The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

What an Australia 'A' rugby side would look like

Rugger Mouse new author
Roar Rookie
24th July, 2014
Advertisement
Will Skelton's situation has the Giteau law up for discussion again. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Rugger Mouse new author
Roar Rookie
24th July, 2014
50
2443 Reads

It’s been a long time since I can remember an Australia ‘A’ team being fielded. Whether a midweek game against a touring national team or during the Pacific Nations Cup in 2007 and 2008.

The last time I remember there being an ‘A’ side was under the name the Australian Barbarians, which played England midweek.

It was from such games that fringe squad members of the Wallabies were tested to see if they were likely to make the next step up. Players like Ben McCalman and James O’Connor really stood out in those matches, eventually making it to the Wallabies.

I think it would be great for such matches to come back and really test all the Wallabies squad members.

For some time now, I wanted to try and pick an Australia ‘A’ side that would likely occur if such matches were brought back.

My criteria includes that no players would likely make the Wallabies matchday squad, when a full squad is available, and that all players must be based in Australia. Injured players are also left out.

Now I want to really test the depth of postions in the Wallabies, so I might opt for non-wallaby squad members that can fill positions, even if a squad member is available. Or I might lean to players that show promise as future Wallabies over players who already have Wallabies experience.

1) Scott Sio
A bit of a toss between him and Pek Cowan. But I think Sio has a lot of potential and will gain valuable experience from such matches. Nothing new to learn from Cowan and he will most likely wear the 17 shirt.

Advertisement

2) James Hanson
A few years ago, in 2011, I thought this guy was the next big thing at hooker for the Wallabies, but I think he has lost a little confidence being understudy to Saia Fainga’a for a few years. This year he has really stepped up and I would like to see if he’s still on the rise. I think Nathan Charles is certain to fill the bench spot.

3) Laurie Weeks
Nothing spectacular, but has been a solid scrummager – an aspect that has been lacking in top level Australian prop for a while. A bit unlucky to be dropped from the Wallabies squad.

4) Will Skelton
Even though he did start for the Wallabies against France, I still think he needs to learn the ropes of rugby another level up from Super Rugby. France were attrocious and I don’t think starting him against the All Blacks or Boks is a good idea. I think the bench spot for the Wallabies will be taken up by the experienced hands of James Horwill.

5) Sam Wykes
Highly underrated. This guy would perfectly balance out Skelton’s physicality with high work rate and line out skills. He has been immense for the Force. Unfortunate that injuries have hampered him over the years.

6) Luke Jones
This guy can easily fill the lock position as well. However, I would like to see him more in the six shirt. He’s got high work rate, with solid carries. This is a position I think he should grow into.

7) Matt Hodgson
Was a tackle machine for the Force and made remarkable turnovers. How could this guy have been overlooked for the matchday squad during the French series? He definitely deserves a chance to show Ewen McKenzie what he’s got. Liam Gill was unlucky, but needs to work his way back from injury.

8) Scott Higginbotham
Scott has shown he has what it takes for the Wallabies. But for the Rebels this year, he’s been playing a bit loose with not so much hard carries and tackles. I think it would be good if he can go back to basics a little and do more of the tight work, then he will be a more rounded player. I’m sure this is what McKenzie expects too.

Advertisement

9) Luke Burgess
He’s been solid for the Rebels and has learnt a lot from his stint in France. Delivery can still be a bit slow, but it will be good to see how he will fit in with the Wallabies again.

10) Christian Lealiifano
He played so well in this position at 10 during the 2012 Super Rugby season. He was one of the best 10s in Australia, if not the best that season. I think he could be a much better back up 10 then Beale.

11) Rob Horne
Picked Horne here based on my prediction of Joe Tomane and Patrick McCabe making the match day squad. Horne’s done really well this year at this position. He’s a solid tackler, strong runner and runs good angles. I think playing on the wing allows Horne to inject himself into the game with these skills.

12) Mitch Inman
Solid defender and strong carrier. Would love to see how he goes another level up. Unfortunately, he’ not the play-making 12 McKenzie looks for. Ben Tapuai has already shown what he has to offer and did well enough as a filler in 2012, but is not the future. Too bad Kyle Godwin is injured again.

13) Samu Kerevi
He’s only played two Super Rugby matches, but has already shown how much of a threat he can be. Kerevi was a handful against the Force and the Waratahs had to keep a close eye on him on backline moves. Why he wasn’t introduced earlier in the season, I’ll never know. Kerevi looks to be in the same mold as Tevita Kuridrani, but seems to have a better running game. It’s hard to tell only after only two matches, but he deserves a go.

14) Henry Speight
I assume Australia ‘A’ matches don’t fall under the same eligibility rules that require three years of residency. These matches will be perfect for this guy to practice playing with McKenzie’s game plan before automatically thrown into the run-on squad for the Wallabies. No need to describe Speight’s ability on the field.

15) Jesse Mogg
Mogg has been working his way back to his best form as the Super rugby season comes close to an end. I don’t think he’s done yet on the international scene, with his big boot, speed and counter-attacking skills. I think he was harshly dropped from the match day squad by McKenzie in 2013, after his first starts against the All Blacks.

Advertisement

16) Saia Fainga’a
17) Toby Smith
18) Paul Alo-Emile
19) Adam Coleman
20) Liam Gill
21) Nick Frisby
22) Ben Volavola
23) Tom English or Cam Crawford

So what do you think Roarers? Let me know who you’d like to see in an Australia ‘A’ team, as well as any promising players who should be looked at.

close