British & Irish Lions - Weekly Wallaby Watch (Ioane & McCabe out of series, Barnes out of 2nd test:)

Inevitably, there's been a ma-hoosive over-focus on these boards about whom the tourists are likely to be and little, if anything, on who the Australian test team are likely to be.

The point of this thread is to report week to week upon the players which the Sydney Morning Herald believes are the best Aussie players in each round of the Super 15, to discuss how this changes and to comment in light of these performances who the form test starters are likely to be for the Wallabies.

The Wallaby squad will be removed for all Super 15 matches on 7, 8 and 9 June in order to be 'quarantined' for 3 weeks leading up to the first test on June 22nd.

SUPER 15 MATCHES REMAINING FOR WALLABIES SQUAD UNTIL THE FIRST TEST: 0

A. WALLABIES SQUAD:

Ben Alexander	Prop	Brumbies	28	48
Adam Ashley-Cooper	Fullback-Wing-Midfield	NSW Waratahs	29	77
Berrick Barnes	Flyhalf/Inside Centre/Fullback	NSW Waratahs	27	50
Nick Cummins	Wing	Western Force	25	6
Dave Dennis	Loose Forward	NSW Waratahs	27	15
Kane Douglas	Lock	NSW Waratah	27	6
Saia Fainga’a	Hooker	Queensland Reds	26	18
Israel Folau	Fullback-Wing	NSW Waratahs	23	Uncapped
Will Genia	Halfback	Queensland Reds	25	41
Liam Gill	Flanker	Queensland Reds	20	8
Michael Hooper	Flanker	NSW Waratahs	21	13
Rob Horne	Inside Centre	NSW Waratahs	23	14
James Horwill	Lock	Queensland Reds	27	35
Sekope Kepu	Prop	NSW Waratahs	27	23
Christian Leali’ifano	Flyhalf/Inside Centre	Brumbies	25	Uncapped
Ben McCalman	Loose Forward	Western Force	25	21
Stephen Moore	Hooker	Brumbies	30	76
Ben Mowen	Loose Forward	Brumbies	28	Uncapped
James O’Connor	Flyhalf/Wing	Melbourne Rebels	22	37
Wycliff Palu	No 8	NSW Waratahs	30	46
Nick Phipps	Halfback	Melbourne Rebels	24	12
Benn Robinson	Prop	NSW Waratahs	28	56
Rob Simmons	Lock	Queensland Reds	24	23
James Slipper	Prop	Queensland Reds	23	34
Luke Morahan	Wing	Reds	23	1

B. CURRENT S15 TEAM STANDINGS (AUSTRALIA)
TeamPWLDBFA /-BnsPts

1. Brumbies	14	9	3	2	2	376	257	119	6	54
2. Reds	15	9	4	2	1	307	284	23	6	50
3. Waratahs	14	7	7	0	2	371	344	27	4	40
4. Rebels	14	4	10	0	2	327	439	-112	8	32
5. Force	14	3	10	1	2	233	323	-90	5	27

c. AUSSIE TEAM S15 RESULTS

Round 16
Crusaders v Waratahs, Full Time 23-22
Brumbies v Hurricanes, Full Time 30-23
Reds v Rebels, Full Time 33-20

Round 15
Rebels v Waratahs, Full Time 24-22
Blues v Brumbies, Full Time 13-20
Force v Highlanders, Full Time 19-18
Stormers v Reds, Full Time 20-15

Round 14
Rebels v Stormers, Full Time 30-21
Force v Sharks, Full Time 13-23
Waratahs v Brumbies, Full Time 28-22
Cheetahs v Reds, Full Time 27-13

Round 13
Chiefs v Force, Full Time 22-21
Reds v Sharks, Full Time 32-17
Blues v Rebels, Full Time 36-32
Waratahs v Stormers, Full Time 21-15

Round 12
Rebels v Chiefs, Full Time 33-39
Force v Reds, Full Time 11-11
Kings v Waratahs, Full Time 10-72
Brumbies v Crusaders, Full Time 23-30

Round 11
Reds v Blues, Full Time 12-11
Brumbies v Force, Full Time 41-7
Bulls v Waratahs, Full Time 30-19
Crusaders v Rebels, Full Time 30-26

Round 10
Hurricanes v Force, Full Time 22-16
Waratahs v Chiefs, Full Time 25-20
Reds v Brumbies, Full Time 17-17

Round 9
Highlanders v Brumbies, Full Time 19-30
Chiefs v Reds, Full Time 23-31
Rebels v Kings, Full Time 27-30
Force v Crusaders, Full Time 16-14

Round 8
Brumbies v Kings, Full Time 28-28
Hurricanes v Waratahs, Full Time 41-29
Force v Rebels, Full Time 23-30

Round 7
Highlanders v Reds, Full Time 33-34
Brumbies v Bulls, Full Time 23-20
Cheetahs v Rebels, Full Time 34-16
Waratahs v Force, Full Time 23-19

