Planet Rugby Forum

Instead of talking shit on this site, I've spent the last 6 months analysing every aspect of all levels of the game.

I have come to the conclusion that this is (barring injuries) the 23 that will start game 1 in the RWC.


1. Sio
2. F Faingaa
3. Alaalatoa
4. Rodda
5. Arnold
6. Dempsey
7. Pocock (c)
8. Naisarani

9. Genia
10. Foley
11. DHP
12. Kerevi
13. Kuridrani
14. Hodge
15. Beale

16. Uelese
17. Slipper
18. Tupou
19. Coleman
20. Hooper
21. McDermott
22. Cooper
23. AAC

Unlucky squad members include Jones, LSL, McCaffery.

I'd excuse Folau and select him, as he has the mental acumen of a 5-year old, but that's just me.

Bindi wrote:Instead of talking shit on this site, I've spent the last 6 months analysing every aspect of all levels of the game.

I have come to the conclusion that this is (barring injuries) the 23 that will start game 1 in the RWC.


1. Sio
2. F Faingaa
3. Alaalatoa
4. Rodda
5. Arnold
6. Dempsey
7. Pocock (c)
8. Naisarani

9. Genia
10. Foley
11. DHP
12. Kerevi
13. Kuridrani
14. Hodge
15. Beale

16. Uelese
17. Slipper
18. Tupou
19. Coleman
20. Hooper
21. McDermott
22. Cooper
23. AAC

Unlucky squad members include Jones, LSL, McCaffery.

I'd excuse Folau and select him, as he has the mental acumen of a 5-year old, but that's just me.

Anaru Rangi is probably the form hooker in Australia at the moment so he needs to be in the 23. Luke Jones should also be in teh 23. He's athletic, workhorse and great in the lineout. If Depsey can play I'd play Jones, Pocock and Dempsey. Naisarani is decent but I'm not sure he's been a standout performer.

Uelese at 16 is a big call, he hasnt played for a year and something. Id go Rangi (who plays a similar style to Taf) or that Reds bloke.

AAC doesnt deserve to be there either
Id boot him and drop hodge back to the bench, and bring Korebiete to 11, DHP at 14.

Bindi wrote:Instead of talking shit on this site, I've spent the last 6 months analysing every aspect of all levels of the game.

I have come to the conclusion that this is (barring injuries) the 23 that will start game 1 in the RWC.


1. Sio
2. F Faingaa
3. Alaalatoa
4. Rodda
5. Arnold
6. Dempsey
7. Pocock (c)
8. Naisarani

9. Genia
10. Foley
11. DHP
12. Kerevi
13. Kuridrani
14. Hodge
15. Beale

16. Uelese
17. Slipper
18. Tupou
19. Coleman
20. Hooper
21. McDermott
22. Cooper
23. AAC

Unlucky squad members include Jones, LSL, McCaffery.

I'd excuse Folau and select him, as he has the mental acumen of a 5-year old, but that's just me.

Clearly the rumours of your demise were just that.

Even so, six months was ample time to come up with something much more crazy / ambitious.

Fast wingers + the Smith twins spring to mind.

No way should AAC be in teh squad. He was never a 'great' player but a 'solid' player. He's doing OK in super rugby but given his age he shouldn't be picked for Wallabies. We have better players than him with more pace and x factor.

Farva wrote:Uelese at 16 is a big call, he hasnt played for a year and something. Id go Rangi (who plays a similar style to Taf) or that Reds bloke.

AAC doesnt deserve to be there either
Id boot him and drop hodge back to the bench, and bring Korebiete to 11, DHP at 14.

Koribete will make 1 good hit, then drop the pill, run over the sideline with the ball, then choose the wrong option in defence and let a try through.

AAC is there to cover 80 positions and allow for Cooper on the bench. Would pick Peteia if he makes it back in time though.

Rangi is a good super hooker, but can't throw. An unjured Uelese is far better.

Dempsey made the All Black pack his personal play thing last time he suited up for the Wobs. Jones has never done a thing at international level. Clear winner there.

