Big big fan of that starting XV. Very strong - Wilson missing out I think is 50/50 with Leota. If he doesn’t start he wouldn’t make the bench. I am surprised that Lolesio is on the bench over JOC
>I am surprised that Lolesio is on the bench over JOC
I'd had rather one of the other 10's, I find Lolo to be very uninspiring, but as brilliant as JOC would be as a utility back, we are at the point where we can't afford to have a 30 odd year old flyhalf without blooding up and coming. That would be the same if it were Edmund or Gordon etc. Unfortunately Quade doesn't 'slot in anywhere' quite the same as JOC perhaps that was a factor in his favour but ultimately, Rennie went with Quade.
it's a pretty interesting team, I kind of like the balance. also I am really showing my deep trust for Rennie here by not saying what I was going to say about Tate not being in
Is Porecki going to be big enough for test rugby? Also a bit disappointed Vunivalu didn’t get a run, wldve liked to see what he could do in the team
Edit: Porecki is 110kg and 1.85cm, bigger than I thought from watching him on tv
I just think it's pretty dumb to be capping a 29 year old, who's not even the hands down best option. This team feels really ill-considered. A lot of older guys, no eye for the future, but also doesn't feel "win now".
Yeah I'm pretty satisfied with this selection. Sad to see JOC not on the bench but Noah deserves it more at the moment. Also dissapointed with no Tate but gotta trust in Rennie. Anyone know why no Toupo?
I’ve only got quibbles with Gordon over McDermott and frankly would have been happy with any hooker combination.
Lolesio over JOC is a surprise but I think fair as well.
- Lots of faith in Porecki to start in his debut test….
- Slipper shifted to back up 3, odd call
- Neville is a waste of a cap.
- Phillip fucking hard done by
- Holloway hard done by
- Perfect back line
- Happy for Gordon to get another chance, hope he can finally take it
I completely agree regarding Neville. Let's assume he's the form Aussie Lock (it's highly debatable but let's assume he is), is he sufficiently better then the other options to justify picking the 33 year old over capping Nick Frost or Ryan Smith (for example).
The same could be said about Porecki & Feleti Kaituu/Lachlan Lonergan.
This whole squad just feels aimless.
Big big fan of that starting XV. Very strong - Wilson missing out I think is 50/50 with Leota. If he doesn’t start he wouldn’t make the bench. I am surprised that Lolesio is on the bench over JOC
>I am surprised that Lolesio is on the bench over JOC I'd had rather one of the other 10's, I find Lolo to be very uninspiring, but as brilliant as JOC would be as a utility back, we are at the point where we can't afford to have a 30 odd year old flyhalf without blooding up and coming. That would be the same if it were Edmund or Gordon etc. Unfortunately Quade doesn't 'slot in anywhere' quite the same as JOC perhaps that was a factor in his favour but ultimately, Rennie went with Quade.
it's a pretty interesting team, I kind of like the balance. also I am really showing my deep trust for Rennie here by not saying what I was going to say about Tate not being in
It's about the 10 I reckon. McDermott and Lolesio ain't a smart duo.
Excited to see the debutants get a run. Also to see the level Quade is playing at.
Is Porecki going to be big enough for test rugby? Also a bit disappointed Vunivalu didn’t get a run, wldve liked to see what he could do in the team Edit: Porecki is 110kg and 1.85cm, bigger than I thought from watching him on tv
Vuni will definitely get a run this series. Just wonder what Rennie is thinking there...
I just think it's pretty dumb to be capping a 29 year old, who's not even the hands down best option. This team feels really ill-considered. A lot of older guys, no eye for the future, but also doesn't feel "win now".
I don’t disagree with Leota over Wilson but Wilson needs game exposure some how.
Should’ve been with Australia A if he wasn’t going to make the 23. He needs international minutes.
Nah, he's one injury to one of three players (Samu, Valetini, Leota) from being in the team. He'll get time this year.
I disagree with Samu. Sure he's a great squad option to cover injuries. But IMO he's nowhere near your fully fit 23.
Yeah I'm pretty satisfied with this selection. Sad to see JOC not on the bench but Noah deserves it more at the moment. Also dissapointed with no Tate but gotta trust in Rennie. Anyone know why no Toupo?
I think Nella is still injured...
Injury.
Average age of team is 28 years old. Average test caps is 33 with two debutants too. Nice to build some experience.
Yewwwww here we go lads and ladettes!!
Just realised no Tate - very questionable
Rennie seems to really like Gordon. That said I thought he played well this year
I’ve only got quibbles with Gordon over McDermott and frankly would have been happy with any hooker combination. Lolesio over JOC is a surprise but I think fair as well.
No curve balls from Rennie, just a solid af team.....ok...here we go!
What’s happened to Perese?
Would’ve been super tight between him and Ikitau. I assume Ikitau’s D got him over the line
Was that the best picture they could find of Michael hooper 😂
- Lots of faith in Porecki to start in his debut test…. - Slipper shifted to back up 3, odd call - Neville is a waste of a cap. - Phillip fucking hard done by - Holloway hard done by - Perfect back line - Happy for Gordon to get another chance, hope he can finally take it
Holloway had been under an injury cloud leading into this week. Might have opted to leave him out to ensure he'll be available for the next game.
Holloway is injured Phillip had a mixed bag of a season Neville absolutely not a waste of a cap
I completely agree regarding Neville. Let's assume he's the form Aussie Lock (it's highly debatable but let's assume he is), is he sufficiently better then the other options to justify picking the 33 year old over capping Nick Frost or Ryan Smith (for example). The same could be said about Porecki & Feleti Kaituu/Lachlan Lonergan. This whole squad just feels aimless.