Round 6
Reds v Bulls, Full Time 23-18
Force v Cheetahs, Full Time 10-19
Sharks v Rebels, Full Time 64-7
Stormers v Brumbies, Full Time 35-22
Waratahs v Blues, Full Time 30-27

Round 5
Waratahs v Cheetahs, Full Time 26-27
Reds v Force, Full Time 12-19
Sharks v Brumbies, Full Time 10-29

Round 4
Rebels v Reds, Full Time 13-23
Brumbies v Waratahs, Full Time 35-6

Round 3
Waratahs v Rebels, Full Time 31-26
Reds v Hurricanes, Full Time 18-12
Bulls v Force, Full Time 36-26

Round 2
Rebels v Brumbies, Full Time 13-30
Reds v Waratahs, Full Time 25-17

Round 1
Rebels v Force, Full Time 30-23
Brumbies v Reds, Full Time 24-6

D. AUSSIE TEAMS OF THE WEEK

27 February 2013
1. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Ed Quirk (Reds)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Christian Lealifaano (Brumbies)
13. Ben Tapuai (Reds)
14. Dom Shipperley (Reds)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

7 March 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Nathan Charles (Force)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Angus Cottrell (Force)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Nick Phipps (Rebels)
10. James O'Connor (Rebels)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Ben Tapuai (Reds)
13. Mitch Inman (Rebels)
14. Nick Cummins (Force)
15. Ben Volavola (Waratahs)

11 March 2013
1. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Dan Palmer (Brumbies)
4. Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Jake Schatz (Reds)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Anthony Faingaa (Reds)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

17 March 2013
1. Scott Sio (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
4. Peter Kimlin (Brumbies)
5. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Fotu Auelua (Brumbies)
9. Alby Mathewson (Force)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealifaano (Brumbies)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

24 March 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. James Hanson (Reds)
3. Paddy Ryan (Waratahs)
4. James Horwill (Reds)
5. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
6. Dave Dennis (Waratahs)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Richard Brown (Force)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Drew Mitchell (Waratahs)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

31 March 2013
1. Scott Sio (Brumbies)
2. James Hanson (Reds)
3. Dan Palmer (Brumbies)
4. James Horwill (Reds)
5. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
6. Peter Kimlin (Brumbies)
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
8. Jake Schatz (Reds)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
11. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Dom Shipperley (Reds)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

9 April 2013
1. Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
2. Ged Robinson (Rebels)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Luke Jones (Rebels)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Jason Woodward (Rebels)
15. Richard Kingi (Rebels)

14 April 2013
1. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Rob Simmons (Reds)
5. James Horwill (Reds)
6. George Smith (Brumbies)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Richard Brown (Force)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Rod Davies (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Junior Rasolea (Force)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Jayden Hayward (Force)

21 April 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Heath Tessman (Force)
3. Dan Palmer (Brumbies)
4. Kane Douglas (Waratahs)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Liam Gill (Reds)
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
8. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Israel Folau (Waratahs)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

28 April 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Saia Faingaa (Reds)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Sam Carter (Brumbies)
6. Jarrod Saffy (Rebels)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Mitch Inman (Rebels)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

05 May 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs)
3. Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Dave Dennis (Waratahs)
7. Chris Alcock (Force)
8. Wycliff Palu (Waratahs)
9. Brendan McKibbin (Waratahs)
10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Cam Crawford (Waratahs)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

13 May 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Saia Fainga'a (Reds)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Sitaleki Timani (Waratahs)
5. Kane Douglas (Waratahs)
6. Dave Dennis (Waratahs)
7. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Rod Davies (Reds)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

20 May 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Laurie Weeks (Rebels)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Cadeyrn Neville (Rebels)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Alby Mathewson (Force)
10. Berrick Barnes (Waratahs)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Peter Betham (Waratahs)
15. Luke Morahan (Reds)

27 May 2013
1. Nic Henderson (Rebels)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
4. Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
5. Peter Kimlin (Brumbies)
6. Chris Alcock (Force)
7. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Mitch Inman (Rebels)
14. Tom English (Rebels)
15. Jason Woodward (Rebels)

E. SELECTED AQ PLAYER STATS TO DATE

Most Points
1. Morne Steyn (Bulls) 181
2. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 163
3. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) 158
4. Patrick Lambie (Sharks) 150
5. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) 142
6. Joe Pietersen (Stormers) 140
7. Quade Cooper (Reds) 138
8. Demetri Catrakilis (Kings) 122
9. Brendan McKibbin (Waratahs) 120
10. James O'Connor (Rebels) 106
11. Colin Slade (Highlanders) 85
12. Chris Noakes (Blues) 76
13. Daniel Carter (Crusaders) 70
14. Sias Ebersohn (Force) 63
15. Burton Francis (Cheetahs) 62
16. Jayden Hayward (Force) 60
17. Tyler Bleyendaal (Crusaders) 58
18. Tom Taylor (Crusaders) 52
19. Jason Woodward (Rebels) 51
20. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) 50

