Worst Australian XV on paper for a generation.

Injuries in Australia have handed Wales the best opportunity for a win in Australia in living memory (depending on how old your are).

It would be criminal for Wales not to grab this by the scruff. We all thought that miracles had happened in 2007 when one of the worst ever Wales team was 1 minute away from a famous away in in Oz, only for Gareth Cooper to pick up our box of dreams and smash it to pieces.

Wales are on form, have a great pack, a team built nearly entirely on youth, have just won the grand slam and are immensely fit.

Australia are smack bang in the middle of Super 15 and have also suffered several injuries in key positions. The los to Scotland shows that they can be beaten and nullified in attack, but it will also mean that they are that extra bit motivated against Wales.

The moment you underestimate an Aussie side is the moment you’re doomed mate, I know from experience!

Wales wont underestimate them we will play our own game.
What I like about this Welsh side is that we can grind out a win even when we are not at our best.

The match is played on the field and not on paper - Australia is a nation of sporting madmen - It will be a tough game. Scotlands lucky victory in a galeforce game has no bearing on the Wales match other than to galvanise the Aussies even more. Wales be warned - it will be very difficult!

If you look at the Oz line-up on saturday there are only around 3 changes to the side they had out in the 3rd place play off at the rwc. so it will no doubt be a very tough match however i think all the NH sides have a great chance in beating the SH sides this year as we all looked capable of matching them with at the rwc with the skill, fitness and physicality our sides all looked to be very close to their capabilities and now they have to play us with little international preparation time considering they havnt played since last year and SA and NZ have both picked a few uncapped players for the tests this sarurday

i fancy england to beat SA 2 - 1 and Ireland to get their first ever win against the all blacks, i also think Wales will win 1 possibly 2 of the tests and the scots could do all 3 however i think samoa will be their toughest test

RubyGuby wrote:The match is played on the field and not on paper - Australia is a nation of sporting madmen - It will be a tough game. Scotlands lucky victory in a galeforce game has no bearing on the Wales match other than to galvanise the Aussies even more. Wales be warned - it will be very difficult!

Forget it Ruby, the Scots have thrown down the gauntlet pal... ...... nothing more than a drubbing of Australia will suffice from the reigning GS champions and NH standard bearers..... ......

rodders wrote:

RubyGuby wrote:The match is played on the field and not on paper - Australia is a nation of sporting madmen - It will be a tough game. Scotlands lucky victory in a galeforce game has no bearing on the Wales match other than to galvanise the Aussies even more. Wales be warned - it will be very difficult!

Forget it Ruby, the Scots have thrown down the gauntlet pal... ...... nothing more than a drubbing of Australia will suffice from the reigning GS champions and NH standard bearers..... ......

I know, a 1 point win for Wales and 606'rs will be taking the Mick (no pun intended there Rodders)

I'll take a one pint win in Oz any day. Very hard place to win. I seem to recall England got a one point victory in Australia in 2010 and talked it up for months!

I don't think Scotlands win can be used as much of a yardstick. There were a number of things that went in Scotlands favour. People can say the weather is the same for both teams but how many times have we seen Scotland grind out an unexpected win in weather like that? Duncan Hodge instantly springs to mind...

Also the home stadium. Australia have basically never played there and would be no more familiar with it than Scotland. Yes the home support should have been a factor but not that much.

Also Scotland are much better than their 6 nations white wash indicates. They have a settled pack and some decent backs and their defence is up there.

Wales will need to be massively committed in defence and wiling to lay their bodies on the line. I think the back row battle is going to decide this. If Warbs and his mates can get the upper hand then Wales will win. Having Ryan on the bench is so key as he is a turnover king these days. His experience of closing out tight games could prove vital. Having said that I don't expect this to be tight. I think Wales by 10

"Worst Australian XV on paper for a generation."

Apart from the one that played Tuesday...

15. Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW Waratahs)
14. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
13. Rob Horne (NSW Waratahs)
12. Pat McCabe (Brumbies)
11. Digby Ioane (Queensland Reds)
10. Berrick Barnes (NSW Waratahs)
9. Will Genia (Queensland Reds)
8. Wycliff Palu (NSW Waratahs)
7. David Pocock (captain, Western Force)
6. Scott Higginbotham (Queensland Reds)
5. Nathan Sharpe (Western Force)
4. Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds)
3. Sekope Kepu (NSW Waratahs)
2. Tatafu Polota Nau (NSW Waratahs)
1. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)

16. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
17. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
18. Dave Dennis (NSW Waratahs)
19. Michael Hooper (Brumbies)
20. Nic White (Brumbies)
21. Anthony Fainga’a (Queensland Reds)
22. Mike Harris (Queensland Reds)

That's a pretty good Australian side actually. Granted their short of their strike runners, but they have shuffled people about to retain a lot of strength in that side.



I'd rather play the one Scotland played no offense.
15 Luke Morahan,
14 Joe Tomane,
13 Anthony Fainga'a,
12 Mike Harris,
11 Digby Ioane,
10 Berrick Barnes,
9 Will Genia,
1 James Slipper,
2 Stephen Moore,
3 Dan Palmer,
4 Sitaleki Timani,
5 Nathan Sharpe,
6 Dave Dennis,
7 David Pocock (capt),
8 Scott Higginbotham
Substitutes: 16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 Ben Alexander (on for Palmer, 70m), 18 Rob Simmons (on for Timani, 54m), 19 Michael Hooper (on for Dennie, 65m), 20 Nick Phipps, 21 Pat McCabe, 22 Adam Ashley Cooper

I'd say that is a pretty strong Aussie side...

You can take four or five players out of any of the top five teams and they wont struggle too much at home, unless they are playing the ABs

maestegmafia wrote:I'd say that is a pretty strong Aussie side...

You can take four or five players out of any of the top five teams and they wont struggle too much at home, unless they are playing the ABs

Mm not to sure on that one - Wales would struggle to replace Adam Jones & don't really have back up at 10. The
Players missing for Australia aren't just any 4 or 5 players they are KEY players virtually irreplaceable IMO.

maestegmafia wrote:I'd say that is a pretty strong Aussie side...

You can take four or five players out of any of the top five teams and they wont struggle too much at home, unless they are playing the ABs

you're trying to convince yourself that the Aussies arent really disrupted by their injuries . I've been silently reading most of your points and you're fighting a losing battle there mate .the Wobblies are woefully understrength theres no other way to put it

Lol thats like saying Take DC , Israel Dagg, Conrad Smith , Whitelock and Kieran Read all at the same time and expect the All blacks to function properly

Bullsbok wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I'd say that is a pretty strong Aussie side...

You can take four or five players out of any of the top five teams and they wont struggle too much at home, unless they are playing the ABs

you're trying to convince yourself that the Aussies arent really disrupted by their injuries . I've been silently reading most of your points and you're fighting a losing battle there mate .the Wobblies are woefully understrength theres no other way to put it

Lol thats like saying Take DC , Israel Dagg, Conrad Smith , Whitelock and Kieran Read all at the same time and expect the All blacks to function properly

Look at the other players that are in that team though... Handy front row, great back row, Genia is one of the best nines in the world and that backline have pace and power...

I know the Aussies could pick a better side but that is still a good team, I really dont believe they will be a push over at all.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I'd say that is a pretty strong Aussie side...

You can take four or five players out of any of the top five teams and they wont struggle too much at home, unless they are playing the ABs

Mm not to sure on that one - Wales would struggle to replace Adam Jones & don't really have back up at 10. The
Players missing for Australia aren't just any 4 or 5 players they are KEY players virtually irreplaceable IMO.

Wales have Hook as a back up ten, not sure if you saw the Win over the Baa Baas or many of his games for Clermont this year but he is in great form.

There are only three teams in the world with two world class tightheads, and neither are playing in this game. Though Oz aren't missing key front row players, in fact that pack is an asset more than one hindered by absence.

Still have star players all over the pitch, Pocock Genia, Ioane, Cooper, Robinson, Higgenbotham and Barnes always plays well against us, despite recent form...

maestegmafia wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I'd say that is a pretty strong Aussie side...

You can take four or five players out of any of the top five teams and they wont struggle too much at home, unless they are playing the ABs

Mm not to sure on that one - Wales would struggle to replace Adam Jones & don't really have back up at 10. The
Players missing for Australia aren't just any 4 or 5 players they are KEY players virtually irreplaceable IMO.

