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Quade Cooper has been recalled to the Wallabies side but fellow star Kurtley Beale hasn’t been named in the starting team for Australia’s do-or-die Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand at Eden Park on Saturday night.
Cooper was left out of Robbie Deans’ squad entirely for the opening to the Rugby Championship in Sydney last week, but has been promoted to starting five-eighth, with Berrick Barnes shifting to inside centre.
The Wallabies are yet to confirm a reserves bench, but fullback Beale has been left out of the run-on 15 after having a shocker last Saturday night at ANZ Stadium.
It’s expected Beale will be included on the bench, however reliable NSW outside back Adam Ashley-Cooper will take his place at fullback.
Drew Mitchell will make his long-awaited return from injury this week, named to take Ashley-Cooper’s place on the wing after last week failing to get off the bench.
Anthony Faingaa is the other omission from the run-on side after starting at No.12 last week, – with Barnes to take his place and operate more as a second ballplayer and kicking option rather than a defensive stopper.
Will Genia will skipper the side in place of the injured David Pocock and as expected, Waratahs-bound openside flanker Michael Hooper will replace Pocock at No.7.
Brumbies prop Ben Alexander will start in place of the injured Sekope Kepu in the front row, despite not even being in the 22 last week.
Cooper, 24, believes he has a shot at redemption, after a disastrous World Cup campaign finished with defeat and serious injury at the hands of New Zealand in Auckland last October.
Australia haven’t beaten the All Blacks at Eden Park since 1986. A squad of 25 Wallabies will make the trip to New Zealand, with the run on reserves to be announced once the team arrives in Auckland tonight.
>> UPDATE: Tatafu Polota Nau has been replaced by Stephen Moore in the starting XV, due to injury.
Wallabies team to play the All Blacks at Eden Park, Saturday 5:35pm:
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Drew Mitchell, Rob Horne, Berrick Barnes, Digby Ioane, Quade Cooper, Will Genia (capt), Scott Higginbotham, Michael Hooper, Dave Dennis, Nathan Sharpe, Sitaleki Timani, Ben Alexander, Tatafu Polota Nau Stephen Moore, Benn Robinson.
Reserves: TBA.
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- Quade Cooper, Rugby Union, wallabies
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:17am
Justin2 said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:17am | Report comment
Makes a farce of the explanations given about Coopers omission from the First Test. Mitchell isnt match fit either and has walked back into the side.
More hypocrisy and Deans treating people with contempt.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:18am
Jiggles said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:18am | Report comment
Agreed. He is a joke. Ben Robbinson, TPN, Timani all survive.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:23am
formeropenside said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:23am | Report comment
and rather than AF to 13, keep the useless Horne. throw in a quarter-fit Mitchell. and I commented on the stupidity of that forward pack in jeznez’s thread.
Its a bit late now to hope QC can come in and save the day. I’m not even sure I want him to – surely if we lose this Deans must be axed?
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:28am
Jiggles said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:28am | Report comment
Mitchell shouldn’t be in the run on team. Shipperley is the fit and form winger of the comp, but what ever he doesn’t get a look in. AAC has always looked a better 13 than Horne. Yes we have injuries but we could do so much more with what we have.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:36am
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:36am | Report comment
Cummins is better than Shipperley, in better form and covers more positions.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:44am
Jiggles said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:44am | Report comment
Cummins is a better 13.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:48am
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:48am | Report comment
I agree he should be at 13 ahead of Horne, however if Horne is retained then the wing should be Cummins ahead of shipperly.
Shipperley was totally outclassed and schooled by Pieterson in the finals.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:52am
Red Kev said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:52am | Report comment
Shipperley also totally out-classed and schooled every Australian winger this season. He played every minute of every match and not a single Aussie winger got the better of him.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:53am
formeropenside said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:53am | Report comment
Oh, so Cummins was the leading Australian tryscorer of 2012 then…oh wait.
