By Samantha Broun
October 20th 2009 @ 1:54am
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Wallaby leak: Barnes to play flyhalf, Giteau inside centre
Wallabies coach Robbie Deans is keeping his cards characteristically close to his chest but it appears utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper has been peeking over his shoulder.
Ashley-Cooper on Monday confirmed rampant speculation that new vice-captain Berrick Barnes will be Australia’s new flyhalf on the Wallabies end-of-season tour, with incumbent playmaker Matt Giteau shifting to inside centre.
Barnes [...]
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Interesting though you dont rate Pocock, Elsom, Genia, Robinson or AAC?
Parisien said | October 20th 2009 @ 3:12am | Report comment
Hope Deans finally picks the right team! What’s taken him so long? Barnes at 10, Giteau at 12 and Mortlock back at 13 for physical presence and experience in the centres – that looks like a good backline, with Cooper, O’Connor and Ioane or AAC as the position back-ups. Now Deans needs to gets his strategies right and use his bench more wisely.
For Fullback – too bad Gerard left, we need Shepherd back fully fit next year. AAC could hold till then, he is quite safe, but he’s not really a fullback, and while he is a good runner, he sometimes holds onto the ball instead of passing, going it alone. Its all very well to make some good breaks and gain metres but not if you don’t then pass the ball to a better placed team-mate and the move fizzles out, as we saw in Wellington.
O’Connor doesn’t know how to jump and contest a high ball, and while very talented is too young and green. He needs to be groomed over time for 12. For want of better options, I would be interested in seeing Hynes get a tryout at fullback. He has a good skill set and can defend well, jump for the high balls, kick well and counter attack. My only criticism is that in the last few games he sometimes isolates himself from support players in counter attack.
Spiro Zavos said | October 20th 2009 @ 7:05am | Report comment
I’m intriqued with the way some of the players like Adam Ashley-Cooper and reporters refer to Robbie Deans by the nickname ‘Dingo.’ My understanding of Australian slang is that ‘dingo’ is not an affectionate term but a term suggesting a certain cowardice and slyness, as in ‘he was a dingo when it came to doing the right thing.’ Deans, as a player, a coach and an outstanding man, should never be put into this category, even in jest.
My questions therefore are these: who gave Deans this unfortunate nickname? And why are the players using it when they should know better?
As for the Barnes/Giteau playmaker role, it is clear that Giteau is being put into a straight jacket when he has to run the backline. He is an instinctive player and works best when allowed to play his natural, instinctive game.
Barnes on the other hand is a more conventional player with good passing and kicking skills and an assertive personality who likes the run things, the ideal playmaker in other words.
Readers of The Roar will know that I have argued for some time that Giteau should be allowed to play on the wing in the manner of Shane Williams or going back further in time, to the great David Campese.
Evan Whitton, the nonpareil of rugby writers, reckons that outside centre is the real place for Giteau.
Bay35Pablo said | October 20th 2009 @ 7:51am | Report comment
Spiro, ask your mate Growden, he seemed to be bandying it around when Deans first got the gig. He either knows where it came from, or he just made it up.
Don’t be surprised if it was given to him by the Kiwis, who wouldn’t know the connotations it has.
Beanpole said | October 20th 2009 @ 12:31pm | Report comment
Yes, Growden christened him Dingo Deans in the SMH around the time of his first press conference as Aussie coach.
Dean Pantio said | October 20th 2009 @ 8:09am | Report comment
That Shane Williams was allowed to leave the circus and play with adults is surprising. That Wales didn’t have someone else in the village who could catch and run fast is astonishing, but the most bewildering suggestion is someone without the genuine pace required would be well suited to the position.
Giteau doesn’t have the experience to run a backline defensively from centre, let alone the tackling dependability. He is, given his skill set, best suited to 2nd 5/8. I would hardly call it a Wallaby leak given they swapped positions during the “trial” and practically everyone has been calling for this positional switch.
