Timbo – it’s a tad ironic that your first reply and then this one would seem to indicate a fairly strong bias against the newly appointed skipper. As has been discussed previously on this site and other FB blogs, it’s astounding how much flak he receives from a number of fans when stats of varying types are thrown up. Working on your analysis of ground gained by a fwd vs a winger, which I strongly agree with, I would assume you are basing your selection bias against him on something else other than stats? And so placing you and other detractors at odds with both state and wallaby peers on their judgement of his ongoing performance, besides widespread global praise on numerous occasions. Obviously I am a supporter and it astounds me we see the tall poppy syndrome so prevalent in use against a player who has consistently been one of our rocks since he first burst into the squad. I totally agree the coach has had some bizarre selection choices and will no doubt continue to be consistent in that. But Hooper being there is one thing he has consistently been proven correct on – according to peers and opponents. He is not Po, nor Gill nor Smith. But thankfully he has been himself and bugger me, if he hadn’t been around in last years, I fear our performances would have been more concerning. I trust some detractors will get behind him as his peers do. He and they need all the positives they can get. Imho.

Rugby
As expressed in the article, many have concerns about the coaching messages you’d think that would be resultant from what is discussed in public and whether they are transferred to player understanding. Like many are expressing, I’m really disappointed with coaching and strategy, besides a history of random selections.
Mind you, some of my thoughts following are probably a bit in that vein. But perhaps worth considering.
I really thought Cheika and then Bernie, would bring us back to ‘the Aussie running game’, given their club and provincial backgrounds. The following, very negative, views are mostly related to aspects of coaching.
Just because players are ‘professionals’ doesn’t mean they don’t need ‘work’ and recent performances would back that belief. No doubt they are working at it too but the views expressed here seem to be common amongst discussions or readings. Whilst some are from my view after 47 years in the game at a variety of levels, some are pure frustration at where our game us going.
Firstly, the backline play imo has too frequently been very poor, especially given the apparent athletic talent we think we have. Only sporadic success (much hyped by media), with such excellent talent looking seemingly ‘lost’ at times, is so frustrating. Much of it, to me, goes back to what they must be instructed/coached to do. The repeated league second man plays, easily defended usually, and the bash it up and telegraphed use of crash types like TK, just doesn’t cut it when used so obviously. They don’t even try to use him as a decoy. I could not believe every time he went to 2nd receiver vs Scots he did actually crash it! Brick wall knockem downs is not going to work against good D. Id love to see some back to basics (a frequent call!) and can’t recall having seen a double cut, wrap/decoy, loop play in many years. I know I’m old school but I also know what would still work – against all types of D! Besides the constant non use of the short side. At every level THAT is the weak spot! Surely the coaches or players can see this when reviewing video! They finally used it on the weekend vs Italy, once, for Folau to score. There should be sequence plays eg off lineouts, to set this up for players like Hooper sweeping back to link with Folau or the like and hitting our wingers etc. It’s not rocket science. Besides players being alert and playing it when ‘seen’ in games.
It also seems we have few wingers with wheels (all countries do besides us), and that too often they don’t use the sideline in D. Training/coaching?
Unfortunately, Izzy Folau, despite the media hype, is still a work in progress- constantly found out in positional play by oppo kickers and he has little to no instinct to bob up and insert himself. He has demonstrated little passing skill.
I watched carefully the warmup vs Scotland and, besides how slowly they were ‘going through the motions’, I was astounded at how poor the catch pass was being done by he and some others. There was frequent pull in and out to pass, no slick flow and it was all done slowly with little explosiveness and no follow up support aspect in the drill to get a second touch. That’s then what I saw constantly in the game, as previously in other matches. Especially when D pressure on and the slick hands and soft pass was needed. The backline width being too wide on most occasions then exacerbates passing probs! On a team basis, and related to the later coach comments about players ‘having to turn up and be focussed’, the Scots looked way more energised in their warm up and then did a team vs team game sim finish up after unit stuff. Didn’t see that with our blokes, only some part stuff with bench guys used. The warm up was also too long, they nearly looked ‘bored’.
The repeated skill errors game after game surely can not be just the players. The coaching, in this case, has to be related.
Eg. Is Genia disregarding instructions to ‘do not kick at any time!’- fair dinkum I would have hooked him after 20 vs Scotland. It seems nearly Every game he gets charged down! Besides too frequently leaving the ball sitting at the back and taking step again and again. He needs to go, OR go back to, pass and run and have a crack like he used to. He’s followed the downside of Gregan, believing that ‘as a senior’ they are also suddenly the general! Watch Aaron Smith guys! I’ve discussed the corollary in league recently. For me, the main reason the NSW SOO fwds did over the Maroons in game 1 was Nathan Peats’ fast delivery from the ground, making our fwd runners a step ahead. Exactly as happens with the speed of carry and shift by Kiwi sides!