Bindi wrote:

Farva wrote:Uelese at 16 is a big call, he hasnt played for a year and something. Id go Rangi (who plays a similar style to Taf) or that Reds bloke.

AAC doesnt deserve to be there either
Id boot him and drop hodge back to the bench, and bring Korebiete to 11, DHP at 14.

Koribete will make 1 good hit, then drop the pill, run over the sideline with the ball, then choose the wrong option in defence and let a try through.

AAC is there to cover 80 positions and allow for Cooper on the bench. Would pick Peteia if he makes it back in time though.

Rangi is a good super hooker, but can't throw. An unjured Uelese is far better.

Have you actually watched any super rugby? He's probably one of the most accurate throwers. He's got over 95% accuracy with his throws. He's also great in teh scrum and ball in hand. I love Ueelse but he is yet to play any super rugby this year. Hopefully he'll be back soon.

TranceNRG wrote:Anaru Rangi is probably the form hooker in Australia at the moment so he needs to be in the 23. Luke Jones should also be in teh 23. He's athletic, workhorse and great in the lineout. If Depsey can play I'd play Jones, Pocock and Dempsey. Naisarani is decent but I'm not sure he's been a standout performer.

The form hooker is Folau... head and shoulders above the other options right now.

Rangi is playing well though.

Naisarani is the stadout 8 right now, and I'd have McCaffrey in the squad too.

Bindi wrote:Dempsey made the All Black pack his personal play thing last time he suited up for the Wobs. Jones has never done a thing at international level. Clear winner there.

I'm convinced you actually haven't won any super rugby this year. Jones is a better player and more physical than he was before he went to France.

TranceNRG wrote:

Bindi wrote:

Farva wrote:Uelese at 16 is a big call, he hasnt played for a year and something. Id go Rangi (who plays a similar style to Taf) or that Reds bloke.

AAC doesnt deserve to be there either
Id boot him and drop hodge back to the bench, and bring Korebiete to 11, DHP at 14.

Koribete will make 1 good hit, then drop the pill, run over the sideline with the ball, then choose the wrong option in defence and let a try through.

AAC is there to cover 80 positions and allow for Cooper on the bench. Would pick Peteia if he makes it back in time though.

Rangi is a good super hooker, but can't throw. An unjured Uelese is far better.

Have you actually watched any super rugby? He's probably one of the most accurate throwers. He's got over 95% accuracy with his throws. He's also great in teh scrum and ball in hand. I love Ueelse but he is yet to play any super rugby this year. Hopefully he'll be back soon.

Uelese should be back on the bench against the Canes.

Bindi wrote: 21. McDermott

He's having a breakout year, much like Gordon last year, and Powell the year before, but I don't see any of them going to the RWC...

There's talk Nic White is about to sign a contract for 2021 that will make him eligible for this RWC - based on his form in England he would easily be the second best eligible halfback.

Slim 293 wrote:

Bindi wrote: 21. McDermott

He's having a breakout year, much like Gordon last year, and Powell the year before, but I don't see any of them going to the RWC...

There's talk Nic White is about to sign a contract for 2021 that will make him eligible for this RWC - based on his form in England he would easily be the second best eligible halfback.

WTF?

Bindi wrote:

TranceNRG wrote:

Bindi wrote:

Farva wrote:Uelese at 16 is a big call, he hasnt played for a year and something. Id go Rangi (who plays a similar style to Taf) or that Reds bloke.

AAC doesnt deserve to be there either
Id boot him and drop hodge back to the bench, and bring Korebiete to 11, DHP at 14.

Koribete will make 1 good hit, then drop the pill, run over the sideline with the ball, then choose the wrong option in defence and let a try through.

AAC is there to cover 80 positions and allow for Cooper on the bench. Would pick Peteia if he makes it back in time though.

Rangi is a good super hooker, but can't throw. An unjured Uelese is far better.

Have you actually watched any super rugby? He's probably one of the most accurate throwers. He's got over 95% accuracy with his throws. He's also great in teh scrum and ball in hand. I love Ueelse but he is yet to play any super rugby this year. Hopefully he'll be back soon.

Uelese should be back on the bench against the Canes.

