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It is a do or die match and coach Michael Cheika decides to throw all caution to the wind. This is that backline.
It is by no means the safest, nor the most seasoned. But it is in my opinion the most dangerous backline we could field out of the current squad. I have included Taqele Naiyaravoro on a technicality.
Regular readers of The Roar must be very tired of discussing the Wallaby playmakers, and so I have left them blank. Insert whomever you like into this mix, but keep it to yourself please.
I have devoted the most attention to Tevita Kuridrani at inside center. Sharpen your knives and prepare to eviscerate.
11. Taqele Naiyaravoro
Nemani Nadolo is water under the bridge and so it is for Taqele Naiyaravoro to be our big Fijian. He may be an unpolished stone but is without doubt the most powerful winger in Australia.
There is no opposing player in world rugby who would not gulp down a lump of trepidation or two at the thought of defending against him.
12. Tevita Kuridrani
Be like Ma’a Nonu. This is the truncated version of what should be the instructions to all budding inside centres. Nonu is the complete player and is perhaps the best in history. He does it all. He powers through tackles, steps and swerves, offloads, and more recently, delivers long passes and deft kicks.
Tevita Kuridrani is the closest thing we currently have to Nonu, and has the most potentially to grow into a Nonu. He can break tackles, offload and has a reasonable if underdeveloped passing game. He is also a bruising defender as is much needed in a modern number 12. With the exception of Matt Toomua on a good day, the ability to physically intimidate midfield runners is surely lacking in the current Wallaby backline.
Most importantly, with a physically imposing inside centre, more options would be created for people out wide.
On this point, is it not obvious that Test rugby defence of this era requires you to challenge the defence physically in order to create space?
Watch as defenders simply hold off whomever we are likely to put at 12 at this year’s World Cup and then wait to smash whomever he passes to. Our current setup is in my opinion too reliant on quick ball and a midfield running game from forwards. We need the flexibility to put more or less forwards in the breakdown and still have physicality in midfield.
13. Israel Folau
You must consider our new game plan that focuses on creating more space to appreciate this selection. In this team, Folau will be taking on back peddling defenders, as opposed to people running forward to meet him, which is mostly what happens now. Such is this reality that teams have been deliberately kicking to him for the purpose of taking him out of the game.
Not anymore.
Our new outside centre will make many half busts, and give countless offloads to flying wingers. And he might just pocket the odd try from a Kuridrani offload too. It is tantalising isn’t it?
And defending? Whatever, this XV will score more tries than their opponent.
14. Henry Speight
Our fleet footed Fijian. Henry Speight is Australia’s best running winger but has not shown it this year. In this imaginary backline, he surely would; the excitement of playing with such a group would be too much to resist.
15. Kurtley Beale
There is a strong consensus among The Roar readership – not a regular occurrence – that Kurtley Beale played his best rugby at fullback. I agree. He played as a hybrid back three slash inside center in Cheika’s Waratahs, and did very well (at least in 2014), but in this backline he can drop the hybrid part.
Roam free Kurtley, roam, and may god have mercy on defenders souls.
What do you think Roarers? What is your high risk, high reward backline?
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.