Planet Rugby Forum

towny wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

TranceNRG wrote:

Olo wrote:I think Arnold might come right into the starting side. He’s a bit bigger than Rodda, loves to put on big hits, go for a trot and to take lineout ball. Send him out there for 55 minutes and then bring on Rodda or Simmons.

I'd pick Rodda over Arnold. Rodda is the future.

Have you watched Arnold play this year? He’s probably the form Aus lock in the Soup...

His all round game has been superb - he was the top Aussie lineout taker prior to suspension, he possesses a strong ball running/offload game, kills mauls and has been smashing folks in tackles and rucks for fun...

Having said that, I would be wary of tinkering with the squad but could see him either swap with Rodda, or more likely Tui on the bench.

I'd be happy with Arnold to come into the team. Reckon he'll grab Simmo's bench seat if Cheika sticks with the 6/2 bench.

Australia has quality depth at 1,3,4 & 5. This is weird.... A few years ago we had Pek Cowan at LHP with Nathan Sharpe up his limited arse.

I think Simmo’s set piece abilities make him a safe bench option, so I don’t think he’ll be replaced.

I think Arnold has equally good set piece. He's also better around the park - more impact anyway.

Simmo dropping that ball from Genia when he was through the gap and likely under the posts hurt....

towny wrote:

shanky wrote:

What a dribbler.

Hey, here's the guru who thinks numbers on the backs matter. That game must have pissed you off to no end. Meanwhile, Pocock packed at 8 in the scrum.... did this make you angry?

Perhaps you didn't notice.....

By the way, pre-game I pretty much told you what the team would be. Why do you think that I've somehow lost my touch for this week?

My joke on shirt numbers was obviously wasted on you now you’re taking yourself too seriously Mr Euro.

You need a 3rd lineout option is what the real gurus know.

Accomodating the Pooper is essential. Adding a third shortarse is not.

shanky wrote:

towny wrote:

shanky wrote:

What a dribbler.

Hey, here's the guru who thinks numbers on the backs matter. That game must have pissed you off to no end. Meanwhile, Pocock packed at 8 in the scrum.... did this make you angry?

Perhaps you didn't notice.....

By the way, pre-game I pretty much told you what the team would be. Why do you think that I've somehow lost my touch for this week?

My joke on shirt numbers was obviously wasted on you now you’re taking yourself too seriously Mr Euro.

You need a 3rd lineout option is what the real gurus know.

Accomodating the Pooper is essential. Adding a third shortarse is not.

I agree about the third line-out option. My bet is that Tui will get a start this week.

It’ll be Tui or Hanigan is my guess.

shanky wrote:

It’ll be Tui or Hanigan is my guess.

Hanigan is better in the lineout and has a better workrate. Tui is a big unit that will hurt a few, but not sure if he's got the wheels to play the gameplan.

towny wrote:

shanky wrote:

It’ll be Tui or Hanigan is my guess.

Hanigan is better in the lineout and has a better workrate. Tui is a big unit that will hurt a few, but not sure if he's got the wheels to play the gameplan.

Yes, you’re right.

It’s probably most likely he’ll stick with Timu and give Tui 20 mins to charge.

towny wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

TranceNRG wrote:

Olo wrote:I think Arnold might come right into the starting side. He’s a bit bigger than Rodda, loves to put on big hits, go for a trot and to take lineout ball. Send him out there for 55 minutes and then bring on Rodda or Simmons.

I'd pick Rodda over Arnold. Rodda is the future.

Have you watched Arnold play this year? He’s probably the form Aus lock in the Soup...

His all round game has been superb - he was the top Aussie lineout taker prior to suspension, he possesses a strong ball running/offload game, kills mauls and has been smashing folks in tackles and rucks for fun...

Having said that, I would be wary of tinkering with the squad but could see him either swap with Rodda, or more likely Tui on the bench.

I'd be happy with Arnold to come into the team. Reckon he'll grab Simmo's bench seat if Cheika sticks with the 6/2 bench.

Australia has quality depth at 1,3,4 & 5. This is weird.... A few years ago we had Pek Cowan at LHP with Nathan Sharpe up his limited arse.

