I have to agree, after watching the first 20mins of the match on the weekend, I thought to myself he already deserves man of the match. He seems to have the smarts as well as physical ability.
I'm a DHP fan. But I have to admit that is largely because I always felt that Folau was a risk on positional play. Banks ticks all boxes for me. As for the risk: you'd never start a player if that was a real issue. In any case we are about to see Banks in a cauldron and if they win, he'll likely be in Christchurch under even more pressure.
Test caps stopped being a valid measurement of quality in October 2014. With limited test matches this year, Michael Cheika’s talent inversion black hole may not have time to reverse Banks’ stunning Super Rugby momentum before RWC. If form really is king, Banks is Wallabies 15.
DHP and Hodge have better experience but both look weak because of the Rebels fade. And Beale if needs be.
It takes exceptional talent to step straight in as proposed. Tom’s in great form, but at 25 with little test or even SR experience he doesn’t strike me as exceptional talent. Very very good in form talent playing in a hot finals team at an opportunistic time seems more like what we have here.
Which is not to say it can’t happen, just risky. But it’s midnight in Aus which means the bar’s taken a joyous hammering and why not!
its not like we have a choice. The experienced fullback will not be there.
So whoever steps in will be lacking experience as the wallaby fullback. Even Beale....
Jonno
Roar Rookie
I have to agree, after watching the first 20mins of the match on the weekend, I thought to myself he already deserves man of the match. He seems to have the smarts as well as physical ability.
Neel
Roar Guru
Yes, I do believe he is Kent.
Clifto
Roar Pro
Yes. But he won't. Cheika will play Beale at 15
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
The simple answer is to put Banks at #15 and DHP on the wing, Beale on the bench. Banks and DHP can interchange during the game if needs be
Diamond Jackie
Roar Rookie
3 matters... hopefully
Noodles
Roar Rookie
I'm a DHP fan. But I have to admit that is largely because I always felt that Folau was a risk on positional play. Banks ticks all boxes for me. As for the risk: you'd never start a player if that was a real issue. In any case we are about to see Banks in a cauldron and if they win, he'll likely be in Christchurch under even more pressure.
Kashmir Pete
Roar Guru
Content, particularly after line kicks last night. Reduces one of Reece's main appeals.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
With the shirt loose enough that it billows when he runs too... awesome.
Waxhead
Roar Rookie
Banks is by the far the best form FB in Aust in 2019 and it will be insane if he's not picked in the run on WB team imo :)
soapit
Roar Guru
Would spoil the Chris Latham impersonation if he did that
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Chris Latham played sans garters. Maybe Banks should wear a tie?
taylorman
Roar Guru
“Is Tom Banks Folau's replacement as Wallaby fullback?” Depends...Is he religious? ????????????????
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Wouldn’t mind seeing a tucked shirt either... with a collar preferably ????
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Hahaha!
Crash Ball2
Roar Rookie
Test caps stopped being a valid measurement of quality in October 2014. With limited test matches this year, Michael Cheika’s talent inversion black hole may not have time to reverse Banks’ stunning Super Rugby momentum before RWC. If form really is king, Banks is Wallabies 15.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Danny, Banks has been rated by some of us long before tonight, and irrespective of any ‘hammered bar’.
Paulo
Roar Rookie
Yes... I’m old school though, so my one gripe is he needs to pull his socks up.
rebel
Roar Guru
24,999,999 might agree, 1 matters unfortunately.
Danny
Roar Pro
DHP and Hodge have better experience but both look weak because of the Rebels fade. And Beale if needs be. It takes exceptional talent to step straight in as proposed. Tom’s in great form, but at 25 with little test or even SR experience he doesn’t strike me as exceptional talent. Very very good in form talent playing in a hot finals team at an opportunistic time seems more like what we have here. Which is not to say it can’t happen, just risky. But it’s midnight in Aus which means the bar’s taken a joyous hammering and why not!
MH01
Guest
its not like we have a choice. The experienced fullback will not be there. So whoever steps in will be lacking experience as the wallaby fullback. Even Beale....