The Wallabies have named their squad for the Bledisloe Cup opener, but there are still plenty of questions around the make-up of Michael Cheika’s side.
On the latest episode of the Game of Codes podcast, Roar rugby Expert Brett McKay joined Editor Daniel Jeffrey to talk through some of the key selection considerations for the first Australia-New Zealand clash of the year.
Listen to the discussion:
Unfortunately for Cheika and his selection panel, the Wallabies’ first-choice XV still isn’t clear cut, with doubts surrounding a number of key positions both up front and in the backline.
The back row of Michael Hooper, Isi Naisarani and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto still hasn’t quite clicked, but there’s one player whose absence from the Bledisloe squad makes it hard to find an obvious solution to the problem – and David Pocock’s current injury isn’t helping on that front either.
Then there’s young Jordan Petaia to consider. The Queensland Reds starlet hasn’t played much rugby since sustaining a lisfranc injury in Round 3 of Super Rugby, yet finds himself in the wider squad. Is it worth handing him a Test debut against the best side in the world?
Have a listen to the discussion in the player above and chime in with a comment or two of your own on who you’d like to see picked in the side for the Wallabies this weekend.
Visit our Game of Codes hub to catch the full episode and be sure to subscribe and review on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or wherever else you’re listening.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Get it right. Scotty Sio was BORN in Australia!!!!
Rob M
Roar Rookie
For me... Two changes: Foley for CLL Latu for Uelese 3 swaps of Bench v starters: Hooper for Pocock Sio for Slipper Kerevi for JOC
The Isn`t
Roar Rookie
No politician should talk of immigration as if it`s bad. See proof below,celebration of modern Oz. 1. Faiangaa 2. Alaalatoa 3. Salakaia-Loto 4. Naisarani 5. Lealiifano 6. Koroibete 7. Kerevi 8. Kurindrani 9. Latu 10. Sio 11. Tupou 12. 23 Petaia
terrykidd
Roar Pro
After 50 minutes there will be a Pooper ..... LSL will get subbed for Pocock.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Pretty sure the ABs are gunna give their version of Pooper a run ..... Read 6, Savea 8, Cane 7
Olly
Roar Rookie
lol, with Cheika running the show I still would not be surprised to see his Tahs quota system kick in at some point.
Olly
Roar Rookie
He has been out for so long. Give him some extra time to get into the swing of the new system. Sending him on with 20 to go in a backline with an unsettled bench is just setting the guy up for failure to me.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Simmons needs to run the oranges. 2nd row is not the problem area.
Kick n Clap
Guest
Well at least you ALL won’t be able blame Burgess this time? “Poor Old Sam” got blamed for everything from the Burnt Toast to the Beds were too Hard? At least copying League is best form of flattery?
Kick n Clap
Guest
God Helps us then? Sorry Israel? The Waste of Farce couldn’t break out of a “Wet PaperBag”. How many games on the bounce did this organisation actually win? Not many that’s for sure !!
Stephen Creagh
Guest
Sio Faainga'a Alatoa Rodda Arnold Salakai-Loto Hooper Naisarani Genia Koriebete CLL Kerevi Hodge - can't pick Kurindrani in the same combination as Kerevi O'Connor - ticks all boxes - runner, distributer, kicker Banks - this bloke needs another few chances. Blinding speed and solid kicking game Mafi - so much potential, very little opportunity Slipper Thor - needs 30 minutes Coleman - bring him on to smash a few bodies with 25 to go Wright/Pocock if fit - either way we need a genuine pilferer towards the back end White Beale - covers 10 & 15 and is best as an impact player, but give him 30mins Petaia - needs some game time against the best pre-RWC
Kick n Clap
Guest
Yea and let him go save the World afterwards. He’s more than welcome to go back to Zimbabwe and get their RU body to pay for his next extended holidays, but we all know what their answer will be? No wonder the ARU are skint?
Kick n Clap
Guest
Do they allow a Zimmerframe on the pitch now in Ruggar?
Jamie
Guest
Olly Not enough Tahs in that team mate. Cheiks has gotta have at least 8 Tahs in his best 23. With Dempsey and ( TBTR ) Tiny boned Tommy Robertson injured expect proven underperformers TPN Phipps AAC Foley Kepu Simmons and Hanigan included.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
I expect to see Petaia get a run against Samoa, not before unless there is an injury.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Contrary to the main point of this article I think the first 23 are pretty much set with only injuries or changes due to game style, or the need for playing time, to show a need for players to come or go from that 23. For Bled 1 I expect Kepu and Simmons to get a rest. The pack and bench will be Sio, Folau, AAA, Rodda, Arnold, LSL, Hooper, Naisirani with Jones, Pocock, Slipper, Latu, Tupou and Wright on the bench if a 6:2 split or drop Jones off if a 5:3 split. The backline I expect to be Genia, Foley, Kerevi, Kurindrani, Korobiete, Banks, Beale with the bench to be White & JOC add Hodge if 5:3 split. Win, lose or draw I expect to see White and CLL to start at 9 & 10 in Bled 2.
Ruck_Me_Ragged
Roar Rookie
The Wallabies won their last test so - in the interests of keeping results consistent - I expect Foley will be rushed back into the team with Pooper to given (at least) one more chance ...
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Jordan won't get a sniff. It would be crazy to do so. I expect him to get some bench time against Samoa. Think Simmons is unlikely to be in 23 with Adam Coleman back to fitness. Think Chek will continue with tinkering! Pocock will be saved for RWC or maybe the Samoa test.
The Slow Eater
Roar Rookie
That’s why he should be coming off the bench
Frank
Guest
I think we need to use the Bledisloes as trials for RWC and mix up the selections. Start the Jordan Pet's, O'Connor's, Pococks and a new # 6 for solo (?) and see how they go. Eyes should be on RWC. Failing that we have a month (ish) between Bledisloes and RWC. Gather a 40 man Wbs squad, constant full contact training in opposed runs with an A&B side until the best side clicks. Yep? Nope?