Mal considering using both DCE and Cleary, merkin needs to grow a set of balls and tell DCE he is shit and played his last game for Australia.
He has had a terrible international career. His win rate for Australia was below 77% before this World Cup. That's with 5 matches off the bench for 5 wins boosting his stats. Since being promoted to the starter his win rate is 50% (not including this year).
As a starting half he has played 4 matches against New Zealand for 3 losses and a win. Against Tonga he has played two matches for a loss and a win.
25% win rate against the team we will face in week 2 of the finals. 50% win rate against Tonga. This is beyond terrible for the strongest rugby league team.
Loss 1 vs NZ: Inglis, DCE, Cronk and Smith. vs Hiku, Foran, Johnson and Leuluai
Loss 2 vs NZ: Inglis, DCE, Cronk and Smith vs Hiku, Foran, Johnson and Luke
Loss 3 vs NZ: Tedesco, Keary, DCE and Cook vs DWZ, Johnson, Nikorima and B. Smith
Loss 4 vs Tonga: Tedesco, Munster, DCE and Cook vs Hopoate, Lolohea, Staggs and Salivi
Like those Australian spines absolutely shit on the spine of the opposition. The fullbacks in the opposition spines alone would have had Nathan Cleary licking his lips knowing he can win the game and dominate field position with his kicks alone.