Wallabies Rugby Championship squad announced
Related coverage
The returns of Drew Mitchell and Radike Samo and the selection of under-20 captains Liam Gill and Jake Schatz highlight the 30-man Wallabies squad announced on Tuesday for the inaugural four-nation Rugby Championship.
Mitchell and Samo missed the June Tests, when Australia was upset by Scotland before clean sweeping Wales 3-0, but finished the Super Rugby season well, before impressing at the recent national training camps.
Mitchell returns from ankle and hamstring injuries. Only five players have scored more tries in Tests for the Wallabies than the 28-year-old, who appeared in his 58th and most recent Test for Australia during the World Cup last year in New Zealand.
Samo is back from a shoulder injury. The widely-travelled loose forward made a remarkable Test return in 2011 after a seven-year absence and ended the year with a Tri Nations title.
Three uncapped players named on Tuesday include two of the most recent Australian under-20 captains – Liam Gill, who skippered the side at this year’s World Cup in South Africa, and his predecessor Jake Schatz.
Hard-working NSW Waratahs lock Kane Douglas also earns a call-up.
The inclusion of Gill, plus June newcomer Michael Hooper from the Brumbies, bolsters the Wallabies’ back-up resources behind premier openside flanker and captain, David Pocock.
The selections of 122kg second-rower Douglas and Sitaleki Timani (120kg) add size and power to the Australian set-piece.
The two young locks, along with Rob Simmons, will be mentored by Test centurion Nathan Sharpe. The 34-year-old’s decision to stay on for the Rugby Championship provides an opportunity to chase down George Smith as the second most-capped Wallaby.
The Rugby Championship, which introduces Argentina to the annual southern hemisphere competition for the first time, will run over six weekends from August 18 to October 6.
Australia won the final Tri-Nations last year, a decade after the Wallabies had won the second of their three tournament titles in 2001.
Several injured players were unavailable for the 30-man squad but will come back into contention during the tournament once they complete rehabilitation.
Wallabies squad:
Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Anthony Faingaa, Saia Faingaa, Will Genia, Liam Gill, Mike Harris, Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper, Rob Horne, Digby Ioane, Sekope Kepu, Drew Mitchell, Stephen Moore, Nick Phipps, David Pocock (capt), Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Radike Samo, Jake Schatz, Nathan Sharpe, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Sitaleki Timani, Nic White
© AAP 2013
Have you seen the new Wallabies jersey? Want one of your own? We're giving away a brand new 2013 Wallabies jersey to one lucky Roarer, click here to go in the running to win.
- Explore:
- Rugby Championship, Rugby Union, wallabies
August 7th 2012 @ 10:01am
Harry said | August 7th 2012 @ 10:01am | Report comment
Back 5 in the forwards is going to be an interesting selection. All sorts of combinations possible:
- Two opensides (Pocock, who really is the only certainty, and either Gill/Hooper), Higginbotham to 8?
- Who will be the starting second-rowers out of Sharpe, Timani, Simmons and Douglas?
- Samo at 8 after being an also ran for Qld in SuperRugby?
We await Aussie Rob and the coaching team’s masterplan with great interest, some trepidation and, as always, optimisim.
August 7th 2012 @ 10:17am
Harryonthecoast said | August 7th 2012 @ 10:17am | Report comment
Samo did one thing, that try at Suncorp. Overated.
August 7th 2012 @ 10:29am
mania said | August 7th 2012 @ 10:29am | Report comment
agree samo over rated and unfit/lazy
August 7th 2012 @ 10:30am
AussieKiwi said | August 7th 2012 @ 10:30am | Report comment
And increasingly error prone and missing in defence. Bad sign for the WBs that he is even in the squad.
