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Rugby season for Australia is over, Christmas is approaching, and Scott Allen has retired… so it’s understandable that traffic on The Roar is trickling down into slender stream.
Encouraged by the general non-negativity and somewhat healthy opinions voiced on my first post on the Wallabies of 2014, I thought I would try to energise the crowd with a hypothetical (and almost impossible) emergency scenario for 2015.
Part of the reason for this would be for the pure fun of it, another that as someone outside of Oz, I really don’t have much opportunity to get to see the non-Wallaby contenders in action outside of limited Super Rugby matches on TV.
I hope that those who have a much better insight into the rugby scene in Oz can share their views on the up-and-coming players in Australia. Finally, I hope it might add a little positivity to the generally negative atmosphere surrounding the Australian rugby scene, to perhaps give some thought on the increased player depth and availability.
So here goes… What if the all the starting 23 on the Wallabies’ 2014 end-of-year tour became unavailable for the 2015 Test season due to injuries or other reasons?
Despite such an unprecedented disaster, Australia would still need to be represented during the Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup in 2015. Who would you include in your Emergency Wallabies 23?
The following is my offering, based on my limited information and the simple rule that the players who played any minutes during the 2014 EOYT would not be available for selection.
1. Scott Sio
I’m cheating a little here, assuming that he returns to full fitness and form. Don’t think many would disagree that he would be a handy loosehead prop to have.
2. Stephen Moore (c)
Definitely cheating here. Who wouldn’t want him back at 2?
3. Greg Holmes
I personally think he is the most solid tighthead prop in Australia, despite the Reds’ failings at other aspects of forward play in 2014.
4. Sam Wykes
Thought he was one of the more impressive performers in the Force’s strong pack in 2014.
5. Cadeyrn Neville
Another lock that has been talked about as an option for Australia in recent years. Put in some very good performances for the Rebels and Spirit.
6. Tala Gray
I have been hearing a lot about him, and with experience in France as well, would be interesting to see how he performs.
7. David Pocock
Hooray!
8. Fotu Aelua
Would love to see how he performs at Test level.
9. Nic Stirzaker
What is it with scrum halves and the name Nic(k)? I would definitely love to see how he performs. Fast, penetrative, good kicking. I think he has the potential to fight into the actual first 23.
10. Jack Debreczeni
Built so differently from the normal Australian number 10… so looks like a solid prospect. And that boot!
11. Luke Morahan
One of those unlucky ones, not given much opportunity to show what he is capable of.
12. Kyle Godwin
Finally a chance to show what he is capable of on the Test stage?
13. Samu Kerevi
Really exciting and looks like a potential to emulate Tevita Kuridrani.
14. Chris Feauai-sautia
Another who has shown glimpses of what he is capable of on the Test stage in the past, but always unfortunately injured at the wrong time.
15. James O’Connor
Say what you want, but he has always been one of Australia’s best backs on the pitch. Also a much better kicker, catcher and sprinter than the 2014 back three alternatives.
16. Tolu Latu
Unfortunately missed his chance to show what he can do at Test level in 2014.
17. Pek Cowan
Can do better than the glimpses we saw early in 2014.
18. Laurie Weeks
Missed the end-of-year tour, but would be welcome back into the team.
19. Stephen Hoiles
I thought he was really solid during Super Rugby. I would have him over Dave Dennis.
20. Liam Gill
Come on Liam, we know you can perform! Remember that line-out take against the BIL in 2013 in his limited time on the field?
21. Nick Frisby
Has been showing what he can do at NRC and Super Rugby level. Would be interesting to see how Will Genia fights him off at the Reds in 2015.
22. Bryce Hegarty
I thought he did pretty okay in Super Rugby. And he is really, really fast. I remember a couple of try-saving situations with his chasing back.
23. Jessie Mogg
Incredible pace and big boot. Just needs to be more consistent and lose the meltdowns.
There you have it. What would be your Emergency Wallabies 23?
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.