My Wallaby team to take on the British and Irish Lions

First topic message reminder :

After reading the many comments and opinions on V2 about the Lions squad, I started thinking about the Wallaby selections and if I was an Ozzie what would I like my team to look like.

I will stick to the starting XV only.

1. Ben Robinson, he may not be the greatest scrummager, but he is mobile and has had some very entertaining runs this season in super XV, his work rate isn't bad at all and I really don't think there is anyone out there that you can for certain say is better than him, plus he has experience.

2. Stephen Moore, for me an automatic choice, some might believe Polota Nau has more ball carrying ability, but I think you need consistency and experience when it comes to your Hooker, Moore reminds me a lot of Adriaan Strauss, solid, dependable and a serious rugby player.

3. This is probabaly the one postion I am least certain of, SLipper or Alexander? Probabaly Alexander because of his experience, and when you look at the combination of the front row, competent enough.

4. I am going to be controversial here by selecting Ben Mowen as the number 4, I would have considered Dave Dennis as along with Mowen have been the two leading line out winners for Australia Franchises, but after seeing the Bulls dismantle the Waratah Line out this past weekend, I will opt for the taller Mowen, the reason for Mowen is also his mobility and size

5. James Horwill, a must and my Wallaby captain.

6. You could argue Ben Mowen who play 6 at the Brumbies might be a better option at six, but for me Liam Gill is a sensational youngster, better at ball carrying than Hooper but also as good as Smith and Hooper at pilfering, for me Hooper is more in the mould of Pocock who (some may argue with me) is one dimensional and not very good at ball carrying. Also Gill has an incredible work rate on defence.

7. George Smith, the reason for Smith is that he has oodles of experience, he isn't as strong a ball carrier as Gill but a demon on defence and slowing down ruck ball, the reason why I pick him and Gill is that they can hunt as a pair, and the Lions will have to bring some serious S%^&t to counter them.

8. Scott Higginbotham, if you watched the Rebels this past weekend against the Crusaders you will know when I say this guy has, size, pace, ball carrying ability and some serious ball skills.

9. Genia, enough said.

10. Cooper, I don't like him much, but once you have gone through the list of other hopefuls, they have either not performed consistently enough or haven't played at 10 consistently. Beside that, Cooper has toned down his recklessness, been putting in more though into his blunders and his tactical kicking has been second to none.

11. Digby Ioane, I know many will say that his form hasn't been great this season, but I think his class will show.

12. Christian Lealiifano. cool, calm collected and has been doing very well for the Brumbies in the midfield. Plus he is the back up kicker to Cooper.

13. Adam Ashley Cooper, he has been running really hard all season, and has ignited the Waratahs back line with his ball carries, beside that, he is 100% commited to the cause.

14. Folau, yes he is inexperienced, but his running is very, very strong and he has excellent aerial skills.

15. Some would go for Mogg, but I will go for James O'Connor, he has very good individual skills and is an all round complete player.

So that is the Wallaby team I would select. I might change my mind at some point, but I think that is a really mobile pack, strong at the breakdown, and very good at defence and ball carries, the backline has some z factor and skills, and the combination of the team has enough experienced players to halp out those that are new to the international scene.

ha ha ha ha ha that was funny!!

sorry kia but I thought it was

RubyGuby wrote:

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Don't worry I got my good Canterbury mate Robbie working from the inside.

You enjoy that Kia but best keep it off the boards

Biltong wrote:After reading the many comments and opinions on V2 about the Lions squad, I started thinking about the Wallaby selections and if I was an Ozzie what would I like my team to look like.

I will stick to the starting XV only.

1. Ben Robinson, he may not be the greatest scrummager, but he is mobile and has had some very entertaining runs this season in super XV, his work rate isn't bad at all and I really don't think there is anyone out there that you can for certain say is better than him, plus he has experience.

2. Stephen Moore, for me an automatic choice, some might believe Polota Nau has more ball carrying ability, but I think you need consistency and experience when it comes to your Hooker, Moore reminds me a lot of Adriaan Strauss, solid, dependable and a serious rugby player.

3. This is probabaly the one postion I am least certain of, SLipper or Alexander? Probabaly Alexander because of his experience, and when you look at the combination of the front row, competent enough.

