Roar Pro
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[caption id="attachment_22059" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Australian rugby union backs Quade Cooper, Adam Ashley-Cooper, James O\'Connor, Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell remove the tape they used…
It would be easy for a Wallaby supporter to get carried away after the impressive victory over the Boks at Suncorp Stadium. After suffering…
[caption id="attachment_20193" align="alignnone" width="300" caption="Lachie Turner of Australia scores a try during the Australia v Italy Rugby Union game at the Ethiad Stadium in…
This weekend provides the Wallabies with a golden opportunity to get one up on their traditional foes. For the first time in a number…
While this weekend’s game may not carry Test match status, it will be treated as such by players from both sides. With international places…
Tuesday saw the unveiling of the much anticipated overhaul to the Super Rugby competition. Whether it is a positive move remains to be seen,…
At the end of a tumultuous time for rugby league, round 10 of the NRL provided a spectacular distraction to the recent scandal. It…
2009 has been a turbulent year for the Western Force and this has possibly been reflected in their inconsistent performances. However along the way…
This season the Waratahs have continually defied the wishes of their fans and insisted on playing boring, unattractive rugby. As they prepare for their…
As the Super 14 winds to an end, you can’t help but wonder what might have been. Throughout the off-season, the option of an…
After watching the press conference from Coogee today I think the story in The Australian has been seriously exaggerated.
From what i can see this whole situation may have actually added a positive edge to the side which has been lacking
Wallabies leaders aim for perfect blend
Perhaps he was in Japan scouting his options at the time??
Jokes a side, i think that is very poor of Mortlock to be checking out possible clubs when he was still the incumbent captain
Wallabies leaders aim for perfect blend
I agree to an extent however i think AAC provides the physical presence that has been lacking in the back 3.
He was outstanding under the high ball in the tests he played there this year and that is an area which has let us down recently..
I also think Ioane will provide the explosive ball running/line breaking ability that we have been missing. I would put him at 13 and have him running at holes off Barnes as he did in the Super 14. He is the kind of player that we want to be touching the ball as much as possible and he can ask questions of the defence with his power. Also i think he is a little suspect under the high ball and this could be found out on the wing.
Anyway just my opinion!!
Interesting to note no one has been suggesting Mortlock in their 22’s…
Deans seeks help from Elsom and Barnes to grasp the nettle
I for one think this is the best squad available.
Serious question marks at lock but there isnt really any other options..Maybe this will be the catalyst Horwill needs to lift his game?? Here’s hoping
I like the choice of Elsom and Barnes as leaders.
To me, they seem like the kind of guys who will not hesitate in telling one of there teammates that they are dicking around or being selfish (Giteau).
My team:
1. Robinson
2. TPN
3. Alexander (Dunning deserves a chance to stake his claim though)
4. Horwill
5. Chisholm
6. Elsom
7. Smith
8. Palu
9. Genia
10. Barnes
11. Hynes
12. Giteau
13. Iaone
14. Turner
15. AAC
Bench: Moore, Dunning, Mumm, Pocock, Burgess, Cooper, O’Connor.
If the locks don’t pull finger then they are both replaced after game 1. They need to seriously improve
Same goes for wingers – there isn’t a lot of difference amongst them so plenty to play for.
Deans seeks help from Elsom and Barnes to grasp the nettle
I thought he only came back to union last year anyway?
Windy Wellington a real test for the Wallabies
Agreed. They should try and find a way for him to remain part of the setup through to the World Cup however.
Possibly in the same way Ruben Wiki and Stacey Jones were “trainers” for the Kiwis at last years World Cup.
Having their experience running out on the field clearly worked wonders for the Kiwis and i think the same would be true of Mortlock. he strikes me as an unselfish kind of guy who would be willing, if not begging, to perform this kind of role given he isn’t amongst out best 15-22 anymore
Windy Wellington a real test for the Wallabies
IMO Thompson is a good, even great, provincial player but he will never be a good international player.
Perhaps it is because of the open, free-running style of game he has. He is not suited to the tough demands of international loose-forward play and is often found out in the physical encounters.
Bok-check time for the All Blacks
Particularly if Ross is injured.
As good a player as Brad Thorn is he is better known for his work around the field rather than at lineout time. And if Ross does go off who then takes over the lineout calls – i can’t see Thorn being particularly comfortable in this role. It is a big risk to take against the best lineout in the world and it also could diminish the dominance that the ABs will undoubtedly have at scrum time
Bok-check time for the All Blacks
I havent actually heard him say it himself. I think everyone has got abit carried away with it
The Wallabies give the Springboks a real rugby lesson
Even then they have shown how good they are at blowing leads!
