[2014 Mid-Year Tests] Australia

[Big Ewis]

he's unbelievable. He's probably the best *back* altogether in the world right now, or at very least best back three. The single best.
In three tests, he's getting at least a couple against France. No doubt.

The last time France played an ultra attacking-minded side was the All-Blacks 4 times in 2013, and although we sucked miserably at scoring ourselves, we held the AB's excellently overall. If just our defense finds good form again, we needn't worry too much about our attacking (or lack thereof). Our forwards, scrum and defense can hold their own per se, and even with the shhittiest backs coach in the whole wide world, we have enough talent to spontaneously create a few breaks and maybe some tries on occasion.
But boy, if we slip just a bit on defense, we're in for some monster numbers on the Wallabies' side of the scoreline. These boys can pile em up QUICK.

 

[Shaggy]

he's unbelievable. He's probably the best *back* altogether in the world right now, or at very least best back three. The single best.
In three tests, he's getting at least a couple against France. No doubt.

The last time France played an ultra attacking-minded side was the All-Blacks 4 times in 2013, and although we sucked miserably at scoring ourselves, we held the AB's excellently overall. If just our defense finds good form again, we needn't worry too much about our attacking (or lack thereof). Our forwards, scrum and defense can hold their own per se, and even with the shhittiest backs coach in the whole wide world, we have enough talent to spontaneously create a few breaks and maybe some tries on occasion.
But boy, if we slip just a bit on defense, we're in for some monster numbers on the Wallabies' side of the scoreline. These boys can pile em up QUICK.

I hear you defense wise ... the Blues are hardly the best defensive side in super comp, and I know it was just a one off game, but if France don't kick to Folau, and have their big loose forwards hit the players such as Cooper and who ever they play at 12 hard (keep their line speed up on defense) ... and negate Hooper's turnover skills, they'll have gone a long way to beating the Wallabies.

Kaino had easily his best game for the Blues, and it was no coincidence that it was him monstering Beale in the tackles

 

[InsaneAsylum]

I'll be at the Etihad stadium game, can't wait as i've never seen been to a game against France.

I don't think Beale should be in the match day 23, I feel the current form backline is 9. White 10. Cooper/Toomua 11. Cummins 12. Toomua/Lealiifano 13.Kuridrani/AAC 14. Tomane 15. Folau
we've got issues at 9 now with Genia injured/struggling and Phipps is just terrible. Could Luke Burgess force his way onto the bench leaving Genia and Phipps out?

 

[TheSaffycen]

Folau is a great player, but he effectively got shut out of the game for the Waratahs against the Blues last week ... the Blues didn't kick the ball to him, and Kurtly Beale, playing at 12, who usually puts Folau into the gaps, got absolutely hammered in some very hard tackles, before he could pass it to Folau.

Yeah I remember watching the Tahs v Brumbies, Toomua and McCabe(who I think should start 12) ran up so quickly and smashed Foley and Beale meaning that Folau was so void it was amazing seeing him look so average. He then got the ball beat like 3 guys and scored the try of the season, but apart from that they shut down the Tahs attack quite easily. Also is Speight now available or is it like another year or something ?

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Will be interesting to see how France play it ... Folau is a great player, but he effectively got shut out of the game for the Waratahs against the Blues last week ... the Blues didn't kick the ball to him, and Kurtly Beale, playing at 12, who usually puts Folau into the gaps, got absolutely hammered in some very hard tackles, before he could pass it to Folau.

I hear you defense wise ... the Blues are hardly the best defensive side in super comp, and I know it was just a one off game, but if France don't kick to Folau, and have their big loose forwards hit the players such as Cooper and who ever they play at 12 hard (keep their line speed up on defense) ... and negate Hooper's turnover skills, they'll have gone a long way to beating the Wallabies.

Kaino had easily his best game for the Blues, and it was no coincidence that it was him monstering Beale in the tackles

I think that's exactly the recipe if you look at the games where the Blues, Sharks and Brumbies beat out the 'Tahs; I am well awarein the Sharks game Folau was out injured and that Frans Steyn's monstering of Beale at 12 wasn't quite legal but Beale was certainly very quiet afterwards and the entire Waratahs game ground down. I think other than picking 10Toomua/Leali'ifano and 12McCabe Aus would be very vulnerable to spoiling tactics from the opposition targeting that 9-10-12 area with monster hits and a rush defense.

The Wallabies will probably be a Brumbies and Waratahs XV with Cummins and possibly Hodgson/McCalman from the Force and Slipper and/or Cooper from the Reds. Though I wouldn't be surprised to see a Wallaby XV much different in the backs than I'd expect thier best would be; it was much more predictable under Deans.

 

[Shaggy]

Yeah I remember watching the Tahs v Brumbies, Toomua and McCabe(who I think should start 12) ran up so quickly and smashed Foley and Beale meaning that Folau was so void it was amazing seeing him look so average. He then got the ball beat like 3 guys and scored the try of the season, but apart from that they shut down the Tahs attack quite easily. Also is Speight now available or is it like another year or something ?