Uelese has had a long time out of the game with injury... might take some time to get back to his best...

If he can recapture that 2017 he would be a suitable backup for Folau.

Slim 293 wrote:

TranceNRG wrote:Anaru Rangi is probably the form hooker in Australia at the moment so he needs to be in the 23. Luke Jones should also be in teh 23. He's athletic, workhorse and great in the lineout. If Depsey can play I'd play Jones, Pocock and Dempsey. Naisarani is decent but I'm not sure he's been a standout performer.

The form hooker is Folau... head and shoulders above the other options right now.

Rangi is playing well though.

Naisarani is the stadout 8 right now, and I'd have McCaffrey in the squad too.

I am not sure Faingaa is as accurate as Rangi.

Also I wouldn't say Naisarani has been the standout no 8. He's had a few quiet games. Definitely should be in Wallabies squad though.

Bindi wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

Bindi wrote: 21. McDermott

He's having a breakout year, much like Gordon last year, and Powell the year before, but I don't see any of them going to the RWC...

There's talk Nic White is about to sign a contract for 2021 that will make him eligible for this RWC - based on his form in England he would easily be the second best eligible halfback.

WTF?

Have you watched him since he left Australia?

He's been tearing it up...

TranceNRG wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

TranceNRG wrote:Anaru Rangi is probably the form hooker in Australia at the moment so he needs to be in the 23. Luke Jones should also be in teh 23. He's athletic, workhorse and great in the lineout. If Depsey can play I'd play Jones, Pocock and Dempsey. Naisarani is decent but I'm not sure he's been a standout performer.

The form hooker is Folau... head and shoulders above the other options right now.

Rangi is playing well though.

Naisarani is the stadout 8 right now, and I'd have McCaffrey in the squad too.

I am not sure Faingaa is as accurate as Rangi.

Also I wouldn't say Naisarani has been the standout no 8. He's had a few quiet games. Definitely should be in Wallabies squad though.

Folau Faingaa's just has a better all round game than Rangi...

I don't see Rangi making the squad, but on form he's easily the second best Aussie hooker this year... a bit of a grub though.

Slim 293 wrote:

Bindi wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

Bindi wrote: 21. McDermott

He's having a breakout year, much like Gordon last year, and Powell the year before, but I don't see any of them going to the RWC...

There's talk Nic White is about to sign a contract for 2021 that will make him eligible for this RWC - based on his form in England he would easily be the second best eligible halfback.

WTF?

Have you watched him since he left Australia?

He's been tearing it up...

White is rubbish. Plenty of players have looked great overseas, but actually suck. Take Pete Samu for example.

Slim 293 wrote:

TranceNRG wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

TranceNRG wrote:Anaru Rangi is probably the form hooker in Australia at the moment so he needs to be in the 23. Luke Jones should also be in teh 23. He's athletic, workhorse and great in the lineout. If Depsey can play I'd play Jones, Pocock and Dempsey. Naisarani is decent but I'm not sure he's been a standout performer.

The form hooker is Folau... head and shoulders above the other options right now.

Rangi is playing well though.

Naisarani is the stadout 8 right now, and I'd have McCaffrey in the squad too.

I am not sure Faingaa is as accurate as Rangi.

Also I wouldn't say Naisarani has been the standout no 8. He's had a few quiet games. Definitely should be in Wallabies squad though.

Folau's just has a better all round game than Rangi...

I don't see Rangi making the squad, but on form he's easily the second best Aussie hooker this year... a bit of a grub though.

LOL what. I've never seen Rangi making any cheap shots and I've seen all Rebels' games. I've always regarded him as a good guy on and off the field.
Rangi I reckon is a stronger scrummager and is the better ball carrier.

TranceNRG wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

TranceNRG wrote:Anaru Rangi is probably the form hooker in Australia at the moment so he needs to be in the 23. Luke Jones should also be in teh 23. He's athletic, workhorse and great in the lineout. If Depsey can play I'd play Jones, Pocock and Dempsey. Naisarani is decent but I'm not sure he's been a standout performer.

