Planet Rugby Forum

La soule wrote: ↑Sat May 08, 2021 2:48 pm

TheFrog wrote: ↑Sat May 08, 2021 2:41 pm ... they are contemplating not taking the Top 14 finalists on tour, so that is at least Toulouse gone and may be La Rochelle or Bordeaux.

On top of this, they seem to be enclined to let Dupont, Ollivon, Aldritt or Fickou take a break and regardless of when their clubs end their seasons, they will not go on the tour...

Thanks. We will still win

How may tests will they win - maybe one, or even zero?

kiap wrote: ↑Sat May 08, 2021 10:32 pm

La soule wrote: ↑Sat May 08, 2021 2:48 pm

TheFrog wrote: ↑Sat May 08, 2021 2:41 pm ... they are contemplating not taking the Top 14 finalists on tour, so that is at least Toulouse gone and may be La Rochelle or Bordeaux.

On top of this, they seem to be enclined to let Dupont, Ollivon, Aldritt or Fickou take a break and regardless of when their clubs end their seasons, they will not go on the tour...

Thanks. We will still win

How may tests will they win - maybe one, or even zero?

I hope at least 2.

The important thing is that it will give some of the kids who stand in the shadows of the front starters an opportunity to show their worth and confirm the good showing of France C team against England last autumn.

La soule wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 8:07 am

kiap wrote: ↑Sat May 08, 2021 10:32 pm

La soule wrote: ↑Sat May 08, 2021 2:48 pm

TheFrog wrote: ↑Sat May 08, 2021 2:41 pm ... they are contemplating not taking the Top 14 finalists on tour, so that is at least Toulouse gone and may be La Rochelle or Bordeaux.

On top of this, they seem to be enclined to let Dupont, Ollivon, Aldritt or Fickou take a break and regardless of when their clubs end their seasons, they will not go on the tour...

Thanks. We will still win

How may tests will they win - maybe one, or even zero?

I hope at least 2.

I like the confidence.

Keen to know if any Frenchies have seen any Oz rugby this year, and if so, what their thoughts might be on the standard.

Be kind though….

towny wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 1:34 pm Keen to know if any Frenchies have seen any Oz rugby this year, and if so, what their thoughts might be on the standard.

Be kind though….

The only games I watched were the two games against Argentina. I thought there was a lot of attacking potential but wasted by a lack of direction.

But I think both the Pumas and Australia are better than France today.

TheFrog wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 2:30 pm

towny wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 1:34 pm Keen to know if any Frenchies have seen any Oz rugby this year, and if so, what their thoughts might be on the standard.

Be kind though….

The only games I watched were the two games against Argentina. I thought there was a lot of attacking potential but wasted by a lack of direction.

But I think both the Pumas and Australia are better than France today.

I don’t know about better. I agreed with the rest of your observations. We’ve got some great athletes and they work hard, but ‘lacking direction’ is definitely an apt criticism.

Skelton is quite player up here.

Very physical, full on for 80 minutes, Australia offers quite a challenge in every contest situations. It willl be quite a battle.

La soule wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 4:56 pm Skelton is quite player up here.

Very physical, full on for 80 minutes, Australia offers quite a challenge in every contest situations. It willl be quite a battle.

I’m glad the big fella is going well. What did you think of
Sitaleki Timani?

towny wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 6:50 pm

La soule wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 4:56 pm Skelton is quite player up here.

Very physical, full on for 80 minutes, Australia offers quite a challenge in every contest situations. It willl be quite a battle.

I’m glad the big fella is going well. What did you think of
Sitaleki Timani?

Solid but didn't make as much of an impact for his club as Skelton did. Was often a sub.

La soule wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 4:56 pm Skelton is quite player up here.

Very physical, full on for 80 minutes, Australia offers quite a challenge in every contest situations. It willl be quite a battle.

Has he trimmed down and increased his mobility?

Unfortunately he is not selectable (unless they give Rennie a couple of free O/S selections).

Ellafan wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 7:14 am

La soule wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 4:56 pm Skelton is quite player up here.

Very physical, full on for 80 minutes, Australia offers quite a challenge in every contest situations. It willl be quite a battle.

Has he trimmed down and increased his mobility?

Unfortunately he is not selectable (unless they give Rennie a couple of free O/S selections).

Has he really? I saw him he other day and he looked like a 7' jellybean. Every kilo he lost at Saracens has been returned with interest. He's now got one of those fat faces where it's hard to see if he's smiling or laughing.

You'd know this if you watched rugby....

TheFrog wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 12:56 am

towny wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 6:50 pm

La soule wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 4:56 pm Skelton is quite player up here.