Jason W said | October 20th 2009 @ 10:53am | Report comment
Spiro
I was just thinking that recently too. As a kiwi I didn’t realise there were negative connotations, but I was a bit sus about a kiwi getting a particularly aussie nickname and whether he actually likes it. We may think he is a turn coat bastard but one would hope he still knows where he comes from.
Justin said | October 20th 2009 @ 4:18pm | Report comment
Giteau at 15 maybe but you are having a laugh with him on a wing or 13…
Hansie said | October 20th 2009 @ 8:21pm | Report comment
Yep, it’s an SMH nickname. Spiro, isn’t your comment a little too defensive of Deans? It’s a nickname, commonly used, and with no malice. I’m more worried about Deans’ poor coaching record at test level, rather than what nickname is bestowed on him by the SMH.
Bruiser said | October 20th 2009 @ 8:30pm | Report comment
Spiro,
I think this is one of your attempts at simply trying to stir trouble. Simply put i don’t think it has any negative connotation at all. While your definition might be true to the mark, i think it is rather a play on words and an affectionate one at that. If Growden didn’t do it then someone else would have, given our liking for doing this sort of thing as Aussies.
BTW, Giteau should be 12 and needs a good kick up the ass in order to facilitate that. I just hope that with the money he’s getting paid he’s not bigger than the Team. I don’t want to read into what’s necessarily being said in the press or from looking at the photos, but i hope he can suck it up, take the money and still perform.
wannabprop said | October 20th 2009 @ 10:13pm | Report comment
I suspect it’s a generational thing – I seriously doubt this young crop of Wallabies knows of the use of ‘Dingo’ as a derogatory term, and they are indeed using it affectionately and in jovial alliteration. If they are not, then the ‘group’ is seriously dysfunctional…
TheLateJC said | October 20th 2009 @ 7:32am | Report comment
I’ve never heard ‘dingo’ used to describe behaviour at all. A greater tradition in this country is to invent terms on the fly, so it might just have been a one off Spiro
Dingo Deans sounds ok to me, except for the fact that he is a kiwi and reminds us of this from time to time… Hopefully he will resist temptation to talk up NZ prior to Tokyo.
Brett McKay said | October 20th 2009 @ 7:35am | Report comment
Spiro, I think you need to direct your ‘Dingo’ question to your sometime colleagues at the SMH, I’m sure it came from them..
Barnes to 10, Giteau to 12 is hardly a huge surprise, Deans even hinted at it himself in the last week or so. I think we all agree it’s a good move, though of course only time will tell, and that time in 31 Oct in Tokyo..
Parisien said | October 20th 2009 @ 7:49am | Report comment
I don’t like the nickname Dingo either, but first saw it used for Deans by Greg Growden not long after the coach’s appointment. I guess the irony is amusing for many who use it, the dingo being a quintessentially Australian animal and Deans a true kiwi, and there is a certain ring with the alliteration.
Interesting thoughts about Giteau but is he as fast and elusive as Williams or as clever as Campese? It would be interesting to see him one day play on the wing to see how he goes, but in the meantime I think the Wallabies need him at 12 as I don’t think there is anyone else ready to step up right now.
fox said | October 20th 2009 @ 7:59am | Report comment
“We’ve never had a team where both 10 and 12 can play 10 dominantly” – and this is still the case, at least for now.
I don’t read anything into the nickname “Dingo” other than it being a term of affection. It certainly doesn’t appear to be used disrespectfully. AAC is not stupid and would know better than the deride his national coach, particularly when there have recently been a few heads on display on top of the Fort Wallaby walls.
I’d be surprised to see Mortlock keep the 13 jersey. It is more likely that Deans will opt for AAC at 13 and retain O’Connor at fullback, although my preference would be to take a leap as soon as possible and give Ioane the 13 jersey, switch AAC back to fullback and move O’Connor to the bench (or to the wing) and let him play his way back into form from there. Fullbacks and wings will be a rotating prospect until the dust settles and with Cameron Sheperd still to return. I expect him to be pushing for a place next year, as he was brilliant early on this year prior to the injury.
Mr Mac said | October 20th 2009 @ 8:28am | Report comment
I agree with Spiro re the name Dingo.
