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

First topic message reminder :

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

Don't we all, Biltong... don't we all!

(Mine was a bit of a wind-up. Except for 3 of them. Can you guess which 3?)

Biggar
Scott
Barritt


My guess.

ooh close.

I'll let you know closer to the selection.

OK. Enough suspense. Phillips, Scott and Maitland.

Close?

The odds were I would get one, even if I knew nothing.

















Does that mean I know nothing?

Actually Rob does have a point about deans having a point about Cooper. He has shown to be fragile in the past, mainly during that period kiwis were getting into him about hits on the old man mccaw...
His form went to the pack as the world cup neared and he was in no state to lead the charge let alone get his own game going.
But the tides gone out, theres no world cup to be seen, the mccaw days are gone, and coopers even winning fights and attempting the odd tackle.
People change when facing that sort of adversity and I think coopers much more settled, calmer yet still has the talent and is growing in confidence by the day.
A smarter deans would recognise that and pick him up sooner rather than later and he hasnt.

So i think robs got deans sussed bang on. Hes already showing signs of not forgetting the past and not learning himself, even when others just may have.

Some folks here think RD should have stuck up for him more (in the days leading up to that semi) but I can see that if he had come to his defence... then the media/punters would have jumped on him instead. I can relate to the stubbornness thing but what always irritates me (in any sport) is when the tide turns, form returns... and a coach still has old question marks and refuses to give some leeway to a particular player.

The recent behaviour (with Beale) probably doesn't help alleviate RD's gut feeling of QC's mental state but his form on the field this year should. I do hope Deans does take another gamble and try and put the past behind him and back him for the Lions.

All it would take is some quality communication (if possible between the two) and for Robbie to tell him "we can't afford more problems, brain explosions, etc... but your current form is much needed" and for QC to say "yeah, I am trying to pull my head in more and I believe I have the goods to do the job" How hard would that be in reality?

Cooper was pretty young at the RWC and no doubt had Khoder Nasser in his ear before, during and after the event. I feel that RD threw him into the lions den last season by not playing him in the first Bledisloe in Qld (when he was fit) but started him at Eden Park, the scene of his world cup disaster. Poor management by Deans I reckon. I think he blamed Cooper for that loss as well as the RWC thus leading to the 'toxic' environment comments.

Hope Deans can swallow his pride and play him alongside Genia. If he cracks then replace him with Toomua during the game.

"Now it’s only days away from George Smith being officially eligible to play for the Wallabies against the Lions in the long-awaited three-Test series, Robbie Deans must make his presence felt.
Last weekend in Dunedin, Brumbies coach Jake White brokered a deal with Suntory for Smith to extend his stay in Canberra from May 31 until the end of the Super Rugby tournament."

Just read this. I wonder if RD will pick him? I'm hoping so.

I hope he doesn't for obvious reasons ICU but what I think is undeniable now is that Smith's early season form wasn't a strange purple patch. He's been consistently good for a while now. His try last week was excellent. Hmm.

I agree George. Smith has been pretty good. His stint in Japan seems to have done him no harm - same with Hugh MMM incidentally. They have both come back on top of their game. At present Smith is easily the equal of Gill and Hooper. He would be perfect cover for 6, 7 & 8 plus his previous Lions experience would be invaluable. The only person (coach included) who knows what it's like to play a Lions series.

I'm a bit worried about RD's selections though. He seems like a stubborn bugger (apparently it's a Cantab thing) and I wouldn't be surprised if he still has an issue with Smith and does not pick him. I can also see a backline that includes McCabe and/or Barnes, 2 players are among Deans' favourites. I could live with Berrick being in the squad but Pat McCabe offers virtually nothing in attack - great commitment and a tough player. Now that QC doesn't appear to be the turnstile he once was i reckon its time to play a more dynamic 12.

Anyone just see that Folau try? GWS skills coming to the fore!

Linebreaker wrote:Anyone just see that Folau try? GWS skills coming to the fore!

No I didnt. Must look it up yet. Does he know the rules of rugby yet? Was funny how he didnt realise a yellow card meant he had to leave the field.

Is there any sports this guy hasnt played yet. Aussie rules, league, union. Id say he'd make a good Gaelic player.

It was a shallow-ish cross-field kick - 2 or 3 defenders but he grabbed it easily and powered to the line. Made it look so easy.

That yellow card...

Would love to see smith backing up a backline of genia, cooper, joc, AAC, Ioane and Folau and Beale at FB.

