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…
Yes I’ve heard that but never seen it. I did an article on a RWC 31 and didn’t have him in because thought he is solely a 12. If he can also cover 13, given his form, what he brings and combination with Cooper (if selected), he should definitely be in!
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: The final insult
I clearly remember in one of the games I reviewed Horan stating how important it was for Beale to get into First Receiver to give Foley a rest, ‘because there’s a lot to do at 10 (or words to that effect).
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: The final insult
I think most people feel this is right (Meakes like Kerevi, Hunt like To’omua) from watching them, and the stats tend to back this up.
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: The final insult
“That was part of my domino effect that I forgot to spell out. That selecting Foley makes the patterns and personnel dependent on having BOTH Foley and Beale available and in form because they are not interchangeable with other players.”
My analysis certainly supports this view.
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: The final insult
Yes Meakes does, and part of the reason Hodge didn’t displace him is because of the less glamorous but important work he does. And has good combination with QC.
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: The final insult
Ouch! What about CLL?
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: The final insult
Thanks Nobody. Yes stats don’t tell the whole story, and can be used to prove anything. Yes your suggestion for missed tackles per hundred is an easier read.
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: The final insult
Thanks PeterK. Yes that is what I think is the best Backline. I’m not sure if it’s you (apologies if not) or James, but don’t have a lot of love for DHP. Although he had a poor game last weekend I think he is our best all round Fullback. So I’d be happy with him at 15, although that means Hodge on the bench (but I want him in the 15 is possible). At this stage of his Wallaby career I agree with Banks on the Wing.
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: The final insult
Cream is not the only thing that floats to the top!
The Wrap: The Super Rugby cream rises to the top
Yes off the bench for confidence I can understand. Yes White to give Genia some time on the bench is a good idea. No doubt To’omua, Kerevi, Kuridrani would be good defensively. It’s a pity Petaia isn’t 12 months further along, as he already offers a lot. Could still make the RWC. But I think Cheika and Wessels have had a chat about Hodge and that’s why he’s getting more time at 13.
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: Part deux
Agree with Beale off the bench, but for mine Cooper or Foley aren’t bench players. Either start or not in the 23. Of your two possible Backlines, the one with CLL looks good, but as I try to highlight in the article if Foley is 10 we need another playmaker in the 15. To’omua and CLL are good bench options, if not in the 15. To’omua at 10 might work with Kerevi at 12 and DHP at 15.
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: Part deux
Fair enough. Thanks. Surely something a 12 could possible do???
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: Part deux
In the last 15 minutes, IRT DHP, I saw Cooper kick a high ball which DHP caught and then after landing was stripped, and later DHP put up a high ball which he attempted to regain but knocked on. Are these what you are referring to? Also, I don’t consider being penalised for failing to release a howler. Do you really?
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: Part deux
Bourkos, who do you think is best to do chip kicks for the Wallabies?
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: Part deux
Jeznez, given how I have approached this issue, what is your Wallabies’ Backline?
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: Part deux
If Meakes can play 13 then that certainly helps his prospects. I didn’t know that he has done this successfully at Super level.
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: Part deux
The only thing I disagree with in your comment is the possibility of Foley on the bench. For mine, Cooper and Foley either start at 10, or aren’t in the 23. Neither, in my view, should be at 12. I think To’omua is a good option on the bench to cover 10 and 12.
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: Part deux
Bobby, agree re Banks. I can see him possibly on the Wing.
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: Part deux
Thanks KCOL. Absolutely agree with your comments. So with your criteria, who are the best two options for the Wallabies?
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: Part deux
Thanks Jeznez. As I say in my articles this part is subjective. You will note last week I mentioned a number of excellent attacking plays. This round I didn’t see anything that was over and above what these players should be doing, with the exception of some tactical kicking which hasn’t been all that great from Australian Back recently. That is why I mentioned it this week. All the points you raise are true, I just didn’t rate them as highly as you.
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: Part deux
Thanks Cole. Depending on the game plan, Foley can still be there. But imho that means CLL at 12 (which I don’t agree with) or Beale at 15 (I think DHP, Hodge and Banks are better 15s). So if Foley is at 10, you are taking a poorer option at 12 or 15 in my view.
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: Part deux
Thanks TSE. CLL or Cooper at 10, with Kerevi at 12 and DHP or Hodge at 15 can work imho. To which I’d add Banks on one Wing.
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: Part deux
Thanks RahRah. All things being equal, both options can work. If it were just between those two options, it comes down to the game plan. Cooper’s better passing game V Foley’s outside running game. But agree Kerevi should be the 12 regardless of who is at 10. Cooper’s better tactical kicking game V Foley’s better penalty kicking (not addressed in my articles).
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: Part deux
Also, I’m more interested in how Australian Super Rugby players go against foreign teams, than head to head in local derbies. So whom every plays better in tonight’s Foley V Cooper display won’t necessarily indicate which one is better for the Wallabies.
To playmake or distribute, that is the question
Thanks Ralph. Yes absolutely stats don’t show the whole picture. That is why for the past three weeks I tried to capture the highs and lows of the key 10s and 15s. What was above or below the expected level of Test players at Super level. For example, CLL does little that is extraordinary but also makes very few bad plays, and he is the central playmaker.
To play-make or distribute, that is the question: The final insult