[2013 EOYT] Australia

[Big Ewis]

I'm going to say the Wallabies:
- have found their good form again according to the last two tests, clearly.
- will have fought too many int'l battles this year and don't have the depth as we know (since they're already injured as fk) to make up for it and eventually fatigue sets in, these are FIVE AUTUMN INT'LS after a grueling, grueling TRC and Lions Tour behind that !...

Out of both these points, I will say Australia goes........3 out of 5, 4 out of 5 ?? 3 out of 5, 4 out of 5 - 3 out of 5, 4 out of 5 - 3 out of 5, 4 out of 5 ??.........

mmmm 3 out of 5.
* I have a strong feeling they'll fail in Twickenham this time
* I can see Italy getting them this time, they came within 3 points of losing just last year.
* Ireland ??...I'd say 60/40 Wallabies
* Scotland: no, can't see it.
* Wales are terrified of SH opposition.......BUT last game of the year, mega fatigue for Aus.....in Cardiff...with confidence probably this time, the Welsh...that big scrum, those huge backs, Halfpenny and his 3's.........50/50

 

[Jaguares]

Wouldn't put too much weight on the Argy game. They certainly showed signs of improvement v NZ in Dunedin BUT they NEVER looked like winning (not even close IMO). Cooper had his best game in a gold jersey for some time though which was great, glad he looks like he is getting back to where he was!

At the end of the day you and I will just have to agree to disagree here mate. I don't think the ozzies are much chop at all. They have gotten blitzed by both SA and NZ 5 games to zip this year. Their player base is looking weak, they don't have any real quality players in the backs and only a couple in the forwards, their backroom situation is a complete mess, and all those things combined have led to a rubbish record against the worlds best.

I hope they go well on the EoY tour, they may even come away with a good record, BUT the benchmark is NZ and SA so we might just have to wait until this time next year to see where the Ozzies are at!

I think that All Blacks 2011/2013 it's probably the best team in the history of Rugby Union. They won the RWC 2011 and 2 grand slams (Rugby Championship 2012 and 2013).

This team is undoubtedly among the best ever, there were great ABs teams in professional stage, but I'm not sure that they had as good replacements like:

Jerome Kaino out of the team, enters Liam Messam
Brad Thorn out of the team, enters Luke Romano and Brodie Retallick
Jimmy Kowan and Weepu out of the team, enters Aaron Smith, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and TJ Perenara.
Muliaina out of the team, enters Israel Dagg.
Zac Guildford out of the team, enters Julian Savea
Cory Jane out of the team, enters Ben Smith
If Dan Carter is injured has as replacements to Aaron Cruden and Barrett.

ABs from 2011 to 2013 has been one of the best ever, then in that context I don't consider it a failure for the Wallabies can't beat the best team in history.

here just a question since i looked at the wallabies autumn test squad what happened to james o'connor ?

http://www.therugbyforum.com/showthread.php?31943-James-O-Connor-NRL-clubs-looking-him

 

[Draggs]

Interesting article by Bob Dwyer. For once it isn't the cheating ref/All Black b@stards.

I'd go persist with the same backline from Bled III for right now. Toomua offered more at second five than Leali'ifano, and Cooper didn't have huge issues kicking.

In the forwards, I'd probably switch Hooper for Gill. I don't think Hooper offers as much in the gritty work, and now that the Aussie midfield has some movement at times, he isn't needed out there. Horwill is just dire, to be honest. Simmons somewhat improving, but Horwill might need a Genia-esque dropping. Worked for Will, he is looking lively once more. Not sold by Mowen or McCalman either, but until Higginbotham returns they are limited.

 

[iINDOMINUSxx]

i think the australian backs should go like

9. Genia
10. Cooper/toomua
11. Cummins/Feauai-Sautia
12. Lealiifano
13. Harris/Ashley-cooper
14. Folau/Tommane
15. Ashley-cooper/Folau

 

[Bada-Bing!]

i think the australian backs should go like

9. Genia
10. Cooper/toomua
11. Cummins/Feauai-Sautia
12. Lealiifano
13. Harris/Ashley-cooper
14. Folau/Tommane
15. Ashley-cooper/Folau

You're missing Kurindrani, who played the last few matches at 13 and did very well.

 

[Jaguares]

I'd go persist with the same backline from Bled III for right now. Toomua offered more at second five than Leali'ifano, and Cooper didn't have huge issues kicking.

