British & Irish Lions - Weekly Wallaby Watch (Ioane & McCabe out of series, Barnes out of 2nd test:)

First topic message reminder :

Inevitably, there's been a ma-hoosive over-focus on these boards about whom the tourists are likely to be and little, if anything, on who the Australian test team are likely to be.

The point of this thread is to report week to week upon the players which the Sydney Morning Herald believes are the best Aussie players in each round of the Super 15, to discuss how this changes and to comment in light of these performances who the form test starters are likely to be for the Wallabies.

The Wallaby squad will be removed for all Super 15 matches on 7, 8 and 9 June in order to be 'quarantined' for 3 weeks leading up to the first test on June 22nd.

SUPER 15 MATCHES REMAINING FOR WALLABIES SQUAD UNTIL THE FIRST TEST: 0

A. WALLABIES SQUAD:

Ben Alexander	Prop	Brumbies	28	48
Adam Ashley-Cooper	Fullback-Wing-Midfield	NSW Waratahs	29	77
Berrick Barnes	Flyhalf/Inside Centre/Fullback	NSW Waratahs	27	50
Nick Cummins	Wing	Western Force	25	6
Dave Dennis	Loose Forward	NSW Waratahs	27	15
Kane Douglas	Lock	NSW Waratah	27	6
Saia Fainga’a	Hooker	Queensland Reds	26	18
Israel Folau	Fullback-Wing	NSW Waratahs	23	Uncapped
Will Genia	Halfback	Queensland Reds	25	41
Liam Gill	Flanker	Queensland Reds	20	8
Michael Hooper	Flanker	NSW Waratahs	21	13
Rob Horne	Inside Centre	NSW Waratahs	23	14
James Horwill	Lock	Queensland Reds	27	35
Sekope Kepu	Prop	NSW Waratahs	27	23
Christian Leali’ifano	Flyhalf/Inside Centre	Brumbies	25	Uncapped
Ben McCalman	Loose Forward	Western Force	25	21
Stephen Moore	Hooker	Brumbies	30	76
Ben Mowen	Loose Forward	Brumbies	28	Uncapped
James O’Connor	Flyhalf/Wing	Melbourne Rebels	22	37
Wycliff Palu	No 8	NSW Waratahs	30	46
Nick Phipps	Halfback	Melbourne Rebels	24	12
Benn Robinson	Prop	NSW Waratahs	28	56
Rob Simmons	Lock	Queensland Reds	24	23
James Slipper	Prop	Queensland Reds	23	34
Luke Morahan	Wing	Reds	23	1

B. CURRENT S15 TEAM STANDINGS (AUSTRALIA)
TeamPWLDBFA /-BnsPts

1. Brumbies	14	9	3	2	2	376	257	119	6	54
2. Reds	15	9	4	2	1	307	284	23	6	50
3. Waratahs	14	7	7	0	2	371	344	27	4	40
4. Rebels	14	4	10	0	2	327	439	-112	8	32
5. Force	14	3	10	1	2	233	323	-90	5	27

c. AUSSIE TEAM S15 RESULTS

Round 16
Crusaders v Waratahs, Full Time 23-22
Brumbies v Hurricanes, Full Time 30-23
Reds v Rebels, Full Time 33-20

Round 15
Rebels v Waratahs, Full Time 24-22
Blues v Brumbies, Full Time 13-20
Force v Highlanders, Full Time 19-18
Stormers v Reds, Full Time 20-15

Round 14
Rebels v Stormers, Full Time 30-21
Force v Sharks, Full Time 13-23
Waratahs v Brumbies, Full Time 28-22
Cheetahs v Reds, Full Time 27-13

Round 13
Chiefs v Force, Full Time 22-21
Reds v Sharks, Full Time 32-17
Blues v Rebels, Full Time 36-32
Waratahs v Stormers, Full Time 21-15

Round 12
Rebels v Chiefs, Full Time 33-39
Force v Reds, Full Time 11-11
Kings v Waratahs, Full Time 10-72
Brumbies v Crusaders, Full Time 23-30

Round 11
Reds v Blues, Full Time 12-11
Brumbies v Force, Full Time 41-7
Bulls v Waratahs, Full Time 30-19
Crusaders v Rebels, Full Time 30-26

Round 10
Hurricanes v Force, Full Time 22-16
Waratahs v Chiefs, Full Time 25-20
Reds v Brumbies, Full Time 17-17

Round 9
Highlanders v Brumbies, Full Time 19-30
Chiefs v Reds, Full Time 23-31
Rebels v Kings, Full Time 27-30
Force v Crusaders, Full Time 16-14

