Rocky Elsom axed from Wallabies
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Waratahs captain Rocky Elsom. Photo AAP Images/Greg WOOD
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Former Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom has been axed from the Wallabies squad by coach Robbie Deans.
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that Elsom, who was skipper of the Wallabies just a year ago, has been cut from the squad to take on Scotland and Wales in the upcoming Tests.
It will be the first time since his debut in 2005 that Elsom has missed selection for the Wallabies, with injuries plaguing his most recent campaigns for Australia and the NSW Waratahs.
It is possible that Elsom has played his last game for the Wallabies.
It’s understood that the NSW Waratahs are considering allowing Elsom to leave the club at the end of the season to play in Japan for significant money, which would rule him out of playing for Australia.
The Herald reports that Elsom’s departure would save the Waratahs and ARU in excess of A$300,000 and A$400,000 respectively.
The Wallabies squad is announced on May 28th – The Roar will be live blogging the announcement.
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- Rocky Elsom, Rugby Union, Super Rugby, wallabies
May 25th 2012 @ 11:11am
Spiro Zavos said | May 25th 2012 @ 11:11am | Report comment
The report was from South Africa where the Waratahs are preparing for their match against the Cheetahs. This suggests that the leak has come from someone nearer to Rocky Elsom than to Robbie Deans.
If the report is not true, it should be. For several years now, ever since he came back from Ireland, Elsom has been a grossly over-rated player for the Wallabies, the Brumbies and now the Waratahs.
There is a generation of younger flankers ready to take over.
I am hoping that at some stage at the end of the year or in the next year or so that Deans considers a back row of Gill/Hooper as the number 7, Pocock as the blindside flanker and Higginbotham at number 8.
May 25th 2012 @ 11:37am
mattamkII said | May 25th 2012 @ 11:37am | Report comment
I was with you until that last paragraph.
Pocock at 6 might be one of the more silly suggestions I have heard in a while.
May 25th 2012 @ 11:57am
Dasher said | May 25th 2012 @ 11:57am | Report comment
Hear hear! Never saw Elsom’s appeal. Most of the time his “famed” big runs left him isolated where he either lost it in the tackle or was pinged for holding on. The poor fella should have stuck with rugby league. I can’t believe he was getting paid $700k to wear a suit on the bench.
I’ve also speculated on the possibility of Pocock at 6. It need not be a permanent move, but a smart chance to trial Hooper or Gill at 7. Green and Gold Rugby ran some interesting statistics showing that Pocock had a higher run metre count, while Hooper & Gill had the higher number of pilfers per game, suggesting the switch for Pocock is not that crazy. 6 and 7 are still flankers with roughly the same job.
May 25th 2012 @ 12:55pm
nickoldschool said | May 25th 2012 @ 12:55pm | Report comment
Yep Dasher am with you and Spiro, Pocock would be a great n6. He has the right morphology for the position, loves playing closer to the tight 5, he is the right guy for it. Gill or Hooper at n7, Higginbotham at n8; sounds like a good backrow to me.
May 25th 2012 @ 1:36pm
Justin2 said | May 25th 2012 @ 1:36pm | Report comment
Not convinced of Pocock anywhere but 7. Not a lineout option, not a great running game and ball skills are average at best for Test level.
May 25th 2012 @ 2:02pm
nickoldschool said | May 25th 2012 @ 2:02pm | Report comment
But “great running skills” as you say are more useful at openside flanker and you agree Pocock isnt the fastest/best running flanker? thats why i think n6 would suit him all right.
You know, i think our perception of what should do n6 and n7 differs because of our ‘rugby culture”. Was told since i was a kid that n7 should be running outwide and have a longer, slender frame and more ‘legs’: laurent Cabannes, Olivier magne and Benetton (6 or 7) were my fav n7 icons. Rives, Betsen or now Dusautoir at n6.
things are changing a bit now and n6/7 have similar morphology in most teams. Anyway, think Pocock would do weel on either side.