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:04am
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:04am | Report comment
That is a function of Shipperley being at the end of the best aussie backline.
Cummins is at the end of the worst aussie backline and still shines.
Put Shipperley at the end of the force backline and he would be a non entity.
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:47am
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:47am | Report comment
Red Kev – Force beat reds 45-19 and Cummins was outstanding. Shipperley average. Sure Cummins was at 13 that day but he was by far better, he matched Shipplerey in their first match when both were on the wing.
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:49am
jeznez said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:49am | Report comment
Not sure we have a problem here, there is room for all three, Cummins to 13, Shipperly on the wing and AAC at FB – job done.
Robbie is on a different planet with selections.
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:59am
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:59am | Report comment
jez – I agree with that, however I am saying if Horne WAS retained (which he should not be) then Cummins better than Shipperley.
Yes I would have Genia, Cooper, Ioane, Harris, Cummins, Shipperly, AAC as my backline.
Good combos, best 13 and a safe F/B, lost of attacking potential etc.
August 23rd 2012 @ 12:29pm
Red Kev said | August 23rd 2012 @ 12:29pm | Report comment
I’d like to see Taps then Cummins in 12 and 13, both can bend the line and Taps throws good offloads that the Honey Badger would lap up as he’s always running in support. Harris and Barnes might be steadier but it’s time for all out attack instead.
August 23rd 2012 @ 1:48pm
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 1:48pm | Report comment
redkev – you MUST have a good goalkicker in the side.
IMO the only ones good enough are Lealiifano, JoC, Harris and Barnes. With the 1st 2 out injured I picked Harris at 12.
If JoC was available I would play him at either wing or f/b, and then yes I would have Taps 12 and Cummins at 13. Mind you Taps is not fit, he could not make the starting team of the reds coming back from injury.
August 23rd 2012 @ 2:03pm
Red Kev said | August 23rd 2012 @ 2:03pm | Report comment
1. While I understand your point regarding goal kickers, JOC’s actual record is no better than Cooper’s. I can see the value of Harris but the Wallabies are screwed if they are fighting a close match against the crowd and home town pressure that puts on referees. They need to blow the AB’s off the park so turn penalties into lineouts and tries and let Cooper kick.
2. I do not accept that Tapuai is not fit, Link has his favourites just as Deans does and the Fainga’a boys are two of them (I am honestly shocked he hasn’t tried to secure Colby’s signature). Taps was in fine form in his cameos off the bench since his return, is a better defender than Fainga’a in my evaluation and a better attacking centre than any other Australian in Super Rugby. I like Cummins for his heart but he doesn’t approach the skill set of Tapuai. I would bet my car (I don’t have a house to bet) he is fitter than Mitchell and Beale.
August 23rd 2012 @ 2:10pm
RebelRanger said | August 23rd 2012 @ 2:10pm | Report comment
Cummins or Shipperly, both are much of a muchness as neither are international standard.
August 23rd 2012 @ 6:39pm
Lorry said | August 23rd 2012 @ 6:39pm | Report comment
you guys are ridiculous
obviously you forget that Mitchell has been one of the best wingers in the world for the last 6 or 7 years….
58 caps counts when you’re playing against the ABs!
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:00pm
Post said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:00pm | Report comment
RebelRanger, you base your claim that neither are international standard based on…what, exactly? Divination? Because based on their performances this year its likely at least one of them would step up to the plate at the international level.
Lorry, you pass out a year and a half ago and wake up today? Because Mitchell’s been injured pretty much constantly since 2010. Get with the program.
August 24th 2012 @ 7:43pm
RebelRanger said | August 24th 2012 @ 7:43pm | Report comment
Post: ‘stepping up to the plate’ is not the same as deserving to be there.. No Australian centre in Super rugby is worthy of playing in a Test against ABs or Boks.