The form hooker is Folau... head and shoulders above the other options right now.

Rangi is playing well though.

Naisarani is the stadout 8 right now, and I'd have McCaffrey in the squad too.

I am not sure Faingaa is as accurate as Rangi.

Also I wouldn't say Naisarani has been the standout no 8. He's had a few quiet games. Definitely should be in Wallabies squad though.

I wouldn't be that unhappy if McCaffery were selected.

Bindi wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

Bindi wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

Bindi wrote: 21. McDermott

He's having a breakout year, much like Gordon last year, and Powell the year before, but I don't see any of them going to the RWC...

There's talk Nic White is about to sign a contract for 2021 that will make him eligible for this RWC - based on his form in England he would easily be the second best eligible halfback.

WTF?

Have you watched him since he left Australia?

He's been tearing it up...

White is rubbish. Plenty of players have looked great overseas, but actually suck. Take Pete Samu for example.

Do you even watch rugby?

TranceNRG wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

TranceNRG wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

TranceNRG wrote:Anaru Rangi is probably the form hooker in Australia at the moment so he needs to be in the 23. Luke Jones should also be in teh 23. He's athletic, workhorse and great in the lineout. If Depsey can play I'd play Jones, Pocock and Dempsey. Naisarani is decent but I'm not sure he's been a standout performer.

The form hooker is Folau... head and shoulders above the other options right now.

Rangi is playing well though.

Naisarani is the stadout 8 right now, and I'd have McCaffrey in the squad too.

I am not sure Faingaa is as accurate as Rangi.

Also I wouldn't say Naisarani has been the standout no 8. He's had a few quiet games. Definitely should be in Wallabies squad though.

Folau's just has a better all round game than Rangi...

I don't see Rangi making the squad, but on form he's easily the second best Aussie hooker this year... a bit of a grub though.

LOL what. I've never seen Rangi making any cheap shots and I've seen all Rebels' games. I've always regarded him as a good guy on and off the field.
Rangi I reckon is a stronger scrummager and is the better ball carrier.

Nah, he carries on a bit off the ball...

And I doubt very much he's the stronger scrummager... quite the opposite - he's been split apart in many a scrum this year.

Anyways, it's an interesting run home for the Australian teams in Super Rugby and I think we'll start to see the true test candidates put their hand up, and the usual early season hype fade away...

Top of the conference is still up for grabs, and the Rebels have a tough run home and coming off back to back losses... they have to play both the Canes and 'saders away.

The Tahs still have their African trip...

The Brumbies and Reds have an easier draw, but both have been too inconsistent.

Nick White needs to prove himself in Aus first. Gordon is playing really well. Ive have him as second string behind Genia. Id take Tate in the squad though. Unfortunately it will be Phipps that gets the run.

Rangi hasnt been contacted yet by Cheiks which is criminal, he is having a collossal year. There was talk of him being too old, but he is only 29 he has 3 or 4 years left in him.

AAC doesnt offer anything. If you want versatility go for Hodge on the bench. He covers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15. Right now you have 2 fullbacks in the back 3. You want someone to balance that, someone who can eun over people. Hodge doesnt offer that. Maddocks who is the other option doesnt either. Naivalu does and so does Korebiete. Rona at the Tahs. Pulu at the Brumbies.
Id go for Korebiete out of that lot.

AAC is too old, too slow, and while he has experience he isn't going to offer anything more than the other options...

Slim, you have said that before. He really isnt dirty. Ive tried to see it after you commented that way a few months ago.
He also gets hammered at scrum time because he has the likes of Ainsley and Faulkner either side of him. They are terrible scrummagers. Rangi is a ball of muscle. He is Taf mk II without the head injuries.

Shame we don't have Ben Tune, Drew Mitchell type wingers at the moment. Korobiete isn't that quick and does too many dumb things.

Farva wrote:Nick White needs to prove himself in Aus first.

I imagine if the rumour is true it's at the behest of Cheika or Johnson...

I also don't buy into the idea anymore that the rugby up north is any easier, considering the recent rise of England, Ireland and Wales.

And then the other options are Phipps (meh), and a few guys probably not quite good enough yet.