May 25th 2012 @ 2:10pm
jeznez said | May 25th 2012 @ 2:10pm | Report comment
I was always taught that the blindside needed more bulk, stronger tight ball carrying in narrow channels. Huge defensive presence waiting on anyone hitting up tight or against the backs trying to run back inside.
Willie O was always my favourite growing up and Kaino has been my proto-type 6 in recent years.
Openside, I’ve always been a fan of the out and out fetcher – super fit, arriving at every breakdown and incredibly strong over the ball. Generally looking for strong acceleration in order to break off scrum and lineout and provide pressure on the 10.
For number 8 looking to have the third lineout option, so a slightly taller leaner frame than six – although the roles can be a little interchangeable. This is where I look for my link play as well. Kieran Read and Sergio Parisse are both great modern 8′s.
Obviously the different functions can be split – great players will have some of the skills of all three roles in their repetoire – however you can look at relatively limited players who complement each other. I alway look at the Wilson, Cockbain, Kefu backrow as one where individually each player only performed facets of the job but they complemented each other to create a complete backrow.
May 25th 2012 @ 4:41pm
nickoldschool said | May 25th 2012 @ 4:41pm | Report comment
Great analysis jeznez, thats also exactly how i see n6, 7 and 8! openside flank was always the ‘super fit guy’ of the team, huge tank, running fast and everywhere, nearly as quick as the backs.
Its funny but i always felt that 6 and 7 were more interchangeable in aussie rugby compare to France or NZ. I almost feel that we play with 2 n6 here (to some extent) and we dont have the same culture of a fast running, out wide n7. SA is a bit similar too in my opinion. I know am stereotyping things but i never saw much difference on the field between Elsom, Smith, Waugh, Pocock etc…( I mean not as marked as say Betsen, a pure 6, and Magne, a pure 7). Agree re-Kaino too.
May 25th 2012 @ 4:56pm
Justin2 said | May 25th 2012 @ 4:56pm | Report comment
I mean he doesnt break tackles or beat defenders with power or skill. Not an offloading type. I wouldnt confuse his speed with great “running lines” which is what Pocock has too. He knows the quickest way from point A to point B, ie he reads the play so well.
I think you are right we have a different perception of 6 and 7.
May 25th 2012 @ 12:56pm
The Bone said | May 25th 2012 @ 12:56pm | Report comment
Spiro how do you rate Chris Alcock?
May 26th 2012 @ 8:28am
Mantis said | May 26th 2012 @ 8:28am | Report comment
I don’t mind Chris Alcock as a player, he has been one of the best in a dreadful team. But in terms of Wallabies, surely he is a long way down the pecking order. And with Hooper going to the tahs (I am still mystified as to why he left), he could be facing a bit more time on the bench, depending on how they play their backrow, particularly Dennis.
May 25th 2012 @ 1:25pm
Morgan said | May 25th 2012 @ 1:25pm | Report comment
Now maybe the ARU can take Rocky off the homepage of Australian Rugby website. Thank goodness we are finally rid of him. Wish the ARU and Deans had the courage to cut him for the RWC, instead of giving him a run as a compromise for losing the captaincy. For too long he has stopped more worthy candidates from the No.6 jersey. Agree with Spiro, since coming back from Ireland he hasn’t been right. I also believe Spiro’s backrow idea is brilliant. Incrdible to have 3 openside flankers like we do now. More incredible we only had one in the RWC squad just 7 months ago!
May 25th 2012 @ 9:58pm
Ben S said | May 25th 2012 @ 9:58pm | Report comment
I couldn’t see Pocock playing anywhere but 7. He just doesn’t have the skill set or bulk to play 6, and his height would leave the Wallabies vulnerable in the lineout.
May 25th 2012 @ 11:21am
Grimmace said | May 25th 2012 @ 11:21am | Report comment
I really hope its true in that maybe, just maybe we might get a Wallabies team picked on form. Over-rated and interested only in himself. Pleanty of talent coming through to replace him.