August 7th 2012 @ 10:58am
rl said | August 7th 2012 @ 10:58am | Report comment
Love Samo, but agree that if he is in the squad we have some issues
August 7th 2012 @ 10:28am
Amateur Hour said | August 7th 2012 @ 10:28am | Report comment
I’d think the back row will be 6. Dennis, 7. Pocock and 8. Higginbotham based on current form and the unavailabiity of Palu. This allows for Samo (who can cover any back 5 position except 7) to be selected along with a specialist 7, a lock, a prop and a hooker on the bench in the now preferred 5-2 split.
I think second row presents the most interesting argument. I think Deans will select Sharpe and Simmons, as he loves encumbants, but I’m concerned they are too similar and I wish he would select Douglas to start with Simmons on the bench. Douglas adds the weight and power game that we’ve been missing at lock since Horwill’s injury. Timani is also a very big boy, but I don’t think he’s ready for the step up yet, whereas I think Douglas, who has improved markedly this year, would thrive playing next to Sharpe.
The reported likely selection of A Faingaa at 12 baffles me. Surely the option is to move Barnes out one.
August 7th 2012 @ 10:39am
Albo said | August 7th 2012 @ 10:39am | Report comment
My thoughts exactly. If Cooper is at 10 thenBarnes needs to be at 12, especially with McCabe out. This combination should be given a serious chance to develop.
I know that our previous attempts at “two playmakers” has not worked as planned but generally this is because they were both a similar style so opposition defence tactics didn’t need to alter too much. Cooper and Barnes are two very different styles and could offer something different in attack as needed.
August 7th 2012 @ 11:36am
Amateur Hour said | August 7th 2012 @ 11:36am | Report comment
The only thing I can think of is that Faingaa will be selected at 12 as tackling cover for Cooper, given that SBW will be coming down that channel. Like Pocock was there to cover for him in high school.
If this is the case, and Deans is basing his backline selections on covering one player’s weaknesses, then we’re in trouble.
This is of couse assuming that Deans intends to select Cooper at 10, which is based upon my above assumption re Faingaa’s selection – Barnes does not need a minder. If he intends to select Barnes at 10 and Faingaa at 12, then I’m even more baffled.
The last time I can remember the Wallabies selecting two playmakers was against France when the Wallabies won convincingly in Paris (if we overlook the recent Newcastle aberration). That seemed to work quite well.
August 7th 2012 @ 12:23pm
Albo said | August 7th 2012 @ 12:23pm | Report comment
It is true that Cooper is by no means a certain starter. If Deans is still using the ‘tackling cover’ mentality for Cooper then i agree it would be more baffling to select Faingaa over Barnes because Barnes tackles well and can slot in at 10 for the counter attack if Cooper is back at fullback.
I guess we’ll just wait and see how it plays out.
August 7th 2012 @ 2:14pm
PeterK said | August 7th 2012 @ 2:14pm | Report comment
agree that Cooper at 10 then either Harris or Barnes at 12 , needed for as a goal kicker. Since Harris has a better combo with Cooper I would play Harris.
August 7th 2012 @ 2:13pm
PeterK said | August 7th 2012 @ 2:13pm | Report comment
agree. Simmons is very weak in the scrum and is not physical enough. However Douglas has really failed to impress me, for his size he doesnt have enough impact. Mind you with who has been left in the squad I would starts Sharpe and Timani and Douglas on the bench. I would of preferred Neville on the bench, has a lot more potential than Douglas who has been around for a while and done nothing.
Truly stupid to retain Barnes at 10, this means a defensive backline where we play english style of territory and kick penalty goals. England who are far better at this than us have lost to the AB’s more than us. Instrumental to the Wallabies few wins against AB’s has been Cooper so madness if he is not starting.
August 7th 2012 @ 6:08pm
Bakkies said | August 7th 2012 @ 6:08pm | Report comment
Two opensides gives us one less lineout operator and player to clean out McCheat at the breakdown
August 7th 2012 @ 10:36am
Dasher said | August 7th 2012 @ 10:36am | Report comment
At least Deans has picked more than one openside breakaway this time.