Yeah but Quade isn't a reliable kicker, a game can be 100% effective and the next game only 60%. I would keep Leali'ifano as the first kicker, ie QC at 10, Leali'ifano at second 5/8 and Toomua on the bench.

Cheers

 

[Saint Matt]

I think they can take a fair few positives out if the game at the weekend. Much improved from the Rugby Championship and seem to have built upon the Argentina game. Can only echo what the guys above have said in regards to Toomoa. As a 10 myself, it makes such a difference when you have a 12 or 15 capable of playing at first receiver every now and again in order for you to take a look a touch wider, and Cooper appeared to benefit massively from that. Allowed him to play to his strengths and provided the Australia attack with a touch more width. If they can keep those midfield combinations going, in Folau they have a genuine strike threat with ball in hand who is capable of hurting teams from deep. That 10/12 combination will be massive for the I think.

I'd drop Horwill completely for now to be honest and hand Genia more of a leadership role. You could see a couple of times at the weekend that he was looking over his shoulder every now and again. Give him the captaincy and the opportunity to control the team thoroughly from 9.

They certainly have a point to prove this Automn.

 

[The big Kangaroo]

I Feel Like there is allot a hate for the wallabies here they lost a series that they were not favorites for that they would of one if kurtly could Kick. Changed Coach before the rugby championship an as expected lost to the all blacks and boks. ABs2011 why wouldn't you take much much out of the game against Argentina? the wallabies smashed a quality team away from home in a hostile rugby environment which is a very good indication coming up to the spring tour. The wallabies showed in there last two tests that they can score tries and to say that a team that outscored the allbalcks in the second half and gave away possession in the allbalcks 22 again and again never came close to looking like they could win is harsh. To say that the 4th ranked Dont have any real quality players in the backs is just stupid!!! Yes the allbalcks and boks are the standard but Aussie Rugby is not as weak as you make it out to be i think you have been reading too much one sided Aussie bashing press. If the wallabies continue to build going into the eoyt and dont drop massively like they did against France last year then there is a serious chance of a granslam which would be massive for Wallabies.

 

[jessta]

I reckon the center combination of adam ashlee cooper at 12 and kirrundrani at 13, would do well for wallabies. Ashlee cooper been there most consistent for a while and hes a tad wasted on the wing, plus I cant imagine he would be enjoying it. That wouldnt leave room for lealiafano though

9. Will genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Chris f seutia
12. Adam Ashlee Cooper
13. Tevita kirrundrani
14. Nick cummins
15. Israek falou

There actually building a bit of competition amoungst the squad with wingers like betham and tomane. both toomoa and lealiafano and also mike Harris.

Wheres jesse mogg, was he dropped? His debut was premature I think

 

[iINDOMINUSxx]

yeah i think he was

 

[Chikwa]

I reckon the center combination of adam ashlee cooper at 12 and kirrundrani at 13, would do well for wallabies. Ashlee cooper been there most consistent for a while and hes a tad wasted on the wing, plus I cant imagine he would be enjoying it. That wouldnt leave room for lealiafano though

9. Will genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Chris f seutia
12. Adam Ashlee Cooper
13. Tevita kirrundrani
14. Nick cummins
15. Israek falou

There actually building a bit of competition amoungst the squad with wingers like betham and tomane. both toomoa and lealiafano and also mike Harris.

Wheres jesse mogg, was he dropped? His debut was premature I think

I thought the centre pairing against the AB's was formidable.Mckenzie will have some good selection headaches .This pair was going over the advantage line regularly. I have not seen Christian lealifano doing that often. It's only a matter of time before Quade sparks into life, together with the dangerous will genia.I hope the Australians put a lot of doubters to shame!Their true weakness is in the front row.They also need a better 7 than Hooper who is very willing in the contact but ineffective when he gets there.I m sure i can be thrown a lot of stats but what does he actually do when he gets to the breakdown? Good luck to the wallabies on their upcoming tour!

 

[Jaguares]

Michael Hooper wins John Eales medal:

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...ail&utm_term=0_53e97ccfb4-b168aa402b-63589685

He deserves it, no doubt has been the best Aussie player in the Rugby Championship 2012 and 2013, has also had to replace a great player like David Pocock and has done a great level. He did forget David.

Cheers

 

[Big Ewis]

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,9817_9058345,00.html

Nice read. It's hilarious how they completely forget about Italy entirely in the whole article.