It was nearly a different colour for Lachie Swinton – baffling fans – but Dave Rennie highlighted that it’s up to him to avoid those situations. Meanwhile, the Wallabies coach signalled that James O’Connor is a serious consideration to replace the injured Tom Banks.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Swinton is not being asked to turn down his aggression at all just lower his tackling height a little bit
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I think Swinton brings something that nobody else does in addition to being a great 3rd choice LO target so I can see his value.
Wobbly Knees
Roar Rookie
Couldnt agree more Jez. What we don't need is a liability like Swinton ruining the hard work of the team. I am concerned that he doesn't appreciate the game in hand and just wishes to be the baddest boy in town,we want hard players playing and enforcing but also smart players playing. Dont get me wrong he is a great player and a force to be reckoned with but if he cant practice the discipline needed to play then replace him, there is no excuse for being so careless.
Try Hard
Roar Rookie
Liam Gil would be an ideal replacement. Faster around the paddock, great lineout jumper and a thief.
Try Hard
Roar Rookie
Send him home...with McMahon and Wilson sitting waiting to have a go.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
You are right! It is about the technique
Ruff Rucker
Roar Rookie
Sadly Swinton’s tackling technique didn’t improve after his ten minute rest. He doesn’t seem to be able to use his arms in a tackle and just leads with his shoulder.
Oblonsky’s Other Pun
Guest
I wonder if rather than regression it could just be the much higher intensity of test rugby? It’s tough for guys like Swinton because if they turn it down too much they lose their physical edge. I think he has been a good performer overall so wouldn’t be unhappy to see any of he, McMahon and even Samu start vs the Argies. McMahon would probably be my preference if he’s good enough, and hopefully the coaches can work that out from camp.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Agree Rhys, McMahon should get a run while Swinton works his technique out. There good options for number 8, and no disrespect to Argentina but this an opportunity to give someone else a run. Also I would like to see Wilson as he looks a very good prospect.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
And if he gets a bit lower, the guys he’s tackling won’t have any ribs left! This is a systemic thing and he needs a mental readjustment. Have Valetini or Samu at 6 for mine and have Wilson, Naisarani and McMahon fight for 8 until Lachie proves us wrong.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
No problem mate, we are both passionate about our teams which we should be. I am concerned more about the Wallabies EOYT because the refs will favour the home teams. Swinton now has a history with refs, and the home crowds there will be all over this. I am a fan of his as he does a lot right , if he can get his discipline sorted it be a great thing for himself and the team.
jeznez
Roar Guru
It could have been me! :laughing: I’ve been a big supporter but we’ve seen issues in three out of six tests now. He improved during Super but looks to have regressed.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I agree jeznez, I mentioned that his discipline is a problem and it could cost the Wallabies at some point. I have forgotten the name of the poster but he said that it was a lazy comment from me. Swinton is a top player but he needs to be given a strong word to about this, as it has become a serious problem. He needs to work on his technique and timing, hoping he does.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Think Rennie could have been stronger in his comments there. Swinton needs to be better. He made improvement during Super Rugby but has slipped back into old habits. I think getting off the red card in that final round of Super has maybe made him think there wasn't much more improvement to be made. Which is not the case. We'll particularly miss his lineout work but I'd be sending a very clear message and replacing him with Wilson or McMahon for the next Test. He's got to improve. That was nearly hugely costly.