken to this year including a couple of players, are even hesitant to praise Hannigan. They humm and haa and generaly say he needs to put on more weight, condition.

Just about full strength pack so Cheika obviously taking this game seriously as he should, Japan are no mugs particularly with Mafi at Number 8. Interesting backline with Hodge at 10, it will be nice to have a good boot from 10 however not sure about his distribution skills, passing not one of his stronger points. If it doesn't work out in game he could drop back to fullback and Beale to 10. Hope he makes a good fist of it as depth required there, the bash brothers in the Centres should provide solid front foot ball.

Reverse, your points about Ned and Robertson are valid however given the season is so long when do these blokes get a chance to spend some time in the weight room ? I mentioned on the Roar a week or two back that these two guys along with Demo could do with a few months in the gym, if that means not touring then fine. Ned really needs another 7-10kg of muscle, that requires an off season in the gym. I would play him in the second row for Tahs.