Wales have Hook as a back up ten, not sure if you saw the Win over the Baa Baas or many of his games for Clermont this year but he is in great form.

There are only three teams in the world with two world class tightheads, and neither are playing in this game. Though Oz aren't missing key front row players, in fact that pack is an asset more than one hindered by absence.

Still have star players all over the pitch, Pocock Genia, Ioane, Cooper, Robinson, Higgenbotham and Barnes always plays well against us, despite recent form...

Cooper isnt playing and most importantly James O connor and Kurtley beale . These 3 are directly responsible for most of Australia's backline tries . Barnes is okay i guess but theres a reason he's never started ahead of a fit Quade Cooper

Horwill is a big miss too but still the back up is very good...!

maestegmafia wrote:Look at the other players that are in that team though... Handy front row, great back row, Genia is one of the best nines in the world and that backline have pace and power...

I know the Aussies could pick a better side but that is still a good team, I really dont believe they will be a push over at all.

I agree with what your saying. I think the Wallabies and Welsh teams are very young, I do expect us to have a edge in the front row. The locks should be interesting to watch as well. Though I think we will shade the front 5 battle.

I really worry about the age of the Welsh backline though, with no Jamie to keep them organised. You can just see North or Cuthbert nodding off in defense without an old head to keep them focussed.

Have you heard Sam around the field ? nobody will be nodding off.

Cymroglan wrote:Have you heard Sam around the field ? nobody will be nodding off.

Yes but Sam will be at the bottom of most rucks with Dan Lydiate not far behind him. My concern is who will be organising the back line defense. Who replaces Jamie Roberts to do that job?

Bullsbok wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I'd say that is a pretty strong Aussie side...

You can take four or five players out of any of the top five teams and they wont struggle too much at home, unless they are playing the ABs

Mm not to sure on that one - Wales would struggle to replace Adam Jones & don't really have back up at 10. The
Players missing for Australia aren't just any 4 or 5 players they are KEY players virtually irreplaceable IMO.

Wales have Hook as a back up ten, not sure if you saw the Win over the Baa Baas or many of his games for Clermont this year but he is in great form.

There are only three teams in the world with two world class tightheads, and neither are playing in this game. Though Oz aren't missing key front row players, in fact that pack is an asset more than one hindered by absence.

Still have star players all over the pitch, Pocock Genia, Ioane, Cooper, Robinson, Higgenbotham and Barnes always plays well against us, despite recent form...

Cooper isnt playing and most importantly James O connor and Kurtley beale . These 3 are directly responsible for most of Australia's backline tries . Barnes is okay i guess but theres a reason he's never started ahead of a fit Quade Cooper

Im pretty sure Adam Ashley Cooper is playing though, and he is a star player, which is probably what maesteg meant.

AlynDavies wrote:

Cymroglan wrote:Have you heard Sam around the field ? nobody will be nodding off.

Yes but Sam will be at the bottom of most rucks with Dan Lydiate not far behind him. My concern is who will be organising the back line defense. Who replaces Jamie Roberts to do that job?

That is a problem - I guess Jonathan Davies will take over, I think he normally does when Roberts is off?

I see Wales fans bill this game as "tri-nations champion v 6 nations champions" and also saying that Australia are worst in a generation. So which is the fact? Is this the game to crown champions of a world? or is it a must-win game for developing Wales against sub-standard opposition team?

Oz with 3 star players missing is always the reason i have said they will fall. The backline is ok bit i agree this is perfect timing to take them out..completely. Some are playing third match when the oz depth is exposed, theyre beatable.

Wales arent the easybeat wales of old and had some genuine consistency before this match over a sustained period.

They lost games world cup time but in that group were impressive. Add the 6N and you have a consistently performing side. Not seen here since 2002/3.

If, and its a big if, they play to those standards they should win this week...and the series.

Oz backs are to the wall and will be defiant. But other than that they will find it tough if wales are true to form.

Genia pocock ioane and barnes are the key for oz and need to fire. If that four are off wales will win. SH or not. You still have to have your players on the field.

At the bookies id say wales should be favourite.

maestegmafia wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I'd say that is a pretty strong Aussie side...

