Comments on: Australia v France first test preview: Head to head ratings

By: murkaeapara

murkaeapara — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 13:07:32 +0000

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By: Blub

Blub — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 11:27:05 +0000

As Alex suggests, French scrum-halves do not appear to be of the quality they once were, but I do wonder why the fella at Toulon isn’t in the party.

By: Blub

Blub — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 11:25:29 +0000

Will be very interested in the scrum. I am not sure that Domingo and Mas (in particular) are the force they once were, and the Aussie scrum does appear to have come on since McKenzie took the reigns.

If Slipper really is worth an 8 (seems high, BUT I don’t watch much Super Rugby) then Mas may really struggle as Moore is a good scrummager.

By: Jacob

Jacob — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 08:54:11 +0000

I must admit I’ve missed the last few Rebels matches but fair enough.

Every time I watch him I think he just offers something extra. He has the xfactor, and ball carrying ability that Australia lack in the pack. I’d have him above any of that back row other than Hooper.

Palu always looks very average at test level for me. McCalman I like, and I think Fardy is a good old fashion 6.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 08:42:00 +0000

He charged out of the blocks this season, before tailing off a bit in recent months – not unlike the Rebels themselves. Seems McKenzie has gone for the safer options, but I do think he should at least be on the bench.

By: engine mechanic

engine mechanic — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 08:33:34 +0000

@Jacob, Higgers didn’t make the team, surprisingly. However, he’s still a penalty machine and is prone to the odd yellow card. Palu and McCalman hav been in great form as of late, and Link stuck with Scott Fardy who has already shown he’s got the goods on test level, whereas Higgers hasn’t shown this kind of form yet. I expect him to make at least the bench this year, however, since he’s got a certain x-factor.

By: Jacob

Jacob — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 08:09:59 +0000

Where’s Scott Higgingbottom? He has been in fantastic form for an over-performing Rebels outfit this year. Is he injured? He’d slot straight in at 6 or 8 if he was fit surely?

The French selection really is baffling. Australia should win comfortably.