Wallabies v Argentina at Estadio Uno Estudiantes de La Plata on Sunday Sep 1

[James]

Donaldson has had one shot in gold this year, and admittedly he didn't set the world on fire. Lolesio has had 5 starts and hasn't set the world on fire either. Donaldson deserves another chance at least. That's not a parochial thing- if Donaldson had just had 5 games like Lolesio's, I'd be calling for him to get dropped.

[GIGS20]

Donaldson has had one shot in gold this year, and admittedly he didn't set the world on fire. Lolesio has had 5 starts and hasn't set the world on fire either. Donaldson deserves another chance at least. That's not a parochial thing- if Donaldson had just had 5 games like Lolesio's, I'd be calling for him to get dropped.

I'm gonna try to be objective here. Donaldson's start was against Georgia and he wasn't good.....I think he's loaded the ammunitiion that's being used in the war to stop him starting test matches.

That being said. Noah hasn't proven to be capable of keeping his anxiety out of the game so far. With all the chances he's received, surely it's time to start asking the hard questions. Unfortunately Joe has also named Jake Gordon far more times than deserved, so he clearly doesn't jump to rapid conclusions.

[chiraag]

The thing that's most frustrating is that Donaldson is'nt being given 15 or 20 minutes off the bench to show what he's got. Yes, he wasn't great against Georgia, but he wasn't any worse than Lolesio has been either.
Given what we saw of Donaldson at the Force this year, often behind a beaten pack and with less attacking backline weapons at his disposal, I think he should be a fair improvement over Lolesio if given another chance. Unfortunately I think that's not going to happen, and he'll probably be out of the 23 this week if Lynagh is fit.

[GIGS20]

The thing that's most frustrating is the Donaldson is've being given 15 or 20 minutes off the bench to show what he's got. Yes, he wasn't great against Georgia, but he wasn't any worse than Lolesio has been either.
Given what we saw of Donaldson at the Force this year, often behind a beaten pack and with less attacking backline weapons at his disposal, I think he should be a fair improvement over Lolesio if given another chance. Unfortunately I think that's not going to happen, and he'll probably be out of the 23 this week if Lynagh is fit.

While I agree with you, there isn't a lot of strength to the argument given that he had his chance and didn't shine.

Yes Lolly has had plenty of chances and not really shone, but that then makes any possible improvement a matter of conjecture doesn't it?

[Burgs]

You could argue that in the current dirth of quality 5/8s that if a player isn't good enough to start he shouldn't be on the Bench either.
Different if a given player is outstanding, can't expect to have two there, but if both are equally questionable then should at least move to a point of drawing a line under it.
So, hypothetically, if Jumbuck doesn't see Donaldson as a 75 minute player (ie 5th minute injury) then give him one last chance to shine with everything in his favour. And "everything" is familiarity (which Lolesio cannot have from the current season, arguably White brings some) and that is in the form of 4. Williams. 7. Tizzano, 9. White, 10. Donaldson 12. Stewart. Those five have extensive time together and are all genuine starting contenders this week. If you don't get your shit together then, well fringe Squad or see you next year.
There is no evidence that Lolesio is improving from incumbency or will be any different this week.
It isn't working.

[GIGS20]

'Twould be a good strategy Burgs.

I think the risk is that, if it fails, there's no real remedy when you send Donaldson back home (who you gonna pick to replace him? Edmed?)

[Burgs]

'Twould be a good strategy Burgs.

I think the risk is that, if it fails, there's no real remedy when you send Donaldson back home (who you gonna pick to replace him? Edmed?)

Die with knowledge or live in fear?
He's the anointed one in Tahland and, if we must persist with Gordon, at least brings continuity to that pairing.
I'm not a big fan, but he's had some reasonable showings.
To me it is all about getting through 2024 the best way possible and then, after another SR under the belt, give it all to Lynagh. He doesn't "need" more bulk, but another year will also bring that.
He has the best skillset, shoulders and Rugby brain of the lot of them, just still lacking a little bit of experience in moments.
In 2025 I would move Lolesio to 23 and work on his defensive game. Similar Donaldson.
Lynagh is an 80 player and just needs injury cover.
All the current back three should be 80 players also, so Donaldson/Lolesio as 22/23 wouldn't be outlandish as 2x multi sub.