August 7th 2012 @ 11:12am
formeropenside said | August 7th 2012 @ 11:12am | Report comment
Yeah, but three seems a little excessive.
August 7th 2012 @ 11:15am
Blinky Bill of Bellingen said | August 7th 2012 @ 11:15am | Report comment
It’s funny about Robbie eh? Either no back-up or he goes overboard. Sadly to me it indicates that he is Reactive rather than Proactive.
Of course he needs to be factoring-in ways to thwart the strengths of the opposition but to be honest I’m not seeing what I want and that’s him develop a squad that see us imposing OUR Rugby style on opposition teams.
Perhaps I’m still stuck in the 80′s and these days Defence really is King. Call me a dreamer but God how I’d love to see the Wallabies trot out on the field and chance their arm.
August 7th 2012 @ 12:13pm
Harry said | August 7th 2012 @ 12:13pm | Report comment
I agree. Too much emphasis on defence and running rugby only possible from turnover ball.
This years SuperRugby winners the Chiefs and last year’s winners the Reds showed that positive attacking rugby can cover a lot of weaknesses. Of course you need brilliant players like Quade, Digby, SBW and Cruden to execute this.
ANyway I’d love to see the Wallabies play with more attacking flair than they did against Wales. Hopefully with Beale and Cooper back on the field together this will happen. I also think that David Pocock’s attacking game – linking, passing, running into gaps/breaking the line is improving and we will see a bit more of an all round game from the Wallabies.
August 7th 2012 @ 12:49pm
Andrew C (waikato) said | August 7th 2012 @ 12:49pm | Report comment
Harry, expansive rugby a la Chiefs / Reds style is ONLY good after the forwards have done their job. To throw it around willy/nilly is crass stupidity (even with guys like Beale & Cooper). But I must admit this inaugural Four Nations is going to be perhaps a contrast of styles with both Argies & Jaapies hiding the pill in their forwards for 70% of the match (and kicking goals !!) whilst both All Blacks and Wallabies WILL chance their arm more…………… perhaps if the Wannabies sort their forward combinations out successfully, then they may cause an upset or two
……. cheers
August 7th 2012 @ 1:36pm
Harry said | August 7th 2012 @ 1:36pm | Report comment
Oh I fully agree ( cliche “You’ve got to earn the right to go wide”)and to use the example of the Reds/Chiefs again, those teams’ success in both years was built on a high energy, hard working forward pack with few actual 1st choice Wallabies/All Blacks.I haven’t seen the NZ side, but what Chiefs players will be picked? Messam, Retallick?
The trouble IMO with the Wallabies is they ahve actually lost the ability to play a more expansive game.
As to sorting out our forwards, well we’ll ahve to wait and see what Aussie Robbie and his coaches have in mind to the best combination. I am more hopeful than confident they’ll get it right …
August 8th 2012 @ 6:47am
Andrew C (waikato) said | August 8th 2012 @ 6:47am | Report comment
Harry, this AUSSIE ROBBIE thingy? one wonders if he’s from OZealand (grin); neither Liam Messam nor Brodie Retallick will start but may be incl in the 22 and get a run when required (fresh legs) ; we NZers think of loosies/flankers as being imposing 6’2″ + players and Messam loses out in our psyche in that respect but is a very strong player with stamina and a helluva lot of natural speed (a bit like another unlucky player in that regard >> Duane Monkley )………. cheers
August 7th 2012 @ 1:29pm
Rory said | August 7th 2012 @ 1:29pm | Report comment
How long is O’Connor out? I’d still like to see him used as the 2nd playmaker when he’s available. Our midfield has been too defence-focussed for too long. We need someone who can DO SOMETHING in attack!
August 7th 2012 @ 4:41pm
Markus said | August 7th 2012 @ 4:41pm | Report comment
In a fully fit starting backline that includes Quade, Beale and O’Connor, a playmaker at 12 would actually be a 4th playmaker (5th if you include Genia) as opposed to a 2nd, and would seemingly be surplus to requirements.