Very physical, full on for 80 minutes, Australia offers quite a challenge in every contest situations. It willl be quite a battle.

I’m glad the big fella is going well. What did you think of
Sitaleki Timani?

Solid but didn't make as much of an impact for his club as Skelton did. Was often a sub.

Cheers! Skelton is such a great athlete and always has ridiculous potential. I hope we see him back in Oz - apparently he's signed a 2 year deal so there's a chance he could be back next year if he wants it.

towny wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 11:38 am

Ellafan wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 7:14 am

La soule wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 4:56 pm Skelton is quite player up here.

Very physical, full on for 80 minutes, Australia offers quite a challenge in every contest situations. It willl be quite a battle.

Has he trimmed down and increased his mobility?

Unfortunately he is not selectable (unless they give Rennie a couple of free O/S selections).

Has he really? I saw him he other day and he looked like a 7' jellybean. Every kilo he lost at Saracens has been returned with interest. He's now got one of those fat faces where it's hard to see if he's smiling or laughing.

You'd know this if you watched rugby....

In accordance with your anti-Murdoch stance I deleted foxtel.

Now I watch Aus, NZ and Japan rugby on Stan.

I feel much cleaner.

Anyway, Rennie said he is not in favour of picking blokes from o/s.

Ellafan wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 12:14 pm

towny wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 11:38 am

Ellafan wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 7:14 am

La soule wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 4:56 pm Skelton is quite player up here.

Very physical, full on for 80 minutes, Australia offers quite a challenge in every contest situations. It willl be quite a battle.

Has he trimmed down and increased his mobility?

Unfortunately he is not selectable (unless they give Rennie a couple of free O/S selections).

Has he really? I saw him he other day and he looked like a 7' jellybean. Every kilo he lost at Saracens has been returned with interest. He's now got one of those fat faces where it's hard to see if he's smiling or laughing.

You'd know this if you watched rugby....

In accordance with your anti-Murdoch stance I deleted foxtel.

I watched the highlights on youtube. It looks just like his highschool highlight reel - bullying little white kids; however these ones apparently all play for Ireland. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhViKbsG3pk

It would be nice to have him on deck but he is not worth a special call up. Hes had his chances and obviously does not want to be here playing for the Wobs, which is fair enough BTW.

Olo wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 1:05 pm It would be nice to have him on deck but he is not worth a special call up. Hes had his chances and obviously does not want to be here playing for the Wobs, which is fair enough BTW.

+1
He's not out of scope yet - he's 28 or so.
He would require a rejig in the backrow. He might pack in the second row but someone in the backrow is necessarily going to be a good lineout operator and the other lock would have to be excellent at the set piece, which probably rules out the likes of LSL; however there's Philip, Hosea, Swain, Neville and Rodda. It's notable that the Brumbies lost a crucial lineout when Neville was off the park the other night.
It might mean you can't have Valetini and Wilson in the backrow, but there are some others who could come into the equation - Anstee, Uru, Will Harris? The role Skelton seems to have is similar to Valetini and I'm not all that sure he can do it better to the younger, fitter faster monster.

It's challenging to have a player in the squad whose selection necessitates multiple other changes. If I ran RA I would want him back but I'm not sure I could prioritise his signing. Not with so many promising young kids coming through who are going to need big increases in their deals.

towny wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 12:26 pm

Ellafan wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 12:14 pm

towny wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 11:38 am

Ellafan wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 7:14 am

La soule wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 4:56 pm Skelton is quite player up here.

Very physical, full on for 80 minutes, Australia offers quite a challenge in every contest situations. It willl be quite a battle.

Has he trimmed down and increased his mobility?

Unfortunately he is not selectable (unless they give Rennie a couple of free O/S selections).

Has he really? I saw him he other day and he looked like a 7' jellybean. Every kilo he lost at Saracens has been returned with interest. He's now got one of those fat faces where it's hard to see if he's smiling or laughing.

You'd know this if you watched rugby....

In accordance with your anti-Murdoch stance I deleted foxtel.

I watched the highlights on youtube. It looks just like his highschool highlight reel - bullying little white kids; however these ones apparently all play for Ireland. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhViKbsG3pk

0.27ish - a marvellous still for Up the Arse Corner

Olo wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 1:05 pm It would be nice to have him on deck but he is not worth a special call up. Hes had his chances and obviously does not want to be here playing for the Wobs, which is fair enough BTW.

I don't want him.

I am surprised there is no outrage at the French squad touring Australia...

23 Uncapped players, only 3 players with more than 20 caps (Penaud, Thomas and Taofifenua), players from second division team Perpignan...

