It seems with all the events of late, the Australian supporters have been distracted and have found it difficult to think about on-field rugby.
Of course, it doesn’t help that there was a week off for the Wallabies and a tribunal to deal with an incredibly controversial incident.
However, we now find ourselves hurtling towards the end of year tour, with plenty of rugby to be played and plenty of discussions to be had. So let’s get back to the rugby.
I would love to get started on the discussion with something that hasn’t really been talked about, but under normal circumstances would have been flogged to death by now.
It’s one of my favourite things to think about and debate with fellow rugby tragics – team selections.
The Barbarians are first on the list and I feel it’s the perfect time for Michael Cheika to mix things up a bit. I’m well aware that there will be very few changes to the team, but we can play around with ‘what ifs’, can’t we? Without further ado, here is my team for the Barbarians match.
1. James Slipper
2. Saia Fainga’a
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Will Skelton
5. Luke Jones
6. Matt Hodgson
7. Michael Hooper
8. Scott Higginbotham
9. Will Genia
10. Quade Cooper
11. Adam Ashley-Cooper
12. Kyle Godwin
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Henry Speight
15. Israel Folau
16. James Hanson, 17. Benn Robinson, 18. Tetera Faulkner, 19. James Horwill, 20. Sean McMahon, 21. Nick Phipps, 22. Christian Lealiifano, 23. Tom English
With Scott Fardy injured, Sean McMahon and Tetera Faulkner in, Henry Speight fit and eligible, Godwin fit and Christian Lealiifano in hot form, there’s a heap to talk about. And before you tell me how much of a goose I am for selecting such a ridiculous team, allow me to explain myself.
Right off the bat, I think the front row has to remain unchanged simply because they are so far ahead of Australia’s second best it’s not even funny. James Slipper and Sekope Kepu have played a lot of rugby this year and could use a break, but I really see them as the Wallabies’ solid foundation at the moment and I can’t see Australia doing too well without them.
On the bench it would be good to see anyone but Ben Alexander and I’m pretty sure there are other Roarers who feel this way. Why not give Faulkner a crack, because it’s been a long time since Alexander provided anything substantial to the team apart from scrum penalties. I haven’t really seen much of Faulkner, but anything positive he can contribute can’t be worse than Alexander.
In the second row it seems like the Wallabies have nothing much to lose since it’s been so underwhelming this season. Many people suggest Will Skelton is simply too unfit for Test rugby, and while I agree, the Barbarians match would be a good opportunity for him to have a solid run around wearing gold. Who knows, maybe he will show that he’s more fit than we think.
Realistically, Skelton will be done by the 58th minute so it makes sense to have someone like James Horwill on the bench to replace him. I say Horwill because I really do want him to find some form and maybe a match against the Barbarians, rather than the All Blacks or Springboks, without any pressure will do some good.
It’s time to try something new in the second row, Sam Carter and Rob Simmons both had plenty of time there this season and it feels like they’re exactly where they were at the beginning of the Test season. I’m eager to see someone new in there, so I really hope Luke Jones will be given a chance.
With Fardy out injured, it would be nice to see Matt Hodgson get a bigger chunk of game time. I’m curious to find out how a flanker combination with Michael Hooper would fare, along with Scott Higginbotham at number eight.
There has been a lot of discussion about Hodgson’s work in tight and his impact at the breakdown in comparison to Hooper’s opposite playing style, and how the two could balance each other out in an effective way. It’s a pretty good opportunity to test it out and see if the idea has legs.
It’s also time for Will Genia and Quade Cooper to start a game and honestly I can’t think of a better opposition where they can stretch their legs and get back into the groove. Barbarian matches are all about the spectacle, about having a run and throwing the ball around with a dash of razzle dazzle, which perfectly suits the playing style of Genia and Cooper.
Unlike many, I have been pretty happy with Bernard Foley and don’t think he’s done as badly as some might suggest, especially considering this was the longest season of his career. This was his first Test season as first-choice fly-half (aside from the first two Bledisoes with he-who-shall-not-be-named as first choice), which carries a lot of pressure. I think a week off will do him some good.
I’ll admit that I was a doubter of Christian Lealiifano, but after Bledisloe 3 I have definitely changed my mind. Despite his blinder of a match I’d love to see Kyle Godwin have a run at inside centre and I feel that this match might be the only real opportunity he’ll get to make his debut on the tour. Lealiifano then becomes a great replacement to have on the bench to cover number 10 and 12.
We have all waited patiently for Henry Speight to become eligible, then recover from injury and then recover from another injury, but the time is finally here. It doesn’t really need to be explained why Speight should get a run on the wing in this match.
I’d be excited to see what a back three of Adam Ashley-Cooper, Israel Folau and Speight could do in a Barbarians match. Joe Tomane has been a little disappointing and although Rob Horne has played well this season, it would be good to see another newbie have a shot.
I know it’s an unconventional, unlikely match day 23, but I really would like to see a bit of a shake-up in the team. What about you?
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.
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