- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
After the Wallabies’ preliminary 39-man squad for the England series was announced, large sections of the media focussed on the possibility of Karmichael Hunt donning a gold jersey.
I understand the appeal of Hunt’s story. The prospect an athlete could reach the pinnacle in three different sports is amazing. In fact, just being selected in the squad proves that Hunt is a superbly gifted athlete.
The truth is though Karmichael Hunt should not be in the match-day squad for the Wallabies. Looking at the current squad, he’s my third choice fullback.
Instead of picking Hunt, I would like the selectors to reward Australia’s form fullback, the Western Force’s Dane Haylett-Petty.
The Force fullback has been a stand-out performer in a dismal team. The stats prove this. In the first 11 rounds of the competition Haylett-Petty’s carried the ball 137 times for 786 metres. He’s made eight clean breaks, beaten 35 defenders. He has contributed an impressive 11 try assists.
His numbers are far better than Hunt’s, who has only carried the ball 549 metres and has made five clean breaks.
While Hunt started the season brightly, his form has dipped in recent weeks. A groin injury has also hindered his progress. Based on his performances this year, I would not feel confident if he was the Wallaby number 15.
Numbers are not everything; I like what Haylett-Petty would bring to the Wallabies. He’s got a big boot and is a solid defender. He’s also excellent under the high ball; nullifying a potential area England will look to attack.
Haylett-Petty’s fine season is in stark contrast with his provincial side. Not only are they worst attacking team in the competition, but the Force’s risible performance against the Blues shows they bottle it in tight contests too. It makes Haylett-Petty’s form even more impressive.
Selecting him at fullback would also free up Folau to play in the centres. I was initially sceptical of the move, but the former fullback is relishing getting his hands on the ball more.
Friday’s clash against the Chiefs showed Folau at his devastating best.
The former number 15 scored two tries, made seven tackle busts, three line-breaks, four offloads and ran an immense 213 metres. He terrorised the Chiefs. Imagine if he replicated that sort of form against England?
It would be carnage.
When Folau is in this kind of form he should be in a position to touch the ball as much as possible, and playing as a centre allows him to do that.
I understand Michael Cheika may wish to be more conservative. Folau will do a solid job at 15; and he may want to stick with a centre pairing with Wallaby experience, like Tevita Kuridrani and Christian Lealiifano.
I don’t think Kuridrani’s form warrants Wallaby selection, and I would seriously consider Samu Kerevi instead if Cheika wanted to keep Folau at fullback. However, I understand why the Wallabies coach would err on the side of caution for a big series against England.
But I would urge Cheika to be bold. Haylett-Petty’s excellent form means moving Folau would not be as big of a risk. And I always like to see the national selectors reward in-form players.
Hunt may be a Wallaby in waiting, but if it were up to me, he would be waiting just a little bit longer.
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.