Three Wallabies in World team, but we need two more
Roar Pro
By Chris McKay, 23 Feb 2010 The Crowd is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- Ben Robinson, Rocky Elsom, RWC, Super Rugby, wallabies, Will Genia
South Africa\'s Schalk Brits, right, under siege from Rocky Elsom, left, and Luke Burgess during Rugby Test against Australia at Subiaco Oval in Perth, Australia, Saturday July 19, 2008. AP Photo
It has long been argued that to win a Rugby World Cup, you need at least five players who would make a World XV. Eighteen months out from RWC 2011, and only two games into the Super 14, it is safe to say that there is plenty of rugby to be played.
But one can argue that Australia boasts three players who could figure in a World XV in Ben Robinson, Rocky Elsom and Will Genia.
Ben Robinson:
Has been so dominant at scrum time. It will be a good test for him this weekend against the Bulls. His play in tight and in the loose is exceptional.
Rocky Elsom:
His name should be enough. One of the most respected players in the world. Tireless worker who absolutely dominated during his stint in Ireland. Unfortunately, injury has slowed his progression, but expect to see him back to his best by the close of Super 14.
Will Genia:
A year ago, he was the Reds back-up 9. Now he is the Reds captain and Wallaby 9. Showed great heart during the Wallaby Spring Tour and has carried that form into the Super 14. His opening two games have been nothing short of outstanding.
So Australia needs to find at least two more players.
The list is very short, but there are three players who could press for a World XV in eighteen months time:
Stephen Moore
Digby Ioane
Berrick Barnes
Agree?
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- Explore:
- Ben Robinson, Rocky Elsom, RWC, Super Rugby, wallabies, Will Genia
PB said | February 23rd 2010 @ 2:23am | Report comment
I think we are building a solid base of players in our 1st XV, with an encouraging mix of experience and new talent, however our depth as always is set to be tested. In regards to players pushing for inclusion in a world XV, my view is that Quade Cooper, James O’Connor, Palu, TPN, Adam A-C, Pocock and Ben Alexander will all be pushing for inclusion in their respective positions come World Cup time 2011.
katzilla said | February 23rd 2010 @ 4:16am | Report comment
3 is enough for now. Although i’d probably still shade Genia with DuPreez.
NZ would probably only scrape 3 in there, and the Saffas 4 (5 if you asked Fourie)
If your going on this equation for World Cup prospects then OZ is looking pretty good.
Who Needs Melon said | February 23rd 2010 @ 5:09am | Report comment
Much as I think Genia has been our best by a mile, I don’t think he is ahead of DuPreez… yet.
Elsom has yet to show us the form that earned him the accolades he received in the UK and I think you are picking him on reputation.
Ben Robinson I think has had a couple of offish games so far this season so he’s certainly no cert for a World 15 either.
I agree with a few of the candidates PB has put forward – I think AAC, Palu and our hookers all have a shot at a World 15. I don’t know if Quade can keep up the form he showed on the weekend but, if he can, then I think he is in with a shot too.
Hoy said | February 23rd 2010 @ 5:49am | Report comment
I am not too sure about Barnes either. He has had a lacklustre start to the year.
It seems to be a trend when players from Australia move teams.
Witness:
Drew Mitchell. I think played his best when he started at the Reds. Has hardly set the world on fire since moving.
Stephen Moore. Again, hasn’t been quite so good since leaving the Reds.
Matt Giteau. Since taking up the number 10 at the Force, we have all bagged the hell out of his game. Different position at a different team is tough to pull off. We know he could be good, but just not at 10.
Josh Valentine. He probably should have played for the Wallabies in his first year with the Reds. Since moving on, he has been ordinary at best.
The list goes on. The Reds are a common denominator here as well it seems… Everyone moves on from them, and never plays quite as well…
BennO said | February 23rd 2010 @ 7:24am | Report comment
So what does that say about the reds? Or is it more about the players and that those mentioned have played well in a poorly performing team and so they look better than they are?
Wavell Wakefield said | February 23rd 2010 @ 6:33am | Report comment
‘Stephen Moore.’
Oddly enough that same thought crossed my mind on Saturday, Hoy. Just after the 07 WC and into 08 Moore was, IMO, the best hooker in the world. Since then he’s been nigh on invisible, apart from the occasional patch. What summed his current performances up best was his inability to score against Wales during the recent tests. He literally did not have the pace to fling himself a few feet forward. I guess those scrums are starting to take a toll.
Rusty said | February 23rd 2010 @ 6:52am | Report comment
Genia maybe the heir apparent but I don’t think he is near usurping du Preez yet. After the world cup the door will be open for him or Mike Philips to assume the mantel
Mr Sports said | February 23rd 2010 @ 7:29am | Report comment
Will Genia isn’t even close to du Preez yet. In fact Genia isn’t even ahead of Piri Weepu or Jimmy Cowan at the moment. I like what Genia has done so far but to suggest he would make a world XV is a huge stretch. He wouldn’t even make the bench of my Southern Hemisphere XV.
As for the other contenders – is Stephen Moore even the incumbent Wallaby hooker? Digby has plenty of potential though.
How many people can honestly judge a world XV anyway? I know i can’t becuase i don’t get to watch as much northern hemisphere rugby as i’d like.
BennO said | February 23rd 2010 @ 7:35am | Report comment
I don’t think Elsom would make it. He’s been quiet since returning to Oz and as much as I don’t like to say this I think Burger is a more damaging 6. And not just to opponents faces. Sorry if I didn’t say it, someone else would have.
I also don’t think Genia would make it. du Preez is king in that position.
Benn Robinson would be a certainty though.
Stephen Moore, well perhaps. We have had an incredible scrum for the past 12 months.
Berrick? I don’t think so. Dan Carter is the pick for 10 and Gits is a better 12 than Berrick in my opinion.
Digby on the wing perhaps. He’s not yet in BOD’s league at 13. You’d have Habana on one wing without doubt. So Digby would have to have a big 18 months to push Sivivatu for selection.
So I’m not so optimistic about the Wallabies chances in a world XV.
Chris McKay said | February 23rd 2010 @ 7:46am | Report comment
Burger is an open side flanker – in SA no 6 is the open side.
Genia is shading Du Preez pretty well I think. Cowan lacks the composure and his decision making at times is questionable. Genia reads what is going on in fornt of him extremely well.
BennO said | February 23rd 2010 @ 7:50am | Report comment
Oh right. I always thought they played left and right side flankers, not open and blind side.
Brett McKay said | February 23rd 2010 @ 7:46am | Report comment
David Pocock (The Roar’s David Pocock) is probably the guy I’d consider closer than the three Chris has suggested might push for a World XV spot in the next 18 months, but even then he’d still be having to deal with McCaw and Brousow, etc.
I think the Wallabies are sitting OK, just back off the pace, but toward the front of the next group, and hopefully the rails run can open up as we get closer to the RWC…
Dandy said | February 23rd 2010 @ 7:50am | Report comment
You are on another planet if you think Genia is ahead of du Preez. I would say that Australia only has 2.
Also i would have to say Barnes is no chance, what position? Certainly not Fly half and he is never going to be a world class 12. Not that I am a massive fan Cooper but he has much greater potential than Barnes, I just think it is doubtful he will ever reach it. To add to this Barnes form for the Tahs has been very patchy at best.
Stephen Moore, that is another big call, he is great at the set piece but, he does not have the all field game, particularly with the new law interpretations.