Will Wallaby changes bring change of fortune?
Haha yes that is true – will be a baptism of fire for him.
I fear that if his first throw goes wrong it could be a very very long night for him
Deans makes changes to Wallabies on principle
Mumm may be tall but that is about the extent of his contribution.
Pocock adds far more to the team than Mumm does IMO
Deans makes changes to Wallabies on principle
I think 3 jumpers is ample – front, middle, back
It does after all take 2 people to lift each jumper so there is not really much point in having too many
Deans makes changes to Wallabies on principle
I think this is the best available side but they are still clear underdogs – worrying signs for Australian rugby.
A good finish to this Tri Nations is essential for the development of the side otherwise the Grand Slam could turn out to be a disaster
Will Wallaby changes bring change of fortune?
Oh i see..i too would like to see Mitchell and, in particular, Turner making the most of their pace. Especially when they are kicked the ball in open space. Have a go one-on-one and im sure that they will be able to do some damage. I think i remember Turner doing this in the first game of the year against the Baabaas – in and out before using his pace down the sideline?
I agree about Lote i bet they wish he could be selected now.
IMO Cross is only there because of injuries to Mortlock, Ioane and Horne. These 3 are all ahead of him for mine
Regarding Smith i think he is almost exempt from scrutiny (rightly or wrongly) due to the fact that he is having to fill in as captain and clearly gives 100% and has pride in the Australian jersey – this is not something that can be said about the entire squad at the moment
Genia, Pocock named to start for Wallabies
George Smith is world-class and would be in my side every day of the week. But has admittedly been quiet – im sure he will be back to his best soon. I dont think we really have any other options for wingers that i can see. And im not too sure what you mean about Cross – he hasnt been picked in the side and rightly so. He didnt make a single tackle in Perth and turned the ball over in the tackle consistently
Genia, Pocock named to start for Wallabies
Yea agree about Turner – he looks as if he isnt totally sure what he should do when he gets the ball.
My advice would be just go forwrd because we all know how good his footwork and pace are..
Interesting point regarding Elsom at 8 and I have know answer as to why he is not playing there, it would appear his size would be better suited – perhaps something to do with his handling and the fact he has to wear those ridiculous gloves!
Genia, Pocock named to start for Wallabies
Because he is not as good. I agree his leadership would be useful but he is not as good as Pocock or Smith simple as that
Genia, Pocock named to start for Wallabies
Interestingly i have always thought Pocock would make a good halfback – he has a pass as good as Burgess, but i guess that says more about Burgess
Springboks thrash Wallabies by playing real rugby
Oh my apologies. Yes i agree a lot depends on what sort of attitude the team turns up with and whether they have prepared effectively knowing what they now do about the Boks abilities
Genia, Pocock named to start for Wallabies
I think that backrow may be more a case of having your best players on the field. Both Brown and Palu have failed to impress at 8 and this is the next best option.
Pocock is a player for the future and deserves a chance to show his abilities over 80min
Agree that it is a small backline – IMO a fit Ioane will make a huge difference to this side and if a fit Mortlock is retained at centre then will allow 2 more robust wingers in Ioane and AAC with O’Connor at fullback. BUT that is all in the future. The current Wallabies have a big ask ahead of them to turn this season around first
Genia, Pocock named to start for Wallabies
Along the lines of Toyota Cup? Being played before s15 games – this still wouldnt provide a proper national comp but is definitely a starting point which is more than exists currently
Still don't think we need a national competition?
I disagree. On paper they are clearly better – Giteau-Barnes-AAC as a 10,12,13 are far more balanced, experienced and talented than Giteau-AAC-Cross.
From what we saw of Genia last week the service should improve and when TPN came on the scrum lifted. Not sure about Smith at 8 but he can’t be any worse than Brown was in Perth
Genia, Pocock named to start for Wallabies
Footage of training on Foxsports had Barnes positioned at 5/8 so hopefully that is also a sign of intentions for the weekend!
Will need a lot of things to go our way one would think
Genia, Pocock named to start for Wallabies
Disastrous stint? That AB’s side ended the Wallabies dominance and regained the Bled (which hasnt since been relinquished).
They also put 50 points on SA and Aussie in consecutive weeks.
I’d take that any day.
Cullen was beyond his best then and the player that replaced him has gone on to play 70-80 tests. (Mils Muliaina)
Same goes for Oliver (replaced by Mealamu).
I hope the same occurs in the Wallabies and these young guys go on to have careers anywhere near as successful as Mulianina and Mealamu.
Why Stirling Mortlock lost the Wallaby captaincy