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Michael Cheika was feared as Randwick’s No.8 during the 1990s – he took no prisoners. So much so, the Galloping Greens won the Shute Shield seven times, with Cheika leading from the front.
It’s time for Cheika to treat the Wallabies like a Shute Shield opponent, and send the passengers on their way after the All Blacks romped to a record 42-8 scoreline on Australian soil last Saturday night.
The coach should have been on the phone since checking out the fitness of those who weren’t in the 33-man squad for the Rugby Championship.
And then put a black line through 14 of the 23-strong squad that were so humiliated.
Gone should be Scott Sio, captain Stephen Moore, Sekope Kepu, Kane Douglas, Rob Simmons, Ben McCalman, Bernard Foley, Matt Giteau (injured), Tevita Kuridrani, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Dean Mumm, Scott Fardy, Matt Toomua, and Rob Horne.
If Cheika cracked the whip, the Wallaby squad to take on the All Blacks in Wellington next Saturday should look like this:
1. Alan Ala’alatua
Came off the bench and was one of the few to compete.
2. James Hanson
Has constantly been a bridesmaid to Moore and Tatafa Polota-Nau, but this 80-minute footballer deserves his chance in general play and is by far the better lineout feeder.
3. Tom Robertson
Completed his first season of 13 games for the Waratahs and despite being an inexperienced 21-year-old, has held his own in top company and shown his mobility.
4. Adam Coleman
For his 204-centimetre, 122-kilogram frame, his lineout ability, his mongrel, and his mobility.
5. Rory Arnold
For his NSW Country heritage, his 208-centimetre, 120-kilogram frame, his mongrel, his lineout ability, and his mobility.
6. Sean McMahon
Has enormous talent, which Cheika cannot afford not to use.
7. David Pocock (capt)
Must be back where he belongs, an outstanding leader and an inspiration to his teammates.
8. Lopeti Timani
For his 193-centimetre, 117-kilogram frame, his mongrel, his lineout ability, and mobility.
9. Will Genia (vice captain)
Made a slow start in his first game since January, but once he settled he wasn’t far from his best, and will be even better next Saturday.
10. Quade Cooper
Deserves his chance, and even though it’s the All Blacks in New Zealand, where the locals won’t miss him, he now has the maturity to overcome that. Would play a big part in a new backline to support his goal-kicking.
11. Dane Haylett-Petty
One of the few to emerge unscathed, but the next time he kicks away hard-earned possession, Cheika should cut his foot off.
12. Samu Kerevi
An overlooked natural talent who has shone when the Reds have wilted. He deserves his chance in top company.
13. Israel Folau
By far the best back in the country, who made his mark at 13 for the Waratahs. At least being centre gets him closer to the action, where he can use his unlimited skills more often.
14. Luke Morahan
Another constantly overlooked talent despite his speed and defensive ability. Playing outside Folau will be the highlight of his career.
15. Andrew Kellaway
Was mighty impressive at 15 when Folau moved to 12. Kellaway is cool and collected clearing his line and joining the backline, while his defence is top notch.
Bench
16. Tatafa Polota-Nau
Stays on the bench because of his experience and willingness to compete, but he must dramatically improve his lineout feeds.
17. Toby Smith
An honest prop who will never let the side down, and he’s mobile.
18. James Slipper
Literally bled for the Wallabies last week and deserves to be in the mix for Wellington.
19. Will Skelton
Should be told by Cheika if he bludges he’s gone forever, because when he’s switched on this beast causes constant consternation and pain among any opposition.
20. Michael Hooper
Nowhere near the footballer he was when Pocock was out injured for two years. Now Pocock’s back in business, the ‘Pooper’ experiment must cease, with Hooper to become a flanker-backline bench man.
21. Nick Phipps
Can be a genuine great footballer if he stops telling referees how to control the game, and stops telling his backline where to stand. His job is simply to serve with speed and accuracy, and zip his lip.
22. Kyle Godwin
Has been high on my list of talent for three years, and even though he’s sometimes been given a Wallaby squad berth, that was purely platonic. It’s time for long-overdue recognition and international time on the park.
23. Reece Hodge
This exciting 21-year-old can play anywhere in the backline, having played fullback, centre, and flyhalf for the Melbourne Rebels. He would have been a very handy bench man last week with Giteau, Toomua and Horne all going down injured.
That team won’t lose 42-8 in Wellington.