Hynes the only question mark in the team that form picked

[KenyaQuin]

Hynes the only question mark in the team that form picked
Greg Growden | June 12, 2008

ROBBIE DEANS has, as expected, opted for form, pace and specialists in his first Wallabies line-up. But will it be the starting XV that is still running around at Tri Nations time? Probably not.

And is it the best Test line-up he could have picked?

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[gustafsl]

Not a bad effort for Growden's standards. Bit surprised he didn't suggest that Tahu should be on the bench over Crossy.

[GIGS20]

More of the same....I have my questions over Peter Hynes, but none of them are answered by Two-Dads!

And as for Shep being left to cover it all....well Peter Hynes is the mongrel in this back three. Cam Shepherd is the turbocharged Laser Scalpel that'll cut the Irish to shreds.

[force addict]

Um, so Brownie isn't in form.? watever

[BLR]

Um, so Brownie isn't in form.? watever

He set a pretty high standard in the start of the season, so judging from that, no.

[Swee_82]

He set a pretty high standard in the start of the season, so judging from that, no.

It's a combination for mine: he set a very high standard at the start of the season, which might have slipped a bit (and I mean a BIT) but Palu's also been playing some great rugby, so on form, he really deserved the spot at 8.

[BLR]

It's a combination for mine: he set a very high standard at the start of the season, which might have slipped a bit (and I mean a BIT) but Palu's also been playing some great rugby, so on form, he really deserved the spot at 8.

The good thing about Browns start is that he showed he has quality in spades and showed it fairly consistently, not just a one week thing, the same with Cross. I expect them to get a few runs this season while Deans works with them to get them playing that kind of rugby every game and I expect that in the November tours they will be playing some brilliant rugby, showing some of the fruits of Aussie Robbies labour...

Palu has played good this season but has played very average in seasons past, not anything to do with his development like Brown, just not turning up to the games. Brown however has shown massive improvement and the bad games he has played have been pretty decent bad games to have...time will tell, I think Brown will benefit from Dean's coaching and not feel to out of place as he is used to Mitchells coaching....

[TommyM]

To be fair- if you look at the reserves bench, there's a prop, a hooker, a 7 and a lock/6 in Mumm.

Unfortunately for Browny,he doesn't quite have the versatility of Mumm in being able to play at lock. So long as there's a 4/3 split, I think he'll miss out unfortunately - unless there's a less physical pack, in which case he might get in ahead of Palu at 8 (if only becasue Palu has I think 15kg on him).

HOWEVER- if Deans opts for a 5/2 split at any stage I'd say he's a great chance. Maybe even for the ABs!!

[TommyM]

Or maybe if he really impresses, he might out Elsom at 6!!

[AndyS]

Or if Palu starts to go missing again...

[slomo]

cliffy palu has been quality most of the season......

[robyn <3]

since when isnt drew not in form? sure hes stuffed his ankle, but hes still a wallaby. better than 2dads... MUCH better. when hes back, hell take his rightfully own place!

[jazza93]

dont worry about hynes, he will be a secret weapon. Lote will make a good decoy.

[zimeric]

o ye of little faith!!!

Hynes will step up this weekend, i have no doubt!
as for Brownie well remember he only really started to flourish due to the ELV's, the next few games wont be played under those rules and therefore a more conventional 8 is required. i wont be surprised to see Palu or Rocky rested for some of the trinations games though!

[gustafsl]

as for Brownie well remember he only really started to flourish due to the ELV's,

You think the ELV's had that much affect on Brownie's game?

Personally I think the ELV's affected the backs a lot more than the forwards. The big changes were more room at the scrums and no passing back into the 22 and kicking out on the full. Both of those affected the backs more than forwards.

The one thing that did help guys at 6,7,8 were the change from penalties to free kicks. A lot of the quick taps were taken by these guys and they were able to get big gains before the opposition could bring them down. But in terms of this I would say that both Palu and Brown benefited from it.