I was wanting to give Cheika the benefit of the doubt that they had changed (even slightly modified) the way in which they played, however, nothing changed. I am definitely convinced it is a coaching issue with the Wallabies, as the players selected (while the selections could be better) are capable of playing a an international standard. Either way, i will continue to get behind our team in the hope of seeing things get better…

Agree on all those fronts Jameswm! Dempsey’s is a fast-twitch athlete, it will be interesting to see if Cheika is playing him into fitness (off the bench) in preparation for the Bledisloe Cup games (where he last had two BOG performances in 2017! His defence, footwork and speed for a 6 is well suited against the AB’s to help get over the advantage line.

What are your thoughts on Hooker? I know Cheika obviously doesn’t like him, however, surprising not many people are kicking up a fuss over Fitzpatrick not being in the squad. His work ethic, consistent line out execution and mobility around the park would be valued compared to Uelese and Latu…

Dean Benton is an internationally recognised Head of Performance/Strength and Conditioning Coach. A little harsh to place the pre-existing (prior to Wallabies RC training squad) injuries of AAA & CLL and common contact/collision based injuries (Robertson) to the S&C coach.

Riddler,

Just as exciting as Fraser Mcreight is as the future of the 7 jersey, i am just as excited at watching the development of 19YO QLD Harry Wilson (195cm & 110kg) at 6 and 18YO NSW Will Harris (194cm & 105kg) at 8. They were in fantastic form for the Junior Wallabies.

Agree that they looked dominant Reggie! However, with LSL liking contact doesn’t mean he is suited to the 6 jersey. He isn’t mobile enough to get around the park and reload in defence of the deck to (i would love for him to prove me wrong this weekend), therefore, it doesn’t balance out the back row. He has proven this each time at 6 previously. He is perfectly suited at 2nd row.

He may not me lightening, however, Speight is quicker than Hodge (and DHP) and is a genuine winger. He is far more efficient around the park in that position.

Agree Fionn! Realistically he has three fullbacks playing the back three positions. Hodge’s running technique and repeat sprint ability after 50 minutes goes out the window, although with Dean Benton as Head of Performance will have had them doing plenty of speed work. Probably needed some genuine out and out speed in Speight or Pulu opposite to DHP to balance the equation.

I hope AAA was injured as i would of had him starting any day of the week… It defies belief how Cheika continues to see LSL as a 6. Jones, Dempsey and Valetini were in the team for that position.

They do have credible coaches who adequately cover and manage, throughout the training cycle all aspects of strength and power (+ their variables) speed and conditioning (anaerobic and aerobic). I witness this all first hand.

Ahh ok, i understand what your meaning and I am with you on that mate. The state academies are attempting to bring the school programs up to speed on what physical competencies the players should ideally possess by the time they get to that level. Unfortunately, like you have said, sometimes these schools don’t play ball and that will be time and communication. Know that concerted efforts are being made to improve exactly what you have said.

The Super sides are up on exactly what the NZ systems are doing. There isn’t much different, apart from what you mentioned, its more about how well and effectively it is done.

I also agree with you jameswm re: talent. Australian Rugby is not void of talent, it may not have the overall breadth of talent as NZ, however, it is 100% there. I only partially agree re: coaching and development pathways for juniors. ACT and QLD have a strong development (now U20 academy) set up and NSW Gen Blue has the set-up and talent (although the overall issue lies outside the players). These academy systems will only get stronger, even though i think they should be professional contracted academies up to the age of 22). Being involved with these pathways, they are being conditioned correctly (even though like anything, it can and will improve). The coaching issue is far easier to fix, but unfortunately lies with the teams organisational management problems. Lets hope RA continues to do what necessary to bolster these cracks in the seam.

I should add: what i wouldn’t give to have Luke Morohan back to start at 11 for the Wallabies.

