Roar Guru
Joined May 2014
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This is the third and final article on playmakers and distributors and the roles they play for the Waratahs, Rebels and Brumbies. I asked…
Last week I wrote an article on playmakers and distributors, and what role they play for the Waratahs, Rebels and Brumbies. I asked the…
Two of the most contentious positions in the next Wallabies team are stand-off and fullback. But what do we expect from these two players?…
I’m sure many Roarers have started to pick their ideal squads for the World Cup. I had come up with lots of players I…
Now is absolutely the time for SANZAAR to develop what comes next for the top levels of rugby – ideally, before the start of…
In November last year, immediately after the Rugby World Cup, I wrote an article entitled Moving on to the Wallabies' England series in 2016.…
I wanted to wait some time after the World Cup to let the disappointment subside before writing on the Wallabies in 2016, and for…
As the time fast approaches for Michael Cheika to select his Wallaby 31 for the World Cup, let's discuss a realistic squad based on…
Invariably, when talk begins on who will be selected for the Wallabies, most of it revolves around the prima donnas and powder-puffs who have…
Starting in 2014, and hopefully continuing into the new Super Rugby agreement, is the new Australian Tier 3 National Rugby Championship (NRC). The nine-team…
Agree. One or the other between Hooper and McReight. To L Wright and Wilkin, I’d add Anstee. Genuine Lineout options. Need at least 3 genuine options. Might be significant if/when Skelton is on the field.
Five things we learned: Eddie's World Cup crunch call looming for No.7 jersey, Brumby who fits bill for 10 role
Which Reds team will turn up? If they’re leading at halftime I think they’ll take it.
Rebels, at home and with Gordon back, against the Force without its 2 best Props. Rebels will need it more.
Will “Coach leaving” give enough boost to Moana Pacifica? Don’t think enough, especially against the Drua at home.
Hard to see the Waratahs taking the Crusaders away.
Hurricanes – Blues tough to pick. Blues because they’re at home???
Chiefs to hold out against the Brumbies in a close one.
Super Rugby Pacific tipping week 14: Five into two don't go
I’d be going for a bigger, genuine lineout option 7 for the WC. Wilkin/Wright/Anstee + either Hooper or McReight.
Five things we learned: Time running out for Eddie's Tahs pick as RA gets important reminder
Agree Peter you need at least 3 genuine lineout options. Apart from Wright, Anstee could also fill that role.
And then there’s the backrow configuration if Skelton is playing.
Pick me Eddie: McReight stakes Wallabies claim to lead Reds to crucial win over Force
If Hegarty is only there for this year, which I believe is the case, then a JOC signing makes sense. He can be a mentor for Pasitoa, and warm the bench. Even play 10 if other options are injured/rested.
Prodigal's return: O'Connor eyes remarkable move back to Force as Wallabies young gun stays put at Reds
Some thoughts on Forces Players:
Strachan did a very good job coming on very early and to the key 10 position. Should be given more opportunities.
Kuenzle played well on attack and defence. Should stay at 12.
Williams and Anstee particularly good.
Simpson and Horton great pick ups.
And ROAR – atrocious title!
Force's horror tour of New Zealand comes to an end as Cron's men claim lone point after late rally
My suggested 33 (no overseas or injured players). If bracketed only one is selected:
1. James Slipper
2. Dave Porecki
3. Allan Alaalatoa
4. Nick Frost
5. Cadeyrn Neville
6. Jed Holloway
7. Michael Hooper
8. Rob Valetini
9. Nic White
10. James O’Connor
11. Mark Nawaqanitawase
12. Lalakai Foketi
13. Len Ikitau
14. Jordan Petaia
15. Tom Wright
16. Lachlan Lonergan
17. Matt Gibbon
18. Sam Talakai
19. Darcy Swain
20. Pete Samu
21. Tate McDermott
22. Noah Lolesio
23. Andrew Kellaway
24. Folau Fainga’a/Alex Mafi
25. Tom Robertson
26. Ryan Smith/Angus Blyth
27. Ned Hanigan/Seru Uru
28. Langi Gleeson/Harry Wilson
29. Ryan Lonergan
30. Carter Gordon
31. Recce Hodge
32. Cory Toole
33. Brad Wilkin
Apologies for the formatting, can’t get it right.
Messages and rockets: Predicted Wallabies squad set to shake up status quo with every position 'wide open'
Swinton as the bench lock is interesting, to me at least. And as others have mentioned, the lineout might be interesting throughout the game. Important to give Donaldson a run at 10, and give him a few starts at least. After all, he could possibly be one of the 10s in the WC Squad.
SRP Round 4: Every team CONFIRMED - Starts for Jock and JOC, Rebels boost as ABs rested, surprise all up for Force loanee
James, it will largely depend on what the purpose of the side is. Is it, apart from a couple of key players such as Hodge and McReight who are there to ensure game time, a “second best XV”, or is it an opportunity to see “up and comers” playing at a level above Super Rugby?
Australia A is back. Who are they going to pick?
Great that Tane Edmend is staying in Australia. Not great he is staying at the Waratahs. It’s better for Australian Rugby that Edmed, Donaldson, and Harrison are getting as much time as possible at 10. Yes, they can also play 15, but we have far more options at 15 than we do at 10. Where is the balance between the national interest of distributing talent, and the player’s desire to play at a certain club. Challenging!
