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Joined October 2015
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I like Maloney. He dropped most of his schtick for the RCW last year. Formed a great combo with Melodie Robinson. That said, I think his humour suits the Shute/Hospital comps nicely.
I think Clarkey is too embedded with the old boys and is clearly a Waratahs fanboy – even before his son made the grade. Time for a refresh.
I’m also not overly enthused by McArdle. He’s a professional for sure, but he’s boring.
I wonder if Peter Fitzsimons gets a gig in there somewhere. Already in the Nine tent, but extremely polarising.
OFFICIAL: Rugby AU locks in new free-to-air broadcast deal as Nine launches Stan Sport
I need to wait and see what happens with SR Aotearoa. Edit. Missed that bit, Nine has the rights for SR Aotearoa.
That plus 6 nations means it will be hard to leave. I also prefer NRL on Fox to Nine. I’m currently rotating Netflix, Stan and Amazon Prime, while Kayo stays year round. Stan might end up in the permanent bucket. Will be interesting to see if Stan Sport requires a base Stan subscription or can be subscribed standalone.
OFFICIAL: Rugby AU locks in new free-to-air broadcast deal as Nine launches Stan Sport
Will be interesting to see if there is any cross-promotion of Rugby and League between the two commentary teams. It barely happens on Foxtel/Kayo.
OFFICIAL: Rugby AU locks in new free-to-air broadcast deal as Nine launches Stan Sport
CO)))DA, could be a bit of ignorance on my part because, as a Reds supporter, I don’t follow the Brumbies or other teams as closely, but I can’t remember him putting his stamp on a game, whether through ball playing or running. I view Hamish Stewart in the same way, steady player who does his job, but will it translate to the international arena? Let’s see on the weekend. I hope he goes well.
Time for a proper look at the Wallabies' generation next
@Harry, also love the Pantsman. Although, I (somewhat unsuccessfully) embarked on a mission to annoint him Faceman, such that I could use “Wrighty McReight-Face” as the collective noun for a trio of Reds backrowers. Without wanting to dishonour the esteem in which Messrs Boatface, Trainface, Ferryface and other publicly named honorees are held, a couple of compromises: Harry “Pantsface” Wilson or Wrighty McReight-Pants.
The Quick Questions: Everything old is new again
I’d prefer to see our Bledisloe team get a run against the Pumas. Rennie needs to give HIS first choice side an extended run. Not just let them go close against a top tier side and be better for the experience. Mass changes, especially, are detrimental to the team developing within the new systems. Backrow is the one place Rennie is figuring out, happy for him to try and sort that out over the next several weeks, while maintaining consistency elsewhere, notwithstanding injuries.
Time for a proper look at the Wallabies' generation next
Agree. New coaches, new attacking and defensive systems. Predominantly new cohort of players. Start of a world cup cycle. All reasons to keep expectations around results modest.
Where we should have high expectations, is that players are responding to the new systems, and improving in them. I’m actually all for giving players an extended run this year in the same positions, barring injury and the following exceptions. Clearly Rennie is trying to figure out his best back row – Wallabies have not had balance here for years, and are currently missing a second dynamic big body. If we are committed to the two playmaker system, we need to find a fourth 10/12 to go with JOC, Toomua and Lolesio. Don’t think Simone is the answer, probably unfair to throw Harrison in the deep end. Perhaps there is development potential in Paisami, will be interesting to see where he plays at the Reds next year with Petaia back. This is where I would love to have Kerevi back and developed as a Nonu-like triple threat at 12 – Cheika wasted that opportunity. Finally, I can’t see the possible upside remaining in Simmon’s career – he has been a valuable technician over the years – but now is the time to blood some alternatives.
Time for a proper look at the Wallabies' generation next
My 2c.
1. Of all the players from the weekend, Simmons is the one who has the least upside. Going for youth or someone like Neville is not a huge risk
2. Overall pick and stick, build combinations, cohesion and familiarity with the systems. It’s 2 games into his coaching tenure, which is also the start of a World Cup cycle. It was also 2 vs 7 at home teams fortress. If players don’t show progress in addressing their deficiencies (in response to Rennies coaching) over the remainder of the year then you can think about wielding the axe. This is largely the form team of super rugby. No mass changes please. Caveat: 4th NZ game is the chance to try a back row without Hooper and to let a VC have a go at captaining.
3. Paisami and Lolesio should be the front runners for Toomua’s spot, with Petaia at 13.
All Blacks by 20 means changes aplenty for Wallabies
MaxP I kinda agree. Not out of his depth, but also not the answer. He has lost confidence on kick returns. Barrett is quicker but no more solid than Banks, and the way he attacks the gaps in the defensive line always creates half-chances at worst. Banks has a nervous stutter into contact, not the powerful leg drive from a couple of years ago.
Rennie threatens selection changes after Bledisloe belting
Can’t play the ball whilst on the ground. If he’d released the ball, he’d still have to get up for the second movement. Penalty every day of the week. I think Clarke got away with his.
