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A few days ago, one of my pub-pals Monty String posted the gist of my conversation with him regarding my thoughts on the invincibility of the All Blacks this year. This was done with my permission.
But for some reason, a couple of Roarers decided that I – full name Rex Godwin – am a figment of Monty’s imagination and therefore, a phantom who doesn’t exist.
Well, I’m here to say that I do indeed walk the earth, although it’s true that, at my age, my walk is getting closer to a hobble.
As for my opinions regarding the superiority of the All Blacks, the brave challenge the Boks will mount against them and the weaknesses of the Wallabies, I saw nothing on the weekend to make me change my view.
In the backs, the Wallabies have but two game-breakers: Israel Folau – get well soon Issy – and Nick Cummins.
At nine, Will Genia seems to have lost all enthusiasm for the game. We have a fine if sometimes erratic 10 in Quade Cooper, and a solid 12 in Matt Toomua.
The reliable Adam Ashley-Cooper could get the 13 spot. McKenzie may well choose to play Pat McCabe, currently in great form, on the wing to partner Cummins. If Folau isn’t back in time for the French, then Kurt Beale is my choice at fullback. Jesse Mogg doesn’t seem to trust his speed as a ball carrier.
We have little to brag about in the forwards. Props? We’re short of two good scrummagers who can consistently belt their way over the advantage line. The All Blacks and the Boks will be far superior in this department.
As for our engine room, it’ll be shaded by Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock, and Victor Matfield and Eben Etzebeth.
We have two excellent breakaways in Michael Hooper and Scott Fardy, and while Cliff Palu is strong, he isn’t the kind of eight who scores tries like Kieran Read.
The Boks’ back three are painful bruisers, and you can bet that the All Black flankers will be a nightmare for their opponents.
So I put it to Aussie Roarers – pick your best 23 and put it up against the best New Zealand and South Africa can field.
I leave it to our Kiwi and Saffer Roarers to suggest their squads. When I look over my picks for the All Blacks and the Boks, and compare my picks for the Wallabies, I find that the Wallabies are outgunned, front and back.
It’s harder to predict how we’ll go against the French. They have some outstanding players if they’re all healthy and available for the tour.
The French played some awful games in the recently concluded Six Nations, giving up as many points as they scored, so they’re not exactly brimming with confidence pre-tour. In the past, the French have done well against the Wallabies in France, winning 13 and dropping 8. They’ve done poorly in Australia winning 4 and losing 14.
Like all rugby Roarers, I’m looking forward immensely to these Tests against Les Bleus which begin June 7 at Suncorp. We’ll get our first good look at this season’s Wallabies and be able to properly assess how they go individually and as a team.
Until then it’s all prediction, but that’s the fun part.
One digression to end on – people often ask me to name my all-time combined All Blacks and Wallabies side. I can’t because I find it impossible to choose the wingers.
It is impossible to choose between Jonah Lomu, David Campese and Ron Jarden.
Spiro saw all three of them. Maybe he’s got the courage to drop one?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.