Most Tries
1. Frank Halai (Blues) 8
1. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 8
3. Henry Speight (Brumbies) 7
4. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 6
4. Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs) 6
6. Alfie Mafi (Force) 5
6. Cam Crawford (Waratahs) 5
6. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 5
6. Hugh Pyle (Rebels) 5
6. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies) 5
6. Julian Savea (Hurricanes) 5
6. Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) 5
6. Rod Davies (Reds) 5
6. TJ Perenara (Hurricanes) 5
6. Willie le Roux (Cheetahs) 5
16. Akona Ndungane (Bulls) 4
16. Ged Robinson (Rebels) 4
16. Hosea Gear (Highlanders) 4
16. Jean de Villiers (Stormers) 4
16. Peter Betham (Waratahs) 4

Most Tackles Made
1. Pieter Labuschagne (Cheetahs) 214
2. Wimpie van der Walt (Kings) 198
3. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 179
4. Ed Quirk (Reds) 176
5. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 174
6. Matt Todd (Crusaders) 167
7. Sam Cane (Chiefs) 163
8. John Hardie (Highlanders) 161
9. Heinrich Brussow (Cheetahs) 160
9. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 160
9. Robert Ebersohn (Cheetahs) 160
9. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels) 160
13. Brodie Retallick (Chiefs) 156
13. Siyamthanda Kolisi (Stormers) 156
15. Liam Gill (Reds) 153
16. Francois Uys (Cheetahs) 152
17. Marcell Coetzee (Sharks) 146
18. Cornell du Preez (Kings) 145
19. George Smith (Brumbies) 144
20. Hugh Pyle (Rebels) 142

Most Runs
1. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 126
2. Charles Piutau (Blues) 119
3. Digby Ioane (Reds) 114
4. Peter Saili (Blues) 107
5. Luke Braid (Blues) 106
6. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 105
7. Hosea Gear (Highlanders) 104
7. John Hardie (Highlanders) 104
9. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 101
9. TJ Ioane (Highlanders) 101
11. Liam Messam (Chiefs) 100
11. Tom Marshall (Crusaders) 100
13. Ben McCalman (Force) 96
14. Jake Schatz (Reds) 95
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs) 93
15. George Whitelock (Crusaders) 93
17. Alapati Leiua (Hurricanes) 92
17. Hugh Pyle (Rebels) 92
17. Marcell Coetzee (Sharks) 92
17. Steven Luatua (Blues) 92

Most Try Assists
1. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 11
2. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) 7
3. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) 5
3. James O'Connor (Rebels) 5
3. Quade Cooper (Reds) 5
3. Rene Ranger (Blues) 5
3. Will Genia (Reds) 5
8. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) 4
8. Patrick Lambie (Sharks) 4
8. Willie le Roux (Cheetahs) 4
11. Elton Jantjies (Stormers) 3
11. Francis Saili (Blues) 3
11. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 3
11. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 3
11. Johann Sadie (Cheetahs) 3
11. Matt Toomua (Brumbies) 3
11. Morne Steyn (Bulls) 3
11. Nic White (Brumbies) 3
11. Nick Phipps (Rebels) 3
11. Winston Stanley (Force) 3

Most Offloads
1. Quade Cooper (Reds) 37
2. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 30
3. Luke Braid (Blues) 22
4. Rene Ranger (Blues) 21
5. Ben Smith (Highlanders) 20
6. Meyer Bosman (Sharks) 17
6. Robert Fruean (Crusaders) 17
8. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) 16
8. Francois Steyn (Sharks) 16
10. Wycliff Palu (Waratahs) 15
11. Digby Ioane (Reds) 14
11. Hosea Gear (Highlanders) 14
11. James O'Connor (Rebels) 14
14. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 13
14. Charles Piutau (Blues) 13
14. Julian Savea (Hurricanes) 13
14. Kyle Godwin (Force) 13
14. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 13
19. John Hardie (Highlanders) 12
19. Ryan Crotty (Crusaders) 12

Most Pilfers Made
1. Liam Gill (Reds) 9
2. Rene Ranger (Blues) 8
2. Sam Cane (Chiefs) 8
4. George Smith (Brumbies) 7
5. Chris Alcock (Force) 6
5. Robert Ebersohn (Cheetahs) 6
7. John Hardie (Highlanders) 5
7. Luke Braid (Blues) 5
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 5
7. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 5
11. Alby Mathewson (Force) 4
11. Coenrad Oosthuizen (Cheetahs) 4
11. Deon Fourie (Stormers) 4
11. Jacques Botes (Sharks) 4
11. Nick Phipps (Rebels) 4
11. Pieter Labuschagne (Cheetahs) 4
11. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs) 4
18. Meyer Bosman (Sharks) 3
18. Michael Fitzgerald (Chiefs) 3
18. Saia Faingaa (Reds) 3

