[2014 Mid-Year Tests] Australia

[Darwin]

les Bleus flying out to Aussieland Tuesday night.
It's interesting because Talès and Michalak won't be available because are both playing the Top 14 final...so they'll be flying to Australia without a no.10 for a good chunk of time...peachy.

That's ok. Australia are at home but will still be missing two props in their starting xv

 

[InsaneAsylum]

I can't wait to see Test Rugby live again in my home city. Although I'm prepared that a lot of the crowd in Melbourne end up there because their work gave them tickets etc. they end up *****ing and moaning about the rules and how it's not as good as AFL, then you hear someone say "Is that Billy Slater? which one is Billy Slater?" gotta laugh!! I really hope there's a good bunch of French fans on their way, it'll add to the atmosphere.

I've been to Sydney for a Bled before and it was much better, will get to Suncorp one day.

 

[Big Ewis]

I really hope there's a good bunch of French fans on their way, it'll add to the atmosphere.

yes, hopefully they'll be wearing blue berets, have a thin mustache and will be holding a baguette in their armpits while laughing like "Hon hon hon !!" just so Australians identify them. I mean, if things in this world don't work as monumental clichés, then where are we going here ??...

Sooo....you Steve Irwins thinkin of a whitewash are you ? I think Frons will win the one.
I think this'll happen (in whichever order, not important): one big score for the Wallabies, they're bound in 3 tests to inflate that score with their attacking ability. France are playing (relatively to their potential) average enough to, again in 3 attempts, pull one alright performance out of their bosoms. And then a third match where it's so-so from both sides and Australia prevails, still.

I'd like to reiterate I'm a Wallaby enthusiast, and I like Australia/Australians altogether, so I'm looking forward to seeing the side in gold play well, but you bishes back off now...seriously...we have a mastermind braining the whole operation and we're going to shhit (softly) all over you. Hon hon hon !!

 

[Jaguares]

That's ok. Australia are at home but will still be missing two props in their starting xv

Looooooooooong time ago that they don't have world class props but this happened in a Test against Les Bleus in France in 2010:

 

[big ginger 8]

Is Will Skelton fit enough to start at international rugby yet? I know he's improved but international is another level on Super Rugby, although I suppose the French style may be easier for him.

 

[Jaguares]

Is Will Skelton fit enough to start at international rugby yet? I know he's improved but international is another level on Super Rugby, although I suppose the French style may be easier for him.

I'm not sure but he could do the hard work that Timani have made before going to France. With many minutes on the international level he could surprise on the next WC or even be the new Michael Hooper, a top class player from the first game with Wallaby jersey.

 

[Big Ewis]

Why, you don't have to go that far back in time Conrad. The scrum-less Wallabies put 55 points past Argentina just last October in Rosario. Don't you remember ? As far as France is concerned though, the last game we had against the Wallabies turned out to be pretty pleasing...well if you're French, of course.

 

[Darwin]

Is Will Skelton fit enough to start at international rugby yet? I know he's improved but international is another level on Super Rugby, although I suppose the French style may be easier for him.

Probably not. Personally I think he is still far too raw for test rugby. He will certainly benefit from time in the squad, but I can't really see him featuring much on the field (yet). I suspect we will see Horwill & Simmons starting, but I suppose Skelton could be used as an impact player off the bench (though I would prefer Luke Jones).

 

[Jaguares]

Why, you don't have to go that far back in time Conrad. The scrum-less Wallabies put 55 points past Argentina just last October in Rosario. Don't you remember ? As far as France is concerned though, the last game we had against the Wallabies turned out to be pretty pleasing...well if you're French, of course.

Yes, but we don't have the most powerful professional Championship of RU around the world. A defeat by almost 50 points difference between France and Argentina at home against Wallabies will always be worse for France.

 

[Tahman15]

Probably not. Personally I think he is still far too raw for test rugby. He will certainly benefit from time in the squad, but I can't really see him featuring much on the field (yet). I suspect we will see Horwill & Simmons starting, but I suppose Skelton could be used as an impact player off the bench (though I would prefer Luke Jones).

I suspect link might use him of the bench as he'd be a great impact plus he could do with the experience. People have been saying he's too raw but when the Waratahs played the BI Lions last year Skelton was outstanding so I personally think he's ready to play of the bench.

 

[InsaneAsylum]

Agree with all, he's a work in progress. needs to lose some puppy fat and increase his fitness to compete at test level. i think Link will use him as an impact player.

I think he is skillful enough, just needs to be fit enough.