My point was that it does not matter who you put in the 12 or 13 jersey. They will not make a positive contribution to the upcoming test.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:31am
Harry said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:31am | Report comment
When, not if, FOS … real test of character for Quade, the poor fella.
I’m hoping, but not expecting, Deans to do the honourable thing and quit after this weekend. Otherwise I expect JON will fire him after the SA and Argie matches but before the Bris Bled game in October. The rationale for this timetable is the only thing that will motivate JON – loss of revenue, all he’ll get is a few Briwi’s showing up to Lang Park otherwise.
August 23rd 2012 @ 1:58pm
Spikhaza said | August 23rd 2012 @ 1:58pm | Report comment
Unfortunately the lang park game only has 2000 tickets left anyway.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:39am
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:39am | Report comment
I would of dropped both centres neither pass enough. The centres for me would of been Harris at 12 and Cummins at 13.
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:29am
IronAwe said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:29am | Report comment
Agreed PeterK. Also, the NZ crowd is going to absolutely give it to Cooper. Would have been much better to have had him with a game under his belt before going to Eden park. This is really going to test Cooper. Also, I would chose Tapuai over Harris, but I guess we need his boot.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:38am
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:38am | Report comment
Timani was the hardest working tight 5 in the last test, and only behind Pocock for the whole pack.
He did hit the rucks hard.
Agree TPN should be benched and Robinson out for Holmes.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:55am
formeropenside said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:55am | Report comment
what, both the rucks he hit – or was it 4 in total?
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:57am
Justin2 said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:57am | Report comment
The ruck stat disturbed me too. Appears a strong scrummager but clearing rucks should be high on his list of must does as a THL.
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:21am
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:21am | Report comment
the ruck stats are misleading in that they record the first player there and only if we win the ruck.
Higgs – 1 ruck, 2 runs for 1 metre, 1 offload, 3 tackles, missed 2 tackles.
Pocock – 6 rucks, 6 runs, 4 tackles, missed 1 tackle
dennis – 3 rucks, 2 runs, 4 tackles, missed 0
sharpe – 6 rucks, 9 runs, 1 offload, 5 tackles, missed 2 tackles
timani – 3 rucks, 7 runs, 2 offloads, 10 tackles, missed 1 tackle
kepu – 2 rucks, 2 runs, 3 tackles, missed 1
tpn – 5 rucks, 5 runs, 3 tackles, missed 1
robinson – 2 rucks, 2 runs, 6 tackles, missed 0
Simmons (who came for a while with blood bin to timani, and at the end)
0 rucks, 0 runs, 0 tackles. Simmons did NOTHING
Moore – 4 rucks, 4 runs
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:35am
Justin2 said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:35am | Report comment
Deez – you are right. It was actually Genia who was at fault in that try. He should have followed Carter and left SBW for the backrow who were right there. As a result the rest had to “jam”.
The more I watch the try the more I appreciate it. Dagg ran a beautiful line and his timing was sensational. He was always inside Carter (so the defence was not concentrating on him) until the last minute when he swept under Gear and hit the outside at full tilt.
Carter had SBW come inside and Gear and Dagg were his two options. He chose the right option to hit Dagg on an “unders” ball.
That Beale miss wasnt good any way you cut it though…
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:38am
mania said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:38am | Report comment
j2 – puh lease, moore did awesome. one of few aussies that would make my AB’s team
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:46am
Justin2 said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:46am | Report comment
PK – ignore the post below, somehow it ended up here!
But thanks for the clarification re rucks. Hard to gauge performance based on that criteria sometimes. Moor as usual had a great work rate and desperation to his game.
Mania – what are you on about? I am a massive Moore fan…
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:00am
Justin2 said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:00am | Report comment
And no specialist lock on the bench? I know we have plenty of jumpers but the scrum will be ordinary if we lose a lock…
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:21am
rich1612 said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:21am | Report comment
Totally agree and I have said before, at Test level, how can you choose a guy who cannot defend is his correct position?