Round 8
Brumbies v Kings, Full Time 28-28
Hurricanes v Waratahs, Full Time 41-29
Force v Rebels, Full Time 23-30

Round 7
Highlanders v Reds, Full Time 33-34
Brumbies v Bulls, Full Time 23-20
Cheetahs v Rebels, Full Time 34-16
Waratahs v Force, Full Time 23-19

Round 6
Reds v Bulls, Full Time 23-18
Force v Cheetahs, Full Time 10-19
Sharks v Rebels, Full Time 64-7
Stormers v Brumbies, Full Time 35-22
Waratahs v Blues, Full Time 30-27

Round 5
Waratahs v Cheetahs, Full Time 26-27
Reds v Force, Full Time 12-19
Sharks v Brumbies, Full Time 10-29

Round 4
Rebels v Reds, Full Time 13-23
Brumbies v Waratahs, Full Time 35-6

Round 3
Waratahs v Rebels, Full Time 31-26
Reds v Hurricanes, Full Time 18-12
Bulls v Force, Full Time 36-26

Round 2
Rebels v Brumbies, Full Time 13-30
Reds v Waratahs, Full Time 25-17

Round 1
Rebels v Force, Full Time 30-23
Brumbies v Reds, Full Time 24-6

D. AUSSIE TEAMS OF THE WEEK

27 February 2013
1. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Ed Quirk (Reds)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Christian Lealifaano (Brumbies)
13. Ben Tapuai (Reds)
14. Dom Shipperley (Reds)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

7 March 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Nathan Charles (Force)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Angus Cottrell (Force)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Nick Phipps (Rebels)
10. James O'Connor (Rebels)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Ben Tapuai (Reds)
13. Mitch Inman (Rebels)
14. Nick Cummins (Force)
15. Ben Volavola (Waratahs)

11 March 2013
1. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Dan Palmer (Brumbies)
4. Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Jake Schatz (Reds)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Anthony Faingaa (Reds)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

17 March 2013
1. Scott Sio (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
4. Peter Kimlin (Brumbies)
5. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Fotu Auelua (Brumbies)
9. Alby Mathewson (Force)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealifaano (Brumbies)
13. Tevita Kuridrani (Brumbies)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

24 March 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. James Hanson (Reds)
3. Paddy Ryan (Waratahs)
4. James Horwill (Reds)
5. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
6. Dave Dennis (Waratahs)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Richard Brown (Force)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Drew Mitchell (Waratahs)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

31 March 2013
1. Scott Sio (Brumbies)
2. James Hanson (Reds)
3. Dan Palmer (Brumbies)
4. James Horwill (Reds)
5. Hugh McMeniman (Force)
6. Peter Kimlin (Brumbies)
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
8. Jake Schatz (Reds)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
11. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Dom Shipperley (Reds)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

9 April 2013
1. Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
2. Ged Robinson (Rebels)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Luke Jones (Rebels)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Jason Woodward (Rebels)
15. Richard Kingi (Rebels)

14 April 2013
1. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Rob Simmons (Reds)
5. James Horwill (Reds)
6. George Smith (Brumbies)
7. Liam Gill (Reds)
8. Richard Brown (Force)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Rod Davies (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Junior Rasolea (Force)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Jayden Hayward (Force)

21 April 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Heath Tessman (Force)
3. Dan Palmer (Brumbies)
4. Kane Douglas (Waratahs)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Liam Gill (Reds)
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs)
8. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Israel Folau (Waratahs)
15. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies)

28 April 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Saia Faingaa (Reds)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Sam Carter (Brumbies)
6. Jarrod Saffy (Rebels)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Mitch Inman (Rebels)
14. Henry Speight (Brumbies)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

05 May 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs)
3. Sekope Kepu (Waratahs)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Rob Simmons (Reds)
6. Dave Dennis (Waratahs)
7. Chris Alcock (Force)
8. Wycliff Palu (Waratahs)
9. Brendan McKibbin (Waratahs)
10. Bernard Foley (Waratahs)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Cam Crawford (Waratahs)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

13 May 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Saia Fainga'a (Reds)
3. James Slipper (Reds)
4. Sitaleki Timani (Waratahs)
5. Kane Douglas (Waratahs)
6. Dave Dennis (Waratahs)
7. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Will Genia (Reds)
10. Quade Cooper (Reds)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Rod Davies (Reds)
15. Israel Folau (Waratahs)

20 May 2013
1. Benn Robinson (Waratahs)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Laurie Weeks (Rebels)
4. Hugh Pyle (Rebels)
5. Cadeyrn Neville (Rebels)
6. Ben Mowen (Brumbies)
7. George Smith (Brumbies)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Alby Mathewson (Force)
10. Berrick Barnes (Waratahs)
11. Digby Ioane (Reds)
12. Kyle Godwin (Force)
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs)
14. Peter Betham (Waratahs)
15. Luke Morahan (Reds)