The magic that genia, cooper and joc could cook up on the inside, combined with Beales injection into the line, AAC's straight and hard running and Floau and Ioane taking advantage of the space these guys are bound to give them, the possibilities are endless. These are confidence players and know no bounds when theyre feeling good.

Overall the oz attack looks scarier than ever this year. The cooper, beale issues could be resolved beautifully on the field this year. These guys just want to play good rugby and injuries, playing for struggling sxv sides has fragmented the usually lethal oz backplay but it looks more on track this year...provided the toys, including deans's...go back into the cot.

OP updated.
Can someone tell me if Alfie and Speight are qualified to play for the Wallabies. Both are Pacific Islanders but uncapped?
I hope to hell that they're ineligible - especially Speight. He just ran straight through Hosea Gear last week and I don't think that I've seen that before. Genuinely worried if they might play.

Speights fijian eligible for oz. Played for the Waikato for a couple of seasons in the ITM before and while playing for the Brumbies.
The key thing is oz are showing depth, particularly in the backs tomane, speight, folau, ioane, mitchell all key wing chances, and still a couple more not mentioned.

For the Aus fans what side do you want to see for the first test currently? I can't say I've seen a huge amount of S15 so from reports and what I have seen I'd go with:

1.Robinson
2.Moore
3.Slipper
4.Simmons
5.Horwill
6.Hooper
7.Gill
8.Palu

9.Genia
10.Cooper - I reckon Deans will have a change of heart due to current form and Kurtley's misdemeanors!

11.JOC
12.Leali'ifano - though I do rate McCabe highly
13.AAC
14.Ioane
15.Mogg

16.Polota Nau 17.Alexander 18.Kepu 19.Timani 20.Higginbotham 21.White 22.Barnes 23.Mitchell

Well they certainly wouldnt be short on kickers- 3 sxv frontliners in 9,11 and 12.
I think Beale will get his way in there somehow still- when he combines with JOC, quade etc theres nothing more lethal. Injuries have stopped the 3 operating together for some time now.

Is it scary that frankly Australia have more magic in the backs (that 23 above doesn't contain Folau or Beale) than all 4 Lions nations?

ChequeredJersey wrote:Is it scary that frankly Australia have more magic in the backs (that 23 above doesn't contain Folau or Beale) than all 4 Lions nations?

They have the best backs in the world. The only real chance the Lions have is to dominate the forward battle and defend so tight that the Aussies never get on the front foot. I still think we can do it but it won't be won by our sparkling back division.

George Carlin wrote:OP updated.
Can someone tell me if Alfie and Speight are qualified to play for the Wallabies. Both are Pacific Islanders but uncapped?
I hope to hell that they're ineligible - especially Speight. He just ran straight through Hosea Gear last week and I don't think that I've seen that before. Genuinely worried if they might play.

Mafi is qualified but unfortunately Henry Speight will not be eligible until the beginning of 2014 (i think), when he is able to apply for citizenship. I believe Speight may have played 7's/ Junior rep teams for Fiji several years ago but as i far as i understand it he is definitely eligible for the Wallabies next year.

Several Waratahs put their hands up last night against the Chiefs, notably Michael Hooper, AAC and Israel Folau. That was the best I've seen the Tahs play in about 3 years - the first half was outstanding though they dropped off a lot in the 2nd, allowing the Chiefs to come back. Michael Cheika seems to be finally getting through to these blokes. Next weeks game against the Bulls will be interesting. Israel Folau is getting better and better exponentially in each game he plays. MOM last night i thought. 4/5 linebreaks, a couple of sublime offloads (one flick out the back as he was being tackled was exceptional),try saving tackles plus a try straight out of the RL playbook. Those types of tries were his bread and butter at the Broncos but to take the ball in between the 2 Chief players the way he did was pretty special. AAC set up the first try and Hooper was back to near his best, forcing the mistake that lead to the match winning try. Foley also had a good game at 10 and even Timani pulled his finger out and played like he is capable of.

In the backs, i reckon we are more than a match for the Lions. IMO only Halfpenny would challenge for a spot in the Wallaby backline. But (and its a big one), it's all up to RD. If his past selections are anything to go by, then I wouldn't be surprised to see a conservative backline consisting of Barnes, McCabe and possibly Horne. If so, then we are up the proverbial creek IMO. Forwards, i'm not so sure about - I would say the packs are pretty even, though i think the Lions front row may have it over us.