I have always seen it a s derogitory – as in “he’s a bit of a dingo” or “he dingoed it”
I was surprised when it was firt used that no one ever commented.
Vented Relief said | October 20th 2009 @ 9:12am | Report comment
I have never heard of the phrases “he dingoed it” or “he’s a bit of a dingo”. I’ve heard of dingbat. and dingaling. Maybe I’m not old enough.
Perhaps we should refer to him as Aussie Robbie – that’s another stupid expression the media puts on our imported coaching and playing stars (Aussie Kim Clijsters, Aussie Guus Hiddink, Aussie Joe Bugner).
Stash said | October 20th 2009 @ 9:51am | Report comment
Hey – why not play two fly-halfs at the same time and increase kicking options to confuse the enemy – that’s original Deans.
It didn’t work for NZ with Carter/Donald combination. Tho I think the ABs find it hard to anticipate Donald even when he’s playing 10. Seemed to create more confusion than cohesion for the support. Saying that, NZ did abandon this after 1 game (being such a disaster as it was).
Deans does”t have too much choice here – Gits has been ineffectual at 10 this year and he needs both guys on the field.Barnes has looked sharper this year – but I thinks he needs that extra step that will not be afforded him if he stays at 10 and doesn’t interchange during the game.
Stash said | October 20th 2009 @ 9:53am | Report comment
ohh yes….better Dingo Deans than Kiwi Deans – (particularly when you guys are on tour)
Hammer said | October 20th 2009 @ 10:24am | Report comment
I’ve always found it amusing how the Australian media and fans have embraced calling their coach after a filthy outback mutt .. but there go … I’m sure Deans himself isn’t to enamoured with it – but knows attempting to try and change it would be akin to Ponting wanting to be called Rick from now on …
giteau is has been a liability for a while now – but won’t get dropped .. ditto O’Connor the experiment isn’t working – but there’ll be little change in Tokyo – both in personell and end result …
Republican said | October 20th 2009 @ 11:19am | Report comment
Spiros
I assumed this name was given Deans by his exceedingly pissed off country men and women for being a quissling.
Hammer said | October 20th 2009 @ 11:29am | Report comment
Wrong – it’s a name lumped on him by a nations press that require “handles” on everything
stuff happens said | October 20th 2009 @ 11:44am | Report comment
I have used Dingo Deans but never intended that it should be insulting – I saw it rather as a expression of endearment – that he had become one of us as it were ( albeit temporarily). Dingos are not cowards.
Anyway, it’s neither here nor there. The real issue is that I along with countless others was delighted when he was appointed as Australian coach.Today I realise he has achieved nothing.
Here’s hoping Australia can produce eight forwards who can standup and be counted. Unless they can whether Barnes , whom I prefer, or Matt Giteau is 10 or 12 or any where else in the backline or the bench will not save us from being an also ran.
Republican said | October 20th 2009 @ 11:51am | Report comment
The Dingo is a creature of esteemed pedigree. The Australian press is no different to any other media around the world and certainly NZ’s equivalents are no exception in this respect. Deans who prior to this was little more than Kiwi flightless bird is possibly more than happy with his new nickname on taking flight – more power to him.
Hammer said | October 20th 2009 @ 12:00pm | Report comment
“taking flight” … more like sinking like a stone … perhaps he should be rebranded Uluru to represent the size of the millstone around his neck ..
Blind freddy said | October 20th 2009 @ 12:25pm | Report comment
“Dingo” is unquestionably a derogatory term in the Australian vernacular.
Dingoes are sly, stealthy,very smart, and the do very nasty things to sheep.
Mr Deans has not been very smart in his selections so far, so how he got the nickname is anyones guess.
ohtani's jacket said | October 21st 2009 @ 11:42am | Report comment
“Dingoes are sly, stealthy,very smart, and the do very nasty things to sheep.”
Ha, too bad the sheep are winning 6-1.
Republican said | October 20th 2009 @ 3:12pm | Report comment
Hardly a mill stone given the motza he has been afforded here in Oz.
