Roar Rookie
Joined October 2020
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Rugby in Australia has experienced turmoil in recent years – poor on-field performances, financial woes, structural and governance conflicts, instability, and poor viewing figures. I…
After Australia's ignominious exit from the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, a journalist interviewing Michael Cheika asked him why Australia had been running…
I am so confused but is that Eddie’s plan? I can reluctantly accept the majority of decisions (except leaving out Samu, R Lonergan, Hodge and clearly inclusion of Vunivalu! ) My real concern is whether there is a ‘plan’ as stated. While coaching England, Eddie capped 65 players, many then discarded immediately or then brought back years later not knowing why they’d been dropped in the first place. There was no cohesion, indicted by poor form , results and Eddie back here -as Harry Jones said on podcast, Eddie seems to have random selections and interests. I only hope he has learned from his English experience but I doubt it.
As a seasoned Wallabies supporter, my ‘worst case scenario nightmares’ are already forming after seeing the squad. Scrum still not strong enough for NH sides and SA so there we are, in QF potentially against England, a scrum penalty to england, and Owen Farrell (an established goalkicker -that would be nice to have in a team trying to win the WC -allegedly!) calmly slots the ball over the posts. I hope I’m wrong..
Wallabies winners and losers: Eddie's ruthless RWC squad is full of double standards - but we had been warned
Agree totally oz Ikitau is consistently good and clearly a slot in for the Lions, next WC and maybe one after that . Eddie should keep him close and valued -we will need him. we will miss his left foot kicking, that’s for sure
Wallabies winners and losers: Eddie's ruthless RWC squad is full of double standards - but we had been warned
Agree, Hedge. Pete Samu must be on the bench and play 7 if McReight injured
Bledisloe heartbreak: Eddie's Wallabies denied by last minute Mo'unga penalty as ABs seal stunning comeback
Well said, Numpty. I’ve never played the game and even I can work out that having 70% possession, going forward and making the other guys spend all their time tackling is a better place to be for the WB. Even Jordan Petaia (who I still don’t think should be in 23) managed to be more effective with grubbers and line breaks as the AB on the back foot. The first half was sensational Eddie must make sure WB never have less than 50% possession -otherwise, doomed!
Bledisloe heartbreak: Eddie's Wallabies denied by last minute Mo'unga penalty as ABs seal stunning comeback
Good calls, Ferret. Having McReight at 7 made a huge difference and allowed Tom Hooper to be physical at 6, which he was. Agree that Nick White did not have a great game again -Ryan Lonergan must be looked at. The scrum makes me weep -how many more years do I have to watch WB lose significant moments because of a poor scrum. If not improved, I can see a Marseille QF exit against england decided by scrum penalties.
Bledisloe heartbreak: Eddie's Wallabies denied by last minute Mo'unga penalty as ABs seal stunning comeback
I agree, rugby lover re Noah. Not being selected consistently did not help him but ultimately he did not deliver -he managed a game without ever controlling the game and leading. I wish him all the best but I don’t think he’s international standard
Wallabies CONFIRMED: Tate to captain 'new era' as Eddie changes back-row, calls up rookie prop after Thor blow
I agree, Noodles, that McReight for Holloway is a good move – also a real chance to see if Tom Hooper can deliver at 6. Like you, I would have liked to see Lonergan have a run. Overall, a solid team with an attempt by EJ to get some combinations despite the injuries
Wallabies CONFIRMED: Tate to captain 'new era' as Eddie changes back-row, calls up rookie prop after Thor blow
Enjoy all Roar podcasts but Sumo from NZ was excellent -his comments re Eddie Jones were spot on. I want Eddie to do well and I hope there is a plan there somewhere but less talking, Eddie – more thoughtful selection, coaching and tactics. What I really want to see this weekend is the simple things done well -kicking for territory, effective kick and chase, better restarts, straight line out throwing, sensible defence, good goal kicking, every player performing their core role – if that happens, I’ll be happy and let the score take care of itself
The Panel: the good, the bad and the 'we'd rather not talk about it, thanks...'
I think this is good news for the Force but I share the concerns about availability for Wallabies in terms of cohesion. We need to get a 15/23 playing together that may actually get on the plane to France. I tried for tickets to all Wallabies WC games – the only one I got is against Portugal , which I’m still looking forward to, but, right now, I would not have a clue who’s going to be in that side
Exclusive: World Cup wildcard emerges as France-based hooker set to return to Super Rugby
In my last post before the game, I praised Hodge and said he could be a ‘point of difference ‘ – he was, but not as hoped. As has been said, forwards were demolished but Hodge and White did not help matters with poor, ill-judged kicks. As a Force supporter, looking forward to Nick white coming west but at test level, he follows up a mistake with others as he tries to atone. He needs to remain patient and give the 10 a chance to play. I am trying not to overreact after what was always a challenging task, but, let’s face it, it couldn’t have been worse
Wallabies player ratings: Forward pack eaten up, Suli taught a lesson and kicking game badly off
Thanks Sam. Enjoyed article. Like many others, excited to see Tom Hooper in action but concerned about depth at prop and hooker -I think we’ll definitely learn more about where we stand over the next few weeks
ANALYSIS: Wallabies have serious issues with forward depth - but there's plenty of promise if rookies are required
I agree totally , Hazel Nutt, re Hodge and Vunivalu. I rate Hodge and, if Kerevi ever not fit, want him at 12 , otherwise reserve back on bench. His kicking is normally excellent and I think alongside Ikitau, a good balance. I think Hodge should always be in the 23. Maybe Eddie Jones sees things the rest of us don’t but Vunivalu’s defence has been shocking – I just hope he doesn’t lose us the game
Exclusive: Four debutants, Suli to start, skipper in doubt - Eddie springs surprises for Boks opener
I have to agree with Gus Tee -it was poor, particularly ‘player application’. I have always been a Hooper fan but I don’t think he seems in the right space – he gave away 2 dumb penalties in first half, was not as effective at breakdown and, as most of the team, second best. I think Hooper cannot be captain for Wallabies and Mc Reight should start. I am so disappointed by Waratahs. I really rated Darren Coleman as a coach but he’s had a poor year – relied on flankers for second row and hyped up first match v Brumbies too much. He deserves more time but he needs to beef up the pack and let the players do the talking on the pitch.