August 7th 2012 @ 10:41am
Nick_Brisbane said | August 7th 2012 @ 10:41am | Report comment
Pity Taps has been booted
August 7th 2012 @ 10:48am
Xiedazhou said | August 7th 2012 @ 10:48am | Report comment
Agreed. In terms of skill, speed, defence and versatility Tapuai has to be a better selection than Horne.
August 7th 2012 @ 11:00am
Xiedazhou said | August 7th 2012 @ 11:00am | Report comment
And add to that Tapuai would have better combination with Genia, Cooper and Ioane than Horne. I can’t imagine that Ioane would be all that thrilled to play outside Horne, given recent past history.
August 7th 2012 @ 11:42am
Amateur Hour said | August 7th 2012 @ 11:42am | Report comment
I don’t understand the recent past history comment? The last three time Ioane played outside Horne, they beat the Welsh 3-0.
Horne has also played more Rugby recently with those players you mentioned, courtesy of the same Test series v Wales. Taps is a great player, but couldn’t even get off the bench against the Sharks recently. He’s clearly underdone and it would be unfair on him to throw him back in against the ABS in arguably the Wallabies biggest game this year. He just needs more time and could be the answer at 12. outside either Cooper of Barnes.
Horne played well in the Test series, scored tries, made tackles etc and clearly showed that he will succeed in the Test arena away from the boring style of play that the Tahs have unfortunately adopted in recent times. Horne bashing is unjustified.
August 7th 2012 @ 11:51am
jeznez said | August 7th 2012 @ 11:51am | Report comment
Recent history would refer to the number of times Horne passed to his wingers in that series.
August 7th 2012 @ 11:55am
Amateur Hour said | August 7th 2012 @ 11:55am | Report comment
I recall him butchering one try in Melbourne, I think, due to white line fever, but other than that I thought he played quite well. On a couple of occasions he didn’t need to pass as he scored the try himself.
And on the other wing was the anonymous Cooper Vuna – perhaps he realised what the selectors couldn’t see and did us all a favour by not passing?
August 7th 2012 @ 1:10pm
Post said | August 7th 2012 @ 1:10pm | Report comment
Fitting name to have when defending Rob Horne. =P Yes he did butcher a try, but then nearly butchered another the very next game in literally the exact same way. Just shows that not only does he never pass, he doesn’t intend to be fixing that massive error any time soon. I cringe every time I see him selected.
August 8th 2012 @ 10:33am
Mantis said | August 8th 2012 @ 10:33am | Report comment
^^^ Agree 100%.
August 7th 2012 @ 10:58am
Markus said | August 7th 2012 @ 10:58am | Report comment
There is still enough there to make a strong starting XV, but the balance of that squad is terrible.
Drew Mitchell has barely played all season, and I fear will pull up injured again in the first couple of rounds.
Too many of the Waratahs cohort have proven themselves unable to play an 80 minute game all season – Douglas, Timani, Benn R, TPN. This just puts pressure on the rest of the team to compensate.
I appreciate the value of experience, but Samo is 36 years old, and unlike Sharpe, is far from the form player in his position. He couldn’t even crack a start for the Reds, and when he came off the bench he looked lazy.
Mowen or McCalman would provide a lot more as 8 cover behind Higgs, or if they wanted an impact player Deans would have been better off going with someone like Auelua or Vaea.
There is no need for three specialist openside flankers. At least with Hodgson they would have versatility as well as a lineout option.
Liam Gill is a good young prospect, but he can easily wait until the Spring Tour.
Tapuai must still not be back to full fitness after his injury. Given that he was by far the form centre this year before his injury, that is the only reason I have to explain his omission.
I only hope that it means AAC will be starting 13. My poor brain just could not handle the idea of Horne being considered the form Australian 13 for the entire RC.
