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It is clear Bernard Foley will be the Wallabies’ first choice 10 unless some Stephen Larkham-esque talent is unearthed. However, it is still necessary to invest in a strong understudy should injury occur or Foley suffer a decline in form.
When Aaron Cruden went overseas, the All Blacks lost Beauden Barrett’s natural backup. As a result, New Zealand were forced to select Lima Sopoaga at 10, who has not had enough time in the position for the team.
This makes it clear Michael Cheika must decide who to groom as Foley’s understudy.
Duncan Paia’aua
The front runner at this point appears to be the Reds’ Duncan Paia’aua, who is a strong ball-runner, possesses a good passing game, and can kick. Unfortunately, he has implied that he does not feel wholly comfortable in the position.
It is understandable – he has moved from 10 to 12 for the Reds after Quade Cooper’s return – but the fact he is not even playing five-eighth at NRC level is telling.
Paia’aua appers to be more in the Tim Horan or Matt Giteau mould of being primarily a ball-runner who also possesses a good passing game, as opposed to being a playmaker who also possesses a good running game, such as Stephen Larkham or Elton Flatley.
That said, unlike Giteau, Paia’aua tends to run straight rather than cross-field. Furthermore, given his relatively small size and the way the game has evolved, 10 might be the position he is best suited for at the international level.
If he is going to serve as Foley’s understudy then he should play 10 at NRC and get some serious minutes off the bench for the Wallabies.
Reece Hodge
Everybody loves Reece Hodge, but no one is yet sure of his best position.
His distribution skills suggest he’s more of a Stirling Mortlock 13-14-15 hybrid than a playmaker.
He can defend well, has a huge boot, and possesses a good running game, but there’s a question over his capacity to develop the distribution and game management skills required.
AAP Image/Dave Hunt
Karmichael Hunt
Hunt was a revelation in June, and one of the Wallabies’ best players.
He is a defensive leader and organiser, is courageous, can kick well as a legacy of his time in the AFL, can pass long off of both sides, and possesses playmaking skills – apparently the Brisbane Broncos wanted to move him from fullback to five-eighth before he left.
While he does not have great line-breaking skills, he is powerful enough to get an offload away when tackled.
Unfortunately, while he would do a fine job if Foley was injured mid-game, he is yet to play 10 in rugby and at this stage of his career is it really possible to teach him?
Mack Mason
Mack Mason has been touted as the next big thing, with a good kicking, passing and running game.
However, he is young and inexperienced and appeared out of his depth in his few minutes in Super Rugby 2017. It would seem cruel and unfair to his development if he was thrown in the deep end this early.
Jono Lance
Lance has one of the best boots in the southern hemisphere, with extremely good goal-kicking percentages and the ability to kick out of hand. He also has good defensive stats.
However, he lacks x-factor in attack, is prone to injury, and at 27, it seems unlikely Cheika would consider him as Foley’s understudy.
Quade Cooper
We know what Quade brings. You either love him or you hate him.
Were Ewen McKenzie still coach of the Wallabies, Quade would be the incumbent. However, Cheika has made it clear that Cooper is not what he is after.
AAP Image/SNPA, Ross Setford
Christian Lealiifano
Lealiifano must be one of the most underrated 10s in Australia over the past five years.
He is a decent runner, has a good pass, and is strong kicking off both the tee and out of hand. His attack can be one-dimensional but prior to his cancer he was a more than adequate option.
Cheika never selected him at 10, however, so is he in the coach’s thoughts if he recovers from his injuries?
Kurtley Beale
Beale is an incredible runner of the ball and creator of opportunities – simply put, he’s one of the most talented players in Australia.
That said, he tends to run first and pass second. Worse than that, he often runs crossfield.
His previous international outings at 10 culminated in a poor display against the All Blacks in 2010.
More to the point, is it worth losing one of our best attackers at 10 or 15 to put him in a position for which he is not necessarily suited?
Conclusion
The World Cup is less than two years away, Cheika must make a decision.
Even if that player does not necessarily make the 23, they must be given mentorship from Foley and Larkham. Preferably, they would be given some time off the bench at 10 on the end of year tour, while also playing in that position at Super Rugby or NRC level.
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.