Deans has the players, now for the team
Columnist By Spiro Zavos, 28 May 2010 Spiro Zavos is a Roar Expert
- Tagged:
- Al Baxter, Berrick Barnes, robbie deans, Rugby Union, Stirling Mortlock, wallabies
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Australian Wallabies Coach Robbie Deans, center, talks to players Matt Giteau, left, and Stirling Mortlock during the captain's run at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, Friday, Aug. 1, 2008. Australia will play against New Zealand on Saturday. AP Photo/NZPA, Wayne Drought
Selecting teams, as Alan Jones a shrewd selector once said, is all about getting the shape of the side right. Robbie Deans now has the players for a winning Wallabies side. It is up to him to get the shape of his team right to fulfill this promise.
It is obvious from the 30-man squad picked for the opening four Tests of the season that he has turned his back on the class of 2003. George Smith has retired from Test rugby, and by their non-selection in the squad Al Baxter and Phil Waugh are being effectively retired from Test rugby.
The most significant omission here is Al Baxter. Baxter has been the Bill Young of Australian props, a wily campaigner who knows enough to get through most matches but never a prop to give the Wallabies a really strong front row.
Baxter had one great day against England when the Wallabies monstered their opponent’s scrum but he rarely held his own and became a master of dropping scrums. The sight of Baxter shaking his head when he was penalised for this was a sad one for Wallaby and Waratahs supporters.
Statistics reveal that the Waratahs (with Baxter as a prop) and the Brumbies (coached by Young) were responsible for a massive number of re-set scrums in the 2010 Super 14. One of the better scrums was Queensland with their young props Ben Daley and Laurie Weeks.
It is significant that the Queenland forwards have been coached by Alec Evans, the grand old master of forward play and the assistant Wallaby coach for the Grand Slam Wallabies of 1984. Deans has rewarded his work and the play of the two youngsters by putting them in the Wallaby squad.
Nathan Sharpe is the only survivor of the 2003 Wallaby side that played in the Rugby World Cup final. I have been a critic of Sharpe’s play, mainly on the grounds that he delivers less than his intense looks at opponents and agressive talk before the match to reporters might suggest.
But he has attributes the Wallaby pack desperately needs, size. When the Springboks are going to present a 208cm lineout jumper in Andries Bekker opposing sides are going to need all the height they have in their ranks to prevent the dominance of the South African lineout for years to come.
The case of Stirling Mortlock is interesting. He is currently out until next year with surgery done to his back. If he comes back with the form he showed a few years ago, a big ‘if’ of course, then there is a place for him in the centres for the Wallabies. The one outstanding aspect of the gifted backs who have come through Australian rugby this season is that none of them is physically intimidating.
My impression watching the All Blacks play the Wallabies at Wellington in the last Tri Nations tournament in 2009 was that the Wallabies backs looked very small compared with their All Black opponents. A fit Mortlock or, perhaps, Israel Folau, if he came across to rugby union in 2011, would change all this.
With the backs that Deans has he can tick Will Genia as the second best halfback in the world, after the incomparable Fourie du Preez. There are a number of candidates for the crucial number 10 jersey with Quade Cooper being the stand-out Australian player in this position this season.
Last year, though, Deans was keen to play Berrick Barnes at number 10, and he was made vice-captain before he was out of the northern tour through injury.
Will Deans re-assemble a Barnes/Giteau five-eighths combination? Or will he play a Cooper/Giteau combination, with Barnes as the back-up for both positions?
The problem with Cooper is that he has the worst tackling record in the Super 14 tournament. The chat is that Cooper and Beale will not be selected together in a run-on backline because of their defensive weaknesses.
Virtually every back in the squad has form good enough to warrant a place in the outer backs. Personally I think Rob Horne should be given a chance at outside centre, with Adam Ashley-Cooper at fullback and Drew Mitchell and Digby Ioane on the wings.
The pack is not so settled. Rocky Elsom is a certainty for the blind side flanker, and Nathan Sharpe presumably for one of the second row positions and Tatafu Polota-Nau as the hooker (provided his injuries clear up). But it is open for all the other positions, although when Benn Robinson comes back he is a certainty as one of the props.
It intriques me, therefore, that Stephen Hoiles is included in the Wallabies squad, rather than in the Australian Barbarians squad. I’ve always believed that Hoiles has the skills to be an outstanding number 7. As David Pocock fills out he could become a number 8 in the Toutai Kefu manner.
The main point as this stage, though, is developing a competitive Wallaby side for 2010 leading into the RWC nexy year. As John Mitchell notes, Australia seems to have more talent in its rugby ranks than New Zealand does right now.
