RWC 2011 Wallabies Squad of 30 is

[jono]

I think Gits should be there for phibbs. But other than that, was pretty much what I expected.
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[BeeJay]

There is no real risk in selecting the injured players ahead of others, as the rules say that should a player become injured then he can be replaced (but not allowed back into the squad if he recovers). Hence if Cliffy breaks down, I think Hodgo will be back in.

[shasta]

Hence if Cliffy breaks down, I think Hodgo will be back in.

Sorry but I don't see that as relevant. The crucial word there is "breaks down". The elephant in the room is if Pocock suffers an injury with, say a two match recuperation needed heading into the quarters. There is nobody in the squad to replace him for those two crucial matches and it isn't allowed to bring in another fetcher to replace him.

[Buddha Handy]

Someone tell me what Horne has done to deserve a place in the squad. He is so overrated. I would have prefered to see Turner.

Will be good to see how the injured players go against Canada next friday. Is that going to be televised?

[James]

Sorry but I don't see that as relevant. The crucial word there is "breaks down". The elephant in the room is if Pocock suffers an injury with, say a two match recuperation needed heading into the quarters. There is nobody in the squad to replace him for those two crucial matches and it isn't allowed to bring in another fetcher to replace him.

I think the point Robbie has made is that he doesn't think that fetchers will be that useful. Now that the ball carrier must be released before contesting the ball it seems like the importance of the 7 has been downgraded a bit. Pocock hasn't been as dominant in these last three tests as he was last year.

I'd tend to disagree with that assessment given the absolute working over that the Force backrow gave the Reds in the first round of Super rugby this year. Perhaps Robbie thinks, at test level, that the step down in physicality between Pocock and Hodgson coupled with that downgrade on the 7 makes Hodgson an less viable option.

It's all irrelevant, though, because Palu won't make it out of the pool stages.

Agree Buddha- Horne is overrated.

[Rex Messup]

Barnes is one im not keen on, sitting on the sidelines lately scared of getting another head injury.
The world cup isnt the place to return to International rugby from "footballers migraine"

Totally agree

The bloke is gun shy........like a returned vet with shell shock

Good for the minnow tests

[Rex Messup]

I think Gits should be there for phibbs. But other than that, was pretty much what I expected.
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Totally agree

I'm not a huge fan of Gits but his versatility and experience would have been preferable to an uber belter with a reputation undeserved

[Rex Messup]

Someone tell me what Horne has done to deserve a place in the squad. He is so overrated. I would have prefered to see Turner.

Will be good to see how the injured players go against Canada next friday. Is that going to be televised?

Totally agree. WTF? Mystifying

[Rex Messup]

I thought it was a gee up when Horwill had a c next to his name

Dead set

I think it's great

Elsom on serious notice here

[Stone Cold]

Great team. Would've liked hodgo to get a go like most others here but overall pretty happy.

Look out Rocky, I think higginbotham is gonna start a fair few games at 6. Good to see form counts.
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[hertryk]

Lot of good news though. Congrats Sharpie and also Robbie for having the balls to drop Elsom on eve of RWC

I still think Sharpie should be Captain, if nothing else for his devotion to Australia, and as a player everyone looks up to and respects..plus he can handle the refs...

Then no-one else here expected anything less from me really....LOL!!!

[Darren]

I'd prefer sharpie, but Horwill is a solid choice. Having a captain that knows how to win is a good move.

[The Lone Hydrangea]

I rate Horwill.With Sharpie and Pocock as advisors in his shell like, things are looking good.

[Rex Messup]

Big kev has the mongrel

great choice

[shasta]

Pocock hasn't been as dominant in these last three tests as he was last year.

True. Bit obvious but I think he needs to concentrate on being second to the tackle. The opposition see him as a big danger and try to force him into being the tackler.

I'd tend to disagree with that assessment given the absolute working over that the Force backrow gave the Reds in the first round of Super rugby this year.

The thing is, even if you accept the reasoning that a fetcher is more limited under the current law interpretations, who replaces Pocock in critical matches if he happens to get injured? I still reckon there was room for a more suitable back up player. But that and Horne are my only real question marks.