You can take four or five players out of any of the top five teams and they wont struggle too much at home, unless they are playing the ABs

Mm not to sure on that one - Wales would struggle to replace Adam Jones & don't really have back up at 10. The
Players missing for Australia aren't just any 4 or 5 players they are KEY players virtually irreplaceable IMO.

Wales have Hook as a back up ten, not sure if you saw the Win over the Baa Baas or many of his games for Clermont this year but he is in great form.

There are only three teams in the world with two world class tightheads, and neither are playing in this game. Though Oz aren't missing key front row players, in fact that pack is an asset more than one hindered by absence.

Still have star players all over the pitch, Pocock Genia, Ioane, Cooper, Robinson, Higgenbotham and Barnes always plays well against us, despite recent form...

Last time I looked Hook played for Perpignan & his form at 10 for Wales is shaky. Where is the quality back up for Adam Jones?

I'm not saying Australia haven't still got star players but the ones missing tip the balance in favour of Wales, this would not be the case if they were playing Saturday.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:Last time I looked Hook played for Perpignan & his form at 10 for Wales is shaky. Where is the quality back up for Adam Jones?

I'm not saying Australia haven't still got star players but the ones missing tip the balance in favour of Wales, this would not be the case if they were playing Saturday

Hook isn't playing well enough to start for Wales, but he is a decent bench player in light of the fact he can cover 10-15.

I think the next Welsh 3 may well be Jo Rees, of the Ospreys, he was brilliant this season.

AlynDavies wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:Last time I looked Hook played for Perpignan & his form at 10 for Wales is shaky. Where is the quality back up for Adam Jones?

I'm not saying Australia haven't still got star players but the ones missing tip the balance in favour of Wales, this would not be the case if they were playing Saturday

Hook isn't playing well enough to start for Wales, but he is a decent bench player in light of the fact he can cover 10-15.

I think the next Welsh 3 may well be Jo Rees, of the Ospreys, he was brilliant this season.

How much has he played this season?

I watched almost all the televised games and it has always been Aaron Jaris replacing Adam. Joe Rees is the academy boy who Adam Jones has spoken to highly of.

In Adam Jones' 100cap interview he said that it would be Craig Mitchell who takes his place.

I just checked

Jarvis started 9 (1HC, 2LV) games this season and came off the bench in 14 (3HC, 1LV)

Joe Rees started 6 (2 in the LV) and came off the bench in 9 (2LV)

I think you are answering my point gentlemen.

There isn't a ready made replace,ent of quality for TH or FH. These are key positions for any team but Wales haven't got real class back up losing just 2 (hypothetically) players.

Australia have lost 5.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:I think you are answering my point gentlemen.

There isn't a ready made replace,ent of quality for TH or FH. These are key positions for any team but Wales haven't got real class back up losing just 2 (hypothetically) players.

Australia have lost 5.

Craig Mitchell is a good THP and a decent replacement for Jones

Hook is a grandslam winning 10 (and Biggar is a double pro12 winning 10)

My goldfish Dr Hook won a gold star at my primary school pet day.

Bullsbok wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I'd say that is a pretty strong Aussie side...

You can take four or five players out of any of the top five teams and they wont struggle too much at home, unless they are playing the ABs

you're trying to convince yourself that the Aussies arent really disrupted by their injuries . I've been silently reading most of your points and you're fighting a losing battle there mate .the Wobblies are woefully understrength theres no other way to put it

Lol thats like saying Take DC , Israel Dagg, Conrad Smith , Whitelock and Kieran Read all at the same time and expect the All blacks to function properly

Cruden in for DC.
Andre Taylor in for Dagg.
Kahui in for Smith.
Ali Williams in for Whitelock.

Still a pretty good All Blacks team.

Aus are disrupted by their injuries but they are still a good team that can play intelligently enough to beat Wales.

Morgannwg wrote:

Bullsbok wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:I'd say that is a pretty strong Aussie side...