Nathan Sharpe was harder to kill off than Dracula. Every time the June Tests rolled around for 5 or 6 years the pundits would be predicting that he was finished and wouldn't get picked for the Wallabies again. Every year by the time the RC rolled around he would be close to our first picked player and in spite of the naysayers would actually play quite well.

shanky wrote:

towny wrote:

shanky wrote:

What a dribbler.

Hey, here's the guru who thinks numbers on the backs matter. That game must have pissed you off to no end. Meanwhile, Pocock packed at 8 in the scrum.... did this make you angry?

Perhaps you didn't notice.....

By the way, pre-game I pretty much told you what the team would be. Why do you think that I've somehow lost my touch for this week?

My joke on shirt numbers was obviously wasted on you now you’re taking yourself too seriously Mr Euro.

You need a 3rd lineout option is what the real gurus know.

Accomodating the Pooper is essential. Adding a third shortarse is not.

If you want to see Towny get real about numbers on the shirt suggest Folau in the lineout.

Brumbie_Steve wrote:

towny wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

TranceNRG wrote:

Olo wrote:I think Arnold might come right into the starting side. He’s a bit bigger than Rodda, loves to put on big hits, go for a trot and to take lineout ball. Send him out there for 55 minutes and then bring on Rodda or Simmons.

I'd pick Rodda over Arnold. Rodda is the future.

Have you watched Arnold play this year? He’s probably the form Aus lock in the Soup...

His all round game has been superb - he was the top Aussie lineout taker prior to suspension, he possesses a strong ball running/offload game, kills mauls and has been smashing folks in tackles and rucks for fun...

Having said that, I would be wary of tinkering with the squad but could see him either swap with Rodda, or more likely Tui on the bench.

I'd be happy with Arnold to come into the team. Reckon he'll grab Simmo's bench seat if Cheika sticks with the 6/2 bench.

Australia has quality depth at 1,3,4 & 5. This is weird.... A few years ago we had Pek Cowan at LHP with Nathan Sharpe up his limited arse.

Nathan Sharpe was harder to kill off than Dracula. Every time the June Tests rolled around for 5 or 6 years the pundits would be predicting that he was finished and wouldn't get picked for the Wallabies again. Every year by the time the RC rolled around he would be close to our first picked player and in spite of the naysayers would actually play quite well.

And we’d all blame the props for the shit scrum and the backrowers for not dominating the breakdown.

shanky wrote:

It’ll be Tui or Hanigan is my guess.

If Hanigan starts the next test, the Catters will be absolutely wauled.

When do we get the team?

Usually Thursday.

Zakar wrote:

shanky wrote:

It’ll be Tui or Hanigan is my guess.

If Hanigan starts the next test, the Catters will be absolutely wauled.

Reckon he will. The line-out beckons.

SMH reporting he’s sticking with the same starting team but the bench might change.

I’d guess Tui.
He had 6 big hits in 2 minutes last week. He was raring to go and Cheika night let him out of the cage on Saturday.

towny wrote:

Zakar wrote:

shanky wrote:

It’ll be Tui or Hanigan is my guess.

If Hanigan starts the next test, the Catters will be absolutely wauled.

Reckon he will. The line-out beckons.

Maybe.

I actually can't wait for Naisarani to be eligible. Combines the hard running of Timu with good lineout skills. Either him or Dempsey anyway.

Zakar wrote:

shanky wrote:

It’ll be Tui or Hanigan is my guess.

If Hanigan starts the next test, the Catters will be absolutely wauled.

My flabber will be well and truly gastered.

Thomas wrote:

Zakar wrote:

shanky wrote:

It’ll be Tui or Hanigan is my guess.

If Hanigan starts the next test, the Catters will be absolutely wauled.

My flabber will be well and truly gastered.

Gobs will be smacked, there is there no end to this foolery tom.

towny wrote:

shanky wrote:

What a dribbler.

Hey, here's the guru who thinks numbers on the backs matter. That game must have pissed you off to no end. Meanwhile, Pocock packed at 8 in the scrum.... did this make you angry?

Perhaps you didn't notice.....

By the way, pre-game I pretty much told you what the team would be. Why do you think that I've somehow lost my touch for this week?

You could, in theory, select a player at hooker, give him the #2 shirt, but have him play scrumhalf all game, and the scrumhalf, wearing #9 pack in at hooker. It's not "against the law", it's just pointless and bucks tradition for no good reason.

