We have had a few weeks to get a peek at some of the youngsters and the squads for this year.
Who do you think will stand up for the Wallabies in the key positions that need a lift?
There are many areas that have been poor over the last three years and flyhalf is the highest requirement.
My interest is in the pack, where I would like to see us with a hard working and powerful pack who retain our ball and win our set-piece.
Winning turnovers is an art we are a fair way off at the moment compared to the standard of New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland and England.
At front row and hooker, we are not too bad in this area.
We need two workers in the second row. I was hoping the Brumbies would give us a look at Nick Frost. The Rebels’ Matt Philip could be in the mix and he made a mess of the Tahs’ lineout last week. I expected more from Izack Rodda this season but I have not seen the step up I expected from him.
In the back row, we need an alternative to Michael Hooper if he is injured or out of selection. A six is critical and I have no idea who could be a strong contender. An eight is also needed. The Rebels’ Isi Naisarani should be a shoo-in but he blows a bit hot and cold. Based on this, eight is still open to contention.
At halfback, Nic White will be the first pick but who will back him up?
(Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Tate McDermott or Joe Powell? I really liked what I saw from Ryan Louwrens but it’s too early to get excited.
At five-eighth, we need anyone who can catch, pass, read the game, take the ball to the line and defend. There are a couple of strong possible players in Will Harrison at the Tahs and Noah Lolesio at the Bumbies, but nothing to get too excited about just yet. By default, Matt Toomua at ten will not let the team down.
A reliable 12 and a smart defender at 13 is required in the centres. With Jordan Petaia injured for the season and injury worries about him, we need to settle on a 13 and soon.
On the wings, we are okay but there are a few fast and talented youngsters coming through.
At fullback, Dane Haylett-Petty probably won’t be in contention for the next World Cup so we need one. Tom Banks and Jack Maddocks will be strong contenders for this position.
Like all of you, I am a bit excited this season. I’m not sure if we can let a couple of seasons go by without a stable, capable Wallabies team.
We need a team that’s hard working, knows what needs to be done to succeed and can win more than 50 per cent of their games this year.
Alex
Guest
Finally some sense! If they are serious about picking on form and having a crack, they should give McDermott and Lolesio first shot at 9 and 10 Banks at 15 too
Jc
Guest
Served an apprenticeship under Mehrtens for the crusaders and Canterbury npc teams I think Spencer had little to do with his development short of a failed rwc 2003 and winning the Bledisloe tri-nations I'm fairly certain Carter was duking it out with Aaron Mauger too another cantab 10/12.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Was. And hasn’t played a test since 2016. O’Connor is a 10, not a crash ball style centre. I think Paisami will get found out against players like Kuridrani who offer everything he does, but at 6’2+ and 105kg+
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
Paisami might be the goods. According to the Reds' site, 21 yo Paisami weighs 91kg and O'Connor, 92kg. They are both taller than Juan de Jong who weighs 87kg and was an amazing player.
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
Bet you’re wrong
jcmasher
Roar Rookie
Both Cooper and Foley as mentioned above. Both had the odd good part of a game but neither can be called players who succeeded in their game. Regardless as to why Cooper wasn't picked, he had more off days than on days and Foley only ever kept playing when he never improved his skills because of the stupidity of Cheika who couldn’t see past him. Neither of them seemed to want to rectify their deficiencies and while I preferred Cooper I find it hard to see him as a success.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Folau needed to learn how to execute an up and under. Had he mastered that he could have kicked for himself all day long from FB
numpty
Roar Rookie
I'd agree his kick wasn't that bad, but it wasn't used and therefore the pt stands - the WBs and many other teams only operate with one kicker at the back. You're only thinking attack PK - Speight's talents lie in all the stuff off the ball. Hitting rucks, positioning, communication etc. e.g. in the lions game at the 72nd minute or so, he came from the blindside wing to make a try saver in the far corner off of first phase ball (scrum), running past every other back in cover to make it. Everyone on here complains about players being picked despite deficiencies - well Speight is about as close to a complete specialist winger as Aus has along with MK. He will also have a standing combo with TK the incumbent 13 and Banks if picked at 15.