Most Penalties Conceded
1. Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders) 26
2. Ben Mowen (Brumbies) 20
2. Greg Holmes (Reds) 20
4. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 19
5. Ben Alexander (Brumbies) 18
6. Ali Williams (Blues) 17
6. Ben Franks (Hurricanes) 17
6. Steven Kitshoff (Stormers) 17
9. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 16
10. Schalk Ferreira (Kings) 15
10. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 15
12. Ben Tameifuna (Chiefs) 14
12. Coenrad Oosthuizen (Cheetahs) 14
12. Laurie Weeks (Rebels) 14
12. Pieter Labuschagne (Cheetahs) 14
12. Sam Carter (Brumbies) 14
12. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels) 14
18. Angus Ta'avao (Blues) 13
19. Deon Stegmann (Bulls) 12
19. Liam Messam (Chiefs) 12

Most Turnovers Conceded
1. Quade Cooper (Reds) 37
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies) 34
3. Adriaan Strauss (Cheetahs) 29
4. Deon Fourie (Stormers) 28
5. Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) 27
6. Charles Piutau (Blues) 25
7. Heath Tessmann (Force) 24
7. Rene Ranger (Blues) 24
9. Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Chiefs) 23
9. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 23
11. Digby Ioane (Reds) 22
12. Brendan McKibbin (Waratahs) 21
12. Ged Robinson (Rebels) 21
12. Hikawera Elliot (Chiefs) 21
12. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 21
12. Julian Savea (Hurricanes) 21
12. Liam Messam (Chiefs) 21
12. Nathan Charles (Force) 21
12. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 21
12. Willie le Roux (Cheetahs) 21

Most Missed Tackles
1. Chris Noakes (Blues) 31
1. Robert Ebersohn (Cheetahs) 31
3. Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) 30
4. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 29
5. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) 27
6. Mitch Inman (Rebels) 25
7. Demetri Catrakilis (Kings) 23
7. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 23
7. Pierre Spies (Bulls) 23
10. Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Chiefs) 22
10. Brad Shields (Hurricanes) 22
10. Kyle Godwin (Force) 22
10. Sergeal Petersen (Kings) 22
10. Siyamthanda Kolisi (Stormers) 22
15. Alapati Leiua (Hurricanes) 21
15. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) 21
15. JJ Engelbrecht (Bulls) 21
15. Lodewyk de Jager (Cheetahs) 21
15. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 21
15. Ronnie Cooke (Kings) 21

Good stuff, George.

About time we heard what those pesky convicts are up to!




Not bloody much I can tell you. It's eerily quiet around the stadium right now.

Thank god for your input, Breaker.

What are your thoughts on the form Aussies at the moment? Beale and O'Connor look to be having a miserable time with a Rebels pack that looks completely underpowered and nothing but prospective wedgie fodder for the South Africans in particular.

Will there really be so many young Brumbies in test matches this important?

Excellent idea this George.

A few players who are in very good form at the moments.

Mogg.

Looks by far the most dangerous from the back, his defence is sound and he is competent with the boot.

His stats so far.
Three matches and 56 minutes in the fourth match.
5 offloads
15 runs for 344 meters
3 linebreaks
2 try assists

Liam Gill
His stats so far in 5 matches

68 tackles, 7 missed
1 offload
2 line breaks
he has conceded one penalty
he has hit 33 rucks

Cooper hit some form this weekend, but he needs Genia, without him he doesn't have the same time and space.

George Carlin wrote:Thank god for your input, Breaker.

What are your thoughts on the form Aussies at the moment? Beale and O'Connor look to be having a miserable time with a Rebels pack that looks completely underpowered and nothing but prospective wedgie fodder for the South Africans in particular.

Will there really be so many young Brumbies in test matches this important?

The Brumbies and Reds reps are obviously on top of their games. All these disturbances, one after the other... last week it was Digby Ioane... only muddy up the selection waters and make things more difficult for Robbie. However, no need to panic (nor for RD) and fingers crossed Beale and O'Connor start to click soon.

I'm always happy to see the young promising ones being thrown into SXV and undergoing a sharp learning curve - and hold up to it 2 games out of three say. With all the injuries and silliness in recent years it has meant that there have been and still are opportunities for these 'reserve' players to fill the voids. So in that respect I am satisfied that the increased exposure to a higher level has been achieved.

Of course, NZ and SA have bigger player numbers and their own rising stars and depth of talented players too. The Lions is a different type of engagement though. We'll just have to get our best XV (the most physically & mentally fit) and not be shy going forward in the 3 matches. No room for complacency or slowly building up of steam. The pressure will be on right from the start and we'd prefer to win the 1st match this time and not have to perform the comeback to snatch it.