As far as Pooper goes, the idea is obviously to have two "open-sides" coming off the scrum. Or at-least one open-side and one "as close as you can get to openside when that position is already taken". I guess if it's a center field scrum then you'd have Pooper packing on the flanks and Timu at #8. The only thing I don't understand is, considering that a scrum right in the middle of the field is pretty rare relative to how often they're off to one side, why not just give Pockock the #8 jersey? That's where he's packing most of the time after-all. "Blindside flanker" means something. It means he's packing on the blind side. Why select Pocock at blindside flanker if that's not where he's playing?

Obviously it doesn't matter in terms of results what number a player has on their back. He could have number ten million for all it matters. But what's the point of just not respecting the tradition and positions?

History and traditions like:

Blindside winger throwing the lineout ball in?
2-3-2 scrum formation?
No lifting in the lineouts?

Time and tide waits for no man Mog.

From rugby heaven.com.au

Michael Cheika will resist the temptation to bring Ned Hanigan back into the Wallabies first XV by naming an unchanged starting team to face Ireland in the second Test in Melbourne.

Fairfax Media understands Cheika has settled on the same 15 players that provided Australia with a solid platform to go on and snap Ireland’s 12-game winning streak that stretched back to March 2017.

The 18-9 victory in Brisbane on Saturday has filled the Wallabies with quiet confidence they can go on and claim a series win and keep their 39-year unbeaten record against the Irish on home soil intact.

Australia’s starters had solid games across the board. The make-up of the Wallabies back row featuring Michael Hooper, David Pocock and Caleb Timu worked well in outing No.1, while the playmakers and outside backs kept Ireland guessing whenever they had ball in hand.

“There was a bit of nerves,” Timu, one of three Australian debutants, said. “I was pretty happy with how I went. I just want to get involved and touch the ball a bit more [this week] but overall I was pretty happy with my work-rate around the field.”

There had been speculation Hanigan would be rushed back into the starting team, at his usual position of No.6, but it is understood the Wallabies will err on the side of caution with the 22-year-old as he returns from a knee injury.

Pete Samu had also been touted to make a possible starting debut, but will be held back despite an excellent maiden performance in a gold jersey.

As of Wednesday, Cheika had not finalised his bench and will rely on a Thursday training session to determine the last spots in the match-day 23 for game two at AAMI Park.

The Wallabies went with six forwards and two backs on their bench in Brisbane and it will be interesting to see whether Cheika opts for a 5-3 split this time.

Front-row reserves Tolu Latu, Tom Robertson and Taniela Tupou were all outstanding and should retain their spots, but Jack Maddocks could be elevated for his debut if Cheika decides to name an extra back.

Meanwhile, Brumbies lock Rory Arnold is eligible for selection after serving his suspension for a high shot on Lions No.10 Elton Jantjies.

However, given Izack Rodda had a strong hit-out in Brisbane, Cheika will stick solid with the Queensland Reds youngster and Adam Coleman in the second row for game two.

The fact Cheika will keep faith in his starting side shows just how well he felt the Wallabies played against the world's No.2 ranked nation in Brisbane. Ireland are expected to bring in sweeping changes this weekend, with reports suggesting up to eight players will come into their starting XV for the must-win clash.

Stalwart No.10 Johnny Sexton is poised to return, as is Dan Leavy, Tadhg Furlong, Garry Ringrose and a string of other Leinster players who were rested in the first Test.

There is a view Ireland’s team will be packed with power for the second fixture of this three-Test series and that they fought admirably to still be in with a chance late in the match despite picking an under-strength team.

Cheika and Joe Schmidt will name their respective teams on Thursday afternoon.

The Wallabies have moved up the world rankings to No.3 and will go to second place if they can beat Ireland 3-0 in the series.

A big crowd is expected in Melbourne, with 28,000 tickets already sold as of Wednesday afternoon.

The match starts at 8pm, which is the same time the Socceroos get their World Cup campaign underway against France in Russia.

SMH 14-6-18

It was nice seeing the Wobs actually play good solid rugby last game. Our line-out needs a miracle. Hope our scrum continues in a upward trajectory. I expect the Irish to step it up big time for game two. Good luck both teams

Ringrose coming back in is going to test our midfield defence. He’s quality that guy.