May 25th 2012 @ 11:24am
kingplaymaker said | May 25th 2012 @ 11:24am | Report comment
I agree with that, Elsom is also ancient-there was a prima donna quality to the whole Ireland episode and he seemed worse when he came back though my memory blurs as to how he was before. The ransoming of the ARU during that time was unimpressive, but worse was the ARU’s belief that just because he had done well in a European club competition it meant he was one of the top players in the world, as the British press claimed. Elsom seems an enigma, but it certainly didn’t work out well for him. Maybe it’s hard to know from the outside what was happening
I’m not sure why my previous and completely neutral post was deleted by the editors but as it said nothing particular I won’t shed too many tears.
I slightly fear Horwill could become the new Elsom. It’s been an awfully long time since he put in a good performance.
At least with a player like Genia he is not only outstanding but without any competition. Pocock may soon have Hooper and Gill threatening him. Maybe captain should be reduced as a position of such importance given how hard it is to stick with one players, and there should be more of a leadership group with a captain who is less set in stone. In fact, thinking through all I have just written, if Deans is going to remove Horwill as captain maybe he should do it now rather than at the last minute before the Lions series: that way at least another Elsom situation will be avoided. Is Horwill really worth his place now?
May 25th 2012 @ 5:21pm
Handles said | May 25th 2012 @ 5:21pm | Report comment
Surprised you got no bites on this!
For mine, Kev had a slow start to the season, but has really found some form in the last few weeks. He does seem to be up and down, even within games, but you can’t look at the pick and drive that Qld have used so well against Auckland, Crusaders, Chiefs and Lions without acknowledging that the locks have been good. I am still not convinced on Simmons, by the way, and think that Pyle or Neville perhaps is worth a try.
Unlike Rocky, one thing you will never have to worry about is 100% commitment from Horwill.
May 25th 2012 @ 6:01pm
Justin said | May 25th 2012 @ 6:01pm | Report comment
There’s only so much energy you can be prepared to waste
May 25th 2012 @ 10:41pm
Blue Blood said | May 25th 2012 @ 10:41pm | Report comment
I share your fears regarding Horwill. I think perhapboot has gone to his head and I am also not happy with his general attitude during games. I’ve commented on multiple pages about his thuggery against other Wallabies. Not an impressive person in my books. I’m happy for him to change my mind but it will take a lot.
May 26th 2012 @ 1:57pm
Spencer said | May 26th 2012 @ 1:57pm | Report comment
Not an impressive person??? Turn it up. Do you know the man?
You are entitled to offer your opinion about Horwill or others as rugby players, but saying ” he is not an impressive person” is unacceptable.
I would NOT say that Blue blood is “not an impressive person”, simply because he writes nonsense.
Do you have some specific facts about Horwill, or acts that you want to share?
May 26th 2012 @ 7:38am
Deez said | May 26th 2012 @ 7:38am | Report comment
I think Nic White might be starting to push for higher honours if Genia slacks off…
May 25th 2012 @ 11:41am
Phil said | May 25th 2012 @ 11:41am | Report comment
I have been very impressed by Scott Fardy this year. He is hard working, strong and gutsy and he gets around the park. Having said that, I still think Rocky has something to offer, but unfortunately he can’t stop getting injured.
May 25th 2012 @ 11:56am
Red Kev said | May 25th 2012 @ 11:56am | Report comment
About bloody time.
His selection last year was farcical.
May 25th 2012 @ 12:08pm
Albo said | May 25th 2012 @ 12:08pm | Report comment
I’m going to buck this trend and say a big thank you to Rocky for his services to Australian rugby. His run of injuries has been unfortunate and whilst he’s been beyond his best for a period there is no doubt that he has had some very fine moments in his career. Good luck with his future endeavours.