Also surprised Robinson and Higgers have kept their spots.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:26am
Spencer said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:26am | Report comment
Your post makes no sense. Who are you agreeing with?
BTW – QC has had 10 months to work on his game, both mental and technical. He defended very well in his SR matches. Or maybe you don’t actually watch rugby?
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:13am
Riccardo said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:13am | Report comment
“He defended very well in his SR matches”
No, he didn’t. He barely rates a pass mark. Perhaps it’s you who hasn’t been watching.
QC deserves credit for the addressing this part of his game but defending the channel at Test level might find him out. That said I like the fact that he has Barnes outside him. This combination has worked well for the Wallabies in the past and gives them another option.
The problem is still the tight 5. I am not convinced by either prop to be honest although the absence of Woody for Crockett may ameliorate that weakness at set piece somewhat. But it’s going to be difficult for Genia/Cooper/Barnes to make the gain line and/or distribute cleanly with little or no forward momentum. Even if they do, will Horne feed Diggers? Genuine question.
Surely Dingo would be aware that the All Blacks will lift significantly on the back of last week and at Eden Park. Where is Palmer and AWH? Taps for Horne? Beale MUST still start and I hope he’s on the bench at least. Mitchell is gifted but appears out of conditioning…
While the All Blacks will never understimate the Wallabies, privately they must be salivating…
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:25am
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:25am | Report comment
Palmer is injured. AWH was found out of his depth against Sharks. Too old to partner Sharpe. Neville a far better choice or Pyle on the bench.
Harris would be better than Barnes who passes behind the man or above him and slowly.
Taps is more out of shape than Mitchell or Beale. Cummins at 13 would be better. Agree Horne is crap.
Beale is out of shape and had 2 terrible matches , he should be dropped at least to the bench.
Agree Alexander a terible choice and retaining Robinson. Holmes and Slipper should start.
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:33am
Jiggles said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:33am | Report comment
You seem to be dismissing some players for a bad game, yet excusing others… consistency would be nice.
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:51am
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:51am | Report comment
the ONLY player I am excusing for a bad game is Higgs.
As it is I would of had 6 changes to the starting pack, and 4 changes to the backline.
Other than Higgs who have a excused for a bad game?
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:35am
Jiggles said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:35am | Report comment
and AWH wasn’t found out against the sharks at all.
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:23am
mania said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:23am | Report comment
spencer – “He defended very well in his SR matches” wtf? didnt he miss the final week because a wayward tackle on barnes? i’ll admit that his attitude towards tackling is better but “defending very well” is a long long stretch
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:48am
Justin2 said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:48am | Report comment
Well Barnes didnt get passed him and the suspension was a joke. Cooper smashed him…
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:57am
mania said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:57am | Report comment
j2 – yeah but saying “He defended very well in his SR matches” is just wrong. he’s definately upped the emotional content in his tackling but still has a bit of learning to do in regards to keeping the agro level up but with a bit more accuracy
August 23rd 2012 @ 12:07pm
Riccardo said | August 23rd 2012 @ 12:07pm | Report comment
Quade’s gonna cop it from the crowd at Eden Fortress anyway, Mania.
But, imagine if he gets steamrolled trying to tackle Richie in the channel?
Either way, I hope for his sake he’s ready; adds some spice to the occasion, no doubt.
August 23rd 2012 @ 12:13pm
mania said | August 23rd 2012 @ 12:13pm | Report comment
i dunno riccardo – can kiwi’s be bothered? i dont think QC deserves the attention, but thats jus me.
August 23rd 2012 @ 12:21pm
Justin2 said | August 23rd 2012 @ 12:21pm | Report comment
True.