Regarding coaching subs – Sam C has made big improvements this year and I think the 3 rowers are looking ok potentially. But what coach pulls a bloke, after he’s just gone back on, at the 42 min mark as in the Scots test? I didn’t see him do anything dumb in the 2 mins after the restart! There were many others who did very poor play earlier and didn’t get hooked. That was a very poor coaching act and Id think Carter, like other players, would be perplexed at many coaching calls. Would be interesting to know what reason was provided in coach feedback! It seems, or is now inferred, that Cheika has not got a great rep at player communication one on one. Others have been asking has his ‘fire and brimstone gee ups’ worn off. The realities of chopping and changing and experimentation ‘to develop’ can sometimes be very confusing to players – and fans, especially when the results don’t come out as expected or wanted.
Against the Scots, it was assessed that the young props did ok but many other coaches would have subbed them at 55/60 min mark, as they were passengers by then after a good workout and Kepu and Sio had little time to impact. Brought on too late. The Italian scrum probs again hilights ongoing issues in this area. Poor use of subs over time seems a big issue with many pundits – especially using backs out of usual position.
Again, back to original selections you’d think. Ironically Re playing guys out of position, the following may be seen as out there.
I’m a big non-believer of QC at test level as a 10/12 but could live with putting him in on the wing as a late sub. Using centres like Hodge there is not a long term plan I’d think. Similar to the constant moving around of AAC when he was usually considered by most to be our only OC who could do the required D in that very difficult channel – still an ongoing issue too! With QC, and I’d even suggest Folau, they could float and pop up here and there and, in QCs usual role, it’s where he defends anyway! If he’s in the side, that’s what I’d be doing. Those critical of him just think he causes too many stuff ups in addition to the good bits when constantly at first receiver. And his kicking game is certainly no better than Foley.
I think Hunt has done well in D but had shown little in attack until Italy. That was promising. I think he’s done well at FB for the Reds and seems seriously engaged and has a bit of pig in him. If Beale is definitely to be in (a change of D success at risk), I’d maybe give him a crack at FB and use Folau off the bench. Hodge could also be used at 12 and I’m amazed he wasn’t tried there first to build on last year. Whilst experimenting with Hunt there has shown promise, I’d have given Hodge a start to check him out more there. He’s not a winger!
Many reckon HP is also not a specialist winger. Many think he should be at FB or not in the squad! Unless he can be converted to a 13???? That is the other area we are deficient in. As said, haven’t had a class one there since AAC. If we’re looking ahead to using TK, we are in for more heart ache. Too many misreads in D and lack of hands/passing skills is a concern. The ABs have made Inroads on his channel frequently. Not that they don’t do it to most! Surprisingly, he was also found wanting in pace as well against the Scots and looked pedestrian compared to when he hit the scene. Again, harshly perhaps, in comparison to ABs/Lions players.
As our general, I think Foley usually goes very well without being sensational or a ‘star’ and is often unfairly blamed for team failure. His D has been much improved, his passing is generally very good and his carry retention is mostly excellent. Despite being size challenged. He’s never going to be a Barrett etc re pace but guides us about. He is usually the Iceman with goals but has been hampered by the media expectation hyping that up. Goal kickers win, don’t lose. I’d stick with him! It’s the rest of the backline we need to get right imo. I’d give Jono Lance a go sometime as back up, if not the younger blokes they tell us are doing well at other levels. I also reckon we have to throw Jake Gordon into the mix. He’s an attacking weapon and has some size and grunt. I think Powell needs more time. Has he been an example of the criticism of the ‘elite pathway’, entitlement, too fast too little – schoolboys to 20s to Wallabies. Grade time???? Do not know why Josh Holmes (pig dog competitor) has not been in the picture more. I’d happily give him a shot vs ABs. We need mongrel everywhere. IMO, Genia is on borrowed time.
I’m constantly amazed at the criticism of Hooper and how he ‘seagulls and doesn’t pilfer’. He grabbed at least 2 vs Scots, besides winning about 3 penalties, is by far our best carrier and highest tackler- usually making up for others in the Tahs or Wobblies who are not aiming up. He should be physically worn out and beyond it or totally wasted at 25! He has some motor! I also see him as a shining light of the ‘attitude’ needed in tough times. He may not be tactically the best Capt but he certainly leads from the front. Interestingly, some have called for him to be played at 12 ‘because he is in the backs anyway’. I know he would be doing as coach has instructed! It’s obviously what they are telling him to do so he does it! And it’s everyone’s job to pilfer – any 7s who get wraps for that will certainly not be doing all the other he does. And relying on Po coming back or Smith playing again or whomever is just stupid. Interestingly though, and ironically again, given our criticism of the coaches’ selections, if others dont stack up, I’d actually be ok with him being tried at 12 – down the track! Not thinking he’d like it much though! He has the power running and elusiveness/toughness to handle the hit up and contact zone, could cause damage in D and be able to pilfer in less traffic, has as good a set of catch/pass skills as most backs and has excellent lateral movement skills, besides some pace and nouse to read stuff. Bit of a dilemma. But, what would it have been like without him in recent years. Some motor indeed.
