Wallabies Squad announcement Today

[shasta]

The argument that has been put to me is that it's not just about stats; it's also about winning combinations. The Tahs have a winning combination

Which is why Beale has been shifted to 10 while the best, most consistant fly-half of the oz conference warms the bench. Steve Hansen is a smug prick but he might be near the mark re that selection. Unfortunately, he'll most likely still be sporting his usual smirk at the presser tomorrow night.

[chibi]

When it comes to Beale being at fly-half, the only thing I can think of, is that Link has something up his sleeve when it comes to the Wallaby structure; in a similar way to when Rod MacQueen made the "nonsensical" of moving Australia's form fullback, Stephen Larkham, to fly-half. He had been developing a gameplan for quite a while with that move in mind. I hope the same is being done now.

[GIGS20]

When it comes to Beale being at fly-half, the only thing I can think of, is that Link has something up his sleeve when it comes to the Wallaby structure; in a similar way to when Rod MacQueen made the "nonsensical" of moving Australia's form fullback, Stephen Larkham, to fly-half. He had been developing a gameplan for quite a while with that move in mind. I hope the same is being done now.

The only difficulty with that is that Kurtley Beale isn't fit to tie Bernie Larkham's bootlace. Kurtley has looked good this year only when
A Foley has done the hard yards and the pack is destroying the opposition
B when he's gotten himself neck deep in shit and thrown the ball to izzy to save his ass.....usually ended in izzy scoring.

[andrewg]

Gobsmacked by the comments from Hooper re Richie McCaw that were posted on Rugby Heaven:

Despite the anticipation of their head-to-head clash, Hooper said they might not cross paths outside of the coin toss before the game as much as many might hope.

“Like with so many positions … you very rarely run into each other – maybe a couple of times a game, maybe at a breakdown here or there, a run or a tackle,” Hooper said.

UNBELIEVABLE!!! The reason why Hooper should not be the Wallaby No 7.

Also the reason why in the two games against the Force in 2014 Hodgo got 5 turnovers against Hoopers NIL.

Hodgo also scored 6 tries to Hooper's 2 in 2014 with almost all of them pulled out of a pack while being up close and personal with the opposition.
(Also remember the one from the loose ball get while running in support).

In 2014 Hooper has too often been 3rd or 4th to the breakdown or just arriving in time to place his hand on someone's shoulder or bum so that he can grab an 'involvement' stat. Usually he's found seagulling as an extra Centre or Wing.

I recognize that Richie may be past his best, but if the Wallabies can't at least break even with the ABs at the breakdown I fear that we're in for a long night!!!

[SinBin]

Steve Hansen is a smug prick but he might be near the mark re that selection. Unfortunately, he'll most likely still be sporting his usual smirk at the presser tomorrow night.

Smug as they come. While I'd love our boys to wipe that look off his face, I feel we'll have to endure his pompous comments post game.

On another note, I thought Link had the same deer in the headlights look Deans used to get on Rugby HQ when justifying the "ARU's" selection of Beale. He's usually pretty cool under pressure.

[chibi]

Well, there's always the subs bench.

[Alison]

Isn't smug part of the job description for ABs coach?

[chibi]

In that case, Clive Woodward is next in line for the job!

[jargan83]

Oh look, a Michael Hooper turnover/penalty

[GIGS20]

BEALE IS USELESSER THAN HE WAS AT THE TAHS, DRAG HIM IMMEDIATELY IF NOT SOONER!

[jargan83]

Beale is an absolute plodder. To the glue factory with him.

[GIGS20]

Bring Foley, McCalman and Hodgson on after halftime to capitalize on 9 minutes without Crockett

No wait........

[oxleymoron]

Palu has found his cloak of invisibility again

[brokendown gunfighter]

too true

[WFDom]

How's Cheese goin'?