August 23rd 2012 @ 9:24pm
Kuruki said | August 23rd 2012 @ 9:24pm | Report comment
I would be very surprised and also disappointed if the crowd did boo Cooper. I think he got the message last year.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:23am
Uncle Argyle said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:23am | Report comment
8 Tah’s…love the Cooper/Barnes combo but Mitchell, Horne, Robinson should be playing club rugby this weekend.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:30am
jameswm said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:30am | Report comment
Too many of you guys are hung up on where someone comes from.
Horne for example shouldn’t be in the team, but it has nothing to do with who he plays for.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:39am
formeropenside said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:39am | Report comment
Yes, I agree. It does not matter what team someone plays for. What matters is the results those teams and players produce, and how there is no connection between the two.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:44am
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:44am | Report comment
team results except for combinations should not come into it. It should be how the individual player has performed, a balanced team be picked (so a mix of workers and power players, set pieces covered). A very good player could be playing for a weak team and deserves to be picked like Cummins. He is on the end of a terrible backline, still shines, is from the worst performed aussie team but still deserves to get in.
Otherwise you might as well say thestarting team should be all reds and the bench be brumbies.
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:04am
Uncle Argyle said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:04am | Report comment
Hi James,
No i get hung up on form.
August 23rd 2012 @ 12:39pm
jameswm said | August 23rd 2012 @ 12:39pm | Report comment
Why did you complain about there being too many Tahs in the team then Uncle?
August 23rd 2012 @ 1:28pm
Uncle Argyle said | August 23rd 2012 @ 1:28pm | Report comment
Because the Tah’s form is….
James it is a complete contradiction of Robbie Deans well publicised reward for effort selection policy;
Holmes, Wallace-Harrison, Schatz, Harris, A Fainga’a, Shipperly, Morahan, Bernard Foley, Ben Mowen, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Hugh Pyle Caydern Neville, Luke Jones, Nick Cummins where is their reward for very good seasons?
Conversely Robinson, Horne, Mitchell, Beale, AAC, Timani non really had great super season yet are finding themselves in the Wallaby team.
Its confusing to say the least.
August 23rd 2012 @ 7:35pm
katzilla said | August 23rd 2012 @ 7:35pm | Report comment
Reward for effort? Lol
UA I remember quite vividly a Tui billboard in Wellington next to my apartment by the Basin Reserve,
On it was ‘Ill pick the Team on form’ followed by the well known phrase ‘Yeah right’
It was in regards to Christian Cullen being left out of the 2003 world cup squad after having probably his best season of super rugby in years. He was of course the stand out fullback in NZ at the time.
He wasn’t selected, a host of other rookie fullbacks were taken and the rest is history.
It wasn’t coincidence that the chosen fullback was a Cantabrian and the backs coach was Deans.
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:37am
Hoy said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:37am | Report comment
I think people are hung up on where they come from because where they come from performed terribly at Super level. If these players were playing good enough to be selected, how is it their provincial team was going so badly?
Surely it does matter where they come from, because on one hand, if these players play out of their skin for their country, why the hell can’t they do it for their province? And if their province is going terribly, and the majority of the national team comes from that province, and plays as they have (ordinary), then what does that say about the selections?
Please don’t think my hang up with so many Tahs is because I am a Reds fan. It is because I honestly don’t think the Waratah’s players form deserved selection. People watching Mitchell recently have said time and time again, he has been woeful at club level even.
Other players were playing better, as PeterK says, but don’t get a look in. So then, my obvious question becomes what is the point of trying, and playing well throughout a super season, when you have no chance of being selected anyway?
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:23am
mania said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:23am | Report comment
aac should be in the centres.
is kepu injured?
TPN? WTF?!?
bRobinson – the new mattDunning
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:27am
Uncle Argyle said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:27am | Report comment
Robinson – The New Mr C?
August 23rd 2012 @ 12:05pm
jeznez said | August 23rd 2012 @ 12:05pm | Report comment
mania, yes Kepu is out probably for about four weeks – knee trouble.