4. I am going to be controversial here by selecting Ben Mowen as the number 4, I would have considered Dave Dennis as along with Mowen have been the two leading line out winners for Australia Franchises, but after seeing the Bulls dismantle the Waratah Line out this past weekend, I will opt for the taller Mowen, the reason for Mowen is also his mobility and size

5. James Horwill, a must and my Wallaby captain.

6. You could argue Ben Mowen who play 6 at the Brumbies might be a better option at six, but for me Liam Gill is a sensational youngster, better at ball carrying than Hooper but also as good as Smith and Hooper at pilfering, for me Hooper is more in the mould of Pocock who (some may argue with me) is one dimensional and not very good at ball carrying. Also Gill has an incredible work rate on defence.

7. George Smith, the reason for Smith is that he has oodles of experience, he isn't as strong a ball carrier as Gill but a demon on defence and slowing down ruck ball, the reason why I pick him and Gill is tat they can hunt as a pair, and the Lions will have to bring some serious S%^&t to counter them.

8. Scott Higginbotham, if you watched the Rebels this past weekend against the Crusaders you will know when I say this guy has, size, pace, ball carrying ability and some serious ball skills.

9. Genia, enough said.

10. Cooper, I don't like him much, but one you have gone through the list of other hopefuls, they have either not performed consistently enough or haven't played at 10 consistently. Beside that, Cooper has toned down his recklessness, been putting in more though into his blunders and his tactical kicking has been second to none.

11. Digby Ioane, I know many will say that his form hasn't been great this season, but I think his class will show.

12. Christian Lealiifano. cool, calm collected and has been doing very well for the Brumbies in the midfield. Plus he is the back up kicker to Cooper.

13. Adam Ashley Cooper, he has been running really hard all season, and has ignited the Waratahs back line with his ball carries, beside that, he is 100% commited to the cause.

14. Folau, yes he is inexperienced, but his running is very, very strong and he has excellent aerial skills.

15. Some would go for Mogg, but I will go for James O'Connor, he has very good individual skills and is an all round complete player.

So that is the Wallaby team I would select. I might change my mind at some point, but I think that is a really mobile pack, strong at the breakdown, and very good at defence and ball carries, the backline has some z factor and skills, and the combination of the team has enough experienced players to halp out those that are new to the international scene.

That's good side for sure.

As opposed to the one Deans will pick. He is on the record as saying where there a line ball call to make he will lean towards someone who has been with Wallabies for some time. He has also told O'Connor that he is being considered as 10 or on the wing, not at 15.

That's why he is unlikley to pick in the run on team more than 1 of Folau, Mogg, or any other fringe player in good form for the brumbies or elsewhere.

In the backs if he goes with Cooper then he only needs to decide on 1 centre. The others are in: 9 Genia, 10 Cooper, 11 Ioane, 12[ ], 13 AAC, 14 O'Connor, 15 Beale.

If he does not go with Cooper [I suspect he will not in the first test], then O'Connor to 10, then he needs to pick 1 centre and 1 wing.

For 12 he will pick from McCabe, Tapuai, Lealiifanu, Barnes. Suspect he favours McCabe. [groan].

For the other wing spot, if not O'Connor, then it is quite open: but not sure if anyone in the logistics squad is an obvious candidate. Perhaps he would put AAC on the wing with Lealiifanu/McCabe and Tapuai in the centres.
Either way, the centres do look a bit average if AAC moves to the wing.

Rob,
Who do you think Deans will select for 6,7,8... and who would you like to see?
Also, who should be on the bench - both forwards & backs?

I think JOC is better placed at 12 myself though Tapuai is alright.
AAC has to be at 13

Beale unfortunately has not got his mojo back so should be on the bench.

It will be a good test for him against the Crusaders. He's certainly made things very hard for himself - no one else to blame except himself. Oh well, let's see if he can swing things his way again. Must admit I think he's got his work cut out for himself.

Mark Ella has said that he believes Jesse Mogg should have the No. 15 jersey (over Beale) for the Lions encounters and he also thinks Israel Folau may make an appearance at some stage of the series.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/wallabies/mark-ella-believes-kurtley-beale-best-suited-to-fullback-but-backs-jesse-mogg-to-face-the-lions/story-e6frf55l-1226634248543#.UYMtqqBJsdU

I don't mind the team you've selected Biltong but I would like to see MMM at 4. He will be the one to take it to the Lions physically. Dan Palmer at 3 and Cliffy Palu at 8 would be my other selections. I think you've got it right in the backs although JOC at 14 and Mogg at 15. Folau and KB on the bench (please please no McCabe) along with Hooper, Higgers and Mowen plus 2 more - maybe Barnes if RD goes for a 4/3 split and Alexander as the replacement prop.