Many were disappointed in Higgers vs Scots (and Timani vs Italians) – neither imposed as expected. I’ve been critical of Higs omission in the past and now think he’ll be dropped for Hardwick or Timani. Still think we need his mongrel vs ABs. Think Hanigan is worth hanging on to. Another with huge motor and sensational bush, old school attitude. Moore or Pol? One too old but goes ok, the other still doing the same errors after all these years. Has he improved his throwing after hours of practice/coaching? I said 4 years ago he should be made into a prop! Not sure who we go to here. Very young props. Again, who and when?
The ‘Fitness’ issue that has reared its head – again a coaching matter, is an example of how the system of Province and National has to be improved. The coach can’t be serious pointing that at others and expect the fans to cop that as being just noticed now! It falls on him as part of the plan from the end of last year – let alone this year! Unbelievable!
Coaching and strategically related, still some of my biggest concerns is with the skill level letting down the execution, going too wide too early, backs too wide and pulling plays when behind the gain line too frequently and our lack of impact by our bigger units at the collision zone. Oh… and scrum! ?if we can simplify patterns, play the percentages for longer periods with better execution – because breakdowns aren’t so away from support numbers (linked to playing such a frenetic wide pattern), I think we have talent to compete. Big ask but possible if we simplify things. The 3 pass shift from kick offs to use runners on the extremity is nice intention but fraught with danger , as per the Italian start. I’d be very happy to see us attack the middle (usual AB ploy), then play quick pick and goes if impact ok, pods either way as per what is in front Re run or other exit play. The short side use must be improved. Simple is good – just sayin’ !
On other matters.
The management and use of media is another area that is a bit ‘out there’ to consider. The balance between promotion and hype does not appear to be winning and can be very divisive.
Folau getting the award last week vs Scots and again this last game is a farce! He did what he should, athletically in the leap try to be sure, but simply was at the end of others good okay. Whomever is choosing those is an issue. Corporate sponsorship links by chance? Marketing the prize with the main media target? Such conspiracy thoughts can’t be ignored when blatantly clear a player is not the MOM!
Lots of negatives presented and it seems most of we critics are constantly amazed at the sameness of errors and platitudes or reasons/excuses coming out of the coaching camp. Defn of insanity etc etc – something has to be altered now! The game has changed I know, but the basics are ageless and common sense doesn’t seem obvious to many. Given it all, I still think we have some great young players who can be coached to compete more successfully. We are hard markers in our game and trust we’ll see things improve soon. In the mean time, we go to our local clubs and hope we aren’t having the same concerns expressed there! Being hopeful. ?

Nice to read non Hooper bashing here. I totally agree he has been over loaded. He has carried both W squads since he arrived and his motor does have to wear out. His ability to repeatedly perform as he does despite those around him is commendable. In the case of constant criticism of him being in the backs, coaches determine same and he is a coaches’ player and does what’s required and planned. If he didn’t have to cover defensive inadequacies of backs, if coaches picked blokes up to their job, he could do even more as 7! He and we will survive but it’d help if selections are right. Mumm, Skelton are intermittent and rare in quality performances, constantly amazing many why they are selected. The front 5 and halves, plus where to play Folau are real posers. The apparent common feeling expressed by many that ‘professionals’ don’t seem to have the ‘right’ pride and passion, don’t seem to hurt when losing or under performing – cause they still get the pay cheque, is seemingly valid in many repeat offenders. Well that’s what some refer toin various comments after losses. Do we need to look at a match results payments system as part of revised contracts? Both cricket and rugby contracts at the elite level make many supporters, rightly or wrongly, feel the players just don’t value their selection enough. They get ‘too much’ a common comment these days. That’s terrible but many express it. You have to believe they hurt, feel the personal pain of poor performance etc but too often – after a loss, you see players on ground chatting and laughing with opposition or other which reinforce some views by diehards. It’s a body language and media thing but visuals carry power. Hooper can never be seen as one of those judged to not seemingly concerned and we would love to have his DNA in all. Who do we pick to get more of that? That’s a major question. Having coached him briefly as a 12 year old, I can tell you it was there then. His motors been driven by DNA and pride and passion since he started. Such a shame we don’t feel the same about others. Let’s live in hope the new guys make some ‘cruisers’, cheque gatherers, miss out and the hunger MH shows every game is replicated by more. They are out there. Stand up lads. We need you!