May 25th 2012 @ 12:51pm
Jutsie said | May 25th 2012 @ 12:51pm | Report comment
I feel sorry for elsom, his form didnt warrant selection in the last few years but I think he has copped more than his fair share of criticism from punters and the media, he only rivals JOC and cooper as the favourite whipping boy although he hasn’t had the form to counter the insults.
It’s fair enough to criticise his form but the character assasination he has endured based on rumours and innuendo is quite frankly tasteless. I guess its the dawn of the new media where anyone with internet access can make a statement whether true or false and its upto the reader to assess the substance of the statement.
I prefer to take it on face value that he was a great number 6 who came back from NH with high expectations that he couldn’t match due to an ageing body and countless niggling injuries, plus he was given the captaincy when he really isnt a born leader only to be unceremoniously dumped on the eve of the World Cup.
May 25th 2012 @ 1:01pm
Justin2 said | May 25th 2012 @ 1:01pm | Report comment
I understand what you are saying Juts but he doesnt do himself any favours IMO. He isnt the most welcoming warm type during interview’s, has spent most of his time on the pine, seems to train away from the group often etc etc.
Just seems a lone wolf in a team sport.
May 25th 2012 @ 1:05pm
Jutsie said | May 25th 2012 @ 1:05pm | Report comment
But the perception isn’t always reality, its all speculation without any real proof.
I just think we as supporters are becoming more vocal and brutal in our criticism of players due to the new avenues to express our opinion.
May 25th 2012 @ 1:26pm
jameswm said | May 25th 2012 @ 1:26pm | Report comment
Nah he’s got a bad rap in my books for liking to warm up etc on his own, and not partake in team drills. I’ve heard that from too many places to be rumour. It’s just not on in a team sport, especially from a captain.
He always gives his all, I don’t doubt that, but he is limited. He’s a black hole with the ball and is a terrible blind side defender.
I think with Vaea, Higgers and even Mowen, Fardy, LTimani, Dennis etc we have more than ample cover.
He’s injured for the Tahs this weekend, and miss one more game, and he can’t take up an option to play for them next year. I think the best thing for him is to go to Eurpoe or Japan. His name has been drawn across the dirt too much here. I used to admire him, but he’s lost me.
May 26th 2012 @ 10:22am
peterlala said | May 26th 2012 @ 10:22am | Report comment
Justie, I am an Elsom supporter. I hope he can re-prove the old adage, “Never bet against a champion.” Still, I can’t comprehend why a captain would warm up on his own. As an individual player he is entitled to do that but it raises questions about his coaches.
Talented individuals can break some rules because they bring so much; but they can only break the rules as long as they are delivering on the field. I hope the Rocky re-finds his old form.
Either way, I wish he was better liked — for his sake. Personally, I always think of Rocky Elsom as a great modern player, someone capable of matching the likes of Ritchie McCaw or Schalk Burger.
While I am a fan of the Brumbies captain Ben Mowen, I wonder if he can do that.
May 25th 2012 @ 1:15pm
kingplaymaker said | May 25th 2012 @ 1:15pm | Report comment
Jutsie I see the point you’re making-perhaps it actually springs originally from his taking the sabbatical in the winter season and then coming straight back to the Wallabies without having played Super rugby. It looks superior as a way of behaving, with a suggestion of ransoming the ARU, although maybe many of us would do the same and maybe it wasn’t so bad anyway. In a way what did he actually do wrong…..
Certainly there is the possibility of making him a scapegoat, and in a way it’s not obvious he did as much wrong as is made out. Perhaps you’re right there’s some confounding of a player’s character with their performance. It’s not as if when they lose their form they are committing a mortal sin to continue playing. In addition he did put in a very good performance against South Africa last year, and didn’t moan or complain when dropped as captain on the eve of the RWC, as many players would, and was apparently still very committed to the team.
I think his time as a player has come to an end, but he can hardly be blamed for continuing to play even if he doesn’t make the cut anymore.