If they pick the same starting team expect the Ireland number 1 tactic be to kick for touch every opportunity rather than bomb the back 3. Hope we practice our quick lineouts because the regular ones were sub optimal to say the least.

Brumbie_Steve wrote:If they pick the same starting team expect the Ireland number 1 tactic be to kick for touch every opportunity rather than bomb the back 3. Hope we practice our quick lineouts because the regular ones were sub optimal to say the least.

Despite me crapping on about a balanced back-row, I wasn’t unhappy with Cheika’s compromise last week. Playing a high energy breakdown/spoil game with strong defence against the attack of the killer potatoes - while having Tui (and Simmons) as potential 3rd jumpers if it all went to shit - was a good move

I am happy enough to try it again this week so long as he changes things if it’s not working.

This week I’m turning to fretting about Korobeite’s positioning and DHP’s rustiness

I actually thought Timu had a good, solid game. He did nothing flash but cleaned out and smashed guys. That's what I want in...uh...whatever position he was playing.

Samu was fantastic when he came on though. I can see him wearing the gold jersey for a long time.

Thomas wrote:I actually thought Timu had a good, solid game. He did nothing flash but cleaned out and smashed guys. That's what I want in...uh...whatever position he was playing.

Samu was fantastic when he came on though. I can see him wearing the gold jersey for a long time.

You think Samu is going to get much of a look in when ‘youse was great’ Seany comes back?

shanky wrote:

Thomas wrote:I actually thought Timu had a good, solid game. He did nothing flash but cleaned out and smashed guys. That's what I want in...uh...whatever position he was playing.

Samu was fantastic when he came on though. I can see him wearing the gold jersey for a long time.

You think Samu is going to get much of a look in when ‘youse was great’ Seany comes back?

We have an embarrassment of riches, that's for sure.

Wish we had the same dilemma at flyhalf.

Thomas wrote:

shanky wrote:

Thomas wrote:I actually thought Timu had a good, solid game. He did nothing flash but cleaned out and smashed guys. That's what I want in...uh...whatever position he was playing.

Samu was fantastic when he came on though. I can see him wearing the gold jersey for a long time.

You think Samu is going to get much of a look in when ‘youse was great’ Seany comes back?

We have an embarrassment of riches, that's for sure.

Wish we had the same dilemma at flyhalf.

Yes. Afraid so. There’s some young guns coming through though who aren’t Jack Debreczini, so I’m mildy optimistic.

Brumbie_Steve wrote:If they pick the same starting team expect the Ireland number 1 tactic be to kick for touch every opportunity rather than bomb the back 3. Hope we practice our quick lineouts because the regular ones were sub optimal to say the least.

I reckon they will do that anyway. We didn’t let them on Saturday. They will try and slow down the pace of the game and get the ball out of play as often as possible.
Slow pace with lots of stoppages. That’s what they want.

Brumbie_Steve wrote:If they pick the same starting team expect the Ireland number 1 tactic be to kick for touch every opportunity rather than bomb the back 3. Hope we practice our quick lineouts because the regular ones were sub optimal to say the least.

It is likelier that they will mix it up, grubbers, chip kicks, box kicks.

wamberal99 wrote:

Brumbie_Steve wrote:If they pick the same starting team expect the Ireland number 1 tactic be to kick for touch every opportunity rather than bomb the back 3. Hope we practice our quick lineouts because the regular ones were sub optimal to say the least.

It is likelier that they will mix it up, grubbers, chip kicks, box kicks.

There was a tonne of space around the rucks in the last match. They'll look to exploit this.

The inconsistency from key players is f*cking killing me. Foley, Sio, Kepu and co are world beaters one week and invisible or mediocre the next. Year after year after year.

Time for some changes I reckon.

Kepu - out for Tupou
Sio - out for Allalllallaalalatoa
Phipps - out for a scrumhalf who can put the ball in front of the man. His looping passes have shut down 6 years of Wallaby backlines.


I thought Tui looked good when he came on and the line-out was definitely better when Simmo came on. With Coleman likely injured they should be the locks for next week.

Timu will probably miss out. Some huge miss-reads in defence. Not sure what to here as Hanigan won't add the impact that's lacking and there's no one else in the squad who has height AND punch in the squad.

towny wrote:The inconsistency from key players is f*cking killing me. Foley, Sio, Kepu and co are world beaters next week and invisible or mediocre the next. Year after year after year.