The lack of a second specialist TH concerns me (Slipper is a better LH, and Alexander is all over the shop this year), but with Palmer injured there aren’t a lot of options left at present.
That’s my rant for now. I’m sure I can come up with more later.
August 7th 2012 @ 11:55am
jeznez said | August 7th 2012 @ 11:55am | Report comment
I think AAC will go to the wing or even fullback. Hopefully Beale’s ribs are healed and we won’t need AAC at 15, but with all the wing injuries AAC is likely to pull out his Mr Fix-it role in sub into the 14 jumper. I can’t imagine that Mitchell is actually ready to play.
August 7th 2012 @ 11:04am
Rob from Brumby Country said | August 7th 2012 @ 11:04am | Report comment
We’ve got serious problems in the centres. Even if we assume that the two playmakers tactic is a winner (and I don’t think it necessarily is) we’ve got a big, Stirling-Mortlock shaped hole at 13. There is nobody in the squad up there who has the size and pace and cunning to run good lines and to bash over the advantage line when required.
Up until recently, Ashley-Cooper was our go-to man for this position, but even he is getting old and his pace is slowing. I’m not sure what the answer to this conundrum is other than to turn Pat McCabe into a Conrad Smith style 13 and never let him get injured again. But for the love of the game, don’t let Horne pull on the 13 again…
August 7th 2012 @ 2:19pm
PeterK said | August 7th 2012 @ 2:19pm | Report comment
Taps or Cummins would be the answer at 13. If Taps is not match fit after so long then they should of chosen Cumins. Big, runs very hard at the line, tackles hard, fast, agaile, what more could you want.
August 7th 2012 @ 2:29pm
Adam-15 said | August 7th 2012 @ 2:29pm | Report comment
i agree 100%. ANYONE BUT BLOODY HORNE, PLEASE!!
August 7th 2012 @ 11:36am
WQ said | August 7th 2012 @ 11:36am | Report comment
I think the Wallabies have a very good starting 15 if they can get them all on the paddock and firing together. In fact a starting 15 that could beat most Test sides regularly.
The problem is depth and most importantly depth in key positions.
If they can stay healthy and manage to find some back up in a few key areas then it certainly is not all doom and gloom. They will be very competitive through out the Rugby Championship.
Benn Robinson must know something about somebody, he just keeps getting picked! What ever it is I wish he would tell Greg Holmes..
August 7th 2012 @ 11:11pm
Shungmao said | August 7th 2012 @ 11:11pm | Report comment
The squad looks okay, my concern is we still have no line breaking , aggressive ball carrying forward. I would play Higgers at 6 and play a specialist 8, higgers doesnt push an lacks th skill at scrum time. How Holmes is not in the squad I am miffed, Alexander and robinson are in but not him JOKE. Timani has to deliver or it’s time to play club rugby, he needs to let his frame do the talking this series. I know deans will play Barnes but I would pick cooper,we’ve seen a very different player this year since he’s back from injury he’s demonstrating a lot more controlled creativity. No Taps interesting, A. finger my pick at 12, I’m glad Mitchell is back, he reads the game, runs great lines and will score tries but what I like most is he sets a very high standard for his own performance. As for Genia it’s no coincidence his super form shot through the roof when Cooper came back, let’s hope it continues in to the series
Go the Wallabies, may our Olympic performance not be your inspiration !!!
August 7th 2012 @ 11:46am
Adam-15 said | August 7th 2012 @ 11:46am | Report comment
This is getting ridiculous. The consistent selection of conservative players will never make us world no.1. Rob horne and ben alexander are bloody useless. Why on earth did they not keep tapuai? surely even if he was not 100% they could keep him in the squad for after the matches against the All Blacks. Cummins is 50 times the player Horne is, and thats in a team that is even worse than the waratahs. I love the reds but man Samo is so old, and Mowen has been excellent at the brumbies this year. It makes me sick the amount of NSW bias bull$&^+ that goes into this team. Douglas and Timani over Neville and Pyle, drew mitchell and even benn robinson are underperforming. If you want to win, pick players that are playing good rugby, simple as that. Not because you’re scared of losing support of NSW powerbrokers. Don’t get me wrong I like Robbie Deans. But man some serious sh*t needs to be turned around if we ever want to be the best team in the world.
