Three Wallabies in World team, but we need two more
Roar Guru By Chris McKay, 23 Feb 2010 The Crowd is a Roar Guru
- 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?
Recommend this story.
The Turkey 10
The Turkey 10 teams have now been selected, as Wild Turkey Bourbon's sport sponsorship kicks into the next exciting phase.
Choose which side you're going to support and get in the running to win $2,500!
Simply visit Wild Turkey Australia on Facebook for your chance to win.
Find out more.
- Explore:
- Ben Robinson, Rocky Elsom, RWC, Super Rugby, wallabies, Will Genia
February 23rd 2010 @ 9:31am
Worlds Biggest said | February 23rd 2010 @ 9:31am | Report comment
Interesting article. Genia is chasing DuPreez but wouldn’t be picked in a World XV ahead of him, not yet anyway. I’d rank him 3rd in the world behind DuPreez and and the terrific Welsh halfback / 9th forward Mike Phillips ( currently injured ). Our Kiwi roarers would argue Jimmy Cowan is right up there too. I agree with Benn Robinson and Rocky Elsom as World XV selections but that’s it. I agree with Stephen Moore & Digby Ioane ( assuming he stays in one position ) as the next in line to press claims but not Berrick Barnes. On his day he is World class however we don’t see enough of him due to injury and he should be playing 10 not 12. I think Adam Ashley-Cooper has the makings of a World class Fullback and is probably the 3rd or 4th best at the moment. Pocock if he continues his form is a couple of years away. So for me it’s Robinson and Rocky with Moore, Ioane, Pocock and AAC next in line.
February 23rd 2010 @ 1:56pm
katzilla said | February 23rd 2010 @ 1:56pm | Report comment
Nah I wouldn’t put Cowan up there. Hes too much of a hot head and kicks too often for my liking.
With more game time at half back this year I think we’ll see Piri Weepu reclaim his Black 9, a far better talent without the given 5 penalties per game.
February 23rd 2010 @ 3:18pm
DaMan3000 said | February 23rd 2010 @ 3:18pm | Report comment
Agreed Katz. I’m an Otago man but prefer Weepu in the black any day. I wasn’t sure if he had the game awareness to permanently take hold of it but the last season of S14 and early signs so far, he seems to be really coming along.
Although Cowan’s ‘rang beard is a lovely boost to his own cause!
February 23rd 2010 @ 4:19pm
Chris K said | February 23rd 2010 @ 4:19pm | Report comment
Clearly coach Henry does not and continues to overlook Weepu
February 23rd 2010 @ 10:08am
Nashi said | February 23rd 2010 @ 10:08am | Report comment
Most of the guys talked about here have already peaked. I think these guys have to sustain their current level of play. That means Elsom in particular is probably as good as he is going to get. Same for Moore and Gitteau. The potential is in Robinson (he has another 5 years to peak), TPN, Pocock, Genia, Cooper with maybes in O’Connor and someone out of the blue like Davies (Reds).
The thing is we are running out of time for 2011. I think our best chance is 2015.
February 23rd 2010 @ 10:20am
Hayden said | February 23rd 2010 @ 10:20am | Report comment
Gotta love the unbridled optimism of our Australian cousins. A couple of reasonable games against so so opposition, and all of a sudden Genia is the world’s best no 9. The lad has talent, but a long way to go. If I was picking a world team, I’d have duPreez, Parra, Kelleher ahead of him at least. I forget which side of the scrum Robinson plays on, but either way I’d have Woodcock or Hayman in ahead. Elsom needs to rediscover his form, there’s several players ahead of him also.
February 23rd 2010 @ 10:13pm
Frank said | February 23rd 2010 @ 10:13pm | Report comment
Couldn’t agree more. I think that we must have forgotten the Euopean end of year tour…….
February 23rd 2010 @ 11:12am
Rin said | February 23rd 2010 @ 11:12am | Report comment
Pocock and Robinson are the only ones i think would get a sniff at the moment. Pocock is a massive talent. Robinson has perfect techique and mobile around the park.
Genia is good but i dont think he is in Du Preez’s class yet. I tend to think Du Preez will probably rule the 9 ranks until after 2011 world cup when he will probably retire/slow down.
Rin
February 23rd 2010 @ 11:41am
Jameswm said | February 23rd 2010 @ 11:41am | Report comment
Looking forward to Reds v Bulls!
February 23rd 2010 @ 1:45pm
Brian said | February 23rd 2010 @ 1:45pm | Report comment
What is this crap about Genia? What has he done to make you think he’s deserving of a place in a World XV? He hasn’t achieved ANYTHING in his career to date, except be a bit better than the local competition which, in truth, is shithouse. On the other hand, Du Preez has a currie cup, super 14, trinations and a world cup medal to his name. He almost single handedly beat England in the Boks 36-0 win during the group stages of the wc. The guy is a freak in his position and it is bordering on offensive to even contemplate comparisons between Genia and Du Preez. Please try to be honest with yourself. Australia doesn’t have anyone good enough to be in a World XV at this stage.
February 23rd 2010 @ 2:14pm
Wylie said | February 23rd 2010 @ 2:14pm | Report comment
“and it is bordering on offensive to even contemplate comparisons between Genia and Du Preez”
Bordering on offensive to even contemplate??? South Africans are always big on hubris.
February 23rd 2010 @ 2:41pm
JK said | February 23rd 2010 @ 2:41pm | Report comment
Yeh well ummmmmmm…. Robinson would go close, and IMO AAC can be, but needs to play 13, but to suggest any Wallabies have played good enough to earn World 15 status is a bit delusional. If we have three, how many do the Kiwi’s and Saffa’s have? and if we can get a 1-5 tri nations record last year with three players the best in the world in thier positions, how many do we need just to compete in the tri nations? let alone a world cup, because I’m pretty sure there’s more than just Sanzar players to choose from!
In saying that they only need to be the best in the world at that moment, e.g World Cup. That’s not entirely impossible
February 23rd 2010 @ 6:32pm
brad said | February 23rd 2010 @ 6:32pm | Report comment
Digby Ioane would be a force in any other side. Unfortunatley I think his talent is wasted in Australia.
February 23rd 2010 @ 8:03pm
ohtani's jacket said | February 23rd 2010 @ 8:03pm | Report comment
Wake me up when they win some games.
February 23rd 2010 @ 8:50pm
Hansie said | February 23rd 2010 @ 8:50pm | Report comment
Genia isn’t at world XV standard yet. Giteau could challenge if he moves to #12 and plays consistently. But my overall feeling is that, given Australia’s woeful season last year, we are a bit ahead of ourselves in discussing world XVs.