27 May 2013
1. Nic Henderson (Rebels)
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies)
3. Ben Alexander (Brumbies)
4. Scott Fardy (Brumbies)
5. Peter Kimlin (Brumbies)
6. Chris Alcock (Force)
7. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels)
8. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
9. Nic White (Brumbies)
10. Matt Toomua (Brumbies)
11. Joe Tomane (Brumbies)
12. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies)
13. Mitch Inman (Rebels)
14. Tom English (Rebels)
15. Jason Woodward (Rebels)

E. SELECTED AQ PLAYER STATS TO DATE

Most Points
1. Morne Steyn (Bulls) 181
2. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 163
3. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) 158
4. Patrick Lambie (Sharks) 150
5. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) 142
6. Joe Pietersen (Stormers) 140
7. Quade Cooper (Reds) 138
8. Demetri Catrakilis (Kings) 122
9. Brendan McKibbin (Waratahs) 120
10. James O'Connor (Rebels) 106
11. Colin Slade (Highlanders) 85
12. Chris Noakes (Blues) 76
13. Daniel Carter (Crusaders) 70
14. Sias Ebersohn (Force) 63
15. Burton Francis (Cheetahs) 62
16. Jayden Hayward (Force) 60
17. Tyler Bleyendaal (Crusaders) 58
18. Tom Taylor (Crusaders) 52
19. Jason Woodward (Rebels) 51
20. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) 50

Most Tries
1. Frank Halai (Blues) 8
1. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 8
3. Henry Speight (Brumbies) 7
4. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 6
4. Tim Nanai-Williams (Chiefs) 6
6. Alfie Mafi (Force) 5
6. Cam Crawford (Waratahs) 5
6. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 5
6. Hugh Pyle (Rebels) 5
6. Jesse Mogg (Brumbies) 5
6. Julian Savea (Hurricanes) 5
6. Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) 5
6. Rod Davies (Reds) 5
6. TJ Perenara (Hurricanes) 5
6. Willie le Roux (Cheetahs) 5
16. Akona Ndungane (Bulls) 4
16. Ged Robinson (Rebels) 4
16. Hosea Gear (Highlanders) 4
16. Jean de Villiers (Stormers) 4
16. Peter Betham (Waratahs) 4

Most Tackles Made
1. Pieter Labuschagne (Cheetahs) 214
2. Wimpie van der Walt (Kings) 198
3. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 179
4. Ed Quirk (Reds) 176
5. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 174
6. Matt Todd (Crusaders) 167
7. Sam Cane (Chiefs) 163
8. John Hardie (Highlanders) 161
9. Heinrich Brussow (Cheetahs) 160
9. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 160
9. Robert Ebersohn (Cheetahs) 160
9. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels) 160
13. Brodie Retallick (Chiefs) 156
13. Siyamthanda Kolisi (Stormers) 156
15. Liam Gill (Reds) 153
16. Francois Uys (Cheetahs) 152
17. Marcell Coetzee (Sharks) 146
18. Cornell du Preez (Kings) 145
19. George Smith (Brumbies) 144
20. Hugh Pyle (Rebels) 142

Most Runs
1. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 126
2. Charles Piutau (Blues) 119
3. Digby Ioane (Reds) 114
4. Peter Saili (Blues) 107
5. Luke Braid (Blues) 106
6. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 105
7. Hosea Gear (Highlanders) 104
7. John Hardie (Highlanders) 104
9. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 101
9. TJ Ioane (Highlanders) 101
11. Liam Messam (Chiefs) 100
11. Tom Marshall (Crusaders) 100
13. Ben McCalman (Force) 96
14. Jake Schatz (Reds) 95
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Waratahs) 93
15. George Whitelock (Crusaders) 93
17. Alapati Leiua (Hurricanes) 92
17. Hugh Pyle (Rebels) 92
17. Marcell Coetzee (Sharks) 92
17. Steven Luatua (Blues) 92

Most Try Assists
1. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 11
2. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) 7
3. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) 5
3. James O'Connor (Rebels) 5
3. Quade Cooper (Reds) 5
3. Rene Ranger (Blues) 5
3. Will Genia (Reds) 5
8. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) 4
8. Patrick Lambie (Sharks) 4
8. Willie le Roux (Cheetahs) 4
11. Elton Jantjies (Stormers) 3
11. Francis Saili (Blues) 3
11. Gareth Anscombe (Chiefs) 3
11. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 3
11. Johann Sadie (Cheetahs) 3
11. Matt Toomua (Brumbies) 3
11. Morne Steyn (Bulls) 3
11. Nic White (Brumbies) 3
11. Nick Phipps (Rebels) 3
11. Winston Stanley (Force) 3