You can take four or five players out of any of the top five teams and they wont struggle too much at home, unless they are playing the ABs

you're trying to convince yourself that the Aussies arent really disrupted by their injuries . I've been silently reading most of your points and you're fighting a losing battle there mate .the Wobblies are woefully understrength theres no other way to put it

Lol thats like saying Take DC , Israel Dagg, Conrad Smith , Whitelock and Kieran Read all at the same time and expect the All blacks to function properly

Cruden in for DC.
Andre Taylor in for Dagg.
Kahui in for Smith.
Ali Williams in for Whitelock.


Still a pretty good All Blacks team.

Aus are disrupted by their injuries but they are still a good team that can play intelligently enough to beat Wales.

I didnt say they were irreplaceable , its a professional rugby team obviously they'll be replaced .My point was the team wont be nearly as good

wales606 wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:I think you are answering my point gentlemen.

There isn't a ready made replace,ent of quality for TH or FH. These are key positions for any team but Wales haven't got real class back up losing just 2 (hypothetically) players.

Australia have lost 5.

Craig Mitchell is a good THP and a decent replacement for Jones

Hook is a grandslam winning 10 (and Biggar is a double pro12 winning 10)

Craig Mitchell isn't even in the touring squad. Both Hook & Biggar aren't that good (internationally)no matter how you try to dress it up.

Cymroglan wrote:Wales wont underestimate them we will play our own game.
What I like about this Welsh side is that we can grind out a win even when we are not at our best.

When was the last time Wales ground a victory? The teams that do that get ahead on the scoreboard and grudge and malinger and negate the game.

That is not the Welsh way.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

wales606 wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:I think you are answering my point gentlemen.

There isn't a ready made replace,ent of quality for TH or FH. These are key positions for any team but Wales haven't got real class back up losing just 2 (hypothetically) players.

Australia have lost 5.

Craig Mitchell is a good THP and a decent replacement for Jones

Hook is a grandslam winning 10 (and Biggar is a double pro12 winning 10)

Craig Mitchell isn't even in the touring squad. Both Hook & Biggar aren't that good (internationally)no matter how you try to dress it up.

Mitchell is injured. Hook won a GS at 10, thats not dressing it up, its fact.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

wales606 wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:I think you are answering my point gentlemen.

There isn't a ready made replace,ent of quality for TH or FH. These are key positions for any team but Wales haven't got real class back up losing just 2 (hypothetically) players.

Australia have lost 5.

Craig Mitchell is a good THP and a decent replacement for Jones

Hook is a grandslam winning 10 (and Biggar is a double pro12 winning 10)

Craig Mitchell isn't even in the touring squad. Both Hook & Biggar aren't that good (internationally)no matter how you try to dress it up.

Surely this means Charlie Hodgson for the Lions?

Portnoy wrote:

Cymroglan wrote:Wales wont underestimate them we will play our own game.
What I like about this Welsh side is that we can grind out a win even when we are not at our best.

When was the last time Wales ground a victory? The teams that do that get ahead on the scoreboard and grudge and malinger and negate the game.

That is not the Welsh way.

To be fair to Wales they probably did that against England in the 6Ns. A close game that could have gone either way.

Portnoy wrote:

Cymroglan wrote:Wales wont underestimate them we will play our own game.
What I like about this Welsh side is that we can grind out a win even when we are not at our best.

When was the last time Wales ground a victory? The teams that do that get ahead on the scoreboard and grudge and malinger and negate the game.

That is not the Welsh way.

Against France 2 games ago.

And Ireland in the six nations opener...

Morgannwg wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

wales606 wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:I think you are answering my point gentlemen.

There isn't a ready made replace,ent of quality for TH or FH. These are key positions for any team but Wales haven't got real class back up losing just 2 (hypothetically) players.

Australia have lost 5.

Craig Mitchell is a good THP and a decent replacement for Jones

Hook is a grandslam winning 10 (and Biggar is a double pro12 winning 10)

Craig Mitchell isn't even in the touring squad. Both Hook & Biggar aren't that good (internationally)no matter how you try to dress it up.

Surely this means Charlie Hodgson for the Lions?

Since you mentioned it. I wouldn't feel totally confident if Priestland was the Lions 10. At the moment he even has Welsh supporters divided whether he is good enough for Wales.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

wales606 wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:I think you are answering my point gentlemen.

There isn't a ready made replace,ent of quality for TH or FH. These are key positions for any team but Wales haven't got real class back up losing just 2 (hypothetically) players.