So perhaps he should be thanked for his years of playing and committment and indeed for being the captain during the period where the Wallabies began to turn their team around, about the time of the HK test 2010-in addition, did Horwill actually do much better as captain?
May 25th 2012 @ 1:28pm
glacier said | May 25th 2012 @ 1:28pm | Report comment
Brett Harris, who wrote Elsom’s biography ‘Leader of Men’ – unfortunately released just at the time Rocky was dumped as Australian captain – noted his omission from the training squad in today’s online ‘The Australian”. Unfortunately the core of the article is hidden by a pay-wall I was not prepared to breach – even with a 28 day free digital offer.
May 25th 2012 @ 1:37pm
Brett McKay said | May 25th 2012 @ 1:37pm | Report comment
Glacier, Google is your friend in these cases. Search by headline and you shall see…
Rocky Elsom’s Wallaby road at dead end by: BRET HARRIS From: The Australian May 25, 2012 12:00AM
THE Test career of former Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom appears to be over following his omission from the training squad to prepare for the coming internationals against Scotland and Wales.
Coach Robbie Deans will announce the squad on Monday.
It is understood Wallabies management has contacted players who are in the squad and Elsom was not one of them.
Regarded as one of the best blindside flankers in Australian rugby history, it will be the first time Elsom has not been part of a Wallabies squad since his Test debut in 2005 – with the exception of his spectacularly successful stint with Irish province Leinster in 2008-09.
A hamstring injury kept him on the sidelines for the NSW Waratahs for the first eight rounds of the current season.
While Elsom has played strongly since making his comeback, against Melbourne Rebels in Sydney five weeks ago, he has not regained full match fitness, failing to play for 80 minutes in any game.
…He sustained a shoulder injury in the Waratahs’ loss to the Stormers in Cape Town last Sunday and is in doubt for the match with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
Queensland Reds back-rower Scott Higginbotham is frontrunner to start at blindside flanker against Scotland in Newcastle on June 5, while Elsom’s Waratahs teammate Dave Dennis is expected to make the 22-man squad.
The good form of Brumbies captain Ben Mowen has also added depth at No 6.
Elsom is expected to leave Australia at the end of the year to pursue his career overseas and this may have influenced Deans’s decision.
Veteran Test second-rower Nathan Sharpe is retiring at the end of the year but is almost certain to be included in the Wallabies squad because of the lack of depth in the lock stocks.
The Waratahs second-rower Kane Douglas is also expected to be named in the train-on squad.
Meanwhile, Deans has given a strong indication that Kurtley Beale will start at five-eighth against Scotland and in the three Tests against Wales, starting in Brisbane on June 9.
This means Beale, who will play for the Melbourne Rebels against the Brumbies on June 1, will play three games in the space of eight days.
“We’re chasing four wins in three weeks, that’s our priority,” Deans said. “We will select in order to achieve that.
“Hopefully, he’s available for all four because clearly he is an integral part of our group.”
Deans had intended to select players mainly from the Reds and Western Force for the Scottish Test because the two teams have byes in the preceding round of Super Rugby, but he has abandoned the idea.
Only three Force players – David Pocock, Ben McCalman and Sharpe – are likely to make the squad.
Additional reporting: AAP
May 25th 2012 @ 1:45pm
kingplaymaker said | May 25th 2012 @ 1:45pm | Report comment
‘Elsom is expected to leave Australia at the end of the year to pursue his career overseas and this may have influenced Deans’s decision.’ So he wasn’t exactly punted by Deans. Perhaps he hadn’t been leaving he would still have been selected.
The rest of the report looks like Bret Harris hoping that what he wishes will become reality.
May 25th 2012 @ 1:52pm
Justin2 said | May 25th 2012 @ 1:52pm | Report comment
The crucial word there KPM is “may”.