Most Offloads
1. Quade Cooper (Reds) 37
2. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 30
3. Luke Braid (Blues) 22
4. Rene Ranger (Blues) 21
5. Ben Smith (Highlanders) 20
6. Meyer Bosman (Sharks) 17
6. Robert Fruean (Crusaders) 17
8. Aaron Cruden (Chiefs) 16
8. Francois Steyn (Sharks) 16
10. Wycliff Palu (Waratahs) 15
11. Digby Ioane (Reds) 14
11. Hosea Gear (Highlanders) 14
11. James O'Connor (Rebels) 14
14. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 13
14. Charles Piutau (Blues) 13
14. Julian Savea (Hurricanes) 13
14. Kyle Godwin (Force) 13
14. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 13
19. John Hardie (Highlanders) 12
19. Ryan Crotty (Crusaders) 12

Most Pilfers Made
1. Liam Gill (Reds) 9
2. Rene Ranger (Blues) 8
2. Sam Cane (Chiefs) 8
4. George Smith (Brumbies) 7
5. Chris Alcock (Force) 6
5. Robert Ebersohn (Cheetahs) 6
7. John Hardie (Highlanders) 5
7. Luke Braid (Blues) 5
7. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 5
7. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 5
11. Alby Mathewson (Force) 4
11. Coenrad Oosthuizen (Cheetahs) 4
11. Deon Fourie (Stormers) 4
11. Jacques Botes (Sharks) 4
11. Nick Phipps (Rebels) 4
11. Pieter Labuschagne (Cheetahs) 4
11. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs) 4
18. Meyer Bosman (Sharks) 3
18. Michael Fitzgerald (Chiefs) 3
18. Saia Faingaa (Reds) 3

Most Penalties Conceded
1. Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders) 26
2. Ben Mowen (Brumbies) 20
2. Greg Holmes (Reds) 20
4. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 19
5. Ben Alexander (Brumbies) 18
6. Ali Williams (Blues) 17
6. Ben Franks (Hurricanes) 17
6. Steven Kitshoff (Stormers) 17
9. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 16
10. Schalk Ferreira (Kings) 15
10. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 15
12. Ben Tameifuna (Chiefs) 14
12. Coenrad Oosthuizen (Cheetahs) 14
12. Laurie Weeks (Rebels) 14
12. Pieter Labuschagne (Cheetahs) 14
12. Sam Carter (Brumbies) 14
12. Scott Fuglistaller (Rebels) 14
18. Angus Ta'avao (Blues) 13
19. Deon Stegmann (Bulls) 12
19. Liam Messam (Chiefs) 12

Most Turnovers Conceded
1. Quade Cooper (Reds) 37
2. Stephen Moore (Brumbies) 34
3. Adriaan Strauss (Cheetahs) 29
4. Deon Fourie (Stormers) 28
5. Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) 27
6. Charles Piutau (Blues) 25
7. Heath Tessmann (Force) 24
7. Rene Ranger (Blues) 24
9. Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Chiefs) 23
9. Bernard Foley (Waratahs) 23
11. Digby Ioane (Reds) 22
12. Brendan McKibbin (Waratahs) 21
12. Ged Robinson (Rebels) 21
12. Hikawera Elliot (Chiefs) 21
12. Israel Folau (Waratahs) 21
12. Julian Savea (Hurricanes) 21
12. Liam Messam (Chiefs) 21
12. Nathan Charles (Force) 21
12. Scott Higginbotham (Rebels) 21
12. Willie le Roux (Cheetahs) 21

Most Missed Tackles
1. Chris Noakes (Blues) 31
1. Robert Ebersohn (Cheetahs) 31
3. Raymond Rhule (Cheetahs) 30
4. Michael Hooper (Waratahs) 29
5. Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes) 27
6. Mitch Inman (Rebels) 25
7. Demetri Catrakilis (Kings) 23
7. Matthew Hodgson (Force) 23
7. Pierre Spies (Bulls) 23
10. Asaeli Tikoirotuma (Chiefs) 22
10. Brad Shields (Hurricanes) 22
10. Kyle Godwin (Force) 22
10. Sergeal Petersen (Kings) 22
10. Siyamthanda Kolisi (Stormers) 22
15. Alapati Leiua (Hurricanes) 21
15. Christian Lealiifano (Brumbies) 21
15. JJ Engelbrecht (Bulls) 21
15. Lodewyk de Jager (Cheetahs) 21
15. Phillip van der Walt (Cheetahs) 21
15. Ronnie Cooke (Kings) 21

"I think the admiration I have for Joe . . . there's part of me that thinks the capabilities he's given sides he's been involved with I wouldn't want to miss out on that"

-Brian O'Driscoll.

