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

Wallabies look vulnerable

No Cooper as of yet - that is a big blow, he has been playing very well with Genia at the Reds

George Smith is out, Hooper is still an excellent 7 - but it cuts into their bench options and will trouble them if their is an injury

No Tatafu Polota-Nau - I am a big fan of Moore, but not Faingaa, again weakens the Aus bench

No Beale (can't see him recovering in time) means there will be inexperience in that backline, despite the talents of Folau

Pat McCabe reduces the options in midfield - especially with JOC and Barnes being considered for the flyhalf shirt.



Deans seems like he wants to play JOC at 10

"O'Connor has enjoyed little game time in the No. 10 jumper, even for Melbourne Rebels at Super Rugby level, and Rugby World Cup-winning Wallabies Stirling Mortlock and Tim Horan said earlier in the year that he lacked the kicking game, ball distribution and game management required as a Test five-eighth, and that he was better suited out wide.

"His calling and game awareness at 10, he still needs to work on that," Mortlock said, "He's getting better but he hasn't played that position consistently from the day dot. I just think his skill set, currently, is more suited to (inside centre) long term." Fellow 80-Test Wallabies centre Horan, meanwhile, said Cooper's return to form beside Will Genia and added maturity showed he should start at five-eighth. "James O'Connor should be on the wing or at inside centre," Horan said. "I just don't think he has the distribution to ignite the backline outside him."

Talking too an old friend this morning who claims to have relations in Australia.

And he tells me that the word out there is that Mat Guetau as been called up.

I did say that i doubt that... but he seems pretty confident.

If you call up Wilko... then we'll call up Gits.

Don't think either will happen... or maybe... nah... that would be stretching things, wouldn't it, Maj?

Food for thought nonetheless - for the journos.

Gitau can take the last minute conversion attempts.

As a Scotland fan, that's already worked out well for us.

Can't see Giteau getting recalled - would be a big break in the 'not picking foreign based players' policy

Thanks for reminding.....

How's the weather in the UAE, George?




No dust storms hopefully. Keep your mouth and nostrils closed.

Summer is definitely here Breaker - it got to about 38 degrees yesterday. It will get to 50 degrees in August. Comedy hot.

There were also a couple of earthquakes this year which were quite exciting. I mean, they were in Iran but each one was more than a 7.0, so the tremors reached here easily. Up here on the 9th floor, everything was moving. I won't lie to you. A bit of pee came out.

Oh no. I realise you get a few from Iran. You'll be fine. Sand on rock and all that... the best foundations.

I'll never forget the heat in Dubai. About 49° C. When I stepped out of the hotel lobby it hit me so hard. I was looking at the Burj Dubai (amazing building!)... could barely focus on it it was so hot (maybe I need glasses?) I felt sorry for a couple of mynah birds near the porte cochère... barely anything to eat! I got hammered (being a tourist) by the heat. Started sweating in under 15 mins. I was so relieved to get back to my room - after a minor diversion to the London Pub for a quick one. It felt like the closest thing to home. Long live the glorious Empire. They know how to unwind!

Hope you are living well, mate. Takes a special someone.

Big game last night, some big performances.

Smith was impressive again before going off. He was dominant in the tight... Hooper was 2nd best for sure yet still he played well himself. Real shame about his injury.

Barnes looked good, as did Mowan. Ashley cooper was big in defence yet again... Such an underestimated player... As important to AUS as Conrad is to NZ.

I like a combination between Barnes and O'Connor for 10 and 12. They would compliment each other well.

I think deans is right with cooper concerning his defence. It's a big risk. Missed quite a few tackles last night and chaps like van zyl are not big lads... If you can't tackle van zyl what chance will you get vs. George North???

FA can't agree with you on Smith vs Hooper.

They both got 1 turn over, but Smith conceded 3 penalties.

Hooper made many more meters and scored a beautifully executed backline move when he passed tp Barnes, did the run around and recieved to score.

