For me, that bench is too slow. We've had huge success in the past with quick players like BB and DMac coming off the bench against tired defences. Went away from that last year at the WC with SBW and Jordie and it didn't work. Ideally, I'd want a bench like:Ymx wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 5:47 amThis.NotNaki wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 5:23 amThat backs bench covers most bases pretty well. Hopefully Reiko returns suitably chastened from his dumbfuckery.wet-socks wrote: ↑Tue Oct 20, 2020 5:17 am
I don't agree with the combination either, but I can understand Foster's reasoning.
I think Jordan is a much better fit for the 14 jersey, because of Jordan's pace, he will be able to complement the other two's (Clarke, Barrett) attack by being in support and finishing off the line-breaks.
Jordie Barrett covers 11-15 and should be on the bench ahead of Mackenzie. You can also bring him off the bench to kick 60 metre penalty goals at the later stage of matches, another reason Rennie has been using Hodge in the 23 jersey for the Wallabies.
A backs bench of TJ Perenara, Reiko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, would be extremely ideal going forward.
The wild card will be Laumape. A natural starting 12 rather than good utility cover, but unlikely to edge out ALB or Goodhue any time soon. Personally I'd love to see Lumpy and ALB get an extended run together.
9. Smith
10. Mo
11. Clark
12. Lumpy
13. ALB
14. Jordan
15. BB
Bench
JB
Goodhue
TJ
Though if too controversial, switch Lumpy and Goodhue. As Lumpy is a specialist 12, and the other 2 can play both 12/13, and switch if needed when the Lump comes on.
21. TJ
22. Ioane/Laumape
23. DMac/Reece
I think that's a better balance of power and speed. To me, Jordie either starts at fullback or misses the 23.