Time for some changes I reckon.

Kepu - out for Tupou
Sio - out for Allalllallaalalatoa
Phipps - out for a scrumhalf who can put the ball in front of the man. His looping passes have shut down 6 years of Wallaby backlines.


I thought Tui looked good when he came on and the line-out was definitely better when Simmo came on. With Coleman likely injured they should be the locks for next week.

Timu will probably miss out. Some huge miss-reads in defence. Not sure what to here as Hanigan won't add the impact that's lacking and there's no one else in the squad who has height AND punch in the squad.

Tui to 6 and Arnold in to lock.

Thor definitely and Latu probably too.

AAA
Latu
Thor
Arnold
Coleman
Tui
Hooper
Pocock

Backs always look shit behind a belted pack, so can stay.

Actually fudge Koroibete off - he was absolutely dire.

Thomas wrote:

wamberal99 wrote:

Brumbie_Steve wrote:If they pick the same starting team expect the Ireland number 1 tactic be to kick for touch every opportunity rather than bomb the back 3. Hope we practice our quick lineouts because the regular ones were sub optimal to say the least.

It is likelier that they will mix it up, grubbers, chip kicks, box kicks.

There was a tonne of space around the rucks in the last match. They'll look to exploit this.

They did. Multiple dummy runners at the fringe really troubled Australia. I don't remember a single dominant tackle that shook the Irish and stopped the momentum. Cheika was seriously out-coached this week; however it didn't help that Beale was awesome last week and shite tonight.

Bindi wrote:

towny wrote:The inconsistency from key players is f*cking killing me. Foley, Sio, Kepu and co are world beaters next week and invisible or mediocre the next. Year after year after year.

Time for some changes I reckon.

Kepu - out for Tupou
Sio - out for Allalllallaalalatoa
Phipps - out for a scrumhalf who can put the ball in front of the man. His looping passes have shut down 6 years of Wallaby backlines.


I thought Tui looked good when he came on and the line-out was definitely better when Simmo came on. With Coleman likely injured they should be the locks for next week.

Timu will probably miss out. Some huge miss-reads in defence. Not sure what to here as Hanigan won't add the impact that's lacking and there's no one else in the squad who has height AND punch in the squad.

Tui to 6 and Arnold in to lock.

Thor definitely and Latu probably too.

AAA
Latu
Thor
Arnold
Coleman
Tui
Hooper
Pocock

Backs always look shit behind a belted pack, so can stay.

Actually fudge Koroibete off - he was absolutely dire.

That would do me. Simmo will likely come in for Coleman though - his head looked pretty bad.

towny wrote:

Bindi wrote:

towny wrote:The inconsistency from key players is f*cking killing me. Foley, Sio, Kepu and co are world beaters next week and invisible or mediocre the next. Year after year after year.

Time for some changes I reckon.

Kepu - out for Tupou
Sio - out for Allalllallaalalatoa
Phipps - out for a scrumhalf who can put the ball in front of the man. His looping passes have shut down 6 years of Wallaby backlines.


I thought Tui looked good when he came on and the line-out was definitely better when Simmo came on. With Coleman likely injured they should be the locks for next week.

Timu will probably miss out. Some huge miss-reads in defence. Not sure what to here as Hanigan won't add the impact that's lacking and there's no one else in the squad who has height AND punch in the squad.

Tui to 6 and Arnold in to lock.

Thor definitely and Latu probably too.

AAA
Latu
Thor
Arnold
Coleman
Tui
Hooper
Pocock

Backs always look shit behind a belted pack, so can stay.

Actually fudge Koroibete off - he was absolutely dire.

That would do me. Simmo will likely come in for Coleman though - his head looked pretty bad.

Flesh wound.

Anyway, fortunate the Irish backs were very poor. Hate to think what NZ backs would have done tonight which that sort of dominance.

Biggest issue was all the stupid play - simply cannot win with so many stupid pens. Fix that and let Tupou work his magic and we’ll be right.

Tupou and Latu to start.

Arnold for a presumably injured Coleman.

Powell if Genia is out.

Samu or Tui for Timu.

Banks Hodge ot Maddocks for Korobiete, who was tits on a bull.

TK needs to be in the 23, irelands defence was great and most of the gaps hey foudn in oz was in hte midfield (10/12 gap)