It is even worse than I expected.

Not sure any of the two teams will benefit from these games. Australia will score a zillion points against these kids.

I have bolded players who may have some future with France, or are already part of the set-up.

Forwards: Jean-Baptiste Gros (Toulon), Enzo Forletta (Montpellier), Quentin Walcker (Perpignan), Demba Bamba (Lyon), Wilfrid Hounkpatin (Castres), Sipili Falatea (Clermont), Gaetan Barlot (Castres), Etienne Fourcade (Clermont), Anthony Etrillard (Toulon), Killian Geraci (Lyon), Romain Taofifenua (Toulon), Baptiste Pesenti (Pau), Florent Vanverberghe (Castres), Pierre-Henry Azagoh (Stade Francais), Cyril Cazeaux (Bordeaux-Begles), Dylan Cretin (Lyon), Ibrahim Diallo (Racing 92), Alexandre Becognee (Montpellier), Alexandre Fischer (Clermont), Anthony Jelonch (Castres), Sekou Macalou (Stade Francais), Cameron Woki (Bordeaux-Begles), Patrick Sobela (Lyon)

Backs: Baptiste Couilloud (Lyon), Clovis Le Bail (Pau), Teddy Iribaren (Racing), Louis Carbonel (Toulon), Antoine Hastoy (Pau), Joris Segonds (Stade Francais), Jonathan Danty (Stade Francais), Tani Vili (Clermont), Arthur Vincent (Montpellier), Julien Heriteau (Toulon), Pierre-Louis Barassi (Lyon), Gabin Villiere (Toulon), Alivereti Raka (Clermont), Damian Penaud (Clermont), Teddy Thomas (Racing 92), Romain Buros (Bordeaux-Begles), Anthony Bouthier (Montpellier), Gervais Cordin (Toulon), Melvyn Jaminet (Perpignan)

TheFrog wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 9:23 pm I am surprised there is no outrage at the French squad touring Australia...

23 Uncapped players, only 3 players with more than 20 caps (Penaud, Thomas and Taofifenua), players from second division team Perpignan...

It is even worse than I expected.

Not sure any of the two teams will benefit from these games. Australia will score a zillion points against these kids.

I have bolded players who may have some future with France, or are already part of the set-up.

Forwards: Jean-Baptiste Gros (Toulon), Enzo Forletta (Montpellier), Quentin Walcker (Perpignan), Demba Bamba (Lyon), Wilfrid Hounkpatin (Castres), Sipili Falatea (Clermont), Gaetan Barlot (Castres), Etienne Fourcade (Clermont), Anthony Etrillard (Toulon), Killian Geraci (Lyon), Romain Taofifenua (Toulon), Baptiste Pesenti (Pau), Florent Vanverberghe (Castres), Pierre-Henry Azagoh (Stade Francais), Cyril Cazeaux (Bordeaux-Begles), Dylan Cretin (Lyon), Ibrahim Diallo (Racing 92), Alexandre Becognee (Montpellier), Alexandre Fischer (Clermont), Anthony Jelonch (Castres), Sekou Macalou (Stade Francais), Cameron Woki (Bordeaux-Begles), Patrick Sobela (Lyon)

Backs: Baptiste Couilloud (Lyon), Clovis Le Bail (Pau), Teddy Iribaren (Racing), Louis Carbonel (Toulon), Antoine Hastoy (Pau), Joris Segonds (Stade Francais), Jonathan Danty (Stade Francais), Tani Vili (Clermont), Arthur Vincent (Montpellier), Julien Heriteau (Toulon), Pierre-Louis Barassi (Lyon), Gabin Villiere (Toulon), Alivereti Raka (Clermont), Damian Penaud (Clermont), Teddy Thomas (Racing 92), Romain Buros (Bordeaux-Begles), Anthony Bouthier (Montpellier), Gervais Cordin (Toulon), Melvyn Jaminet (Perpignan)

Australia’s best players are in Japan and France so swings and roundabouts.

Latu, Skelton, Arnold, Kerevi, Quade Cooper, Rodda, McMahon….. er….. Okay, so there’s probably lots more.

We’re the underdogs!

Ogre wrote: ↑Fri May 07, 2021 12:59 pm

towny wrote: ↑Fri May 07, 2021 10:02 am Some of the best quality boredies have been screaming for mid-week games for a long time, so this experiment is fantastic! The marketing has to be good though - RA and 9/Stan need to have a blitz and make these games an event.