Mogg has been class from what I have seen. Tapuai has had a decent start to the season as has Lealifano but can't see either of them getting the nod ahead of the established members of the Wallaby back line. The issue Deans has is trying to accommodate so many quality players. If you take Genia and Cooper as your 9,10 (which is by no means a certainty) you still need to find space for Beale, O'Connor, Adam Ashley Cooper, Barnes, Ioane, Mitchell, Faainga etc. I think Deans will stick with these established players rather than any new combinations which is shame but hopefully some of them will get a look in during the Rugby Championship this year.

I'd like to see something like:

9 Genia
10 Cooper
11 O'Connor
12 Beale
13 Folau
14 Ioane
15 Mogg

at this stage... with White, AAC and Mitchell on the bench.

Beale appears to have issues at present though doesn't he? I understand he got into a fight with Gareth Delve in a bar and when another team mate tried to intervene he lamped him. Add in that he's not played particularly well and there has to be a ??? over his participation in the Lions series.

I would also say the series is too soon for Folau. AAC is the Wallabies best option at 13 at present.

To be honest whilst i glance over super rugby performances each week i don't really follow it that closely, as i spend most my time crying over england and bath...so nice to have a ozzie watch thread.

What is the ozzie pack like these days? everyone always talks about the speed of their break down and specilaist 7's but can they scrummage yet or will adam jones, cian healy and potentially sheridan be looking to demolish powderpuff props. Also after quade 'serious issues' cooper and Kurtley 'always injured and also has serious issues' Beale do they have decent fly half cover.

If i was warburton, tipuric, robshaw, lydiate, obrien...i would be looking to smash cooper and get in his face as much as possible, also if we can slow the service from the maestro genia by hitting every ruck like the possessed men of wales did against england then i think Coops will have another mental breakdown with the game then ours for the taking.

I suppose after Cooper/Beale you also have Barnes who can play there. O'Connor has been playing there for the Rebels a bit I think though with limited success.

Horwill is back from injury and I can see him and Simmons being the second row pairing. Clueless about their front row apart from the usual suspects (Moore/Slipper/Robinson etc). With Pocock out openside will be between Hooper/Gill and the remarkable George Smith but possible Smith could play 6... His experience at the top level would be invaluable to the younger guys.

Ozzy3213 wrote:Beale appears to have issues at present though doesn't he? I understand he got into a fight with Gareth Delve in a bar and when another team mate tried to intervene he lamped him. Add in that he's not played particularly well and there has to be a ??? over his participation in the Lions series.

I would also say the series is too soon for Folau. AAC is the Wallabies best option at 13 at present.

Don't forget Folau already has international/big game experience Ozzy. He was a Kangaroo at 18! He's already under consideration by Deans... he knows how he can play. AAC is a lightweight runner in comparison and is streets behind in his fend and offload.

He may have RL international experience breaker, but so far this season has been poor positionally at times for the Tahs. As an attacking force I agree that he has the skills to be a Wallaby, but at the moment he would very much be a weak link defensively.

Is Pat McCabe injured? I've not seen him feature for the Brumbies so far this season.

Broken neck Ozzy.

You're wrong about the defence of Folau. He can tackle alright. I wouldn't say he has been that poor positionally either.

If the pack is something like:

1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. James Slipper
4. James Horwill
5. Rob Simmons
6. George Smith
7. Liam Gill
8. Scott Higginbotham

then we have got to pick breakdown specialists who can compete because Smith and Gill together could be lethal.

There are also plenty of leaders in that pack and grunt should not be a problem.

The front row is not a particular weakness although Slipper is relatively young and inexperienced for a tighthead in games like these. Australia have to wrap Alexander in cotton wool, though, as I think it's a notable step down in quality from him to any of the second choices. Adam Jones said in an interview last week that Alexander is a player he respects a lot as he has brought the whole quality of the Wallaby front row up.

Linebreaker wrote:Broken neck Ozzy.

You're wrong about the defence of Folau. He can tackle alright. I wouldn't say he has been that poor positionally either.

ETA for his return? Good solid option he is.

We may have to agree to disagree on Folaus defence breaker. I'm not saying that he can't tackle, but he has been cuaght out positionally a couple of times.

He did play part of an ACT match (not sure if he lasted that long) in early March but I haven't heard anything since.

Linebreaker wrote:I'd like to see something like:

9 Genia
10 Cooper
11 O'Connor
12 Beale
13 Folau
14 Ioane
15 Mogg

at this stage... with White, AAC and Mitchell on the bench.

