Pocock passed fit for England showdown

Cheikas saving grace is that he knows a lot more than the idiots that comment on here. They say the same stupid things week in, week out and prove that in the overall scheme of things they are totally clueless. They are irrelevant anyway, so hopefully they feel better for getting it out. So I'm picking Australia to win (given some favourable refereeing decisions). And winning is all that matters against England.

Thanks for that. The attitude of roarers was the same before the Dunedin test and we know how that (should have) worked out. If they ignore everything Cheika says, they have a chance. Foley needs to say to himself "Be the first receiver and defend there. Be the first receiver and defend there." He will defend twice as well with Hooper inside him and Toomua outside him.

The only thing missing in Cheika's selections Fionn, is that there is no band selected to run them in a musical symphony during the game which would probably produce far better results than Cheika's tactics and game plan.

Quite simple Phil. In terms of tactical nous, coaching ability, an inability to select according to position and form and at no time since 2015 having been able to develop a true defensive or attacking structure. The buck stops at Cheika. How is one supposed to comment on a person who is unable to see "what each and every other rugby fan and analyst can see". That is by doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. There is a complete lack of intelligent analysis and planning in selections and tactics. So on that basis the man delivers as a Clown and Goose. Simple.

This story is wrong. Pocock is out, failed a fitness test. Samu is in.

The BBC is saying Pocock is out he failed the fitness test, the injury from RSA match was aggravated last weekend which is it?? https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/46318187

+1

Presumably he hasn't shown enough "heart and courage" in the last game and in training to warrant selection? Cheika has stated that demonstrating "heart and courage" is what he is looking for in this game so presumably Beale will not be inspired enough by the indigenous jersey to demonstrate greater "heart and courage" in this game.

Cheika says that he is looking for "heart and courage" rather than results so perhaps Latu has been showing Cheika this in training and this is more important than his ability to throw straight into a lineout and/or not give away stupid penalties. That's the only logical explanation. Although… Trying to use logic to explain Cheika's selections is probably a lost cause may be the tarot cards told him to go with the selection.

Yep agree totally Tim. Australia have the truncated RC of three matches then presumably one or two looseners before the world cup starts, presumably a second bledisloe. This game against England was on the face of it one that Australia aren't really expected to win and could afford to gamble on some kids and take what positives they may get, including a win. But now Pocock potentially is going to be putting his head in a few dozen rucks and waiting for big Courtney Lawes, mark itoje, Kyle Sinkler or half a dozen others to crunch into him and possibly ruin his year, career or god forbid, his health. This selection makes a mockery of the additional firmness on concussion and aerial collisions if a rugby player is going to be put in a position they know may be detrimental to his long term health. I'll make an early Xmas wish, I don't care about the result, I'll be happy if Pocock doesn't play or gets through unscathed, he shouldn't be out there with a neck injury

Hang on I just read a tweet from Jamie Pandaram saying Poey is out? Can't be both.

Sadly, I agree, Funbus. Should be letting the medical professionals decide if he's ready. All of us who have played spots know the temptation to play through injuries, to our own detriment.

We all do, but realistically, all of his previous outings on the wing at international level seem to imply he isn't nearly up to it yet.

Props must be able to scrum, wingers must be able to finish, locks must be tall, hookers MUST be able to throw well. Its not just a "nice to have". Wallabies teams of old could win with weaknesses, because they were smart and had strengths they could play to (which often included a strong line out). This team doesn't seam to have any real strengths, and line-out is a shambles. If Cheika must play Latu, then get Genia or Poey to chuck the ball into the line-out.

Poey's career is being risked in a lost cause by Chieka to try and save Cheika'a career

Maddocks is nowhere near good enough to play fullback or five-eighth for Australia yet. While long term I agree his position isn't on the wing, I hope he kills it.

'It will be his decision, and he will make it at the last moment.' If that's true, it is one of the most idiotic things I've ever heard. International rugby forwards are warriors. If 'asked' they will say 'put me in.' I think I might apply when the Aussie coaching position becomes vacant. It's really well paid and, apparently, all you have to do is ask the players what they think.

Probably two victims of the virus that struck the camp this week I'd imagine.

They say that Cheika still has the backing of the players - this weekend will be a test. As coach Cheika can pick any side he wants as he succeeds or fails by his decisions except in this case there appears to be no fail. Maybe that is why his selections continue to be absolutely puzzling as RA is going to do nothing whether we win or lose against England. Only a thrashing by England may cause a change but I'm not certain that even that will move the RA. I think I'll watch the Wales v SA game live and then decide if I watch a Wallabies replay!

+1. It's just so baffling. I don't know what to say.