A lot of hoopers metres came from that one big run he did though right? thought hooper was better in attack but smith was far better in the tight. The brumbies lost their way when he went off.... In terms of importance and what AUS would need I think smith would have been the better call.

Hooper didn't look unimpressive though. Nice link play.

Linebreaker wrote:Oh no. I realise you get a few from Iran. You'll be fine. Sand on rock and all that... the best foundations.

I'll never forget the heat in Dubai. About 49° C. When I stepped out of the hotel lobby it hit me so hard. I was looking at the Burj Dubai (amazing building!)... could barely focus on it it was so hot (maybe I need glasses?) I felt sorry for a couple of mynah birds near the porte cochère... barely anything to eat! I got hammered (being a tourist) by the heat. Started sweating in under 15 mins. I was so relieved to get back to my room - after a minor diversion to the London Pub for a quick one. It felt like the closest thing to home. Long live the glorious Empire. They know how to unwind!

Hope you are living well, mate. Takes a special someone.

Very kind, Breaker. Looking forward to this series very much.

Tried to get a ticket but had absolutely no chance.

Some "Aussie" reaction to the Wallabies squad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JYEFgoZh6as

And a fairly good Aussie view on the Lions' front row options http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/lions-threats-and-how-to-counter-front-row-and-scrum/

Digby Ioane may miss the 1st Test. He had some surgery on his knee this morning.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-05-22/wallabies-may-lose-ioane-for-lions-opener/4706506

Oh dear. I wonder if people will ever get tired of that Hitler video.

fa0019 wrote:Big game last night, some big performances.

Smith was impressive again before going off. He was dominant in the tight... Hooper was 2nd best for sure yet still he played well himself. Real shame about his injury.

Barnes looked good, as did Mowan. Ashley cooper was big in defence yet again... Such an underestimated player... As important to AUS as Conrad is to NZ.

I like a combination between Barnes and O'Connor for 10 and 12. They would compliment each other well.

I think deans is right with cooper concerning his defence. It's a big risk. Missed quite a few tackles last night and chaps like van zyl are not big lads... If you can't tackle van zyl what chance will you get vs. George North???

I've been an advocate of that axis for a while, perhaps with AAC at13.
AAC is class, he's played just about every backline position for the Wallabies and done a job there.

Has JOC ever played 12? Received wisdom has it that he's such a heads up footballer he can play anywhere but surely he won't be happiest taking first contact in an offensive line?

Official stats (not to be trusted, obviously but a single source of them should hopefully that inconsistencies are, well, consistent) would have him at something like 40lbs lighter than Jamie Roberts.

I believe he has played at 12 quite often, just not so often for the Wallabies or not at all(?). Barnes and Giteau used to often deal with Nonu just fine. The Aussies can handle big guys running at them.

JOC's defence is questionable enough as it is, do Aus really want to see him against Roberts and Tuilagi in the midfield?

Part 2 of Green & Gold's Lions analysis http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/lions-threats-and-how-to-counter-locks-and-lineout/

And Michael Lynagh on the Wallabies backs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nFDwM4jYiGk#!

wales606 wrote:JOC's defence is questionable enough as it is, do Aus really want to see him against Roberts and Tuilagi in the midfield?

I'm not sure it's anywhere near as bad as people seem to think. He's small, true, but he can and does make his tackles - http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/rugby-union/defensive-stats-back-robbie-deans-on-james-oconnor/story-e6frg7o6-1226647921471

And that is this season where he has been off form and playing for a terrible team

Missing men:

Cooper

Beale

Ioane

Pocock

JOC, currently injured but should be ok?

Those are four of the Aussies best player. Can they afford anymore absentees? Is Australia in disarray? There is bound to be more injuries between now and then.

Beale and Ioane are likely to miss the tour but not ruled out yet. Same for Cooper. But we have been lucky with what has happened to their players, a month ago I put a bet on Oz winning 3-0, now I reckon we might be able to do it.