Mid-week for special games makes so much sense for many reasons:
- Zero people play rugby games on Wednesday but tens of thousands play on Saturdays in Sydney alone, so maybe lots of potential fans that otherwise wouldn't be able to get to the game.
- Lots of things to do on Saturdays but there is NOTHING to do on Wednesday nights. Literally nobody makes plans for Wednesday - trivia nights at the pub aren't even a thing on Wednesdays.
- No one works in the city on Saturdays but lots do on Wednesday, so can scoot down to the SCG super easily after work
- No other sport on tv. Literally nothing.

State of Origin is great, but it wouldn't have been so successful if it was on Saturdays. Midweek tests could be a great thing and I'm hopeful that the forced experiment bears fruit.

you couldn't be more wrong if you tried.
Would love to go and watch the French bagette the Wallabies but a shitty mid week game means I will not attend and think less of both teams for the schedule. Why would you play an international game on a work night? Idiocy!

Though great to see Les Blues on the way down under and will be cheering them on from an arm chair while watching Stans coverage!

Who can’t get time off work on a week night?

I mean, it’s a Tuesday. Not even late night shopping. I’m sure the Coles carpark won’t need watching for a few hours while you go to the game.

TheFrog wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 9:23 pm I am surprised there is no outrage at the French squad touring Australia...

23 Uncapped players, only 3 players with more than 20 caps (Penaud, Thomas and Taofifenua), players from second division team Perpignan...

It is even worse than I expected.

Not sure any of the two teams will benefit from these games. Australia will score a zillion points against these kids.

I have bolded players who may have some future with France, or are already part of the set-up.

Forwards: Jean-Baptiste Gros (Toulon), Enzo Forletta (Montpellier), Quentin Walcker (Perpignan), Demba Bamba (Lyon), Wilfrid Hounkpatin (Castres), Sipili Falatea (Clermont), Gaetan Barlot (Castres), Etienne Fourcade (Clermont), Anthony Etrillard (Toulon), Killian Geraci (Lyon), Romain Taofifenua (Toulon), Baptiste Pesenti (Pau), Florent Vanverberghe (Castres), Pierre-Henry Azagoh (Stade Francais), Cyril Cazeaux (Bordeaux-Begles), Dylan Cretin (Lyon), Ibrahim Diallo (Racing 92), Alexandre Becognee (Montpellier), Alexandre Fischer (Clermont), Anthony Jelonch (Castres), Sekou Macalou (Stade Francais), Cameron Woki (Bordeaux-Begles), Patrick Sobela (Lyon)

Backs: Baptiste Couilloud (Lyon), Clovis Le Bail (Pau), Teddy Iribaren (Racing), Louis Carbonel (Toulon), Antoine Hastoy (Pau), Joris Segonds (Stade Francais), Jonathan Danty (Stade Francais), Tani Vili (Clermont), Arthur Vincent (Montpellier), Julien Heriteau (Toulon), Pierre-Louis Barassi (Lyon), Gabin Villiere (Toulon), Alivereti Raka (Clermont), Damian Penaud (Clermont), Teddy Thomas (Racing 92), Romain Buros (Bordeaux-Begles), Anthony Bouthier (Montpellier), Gervais Cordin (Toulon), Melvyn Jaminet (Perpignan)

We're also a bit light on at the moment.

9-13 will probably have less than 10 caps between them. It will probably be

9. McDermott
10. Loloseio
12. Simone or Paisami
13. Ikitau or Paisami

What's your best guess at a starting 15?

shanky wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 10:46 pm

Ogre wrote: ↑Fri May 07, 2021 12:59 pm

towny wrote: ↑Fri May 07, 2021 10:02 am Some of the best quality boredies have been screaming for mid-week games for a long time, so this experiment is fantastic! The marketing has to be good though - RA and 9/Stan need to have a blitz and make these games an event.

Mid-week for special games makes so much sense for many reasons:
- Zero people play rugby games on Wednesday but tens of thousands play on Saturdays in Sydney alone, so maybe lots of potential fans that otherwise wouldn't be able to get to the game.
- Lots of things to do on Saturdays but there is NOTHING to do on Wednesday nights. Literally nobody makes plans for Wednesday - trivia nights at the pub aren't even a thing on Wednesdays.
- No one works in the city on Saturdays but lots do on Wednesday, so can scoot down to the SCG super easily after work
- No other sport on tv. Literally nothing.

State of Origin is great, but it wouldn't have been so successful if it was on Saturdays. Midweek tests could be a great thing and I'm hopeful that the forced experiment bears fruit.

you couldn't be more wrong if you tried.
Would love to go and watch the French bagette the Wallabies but a shitty mid week game means I will not attend and think less of both teams for the schedule. Why would you play an international game on a work night? Idiocy!