Hi Roarers, exciting times with international rugby upon us (albeit always frustrating with our fearless leader, Cheika).
We won’t know until the WC squad is announced, however, i would say Scott Johnson is tweaking the team (to the degree possible before causing wider hierarchal issues) towards the way he wants it with the view to have structures in place post WC. Albeit, this RC squad still has Cheika’s fingerprints all over it…The state of AUS rugby and the way in which Cheikaball is played, combinations are absolutely required (even though some crucial ones are missing in this squad). The way in which i look at the team structure is based around whether Pocock and Petaia are available. Obviously they aren’t for the RC, however, looking towards the WC i have added the alternative.
1: Sio
2: Fainga’a
3: AA
4: Arnold
5: Rodda
Pocock not available:
6: Valetini, 7: Hooper, 8: McAffery
Pocock available:
6: Jones, 7: Pocock, 8: Naisirani
9: White
10: CLL
Petaia not available:
12: Kerevi
13: Kurindrani
Petaia available:
12: Kerevi
13: Petaia
11: Pulu
14: Speight
15: Banks
16: Uelese
17: Slipper
18: Tupou
Pocock not available:
19: Solokai-loto
20: Dempsey
Pocock available:
19: Solokai-loto
20: Hooper
21: Genia
22: Beale
23: Hodge (or Toomua)
Its always interesting having Cheika talking about character and team environment with regards to player selections, to have Latu’s name return each time… FitzPatrick is a leader, strong character and consistent performer, particularly in the areas that matter for a hooker (throwing). He would be pushing for selection as my second hooker (with Uelese). Matt Philip would be pushing Solokai-loto for the reserve second row spot aswell..

Hi Carlos,

I am definitely in agreeance with the theoretical concepts of his low energy intake and assumed high energy expenditure.

Skeltons muscle fibre make-up will determine the way in which most of the push, hit, tackle, jump and sprint movements are performed (i.e. fast or slow). It is more of a case that if he is genetically made up of a greater percentage of fast-twitch, then he may be far more dynamic in those aspects of the game. Vice versa, if he is made up of a greater percentage of slow twitch, then he may be less dynamic. While the potential improvements to his training regime may make a slight change to the percentage of fast/slow twitch, it needs to be understood whether he has any physiological, hormonal and/or biochemical factors affecting his nutritional intake.

Skelton being a pro athlete is also one of the variables that needs to be taken into account. Even though he a large lump of a lad, his body has been trained and conditioned to function at a level (both conditioning and caloric) for long periods of time. It is sub-optimal, however, he may be functioning (at this present moment) with the protocol provided presently.

We are also under the assumption that he is actually consuming these numbers (there is the chance he has lied or misinterpreted his values). I have witnessed many athletes who have come to train with me (from national and international set-ups) train, perform and recover with “theoretically” sub-optimal nutritional breakdowns. My apologies, the last line i am referring to the idea that (given those are actually his numbers) they have him in a protocol that best fits him within his current physical and psychological parameters. It will need to best fit him as an individual for it to work properly!

The usual scenario sees athletes self-report (differing research results using this approach) once having left daily training. However, this may also not be the case as you say. I think we are both at the same outcome, however, interpreting the information slightly differently. I like where your coming from though mate.

Great article Nick!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all Roarers! Currently in Kentucky, USA.

Carlos, I theoretically agree with you, 2500 calories is too low for someone of Skelton’s size and anergy expenditure. However, there are a few variables to take into account when putting the theory into application. I won’t go into the science of it to cut down on time, haha.

1. It could be assumed that they are training him specifically with Speed endurance and MAS (maximal aerobic speed) sessions, which are shorter, more intense and aimed towards the demands Skelton is likely to face in the game and what they require of him physically!
2. Their thinking may be that as long as he is capable of performing and recovering at training and on game-day with that nutritional breakdown, then maintaining a theoretical caloric deficit during the season is optimal in Skelton’s case.
3. There is a chance that the S&C staff are giving him 2500 calories on training/non-game days, although have provided him with a caloric “buffer” of say up to 1000 calories (expecting him not to be adhering to the plan 100%). This can be fairly common in such settings.
4. Recovery from High Intensity training protocols is different to Long Slow Distance protocols, especially if he is being trained for 40-60 minutes of game-time as opposed to 80 minutes. Remembering that “in application” (while not theoretically optimal) recovery is the primary variable.

