Bledisloe Four: Brisbane, 7 November
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In making a number of changes to the squad, Foster explained: “We’ve been really delighted with the whole squad, so we feel that there are some players who are really putting their hand up and deserve an opportunity.
“Secondly, it’s been a big three-week Test series to date against Australia; it’ll be another massive Test, so we’ve brought in some freshness and new energy into the group. Players are jumping out of their skins to get onto the park.”
Foster said the four players named to play their first Test had all been working hard and had earnt the opportunity.
“We’ve been really impressed with Akira. He’s keen, he’s ready and to have his first Test start is pretty special. I know Asafo is also excited for his first Test and he’ll bring a lot of energy and enthusiasm when he comes off the bench.
“Cullen Grace is a young man who has also been very impressive. He’s got a nice, quiet demeanour about him, but we know he’s excited. Will Jordan has also been working really hard; he’s settled in really, really well and he’s got a calmness about him. He’s been doing a great job behind the scenes and we’re delighted he’s got his opportunity.”
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Great to see the other squad members given a chance! Does seem like a fairly inexperienced bench though, with both Patty T and Dmac seemingly tasked to inject a lot of energy. I can see Whitelock, Cane, Savea, Beauden and ALB playing the full 80 unless we build a big lead.
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So many players keen to make an impression, this could be fun.
A shit load of attacking players, and even more on the bench. Pleased Akira gets a chance with Cane and Ardie, and a strong tight five.
Reece playing for his career, Laumape will want to put his hand up, BB gets a chance at 10, JB at 15. SB will be trying to leapfrog Patrick, and Taylor will be trying to retain the number two spot.
No lack of motivation within the squad to give Foster what he wants from them.
He might have some selection headaches after this.
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@Kirwan said in Bledisloe Four: Brisbane, 7 November:
So many players keen to make an impression, this could be fun.
A shit load of attacking players, and even more on the bench. Pleased Akira gets a chance with Cane and Ardie, and a strong tight five.
Reece playing for his career, Laumape will want to put his hand up, BB gets a chance at 10, JB at 15. SB will be trying to leapfrog Patrick, and Taylor will be trying to retain the number two spot.
No lack of motivation within the squad to give Foster what he wants from them.
He might have some selection headaches after this.
Hopefully they don't all over play their hands and fuck it up
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@akan004 said in Bledisloe Four: Brisbane, 7 November:
I like it although would have preferred to see Jordan start ahead of Reece , Coles ahead of Taylor and TJ not being included in the 23 at all. But at least we are seeing some new guys being given a chance.
Slightly unusual that they released Reece to play for Ta$man a few weeks back, but ended up retaining Jordan with the ABs as injury cover (he was supposed to be released).
Maybe that's come back to keep Will on the bench since he hasn't played since Round 2 of M10 Cup?
n.b. Hodgman's asterisk belongs to Jordan.
Who else hasn't played recently - Weber?
After a five year drum roll, let's hope Akira doesn't now pull a hammy in training!
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WALLABIES (1-15): James Slipper, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Allan Alaalatoa, Rob Simmons, Matt Philip, Lachie Swinton, Michael Hooper (c), Harry Wilson, Nic White, Reece Hodge, Marika Koroibete, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Tom Wright, Tom Banks
RESERVES: Folau Fainga'a, Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Ned Hanigan, Liam Wright, Tate McDermott, Noah Lolesio, Filipo Daugunu
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@Derpus said in Bledisloe Four: Brisbane, 7 November:
It's amazing how your rotation options are in many positions better than your starters IMO. Akira ffs. Notable exception being TJ - the most overrated yappy little flog to ever grace a rugby field.
abfanwankpost/
We've always had lots of 8/10 players, it's about developing 9/10 international players.
/abfanwankpost
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@akan004 said in Bledisloe Four: Brisbane, 7 November:
@Derpus said in Bledisloe Four: Brisbane, 7 November:
My god - Reece Hodge at 10.
We've officially hit the lowest point in Wallaby history.
Yeah, not a great selection although he will drastically improve your defence at 10.
Won't make a difference if we keep dropping the ball.
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Good to see Angus Bell on the bench. Kid is good and might as well see what he's got given Sio hasn't set the world on fire at LHP.
I don't see what we gain putting Hodge at 10 with Lolesio on the bench. He's had his baptism of fire so bloody start him again!
