As Dave Rennie’s Wallabies squad prepare for the third Bledisloe fixture that could decide the Cup’s fate, there are still many questions looming around which players should be included in Australia’s matchday squad.
A four-game Bledisloe series means winning the next two fixtures are essential if Australia wants to regain the trophy, as a draw would mean the silverware stays in New Zealand.
We want you to answer the question of what the Wallabies’ team should look like for the blockbuster on Sunday week.
There will definitely be at least one change to the side, with Matt To’omua’s groin injury set to rule him out for the rest of the year. Rennie could go a number of ways in replacing him, from picking Irae Simone as a direct replacement, to shifting James O’Connor to 12 and picking Noah Lolesio or Will Harrison at flyhalf.
Has Ned Hanigan done enough to secure another start? Or is there another player in the squad that would fit better? He gave away successive penalties in Bledisloe 2 but also forced turnovers at the ruck, so should Rennie stick with the 25-year-old?
Have Nic White’s performances justified Rennie starting him at scrumhalf? He performed brilliantly in the Bledisloe 1 draw but struggled to have any influence on the second fixture at Eden Park. Should he make way for another half and come off the bench? Or even drop out of the squad altogether?
Tom Banks has been solid under the high ball but hasn’t had produced much with ball-in-hand. Is there another Wallaby in the squad that might bring another dimension to Australia’s attack? Or has Banks secured his position as starting fullback off the back of his first two Bledisloe outings?
Marika Korobiete had an outstanding performance in the first game but struggled to hold onto the ball in the second fixture. Should Rennie be looking at selecting another wallaby squad member for the game at ANZ Stadium? Or has Korobiete proved his capability in hitting back after a tough contest?
So put your selector’s hat on and get onto picking a full matchday side for Bledisloe 3. Get your votes in today and let us know your team in the comments below, and we’ll have the results out next week.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Think O'Connor will stay at 10. He's OK at best. Simone to 12. As always, there's a lot who don't like Hooper on here and maybe it's time to see McReight add to the pressure (on Hooper) from the bench.
No Arms
Roar Rookie
Definitely a must- brings desire to the ranks
No Arms
Roar Rookie
Fark it - I'll pick my own then. Slippers been there long enough to know what doesn't work so let's go with him for now. At least if he's doing a questionable job some else takes over after 60
No Arms
Roar Rookie
So you're obviously not into JOC style of play? Pedestrian you say? Does he get a bench seat anyway? Remember those swisse ads? They were something to forget or rhyme with the rest at best.
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
I’ve just spent a night with old women loving Cam Smith- 80 year olds. Rugby League - AFL- poor old Broncos- blah - blah - blah. No one has a F- in idea about rugby except the poor old buggers whinging on this site. If we’re lucky Ham Radio operator’s might take it up.
Heemi mcgarvey
Guest
What was the half time score at the garden I think it was pretty close the team was in there even the first quarter of the second half I think Reenie an co just want to see what there team is dealing with in different situation so they can get a look at have each player going forward
Gun Dog
Roar Rookie
Keep on defending poor performances and the Wallabies will remain mediocre..thats what Chieka did :thumbdown:
TCTOO
Guest
Koro has very limited skills. Sure, he can pinball about the place which makes him hard to tackle, but when the pressure's on, he seems devoid of options.
dazell
Roar Rookie
I was not a fan of Hanigan till this year, he was really good for the Tahs this season and deserved to be picked for the wallabies. Thought he had a good game last weekend, one mistake IIRC and maybe a couple of penalties.
dazell
Roar Rookie
Same think Banks has shown very little in attack so far and Hodge deserves a chance and his huge boot is also a plus.
Marlin
Roar Rookie
Not sure about that. I personally think he should miss a week and work on catching a football and using a bit of foot work coming into contact while trying to score a try. Might give Rennie a chance to add Noah to 10 and shuffle them out one spot with Peiteia on the wing
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
Hey Roar! Is there anybody there! What are the results?
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Interesting that young Horton is out of the squad and Connal from the Brumbies in. Winder why ?
Bobby
Roar Rookie
How is Jordan under the high ball ????
Drew
Guest
Hooper plays consistently well for the entire game. Never stops stepping up. Wilson comes on as a sub and is stripped by the reserve halfback. Of course you drop Hooper for Wilson
Anthony Barber
Guest
We need a proper 5/8 who can take the tight field goals. Hodge is an excellent choice for FB, he is safe, experienced, doesnt overplay his hand, his kicking is worth big points.
Drew
Guest
Hopefully they’ve been packing him there at training. Would be madness to pick Bell, if the game was close with 20 to go, is DR gonna sub in someone who got dropped at SR level?
Rubbish Surf 69
Roar Rookie
I highly rate Koro and I'm not calling for his head. I think he very much has deserved the Wallabies spot he's kept nailed down, but I disagree he's been a standout recently. I don't think he set any houses on fire during the Super AU and would say his last game was probably his worst in the Wallabies jersey. I wouldn't complain at all if he keeps the number 11 on his back, and think he probably will, but also think it can't hurt to try someone like Wright who played really well in Super AU. I'm happy to hear lots of people defending Koro though because I do think he's a fantastic player and doesn't deserve to be spoken of negatively.
Tony
Guest
I would like aside that can actually compete against them. So sick of losing.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
You’re right but the one that will not happen (rightly or wrongly) is Fraser over Hooper. MAIN reasons are that he is playing OK AND he is captain. The other positions are all quite valid IMO.