I would go with this backline except the centre pairing. Neither Folau or Kurtley have played in the centres. After his latest indiscretion (plus injury and lack of form), Kurltey is a long way from playing for the Wallabies anytime soon, or should be IMO. I know he is a Deans favourite but it is apparent he has a problem with the drink and seems to be in need of an attitude adjustment. I like Israel and he has shown glimpses of what he could bring to the Wallabies but I reckon it is a year too soon - however I would love to be proved wrong. I reckon his ability in the air is superior to any Aust player at present. If he stays around for more than a season I agree he has the potential to make an excellent 13. I would have Christian Lealifano at 12. Great vision, good ball runner and can easily slot into 10 if required - he was the form 10 until injured last year. When Genia and Cooper play together they become greater than their individual parts so unless Genia is injured, Cooper stays at 10. 13 is up for grabs with AAC, Kuridrani, Tapuai and Cummins. There are a lot of good, young players coming through this year. If the Lions tour was next year, i think we'd be in a much stronger position. My team would be:

Robinson
Moore
Slipper
Horwill
MMM
G. Smith / Higgers
Gill /Hooper
Mowen / Palu

Genia
Cooper
Ioane
CL
AAC
O'Connor
Mogg

Have updated part C of the OP to add a stats column.

I reckon Auelua will be in the mix... he's an absolute monster.

A backrow combination of Higginbottom, Smith & Auelua would be very useful. (Hooper on the bench).

It has a good balance of skills such as lineout, ball carrying, tackling and turnovers... Smith has been immense.... best openside in SR at the moment... and he's been playing 3rd grade rugby for 2 years... Amazing.

That would be a great combination, fa.

Also those backs Jello mentioned - Lealifano, Cummins, Kuridrani and Tapuai are in decent form.
We have so much better depth (in both the forwards and backs) than say 2 to 3 years ago.

I honestly can't remember seeing a No8 like him since Henry Tuilagi.

How has this guy never been capped?

Piccamoles...This guy would eat Piccamoles as an appetiser before breakfast.

I think you're right about the forwards... I see AUS having a very strong pack... probably the first since your McQueen days if all are fit.

fa0019 wrote:I reckon Auelua will be in the mix... he's an absolute monster.

They loved Big Fotu at Toulon. Takes quite a lot to become a cult loose forward up there, but he certainly was that.

fa0019 wrote:I reckon Auelua will be in the mix... he's an absolute monster.

A backrow combination of Higginbottom, Smith & Auelua would be very useful. (Hooper on the bench).

It has a good balance of skills such as lineout, ball carrying, tackling and turnovers... Smith has been immense.... best openside in SR at the moment... and he's been playing 3rd grade rugby for 2 years... Amazing.

I've not been that impressed with Higginbotham so far this season. On current form I would have Mowen at 6 and Auelua at 8, with probably Hooper wearing the 7 jersey.

Higgs was OK in their first game but since then he has been struggling in a losing side. He looked shot in Durban the other day.

The move down south may have been positive for his bank account but he's now probably realising just how much he misses his Reds mates. Working combinations and confidence are everything in this game - must admit I thought 'fair enough decision (to move)... but what about the affect it will have on his game?' There was always going to be an element of risk going to play for the Rebels and it must be very frustrating for him at the moment. He'd still probably fire on all cylinders for the Wallabies though - which is the main thing.

Some small noises about Kurtley Beale being chased by 2 NRL clubs (Saints & Panthers) and also an article yesterday in the SMH (Eddie Jones) who is calling for one of the "Three Amigos" to be dropped.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/no-room-for-all-three-amigos-in-wallabies-says-eddie-jones-20130327-2gt0m.html

Not sure I totally agree (just yet) but I do appreciate his point: despite their huge potential there is also some degree of volatility (off field... and also maybe on field?) and perhaps some valid competition from the young Brumbies rising stars.

Cooper Vuna has been suspended for a match, btw. His stocks seem to be plummeting for now and he really has no-one to blame except himself.

Vuna is able to run, catch, pass and step. Just apparently not at the same time.

So its possible that George Smith and Brian O'Driscoll may line up against each other again....

The Telegraph

Former captain Smith has been in spectacular form at openside flanker for the ACT Brumbies in Super Rugby this year, after returning to Australia from playing in France and Japan.

Deans has previously stated that the 32 year-old is not under consideration, largely because he's still under contract to Japanese club Suntory, and therefore ineligible under Australian Rugby Union rules.

Brumbies coach Jake White is seeking to extend the player's loan from Japan, however, and Deans said that would open the door for a Wallabies return.
"If the Brumbies seek permission, that's the logical progression for sure," Deans said.

"It's always good to have a longer queue of players, there's no doubt about that, so it would be great to be able to consider him."


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/britishandirishlionsrugby/9956425/I-would-pick-George-Smith-for-Lions-series-says-Australia-coach-Robbie-Deans-provided-club-contract-is-resolved.html

The SBW precedent has been set I suppose. They'll negotiate an extension for Smith if required.

...but just don't mention the Whaling Wars!
(a very sensitive topic but I'm sure the Japanese will play ball)

Linebreaker wrote:The SBW precedent has been set I suppose. They'll negotiate an extension for Smith if required.