May 25th 2012 @ 2:01pm
kingplaymaker said | May 25th 2012 @ 2:01pm | Report comment
Justin2 much of this article is very hypothetical, but as Harris wrote Elsom’s biography he is probably right about whatever concerns him and doubtless wouldn’t publish this piece without knowing for certain that Elsom won’t be selected.
May 25th 2012 @ 4:59pm
Justin2 said | May 25th 2012 @ 4:59pm | Report comment
I am referring to the reason why he wont be selected not that he may not be selected.
May 25th 2012 @ 1:51pm
Justin2 said | May 25th 2012 @ 1:51pm | Report comment
“Regarded as one of the best blindside flankers in Australian rugby history”
Really? First I have ever heard anyone say that! He has basically played 3 or 4 seasons for the Wallabies. He played some excellent football and some nothing football.
But one of the best of all time? Goodness me Brett…
May 25th 2012 @ 2:03pm
Brett McKay said | May 25th 2012 @ 2:03pm | Report comment
I thought there were some words missing, J2. I think “by the author of Elsom’s biography” was chopped..
Elsom in time will be well-regarded, but I don’t think it will be that well-regarded..
May 25th 2012 @ 3:06pm
Justin2 said | May 25th 2012 @ 3:06pm | Report comment
Sorry BM I was meaning Bret Harris
May 26th 2012 @ 7:46am
Deez said | May 26th 2012 @ 7:46am | Report comment
Hehe nice Brett. Indeed tough to see him making any Wallabies Of All Time lists…
May 25th 2012 @ 5:48pm
sittingbison said | May 25th 2012 @ 5:48pm | Report comment
Forgetting about Rocky, there are some very disturbing statements in this article:
1) Kurtley Beale will start at five-eighth against Scotland and in the three Tests against Wales, three games in the space of eight days.
2) Deans has abandoned the idea to select players mainly from the Reds and Western Force for the Scottish Test
3) Only three Force players – David Pocock, Ben McCalman and Sharpe – are likely to make the squad.
God help us all he has lost his nerve!! Playing the full Wallabies for Scotland will cruel our chances later in the international season. A perfect opportunity to see the wares of NOT the usual suspects against determined but limited opposition (as opposed to Samoa who were determined and definitely NOT limited) comes to naught.
Given the paucity of centres and the lamentable and abject form of Barnes, Horne and AAC, it will be a disservice to Australian rugby for Cummins to not make the squad for Scotland. And although he is 31, has Deans failed to notice the career best form of Matt Hodgson? What about giving Pocock a breather, they don’t have to play him every minute of every game with the added pressures of captaincy and Force implosion. In fact having the bye AND a week off against Scotland prior to the international season could be just what the Dr ordered.
May 25th 2012 @ 10:59pm
Lats said | May 25th 2012 @ 10:59pm | Report comment
Dude, agree 100%… playing a full strength side against the Scots instead of resting a few blokes is maddness, most of last years test side were from QLD anyway… so its not like we wont have a decent side on the park… this decision guarantees we will struggle against the dragons who will be nice and fresh… blokes need a break at some point.. cant have them playing 3 tests so quickly, and then its onto the tri nations.. heaven help us.
May 26th 2012 @ 12:13am
Blue Blood said | May 26th 2012 @ 12:13am | Report comment
I agree that Deans needs to acknowledge that Pocock is human and his body needs to be better managed. To date Deans has flogged him until he is performing desperately held together with tape. I fear that Deans has little interest in ensuring Pocock has the long career he deserves. Hodgson has had another blinder and he is my pick for player of the year again this year (that would be 3 in 4 years). Another man of the match last weekend with Deans in the stands. However I had every expectation that Deans will never acknowledge or utilise Hodgson for all he offers. He will undoubtedly stick with his favourites despite their lack of form or fitness as he always does. At the Force this will include McCalman and Maafu. Despite McCalman spending more time in a suit or on the bench than on the pitch all year. And Maafu who has been the worst bit of recruitment this year, both unfit and lazy. Deans won’t surprise me, of this I am now certain. Deans I don’t know why you come to Perth, you can surely just Skype Pocock daily and then save the rest of the side the distraction of your disappointing presence.