August 23rd 2012 @ 12:12pm
mania said | August 23rd 2012 @ 12:12pm | Report comment
thanx jeznez – that is a hugest blow of all for aus imo. not only do they lose a prop thats becoming the best in aus rugby but bringing on robinson who will be the worst prop in aus history.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:25am
Sailosi said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:25am | Report comment
How the hell does Benn Robinson keep getting picked, he’s useless.
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:24am
mania said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:24am | Report comment
“he’s useless.”… ,fat , slow and dumb
August 23rd 2012 @ 4:48pm
Sage said | August 23rd 2012 @ 4:48pm | Report comment
Piggy Robinson.
The man who needs to actually breed big black pigs so he can get enough pork on his fork. No wonder he’s a porker.
Most unfit looking Wallaby after 3+ weeks of “conditioning” under Robbie. What a sham. Whilst Holmes and most others just look on in disbelief
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:26am
Jutsie said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:26am | Report comment
Higginbottom and dennis just dont work well as a combo. But with palu out I guess we dont have many other options.
Higgy has been really disappointing at test level. You’d think that after all the set backs he has had (injury in the warm up for his first test start in 2010, elsom not being dropped in 2011) he would grab the opportunity with both hands but he hasnt really stood out any of the 4 tests this year. Not that he is the only one, but considering how good a super season he had you would think he’d be raring to go.
He needs more raw aggression!
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:29am
Jiggles said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:29am | Report comment
It didn’t help he and Dennis were trying to do everything last week due to the tight 5 deciding it was all too hard. But I hear they are going to get mean this weekend, so it may be different…
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:30am
Jutsie said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:30am | Report comment
Lol the AB’s must be trembling in their boots.
I’ll believe it when I see it
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:46am
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:46am | Report comment
how on earth do you reach that conclusion unless it is in satire.
The workrate of both Dennis and Higgs was pathetic. Timani did far more work than both of them put together.
I would give Higgs a go at his correct position at 6 and Mowen a true no 8 at 8.
Dennis should of been dropped, far far beyond his depth.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:50am
Jutsie said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:50am | Report comment
IMO dennis has had one bad test this year (last week) but played well coming of the bench agains the welsh and gave us some real go forward late in the game in that series, Higgy on the other hand has been anonymous in all 4 tests.
Im not so sure about mowen I think he will be another mccalman, a hard worker but not what the wallabys need.
But then again who else do we have other than schatz or samo?
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:54am
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:54am | Report comment
Dennis played ok against the Welsh. He should of had far more impact than he did coming on for the last 20 mins.
Point is he went totally missing, did nothing. Have to punish such non performance to make a statement.
I agree Mowen is not great but at least if he works hard someone will be doing the gritty work and not disapear like Dennis did.
Also Higgs is a poor no 8, but his best is at 6.
I thought he had 1 really good test against Wales.
If he goes missing again I would drop him.
Samo is a good impact player and covers multiple positions so good for the bench.
August 23rd 2012 @ 3:12pm
Wilson said | August 23rd 2012 @ 3:12pm | Report comment
I agree Gents. Both Dennis and Higgers go missing at test level. And Higgers has had ample opportunity to find hs test game if he had one. I’ve cone to the conclusion he doesn’t. He was equal qorst on ground for me last week – with Beale.
August 23rd 2012 @ 5:57pm
MikeN said | August 23rd 2012 @ 5:57pm | Report comment
I would start blooding the younger Timani for the future. He is a hard runner and tackler but extremely raw.
August 23rd 2012 @ 6:02pm
Jutsie said | August 23rd 2012 @ 6:02pm | Report comment
think vaea is ahead of him in development though, just need jakey white to give him more game time next year ahead of kimlin and aleua
August 23rd 2012 @ 6:09pm
MikeN said | August 23rd 2012 @ 6:09pm | Report comment
Jutsie
Yeah he’s tough too. If it is so bleak, personnel wise, now is the time to bloos some of these guys for the future. Not starters but off the bench.