It really is up to the form of the established players.
If they continue to thrive through the sxv then they'll pick themselves.
These guys know the drill and are proven at international level.
Deans cant afford new caps in the backs when guys like cooper and co are on song.
Counts for Smith as well. His experience is second to none. Foley, lealiifano, Speight, Mogg et a few others- all promising but a Lions series is not where you try them. So I'd expect a bolter or two- most likely Folau who can be looked after by guys like AAC beale and co out wide but not a lot more. Oz are screaming out for experienced reps last two years for injury and now they will have them. All they need to do is play as they have been.

It's a really interesting contest. Gatland knows he can't compete with Aus in the backs so he will field a massive mobile pack. Read almost any analysis of the Wallabies it is back-centric, you rarely read discussion about their forwards...an indication that Aus knows it supreme strenghts which are the backs, best in the world, but the forwards are often dismissed. Fact is that battle is key and i expect the Lions to win it. But if Aus can get any sort of parity then game on. Lions pack v Wallaby backs.

You've just ruined my morning Icu. The thought of Barnes, McCabe, and Horne in our backline makes me feel sick. Wouldn't put it past Dingo for a minute either.

I agree on both counts Taylorman. Smith's experience will be invaluable and the Lions is not the time for international debuts - although G. Smith had played only 3 tests on the EYOT when he first played the Lions. As you suggest, there may be a bolter or two but more than likely from off the bench imo. Can see Folau coming off the bench with 20min to go or something similar.

Beefy, I wouldn't say the forwards are dismissed but you are right in saying that it is more back focused. Our potential back 3 could be anyone of Hooper, Palu, Gill, G. Smith, Higgers and Hugh MMM. I would be confident of these guys standing up to any Lions backrow. Horwill + 1 for the locks are ok. It's the front row that may be of a concern

The strength of the Aussie pack is they have an ability to handle much stronger sides on paper. They absorbed most of what the ABs, Boks and Argies threw at them last year and came out mostly ahead on the board so no Lions pack is going to get anywhere near destroying them. What they missed last year is the sniff/ oily rag/ try time ability they were capable of when the backs were at full flight. The Smiths of the equation will only serve to enhance the backline antics, something Pocock wasnt great at...the support and carry role.

Deans is used to packs that cope very well without dominating oppositions and he'll be relying on that again this year which is why its crucial the famous five...cooper, genia, joc, beale and Ioane must form the guts of the aussie attack and points scoring.
Throw some stability in from AAC and perhaps a new star no. 6 in folau and I dont think it gets any better.
For my money if all five front the three tests, it'll be the best chance of a 3-0 win.

It is encouraging that some the more established Wallabies are showing some mid season form after a quiet start for many of them. Hopefully they don't get too cocky about things. The depth in the backs is better than it has been at any time during Deans' reign - the key, as Jake White has said, is picking the right players. Hopefully Deans will have learnt his RWC lesson. After winning the 3N, he imposed a very conservative gameplan on the side - to play narrow and kick out out of own half - which simply failed hands down in addition to the fact some key players simply didn't show up. If he picks an attacking team, he has to let them play rugby. If he goes conservative and defensive I think that will play into the Lions hands. Personally I do not think there is a spot for any of Barne, McCabe or Horne. With all 3 in - the Wallabies will lose. With the form of Folau, Lealiifanu and Mogg, you would think at least one of them will force their way into the side. It will be interesting: 1 or more of Cooper, O'Connor, Beale may well not make the top side.

Agree theyre in a good position to have options, a scarce commodity in oz rugby recently. Its just whether RD will debut them against the Lions, especially if the guns are firing which is almost the case now. l think Deans has been dying to get these guys back on the field and hes tired of trying new players. Perfect chance to do this.

Taylorman wrote:Agree theyre in a good position to have options, a scarce commodity in oz rugby recently. Its just whether RD will debut them against the Lions, especially if the guns are firing which is almost the case now. l think Deans has been dying to get these guys back on the field and hes tired of trying new players. Perfect chance to do this.

I think he is too. RD seemed almost beside himself after the Reds/Brumbies game when one of the interviewers mentioned that 'the cupboard is almost full this year' in regard to the current lack of injuries. He hasn't had this much choice in a long time.

Icu wrote:

Taylorman wrote:Agree theyre in a good position to have options, a scarce commodity in oz rugby recently. Its just whether RD will debut them against the Lions, especially if the guns are firing which is almost the case now. l think Deans has been dying to get these guys back on the field and hes tired of trying new players. Perfect chance to do this.

I think he is too. RD seemed almost beside himself after the Reds/Brumbies game when one of the interviewers mentioned that 'the cupboard is almost full this year' in regard to the current lack of injuries. He hasn't had this much choice in a long time.

