Let's face it, Beauden blew it for the All Blacks
Beauden Barrett is a wonderful rugby player, in my opinion the world's leading No.10. But coming into this British and Irish Lions tour, his…
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Beauden Barrett is a wonderful rugby player, in my opinion the world's leading No.10. But coming into this British and Irish Lions tour, his…
Brilliant article Harry. Loved the read.
When it comes to selecting a top fullback at Test level, for me it comes down to SOLIDITY at the back.
15 is the last line of defence, the last hope when a line break happens, the final point of possible salvation when a winger gets away. You want and need a bloke at 15 who has got it covered for the team.
I loved Tom Banks for the Brumbies for his acceleration and verve, but (particularly when in gold) he gave me so many heart palpitations with dropped balls, miscued kicks and the like, I had 000 typed in to my phone and ready to press.
Similarly, I also felt Kurtley Beale at 15 didn’t work because of that lack of solidity and the high likelihood of brain explosions.
I would much rather sacrifice the level of derring-do in my fullback, to gain that peace of mind that all will be well when the proverbial hits the fan.
This is not to say you go for a plodder who is solid without offering much in attack. It’s about the right balance.
My perfect 15 is Matt Burke. Never, ever did he give you palpitations that he wasn’t going to be in the right place and the right time to save the day when the team was under the piump. Everything was under control, he was ice-cool, calm and collected, all the while an excellent option in attack – scoring plenty of tries and a brilliant kicker to boot.
The big question will be whether Wright can cut out the brain fades and start building a reputation for solidity. As he has the attacking elements in spades. Can’t wait to find out!
The Wallaby 15 should be more Burke than Folau: Eddie can win or lose the World Cup on his 'lone wolf' call
Totally agree re Deb over Donno
Donaldson in as EIGHT uncapped players picked: Co-captains named for Wallabies as Eddie's first squad revealed
I’m nervous about our depth at hooker for this squad if Porecki goes down.
Uelese hasn’t shown much at all and Faessler is a debutant.
Having Folau Faiangaa in there would make more sense.
Donaldson in as EIGHT uncapped players picked: Co-captains named for Wallabies as Eddie's first squad revealed
Foley goes only as injury cover for Quade, and with teeth gritted at that.
WILL GENIA: Quade is like a grand chess master - but Eddie must pick him and Bernard Foley for the Wallabies
Agree re Harris, think the Tahs needed to hang on to him…. as opposed to retain Swinton who is a liability and has hardly played this year due to ill-discipline
'World class': Wallabies playmaker leaves Tahs as another three-way battle for 10 jersey looms
I stopped reading when I read the Canes coach say “Ardie scored the try, there’s no doubt about that…”
Yeah, ok champ. See you next year.
Rugby News: Kiwi players' boss backs RA's Super draft plan, Canes coach still moaning about Berry role in no-try call
We’ve reached peak Eddie Jones… he’s now playing mind games with himself!!!
'Win or lose it will be time to go': Eddie makes bizarre contract claim, says Skelton's world's best, adds huge Arnold hint
Great write up, Jim.
Excellent point about Perese. If he is going to challenge for regular Wallaby action in the centres, he needs to work on his passing and putting outside men into space.
He’s a bit too predictable at present – you just know he’s going to hold on to the ball and try and beat the tackle.
SRP talking points: Eddie everywhere offers something Rennie never could, how Rodda can channel Eales
He’s a good ‘un, our Ned.
But Ned… mate… the “yellow jersey”???!!? Drop and give me 20 and then 5 laps of the oval me lad! ????
'The worst bombing I ever got': Advice from 'the GOAT' that helped Ned Hanigan tune out the haters
What’s the mail on the seriousness of Foketi’s knee injury?
COMPLETE SRP Rd 13 teams: Reds young gun misses debut over discipline issue, Philip back for Rebels
Can someone tell me why the Wallabies v Argentina match is on at CommBank rather than Allianz?
'Love to see Joseph play in Olympics': Roff backs NRL recruitment drive, says 'dam' about to break open for Wallabies
Memo Christy Doran and any other rugby journo – can we please ask Darren Coleman why Latu has hardly featured for the Tahs this year?