...but just don't mention the Whaling Wars!
(a very sensitive topic but I'm sure the Japanese will play ball)

Might it undermine your chances in the test series?

Could be our little joker card we keep in the back pocket, as the Lions we have the advantage that England usually do of HM Govt and their ways of politically instigating, operating to get what you need be it passports, covert ops or a Bazzer/Jap whaling crisis of huge proportions.

Nah, we have a long history of trading with Japan. They'll be pleased we're interested in something of theirs.

Australia has been doing more business with China these last few years so it will be just like the old days again.

Really good idea this thread

It bothers me enormously that George Smith is back and in such good form. Sling him at 6 and Gill or Hooper at 7 with Higginbotham at 8 and you have a seriously good back row.

Hell, Smith has even played centre in the T14 semi-final, right?

Genia and Cooper look to be playing well. Genia's going well against the Highlanders and looks to be back in form. Should be he and Cooper vs the Lions barring injury.

That's looking likely. However, Taylor - there is a stat that I didn't put in the OP.

Q. The person in S15 with the highest number of turnovers conceded after Round 6?

A. Mr Quade S. Cooper

Doesnt surprise me. He's probably topping the missed tackles list as well. Tonights game he just waved his arms around a bit instead of committing to tackles. He also threw some horrid hospital passes but he moved around quite freely, covered at the back and kicked well, and also ran the ball confidently.

Not saying he's running hot but with Barnes injured for a few weeks he's the pick at 10 so far and looks like he'll improve. Its Genia that went really well. Nearly back to his sniping best. Got one ridiculously easy try, helped by Coopers ghost run to the blind.

Gill looked good as well and is putting his hand up. I think a battle with Tipuric is on the cards.

loved Justin Marshalls little commennt when Hosea Gear smashed Moraghan..."Moraghan does well here...just when you'd rather stay down and have a little cry he gts the ball away"...classic.

OP updated for round 7.

Those who don't usually watch S15 highlights should give themselves a treat and watch this:

http://www.superxv.com/video/highlanders-vs-reds-rd7-super-rugby-video-highlights-2013/highlanders-vs-reds-rd7-super-rugby-video-highlights-2013-video_aff5af90e.html

Genia was man of the match. A couple of things are clear:

1. Cooper without Genia is less than half the threat. G gives C so much more time it is untrue.

2. The Aussie teams likely to supply the Lions test opponents with most players are the Brumbies and the Reds. The Rebels have lost something like 5 on the bounce and are having a shocking time.

3. Horwill is going to be a key player for the Wallabies.

key players for Oz this year...JOC, Cooper, Genia, AAC, Ioane, Horwill, Gill, Kepu, Polotau- Nau and possibly Beale (desperation to play him will get him back in).

Not a lot else in the tank- Smiths contract still unsure? Key injuries to any of the above during sxv will severely dent Oz chances. They are light on adequate replacements.

Mogg, Gill, lealiifano, they are all on form.

Yes I like Lealiifono, not sure of his history. Very good goalkicker as well. Its those experienced guys Oz will need to to take the game to the Lions. Theyll get beaten up in the pack as the Lions bring their usual big pack. But players like Tipuric add a new dimension that isnt normally a NH trademark so the 7's battle will be huge.

For me it still comes down to the Lions 10 and having a 15 that will attack. Lions have the pack, the loosies and pace and size in the backs and Phillips will play at 9 as he's a proven big match player. Given that, 10 and 15...key to a Lions win I reckon. NH 10's have generally been awful vs SH sides for a very long time.

Who do you think will be the Bazzers likely openside with Pocock out? THought Hooper played well in the Tah's win over the Force.

Maes, it looks like there is a big hype to get George Smith in, my choice will be Lian Gill.

I have seen the George Smith calls, he has been very good. His experience will count as well as his form.

Complete contrast to young Liam Gill. I thought he looked a talent at the JWC last year.

He's been very good quality at the Reds so far. Pacey and athletic, smart for a young lad too

Mitchell looks like he's slowly coming back after a desparately unlucky last couple of years too

CJ, Mithcell is not what he was unfortunately. He has become another Adam Ashkey Cooper, he runs straight and that's it.

I think his injury has made him a limited player.

The name of Hugh McMeniman is cropping up more and more as well, which must mean something given the booting that the Force are inclined to get on a weekly basis.

Can our Aussie brethren tell us anything about him. He seems to be a gangling speedster rather than a Nathan Sharpe-eque bulldozer. Is that wrong?

Gats interviewed by Cully in the SMH this week:

Roar of Lions: Gatland wary of Wallabies with X-factor

Date: March 30, 2013

Warren Gatland dos not come across as a man who lacks respect for opponents.

Broach the subject of the Wallabies scrum and the British and Irish Lions coach takes you back to November, and the warnings he gave to people about the dangers of underestimating the wounded Australian set-piece leading up to their win at Twickenham. He is happy to describe Will Genia as ''the best player in the world in his position''.