Rennie threatens selection changes after Bledisloe belting
Despite Parling saying there is nothing to fix with respect to the lineout – it’s clear that Rennie wants to start the game with a stable set piece by including Hanigan. Coupled with Whitelock’s absence, I expect we will be starting with a focus on field position. As the game opens up, Wright will come in to focus on the ruck. Good comment Jez, about offsetting Samu’s carrying with BPA’s. It will be interesting to see where we go with ball carrying late in the game, if Simmons subs on for LSL, it means putting a lot on Harry Wilson’s shoulders. We are missing another big body on the bench IMO.
Ned Hanigan returns as Dave Rennie makes four changes to Wallabies team for Bledisloe 2
Agree Numpty, Foster has backed himself into a corner after one game in charge, because of the result. Nice that the shoe is on the AB coaches foot for once.
The ABs presumably picked wingers in Bled 1 to play an aerial contest game. Surprisingly Bridge muffed two chances and Jordie didn’t get any. DMac was shaky at the back.
For Eden Park, I think their best backline would be Smith, Mounga, Bridge, Goodhue, Lienert-Brown, Clarke, B Barrett. J Barrett for in for his brother if injured. Ioane and J Barrett/Will Jordan on the bench.
As you say, Foster would be crucified pre-match for such reactive selection. He’s made his bed and needs to lie in it. History suggests, whichever way he goes, post-match, he will be vindicated.
What changes should the All Blacks and Wallabies make for Bledisloe 2?
Sinclair, fair to say set piece was biggest disappointment. Lineout for sure, and the short arms on our feed meant we never got going in the scrums, although looked like the ABs had the advantage there regardless. Most happy with the defensive effort and enjoyed Paisami putting in a tactical kick at one point too.
Why I have hope for the Wallabies
Any word on MOTM? Daugunu and Wilson were excellent. Matt Philip was solid. Good captains knock from Cane for the ABs.
IT'S A DRAW! Bledisloe 1 ends all square
My biggest hopes for tomorrow’s game: line out is functional, scrum is strong, wallabies face two or through really tough defensive periods unscathed (i expect points to come, just want there to be a few meaningful examples of fortitude), and a few players to exhibit the skills that got them picked, eg a couple of the following would be nice: a Sami tram tracks run, a koriebeti scoot, JOC or Wilson to unleash a support runner with an offload, paisami line break, a Thor moment. And any semblance of a kicking game to enable the above.
Why I have hope for the Wallabies
I’m intrigued by the Paisami comment by Rennie, can’t recall him ever kicking in a SR game. Not that I’m expecting him to do any in Bled 1.
Daugunu's round-ball skills to help Wallabies
I prefer to think of it as anyone but Cheika worship.
A new dawn rises for the Wallabies, just don't expect blue skies straight away
PK, Cheika was the devil – the evidence was there. We have to go give Rennie benefit of the doubt for now, otherwise why bother? Cheika may have continued to use LSL as a 6, might have convinced KB to stay and then built a backline around him, who knows? Cheika might also have been accused of throwing Lolesio and Wilson to the wolves by debuting them in Bledisloe 1.
What I am most looking forward to tomorrow is game plan. We have a 10 and 12 that can pass, run, kick, and defend, and while not necessarily elite, we cannot say that of our recent combinations. Regardless, it will be won up front and our forwards will be up against it. Especially considering this will be our first international hit out under the new ruck interpretations.
A new dawn rises for the Wallabies, just don't expect blue skies straight away
Bridge is the new Ben Smith. Nothing stand-out about his physical attributes, but he’s fast/big/tall enough, very skilful, can kick, pass, great in the air, low mistake rate and, above all, smart.
All Blacks go for both Barretts in Bledisloe 1 starting XV
My recollection of the back half of the season is that Wilson, although predominantly stationed in the middle of the field, played looser in the sense that he had less ruck involvements, more likely to be stationed in the back line (noting Wright doing the same in your example) in attach, and often defending a few off the ruck. He certainly was not in the tram tracks as much as someone like Samu. Wright tended to follow the ruck and defend its edges.
O'Connor at 10, four debutants in Wallabies team for Bledisloe 1
Having said that, first time in a long time I can remember that I haven’t been exasperated by a Cheika selection special. Looking forward to getting behind this team, and regardless of win/lose/draw this weekend can’t wait to see how the official start of the Rennie era unfolds.
O'Connor at 10, four debutants in Wallabies team for Bledisloe 1
I think loosehead and half back are the two biggest areas of selection weakness. I am ok with the other contentious picks – Paisami, Daugunu, Wilson at 6 are all justifiable based on form.
O'Connor at 10, four debutants in Wallabies team for Bledisloe 1
Correct. The young Waratah, Harris, was at 8.
O'Connor at 10, four debutants in Wallabies team for Bledisloe 1
Castle certainly got the ball rolling by taking the rights to market and should be applauded for that. I reckon McLennan played a big part in getting a deal done, not sure how Castle would have fared getting the right deal done.
OFFICIAL: Rugby AU locks in new free-to-air broadcast deal as Nine launches Stan Sport