Rugby in Europe is definitely not easier. In fact it's more physical than super rugby. I dare say the top European teams would beat most Super rugby teams.
However I am not convinced by Nick White.

Farva wrote:Slim, you have said that before. He really isnt dirty. Ive tried to see it after you commented that way a few months ago.
He also gets hammered at scrum time because he has the likes of Ainsley and Faulkner either side of him. They are terrible scrummagers. Rangi is a ball of muscle. He is Taf mk II without the head injuries.

He's not dirty, just gets up to a lot of dumb niggle off the ball... fairly unsportsmanlike... reminds me of Nathan Charles who was probably worse with it though as he ventured on actual dirty play.

Slim 293 wrote:

Farva wrote:Slim, you have said that before. He really isnt dirty. Ive tried to see it after you commented that way a few months ago.
He also gets hammered at scrum time because he has the likes of Ainsley and Faulkner either side of him. They are terrible scrummagers. Rangi is a ball of muscle. He is Taf mk II without the head injuries.

He's not dirty, just gets up to a lot of dumb niggle off the ball... fairly unsportsmanlike... reminds me of Nathan Charles who was probably worse with it though as he ventured on actual dirty play.

Give me a few examples he did that. I cna't remember him seeing getting involved in excessive niggle.

TranceNRG wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

Farva wrote:Slim, you have said that before. He really isnt dirty. Ive tried to see it after you commented that way a few months ago.
He also gets hammered at scrum time because he has the likes of Ainsley and Faulkner either side of him. They are terrible scrummagers. Rangi is a ball of muscle. He is Taf mk II without the head injuries.

He's not dirty, just gets up to a lot of dumb niggle off the ball... fairly unsportsmanlike... reminds me of Nathan Charles who was probably worse with it though as he ventured on actual dirty play.

Give me a few examples he did that. I cna't remember him seeing getting involved in excessive niggle.

A lot of rubbing his hands in peoples faces, heads... shouting in their faces when they're on the bottom of a ruck... just dumb shit...

He might've been guilty of all that in round one alone?

Bindi wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

Bindi wrote: 21. McDermott

He's having a breakout year, much like Gordon last year, and Powell the year before, but I don't see any of them going to the RWC...

There's talk Nic White is about to sign a contract for 2021 that will make him eligible for this RWC - based on his form in England he would easily be the second best eligible halfback.

WTF?

You’ve clearly put the hard yards into improving your understatement.

MungoMan wrote:

Bindi wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

Bindi wrote: 21. McDermott

He's having a breakout year, much like Gordon last year, and Powell the year before, but I don't see any of them going to the RWC...

There's talk Nic White is about to sign a contract for 2021 that will make him eligible for this RWC - based on his form in England he would easily be the second best eligible halfback.

WTF?

You’ve clearly put the hard yards into improving your understatement.

I'd rather Thomas, whose probably reached 150kg by now, suit up as the reserve 9.

1. Sio
2. Fainga'a
3. Tupou
4. Arnold
5. Rodda
6. Dempsey
7. Pocock
8 McCaffery or Naisarani
9. Genia
10. Foley
11. Koroibete
12. Kerevi
13. Kurindrani
14. Hodge
15. Beale

I think Oz will at least make a Semi Final.

Given the useless Tahs and Ponies lost on the weekend, may have to revisit my selections and add more Reds.

Bindi wrote:Given the useless Tahs and Ponies lost on the weekend, may have to revisit my selections and add more Reds.

Go easy on the red wine mate.

Bindi wrote:

MungoMan wrote:

Bindi wrote:

Slim 293 wrote:

Bindi wrote: 21. McDermott

He's having a breakout year, much like Gordon last year, and Powell the year before, but I don't see any of them going to the RWC...

There's talk Nic White is about to sign a contract for 2021 that will make him eligible for this RWC - based on his form in England he would easily be the second best eligible halfback.

WTF?

You’ve clearly put the hard yards into improving your understatement.

I'd rather Thomas, whose probably reached 150kg by now, suit up as the reserve 9.

I'm still in double figures, m8.