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The Wallabies travel to England for the 2015 Rugby World Cup having experienced their worst European tour in years. Will they turn it around and lift the Webb Ellis for a third time?
Firstly, before we choose the squad we must finalise the coaching positions.
Michael Cheika has reported that the coaching positions will be finalised by early January with a scrum guru to be appointed soon, most likely to the expense of scrum coach Andrew Blades.
The Brumbies’ Steven Larkham – who is predicted to be a future Wallabies coach – is keen to join the staff for the World Cup campaign as a backs coach. Force head coach and former Wallabies assistant coach Michael Foley will be in charge of the forwards.
Furthermore in the coaching structure I would appoint Richard Graham (Queensland Reds head coach) and Tony Maghan (Melbourne Rebels head coach) to run a training and fitness camp in Australia for fringe players as injury cover.
If funding is an issue for the ARU, why not create a sleeve sponsor for the wallabies World Cup jersey? I’m sure more corporate support could be found.
Now, what about on the field?
Props: Benn Robinson
Scott Sio
James Slipper
Paul Alo – Emile
Sekope Kepu
Hookers: Tatafu Polota Nau
Stephen Moore
Nathan Charles
Locks: Rob Simmons
Will Skelton
James Horwill
Sam Carter
Flankers: Michael Hooper
Sean McMahon
David Pocock
No.8: Scott Higinbotham
Wycliff Palu
Halfback: Nick Phipps
Will Genia
Luke Burgess
Fly half: Quade Cooper
Bernard Foley
Inside centre: Christian Leilifano
Matt Toomua
Outside centres: Chris F Sautia
Tevita Kuridrani
Wingers: Adam Ashley Cooper
Karmichael Hunt
James O Connor
Fullback : Kurtley Beale
Israel Folau
Head coach: Michael Cheika
Backs coach: Stephen Larkham
Forwards coach: Michael Foley
Defensive coach: Nathan Grey
Fringe players would include: Laurie Weeks, Saia Fainga’a, Luke Jones, Liam Gill, Ben Mcalman, Nic White, Kyle Godwin, Henry Speight and utility Rob Horne
Here I have selected a balanced mix of reputation, aggression, skill, size, incumbency and experience. Some players who have had heavy involvement with the Wallabies over the last couple of years have been left out for various reasons, most notably Scott Fardy. I am not a Fardy fan and I think with David Pocock back and Sean McMahon coming up, there will be no place for him.
For the match day 23 there are returns from injury and a recruitment
James Slipper
Stephen Moore (vc)
Sekope Kepu
Will Skelton
Rob Simons
David Pocock
Michael Hooper (c)
Scott Higginbotham
Nick Phipps
Bernard Foley
Karmichael Hunt
James O Connor
Tevita Kuridrani
Adam Ashley Cooper (vc)
Israel Folau
16. Tatafu Polota Nau
17. Benn Robinson
18. Scott Sio
19. James Horwill
20. Wycliff Palu
21. Will Genia
22. Quade Cooper
23. Kurtley Beale
With this coaching structure and a fit tour squad, the Wallabies could be a real threat at the World Cup. It’s not too late but it’s not easy either.
Michael Cheika has a reputation of performing miracle turnarounds in teams he coaches and if the Wallabies environment is supportive and focused we will have the resources needed for a successful World Cup.
The advantage in 2015 is that many stars are returning from injury. David Pocock, Stephen Moore and Wycliff Palu – all forwards – will provide a major boost for the under-strength pack.
The Wallabies have the right ingredients, will they be able to bring home Bill Ellis?
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.