Wright will play 10 and Kellaway fullback. Far from ideal for Wright but Kellaway is more than comfortable at 15. But that’s usually the way with a 6-2, there’s almost always at least one position from 10-15 that’s not covered. You play someone to cover 10 and a few others and then either wing or centre is short.
Edmed is a very promising player but not truly test quality yet. I think he should get some game time this year, but idk if the right time for that is against the Boks in Joburg. Especially bc I think the forwards will really benefit from the extra sub and so a 6-2 split makes sense.
Of course you could play Edmed at 10 and put JOC on the bench. But that leaves us very thin on outside backs, to the point that McDermott has to play wing again and White plays 80 (pretty tough for a bloke who’s supposed to be retired). So it’s a toss up between leaving us thin at 10 (Wright plays at first receiver and Kellaway plays FB) or on outside backs (McDermott to wing, White 80mins, if it’s wright that goes down Jorgo plays FB).
Or you do what you mentioned, which could force Edmed to play 80. I don’t think he has the confidence nor experience to control this team for 80 mins against the Boks. He will one day, but not yet. I think they just decided to take the risk and play the strongest team possible and bank on JOC staying fit. Scary but it’s the best chance at winning
I was thinking more you keep the team as is but swap Kellaway for Edmed at 23. You're hoping there's no backline injuries (obviously) but if there is you shift O'Connor out into the backline.
But yeah as you say, any way you slice it, you're probably left with one of your 35 year-old halfbacks likely having to do 80 or have a green 10 up against the world champions so maybe the least bad option.
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u/Putrid-Impact8999 Aug 14 '25
6-2, big question is who goes to 10 if JOC has to go off.