Understandable for him to be beside himself if you consider the options just in the backs at full strength:

9.Genia
10.Cooper
11.JOC
12.Leali'ifano
13.AAC
14.Ioane
15.Beale

Add Mitchell, Barnes, McCabe, Folau and Mogg then rearrange the players as you like due to the talent and versatility of Beale, JOC and AAC - doesn't matter how you look at it that will be an exceptional back line!

Id just have JOC at 12 nearer the action more. Genia, quade and JOC would cause havoc feeding off each other keeping the lions very busy in the midfield guessing whats gonna happen next, then a sudden shift wide when the space has been created, or a beale incision at the right time would open the lions defence up too late to do anything about it.

I agree Taylor JOC should play 12 and ACC 13

Yeah some players, albeit it very, very few, can play anywhere. Beale and JOC are instintive ball carriers and now that Genia and Cooper can once again command that 10 or so yard area around the scrum/ breakdown it gives so many options for JOC and Beale just outside that. RD's not likely to play JOC at 12 so its pie in the sky stuff but looks the best option for me, particularly against what wil likely be a staunch, upright Lions defensive.

No offence to JOC fans but as a Lions fan I would love it if he was placed at 12. Bod, Sexton, Tuilagi and the lions backrow would have a field day bursting thru the 10/12 channel.

Reckon deans will go for mccabe/aac although i personally would go for lealifano/aac at centre based on current form...

Not sure if anyone has seen, but looks like the Wallabies had better make the most of Digby Ioane's services this year. Press saying massive fall-out with Reds administration over third party payments. Rumoured to be signing a 3 year deal with a French side but he has Japanese and several French clubs all chasing him. Looks like Reds CEO is mis-handling the situation with aggressive statements being made public. Can Australia really afford to lose the world's best winger?

Rob B wrote:Not sure if anyone has seen, but looks like the Wallabies had better make the most of Digby Ioane's services this year. Press saying massive fall-out with Reds administration over third party payments. Rumoured to be signing a 3 year deal with a French side but he has Japanese and several French clubs all chasing him. Looks like Reds CEO is mis-handling the situation with aggressive statements being made public. Can Australia really afford to lose the world's best winger?

How weird.

Latest from SMH on this:


Reds to question Digby Ioane

Queensland Rugby will seek an explanation from Digby Ioane's management to get to the bottom of suggestions the winger has been shopped around to other Australian provinces, contravening his contract.

The gulf between the Reds and the Wallabies winger showed little sign of being bridged on Wednesday, after QRU chief executive Jim Carmichael spoke about what he insists are inaccuracies surrounding Queensland's handling of the saga.

Even so, Carmichael left the door open for Ioane to sit down and discuss the situation, which has put the winger at odds with the Reds over money he believes he is owed from a third-party deal gone awry. The Reds have rubbished that suggestion.

Ioane told Fairfax he had ''no choice'' but to leave at the end of the season and ''there's times when you can't trust anyone''.

The ARU has backed the Reds' hardline stance. Queensland is determined to enforce the terms of the three-year agreement with Ioane, whose total package including ARU top-ups and Wallaby match payments is reputed to be close to $800,000, putting him among the code's financial elite.

The ARU and the Reds are confident the contract with Ioane is ironclad, meaning he cannot be offered to, or play for, another Australian province if he leaves Ballymore a year early.

Contracts are a strange beast in the world of sport, as the first thing you don't want around a club is a player who is disinclined to play for it! It's just bad commerce and bad karma all round.

The player sulks and potentially gives half hearted attempts at playing 'for' his club.
The club, in their constant annoyance, push the player to the bench or even off the match-day squad.
The player becomes more entrenched in his desire to leave.
The club becomes more entrenched in their desire to force him to stay.
The club still must pay the wages of a non-playing or underperforming sulking player; money that might be better utilised by signing another player who wants to play.
The sense of distrust only grows and grows.

Contracts - and forcing them on unhappy players - might be absolutely legal but generally I'd say they are counterproductive all round.

The aussie 'returners' JOC, Cooper, Genia, Horwill, etc continue to thrive in this weekends sxv matches, JOC and Higginbotham combing to nearly thwart the Crusaders tonight for the Rebels.

...and Folau had a great game in a losing side. He's got to be in the 22. Great under the high ball and some devastating runs. Don't know how he got through the Bulls defence for that try. It's an artform doing that sort of thing and very few players can make it look so easy.

Taylorman, do you think Folau should get an opportunity?

