Hodge runs great lines. He's not powerful in the sense of dropping defenders on their backsides, but can brush off them while running to space instead of shoulders. Hodge doesn't have to be a 'ball player' with one playing at 10. Although he does have some ball playing ability (he has played 10 before) that can relieve some pressure on whoever's 10. If there isn't a strategy for kicking there needs to be and he actually has the ability to play a big part in that.
Simone is an option, but he's an unproven quantity at this level. Could be worth giving him a shot against the Pumas.
Toomua will be out for quite some time, so the options are keep O'Connor at 10 or shift him to 12 and start Lolesio. I can't agree with Hodge at 12, he is not a particularly powerful ball runner and not a play maker. Simone would be the best 12 choice if you are after those attributes. His boot may be a good asset from fullback, but there seemed to be no strategy for kicking anyway.
The cupboard may have a tin of bake beans....that’s all . When Toomua went off, the Wallabies were further exposed. Even with Toomua had been able to continue, the Wallabies were showing stress. Bad kicking and you are asking for it. This ABs team will feed off your bad kicks, hence ball retention is so important and a good exit strategy....Toomua. The forwards will have to do a lot more work ...a prop kicking to no where is plain lazy or total panic. Toomua will be hard to replace. The forwards will need to step up and the backs need to tackle that beast .....imagine if the ABs got Laumape fit n Clarke running off his shoulder.
After an ‘OK’ game last week, this game made it as clear as day that JOC is not a 10. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good player. But he wasn’t even one of our 3 best 10’s in SRAU. He’s just not a play maker or an organiser and you NEED these abilities at this level- even when you’re playing alongside someone that has those skills (like he had last week with Toomua). If Toomua’s fit, he must start at 10. If not, let’s give the kid a go. Start Hodge at 12. He’s a powerful ball runner and his boot is a valuable asset. Paisami hasn’t worked out right now at this level- must go and work on his defence. Petaia must start. Koroibete had an absolute shocker on Sunday. All of the holes in his game were up in lights. I’d be tempted to give Tom Wright a crack. I don’t know that we have the required balance with Koroibete and Daugunu in the back 3 together. Finally, if we need a jumper in the backrow- the only answer I can think of is shifting LSL to 6 and bringing back one of our locks from OS. Get in Twiggy’s ear to sign Rodda up for 2021 and bring him straight in.
GoldenEye
Roar Rookie
"Get in Twiggy’s ear to sign Rodda up for 2021 and bring him straight in." Didn't the Force apply for the NZR Super Rugby comp for next year?
Cookie Monster
Roar Rookie
Until we develop the game outside the private school clique we will always be a door mat for the inclusive culture the ABs enjoy..
RobG
Guest
1. Slipper 2. Latu 3. Alaalatoa 4. Skelton 5. Phillip 6. Salakaia-Loto 7. Hooper 8. Wilson 9. White 10. Lolesio 11. Petaia 12. O’Connor 13. Paisami 14. Daugunu 15. Hodge 16. BPA 17. Sio 18. Tupou 19. Hanigan 20. Samu 21. Gordon 22. Simone 23. Wright
Rob9
Roar Guru
Hodge runs great lines. He's not powerful in the sense of dropping defenders on their backsides, but can brush off them while running to space instead of shoulders. Hodge doesn't have to be a 'ball player' with one playing at 10. Although he does have some ball playing ability (he has played 10 before) that can relieve some pressure on whoever's 10. If there isn't a strategy for kicking there needs to be and he actually has the ability to play a big part in that. Simone is an option, but he's an unproven quantity at this level. Could be worth giving him a shot against the Pumas.
Markus
Roar Rookie
Toomua will be out for quite some time, so the options are keep O'Connor at 10 or shift him to 12 and start Lolesio. I can't agree with Hodge at 12, he is not a particularly powerful ball runner and not a play maker. Simone would be the best 12 choice if you are after those attributes. His boot may be a good asset from fullback, but there seemed to be no strategy for kicking anyway.
Lara
Guest
The cupboard may have a tin of bake beans....that’s all . When Toomua went off, the Wallabies were further exposed. Even with Toomua had been able to continue, the Wallabies were showing stress. Bad kicking and you are asking for it. This ABs team will feed off your bad kicks, hence ball retention is so important and a good exit strategy....Toomua. The forwards will have to do a lot more work ...a prop kicking to no where is plain lazy or total panic. Toomua will be hard to replace. The forwards will need to step up and the backs need to tackle that beast .....imagine if the ABs got Laumape fit n Clarke running off his shoulder.
Rob9
Roar Guru
After an ‘OK’ game last week, this game made it as clear as day that JOC is not a 10. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good player. But he wasn’t even one of our 3 best 10’s in SRAU. He’s just not a play maker or an organiser and you NEED these abilities at this level- even when you’re playing alongside someone that has those skills (like he had last week with Toomua). If Toomua’s fit, he must start at 10. If not, let’s give the kid a go. Start Hodge at 12. He’s a powerful ball runner and his boot is a valuable asset. Paisami hasn’t worked out right now at this level- must go and work on his defence. Petaia must start. Koroibete had an absolute shocker on Sunday. All of the holes in his game were up in lights. I’d be tempted to give Tom Wright a crack. I don’t know that we have the required balance with Koroibete and Daugunu in the back 3 together. Finally, if we need a jumper in the backrow- the only answer I can think of is shifting LSL to 6 and bringing back one of our locks from OS. Get in Twiggy’s ear to sign Rodda up for 2021 and bring him straight in.