Linebreaker wrote:Rob,
Who do you think Deans will select for 6,7,8... and who would you like to see?
Also, who should be on the bench - both forwards & backs?

LB

If Palu and Higgers continue to pull their finger out then I think he will go with 6. Higginbotham, 7. Hooper and 8. Palu. I would be pretty happy with those 3 actually.

I guess in terms of bench it depends on who is in the side.

Robinson, Moore, Slipper, Horwill, Timani, Higgers, Hooper, Palu, Genia, O'Connor, Ioane, McCabe [but prefer Lealiifanu], AAC, Mogg, Beale.

Reserves: TPN, Alexander, Kepu, Simmons, Smith, White, Lealiifanu [if McCabe gets the nod], Folau. [Assumes an 8 man bench]. For 6-2 split - Mowen in; Folau out.

My preference would be to have Gill in there, but Deans would think he does not have enough "background" [Deans speak for not sucking up to Robbie enough - needs to get a holds of McCabe's handbook.]

Mogg is the wildcard - I think Deans will have one wildcard max. I don't know who would that be but if Cooper is left out and O'Connor is at 10, I am stumped who plays on the wing, so threw Mogg in given his sheer speed, elusiveness and kicking ability. AAC maybe on wing but prefer him at 13. Don't think Deans will go for a rookie at 15 in first test.

My team today (different from yesterday and tomorrow) is this:
Robinson
Moore
Palmer
Douglas
Horwill
Mowen
Gill
Higginbotham
Genia
Cooper
Ioane
Lilo
AAC
Tomane
JOC

TPN
Slipper
Alexander
McMeniman
Hooper
White
Beale
Folau

Tight five gives a reasonable chance in the scrum, and the back five a good enough lineout.  The position I spend the most time wondering about is Horwill's partner.  Timani is the best for the scrum, while Simmonds is the best for the lineout.  I think Douglas is possibly the best option across both and for shifting rucks.  I'd like to pick Palu, but think our lineout is too weak meaning we need strong jumpers at 6 and 8.  I think we should back Hooper and Gill.

Some nice discussion going on here, tend to agree with a lot of it. btw, welcome Icu!

At the moment my wallabies starting XV would look like this...

Robinson
Moore
Slipper
Simmons
Horwill
Hodgson
Gill
Higganbotham
Genia
JOC
Mitchell
Tapuai
AAC
Cummins
Mogg

Some of those choices are a bit biased, for example I really rate Mitchell and cummins as players. And I rate Hodgson too being a force fan. But I think it would be good to get a mix of experience and new talent.

Don't think many disagree with Mitchell bsando but I think he's injured.

JOC is an intriguing one. Such a talented player and I get the feeling he's been selected in a position to plug a gap instead of being selected because he's the best player. He's so talented but I hate to think of him being shifted round due to perceived weaknesses. AAC has suffered a lot from that and I get the feeling JOC is heading down that route.

What about the Oz supporters. Where do you think is joc's best position, where would you like him to play and where do you think Deans will play him?

I'm half Aussie Kia I know I focus mainly on Scotland, mainly because I'm living in the UK and my roots are Scottish, but I've spent half my life in Australia and support the Wallabies too. So hard to convey on an online forum haha.

I like the idea of JOC at 10 because he's a safe pair of hands, I don't think i'll ever forgive Cooper for his awful game against Ireland in the world cup. I haven't seen him play yet, but I'm looking forward to Force vs Reds game tomorrow, get to check out several players in with a good chance of starting against the Lions.

Cummins is starting, yes!

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Don't think many disagree with Mitchell bsando but I think he's injured.

JOC is an intriguing one. Such a talented player and I get the feeling he's been selected in a position to plug a gap instead of being selected because he's the best player. He's so talented but I hate to think of him being shifted round due to perceived weaknesses. AAC has suffered a lot from that and I get the feeling JOC is heading down that route.

What about the Oz supporters. Where do you think is joc's best position, where would you like him to play and where do you think Deans will play him?

What do you think his best position is? I wouldnt put him anywhere other than the wing.

I can relate to that mate. Scottish father.

Still think Mitchell is injured though.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:I can relate to that mate. Scottish father.