Perhaps at wing as he doesn't have a kicking game?

He played AFL for two years so he can kick. The danger is he prefers to run with the ball so it could be a problem if he puts himself in 2 minds and gets rushed without having made up his mind. So far he seems to be quite decisive in the games he's played but yeah I'd like to see him send a torp downfield every now and then.

A lot of people punting for Beale in the AUS team: I'm not sure I'd want him anywhere near the team, especially during a prolonged series. He might be good on the pitch, but seems quite disruptive to the team off the field. Is it just me, or do the Rebels seem more cohesive and focussed on the pitch than they were before Beale's departure?

Folau gets a measured kicking from Nobody in the SMH I see. I think the gist is that whilst he gets pass marks, he's easy to get excited about because of his flair but still needs to work on the basics, etc.

This makes sense. I think that Cooper is twice the player he's been in the last couple of seasons because (say what you like about him being bogan-tastic) he has improved his basic skills (kicking out of hand, playing percentages and yes, even defence - check out the hail mary shoulder charge at the weekend) greatly in comparison to the way he was when starting in the position.

Biltong wrote:Taylorman, do you think Folau should get an opportunity?

Perhaps at wing as he doesn't have a kicking game?

Against the Lions? Not as a starter but defintely at some point off the bench and go from there as with anyone young and new to the game. He's not even played for Oz and although he's leaning the game fast a debut against the Lions as a start would be a risk. Depends who is available, and selected inside him. At this point Genia, Cooper, AAC, Ioane, JOC are 5 of the 7 certains based on a combination of form and experience. Beale I would hope will be there and only then would Folau be able to start because of that experience around him.

If Deans doesnt go with Cooper for reasons only he will be comfortable with and also tries Lealiifano or goes back to McCabe or Barnes at 12 the risks in terms of experience and ability start to add up making Folau appear unstable perhaps.

Presently I couldnt see Folau playing anywhere but wing.

But thats a conservative view and LB might have him first on the list and might be right. He fits in with the instinctive, high octane approach that these proven guys already have. If he was selected I'd still want JOC at 12- the Higginbotham/ Gill/ Genia/ Cooper/ JOC inside connection could do wonders for creating the space he'd get out wide.

Sooo, toss a coin I say...

Taylor,

I think I might revert back to my original gut feeling on Issy. He's pretty much played himself into the 22 for sure... more likely into the run on side during that first half demolition of the Kings. Men v Boys stuff. Now that's the sort of way I'd like to see the Wallabies play.

It's the most ruthless half of SXV rugby I've seen a quite a long while. More than the Bulls-Qld thrashing a few years back... but probably just under Canterbury's massive win over NSW a decade or so back.

46-10 at HT. Lucky intercept try from the Kings 'flatters' the scoreline. Surely we'll get that bonus point and help our points diff a little.

Yeah it was massive. Folau's run to set up one of the tries with an offload off the deck was impressive. He wont get the same space against the Lions but I agree hes not hurting his chances.

The thing that may going against him is that other more experienced wingers are also showing great form and with the stars returning but not yet playing as one for a while I think Deans will want some stability outside the Genia, Quade, JOC, Ioane and I think Beale brigade. They are the winning of this series and Deans will want to get them firing. AAC and a more seasoned winger, even if not test hardened, might be a better option initially for that stability.

Deciding where JOC should go must be giving him a headache. Lelo at 12 abd JOC at wing may do that and add stability to the midfield, and another kicking option. JOC's a huge BIG game player but has been out of test rugby for a while and I think people have forgotten how good he is in tests. I sure havnt.

Folau will definitely be a Wallaby this year. Lets say it just wont be as start vs the Lions...just yet. Anything else is likely I agree. Just my opinion

Ozzies are definitely going to struggle to find a decent ten if Cooper and Besle are out of favour.

James O'Conner could be the man?

Have to say cummins and iaone were both very good yesterday. Cummins style of play is very similar to north and his performance yesterday was better than anything I've seen north do recently. The honey badger made a big statement yesterday, as did diggers who was side stepping and making lots of ground. Genia looked good too, but I thought the force pack were epic, especially tessman. After watching so much NH rugby, that was the best performance from a no. 2 I've seen for a long time. Wallabies are going to have a strong squad.

OP updated to reflect Round 12 results and stats.

Getting close now - only 4 games for the Wallaby players until the first test.

Check out the 'Runs' and 'Offload' stats now - Folau's name is starting to appear more and more. Will Dingo risk him in the 23? It's looking increasingly like he's not going to be able to leave him out.