Henry Speight become Eligible on September 11 this year ... so my guess is he'll be on the Northern tour in November

 

[Big Ewis]

well about stopping the Wallabies' backs at the root, again, I'll bring up the 2012 EOYT match where we did just that, not a single try scored on us. But that was back then, and this is right now...and that was in Paris.

But France has never played against Folau and all those new backs, Hooper wasn't nearly the player he is now back then, Genia and Cooper weren't playing that game...
I really hope our scrum is sorted. It would be a huge shame not to use that as a big advantage, but since the rule changes we HAVE taken quite a hit there...
I'm confident we have the pack to bully the Wallabies though, but it'll all depend on form and selection. We've got a TON of flankers to pick from, but it's tricky against the Wallabies and we have so many different picks strategically, players who are widely different...
I'm guessing an on-form Nyanga-Dusautoir-Picamoles, classic Toulouse back row. The Wallabies aren't as powerful and MASSive as others in that department, so we may not require the Burban/Le Roux type.
I'm thinking also Wen Lauret would be a very nice fit specifically against the Wallabies...

Sofiane Guitoune I'm sure won't be fit to play, and current form will dictate our picks probably: Phillipe Saint-André will announce the group of 30+ strong for the year on May 6th.

I'm guessing our back-line should look something like...:
9 - Parra
10 - Talès
11 - Médard ??...
12 - Fofana
13 - Fritz
14 - Huget
15 - Dulin

About the 11 jersey: I think PSA and co. have been too stubborn picking Médard. He used to be a joy to watch, and anyways he's a FB not a fkn winger, but he's the headstrong pick for France. What with all the fine wingers we have ?...really hope to see someone else there.

 

[iINDOMINUSxx]

well about stopping the Wallabies' backs at the root, again, I'll bring up the 2012 EOYT match where we did just that, not a single try scored on us. But that was back then, and this is right now...and that was in Paris.

But France has never played against Folau and all those new backs, Hooper wasn't nearly the player he is now back then, Genia and Cooper weren't playing that game...
I really hope our scrum is sorted. It would be a huge shame not to use that as a big advantage, but since the rule changes we HAVE taken quite a hit there...
I'm confident we have the pack to bully the Wallabies though, but it'll all depend on form and selection. We've got a TON of flankers to pick from, but it's tricky against the Wallabies and we have so many different picks strategically, players who are widely different...
I'm guessing an on-form Nyanga-Dusautoir-Picamoles, classic Toulouse back row. The Wallabies aren't as powerful and MASSive as others in that department, so we may not require the Burban/Le Roux type.
I'm thinking also Wen Lauret would be a very nice fit specifically against the Wallabies...

Sofiane Guitoune I'm sure won't be fit to play, and current form will dictate our picks probably: Phillipe Saint-André will announce the group of 30+ strong for the year on May 6th.

I'm guessing our back-line should look something like...:
9 - Parra
10 - Talès
11 - Médard ??...
12 - Fofana
13 - Fritz
14 - Huget
15 - Dulin

About the 11 jersey: I think PSA and co. have been too stubborn picking Médard. He used to be a joy to watch, and anyways he's a FB not a fkn winger, but he's the headstrong pick for France. What with all the fine wingers we have ?...really hope to see someone else there.

what about Hugo Bonneval at 11 ? i thought he did well in the six nations well better then Medard at 11

 

[TheSaffycen]

I'm confident we have the pack to bully the Wallabies though, but it'll all depend on form and selection. We've got a TON of flankers to pick from, but it's tricky against the Wallabies and we have so many different picks strategically, players who are widely different...
I'm guessing an on-form Nyanga-Dusautoir-Picamoles, classic Toulouse back row. The Wallabies aren't as powerful and MASSive as others in that department, so we may not require the Burban/Le Roux type.

It depends on who they pick, against England they played Fardy, Hooper, Mowen which has pretty much no carrying power and are just there to tackle and lineouts. BUT you will probably see McCalman 6ft 4 108kg ,Higginbotham 6ft 5 110kg, Hooper 6ft 97kg and Palu 6ft 4 120kg. Which is a pretty large back row, and McCalman is in the form of his life, carrying and massive tackling. Higginbotham, IMO possibly the best 6 in the world and a great 8, who is a leader, lineout operator and carrier. If I was PSA I would be using the back row of Chouly- Dusautoir- Picamoles with Nyanga/ Lauret on the bench to utilise their speed and breakdown work, Maybe even have Burban as a carrying force. My team 1.Debaty 2.Kayser 3.Slimani 4.Vahaaminha 5.Maestri 6.Chouly 7.Dusautoir 8.Picamoles 9.Parra 10.FTD 11.Fall 12.Fofana 13.Fritz 14.Huget 15.Dulin

 

[Big Ewis]

what about Hugo Bonneval at 11 ? i thought he did well in the six nations well better then Medard at 11

He's definitely a fine back already, but a Fullback really. We wanted to include him somewhere so we put him at 11, esp. with Médard's very mediocre game against England, and against Italy at home it was a good opportunity to try him.