When Robbie Deans picked his first Wallabies squad back in 2008 I suggested in The Roar that it was a case of ‘Great coach but no cattle.’ The cattle now seems to have come through. Can the coach shape his players into a great side?
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- Al Baxter, Berrick Barnes, robbie deans, Rugby Union, Stirling Mortlock, wallabies
May 28th 2010 @ 7:23am
Sam Taulelei said | May 28th 2010 @ 7:23am | Report comment
I have a different definition of depth to most people. I look through the Wallaby squad and see a number of players who have not played at test level before, those who have played but not well enough to establish themselves in the team, those who have played and are the best in their position in Australia but not ranked in the top echelon against their peers and those few who are genuine world class.
While there are more players available for Deans to pick from, it’s a fallacy to suggest that it immediately creates depth. For example you can have a large pool of average players to choose from but that doesn’t change the fact they are still average players.
SA has great depth with proven performers in most positions.
Australia and NZ do not.
While the announcement of the first national squad generates a lot of excitement and promise if you were to write down the likely starting XV for a Tri Nations test for the Wallabies – will it be that different from previous years? And do you expect that the core of that side has improved an extra 10% to realistically win some silverware because that is probably how far off they were last year.
Depth or not, it will be the starting core of the Wallabies from the last two years that will determine how well the Wallabies perform.
May 28th 2010 @ 7:33am
Mr Saunders said | May 28th 2010 @ 7:33am | Report comment
I agree with your assessment of depth, Sam, but I think you’re being a bit generous with your appreciation of SA rugby. IMO the only country with proven depth is France.
May 28th 2010 @ 7:29am
Michoacan said | May 28th 2010 @ 7:29am | Report comment
Rocky at 8 would plug a large hole. We have other people who can play 6, but going into tests with Brown or Hoiles at the back of the scrum is not gonna get the job done. The Boks have a terrific back row, the ABs pretty fair if Read has a good day, but the Ws are a man short there. In fact, until Palu, Horwill, Robinson and Moore return the Ws are going to be found wanting in the forwards. As for the backs, the Boks know who their playmaker will be, and the ABs know who their playmaker will be, but do the Ws know who’s going to be wearing 10 or will they leave it to the equipment man?
May 28th 2010 @ 7:37am
formeropenside said | May 28th 2010 @ 7:37am | Report comment
Deans has made a number of quite strange selections – namely, Cowan, Hoiles and Chisholm, although some of the train-on squad can count themself lucky as well. Hoiles can only be in the squad as 7 cover (which I thought was Hodgson’s job). He may well play 8 against Fiji, but putting him up against an All Black or SA pack is asking for trouble.
The backline I’d have out of what Deans has picked is Genia (Burgess for now, I suppose), Cooper, Digby, Gits, AAC, Mitchell and Hynes. Three of Turner, Beale, JO’C and Barnes on the bench.
The pack is harder: assuming all are fit – Daley, Faingaa, Alexander, Chisholm, Sharpe, Mumm, Pocock, Rocky.
The problem arises from the shortage of locks, and refusal to pick a physical 8 such as Houston, who is perhaps the closest replacement Palu possible. I’d have run a squad with Van or Simmonds, possibly even Douglas, and Houston in it. That would allow Rocky to be at 6.
Of course, we have to hope that a pack missing Robinson, Moore, TPN, Horwill and Higginbotham, all of whom should be in the mix, can be put together sensibly. But repeating the mistakes of the past (Hoiles, two fetchers, Dick Brown at
is not a 3N winning strategy.
May 28th 2010 @ 8:21am
Dexter William said | May 28th 2010 @ 8:21am | Report comment
“Deans has made a number of quite strange selections”
But the strangest of the lot is picking a player who can not plat at S14 level – time and again, and also failed miserably at Test more than a dozen times.
Why is Burgess there??? It is the strangest of selection.
Though not my favourite player, Brett Sheehan is a much better option in tough and tight encounter.
May 28th 2010 @ 9:01am
Even looser said | May 28th 2010 @ 9:01am | Report comment
Agree about not selecting Burgess. What’s the obsession with him? He fails the test. Move on!
On Sheehan. He’s a tough customer, of that’s there’s no doubt, and he has a decent pass. His short fuse would be my biggest concern. It’s tough because you want players with a bit of aggro (and I think he’s controlling his far better these days) but would he just give away too many penalties? Who knows!
May 28th 2010 @ 11:18am
warrenexpatinnz said | May 28th 2010 @ 11:18am | Report comment
EL it would be interesting to see the most penalised Aussie Super 14 players versus who wasn’t and was selected as you take Waugh and Baxter out as well as Sheehan non selection you see three highly penalsied players and as I think Dean’s/Wallabies game plans need continuity and speed he can ill afford to have repeat infringers?