August 23rd 2012 @ 6:10pm
Red Kev said | August 23rd 2012 @ 6:10pm | Report comment
Blooding players for the future is for the end of year tour, not the Bledisloe and Tri-Nations / Rugby Championship.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:26am
Will Sinclair said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:26am | Report comment
Thank God Faingaa’s gone.
Hopefully that’s the last we will see of him – handy enough at S15 level, but not a Test player.
(Same with Higgenbotham though – no idea how he’s still there.)
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:29am
Spencer said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:29am | Report comment
And isn’t it great that the Tah champion Horne is still there. Now that must be a joke. What does Deans see in this subbies player. Horne isn’t even a decent SR player.
August 23rd 2012 @ 9:28pm
Kuruki said | August 23rd 2012 @ 9:28pm | Report comment
He is a one of those guys who will do what the coach tells him and not deviate from the game plan. That is why Deans loves him and McCabe because i’m sure everyone else takes issue with his dull style and gameplans.
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:02pm
Post said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:02pm | Report comment
Well said, Kuruki.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:26am
Harry said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:26am | Report comment
Alexander at tighthead, Rob Horne remains, Drew Mitchell picked clearly overweight and has been in his last few games for NSW and Randwick … farce of a selection.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:31am
jameswm said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:31am | Report comment
Those are the three worst selections. I just scratch my head at Horne now – what exactly does he offer?
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:47am
Gordo said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:47am | Report comment
Rob Horne brings a “wall-like” aspect to the team. Not with his defensive abilities, he was one of the worst 13s in the Super 15 in that respect, but by stopping the ball ever getting to the wingers through the backline as he refuses to pass under almost all circumstances, with the exeption being when he is behind his own tryline apparently.
AAC should be wearing 13. If you want to drop Beale for having a shocker, then replace him with a fullback, Morahan would be the next best. If they don’t think Morahan is up to it, then they should have left Beale there.
How are the Wallabies’ coaches so rubbish at selecting teams?
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:51am
PeterK said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:51am | Report comment
AAC hardly passes it either and is past his best. AAC is best at F/B now , solid in defense and under the high ball.
Cummins should be the 13. A genuine attacking threat, actually passionate, very good defender, and distributes the ball to wingers. I would have Morahan on the bench.
August 23rd 2012 @ 6:57pm
Dexter William said | August 23rd 2012 @ 6:57pm | Report comment
PeterK
I liked everything you said, but Morahan is cream puff. Soft as they come, and will be eaten and spat out by the Kiwis.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:56am
Xiedazhou said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:56am | Report comment
I cant agree more Harry. Remember what happened when Alexander came on against the Welsh and the Scots? What possible rationale can Deans have for keeping selecting Alexander? Hasn’t he seen the obvious failings of that guy enough? Horne should never have been picked in the first place, has performed horribly, yet now seems an automatic selection. The guy can’t pass, has questionable defence, no real pace, and no form, has shown he is not a team man….he has nothing. And Drew Mitchell, well last week Cooper was supposedly not fit enough to be selected, yet he had shown he was fit. What has Mitchell done to show he is fit and worthy of a start? Absolutely nothing. In the few games he has had back he has been hopelessly out of form. Yet he gets a start? His backline is like a mixture of water and oil, there is no combination there at all, and neither the best combinations, nor the best individual players have been selected. There is no sensible justification for some of these selections.
I dont even like the combination of Barnes and Cooper, if you want a second play maker there, surely Harris, who combines well with Genia and Cooper would provide a better option than Barnes.
Dean’s selections are now so bizzare that even his staunchest supporters must be thinking he has lost the plot.
August 23rd 2012 @ 12:42pm
jameswm said | August 23rd 2012 @ 12:42pm | Report comment
The one thing Horne has is pace. He’s one of the quickest, if not THE quickest, over about 30.