August 7th 2012 @ 12:22pm
mania said | August 7th 2012 @ 12:22pm | Report comment
agree adam15 – whats robbie got to lose? trial the new guys, they may just be what aus rugby needs. it cant get any worse than what it already is.
August 7th 2012 @ 12:48pm
Adam-15 said | August 7th 2012 @ 12:48pm | Report comment
I mean Robbie was great in bringing new players in when he first started but that doesnt mean he has to just stop. If Robbie deans was coaching NZ atm there would be no Savea, no Aaron Smith, no Brodie Rettalick, no Sam Cane. Also Mania, yeah maybe “it cant get any worse than what it already is.” but we are number 2 in the world. although fundamentally, yes it cant get much worse.
August 7th 2012 @ 1:15pm
Team taniwha said | August 7th 2012 @ 1:15pm | Report comment
Disagree on this. He and Mitchell bought a lot of young talent into the AB’s during his reign, in the form of Nonu, Carter, McCraw, Mils and Rockoko. Various critcisms people throw at Deans, but he has never been afraid to invest in youth.
August 7th 2012 @ 2:45pm
Adam-15 said | August 7th 2012 @ 2:45pm | Report comment
i’m not saying he wasn’t in the past. he also brought genia, cooper, O’connor, Beale, etc. But he has become very complacent and isnt willing to change his formula, which hasnt really been a winning one!!!!
August 7th 2012 @ 12:27pm
Wilson said | August 7th 2012 @ 12:27pm | Report comment
Deans will never pick on form. He picks his favourites as long as they get clearance for their medical; no form or fitness required. It is of great frustration to us and I can only imagine the frustration of the form players who never get their chances because a Deans coffee buddy is slothing their way to more caps. Wallaby experience is needed but surely current form must take precedents. If players don’t have to compete for their positions then they won’t work hard to keep them. This is not what is best for the Wallabies or for the playing stocks in Australia. So many talented players get over looked each year and it must be a motivating factor to go OS and chase the cash if the national recognition doesn’t come even when you are the inform player in your position. I’m no longer surprised by Deans. Disappointing every year.
August 9th 2012 @ 1:13pm
Rory said | August 9th 2012 @ 1:13pm | Report comment
Well said. Look @ the Waratahs where players were assured of getting picked every week irrespective of how they performed. But when it came to Test matches, they suddenly miraculously found form! Is it just because Robbie is a better coach than Foley? Force seem to think Foley’s pretty good! Maybe Rocky’s mindset rubbed off on the Tahs this year – ie I don’t need to play Super Rugby – I’ll concentrate on being a Wallaby! When McKenzie takes over things might change. One thing he might do is dump the underperformers or those who feel they have a God-given right to play for the Wallabies and replace them with players who put in every week. Or maybe Jake White should be the next Wallabies coach? Look what he’s done with a bunch of no-names this year in Brumbie-land!
August 7th 2012 @ 11:59am
jeznez said | August 7th 2012 @ 11:59am | Report comment
Prediction for Robbies team?