Though great to see Les Blues on the way down under and will be cheering them on from an arm chair while watching Stans coverage!

Who can’t get time off work on a week night?

I mean, it’s a Tuesday. Not even late night shopping. I’m sure the Coles carpark won’t need watching for a few hours while you go to the game.

I have visions of you spending hours planning the perfect bitchy comment and then this is the best you got? Lift ya game.

shanky wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 10:46 pm

Ogre wrote: ↑Fri May 07, 2021 12:59 pm

towny wrote: ↑Fri May 07, 2021 10:02 am Some of the best quality boredies have been screaming for mid-week games for a long time, so this experiment is fantastic! The marketing has to be good though - RA and 9/Stan need to have a blitz and make these games an event.

Mid-week for special games makes so much sense for many reasons:
- Zero people play rugby games on Wednesday but tens of thousands play on Saturdays in Sydney alone, so maybe lots of potential fans that otherwise wouldn't be able to get to the game.
- Lots of things to do on Saturdays but there is NOTHING to do on Wednesday nights. Literally nobody makes plans for Wednesday - trivia nights at the pub aren't even a thing on Wednesdays.
- No one works in the city on Saturdays but lots do on Wednesday, so can scoot down to the SCG super easily after work
- No other sport on tv. Literally nothing.

State of Origin is great, but it wouldn't have been so successful if it was on Saturdays. Midweek tests could be a great thing and I'm hopeful that the forced experiment bears fruit.

you couldn't be more wrong if you tried.
Would love to go and watch the French bagette the Wallabies but a shitty mid week game means I will not attend and think less of both teams for the schedule. Why would you play an international game on a work night? Idiocy!

Though great to see Les Blues on the way down under and will be cheering them on from an arm chair while watching Stans coverage!

Who can’t get time off work on a week night?

I mean, it’s a Tuesday. Not even late night shopping. I’m sure the Coles carpark won’t need watching for a few hours while you go to the game.

Test being moved to Canberra or Newcastle as mooted looks more likely by the day.

Ogre wrote: ↑Fri Jun 25, 2021 1:29 am

shanky wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 10:46 pm

Ogre wrote: ↑Fri May 07, 2021 12:59 pm

towny wrote: ↑Fri May 07, 2021 10:02 am Some of the best quality boredies have been screaming for mid-week games for a long time, so this experiment is fantastic! The marketing has to be good though - RA and 9/Stan need to have a blitz and make these games an event.

Mid-week for special games makes so much sense for many reasons:
- Zero people play rugby games on Wednesday but tens of thousands play on Saturdays in Sydney alone, so maybe lots of potential fans that otherwise wouldn't be able to get to the game.
- Lots of things to do on Saturdays but there is NOTHING to do on Wednesday nights. Literally nobody makes plans for Wednesday - trivia nights at the pub aren't even a thing on Wednesdays.
- No one works in the city on Saturdays but lots do on Wednesday, so can scoot down to the SCG super easily after work
- No other sport on tv. Literally nothing.

State of Origin is great, but it wouldn't have been so successful if it was on Saturdays. Midweek tests could be a great thing and I'm hopeful that the forced experiment bears fruit.

you couldn't be more wrong if you tried.
Would love to go and watch the French bagette the Wallabies but a shitty mid week game means I will not attend and think less of both teams for the schedule. Why would you play an international game on a work night? Idiocy!

Though great to see Les Blues on the way down under and will be cheering them on from an arm chair while watching Stans coverage!

Who can’t get time off work on a week night?

I mean, it’s a Tuesday. Not even late night shopping. I’m sure the Coles carpark won’t need watching for a few hours while you go to the game.

I have visions of you spending hours planning the perfect bitchy comment and then this is the best you got? Lift ya game.

I don’t spend hours on them. Seconds at best

Take that as you like

TheFrog wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 9:23 pm I am surprised there is no outrage at the French squad touring Australia...

23 Uncapped players, only 3 players with more than 20 caps (Penaud, Thomas and Taofifenua), players from second division team Perpignan...

It is even worse than I expected.

Not sure any of the two teams will benefit from these games. Australia will score a zillion points against these kids.

I have bolded players who may have some future with France, or are already part of the set-up.