May 28th 2010 @ 2:41pm
Even looser said | May 28th 2010 @ 2:41pm | Report comment
I think you’re right. Too many top flight kickers now to be handing out 3 points for brain explosions or poor technique.
But it’s tough getting the right balance on temperament isn’t it? You want a player that’s tough and has some mongrel but not one that’ll cost your team points time and time again for stupid off the ball stuff.
May 28th 2010 @ 7:06pm
JohnP said | May 28th 2010 @ 7:06pm | Report comment
I know I sound like a broken record, but why oh why is Chisholm so maligned, I just dont see it, the man is awesome, and is the most experienced lock after nathan sharpe. Experience is not a bad thing! It blows my mind when people are suiggesting Samo or Van Humphries when a 28 year old, 115 kg man with the biggest biceps in the wallabies is sitting in the wings, nearing 50 caps for the wallabies. Come on!
May 28th 2010 @ 7:08pm
Peter K said | May 28th 2010 @ 7:08pm | Report comment
because he has had 50 tests, never shown real balls against top teams goes missing.
As bad as Mumm.
May 28th 2010 @ 7:11pm
warrenexpatinnz said | May 28th 2010 @ 7:11pm | Report comment
Short and sweet PK but sadly true
May 28th 2010 @ 8:28am
The Other Reds Fan. said | May 28th 2010 @ 8:28am | Report comment
It is a shame that Davies isn’t there instead of Turner or Mitchell. I would rather have Van Humphries in my team as he offers bulk and maturity (only one year older than Matfield). As a call from left field, it would have interesting to see Samo at No.8 while Wycliff mends.
May 28th 2010 @ 8:38am
Apelu Tielu said | May 28th 2010 @ 8:38am | Report comment
Samo is an outstanding 8; I’ve seen him played in that position. He’s much better than Palu because he has a wide range of skills, while Palu only has his go-forward and nothing else. And Samo is much faster; he can play wing, also. Get him fitter than he is, and he’ll be sweet.
May 28th 2010 @ 9:47am
max power said | May 28th 2010 @ 9:47am | Report comment
I thought you were a fan of Edmonds at 8 Apelu? Who would be a better option out of he and Samo?
May 28th 2010 @ 11:02am
Apelu Tielu said | May 28th 2010 @ 11:02am | Report comment
Edmonds also was an excellent 8 and 12. You can still those ball skills even though now playing at 2. If height is needed, I’d go with Samo. If aggression, then Edmonds. They can both do more than Palu because of their ball skills.
May 28th 2010 @ 6:39pm
Peter K said | May 28th 2010 @ 6:39pm | Report comment
Palu is far better at offloading in heavy traffic than those 2. He is also a far more powerful runner and will gain the advanatge line through heavy traffic. He is also a far better tackler than those 2. Also makes big hits at least as good as Samo.
All round a better 8 than Samo or Edmonds especially with Elsom at 6.
You need a hard strong runner through the middle at either 6 or 8. You pick 2 fast mobile 8′s but neither have sufficient power.
May 28th 2010 @ 7:13pm
Peter K said | May 28th 2010 @ 7:13pm | Report comment
Davies is out with a hamstring injury.
I would have him instead of Turner or Hynes. Mitchell is the form winger.
May 28th 2010 @ 8:55am
Lemon said | May 28th 2010 @ 8:55am | Report comment
Sort of interested in the idea that Hoiles shouldn’t be in the squad. It seems everyone above wants to assume that we need to match South Africas size and strength with our biggest, meanest backrow. Maybe Robbie wants to play a more expansive game this season with the changing of the rules and there is none better than Hoiles at being part of that style of football. If this is the case then Quade (who tends to tackle with more gusto at Wallaby level…actually gusto is probably too strong a word), Giteau and AAC or Horne would be a sensational attacking backline.
We seem to keep falling into the trap of wanting to play like every other nation than our own. Weren’t we once known as being at the forefront of running rugby or at least have the ability to use the ball. Yes internationals are more intense and require a more savvy approach than S14 but the Reds showed with a small but willing pack that they could tear these massive Sth African teams apart by generating quick phase ball and with good old fashioned skill! Would love to see the Wallabies emulate some of that brand of football and hopefully we would stop being the brunt of cruel jokes by those ignorant, self-absorbed fools on any of the rugby league footy shows.
May 28th 2010 @ 9:08am
Even looser said | May 28th 2010 @ 9:08am | Report comment
Agree 100%. We need to stop trying to play other teams at their own game and start playing them at our game.
Not too sure how much of the S14 rules and refereeing will be applied at the next level though. For example will refs still favour the attacking team at the breakdown?
I’ve been waiting for Robbie to come up with a game plan that plays to our advantages. Nothing so far. But then if we keep on turning over the pill no game plan is going to work and you can shut the gate.
