Welcome, as soon as once more, to the Weekend Version.
This week, I’d like to speak just a little concerning the thriller of Angus Blyth making the Wallaby Squad. Angus performed in simply 5 video games this season, averaging 46 minutes per recreation. Accidents e-book ended his season, which means he wasn’t sighted till spherical eight, after which just for 5 minutes. In spherical 9 he was on for 28 minutes after which in spherical ten he began his first recreation and performed for 73 minutes. He began the subsequent two video games after which was injured once more.
I’ve at all times mentioned that Angus Blyth has all the pieces it takes to be a high flight second rower. He’s an enormous human being at about 116-118 kgs and 206 cm. However for me, it has at all times been the highest 50 cm or in order that has been the issue. A foolish penalty right here, an off facet there, the yellow playing cards. It was irritating to observe a gifted participant lacking an vital a part of the sport.
This season has been just a little totally different, although. In his 229 minutes on the pitch this 12 months, he has given up no penalties and no yellow playing cards. Sure, it’s a small pattern measurement, however after watching him for years, I believe there’s a particular change in focus. Possibly it’s lastly ending his Commerce Diploma after seven years and having the ability to concentrate on one factor as an alternative of discovering time for each. Possibly it’s simply rising up. I don’t know.
I do know he has been handed a golden ticket (actually) don’t stuff it up.
Which Brings Me To Ryan Smith
For weeks, I’ve checked out punters “Wallabies squads” in boards and weblog feedback and in not one was Ryan Smith named, and I used to be began to suppose I used to be the one mad man on this nation who might see the worth in a workaholic lineout and tackling machine.
Immediately’s Wallabies squad was truly a reduction for me as a result of it proved that not less than two different outdated codgers thought the identical means I did.
For what it’s price, smith’s stats are virtually the alternative of Blyth’s this 12 months. Smith began all however one recreation this season, and that was in spherical 15 when he was “rested” enjoying 27 minutes off the bench. He was second on the ladder for tackles with 208 and fourth on the record for lineout wins.
Too typically in Australian rugby, we get distracted by shiny issues and don’t pay sufficient consideration to the soiled underbelly. Smith rejects the shiny and thrive doing the soiled work, and that helps the groups he performs for to shine.
Full Wallbies Squad
FULL WALLABIES SQUAD:
Forwards
Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Blyth, Charlie Cale, Matt Faessler, Nick Frost, Langi Gleeson, Alex Hodgman, Tom Hooper, Isaac Kailea, Fraser McReight, Josh Nasser, Zane Nonggorr, Billy Pollard, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Ryan Smith, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Rob Valetini, Jeremy Williams, Harry Wilson, Liam Wright
Backs
Kurtley Beale, Filipo Daugunu, Ben Donaldson, David Feliuai, Josh Flook, Jake Gordon
Len Ikitau, Andrew Kellaway, Darby Lancaster, Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott
Hunter Paisami, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Nic White, Tom Wright
Unavailable for choice
Recovering from harm
Angus Bell, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Max Jorgensen, Rob Leota, Lachlan Lonergan, David Porecki, Blake Schoupp
Australia Sevens
Corey Toole
Properly, that was robust. It’s been an enormous week for me. I’m going to log off early and I’ll discuss to you within the feedback.