Forwards: Jean-Baptiste Gros (Toulon), Enzo Forletta (Montpellier), Quentin Walcker (Perpignan), Demba Bamba (Lyon), Wilfrid Hounkpatin (Castres), Sipili Falatea (Clermont), Gaetan Barlot (Castres), Etienne Fourcade (Clermont), Anthony Etrillard (Toulon), Killian Geraci (Lyon), Romain Taofifenua (Toulon), Baptiste Pesenti (Pau), Florent Vanverberghe (Castres), Pierre-Henry Azagoh (Stade Francais), Cyril Cazeaux (Bordeaux-Begles), Dylan Cretin (Lyon), Ibrahim Diallo (Racing 92), Alexandre Becognee (Montpellier), Alexandre Fischer (Clermont), Anthony Jelonch (Castres), Sekou Macalou (Stade Francais), Cameron Woki (Bordeaux-Begles), Patrick Sobela (Lyon)

Backs: Baptiste Couilloud (Lyon), Clovis Le Bail (Pau), Teddy Iribaren (Racing), Louis Carbonel (Toulon), Antoine Hastoy (Pau), Joris Segonds (Stade Francais), Jonathan Danty (Stade Francais), Tani Vili (Clermont), Arthur Vincent (Montpellier), Julien Heriteau (Toulon), Pierre-Louis Barassi (Lyon), Gabin Villiere (Toulon), Alivereti Raka (Clermont), Damian Penaud (Clermont), Teddy Thomas (Racing 92), Romain Buros (Bordeaux-Begles), Anthony Bouthier (Montpellier), Gervais Cordin (Toulon), Melvyn Jaminet (Perpignan)

It is not bad considering the amount of injuries in squads at the moment + a final still to be played. Bouthier should be in bold as should Cordin. Danty is no new comer. Quite a few U20 WC winner have been added to the squad. They will be give the OZs a good fight.

shanky wrote: ↑Fri Jun 25, 2021 3:48 am

Ogre wrote: ↑Fri Jun 25, 2021 1:29 am

shanky wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 10:46 pm

Ogre wrote: ↑Fri May 07, 2021 12:59 pm

towny wrote: ↑Fri May 07, 2021 10:02 am Some of the best quality boredies have been screaming for mid-week games for a long time, so this experiment is fantastic! The marketing has to be good though - RA and 9/Stan need to have a blitz and make these games an event.

Mid-week for special games makes so much sense for many reasons:
- Zero people play rugby games on Wednesday but tens of thousands play on Saturdays in Sydney alone, so maybe lots of potential fans that otherwise wouldn't be able to get to the game.
- Lots of things to do on Saturdays but there is NOTHING to do on Wednesday nights. Literally nobody makes plans for Wednesday - trivia nights at the pub aren't even a thing on Wednesdays.
- No one works in the city on Saturdays but lots do on Wednesday, so can scoot down to the SCG super easily after work
- No other sport on tv. Literally nothing.

State of Origin is great, but it wouldn't have been so successful if it was on Saturdays. Midweek tests could be a great thing and I'm hopeful that the forced experiment bears fruit.

you couldn't be more wrong if you tried.
Would love to go and watch the French bagette the Wallabies but a shitty mid week game means I will not attend and think less of both teams for the schedule. Why would you play an international game on a work night? Idiocy!

Though great to see Les Blues on the way down under and will be cheering them on from an arm chair while watching Stans coverage!

Who can’t get time off work on a week night?

I mean, it’s a Tuesday. Not even late night shopping. I’m sure the Coles carpark won’t need watching for a few hours while you go to the game.

I have visions of you spending hours planning the perfect bitchy comment and then this is the best you got? Lift ya game.

I don’t spend hours on them. Seconds at best

Take that as you like

AH HA! I have you now, clearly not putting enough effort into internet hard man insults.

La soule wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 4:56 pm Skelton is quite player up here.

Very physical, full on for 80 minutes, Australia offers quite a challenge in every contest situations. It willl be quite a battle.

I've watched him a fair bit in the T14 and not sure I would really call him a full on for 80 minutes type of lock.

He is damn big and carries very hard but he certainly isn't the guy getting back into the defensive line the quickest.

Magpie26 wrote: ↑Fri Jun 25, 2021 1:15 pm

La soule wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 4:56 pm Skelton is quite player up here.

Very physical, full on for 80 minutes, Australia offers quite a challenge in every contest situations. It willl be quite a battle.

I've watched him a fair bit in the T14 and not sure I would really call him a full on for 80 minutes type of lock.

He is damn big and carries very hard but he certainly isn't the guy getting back into the defensive line the quickest.

Skelton did great against France on debut but struggled with the faster game of the kiwis. I can’t see how he’s a bloke to start tests but would cause some headaches coming off the bench with 20 to go.

The issue is his lineout weakness - you have to do some juggling in the backrow to utilise a lock that doesn’t jump.

Magpie26 wrote: ↑Fri Jun 25, 2021 1:15 pm

La soule wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 4:56 pm Skelton is quite player up here.

