Rate the Experiment

[blindsid3]

Lets examine the backline experiment and discuss whether Knuckles is on the right track:

Giteau - dangerous at both 9 and 12. His positional play was awsome - as Australia's most expensive player he proved he is worth the dollars. The question long term will be not which position is he most capable of playing, but who is most capable of filling the alternative position. Gits was the best halfback and inside centre in gold tonight.

Rogers - see my previous post about his retirement. When he bows out at the end of the world cup, Chloe will be picking bench splinters out of his bum unless he makes a dramatic improvement.

Larkham - not the best number 12 on the paddock tonight. See Giteau.

Latham - he steps he weaves he runs he scores. Nuff said.

Scrum - you sucked in positional play. And that taking the scrum option instead of kicking for touch / penalty was bs bravado and bit us on the rs.

[Shaun]

Giteau to me is great at 9 or 12; but we have other halfbacks that are capable of filling the number nine jumper (Henjak, Val, Sheehan, Cords), therefore to me he should be played at 12 for both the Force and the Wallabies.

[tdevil]

I totaly agree with blindsid3
Maybe for the next game move Larkham to 10 and Rogers to 12.

[Eel]

I definitely like Gits at 9. This way we have the benefit of having another attacking player on the field instead of say Gregan. Players can then change positions on the field as they need too.

9. Giteau/Cordingley
10. Rogers/Larkham
11. Shepherd/Rathbone
12. Larkham/Giteau
13. Mortlock/Tuqiri
14. Tuqiri/Staniforth
15. Latham/Rogers

I thought Rathbone was very quiet against Wales.
Srcum still sucks. Get rid of Baxter. Bring back Smith and Lions.

[felixnelson]

how about some more of tiquri at 13, i thought he looked food there
sheps ahead of rathbone for sure
gits at 9
rodgers another shot at 10

[Burgs]

Of those left fit on Tour I would go as first pick Test backline
9 Giteau
10 Larkham (if injured Rogers)
11 Tuqiri
12 Staniforth
13 Mortlock
14 Shepherd
15 Latham
20 Sheehan
21 Rogers (if Larkham injured then Ashley-Cooper)
22 Gerrard

[felixnelson]

i think rogers has done enough pine sitting
time for some game time for the kid

[Burgs]

Yep, I agree, give him an early exit so he can play for the Titans next year...
He has spent all that time on the Test bench because he isn't a Test starter, may as well be exposing someone for the future than worrying about keeping a mungo fit.

[shasta]

He has spent all that time on the Test bench because he isn't a Test starter, may as well be exposing someone for the future than worrying about keeping a mungo fit.

The No1 priority for Connolly and Co is to win the WC 07. That future is upon them. Rogers is still under contract 'till then. Whether he's able to keep in the starting side is another discussion.

Is'nt the old prejudice a bit dated Burgs? Their all pros now. None moreso than the coaching staff.

[Burgs]

Was a bit tongue in cheek shasta however, a) I don't rate him as a starter, regardless of 2007, he is a Mr Fixit off the bench and b) Pro or not, League is a competitor of Union in every aspect of the sport, players, dollars, supporters etc .
He is leaving the sport, regardless of where to and, as I personally don't rate him as a Test XV selection, I would prefer to see someone such as Hilgendorf, Beale, Barnes or Ashley-Cooper having the chance on this Tour as it is being viewed as a developmental opportunity.
Rogers is a known quantity, for better or worse, and is on his way out of the code in around nine matches time.
By the way, I do actually enjoy watching League as well, it's more about Rogers than respective codes

[shasta]

I don't rate him as a starter

Rogers is a known quantity, for better or worse, and is on his way out of the code in around nine matches time.
By the way, I do actually enjoy watching League as well, it's more about Rogers than respective codes

OK. But like I said whether he's up to the task is another argument. I'll give O'Connor and Johnston the benefit of the doubt there

Did you think the same about Josh in the APC/Gold matches?

[Burgs]

Did you think the same about Josh in the APC/Gold matches?

Actually probably even stronger, that was quite strange.
For a development comp it made no sense to me for him to be playing, it was probably part of his early exit deal that he had to play to keep fit.
However, it is a shame that players who may be required by the Force if we get another run of injuries will not have that match experience to draw on, so yes, I did think the same I guess.

[shasta]

Actually probably even stronger, that was quite strange.

OK we agree on Josh or anyone else who isn't future-contracted.

But have to agree to disagree on Rogers - or any other mungo (or rah-rah for that matter) - who's still contracted for future Test/S14 matches.

[Burgs]

No worries mate