He is a free agent of mercenary Kiwi intent who can always throw the towel in and return to where he’s not appreciated. I guess he is in a bit of a catch 22 in that respect, since mediocrity and adversity is on offer both sides of the ‘dutch.’
stu said | October 20th 2009 @ 3:46pm | Report comment
Hear Hear Republican – Dingo Deans is simply alliteration and it has been done affectionately in this case.
Stash said | October 20th 2009 @ 4:04pm | Report comment
I thought Dingo was for:
D – Do I really have to play NZ again inTokyo
I – I’d rather be the AB coach
N – Not another loss
G – Got to look for a new job soon
O – OK, so I thought it was going to be easy going from Super 14 to internationals
lest, something to that effect.
ohtani's jacket said | October 21st 2009 @ 11:45am | Report comment
Very good.
stillmissit said | October 20th 2009 @ 4:12pm | Report comment
Mortlock out of first 2 tests. AAC to outside centre and Giteau I/C, Hynes fullback and O’Connor on one wing and Turner on the other. How much speed do you want? Swap Turner and Hynes if you want to although I prefer the other way round.
TommyM said | October 20th 2009 @ 4:52pm | Report comment
I like this combo
I’d love to see what O’Connor could do with less responsibility on the wing (he’s MUCH faster than Giteau so a genuine contender for a wing spot- sorry Spiro, Gits isn’t quick enough). Agree with earlier poster however that 12 is really his spot and he’ll take over from Gits there eventually.
BTW- I have kiwi friends, including one who’s never left NZ who refer to Deans as ‘Dingo Deans’ so perhaps it did originate there (perhaps even independently). They also call him ‘Aussie Bob’. In my experience both terms are used with affection rather than derision by both Aussies and Kiwis.
Justin said | October 20th 2009 @ 8:27pm | Report comment
You guys have forgotten one fella called Digby. JOC is the ultimate bench player as he covers indirectly almost every spot though it may be by next year he is the 12 for AUS.
Hoy said | October 21st 2009 @ 9:50am | Report comment
I have a massive problem playing JO’C at wing if we all know 12 is his future spot. In fact, I have a massive problem with him playing 15 if 12 is his future.
I have always felt that putting blokes in to unfamiliar positions on the field ‘f’s up their development big time.
I personally like the way he plays 12. Where will he play for the Force next season? Hopefully in his rightful spot at 12. So why pick him at 15. It does nothing but ruin his development at 12, and confuse him with learning 15.
So many good young players have been ruined by being moved around just to fit them in. If he is the next 12, lets wait until Gits moves on (if he is our 12 now), and then slot him into the spot then. Until then, he may be able to cover spots on the bench, but he shouldn’t be started in a different position.
stillmissit said | October 21st 2009 @ 11:38am | Report comment
Hoy – I am totally with you on this. I think part of the problem with Giteau is the changes of position he has had to go through, particularly when we was one of the best I/C’s in the world.
I think we will look back on this idea (that all backs can play anywhere) as another ‘mad’ phase we went through a bit like Eddie and the stats driven team.
Reading Matt Burkes biog. and he talks about this in there. He really only wanted to play fullback.
sportym said | October 20th 2009 @ 7:50pm | Report comment
This article does not confirm anything. AAC only hints that Barnes will play 10 and Gits 12. So now that we are trying to change the culture of those money hungry wallabies who give up, how about a change in the media circles? I am getting disappointed how much of Growden’s “reliable sources” info is influencing this site. This story was posted on SMH yesterday I believe. For me it seems GG is back to his best shite stirring ways for Rugby in Oz, its like a cancer that slowly spreads. Its almost impossible to get positive news from Oz these days. I believe Spiros has criticized the UK tabloid culture in the past, but are we that far behind??
Ed said | October 21st 2009 @ 2:30am | Report comment
It’s ridiculous to suggest that ‘dingo’ is being used as insult. I can’t believe there is some many comments on it
Mr Mac said | October 21st 2009 @ 11:09pm | Report comment
Ed
Thats the point of Spiro’s origional comment.
Dingo historically is a derogatory term but those who “tagged” it were either historically niave or just plain “whatever”