It appears that a few extra kilos are all that is standing between Isi Naisarani and a berth in the Wallabies’ team.
Coach Dave Rennie apparently asked the bustling number eight to trim down some time back and isn’t satisfied with the Fijian’s efforts – or so it would seem.
This is despite Naisarani having put in a good showing against the Pumas in a trial match earlier this month and scoring two tries against the same team that Australia meets on Saturday in a bid to try and win the Tri-Nations title.
Naisarani is a similar sort of player to the All Blacks’ number eight, Ardie Savea.
He has the same physical approach to the game and, like Savea, is not a man who can be second-guessed. Against the bulk of the Argentines, Naisarani would have been a big plus point.
(Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
Dave Rennie may not have bothered too much about Naisarani, given that anyone’s logical thought now would be that the pressure is on Argentina as everyone expects them to win after that smashing effort against New Zealand.
That doesn’t always hold water in real life but you can be sure that it will be talked up as the time winds down to the kickoff.
Looking at the chosen Australian team, there is only one thing that catches my eye: Australia is pretty thin on experience when it comes to the bench. Only Allan Alaalatoa (39 Tests) and Folau Fainga’a (14 Tests) have double figures against their names.
The rest have all played less than ten Tests apiece, with Angus Bell having figured in just one encounter.
Against a physical team like the Pumas, it is vital that those who replace tired bodies during the second half make as much impact as those they are replacing.
At times, especially in the case of New Zealand, it has meant the difference between winning and losing. This could be Australia’s Achilles heel.
As for Argentina, they are confident that the same 15 can bring home the bacon. It’s always a good thing to avoid disturbing a winning combination. New Zealand coach Ian Foster found that out a few weeks ago.
Saturday will the 33rd encounter between the two teams. Australia have generally done well against Argentina, winning 14 of the 16 games played at home and eight of the 13 played in Argentina. The Wallabies have won all three games played at neutral venues.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I am going 20 to the Wallabies.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Swinton looks the good, but he has only played like 30mins so we will have to see how he looks next year. New players can be worked out as well. Just wish he did not get suspended but oh well.
Olly
Roar Rookie
I actually think we will win the physical side of the game if we turn up. We are the bigger side from forwards through to our backs but missing slipper is my concern in this area. They are going to steal ball off us, just have to accept it and play to minimise the impact. My concern is the kicking game. We can be a bit hot and cold in this area but see what DR can do.
Olly
Roar Rookie
Such a shame we won't see Swinton for some time
Olly
Roar Rookie
Does anyone have our win/loss ration at this stadium?
The Neutral View From Sweden
Roar Guru
Yeah, picking a winner for this Test is pretty hard. Both teams are well known for their inconsistent performances. But both teams coming off impressive wins against the AB's and should be ready and confident. I do worry about Hannigan going up against Kremer and Matera. Another Wallabies worry is that Los Pumas bench looks really strong. If some of the starters don't have the energy required, they have options. The Cheika factor. Many many times during 2015-2019, Los Pumas struggled against the Wallabies. It never looked like they had a smart game plan against the Wallabies. That could change big time.
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Hooper needs a new script writer and we need Nick Berry.
PeterK
Roar Guru
No reason he can't play 6 but that is the wrong question IMO. However Valentini, Wright, Hanigan, Swinton and Samu are all vying for 6 and that is just based on selections made by DR. Hooper and Wilson are fixtures at 7 and 8. So 6 is being used to balance the roles in the back row. The only question to ask is what needs fixing, what roles are missing. Ball carrying is taken care of as well as tackling and pilfering to some extent. So lineout, ruck protection (cleanouts mainly) and damaging tackles are the biggest missing elements. Naisarani fulfills the tackling but his ruck is virtually non existent and a weak lineout. My personal opinion is that Swinton and Wright are the best fit for 6 followed by Valetini and Hanigan with Samu last. Samu is the utility option on the bench covering all 3 backrow BUT Hooper doesn't come off so if you only need to cover 6 and 8 then DR doesn't think Samu is needed at all. Since Wilson comes off then an argument can be made Naisarani should be on the bench but Valetini also has a argument for the spot. Hanigan is good lock cover currently so should be on the bench but if he starts I expect he will play 80 mins but move to lock later and Wright comes on.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
Pete: could Naisarani be developed into a 6? Don't have too many thoughts one way or the other but a big, metre stealing and aggressive tackler would be better than we have atm.
Puff
Guest
As reiterated once before. Mario Ledesma will use last week’s play book, it’s the only book they traveled with. Steadfast defense and banking on winning the match in multiples of three. Therefore, Rennie dilemma is not a player like Naisarani, he is simple to read and never looks perilous. To counter the Puma’s traffic jam the Wallabies are missing a Swinton, he offers uncertainly and a Kaino developed darker side. The struggle will be upfront and tactical ball control. For a positive result to be forthcoming the experienced players need to deliver a standup shift, as the bench is not that distinctive when you compare the depth of each bench.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Wallabies by 12+. Not risky at all. :stoked:
Cheika_Mate
Roar Rookie
Yep spot on. His the best pick and go fwd we have and his tries against the puma were pick and go straight through the middle. If they lose expect to see him rushed in.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Then Wallabies will lose. I expect the Pumas to win the breakdown and physical contacts both sides of the ball. Set pieces I expect to be even.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Not true at all, Naisarani keeps pumping his legs through the tackle and nearly always gains extra metres. The real difference between the 2 is the ruck work, Savea is hard on the ball , Naisarani is not to be found at the ruck.
Aldo
Roar Rookie
Isi Naisarani has a pretty narrow game, one easily countered by the likes of the ABs or Argentina. He plays up the middle, hits hard and carries well some of the time. As said, he is very direct and easily countered by a solid defence. He has also had handling issues throughout his career in Oz. Harry Wilson is a much better pick at 8. When Swinton returns Isi will be lucky to make the squad unless he improves in a lot of areas.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Wallabies by 12, conditional upon whether our piggies have dominance at set piece, breakdown and direct running. Tackling may also feature in the dominance discussion. IF we don't dominate up front THEN I worry about the result!
Mirt
Roar Rookie
Amazing observation joker! I almost always confuse the two of them, if it wasn’t for the three inches and two extra stone then they’d be twins. And with Savea’s last couple of games lacking much impact, they’re even more alike.
Bentnuc
Roar Pro
Very true. Saveas leg drive and pure will after contact is just brilliant
GoldenEye
Roar Rookie
The difference between Naisarani & Saves is, Savea’s work only magnifies after contact & Naisarani’s begins before contact & diminishes after contact.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
This is a game for Naisarani and I am disappointed that he is not there. A bench spot would have been perfect. If he is going to compete with Wilson for #8 then he needs to do more than just drive it up the guts time and again. He needs to develop a linking game and some off the ball running lines.