But he is convinced of two things: first, the Welsh contingent in the British and Irish Lions will not carry scars from their recent inability to beat the Wallabies; and second, if the Lions play with the quality they did in South Africa in 2009, they can beat the Wallabies and record their first series win in 16 years.

There is good reason, of course, for Wallabies fans to take comfort from six straight wins against Wales going back to the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Wales' recent 30-3 demolition of England to claim the Six Nations means that a lot of those players will be on the plane to Australia. But in the Lions context, Gatland says, those results don't mean a thing.

''The only way you improve and learn is from adversity,'' Gatland says. ''That's possibly where a huge amount of learning has taken place for a lot of those guys. That's a learning process for a lot of those [Welsh] players and I think that process is potentially what got them over the line against England.

''The last three [Wales] games against Australia, being in front in all three games and in two of them losing them right on full time … I think they'll learn from that.

''The confidence that gives me with the Lions team is that you take those players and then you add the best of what's available from England, Scotland and Ireland. I'd like to think that when we get on the plane there'll be a lot of confidence that we can go to Australia and do well.''

With the Six Nations over, Gatland is now at that stage in his preparation when his eyes also turn to Australia. He admits he hasn't been too focused on Super Rugby to date, but that analysis will now sharpen. George Smith is just one he'll be ''keeping an eye on'', and regardless of the attention on Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper and James O'Connor away from the field, Gatland is wary of their X-factor.

But this series is going to be won or lost in the preparation. Pitfalls abound. Robbie Deans has withdrawn players from Super Rugby. Gatland has qualms about the false confidence that can be taken from beating weakened opposition in the lead-up games. But get it right, he says, and the series is there for the winning.

''That first three weeks leading into the Brisbane Test [on June 22] is going to be paramount in terms of our training and preparation and gelling the squad together,'' Gatland says. ''Because we're really pleased with the potential of the squad, the quality. There are some young players that are really, really exciting.'' Gatland is not even bothered if the Lions ''drop a game or two'' in those early fixtures, when he will give everyone in his squad some game time. ''It's all about performing in the Test series and getting ourselves ready for that first Test in Brisbane,'' he says.

Asked if the Wallabies will go into the first Test underdone by a lack of hard rugby, as Gatland believes the Lions did in South Africa in 2009, the result is deadpan humour. ''I hope so.'' But Gatland is certain of one thing. The Lions are coming to play. Content with the International Rugby Board's decision to appoint Chris Pollock, Craig Joubert and Romain Poite as Test officials, Gatland believes the presence of two southern hemisphere referees will help reward ''positive'' rugby.

''We've got some physicality about us and some size, but if you're going to go to Australia and win a Test series you've got to play rugby,'' Gatland says. ''We've got to have the ability to go and do that and I think four years ago in South Africa we played some fantastic rugby and were really unlucky we didn't win that series.

''If we go to Australia and think we're going to play nine- or 10-man rugby that's not going to be good enough to win a Test series.'' Besides, Gatland has been around long enough to understand that those who think they will walk over the Wallabies physically end up with egg on their faces.

''Everyone's got the impression that Australians don't have strong scrums, but if you go in with that attitude that is something they will work hard at,'' he says. ''We saw that in November when they were well beaten by France and then the expectation was that England were going to dominate and didn't.

''I said to a few people, 'Don't underestimate the Australians the following week, you write them off at your peril'. I've got to keep those things in the back of my mind … if you think there is going to be dominance in a certain area, it doesn't always work out that way.''

Great post GC! Bout time we focussed on the Wallabies a bit, I've been commenting on NH players over 6N but now S15 is back I'll wanna be discussing wallabies more I think.

Just so you all know, being a dual national and all, I'll be supporting the Wallabies for the Lions Tour, but I would like to see Scottish players do well (if any get picked).

Some Mogg highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9hZaRMU724

Winston Stanley has been looking good for the Force at centre, I'd like to see some more of that and maybe getting a cap.

Foley has looked good for the Tahs at 10 so they arent short of a Cooper back up if his wheels fall off either. Folau's doing some good things and is still worth a shot- needs more work though. Hooper played one of his better ones so 7 is pretty good too with Smith and Gill already in good fom.

Loved Gatlands comments about the 10 man rugby off the cards- he's restoring my faith rapidly!

One thing I'm confused about is Cooper back as 10 for the wallabies - did Deans forgive him in the end for walking away last season?

Have to say I'm really looking forward to seeing the fast footwork australian backline play against a likely monster lions backline.

My oz backline right now would be:

Genia
Cooper
Ioane
Ben Tapuai
AAC
JOC
Mogg - but i bet beale will go here if he sobers up!

none of these are massive but all have great balance and footwork - expect them all to jink their way through 17+ stone backs and forwards