Australia have lost 5.

Craig Mitchell is a good THP and a decent replacement for Jones

Hook is a grandslam winning 10 (and Biggar is a double pro12 winning 10)

Craig Mitchell isn't even in the touring squad. Both Hook & Biggar aren't that good (internationally)no matter how you try to dress it up.

Surely this means Charlie Hodgson for the Lions?

Since you mentioned it. I wouldn't feel totally confident if Priestland was the Lions 10. At the moment he even has Welsh supporters divided whether he is good enough for Wales.

I think all welsh and most english supporters would have Priestland, Hook, Biggar, Tovey, Morgan even Arwel Thomas over Charlie Hodgson for the Lions.

maestegmafia wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

wales606 wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:I think you are answering my point gentlemen.

There isn't a ready made replace,ent of quality for TH or FH. These are key positions for any team but Wales haven't got real class back up losing just 2 (hypothetically) players.

Australia have lost 5.

Craig Mitchell is a good THP and a decent replacement for Jones

Hook is a grandslam winning 10 (and Biggar is a double pro12 winning 10)

Craig Mitchell isn't even in the touring squad. Both Hook & Biggar aren't that good (internationally)no matter how you try to dress it up.

Surely this means Charlie Hodgson for the Lions?

Since you mentioned it. I wouldn't feel totally confident if Priestland was the Lions 10. At the moment he even has Welsh supporters divided whether he is good enough for Wales.

I think all welsh and most english supporters would have Priestland, Hook, Biggar, Tovey, Morgan even Arwel Thomas over Charlie Hodgson for the Lions.

You maybe right I don't know but it was the welsh student that mentioned Charlie Hodgson not me. Normally a sign of someone losing the argument when you have to go off on an irrelevant tangent.

Who is going off an irrelevant tangent? You clearly think Hodgson should be selected for the Lions ahead of the Priest...

I actually don't think its a bad AUS side... ok they have O'Connor, Beale and Cooper out of the backline.... that would hurt anyone, but they still are fielding a competitive backline and a very good side.

Joe Taomane getting injured is a real shame for them though.. he's been pretty awesome this year.

You have to expect a reaction from the AUS team after last weeks result... they will come out full guns blazing, double so due to their loss to Scotland. If Wales can hold on to 60mins I think they'll win the match.

If Wales lose I can easily see them getting drubbed 3-0... win and I can see AUS collapsing and & may not recover in time for the 4N. The first test is so important.

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

Morgannwg wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:

wales606 wrote:

BigTrevsbigmac wrote:I think you are answering my point gentlemen.

There isn't a ready made replace,ent of quality for TH or FH. These are key positions for any team but Wales haven't got real class back up losing just 2 (hypothetically) players.

Australia have lost 5.

Craig Mitchell is a good THP and a decent replacement for Jones

Hook is a grandslam winning 10 (and Biggar is a double pro12 winning 10)

Craig Mitchell isn't even in the touring squad. Both Hook & Biggar aren't that good (internationally)no matter how you try to dress it up.

Surely this means Charlie Hodgson for the Lions?

Since you mentioned it. I wouldn't feel totally confident if Priestland was the Lions 10. At the moment he even has Welsh supporters divided whether he is good enough for Wales.

I think all welsh and most english supporters would have Priestland, Hook, Biggar, Tovey, Morgan even Arwel Thomas over Charlie Hodgson for the Lions.

You maybe right I don't know but it was the welsh student that mentioned Charlie Hodgson not me. Normally a sign of someone losing the argument when you have to go off on an irrelevant tangent.

There was an argument?

I actually think the side that played Scotland on Tuesday is much better than the one playing Wales. They simply couldnt alter the game plan.

Deans has selected 7 Waratahs for the Wales test and anyone who watches Super rugby would quickly conclude that not one of them deserves to be playing test matches. They are all out of form. The forwards (Kepu, TPN, Robinson, Palu) are all unfit (ok, robinson is fit, but has not done a lot this year) and the backs are there by name and reputation: Barnes, Horne, AAC). Would have to be most pedestrian backline named in years. Ioane, Genia, Pocock will need to have massive games to compensate.

So Rob, do you think Oz is going to lose?