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FORUM / RUGBY /  Australia pick new playmaking duo for France test; NZ Herald

Australia pick new playmaking duo for France test; NZ Herald

Started by Just_win11 REPLIES173 VIEWS· 04 Jun 2014, 07:20
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JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
04 Jun 2014, 07:20
#1
04 Jun 2014, 07:20#1

Halfback Nic White and first five-eighths Bernard Foley have been chosen in an unproven combination for Australia in Saturday's first test against France at Brisbane.

White will be starting a test for only the third time after playing against Argentina and South Africa during last year's Rugby Championships, while Foley will make his first start in five appearances for the Wallabies.

Foley will also take on goalkicking duties after a prolific season for the New South Wales Waratahs.

Lock Sam Carter will make his test debut aged 24, while prop James Slipper and backrower Wycliff Palu will make their 50th test appearances.

Australia coach Ewen McKenzie said current form was critical in selecting the 23-man team.

"It's important to reward those who have consistently played at a high level over the course of the season," he said.

"This year we're in a particularly strong position whereby so many of our players have been performing well for their provinces."

McKenzie said he was confident White and Foley will make the best of their opportunity to establish a new playmaking combination.

"Nic and Bernard are two players who have had a huge influence in the results of their provincial teams over the past two seasons," he said.

"I've also been pleased to see their development as playmakers since getting a taste of test rugby last year and you can sense they have a real confidence in running a game.

"They're also established goalkickers and you can never underestimate the importance of this skill at an international level."

JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
04 Jun 2014, 07:25
#2
04 Jun 2014, 07:25#2
White & Foley have been earning me good points on Fantasy rugby so i have watched them develop. It is a good combination. OZ has options now, even with Cooper out injured. 
On Cooper, not sure he would have started anyway. IMO he is better of the bench when Wobblies are behind. His higher risk game could get them out of trouble but I wouldn't use him as my main man.
CL
CleanCutPro9,905 posts
04 Jun 2014, 10:59
#3
04 Jun 2014, 10:59#3
 
Never rated Cooper ... he's a showboat ... should rather join a circus. Probably make an excellent juggler.


CL
ClaydogClub Pro691 posts
05 Jun 2014, 05:54
#4
05 Jun 2014, 05:54#4
 Will be interesting to see how the halves go. Agree on cooper, he can get you out of trouble but man he can also put us in it. Good to see Sam Carter getting a go.
RU
RugganutClub Pro183 posts
05 Jun 2014, 06:31
#5
05 Jun 2014, 06:31#5
Australia coach Ewen McKenzie said current form was critical in selecting the 23-man team.
Can Ewen send Heineken a fax and tell him that this is how it works ? If Heineken was the OZ coach Greegan, Smith, Eales and Dunning would still be in your side. With Lotte at 13, just for good measure and balance.
CL
ClaydogClub Pro691 posts
05 Jun 2014, 07:09
#6
05 Jun 2014, 07:09#6
 Be like if the kiwis selected Ritchie Macaw. Oh hang on.
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
05 Jun 2014, 08:56
#7
05 Jun 2014, 08:56#7
Claydog: welcome mate! We don't have too many ozzies in here. There is Redsan who shows up from time-to-time but not many others. Mainly SAs, a few Pommies or SAs living in England & a hand full of kiwis.
Wobblies are looking good & will give all teams a hard time this year IMO.
CL
ClaydogClub Pro691 posts
05 Jun 2014, 09:53
#8
05 Jun 2014, 09:53#8
 Cheers for that Just Win
WA
WardadPro6,663 posts
05 Jun 2014, 10:03
#9
05 Jun 2014, 10:03#9
 Off to suncorp ,last time I saw France play the Wabblies I was in Randwick Barracks and took some mates to see the RWC game in 1987 .I told em not to under estimate les Froglets but no bugger believed me ....nek minnit !
BE
Beeno1Captain40,032 posts
05 Jun 2014, 10:59
#10
05 Jun 2014, 10:59#10
 Yes welcome claydog. Personally I think the wobblies will do well this season.White was a definte in my book. I had wondered whether Matt Toomua would make it.Cooper isa good player and is amturing. With Genia theother scrummie youare well served. 
looking at Te Warts for example one would think a decntly selcted Wobblies pack will be the deal thsi year and there are anumber of quality backs.Bledisloe Cup should return to OZ this year.
JW please ensure the Bledisloe Cup is well polished and ready for shipment.Thanks
WA
WardadPro6,663 posts
05 Jun 2014, 12:42
#11
05 Jun 2014, 12:42#11
 Its welded to our trophy shelf , purely through having sat there lo these many ,many years ....
JW
Just_winCaptain18,570 posts
05 Jun 2014, 13:57
#12
05 Jun 2014, 13:57#12

Beeno: always good to see you in such an optimistic frame of mind (let's not worry about reality right now, lol)

 

Please see a couple of pictures of trophies below (Hakwa published them earlier for you). I thought you would need a reminder of what a trophy looks like.

 

I advise you to check & see if SA still has a trophy cabinet. I heard it went to auction & kiwis bought it because ours was full already. They had problems getting the doors open because the hinges had rusted - so it was not such a good deal I guess. We should always count our fingers after we shakehands with some of your countymen (lovable rogues though they may be) 

 

As always (well for the remainder of this year at least) Go Mighty Stormers

 

 

 

 

 

 

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