My experience and study in the High Performance setting has highlighted that there can be a slight disconnect between theory and application depending on the beliefs of the High Performance staff. Like you said Nick, consistent discipline and personal “best-fit” may currently be his greatest asset (as opposed to the quality of the nutritional approach).

Yes Lano! It’s interesting how there has been an increase in the number of former Wallaby players/coaches) speaking out against RA and Cheika (when formerly in ‘supposed’ support)! Cam Sheppard, Brendan Cannon, Simon Poidevan, John Connelly and even Steven Hoiles and Morgan Turinui have started disagreeing with selection and tactics…

Let’s hope Cheika is done after the Spring Tour review!

I like it, much more balanced team Cam! It is amazing how the top teams in the world see the value of picking players in their best position, as well as picking a side to create balance and harmony! I would only make a couple of tweaks (although it like-for-like changes really).

1: Slipper
2: BPA
3: Tupou
4: Philip
5: Coleman
6: Jones
7: Pocock
8: Higginbotham
9: Gordon
10: Toomua
11: Naivalu
12: Hodge
13: Petaia
14: Folau
15: Banks

16: Faingai
17: Sio
18: Alaalatoa
19: Tui (or Arnold)
20: Hooper
21: Genia
22: Beale
23: Kerevi

realist, I agree! Was so glad to hear John Connelly share my sentiments that Kerevi doesn’t have the speed to effectively compete at that level (unless he is fully match for IMO)! Would be better to slot him in at 12 where his speed endurance isn’t shown up..

Does anyone else find it interesting that there is slowly but surely an increase in former players (and coaches) speaking out against the currently Wallabies situation..?? If Cameron Shepards recent comments are anything to go by, things may not be all sunshine and roses in the Wallabies set-up…

I agree Cole! Always been of the opinion that it would be great to see the speed and intensity that a Hooper, Gordon and Beale bench could bring…

Hoy i agree, is it just me or does Genia look really frustrated on the field? The moment something bad happens and the Wallabies make a mistake, its as if he is at tipping point… I say this not from him playing badly (as i think he is actually a saving grace for the wallabies), more so a sign of something being wrong within the team environment…

Definitely Cliff, don’t forget the Forwards coach Simon Raiwalui!

Mogan Turinui pointed out (on the Rugby Ruckus) that he is not a specialist scrum coach and that the wallabies have been functioning without a scrum specialist…

Bring in a Director of Rugby (who usually tend to be former skills coaches), specialist Attack, Defence, Forwards (line-out and scrum) and a Slection Panel!

Absolutely Fionn! The master tacticians in charge of the Wallabies have it all mapped out… Hahahaha!

Insert the same moronic excuses from Cheika and co over the next week until we play Italy.

My apologies Bourkos! I agree! Have WF players been given the green-light to become eligible for the WB??

Nick, i agree. Very interested to see how the Reds progress in 2019.

(This may be a little conspiracy theorist, however) If we are throwing the white flag up until post-RWC19, could RA be using 2019 Super Rugby season as a Wallabies coaching trial for Dave Wessels (attack) and Brad Thorn (forwards). Who would be underneath an Australian Head Coach/Director of Rugby).

The Rebels look to have a hypothetical WB backline (and some), while the Reds showed this year that their forward pack laid the kind of platform that the WB could launch an attack from (and they are a young and coachable team)…

stillmissit, Brad Thorn obviously sees the benefit of having a former league player and coach as his defensive guy. Surely there are more experienced league coaches willing to try to transfer defense and ball skills rugby union. I remember Tim Sheens in the past talking about his interest in Rugby Union. Combine this with a better quality forwards coach (who is also actually a scrum specialist) and surely we could see some quick improvement.