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I am writing this article because I’d like to see what Roarers’ input is on the Wallabies back-row and what combinations are possible.
If I have missed anyone that you think is in real contention for any of these positions, please tell me who and why.
Blindside – Higginbotham, Fardy, and McMahon
These are the only three who in my eyes have been fighting it out for the prestigious green and gold jersey with number 6 on the back. Scott Higginbotham is a great all round player and he brings great aggression to the game and that’s something the Wallabies lack.
Scott Fardy is consistent but never amazing. His lineouts a great and his work around the breakdown is excellent but he lacks speed which effectively makes him an average ball carrier.
Sean McMahon on the other hand is a mixture of the both. Out of all of them, McMahon is the best all-rounder. I would Higginbotham start and at half time or with 30 minutes to go, have McMahon come on fired up and ready to make the impact that is desperately needed out of bench players.
Openside flanker – Pocock, Gill and Hooper
All three of them are world-class players, with Dave Pocock being an absolute freak in the breakdown.
Hooper and his explosive speed and ability to break the line are always a threat for the opposition, and Gill is said to be the best all-rounder in the side.
I would select Pocock as he is up there as the best pilferer with likes of Richie McCaw and Sam Warburton.
Not only this, but Pocock is a strong ball carrier, although he is not as good as Hooper he is still strong in contact and has the strength to beat the first tackler.
Number 8 – Vaea, Butler and Palu
Out of these three, both Jarrad Butler and Ita Vaea are both uncapped whereas Wycliff Palu has over 50 appearances to his name. However, in the 2014 international games that Palu featured in, he did not bring to the table what he does at the Waratahs.
It seems to me that every time he plays for the Wallabies, he slacks off. I would love to see both Vaea and Bulter get a game in the Rugby Championship.
Vaea is an absolute beast of a man who always beats the first tackler. Butler is a young gun, at only 23 he still has his best years ahead of him.
Butler and Vaea’s form has been to good this season for Cheika to ignore.
I were to selecte the back-row I wish to see run for the Wallabies, it would be Higginbotham at blindside, Pocock at openside and Vaea at number 8.
Notable mentions:
– Matt Hodgson
– Lopeti Timani
– Colby Fainga’a
– Ben McCalman
– Jordy Reid
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.