 

[Big Ewis]

Yes, but we don't have the most powerful professional Championship of RU around the world. A defeat by almost 50 points difference between France and Argentina at home against Wallabies will always be worse for France.

entirely irrelevant to the plot.
Additionally, it's a fun position you've got there: when Argentina wins, good, it's bonus value for the nation. When Argentina loses, hey, "we don't have a pro league". Strong position for a fan, the UAR is much older than the FFR and Argentina's been a Rugby force for decades...
As for having the "most powerful championship in the world", I'm not sure if you're aware, but that's been causing a bit of trouble to the local French players and in fact that disaster in 2010 against the Wallabies was one of the biggest symptoms of that national malaise. A tier 1 side doesn't just lose a game by 50 at home, especially when they've been tied til about the 50th minute, that's just bizarre and should raise questions.

 

[Darwin]

I suspect link might use him of the bench as he'd be a great impact plus he could do with the experience. People have been saying he's too raw but when the Waratahs played the BI Lions last year Skelton was outstanding so I personally think he's ready to play of the bench.

Skelton undoubtedly has the physicality required at this level (and I do remember him man-handling some Lions last year), it is his workrate that is the biggest issue. He is a weapon with ball in hand, but doesn't make a huge number of tackles, and is far too often seen walking around the track. He is not really a lineout option either, but that isn't a major issue if they have two strong lineout options in the loose-forwards...

 

[Big Ewis]

Our guys getting some sun Down Undah. What a beautiful sky over there.

 

[Jaguares]

entirely irrelevant to the plot.
Additionally, it's a fun position you've got there: when Argentina wins, good, it's bonus value for the nation. When Argentina loses, hey, "we don't have a pro league". Strong position for a fan, the UAR is much older than the FFR and Argentina's been a Rugby force for decades...
As for having the "most powerful championship in the world", I'm not sure if you're aware, but that's been causing a bit of trouble to the local French players and in fact that disaster in 2010 against the Wallabies was one of the biggest symptoms of that national malaise. A tier 1 side doesn't just lose a game by 50 at home, especially when they've been tied til about the 50th minute, that's just bizarre and should raise questions.

Yes but you're a neighbor of British, very close to them, then that has enabled the fast development of rugby in France. We are thousands of miles away, we have always been neglected by the rugby world. Just in 2012 and based on our efforts, we were invited to participate in an annual championship, The Rugby Championship.

 

[Big Ewis]

Yes but you're a neighbor of British, very close to them, then that has enabled the fast development of rugby in France. We are thousands of miles away, we have always been neglected by the rugby world. Just in 2012 and based on our efforts, we were invited to participate in an annual championship, The Rugby Championship.

oh this is still going ? :lol:

 

[Jaguares]

Genia/Foley could be a mortal weapon. Watch out, Les Bleus! Watch out, All Blacks!

oh this is still going ? :lol:

Did you saw the performance of Aussies Super Rugby teams this round? If I were French I would be worried by Genia and Foley, Folau besides, of course.

9- Genia
10- Foley
12- Toomua
15- Folau

If this kids going to play TRC such as this SR round, ABs must have carefull.

 

[Tahman15]

Genia/Foley could be a mortal weapon. Watch out, Les Bleus! Watch out, All Blacks!



Did you saw the performance of Aussies Super Rugby teams this round? If I were French I would be worried by Genia and Foley, Folau besides, of course.

9- Genia
10- Foley
12- Toomua
15- Folau

If this kids going to play TRC such as this SR round, ABs must have carefull.

Everyone who is a Wallabies possibility had a great games. Nic White was awesome, Toomua played very well as did Kurindrani and Sio during the Brumbies game last night. Just about the whole Tahs team played well against the Chiefs with AAC and Foley being the standouts. It's going to be a fight for the 13 jersey between AAC and Kurindrani with both having brilliant games. Genia and White are also pretty close now it seems. Simmons was good for the Reds but Horwill still hasn't his best. I must say I was impressed with Jones' effort in a losing team. After this weekend my Wallabies would probably be:

1. Sio
2. Moore
3. Slipper
4. Simmons
5. Jones
6. Fardy
7. Hooper
8. McCalman
9. Genia
10. Foley
11. Cummins
12. Toomua
13. Kurindrani
14. AAC
15. Folau

16. TPN
17. Kepu
18. Cowan
19. Skelton
20. Hodgson
21. White
22. Beale
23. McCabe

 

[InsaneAsylum]

Ben Alexander ruled out with 'nerve damage', Paddy Ryan into the squad.

 

[austingtir]

Its good to see that finally Australia might have a decent flyhalf in foley. I think it will make the world of difference to them and they should be more than competitive this year. Now they just need to find another halfback to replace the overrated Genia.