It depends on who they pick, against England they played Fardy, Hooper, Mowen which has pretty much no carrying power and are just there to tackle and lineouts. BUT you will probably see McCalman 6ft 4 108kg ,Higginbotham 6ft 5 110kg, Hooper 6ft 97kg and Palu 6ft 4 120kg. Which is a pretty large back row, and McCalman is in the form of his life, carrying and massive tackling. Higginbotham, IMO possibly the best 6 in the world and a great 8, who is a leader, lineout operator and carrier. If I was PSA I would be using the back row of Chouly- Dusautoir- Picamoles with Nyanga/ Lauret on the bench to utilise their speed and breakdown work, Maybe even have Burban as a carrying force. My team 1.Debaty 2.Kayser 3.Slimani 4.Vahaaminha 5.Maestri 6.Chouly 7.Dusautoir 8.Picamoles 9.Parra 10.FTD 11.Fall 12.Fofana 13.Fritz 14.Huget 15.Dulin

no idea about those Aussies' form currently, but they do have some fine third rowers indeed...

Cool XV but it's not realistic, FTD won't play for almost certain and though I'd pick Fall too in the absence of Guitoune it probs won't happen either. I'm one of the rare people who like Vahaamahina and think he should play for us always, regardless of whether a starter or on the bench.
I'd really use Nyanga in stead of Chouly though, because he gives a good lineout option so cancels out Chouly's, and has the sort of athleticism we'll need at one flanker position against an always league-style playing Wallaby side.

Giving Slimani a starting role is actually a good idea. He's young, needs the playing time and won't exactly have issues at scrum-time 'down undah'. We'll get to test him out in the loose too, and 3 high level tests starting will be a great way to evaluate where he really is at. Mas to come off the bench, rested but still present...I agree.

Domingo to start though. He hasn't found his level back since his last injury last Oct/Nov. and needs to build it back up, as his confidence. He's still 28, so not a washed up old vegetable yet. Debaty I don't think can start 3 tests against the Aussies. The pace is just so fast...although he was playing TH against them last time and was the main factor on that penalty try in the scrum.

Of course, selection for many of those positions will depend on the end of season. Just as last year, Talès scored 2 big consecutive drop goals in the final against Toulon and won the 'bouclier', he was immediately on the tour to New Zealand. If Clermont manage a fine end of season in the Top 14 (well, better than in the H Cup at least.....), we're sure to see Parra back in the 9, and Chouly and maybe Lapandry again if he's present enough...

I'm just glad for now Dusautoir is back and we get to see him play on Saturday.

 

[iINDOMINUSxx]

that moment when you realise theres a thread for french discussions

 

[Big Ewis]

that moment when you realise theres a thread for french discussions

you haven't understood this one bit my boy. You see, I'm writing all this here, on purpose, to intimidate the Aussies who visit the page. I say crazy weird things like "France has depth", and "big setpiece" and "we can contain their backs with our defense" but really I'm saying "holy sht, sweet mother of God I hope France can win one game if they're lucky enough !!!!!!!"
Don't tell em that. Never let the enemy know the inside of your mind and your fears...

 

[iINDOMINUSxx]

Never let the enemy know the inside of your mind and your fears...

im sure alot off people would say something about that

 

[InsaneAsylum]

I don't mind Big Ewis contributing to this thread to be honest, and for that matter, why are there two threads? Happy to discuss all things Wallabies vs. France in the one thread, including their depth

 

[Shaggy]

I don't mind Big Ewis contributing to this thread to be honest, and for that matter, why are there two threads? Happy to discuss all things Wallabies vs. France in the one thread, including their depth

Yeah, I was wondering the reasoning for two threads for these test series too ... given that the contribution volumes are a little light, and we are comparing advantages/disadvantages and opposing players, one thread for each tour makes sense.

 

[Big Ewis]

Yeah, I was wondering the reasoning for two threads for these test series too ... given that the contribution volumes are a little light, and we are comparing advantages/disadvantages and opposing players, one thread for each tour makes sense.

it's Scottie. He's a spiteful little mouse with tiny little horns and he created two threads as to naturally set us apart so we would plot in our own little corners respectively, and that would build up the animosity between us that is now the legendary Franco-Australian hatred.

...
Well okay maybe I've gone a bit far there, but you get the gist of it.

Plus, Australia STINKS !!!
(nah I'm kidding, I can't even joke about that, I'm very pro-Wallabies/Aussies in general !! )

 

[iINDOMINUSxx]

it's Scottie. He's a spiteful little mouse with tiny little horns and he created two threads as to naturally set us apart so we would plot in our own little corners respectively, and that would build up the animosity between us that is now the legendary Franco-Australian hatred.

...
Well okay maybe I've gone a bit far there, but you get the gist of it.

Plus, Australia STINKS !!!
(nah I'm kidding, I can't even joke about that, I'm very pro-Wallabies/Aussies in general !! )

well you dont want the aussies to know your tactics

 

[Big Ewis]

well you dont want the aussies to know your tactics

right. Uh..."tactics".

 

[InsaneAsylum]

Plus, Australia STINKS !!!

And I put extra deodorant on this morning too...

 

[iINDOMINUSxx]

right. Uh..."tactics".

well psa obviously knows what he calls "tactics"