Still think Mitchell is injured though.

Me too. Two passports, Australian and Irish. Divided loyalties in my family.

Beale put in some perfomance this morning. I still think Mogg deserves the chance given his performances this season but if Beale has sorted himself out and performs like that for the rest of the season, a place in the 15 will have to be found for him

Beale is one of the most consistent performers in test rugby. Can't drop him.

Throw Mogg in at 14.

GunsGerms wrote:

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:I can relate to that mate. Scottish father.

Still think Mitchell is injured though.

Me too. Two passports, Australian and Irish. Divided loyalties in my family.

Yes. 99.5% Ireland; 0.5% Australia. Without a doubt.

It's a tough one where to put JOC. My head says wing as well Gg. The thought of north vs him is a mouthwatering one but my gamble would be to put him in at 12 and give some spark back to the back line.

No divided loyalties in my family. Complete black out and if Scotland plays NZ glenmoragie to ease the pain.

I've always said JOC should be at 12 for this series. Not that its his best position, and there are better defenders for 12 but the unorthodox Ozzie style throws up so many options on attack with a Genia, Cooper and JOC inside combination, particularly with Beale looking more likely to front.

Beales knack of hitting the line with precision lends itself to those 3 being the ones to put him through, all highly tuned and deft passers, and all that guessing on the inside exposes the Lions out wide when the ball is shifted instead.

Not really the time for newbies this series...AAC to add some stability at Centre and perhaps Ioane and one newbie in Davies, Folau. Tomane... theyre spoilt for wings and its a pity Speight cant be considered yet.

Despite the loss to the Chiefs last night - that was a fine try from Kurtley. They're wetting themselves about it here.

fa0019 wrote:
Beale will feature.... when do you ever see him play a bad game.

He had a shocker last year against the ABs. So terrible Dingo had no alternative but to recall Quade

I don't think they will try that experiment again. He was called in after Quade had a shocker at Eden Park though, wasn't he?
As Ella says - he's a natural full back. I'd agree with that.

Linebreaker wrote:Despite the loss to the Chiefs last night - that was a fine try from Kurtley. They're wetting themselves about it here.

Yeah beale looked savage last night. You have to say australia are blessed with serious quality attacking backs. Genia, cooper, aac, beale, mogg, folau, joc, digby, davies, mitchell, tapuai. Cant wait to see where beale will fit into this mix - i'm wondering if outside centre could be a good place for him longterm?

Big calls, Biltong - big calls - the biggest of which I think is Gill instead of Hooper. Gill is amazing but surely Hooper has a more complete skillset?

Mowen has to feature somewhere (I thought he was an 8 for some reason) - I actually think he should have some kind of captaincy role because he'e very good at getting referees onside.

I think that Lealiifano will be the bolter. If Beale is fit and focused (that's not a given, incidentally), then Deans will come under more pressure not to drop him than to play Mogg. LLF is definitely the form pick at 12 this season and I would hand him the goalkicking duties too in order to take the pressure off QC.

Would be happy from a Lions perspective if Folau played instead of Mafi. True, he's a tall, athletic figure but his positional play can be miles off - an inevitable consequence of still learning this code. If he appears at 14, we'll be smacking grubbers to him all game long.

Unfortunately for James O'Connor his versatility means he's best suited to a bench slot at present. 12 is about the only position in the backline he couldn't play confidently so I wouldn't stick him in there.

Mafi won't make the 22. Folau should though. He'll eat up those grubbers then run through the lot of ya!
Try giving him a few high balls as well.

Linebreaker wrote:Mafi won't make the 22. Folau should though. He'll eat up those grubbers then run through the lot of ya!
Try giving him a few high balls as well.

Just cos our boy Halfpenny is 4'9" in Cuban heels Breaker - no need to rub it in.

I sincerely wish him the best of luck in trying to run through George North...

Now I meant generally through... as in weaving his way, stepping around, fending off, etc.

North's a bit of statue (Colossus of Rhodes type figure) though, isn't he?

Linebreaker wrote: Now I meant generally through... as in weaving his way, stepping around, fending off, etc.

North's a bit of statue (Colossus of Rhodes type figure) though, isn't he?

If you mean he's large, solid, fearless and worshipped as a deity without any objectivity by thousands of unquestionning serfs, then... well, 'yes'.
()

Are you watching Issy Folau, George?

Nothing like him I tell ya! Crikey....!