May 25th 2012 @ 1:29pm
B-Rock said | May 25th 2012 @ 1:29pm | Report comment
Rocky had his moments but never seemed comfortable as captain. Its never good to lose someone like Rocky overseas but he does not justify the above sallary on recent form.
I think we might be getting a bit carried away with the depth at 6 for the wallabies. By my count you only have a handful of borderline-test quality 6′s in Australia, none of them near the top 5 in the world (which is where we should be aiming at every position):
– Mowen
– Higgers
– Dennis
– McCalman
Missing out (Vaea, Brown, Hodgson, Shatz, L Timani)… anyone else I missed?
The only Locks/8′s who can possibly cover 6 at test level are Palu and S Timani. Too slow: Horwill/Simmons/Douglas. Plenty of depth at 7 but (sorry Spiro) playing 2 flyers in the back row rarely works (outside of Waugh/Smith at their peak) as the lineout and the advantage line suffers too much for the benefit of a couple of extra ruck turnovers a game.
Im no Rocky fan but we may regret seeing him go as Wallabies depth will suffer.
May 25th 2012 @ 1:34pm
Justin2 said | May 25th 2012 @ 1:34pm | Report comment
Only other with potential is Jones – been good this year but I am not convinced he has the foot speed to play 6. More a tight lock…
May 25th 2012 @ 1:55pm
jeznez said | May 25th 2012 @ 1:55pm | Report comment
Agree. After Higgers the 6/8 stocks look a bit weaker than we’d like.
I think Palu regaining form or Vaea, Jones, Schatz or Lopeti Timani developing are the ones with most potential. Auelua is the other name in the mix but he hasn’t really impressed me that much.
May 25th 2012 @ 2:02pm
kingplaymaker said | May 25th 2012 @ 2:02pm | Report comment
jeznez Auelua is also 28 while the others are young with much room to grow.
May 25th 2012 @ 3:39pm
B-Rock said | May 25th 2012 @ 3:39pm | Report comment
I might add I don’t rate any of those I mentioned above as near world class – there will always be a raft of young players with plenty of potential and risk (Vaea, Timani(s), etc) as well as the middle class (Dennis, Mowen, Higgers, etc) – It would be a longshot to think any of those above will be as good as Rocky. Saying that, we know Rocky will not be the same as he was 3+yrs ago as age catches up with him
May 25th 2012 @ 5:00pm
Justin2 said | May 25th 2012 @ 5:00pm | Report comment
I think Higgers can easily be as good as Rocky and then some. Elsom wasnt a natural Rugby player, he was a tall leaguie who never really had the skill to go to the next level. Higgers is a much better Union player, is a better athlete, better “footballer”, just needs a couple of years to show it as he is now with the Reds.
May 25th 2012 @ 2:06pm
Markus said | May 25th 2012 @ 2:06pm | Report comment
The biggest problem with the Smith-Waugh combination was the continued selection of David Lyons to accompany them in the backrow, which cut their lineout options to two.
Such a selection required a viable third lineout option playing at 8 to accomodate, such as Scott Fava (who imo was in much better form prior to the 2003 RWC anyway).
May 25th 2012 @ 2:47pm
B-Rock said | May 25th 2012 @ 2:47pm | Report comment
True Markus
The strategy back then from memory was not exactly that we have to play 2 7′s but rather these two blokes are both top 3 in the world so we need to have them on the field. You cant keep talent like that off the park.
Also Smith’s versatility was a major reason why this was successful.
May 27th 2012 @ 2:36am
lorry said | May 27th 2012 @ 2:36am | Report comment
God Phil wàugh was so great in those days
As a small man, it was a joy to see him play. Ferocious