'It's disappointing': Waratahs smashed by Barrett's Blues as missed chances, poor discipline kills off season
Agree totally. In Europe, players are playing 30 games or more. Just because the ABs do it, we have followed blindly. Stupid!
Five things we learned: Brumbies bottle top two hopes, Eddie's must-pick for Wallabies
Agree totally – Skelton must start
Five things we learned: Brumbies bottle top two hopes, Eddie's must-pick for Wallabies
I agree, Bliksem. Developing local players like Marley Pearce is the way forward combined with astute pick-ups from over East. To get some air time in Perth with the dominance of Eagles (not on the field currently!) and the Dockers, good stories make headlines and good performances. Got both so far this year
Five things we learned: Brumbies bottle top two hopes, Eddie's must-pick for Wallabies
Great news re LSL, really adds depth to WB second row/back row options. I should know more about Potter being in England but he must have quality. Excellent signing for Force and hopefully they can continue to recruit more Australian players
Exclusive: Salakaia-Loto signs with Rebels to rocket into RWC mix as two leave, Force bring home another Aussie
Loved this game. It’s why rugby is such a great game -every player playing every position needed to bring this home. McDermott was fantastic -and he didn’t always have front foot ball. Vunivalu was not great as others have said – his pace and positioning were not up to scratch. I am pleased for the players and Thorn -they’ve rightly taken a lot of stick but they can enjoy this one
'We defended like a pack of dogs': Tate leads Reds to stunning win after Thorn's huge call ends 10 years of pain
Well done to the Force. Don’t have the squad depth yet to consistently compete away from home but hopefully that will come next year.
'Lungs were tested': Wallabies boost as Folau back with try double in Force's bonus point win over subdued Drua
Mike, you are so right. I keep waiting for front row scummaging to be given the emphasis it deserves. Over the past two weeks, Australian teams have been dominated. I like your idea to have scum camps and a centralised focus – ensure any front rower with real talent/potential is in a SR squad and getting quality coaching
'Outclassed in every facet': Crusaders belt Western Force in reality check as set-piece dismantled
I do agree with Ozinsa -Skelton deserves to start. I see where the opposite views come from but Skelton has delivered at the highest level in club football in Europe -he has been dominant in the big games. Thank you Sam for article, I think it showed how Skelton’s immense size does create havoc for the opposition. I think Frost or Holloway at 6. Hooper/Mcreight at 7, BV at 8 and Rodda/Philip/Richie Arnold the other lock, and we’re sorted. Skelton has to start -I’m excited to see him in action
ANALYSIS: The attribute that makes Will Skelton world class, and why he should start for Wallabies at RWC
Thanks John – enjoyed the article. Looking forward to seeing the squad. I listened to Eddie’s podcast and he said may be limited to 33 players rather than the recent 42. I think that’s a good thing. There are too many players capped over the past few years, who are technically ‘Wallabies’ but their current performances are not even at SR level. Raise the bar and expectations -it’s needed
What Eddie Jones' statements tell us about his first Wallabies squad - and why Rebels could be the big winners
I agree totally, Tim. The difference between the core skills and playmaking ability of Mounga and JOC was clear to see -the kicking for goal and for touch was abysmal. I think while we wait to see if Foley and Cooper are part of WC plans, Carter Gordon must be given his chance . I was shocked how poor (and slow) Vunivalu was – what an error by RA. Uru had a shocker also -he is a long way off. I also thought Flook showed (despite some talent and potential) he is way off Wallabies squad at moment. Only QLd for me in first WB squad (in order of priority) -Petaia, Wilson, Wright, McDermott, McReight (just)
Crusaders too good for clumsy Reds as Petaia, Wright star to push Wallabies credentials
I agree. I’m not a fan of NRL and don’t watch it but I respect it and any cross code one-upmanship doesn’t help rugby. The Wallabies need NRL supporters who at least know about the game to feel in it is their international team – and they will support
'I don't want NRL to be feeder system': Gus fires back in Suaalii slanging match after Robbo blasts 'ridiculous comment'
I agree, Ken -that Waugh did not impress with responses re Eddie’s selections -omission of quade, inclusion of donaldson, 1 fly half etc – but let’s face it, Eddie has created such a stupid mess, CEO or not, he’d be doing well to justify that chaos. Overall, though, I thought he was sincere, he answered the questions asked and he understands the importance of both ends of the game – the professional (Wallabies) and the amateur (club/community). He didn’t have any innovative ‘third tier’ solutions but think about all the informed rugby people posting on the Roar and whenever 3rd tier discussed, there is never consensus. I think Waugh deserves a chance as he’s only been in the role for 5 weeks and he’s aware of the key issues, at least – let’s see if he can deliver some impact
'Sums up his career': Waugh reveals how Hoops reacted to RWC snub, and the Quade hope that didn't transpire