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_8702625,00.html

Looks like he will play on doesnt it?

Quade Cooper had a blinder again last night. In fact, quite a few of the Reds players stood up when it counted. A good sign for Oz but more difficult decisions for Robbie to make.

A big hit from Rene Ranger has sent James O'Connor to hospital with a sternum injury and he may miss out on the Lion's tour.

http://www.espnscrum.com/super-rugby-2013/rugby/story/182573.html

Holy sh!tballs Breaker - really not good news from an Aussie perspective.

That said, there's an argument that JOC hasn't done enough to be in the first XV in any event. Really hope he makes it back because he's incredible to watch.

Was thinking the same as your 2nd para, George.

It sounds a little unfair on him I know but it may make Robbie's task a little easier. I just hope it isn't too serious.
I'm sure DoctorGrey will confirm that this type of injury takes quite some time to heal.

Linebreaker wrote:A big hit from Rene Ranger has sent James O'Connor to hospital with a sternum injury and he may miss out on the Lion's tour.

espnscrum.com/super-rugby-2013/rugby/story/182573.html

Australia just don't stop picking up the injuries do they. On a more positive note Cooper looked very good for the Reds against the Sharks; and Barnes marked his return with a try.

Barnes gave the pass to Folau to score and then kicked a penalty in the final minute.

Oh, the match report said Barnes scored a try on the 77 minute mark.

* No you're correct. I totally read it wrong. Did he play well? I think some might underrate him a little. He doesn't fall to pieces the way Cooper does.

His first touch wasn't that good - a forward pass to a player in an offside position but after that he was OK.

In the stats at the start of the thread you have one called most turnovers - i thought that meant turnovers won but I see Quade Cooper at no. 4! How can that be?

LittleJohn - it's most turnovers conceded - i.e the number of times that player has coughed up the ball to the opposition...

Most turnovers won are in the 'Most Pilfers' column.

George Carlin wrote:LittleJohn - it's most turnovers conceded - i.e the number of times that player has coughed up the ball to the opposition...

Most turnovers won are in the 'Most Pilfers' column.

Good - I was scratching my head how cooper could have won so many turnovers! Makes far more sense read the other way - it does give an indication of the risks you take playing him.

Linebreaker wrote:Was thinking the same as your 2nd para, George.

It sounds a little unfair on him I know but it may make Robbie's task a little easier. I just hope it isn't too serious.
I'm sure DoctorGrey will confirm that this type of injury takes quite some time to heal.

I can confirm that Sternum injuries are horrible. I had a few while playing rugby. Very painful and I now have something similar to arthritus in my intercostal cartlidge as a result.

Beale is out of the Aussie squad on rehab

munkian wrote:Beale is out of the Aussie squad on rehab

Personally I want the Lions to beat the best Aussie team possible and I also love to see the best players on the field. I wish him a speedy recovery.

One for the future but I'm sure if he keeps his head down he will be a force come the RWC... Will Skelton made his debut on the weekend. I reckon we'll see him in the Lions match as he's the sort of player who would suit mixing it up with AW Jones et al.

6'8 135kg and there doesn't seem to be much excess weight on him (ala the Census Johnson's of this world).

He looked very powerful in a 20min snapshot. Good ball carrying, very good come ruck time and the Waratahs scrum which struggled beforehand became dominant.

OP updated for round 13 - will update the player stats after round 14.

ONLY 3 S15 GAMES TO GO BEFORE THE FIRST TEST.

Some cracking games. Here's Mr Cully's take on his team of the week and the games this week:

Folau's Wallabies stocks up in leaps and bounds
May 13, 2013

Israel Folau has one arm in a Wallabies jersey. Signs of respect from opposition don't come much higher than Bryan Habana's attempt to take an intercept with five minutes left rather than risk Folau getting the ball close to the line. The great Springbok winger was hell-bent on preventing Folau from taking possession as soon as the Waratahs swung the ball right, rushing up hard and effectively making up Berrick Barnes' mind to delay that final pass. Warren Gatland will be testing the vertical leaps of his fullback/wing options, because Folau is going to be part of this Lions series.

Quade Cooper is more than the last man standing. Doors might be opening due to the injury and disciplinary travails of James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale, but the Reds No.10 was already knocking on them. There are fewer mistakes and greater variety in his play than earlier in the season.