There are obviously reasons, it would be great to understand what they are/were.
Rugby News: Rival reveals Tolu Latu set for big money move, Rebel's 3-week ban, 'sharp lady' adds 'edge' for Eddie
This is a fair point.
However what is undeniably amateur hour is allowing one of your biggest draw card players to wear a rival code’s jersey, as well as players wearing gear that is not of your apparel sponsor.
COMMENT: Plenty of excuses but no excuse as Wallabies look like a squad of randoms playing park footy
Jonathan “Methuselah” Sexton more like ????
But it’s incredible how well he is playing and how critical he is to that Ireland team.
Cross everything: Quade's back and how his old legs respond could decide Wallabies' RWC destiny
As the Swinton hit was part of, I believe, the first phase of the game, maybe the TMO was still at the coffee machine upstairs and was yet to take his seat?
Only other explanation to Cron’s, I reckon. Epic fail from TMO.
'Did they miss it or did they choose to miss it?': Force coach slams TMO, questions how Tah's hit missed
Yes never thought of it like that but you’re right…
How the evolution of Tom Wright could help solve problem child position for the Wallabies
100% agree PK.
Btw the Banks experiment (particularly as he has left Oz for Japan) MUST be over – I’d pick at least 4 blokes (Wright, Petaia, Mark N or Kellaway) at 15 before Banks, so it would be pointless bringing Banks back on a Giteau Law pick.
How the evolution of Tom Wright could help solve problem child position for the Wallabies
As a Tahs fan with no dog in the fight, I’m really looking forward to the Drua v Rebels game.
Rebels have been great to watch this season, hoping they can get the win and take away a huge amount of confidence that this year will be different.
Super Rugby RD 6 talking points: Wallabies hint in Gordon deal, best No.9 duo since '90s, Reds' crackdown
That’s definitely one that got away for the Tahs. Their defence was excellent, thought they made the Chiefs look pretty average – they certainly didn’t look like the top team in the competition.
Tahs will rue some shocking handling errors at times, but with so many injuries they are lacking cohesion.
Still… Tahs shouldn’t be too upset with the effort put in.
'A hole in confidence': Brave Waratahs go down in slog fest as Chiefs continue unbeaten run in SRP
When Nadolo was warming up in Rd 1 vs the Brumbies, I said to my mate next to me that he looked like a fat Lote Tiquiri.
He added zero in that game after coming on. I reckon he’s a dud signing. Too slow and out of shape.
'Shake up this comp': Fearless Rebels punish 'loose' Waratahs in huge upset as Hardwick, Gordon shine
Something like this is a no-brainer, enmeshing ANZ & Pacific Rugby with Japan is critical for future viability. Including Japan in the Rugby Championship is also essential.
PS I’m confused by this sentence “Crucially, no made up teams would be included” – what does this mean?
Exclusive: Secret documents reveal SRP clubs pushing for glamour cup competition with 'aggressive' Japan and Euro giants
Don’t know if I agree. Versatility is valuable, at the very least he would be a great bench cover across 4, 5, and 6… and at best he could be a starting 6 if others don’t nail the role to Eddie’s satisfaction.
Exclusive: Wallabies forward set to turn down massive deal in France to stay with Waratahs
Like a lot of us!
Revealed: The meetings that convinced Rugby Australia to go all in on Eddie Jones for the World Cup
Thanks Harry, a well argued piece.
The parallel view that I find fascinating is the sheer number of players who say that Eddie is the best coach they’ve ever had.
You’d think with Eddie’s reputation there would be a fair few disgruntled current and former players with an axe to grind… but they appear to be very hard to find.
Just interesting context to all this, I find
OPINION: Four reasons Eddie's long-term deal is a bad idea for Australian rugby - and two why it makes perfect sense
Yes the young Jorgo was brilliant. Possibly the Waratah’s MVP in his rookie season. Sad we won’t see him carve up in the U20s WC.
Not sure how long he is out for, but I don’t believe he’d have much of a chance to play any Tests before the RWC
The Wallaby 15 should be more Burke than Folau: Eddie can win or lose the World Cup on his 'lone wolf' call