Very physical, full on for 80 minutes, Australia offers quite a challenge in every contest situations. It willl be quite a battle.

I've watched him a fair bit in the T14 and not sure I would really call him a full on for 80 minutes type of lock.

He is damn big and carries very hard but he certainly isn't the guy getting back into the defensive line the quickest.

Good in the ruck. Present in defence, carries and usually plays the full game.He has been a great addition to the LAR set up. They don't use him so much in the lineout.

La soule wrote: ↑Fri Jun 25, 2021 6:22 am

TheFrog wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 9:23 pm I am surprised there is no outrage at the French squad touring Australia...

23 Uncapped players, only 3 players with more than 20 caps (Penaud, Thomas and Taofifenua), players from second division team Perpignan...

It is even worse than I expected.

Not sure any of the two teams will benefit from these games. Australia will score a zillion points against these kids.

I have bolded players who may have some future with France, or are already part of the set-up.

Forwards: Jean-Baptiste Gros (Toulon), Enzo Forletta (Montpellier), Quentin Walcker (Perpignan), Demba Bamba (Lyon), Wilfrid Hounkpatin (Castres), Sipili Falatea (Clermont), Gaetan Barlot (Castres), Etienne Fourcade (Clermont), Anthony Etrillard (Toulon), Killian Geraci (Lyon), Romain Taofifenua (Toulon), Baptiste Pesenti (Pau), Florent Vanverberghe (Castres), Pierre-Henry Azagoh (Stade Francais), Cyril Cazeaux (Bordeaux-Begles), Dylan Cretin (Lyon), Ibrahim Diallo (Racing 92), Alexandre Becognee (Montpellier), Alexandre Fischer (Clermont), Anthony Jelonch (Castres), Sekou Macalou (Stade Francais), Cameron Woki (Bordeaux-Begles), Patrick Sobela (Lyon)

Backs: Baptiste Couilloud (Lyon), Clovis Le Bail (Pau), Teddy Iribaren (Racing), Louis Carbonel (Toulon), Antoine Hastoy (Pau), Joris Segonds (Stade Francais), Jonathan Danty (Stade Francais), Tani Vili (Clermont), Arthur Vincent (Montpellier), Julien Heriteau (Toulon), Pierre-Louis Barassi (Lyon), Gabin Villiere (Toulon), Alivereti Raka (Clermont), Damian Penaud (Clermont), Teddy Thomas (Racing 92), Romain Buros (Bordeaux-Begles), Anthony Bouthier (Montpellier), Gervais Cordin (Toulon), Melvyn Jaminet (Perpignan)

It is not bad considering the amount of injuries in squads at the moment + a final still to be played. Bouthier should be in bold as should Cordin. Danty is no new comer. Quite a few U20 WC winner have been added to the squad. They will be give the OZs a good fight.

I think Galthie is giving up on Bouthier, Danty is far down the picking order at 12 and I do not believe Cordin will be international material.

Zakar wrote: ↑Fri Jun 25, 2021 1:23 am

TheFrog wrote: ↑Thu Jun 24, 2021 9:23 pm I am surprised there is no outrage at the French squad touring Australia...

23 Uncapped players, only 3 players with more than 20 caps (Penaud, Thomas and Taofifenua), players from second division team Perpignan...

It is even worse than I expected.

Not sure any of the two teams will benefit from these games. Australia will score a zillion points against these kids.

I have bolded players who may have some future with France, or are already part of the set-up.

Forwards: Jean-Baptiste Gros (Toulon), Enzo Forletta (Montpellier), Quentin Walcker (Perpignan), Demba Bamba (Lyon), Wilfrid Hounkpatin (Castres), Sipili Falatea (Clermont), Gaetan Barlot (Castres), Etienne Fourcade (Clermont), Anthony Etrillard (Toulon), Killian Geraci (Lyon), Romain Taofifenua (Toulon), Baptiste Pesenti (Pau), Florent Vanverberghe (Castres), Pierre-Henry Azagoh (Stade Francais), Cyril Cazeaux (Bordeaux-Begles), Dylan Cretin (Lyon), Ibrahim Diallo (Racing 92), Alexandre Becognee (Montpellier), Alexandre Fischer (Clermont), Anthony Jelonch (Castres), Sekou Macalou (Stade Francais), Cameron Woki (Bordeaux-Begles), Patrick Sobela (Lyon)

Backs: Baptiste Couilloud (Lyon), Clovis Le Bail (Pau), Teddy Iribaren (Racing), Louis Carbonel (Toulon), Antoine Hastoy (Pau), Joris Segonds (Stade Francais), Jonathan Danty (Stade Francais), Tani Vili (Clermont), Arthur Vincent (Montpellier), Julien Heriteau (Toulon), Pierre-Louis Barassi (Lyon), Gabin Villiere (Toulon), Alivereti Raka (Clermont), Damian Penaud (Clermont), Teddy Thomas (Racing 92), Romain Buros (Bordeaux-Begles), Anthony Bouthier (Montpellier), Gervais Cordin (Toulon), Melvyn Jaminet (Perpignan)

We're also a bit light on at the moment.

