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After a few weeks off, the Wallabies are back in action early Sunday morning (Australian time) to take on a formidable Barbarians team laden with All Blacks, Springboks and of course former Wallaby Nick Cummins.
As the first match of Michael Cheika’s tenure as Wallaby coach, it will be interesting to see the composition of this Australian side given there are less than ten games to be played between now and next year’s World Cup.
The Barbarians match serves as a timely opportunity for players looking to impress ahead of the European tour and World Cup.
The enormity of this opportunity has been overshadowed by off-field and administrative indiscretions, and while there has been much discussion regarding the ARU’s troubles, there has been a lack of on-field talk about team selections given they have a new coach.
Let’s get down to business.
In the front row, Tetera Faulkner has been solid for the Rebels but is somewhat of a surprise selection. Will Cheika give him an opportunity to build depth behind James Slipper and Sekope Kepu, or will he continue the use of experienced campaigners Benn Robinson and Ben Alexander If there was ever an opportunity to build depth, particularly in the front row, this is the game.
Rob Simmons and Sam Carter performed admirably against the All Blacks in Brisbane, but Cheika may use this opportunity to test Will Skelton in tight. Another player who could use some miles in his legs is James Horwill; this might be the kind of game to play him back into form. It will be interesting to see where Luke Jones figures in Cheika’s equation and whether or not he will be used in a similar fashion as the Waratahs used Jacques Potgeiter.
With no Scott Fardy there will already be a change in the number 6 jersey, will there be others? Will Cheika use Scott Higginbotham at 6 and move Ben McCalman to 8 or does he give Sean McMahon his first taste of international rugby at blindside flanker? McMahon is good in the air, is physical without being abrasive and can run the ball. There is also an argument for Matt Hodgson to start at 6, which allows Michael Hooper to play a looser game. Hodgson will be where most good flankers should be – sniffing around the ruck. Luke Jones may also feature in this position.
The inside backs may present Cheika with his biggest headache. Does he continue his Waratah pairing of Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley at 9 and 10 respectively, or will Will Genia and Quade Cooper be given an opportunity to reclaim the Test jerseys they donned in brilliant fashion on last year’s Spring Tour? Phipps had his best game for the Wallabies in his last start against the All Blacks, while Foley was solid and made some poor decisions in attack. Genia and Cooper have both made low-key returns via the NRC and may need time to get back into their natural rhythm.
The fate of these four players is crucial to a Wallabies World Cup tilt next year. Matt Toomua may also be the joker in the pack. The 12 jersey is also under a cloud with the form of Christian Lealiifano, Matt Toomua’s comeback from injury and Kyle Godwin’s tour selection.
In the outside backs the Wallabies are more settled. Tevita Kurindrani is a lock for the 13 jersey, as is Israel Folau at 15. You can pencil in Henry Speight’s debut on the right wing, leaving Adam Ashley-Cooper and Joe Tomane fighting it out for the left wing.
Off-field issues aside, this is an exciting time for Wallabies fans. There are a number of prospects waiting to make a name for themselves and a number of senior players who must ward them off to secure their place at next year’s World Cup. Here’s hoping these men of gold will lead Australia into another golden age.
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.