Smith is injured too, no?

ChequeredJersey wrote:Beale and Ioane are likely to miss the tour but not ruled out yet. Same for Cooper. But we have been lucky with what has happened to their players, a month ago I put a bet on Oz winning 3-0, now I reckon we might be able to do it.

Smith is injured too, no?

Haven't heard anything new about Smith recently but even if it's relatively mild damage to a medial or ACL, then I'm not sure that they're going to risk him when they've got guys like Gill and Hooper who could play left-right with Higgs or Big Fota at 8. They don't need him quite that badly. At the moment...

Its going to be an earth shattering series. Just not convinced the Aussies have the depth to get through it.

Scott Allen at Green And Gold Rugby has written an excellent analysis of tactics. Here are the first 4 parts of the series:

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/lions-threats-and-how-to-counter-front-row-and-scrum/

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/lions-threats-and-how-to-counter-locks-and-lineout/

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/lions-threats-and-how-to-counter-them-backrow-and-halves/

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/lions-threats-and-how-to-counter-them-centres-and-mid-field-attack/

George Carlin wrote:Scott Allen at Green And Gold Rugby has written an excellent analysis of tactics. Here are the first 4 parts of the series:

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/lions-threats-and-how-to-counter-front-row-and-scrum/

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/lions-threats-and-how-to-counter-locks-and-lineout/

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/lions-threats-and-how-to-counter-them-backrow-and-halves/

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/lions-threats-and-how-to-counter-them-centres-and-mid-field-attack/

Look forward to reading tonight. I am also a member for the G&G forum.

Just watching Waratahs v Crusaders and i'm going to stick my neck out and say that Hooper is probably the fastest flanker in Int rugby at the moment. The burst of pace, swerve and then step to skin Dagg when he set up Betham's try was sensational.

I don't think Croft or any of the other Lions monster forwards will manage to keep up with him.

Yes he was great wasnt he. Very compact little shape for a 7 who runs like a 9. Deans will want him on the field to supplement the backs and stay away from the big Lions pack a bit more, helping them stretch them out a bit.

Waratahs v unlucky to lose a great game - Carter's boot made the difference. Agree too about Hooper - Australia have pretty decent depth at 7!

Yes was going to say that. Tahs deserved that match, scored the far better tries and a cruel ending after DC slots a kick from about a yard outside his range.

Not a good time for Barnes to miss a crucial kick. It'll ring comparisons with Gitau's miss against England and must boost Coopers chance in terms of pressure at the death. The tahs should have and had to win that match to have anything than a mathemetical chance of making the finals.

I see on a few Australian sites that there are growing expectations Beale will feature at some point. Initially, the thinking seemed to be that rugby would be a distraction and his rehab should take priority.

All smoke RF, Beale was always going to feature in my book. His oz career parallels Deans so closely. He's test hardened and the clinic serves to take the pressure and media off him where apparently he was training his but* off. He's a must vs a side like the Lions where big hearts and ba&^ls are needed. Beale ticks that box and more regardless of anything else. He and Cooper in the side will stamp that much more authority on the oz side.

I might pop up the road to Syd Uni and watch how he plays for Randwick today. Should be a very competitive match.
Kick off at 3pm (6am UK)

Let us know LB, should get a bit of a crowd...

Talk of Smith being back by second or third test too. Hmm.

Will fully update this thread today. Thanks to anyone who participated in it.

Taylorman wrote:Let us know LB, should get a bit of a crowd...

First half was all Uni and they were quick to rush up on KB every time he had the ball. Uni dominated and kept the scoreboard ticking... 26-6 at HT. The last 40 was very entertaining. Huge comeback. KB was everywhere, handling the ball 3 or 4 times in one of Randwick's tries.