Defensively, there will always be issues, but with Christian Lealiifano and Matt Toomua trampled by Robbie Fruean last week and O'Connor swatted aside by Charles Piutau on Saturday, there are precious few copybooks that are blot-free against powerful ball-runners. But has he done enough to convince Robbie Deans?

Scott Higginbotham is thriving in adversity. If watching a good player in a losing team is a rich source of intelligence, the Wallabies coaches are learning a lot of nice things about the Rebels captain. When the Rebels tightened things up against the Blues in the second half, it was the big No.8 who was at the heart of the tough stuff, picking up from the base of rucks and driving into heavy traffic. It showed a gritty side to his game to complement his running in wider channels. It probably doesn't feel like it, but this losing stretch for the Rebels might be the making of him. On the other side, Frank Halai's work under the high ball, never mind the the three tries, had All Black written all over it.

Tahs wins battle of will
Sitaleki Timani and Eben Etzebeth could have set up an impromptu ring behind the goalposts and gone bare knuckle and their intentions would have only been marginally less obvious.

These are the giants asked to set the physical tone and some of their early collisions were huge. And as with any two heavyweights standing in the middle of the ring unloading haymakers, both landed and took a few blows.

Kane Douglas also bought into what was required with some strong work against the Stormers' maul, while Tatafu Polota-Nau was one of the few who managed to punch a hole or two in that intimidating defensive wall.

The hooker's lineout stats were by no means dreadful either, mixing it up with short throws to avoid the expected pressure from Andries Bekker and co.

Shaky Isles firming up
Until two weeks ago the narrative of the season had been one of Australian ebullience, South African depth and New Zealand underperformance. But a quick glance at the win column of each nation in interconference clashes might mess with that perception.

New Zealand teams have won 17, the South Africans 16 and Australian outfits 14. As an aside demanding fans in Brisbane and Auckland must be patient with the second-half drop-off in intensity over the weekend. This competition is a brutal slog, sending increasing numbers to Japan, and there is no way any side can maintain the rage each week at a constantly high level. We wonder, too, if the longer half-time breaks are playing a part.

Controversial playmaker Quade Cooper is expected to be shunned when Robbie Deans unveils his 25-man Wallabies squad for next month's blockbuster series against the British and Irish Lions.

But veteran flanker George Smith, code-hopper Israel Folau and injury-plagued pair Pat McCabe and Berrick Barnes are set to be included in Deans' initial training squad on Sunday afternoon.

Despite Cooper's strong Super Rugby form for the Queensland Reds and his well-grooved combination with indispensable halfback Will Genia, the 38-Test five-eighth still appears on the outer.

James O'Connor remains the firm frontrunner to wear Australia's No.10 jersey for the first Test on June 22 as Cooper continues to pay the price for his "toxic" attack last September, and his defensive positioning at fullback for the Reds.

It's believed Cooper will likely be one of six players, along with suspended star Kurtley Beale, added to a final 31-man squad on June 11 - three days after he can show his wares for Queensland against the Lions in their June 8 tour match.

http://au.sports.yahoo.com/rugby/news/article/-/17211967/izzys-in-but-quade-to-miss-wallaby-squad/

Thanks Breaker.

I think that not even having Cooper is the squad is a massive mistake from a Wallaby perspective and if it's really because of his comments last year, then Dingo needs to grow up and realise that he's hamstringing his entire team by not choosing Cooper. Cooper's basics (notably his defence) have been very good this season.

O'Connor has been virtually invisible for me this season and the Rebels have really struggled generally. I haven't really been tracking Barnes this season, largely because I didn't think he'd feature in the squad.

No surprise about Smith though. Based on who's fashionable at the moment, I think we're looking at 6. Gill 7. Smith 8. Big Fotu which would be tasty. That would mean Hooper or Dennis on the bench. Loosies a real strength for the men in gold this year.

George, Barnes has played feic all this season but has been a favorite of Deans for a long while now as imho he follows the predictable team orders.

I think Cooper will make the final squad and this is just about Deans telling Cooper who's boss and not to mess about. Cooper is the form 10 and while he might not start the first test he shoukd play a big part in the series.

I also think Cooper has matured 'significantly' this year as both a person and a player. All negative comments- particularly those from the Lions hopefuls here continue to refer to pre 2013- Cooper. In looking at is performance and demeanour this year alone, he's a diffferent bloke, and the old cheeky swagger I think has been replaced by a more rounded person, and a much beter player. Deans wont be able to ignore that, as currently Coopers ticking far more boxes than anyone else- by a distance, and to break the Genia partnership for the Lions series could be career breaking for RD. Balls in his court as I see it. And Coopers put it there.