May 28th 2010 @ 9:17am
formeropenside said | May 28th 2010 @ 9:17am | Report comment
I’m not sure you could describe the Reds pack as small: sure, the props weren’t giants, but the second rowers were all 115kg+, and Houston and Higginbotham were up over 110kg.
May 28th 2010 @ 8:59am
Harry said | May 28th 2010 @ 8:59am | Report comment
Three points
1) Why do we in Australia constantly obsess and speculate about moving players who a e great in one position to another. Spiro and others are doing it again here with Elsom and Pocock – these guys should be 6 and 7 and IMO can match it with any pair of breakaways in world rugby. Please lets not change that. Clearly we have problems at 8 (with Palu out), 4 and 5 (my dream combination would be Horwill and Vickerman, but thats looks unlikley to happen again) and tighthead.
2) I just can’t see players like Hoiles, Sharpe, Chisolm, Brown, Cowan and Mumm (gone cold on him after his semi performance last week where he got utterly owned by the Saffas) having the physicality to match it with SA and NZ forwards. All of the above have consistently failed to do it at S14 and test level for a number of years.
3) I like Robbie Deans and think he’s a great coach, but he does speak in fluent gibberish sportese with the worst of them … just reading him on Horne in the SMH and he says, “There’s no doubt given his age profile that anything’s possible for him.” Age profile?! FFS …
May 28th 2010 @ 8:59am
johnny-boy said | May 28th 2010 @ 8:59am | Report comment
I’d have Cooper and Genia up 1st – while hoping like hell Deans can get in to Coopers mind and technique re tackling.
Cooper has a simple choice – learn to tackle front on and be the best, or be an also ran. They need to have a few big boys run at him all day at training until he realizes he can do it and develops the self confidence in his technique – and balls !
I’d also make Giteau at 2nd five, vice captain. It would be an excellent team harmony move and what a great place for him to work with and mentor Cooper. Barnes’s versatility makes him the ideal stand by for both. Elsom at 8 sounds like a great option – especially while Palu is way and for when Higginbotham is back in action. It’s that multiple depth that will keep the team winning – OK if it wins !
I worry about AAC at fullback because he tries too hard some times and those boorish endless up and unders that he doesn’t always chase all the way. He was fantastic at centre. I agree DW re Burgess, unfathomable. Deans must figure he can be taught to pass but it does appear Burgess is so up himself now, he doesnt think he has too – or only ocassionally. Not good enough and I hope Valentine gets a run 1st and Burgess is left to stew on his selfish refusal to help his team by refusing to learning the most essential, elementary skill of a halfback.
May 28th 2010 @ 9:58am
cookie said | May 28th 2010 @ 9:58am | Report comment
If Cooper wasn’t given first crack at 10 it would be a travesty.
He is the form Australian 10 by light years and would arguably be in the top 3 for the S14 and top 5 in the world.
I’m not saying he will be the 10 thru out the season but form should at least give him the first test.
Gits is not never has been and never will be a proper 10…
Gits or barnes will be 12.
The forwards need some brute force… so sharpe & rocky will be there.
May 28th 2010 @ 10:33am
Spaldo said | May 28th 2010 @ 10:33am | Report comment
What, no Pat McCabe?
How can they keep the rookie of the year, who has played every minute of every game so far, out of the Barbarians side?
Anyone?
May 28th 2010 @ 11:06am
Apelu Tielu said | May 28th 2010 @ 11:06am | Report comment
Afraid he’s not quite there, Spaldo. Useful, but does not quite cut it. He had some opportunities with the Brums, but could not get over the whitewash. You need wingers who can score tries, even when nothing seems to be there.
May 28th 2010 @ 10:52am
tipsy said | May 28th 2010 @ 10:52am | Report comment
David Pocock fills out? Have you watched him at all. He is already square. He is a 7 not a number 8.
May 28th 2010 @ 6:46pm
Peter K said | May 28th 2010 @ 6:46pm | Report comment
Yes his nicname is BamBam. He is all muscle, in fact he was told to lay off the gym because he was getting too bulky.
Absolute crap to accomodate Hoiles a very average player move a world class 7 to 8.
At 8 we have Palu and Higginbothma both out injured. They will be back so no worries.
In the meantime it might be worth Elsom at 6 and Hodgson at 6. Or play Hoiles at 8 until the real 8′s come back from injury.
May 28th 2010 @ 6:47pm
Frank O'Keeffe said | May 28th 2010 @ 6:47pm | Report comment
He he was a tank by the time he was 18… something like 100kgs. If he didn’t come across as such a nice guy you’d definitely be intimidated by him if he was talking down the street.