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Ewen McKenzie has released his 28-man squad for the tour of South Africa and Argentina, with the players set to prove that the narrow wins at home were deserved.
I was delighted to read Will Genia is back in the squad, as he is our best scrumhalf when fit, as well as the return of Benn Robinson, who was unlucky to have been omitted from the initial squad.
The omission of Will Skelton was a surprise to some, but his match fitness isn’t as tried and tested as other options, and he provides limitations in the lineout.
But there are still far too many familiar faces missing – both from the Test and Super Rugby scene.
With that in mind, I put together my best 23 to face the Springboks and Argentines.
My team and its reserves can consist of any current wallaby, any injured players (e.g. Stephen Moore, David Pocock), any players currently overseas (e.g. Matt Giteau, Digby Ioane) and any player who just hasn’t made the squad through supposed lack of talent (e.g. Jake Schatz, Kyle Godwin).
When considering injured players, think back to their form in their last full game.
1. James Slipper
2. Stephen Moore
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Kane Douglas
5. James Horwill
6. Michael Hooper
7. David Pocock
8. Ben Mowen
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. James O’Connor
12. Kurtley Beale
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
14. Henry Speight
15. Israel Folau
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. Scott Sio
18. Ben Alexander
19. Will Skelton
20. Scott Higginbotham
21. Nic White
22. Matt Toomua
23. Tevita Kuridrani
Firstly, honourable mentions to Charles, Simmons, Fardy, Palu and McCalman in the forwards. They all had their moments this year, but not enough to warrant selection compared to some others.
Skelton I like for his impact, especially against two big packs, and the locks are easily the biggest headache as I struggled to settle for two that I’d want starting.
For the backs, Bernard Foley was hard to omit, but he isn’t as exciting or dangerous as Cooper or as versatile as Toomua. Same with Nick Phipps – although he has shown dramatic improvement from the player who first hit the big time at the Rebels.
On the wings Nick Cummins and Ioane could have made the pick, but O’Connor is a lot more unpredictable than either and what he lacks in direct running is more than made up for with Speight. Not to mention O’Connor’s overseas appearances eclipsing the skills that Ioane has showcased in France.
To the starting team, the backline is fairly self-explanatory, with a large onus on previously established combinations.
To the forwards, Douglas was chosen for his exceptional form in Super Rugby. He would be starting if he hadn’t headed to Leinster. As for Hooper at 6, this is merely because his presence is so vital to the go-forward ball in the forwards that he had to make the team somewhere, and Pocock obviously fits the bill of a 7 a lot more concisely.
Over to you, Roarers, what team would you pick and why?
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.