Rugby News: Mo'unga reveals he's leaving NZ after RWC, Tane's Tahs contract boost, Phipps on the move
Great article Brett!
My initial assessment is that this year may have highlighted some important points as we head to the next World Cup.
These include: some players who have been brought in from overseas have been crucial to success (due either to a lack of depth in a position or their significant abilities), and some players who have been brought in from overseas have not delivered to the expected/hoped for level (due to them not being significantly better than those already in the squad).
Let’s try some things for the final game of the year. What have we got to lose? (apart from the game):
Kaitu’u to 2. Hoskins stay at 18. Philip/Swain to 19 (Skelton gone). Swinton to 20. Samu to 7. Lolesio to 10. Perese to Wing. Kellaway to Fullback. O’Connor to 22.
'No answers': Only questions and confusion left lingering from Wallabies' loss to England
well, NZ V Italy was “closer” than I thought it would be, Ireland V Japan was a bigger blowout than I expected, England V Tonga was about what I expected, and France V Argentina was closer than I expected.
Now for the big one!
All Blacks break world records despite 'a lot to work on' after Italy romp, Ireland crush Japan
Guess who’s back,
back again
Quadie’s back,
tell a friend
Guess who’s back,
guess who’s back
(with apologies to Eminem)
CONFIRMED: Quade Cooper returns for Wallabies at No.10, Rodda starts, two debutants
Thanks Brett. Agree your proposal is the most likely given time and financial constraints. Just need to ensure that the 6th team for the NRC-replacement comp is competitive. Base it in Western Sydney?
The Thursday rugby two-up: Super Rugby review
Thanks Nicholas, another great read.
I asked this question a month ago (so things could have changed):
Rugby101
May 4th 2021 @ 3:41pm
Looking at the Backrow then. Based on his form this year no one should be surprised if Valentini is there (at 6 or 8). Let’s work on Hooper being at 7. Given this, who’s the best addition?
Your answer seems to be Wilson, which you have clearly argued. Would FLW work well with these two?
Back to back row: When the going gets tough, the tough get going
Agree. Given his speed and ability out wide. He can even draw and pass! Wish more of our Backs could do that. If you play Anstee do you then have your 7 play a little tighter?
Coach's Corner Issue 12: Can Taniela Tupou keep it straight for Super Rugby Trans-Tasman?
James I asked the same question the other day. Agree should be very good at the lineout. Maybe in the middle Test give Anstee a run? ASY?
Coach's Corner Issue 12: Can Taniela Tupou keep it straight for Super Rugby Trans-Tasman?
I’ve really enjoyed SRAU. Home and Away v everyone in the comp is as it should be. Some laugh at the Top 3 concept in a 5 team comp but it kept results interesting right up to the end. Looking forward to SRTT. I like how it has (hopefully) prepared our teams prior to meeting the Kiwi teams.
Looking to next year and I’m onboard with the idea of 2 x 6 team comps, then leading into a combined comp. Essentially this year with one extra team in each comp. The only (possible) downside to this is that by my rough calculation SRAU would need to start around 19 February with the combined comp finishing on 25 June (I’ve selected Saturdays just for ease but I know games can be played on Fridays and Sundays as well). You’ll need this window to fit in a 6 team H v A and 2 week finals series for the domestic comp, then 6 games v the SRAO teams and 1 final. All ending before the July Test window. Might be too early a start for some.
The two lingering questions from an incredible weekend of Super Rugby finals
Looking at the Backrow then. Based on his form this year no one should be surprised if Valentini is there (at 6 or 8). Let’s work on Hooper being at 7. Given this, who’s the best addition?
2021 has been the making of Brumbies back-rower Rob Valetini
You had to do it, didn’t you. Like a moth to the flame, I went. The horror (of the clothes and hair).
2021 has been the making of Brumbies back-rower Rob Valetini
An illuminating piece Brett. Thank you. If, as it appears, the Drua are based in Australia and MP in NZ I hope neither Australia or NZ try to siphon off players. Also I hope that due to the necessity of living in another country World Rugby eligibility rules are interpreted in a beneficial way for the Drua and MP players.
Why have SANZAAR remained silent on 2022 Super Rugby plans?
Do we know roughly when the 2021 Super Rugby Australia season will start? Just a month?
Welcome competition in the rugby broadcast rights race - and a farewell, for now…
Indeed. And seems a good mix of up and coming talent with proven International-class players.
Force add Pumas duo for 2021 Super Rugby season
Wonderful news all round. Only 29 years old and 60 Tests for Australia. Any team would love that in a new player. If there was any doubt about the serious of the Force to be competitive going forward, and indeed Rugby Australia including the Force, then that should be put to bed now. Coach and Captain re-sign for two years, and three Wallabies far from the twilight of their careers joining, bodes well for the Force and Australian Rugby. As others have mentioned, the Force still need a quality Lock, and a 10 if Lance leaves.
Western Force announce major signing of Tevita Kuridrani
If they can get $30M it will be difficult for RA to say no.
If the Rebels don’t survive, I wouldn’t put it past RA and NZR looking at a joint venture, relocating Moana Pacifica to Melbourne, with any Australian players in the team eligible for Wallaby selection. Not what I would recommend but not beyond the realms of possibility.
PE backed consortium 'in final stages' to save Melbourne Rebels with $30m injection and link with A-League club