It would be absolute madness to ignore a halfback partnership as talented as Genia and Cooper. The potential is there for them to be a legendary world class combination.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:It would be absolute madness to ignore a halfback partnership as talented as Genia and Cooper. The potential is there for them to be a legendary world class combination.

Agreed. Although yet another article suggests that Barnes will feature and Cooper will struggle to make the squad.

"Cooper will struggle to make the 25-man squad, but Beale's absence has potentially opened the door for him to be included among the six players who will be added to the squad in early June.How Cooper plays for the Queensland Reds against the Lions in their tour match in Brisbane will be decisive."

http://m.theaustralian.com.au/sport/opinion/past-deed-enough-for-pat-mccabe-berrick-barnes/story-e6frg7t6-1226645557832

Cooper is doing his job- being the best player he can be, Deans needs to do his job- being the best coach he can be, A non selection of Cooper would mean only one of the two is doing his job well. Regardless of anything else. McCabe and Barnes are second tier in test rugby, obly Barnes having fleeting success in the odd test. Neither are Lions serieswinning material.

Taylorman wrote:Cooper is doing his job- being the best player he can be, Deans needs to do his job- being the best coach he can be, A non selection of Cooper would mean only one of the two is doing his job well. Regardless of anything else. McCabe and Barnes are second tier in test rugby, obly Barnes having fleeting success in the odd test. Neither are Lions serieswinning material.

Very good post.

littlejohn wrote:

Rory_Gallagher wrote:It would be absolute madness to ignore a halfback partnership as talented as Genia and Cooper. The potential is there for them to be a legendary world class combination.

Agreed. Although yet another article suggests that Barnes will feature and Cooper will struggle to make the squad.

"Cooper will struggle to make the 25-man squad, but Beale's absence has potentially opened the door for him to be included among the six players who will be added to the squad in early June.How Cooper plays for the Queensland Reds against the Lions in their tour match in Brisbane will be decisive."

http://m.theaustralian.com.au/sport/opinion/past-deed-enough-for-pat-mccabe-berrick-barnes/story-e6frg7t6-1226645557832

I saw this too LJ and I don't follow the reasoning.

If it's one 10 that doesn't have to prove his club form, it's Cooper. On the other hand, it does provide the Lions with an extra chance to injure him before any test rugby is played. Either Cooper is likely to be the test starter or he isn't. If he is, why deny him training time with the squad and risk his injury. If he isn't, why add him to the squad late at all?

In all fairness Cooper's form wasn't hot from the start this year. He's really come on in the last few matches as his combo with Genia has tightened. Deans thinks he needs more matchplay.

A few injury concerns coming out of tonights Waratahs Brumbies game with George Smith (knee) and Tatafu Polota-Nau (arm) looking like they won't be fit for the lions.

Smith was in good nick tonight, making a real nuisance of himself at the breakdown. Shame he won't get to backup against the lions 12 years later.

TPN broken arm...that's a shame and i was really looking forward to seeing GS back in the mix

Rumour has it Cooper wont make Deans 25 cut squad toady. That will be interesting...

Taylorman wrote:Rumour has it Cooper wont make Deans 25 cut squad toady. That will be interesting...

I reckon that will happen too - In fairness Berrick Barnes had a decent game today so will have cemented his place in the squad so it may go down to the Reds v Lions game to decide whether Cooper makes the squad.

Wow - if they lose Smith it's a massive blow for the Wallabies.

They're saying it's medial ligament damage to the knee but we won't know for a couple of days.

yeah he played ok. Coopers looking good vs the cheetahs with not much success at the moment but anyone with a good rugby sense knows Cooper must play. Selecting sometimes is just not that difficult.

I missed all rugby this morning, anyone tell me who did what in the big Aus one...

Waratahs 28 v Brumbies 22

Reds losing to Cheetahs 27-6 with 8 to go.

Taylorman wrote:Waratahs 28 v Brumbies 22

Reds losing to Cheetahs 27-6 with 8 to go.

I checked the results mate, but how did all play?

Also did the Cheetahs score 22points in 8 minutes???

Oh losing

Something you're an expert on...

Wallabies squad announced:

WALLABIES SQUAD: Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Nick Cummins, Dave Dennis, Saia Faingaa, Israel Folau, Will Genia, Liam Gill, Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper, Rob Horne, James Horwill, Digby Ioane, Sekope Kepu, Christian Lealiifano, Stephen Moore, Ben Mowen, Jame O'Connor, Wycliff Palu, Benn Robinson, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Sitaleki Timani, Joe Tomane.

