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Aussie Grades: Wallaby Player Ratings
By Robert Seltzer
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.
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Latest Comments
GB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
Go to commentsTupaea is a natural 12. What is it with you kiwis and playing players out of their positions. Is that some sort of national sport? Is that on purpose? You’ve got an utility back and a winger at 12 and 13 respectivelly. You played Savea at 8 for ages, wasting the potential of one of the world’s three best players in the last 4-5 years.
ALB is equally effective at 12 and 13, so why not have him or Tupaea at 12, and Proctor at 13? God forbid you’d have two midfielders playing at their natural positions! There must be a law in New Zealand, that prohibits that. Small sample size, but Proctor walked on water in his international debut at 13.
But the kiwi selectors seem to love Rieko’s speed, so as long as the horse is fast enough, they decided they’ll teach him to climb trees anyway.
You don’t have a better 10 than BB and Mo’unga. DMac is a more instinctive attacker (almost as good as Mo’unga … almost), but doesn’t have BB’s game-controlling skills. You have and will lose games due to his aimless kicking and spur-of-the-moment inventions none of his team mates are able to read at the international pace. Works okay at Super Rugby level, doesn’t mean it’s transferable to test matches. But hey, suit yourself.
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