Aussie Grades: Wallaby Player Ratings
The first test against Ireland felt like the start of a new era for the Wallabies.
Two debutants in the starting line up with another on the bench and lots of young players looking to make an impression in the build-up to the World Cup.
It was a war of attrition and not one for the neutral but the Wallabies won’t care as they got a much-needed win.
Scott Sio – 6
Solid in the scrum, offered himself more than Kepu for ball in hand
Brandon Paenga-Amosa – 6
Lost first line out, could have crumbled on debut but recovered well. Would want to see more of him in the loose.
Sekope Kepu – 6
Held the scrum up and a good cover tackle on Stockdale was all he produced, will be very aware of Tupou breathing down his neck for his spot and will have to offer more if he is going to keep the shirt.
Izack Rodda – 6
Complimented Coleman as a lineout option and tackled well, needs to be more of a ball carrier.
Adam Coleman – 7
Rebels captain was a good lineout option and seemed to enjoy being the senior of the second rows. Some big hits in defence, costly penalty conceded chalked off Folau score.
David Pocock – 8
A welcome return to the back row. Made tackle after tackle and was always a nuisance at the breakdown. Ireland tried to resort to the dark arts to stop him but still couldn’t. Great line for his try.
Michael Hooper – 7
The captain always puts in a good shift, enjoyed being reunited with his partner in crime Pocock.
Caleb Timu – 5
Has had a big season for the Reds so far but was a non-entity really. Maybe overawed by the occasion, went off for an HIA and lucky to come back on.
Will Genia – 7
His battle with Murray was eagerly anticipated. Both cancelled each other out most of the game. Covered well, superb vision for Foley’s try and generally kept the game ticking nicely for the Men in Gold.
Bernard Foley – 7
Defence was very good, was targeted a lot and answered all the questions, scored first try of the game.
Dane Haylett-Petty – 5
Superb try-saving tackle at the start of the second half on Stander, turned out to be crucial, other than that barely mentioned.
Kurtley Beale – 7
Looked like he could spark something didn’t quite happen. Unlucky that the Folau try was disallowed after good work.
Samu Kerevi – 5
Had no ball to demonstrate his attacking abilities, one run in the first half set up the Foley try.
Marika Koroibete – 6
Superb hit on Murray in the first half, defending well as always, unlucky not to score but like all the other backs, starved of ball.
Israel Folau – 6
Always solid under the high ball, not as much as a threat as usual, had a try disallowed for earlier foul play.
Tolu Latu – 6
Solid 25 minutes.
Taniela Tupou – 7
Massive pressure at scrum time, always a willing runner, surely not long before he takes over.
Rob Simmons – 6
Butchered a try when put through by Genia but continued the solid defensive work.
Pete Samu – 6
Great start when first on with a turnover within 40 seconds, was doing well when taken off for HIA reversal, not as effective when back on.
In other news:
Comments on RugbyPass
Some thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to comments