1. Robinson
2. Polota-Nau
3. Kepu
4. Sharpe
5. Timani
6. Dennis
7. Pococok
8. Higginbotham
9. Genia
10. Cooper
11. Ioane
12. Barnes
13. Horne
14. Ashley-Cooper
15. Beale
16. Moore
17. Slipper
18. Simmons
19. Hooper
20. Samo
21. Phipps
22. Faingaa
Outside the 22:
Faingaa
Alexander
Douglas
Schatz
Gill
White
Harris
Mitchell
August 7th 2012 @ 12:26pm
Uncle Argyle said | August 7th 2012 @ 12:26pm | Report comment
Jez,
mate that probably will be Robbie’s team but I reckon its a hemmeroid of a team. Robinson – has been great but is not our best LHP and there is no way on gods green earth his form this Super 15 season has earn’t him a spot. Whilst he has a settled combo with TPN and KEPU I still maintain Greg Holmes should be the starting Wallaby LHP.
In the locks I would so OK but nothing to fear the Bok’s Argies or AB’s there.
Backrow – No Cliff = a change in the way the team plays. Higginbotham is an OK 8. Don’t expect him to be as effective as Palu was against the Welsh. His much maligned body height with ball in hand will get exposed as he works closer to the break down. I for one would keep Higgonbotham at 6 – its his best position. Dennis was OK in his tests but he should not be 8. I suggest Schatz or Samo as they have the combo with Genia. I think Schatz deserves a cap. Liam Gill to back up D.Pocock.
The Cooper/Barnes thing is worth a go. We need to find a 13 that can tackle, run and PASS. I would go with AAC. Horne not sold, Faainga can throw a bad pass but sure can tackle and pick and drive as well. I would like to see Ben Tapuia on the bench. I would play Shipperly and Ioane and Beale. Shipperly has scored some wonderful tries this season and has a combo with QC and Genia.
In saying all that I am not expecting a great championship. I think we’ll scrape into 3rd.
August 7th 2012 @ 1:01pm
jeznez said | August 7th 2012 @ 1:01pm | Report comment
Nicko, I’m in agreement with a lot of what you say above, particularly regarding Holmes and Shipperly.
I’ve just nominated based on the 30 RD has kept. I think there are a couple of key omissions from the squad and those two top my list..
August 8th 2012 @ 12:47pm
Sluggy said | August 8th 2012 @ 12:47pm | Report comment
If you consider the “A” team that was allegedly running at training last week and where the rest fit in you get this, L to R, in each position –
Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander
Stephen Moore, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Saia Faingaa
Sekope Kepu, James Slipper
Nathan Sharpe, Rob Simmons
Sitaleki Timani, Kane Douglas
Dave Dennis, Jake Schatz
David Pocock, Michael Hooper, Liam Gill
Scott Higginbotham, Radike Samo
Will Genia, Nic White, Nick Phipps
Berrick Barnes, Quade Cooper,
Anthony Faingaa, Mike Harris,
Rob Horne,
Digby Ioane,
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Drew Mitchell
Kurtley Beale
So the places he has a specific third cover are 2, 7, 9. Harris covers 10 to an extent. Expect then that the 4 who go out 96 hours pre game will be, barring injury, say Sfaingaa, Gill, Phipps plus one more – probably a 2R, say Douglas.
Then on the Friday, 4 more go out. Probably 1 prop – Slipper?, a backrower – Hooper or Samo? (leaves 5 forwards on the bench) and two backs – Cooper atm & maybe Mitchell, while they get fit.
that leaves
starting –
Benn Robinson,
Stephen Moore,
Sekope Kepu,
Nathan Sharpe,
Sitaleki Timani,
Dave Dennis,
David Pocock,
Scott Higginbotham,
Will Genia,
Berrick Barnes,
Anthony Faingaa, (12)
Rob Horne, (13)
Digby Ioane,
Adam Ashley-Cooper,
Kurtley Beale
bench
Ben Alexander
Tatafu Polota-Nau,
Rob Simmons
Jake Schatz
Michael Hooper,
Nic White,
Mike Harris
I have a really bad feeling about this game.