9-13 will probably have less than 10 caps between them. It will probably be

9. McDermott
10. Loloseio
12. Simone or Paisami
13. Ikitau or Paisami

What's your best guess at a starting 15?

1. Gros (promising prop)
2. Etrillard or Fourcade
3. Demba Bamba
4. Taofifenua
5. Pesenti
6. Cretin or Woki (lineout operators)
7. Macalou (true openside)
8. Jelonch
9. Lucu (not on above list but is travelling) or Couilloud
10. Carbonel
11. Villiere
12. Danny
13. Vincent
14. Penaud
15. Bouthier or Cordin

Bet the tench are glad they’re in quarantine - much safer for them

towny wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 1:34 pm Keen to know if any Frenchies have seen any Oz rugby this year, and if so, what their thoughts might be on the standard.

Be kind though….

Watched last year or was it this year 3N tournament (without the Saffies). As always, Aussies seem very athletic and can put a lot of pace in their game but with a well organized defense to block them, they seemed to struggle to break the line.

When are the games due to be played, and would some of you happen to know if there will be any TV coverage in the US?

TheFrog wrote: ↑Sat Jun 26, 2021 1:45 pm When are the games due to be played, and would some of you happen to know if there will be any TV coverage in the US?

Scheduled dates as below (first venue might be in doubt, a move to Canberra, perhaps?):

1. Wallabies v France, Wednesday 7 July, 8.00pm AEST at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

2. Wallabies v France, Tuesday 13 July, 8.00pm AEST at AAMI Park, Melbourne

3. Wallabies v France, Saturday 17 July, 8.00pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

I am not sure about USA broadcast but maybe this link can be of use

https://allblacksvsspringboksrugby.com/ ... ussie/?amp

Olo wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 1:05 pm It would be nice to have him on deck but he is not worth a special call up. Hes had his chances and obviously does not want to be here playing for the Wobs, which is fair enough BTW.

Skelton would waltz into the Wallabies if he were in Australia. He's a beast and brings a lot to the scrum albeit at the expense of the lineout (although I have seen him lifted, it can't be easy). It's a shame that he's not here.

La soule wrote: ↑Sun May 09, 2021 8:07 am

kiap wrote: ↑Sat May 08, 2021 10:32 pm

La soule wrote: ↑Sat May 08, 2021 2:48 pm

TheFrog wrote: ↑Sat May 08, 2021 2:41 pm ... they are contemplating not taking the Top 14 finalists on tour, so that is at least Toulouse gone and may be La Rochelle or Bordeaux.

On top of this, they seem to be enclined to let Dupont, Ollivon, Aldritt or Fickou take a break and regardless of when their clubs end their seasons, they will not go on the tour...

Thanks. We will still win

How may tests will they win - maybe one, or even zero?

I hope at least 2.

France has looked so good recently. I love France and I love French rugby. Dupont is arguably the best player in the world. I wish we could see him in Australia. I think full strength France v full strength Australia, then France would have the edge. But if it's (almost) full strength Australia v France B, I suspect you guys will be very lucky to win two to be honest.

But I dunno. If there's one thing we know about France, it's never under-estimate them. It's entirely possible they could turn up fired-up with a point to prove and then who knows?

kiap wrote: ↑Sat Jun 26, 2021 2:37 pm

TheFrog wrote: ↑Sat Jun 26, 2021 1:45 pm When are the games due to be played, and would some of you happen to know if there will be any TV coverage in the US?

Scheduled dates as below (first venue might be in doubt, a move to Canberra, perhaps?):

1. Wallabies v France, Wednesday 7 July, 8.00pm AEST at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney

2. Wallabies v France, Tuesday 13 July, 8.00pm AEST at AAMI Park, Melbourne

3. Wallabies v France, Saturday 17 July, 8.00pm AEST at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

I am not sure about USA broadcast but maybe this link can be of use

https://allblacksvsspringboksrugby.com/ ... ussie/?amp

1st test moved to Brisbane
Covid is moving in to fvck up the domestic test season