Final score 38-25 to Syd Uni but everyone including the Uni locals gave him a warm round of applause at the end and he had a big smile on his face. I think some very positive words will be relayed to RD (who is in Brisbane) and KB should be in contention again on June 11.

Quade Cooper is playing himself out of contention for the series. He's been charged down twice in five minutes, resulting in two tries.

He's got the second half to turn things around.

Yeah, I feel sorry for the guy. He needs to make amends in the 2nd half.

I've never seen that before... 2 charge-downs 5 mins apart.

About 5 minutes ago Scott Higginbotham went off with what looks like a serious shoulder.
From the one quick replay, it looks like a grade 2+ AC separation or a clavicle.

Looked bad. Clavicle is broken collar bone? Either way he looks in serious doubt now. That's months not weeks, right Doc? Pity, he was in superb form this year.

I liked that bit of commentary as the Reds scored "It's a try! It's a try...and a fight".

Cooper has had a much better second half (even scoring a try). Probably not enough to change Robbie Deans mind, if he has already decided not to select him.

OP fully updated to take into account Round 16 - no more super rugby left for the Wallabies squad now until the first test.

Look at Falou's stats. It's surely impossible for Deans to deny him a bench slot at least.

How injured are these players, I only watched the first 20?!

If Higgs is out that is huge, AAC hasn't been playing particularly well, and Timani was going decently!

I hope theres nothing serious amongst them!

Further injuries to worry Robbie Deans coming out of the last round of Super Rugby - SMH is reporting that second-rower Sitaleki Timani has suffered a suspected broken thumb, back-rower Dave Dennis corked a thigh and back-line utility Adam Ashley-Cooper copped knocks to the neck, knee and hand.

The Reds game was not good for injuries either - Hugh Pyle damaged his collarbone and Scott Higginbotham is going to go for scans on Monday to determine how much damage has been done to his shoulder, which he dislocated in a tackle.

Linebreaker wrote:

Taylorman wrote:Let us know LB, should get a bit of a crowd...

First half was all Uni and they were quick to rush up on KB every time he had the ball. Uni dominated and kept the scoreboard ticking... 26-6 at HT. The last 40 was very entertaining. Huge comeback. KB was everywhere, handling the ball 3 or 4 times in one of Randwick's tries.

Final score 38-25 to Syd Uni but everyone including the Uni locals gave him a warm round of applause at the end and he had a big smile on his face. I think some very positive words will be relayed to RD (who is in Brisbane) and KB should be in contention again on June 11.

Good stuff LB, that seems to have been what was reported as well- i.e.- that he's back in contention.
I thought Cooper had a great game and showed most of his swagger is back. Showed some deft touches and he try was a good little bit of vision, reaching out as far as he could to get it down. Deans can't ignore him on that. Genia, Cooper Beale and JOC look in form to me.

I think that would be true to any reasoanably impartial onlooker, TM.

Unfortunately QC also gave Deans the ammunition to point out some other things like his two charged down kicks and missed penalties and I see that he has also risen back to the top of the turnover charts.

Liked Tim Horan repeating the recent Genia interview where Genia said that he plays at his best when alongside Cooper. Horan said that this should be enough to make up Dingo's mind by itself.

15- Beale
14- Folau
13- AAC
12- JOC
11- Ioane
10- Cooper
9- Genia
8- Palu (unless Higginbotham is OK)
7- Hooper
6- Gill/Mowen
5- Timani
4- Horwill (c)
3- Alexander
2- Moore
1- Robinson

16- Kepu, 17- Fainga'a, 18- Slipper, 19- Simmons, 20- Gill/Mowen, 21- White, 22- Barnes/Lealiifano, 23- Tomane.

6-15 plus subs looks lethal, the front row much better than many might think, not an easy team to put away. No Cooper and JOC to 10 with Lealiifano or Barnes at 10 and JOC at 12 doesn't weaken it much either. Or if Beale doesn't make it, Folau at 15, JOC on the wing and one of those two at 12. This won't be a walkover