August 7th 2012 @ 3:50pm
Xiedazhou said | August 7th 2012 @ 3:50pm | Report comment
In terms of a backline combination made up only of players that have made the 30 man squad, i’d like to see Genia, Cooper, Harris 12, Ashley-Cooper 13, Ioane and Mitchell wings, Beale fullback. Of the guys in the squad Harris/Ashley Cooper in the centres would seem the best balance. Harris is useful 2nd play maker, probably the best place kicker in the squad, and doesnt give up much on size, strength, speed to his opposition. He is a good foil to Cooper, and good in combination with him. I am not sold on the 10-12 combination of Cooper and Barnes, its a clash of styles rather than being complimentary. Sadly however i think Deans will go for Barnes at 10, Horne at 13, and probably Faingaa at 12. If he does, well I suspect our prospects will be limited.
August 8th 2012 @ 12:50pm
Sluggy said | August 8th 2012 @ 12:50pm | Report comment
“Sadly however i think Deans will go for Barnes at 10, Horne at 13, and probably Faingaa at 12. If he does, well I suspect our prospects will be limited.”
Agree x 2.
August 7th 2012 @ 3:49pm
Jiggles said | August 7th 2012 @ 3:49pm | Report comment
I think the forwards are pretty much spot on, but I think he will put Barnes at 10 and do 12. AAC, 13. Horne and chuck Mitchell at 14. He’ll justify it by saying that these players have ‘combinations’…
August 7th 2012 @ 12:17pm
God said | August 7th 2012 @ 12:17pm | Report comment
This team could come last
Itll be out of wallabies and pumas for wooden spoon it could even be good for aus rugger long term to come last
Boks and blacks will compete for major prize this year forget bledisloe its a nothing these days if a team hasent won for ten years who are they kidding ,if the aru want to post me a free ticket i might go but i prefer contests ,I paid $180 to suncorp 4 years ago though its not a contest anymore ,face facts due to not a great school rugby system the game has no depth
god
August 7th 2012 @ 12:18pm
formeropenside said | August 7th 2012 @ 12:18pm | Report comment
Jeznez, I think Robbie will probably go for exactly the team you have named.
Personally, I would love to pit that XV against the following (borrowing from some of the reserves):
Holmes
Moore
Slipper
Simmons
AWH
Schatz
Gill
Mowen
Phipps
Harris
Shipperley
Tapuai
A. Faingaa
Cummins
Morahan
Now that is a game I would love to see.
August 7th 2012 @ 12:22pm
Adam-15 said | August 7th 2012 @ 12:22pm | Report comment
this team would win.
August 7th 2012 @ 12:29pm
Amateur Hour said | August 7th 2012 @ 12:29pm | Report comment
I assume you couldn’t find the sarcastic font?
August 7th 2012 @ 12:50pm
Justin2 said | August 7th 2012 @ 12:50pm | Report comment
Agreed, it would win the schools championships, thats about it.
August 7th 2012 @ 1:10pm
formeropenside said | August 7th 2012 @ 1:10pm | Report comment
I dont know that it would beat the Wallabies – I’d have Sharpe, Pocock, Higgy, probably Dennis, Genia, Cooper, Ioane, AAC and Beale, if I could, and I do like TPN, I just think Moore is a more solid player, which is what you want at 2.
There are some injured players I could choose; but if Deans cant pick them then neither can I.
But working with what I have, I dont think the result of the game is certain.
That means either YAY for Australian depth, or a problem for the Wallabies as selected. Reader’s choice.
August 7th 2012 @ 2:39pm
Justin2 said | August 7th 2012 @ 2:39pm | Report comment
Sorry FOS I misread your original post saying that this would be a team to play the Wallabies. I thought you were saying this would be your number 1 side.
August 7th 2012 @ 1:10pm
jeznez said | August 7th 2012 @ 1:10pm | Report comment
would be a cracking possibles v probables match FOS, certainly the pace of play that your team above can maintain is significantly higher than the team we think Robbie will put out.
I think the heavier pack may get the job done against the Boks and Argentines but that a fitter pack will definitely be needed against the AB’s.