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After reading numerous articles where my fellow Roarers have stated the team they wish to see at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, here’s the team I want to see.
This is my first XV, not the bench, please tell me what you think and who you would like to see on the bench.
Loose-head prop: Scott Sio
Sio was in amazing form before he was injured, and is easily the best loose-head in Australian rugby with his ability to beat the first tackler and get over the advantage line almost every time he has ball in hand. Not only is he a strong runner of the ball, he is a machine in the scrum.
Without Scott Sio, Australia will carry our scrum curse into the World Cup.
Hooker: Stephen Moore
Appointed captain of the Wallabies during the three Tests against France last year, Moore injured his knee, ruling him out until the start of the 2015 Super Rugby season.
Moore should remain captain of the Wallabies. Michael Hooper did an honourable job as the stand-in skipper but he plays a lot better without having the added weight on his shoulders.
Tight-head prop: Sekope Kepu
In the same boat as Scott Sio – a must when talking about the front-row for the Wallabies.
Second row (4): Will Skelton
We need his size in the scrum and lineout, and Michael Cheika knows this, hence big Will has been getting a lot more game time.
Second row (5): Rob Simmons
This is one of the hardest choices for me to make, I’m going to say Simmons as he is deadly in the lineout and gets through a mountain of work, but his lineouts are the main reason I have chosen him.
Blindside flanker: Scott Fardy
Fardy continues to improve every part of his game. His ball-in-hand game has improved out of sight and his work around the breakdown, both in defence and attack is outstanding. His height also adds to a better lineout and hopefully Fardy can bring the dominance to the Australian maul as he has done at the Brumbies.
Openside flanker: David Pocock
Back from injury after almost two years out of the game (minus a game or two), Pocock is in form and deserves the Wallabies number 7 jersey.
Number 8: Wycliff Palu
After the way he took charge and got the Waratahs on the front foot against the now defeated Hurricanes, Palu owns the number 8 jersey.
Halfback: Nick Phipps
I would love to see young gun Nic Stirzaker get a run in the prestigious green and gold jersey, but I don’t think it’s the right choice at the World Cup (maybe against the Pumpas when we play them on July 25).
If we are going to have any decent chance of winning the World Cup, we need to utilise the combination of the Nick Phipps and Bernard Foley that the 2014 Super Rugby champions so heavily relied on.
Flyhalf: Bernard Foley
There is no question about this. No other flyhalf in Australian rugby is giving Foley a run for his Wallabies number 10 jersey. Maybe Jack Debreczeni in a few years, but at this stage he is not consistent or experienced enough.
Wing (11): Rob Horne
Consistent, reliable in defence, aggressive in attack, everything you want in a winger.
Inside centre: Matt Toomua
Outstanding in defence with his licence to shoot out of the line and nail the opposition, quickly shutting it down before any momentum has been gained. In attack he straightens and runs, but also has the option to go to the boot, or run plays as he does play flyhalf for the Brumbies.
Outside centre: Tevita Kuridrani
I don’t even need to argue my point here.
Wing (14): Adam Ashley-Cooper
With 100 caps to his name, he deserves a spot in the team. AAC is always reliable, no matter what number he has on his back, he gets the job done.
Fullback: Israel Folau
Once again, I don’t even need to argue my point here.
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.