You wouldn’t know it though. He nearly butchered one tray against the Welsh by stumbling with the line open.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:27am
Red Kev said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:27am | Report comment
Alexander thrown in at tighthead when he’s played all year at loosehead.
Robinson who didn’t get over a canter all match last week he’s so unfit remains.
Mitchell is so far away from fit he’s going to be stood up but runners on his wing all night long.
And Horne remains in the midfield.
Robbie Deans you are a moron.
A four-try bonus point and 20 point spanking is coming out this match at Eden Park. Hopefully in the aftermath Deans gets shown the door.
August 23rd 2012 @ 11:28am
Uncle Argyle said | August 23rd 2012 @ 11:28am | Report comment
“Robbie Deans you are a moron.”
….where can I send you a bottle of rum?
August 23rd 2012 @ 1:31pm
Shungmao said | August 23rd 2012 @ 1:31pm | Report comment
UA, send it to me, I’m gonna need it!
August 23rd 2012 @ 1:44pm
Uncle Argyle said | August 23rd 2012 @ 1:44pm | Report comment
Yes, I am working the bar at a school fete with a kiwi during the game…..’Orange whip’?
August 23rd 2012 @ 4:21pm
nickoldschool said | August 23rd 2012 @ 4:21pm | Report comment
Agree with your analysis RK.
Either Deans knows things no one else on this planet knows/can see (that Robinson & Alexander are the 2 best props around, Mitchell and AAC are back to their best etc) or he really has blinkers on and dont want to see/accept the obvious.
Its a big big call to name a starting XV like this and n a way, i do respect him (Deans) for having the balls to name such a ‘controversial’ side. Thing is, he will have to be held accountable for the result. agree: a hiding = door.
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:28am
Will Sinclair said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:28am | Report comment
Not happy with Deans dumping Cooper in at the deep end this week.
Surely if he hadn’t had enough rugby last week, he hasn’t suddenly now had enough.
(And when I say that I mean he should have been there last weekend…)
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:34am
Justin2 said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:34am | Report comment
Exactly, if he was not fit enough then shouldnt he have been directed to play club rugby? NOw he is deemed to be fit enough coz Deans is desperate for something resembling an attack… Lamb to the slaughter.
All I want from QC this week is strong defence at 10 and crisp passing, under play your hand mate and when the opportunities arrive late in the half, explode…
August 23rd 2012 @ 3:40pm
Xiedazhou said | August 23rd 2012 @ 3:40pm | Report comment
The more I’ve thought about it the more I think Deans has set Cooper up to fail. Cooper has, with Barnes outside him, a player who is in competion with him for the starting 10 jersey. Cooper has no combination with Barnes, and they play the game very differently, but their different skill sets and approach to the game are not really compatible. Outside Barnes is Horne, and an unfit and out of form Mitchell, with a solid, rather than dynamic fullback in Ashley-Cooper.
So in reality, the pressure on Cooper will be magnified. Surely if you wanted to get the best from Cooper and the for the best of the team, you’d put Harris beside him, and at least one more attacking threat outside of him (other than just Ioane). That way the pressure is not entirely on Cooper to try to make something happen. Cooper is always at his most settled and dangerous when he has options outside him, and when he’s not forced to do it all himself. Watch for him in the saturday test match to get the ball, and to have no-one outside him, running onto the ball. Barnes will try to play the “astute” game to further his own chances at 10, and will sit back in the pocket, waiting for Cooper to lose his cool. Horne will be Horne.
With Deans team selections and the venue, the pressure on Cooper will be immense. I hope the young man aims up and does his best, despite the malevolent hand Deans has dealt him.
August 23rd 2012 @ 1:51pm
SandBox said | August 23rd 2012 @ 1:51pm | Report comment
Deans’using PMS logic there for sure. Hope Cooper is up to this
August 23rd 2012 @ 10:29am
all7days said | August 23rd 2012 @ 10:29am | Report comment
I like this team… As an All Black fan