No:
Quade Cooper
Drew Mitchell (paying the France Tax)
Jesse Mogg (Folau the form man now)
George Smith (assuming medial tear in left knee rules him out)
TPN (confirmed broken arm)

Wallabies Squad to face the British & Irish Lions:

Israel Folau* (NSW)
Berrick Barnes (NSW)
Nick Cummins (Force)
Digby Ioane (NSW)
Joe Tomane (ACT)
Adam Ashley Cooper (NSW)
Rob Horne (NSW)
Christian Leali'ifano* (ACT)
James O'Connor (Rebels)
Will Genia (Qld)
Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
Wycliff Palu (NSW)
Liam Gill (Qld)
Michael Hooper (NSW)
Dave Dennis (NSW)
Ben Mowen* (ACT)
James Horwill - Captain (Qld)
Rob Simmons (Qld)
Sitaleki Timane (NSW)
Ben Alexander (ACT)
Sekope Kepu (NSW)
Benn Robinson (NSW)
James Slipper (Qld)
Saia Faingaa (Qld)
Stephen Moore (ACT)

* new Caps

6 players will be added to this group.

So no Quade Cooper as expected - he'll get called up before the 1st... hopefully.
Saia Faingaa in for TPN who fractured his arm last night.
No George Smith - ruled out for the Series with ACL injury.
No Pat McCabe - ruled out with posterior cruciate ligament rupture.
No Jesse Mogg, Hugh McMeniman, Fotu Auelua, Drew Mitchell or Kurtley Beale.

Sorry LB didn't see you added it here, will delete my thread.

It's OK mate.

Was thinking of doing the same thing but George has gone to so much effort...

RD seemed quite pleasant about Quade Cooper's possible involvement. Hopefully he'll do the right thing by him in the coming weeks.
He should have been named in the squad right now though.

Rob Horne... lucky to get selected due to McCabe's injury. I would have preferred Ben Tapuai.

Linebreaker wrote:It's OK mate.

Was thinking of doing the same thing but George has gone to so much effort...

Linebreaker wrote:Wallabies Squad to face the British & Irish Lions:

Israel Folau* (NSW)
Berrick Barnes (NSW)
Nick Cummins (Force)
Digby Ioane (NSW)
Joe Tomane (ACT)
Adam Ashley Cooper (NSW)
Rob Horne (NSW)
Christian Leali'ifano* (ACT)
James O'Connor (Rebels)
Will Genia (Qld)
Scott Higginbotham (Rebels)
Wycliff Palu (NSW)
Liam Gill (Qld)
Michael Hooper (NSW)
Dave Dennis (NSW)
Ben Mowen* (ACT)
James Horwill - Captain (Qld)
Rob Simmons (Qld)
Sitaleki Timane (NSW)
Ben Alexander (ACT)
Sekope Kepu (NSW)
Benn Robinson (NSW)
James Slipper (Qld)
Saia Faingaa (Qld)
Stephen Moore (ACT)

* new Caps

6 players will be added to this group.

So no Quade Cooper as expected - he'll get called up before the 1st... hopefully.
Saia Faingaa in for TPN who fractured his arm last night.
No George Smith - ruled out for the Series with ACL injury.
No Pat McCabe - ruled out with posterior cruciate ligament rupture.
No Jesse Mogg, Hugh McMeniman, Fotu Auelua, Drew Mitchell or Kurtley Beale.

Just noticed the lack of Hugh MMM. Surely contentious given his great form all season?

Yeah, but he's only had a few weeks back and it was always going to be a race against time. He's got a chance to slip in for the 2nd round or if we need a replacement.

If anyone needed any further proof that Deans has a few sheep loose in the top paddock then leaving Cooper out is surely it. If he's not the form 10 in Australia right now I don't know who is. McCabe and Horne are truly the unflushables.

Tomane over Davies or Mafi is actually quite a big call too.

Hard to figure out what the last 6 will be position wise but here's my attempt in the backline.

Deans has just 10 backs in the squad leaving at least 3 open positions to get enough cover in. Take one away for another 9 (Nick Phipps), and if we assume Pat MCabe goes that leaves 1 or maybe 2 spots for the likes of Mogge, Cooper, Tapuai, Davies, Mafi and Beale.

Gonna be some very tough decisions but its an indication of depth in squad now alinged with some stupidity by players off the pitch. My vote would be cooper first then Mogge but feic knows who Deans will really pick!

Full Credit wrote:If anyone needed any further proof that Deans has a few sheep loose in the top paddock then leaving Cooper out is surely it. If he's not the form 10 in Australia right now I don't know who is. McCabe and Horne are truly the unflushables.

I'm a huge fan of Mccabe, does nothing that fans generally notice too much but is such a team player, others around him seem to be that little more brave and free when he's around, he's like a smaller backs version of Jamie Roberts!