Aussie Pro Rugby
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@African-Monkey said in Reds v Force:
@NTA Kellaway for the Fullback position then?
I'm really not sure. He had had some poor performances lately
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Whatever way they go, I look forward to seeing what they come up with.
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@NTA said in Reds v Force:
Wright looks good in provincial Rugby with his hoppy-skippy bullshit and big-man attitude.
He typically sucks at Test level where that shit doesn't work
I don't like him for some unknown reason, but there's no denying he's playing some good code right now. Whether he reverts to form in the crucible of Test footy...
That being said I'm a fan of picking form.
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@antipodean per my favourite Starship Troopers: "You're it until you're dead or I find someone better".
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The Wallabies team at this stage should be the best combinations available in the Reds & Brumbies.
McReight is the 7 - first picked IMHO
Valetini has to be in the back rowOther than that you could lean either way. Brumbies couldn't match it with either the Blues or Chiefs this year. Reds failed utterly against the Force in Perth. However, they're the best we've got so Uncle Joe needs to find what works once they get together.
Maybe a couple of Rebels like Kellaway and Gordon make it in. Holloway and Swinton from the Tahs maybe. Not sure any Force make it besides maybe Rodda and Tizzano as the backup 7, but Schmidt won't like the latter's attitude.
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@NTA When's Angus Bell back from injury? Gamble as a squaddie? I thought Salakaia-Loto had a good season too unti getting injured, and I guess Tupou will get picked again?
Ben Donaldson? I feel like he would make a decent 12. He has the size to play there and runs quite well. Obviously it won't happen at international level anytime soon, but I would like too see him tred there. He's like the Aussie version of Harry Plummer.
There's also guys like Leota and Uelese who have played plenty in the past.
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@African-Monkey none of those are bad shouts BUT
Bell: small bone injury. Needs the rest of the year off or he's just going to do it again.
Gamble: good call. He might be a better option than Tizzano and I think he's just reached qualified.
Salakia-Loto: nope. Too much like Swain in the peanut-brain department. Gets Tough Guy syndrome.
Tupou: perhaps. He's not the worst option but injury prone lately and he'll have to meet Joe's hard work requirements.
Donaldson: backup utility at best. Can attack the line and is getting better at managing a game but defence? Hmmm...
Leota: we have several backrowers who can do his job.
Uelese: maybe by default he gets the bench spot. Concerns over his lineout work. Maybe he's in a pool of second stringers with Horton and Pollard. Would have like Julian Heaven to stay uninjured as he showed promise and had overseas experience. -
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@Mr-Fish said in Reds v Force:
I can see Donaldson being used at fullback.
I don't think Wright is up for it. Kellaway on form is probably the best option. Wouldn't actually mind seeing Carter Gordon given a run there in July...
That would leave Lolesio as five-eighth.
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@antipodean said in Reds v Force:
@Mr-Fish said in Reds v Force:
I can see Donaldson being used at fullback.
I don't think Wright is up for it. Kellaway on form is probably the best option. Wouldn't actually mind seeing Carter Gordon given a run there in July...
That would leave Lolesio as five-eighth.
As opposed to who, Gordon? You really need Ryan Lonergan, Lolesio or Donaldson on the field to kick goals (there might be an option or two I'm missing), it's a bit of a pickle.
Lonergan at halfback over McDermott (or White)? I think that's a decent option. Do you then opt for the Brumbies combo and run Lolesio at 10? I don't think Gordon has shown enough consistency to necessarily lead the team around the park from 10 but I'm certainly not sold on Lolesio either (who's had quite a few chances but never quite taken to Test rugby, nor bossed the Brumbies around regularly in Super Rugby games against top opposition).
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Wouldn't mind seeing Tom Lynagh at 10 but not sure he's quite ready for it. Then again, not much is likely to change between now and November and you don't really want him debuting against the Lions next year...
Can't see Schmidt bringing in a Foley or a Cooper to help ease Lynagh in and mentor him until he's ready, you really need to entrust the keys to a player on day dot and let them find their way. Donaldson might actually be the safest bet...
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Only three men have played for both the Wallabies and All Blacks. A fourth is set to join them
Kiwi-turned-Queenslander Alex Hodgman is on track to become one of the rarest things in trans-Tasman sport: a Wallablack.
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@NTA this will make it very hard for them to get up on Saturday knowing they won't be in the comp next year.
I've already heard the Canes are in talks with Matt Proctor so there's that rumour already.
I hope most of the players stick around in Super Rugby to make the rest of the Aus teams stronger.
Guys like Leota, Tupou, Lancaster, Uelese, Daugunu, Salakaia-Loto and Gordon will be hot property noting that Kellaway has already signed with the Tahs. Tupou and Loto might return to the Reds.
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i still think there is something to be said for MP and the rebels to merge and try and tap into the expat community in Melbourne...its a hell of a lot bigger than the Australian old boys rugby network here
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