HiKa
Roar Rookie
I looked up Clermont's team listings and it seems McIntyre is very much a squad man to cover injuries. He isn't getting a lot of regular time on the field. Camille Lopez is their starting 10, with half-back Morgan Parra also covering 10 if needed.
PeterK
Roar Guru
IF had a good long kick actually which is what is needed, the issue was he didn't use it enough. Also from what I saw if I didn't have a fb/wing hybrid my preference is for another eal speedster , a strike threat like Daguana (the suspended red winger).
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Agree he was good last week. I’m sceptical that he can continue it. I’ll either by right or wrong though!
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
He killed it last week. Looking forward to seeing More Of him
Bourkos
Roar Rookie
Jocs form was much better than toomoa. Toomoa problem is that he always goes for the once off passes. He does not ever chance his hand at cut out passes and is too slow to cut through traffic if required. 12 maybe but mainly. For his experience rather than anything else. The biggest surprise this season for me has been Harry Wilson at 8. That guy makes metres every time he runs and makes minimal errors
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
If he was that good a 7 he wouldn't be moved at club level. George Smith didn't play 8 for the Brumbies. Phil Waugh didn't play 8 for the Waratahs. Pocock didn't play 8 for the Force and Brumbies. Gill and Croft didn't play 8 for the Reds There's a reason why he doesn't play 7 much. I suspect Sean is Suntory's best 8. Why? Because they recruited him as an 8, didn't look for alternative 8s. Because he's not a 7. He's a runner and a tackler. Tell me about some great pilfers he's made, or games where he's had 4 pilfers/penalties like Hooper against the Crusaders in Round 1? Other than size, what qualities does McMahon share of a "typical" 7?
Jamie
Guest
Sam Cane is massive compared to Hooper the midget, get outta here with that nonsense! Cane is twice the player Hooper will ever be. Sam Cane Height: 1.90 m Weight: 104 kg
numpty
Roar Rookie
Although an important factor I don't think its an absolute necessity. Plenty of teams survive with just one kicker at the back, I just think this has been a common theme at the WBs of late. You can also have your 9 or 10 drop out the back at times if needed. Although they can't kick well, MK and HS are both decent under the high ball so I don't think it'll be a huge detriment. Look how long the WBs survived with IF at the back, not a noted kicker either...
Gazza
Guest
I suspect Suntory`s 7 cannot play 8 and Sean can play both. Versatile player Sean, unlike Hooper.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I think we have to be careful with throwing all our toys out of the cot. Toomua looked considerably better with the new 9, Rebels pack has improved with Smith but they are the softest forward pack in Australian by a long shot making it difficult for any 10. They also have by far the weakest 12 and 13 out of all the Australian teams. It is clear that the coaching staff at the Rebels are not delivering.......again. Samu..no idea how he does not get picked. Hooper as much as he annoys me is our top 7 in the country now. Only Liam Gill coming back will take Hooper out of 7. I assume you mean Meakes at the Rebels...he needs to be benched. The Rebels have a soft forward pack and terrible going forward centres. Unless they bring some muscle into the 12/13 channel then we are all wasting our time watching them play as it has been a broken record since SA last year watching the Rebels. Beale is done but the others are not. Australia problems are that we keep losing experienced players overseas when we need them to mentor the next generation. These player are important for Australian rugby next-generation development. Be grateful that they are here still.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I like LSL at lock. He is a strong lineout jumper and you can not underestimate his power at scrum time. Have no knowledge on Frost and Nawaqanitawase has a long way to go but will be interested to see how he developers and what position he is best suited at.....I will be honest, I would like to see him at 13.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
'To me Hooper , given his size, has been a freak. I doubt there is any other person of similar stature that can perform as he has done'. Duplessis Kirifi (Hurricanes), Tom Christie (Crusaders), Sam Cane (Chiefs), Luke Jacobson (Chiefs), Jaco Coetzee (Stormers), Mitch Karpik (Chiefs), Tyler Paul (Sharks) all fairly handy.