Little can be read into Australia’s demolition of Japan in their opening game of the Rugby World Cup but a lot can be read into the enthusiasm of new Wallaby Berrick Barnes.
Standing, as the Wallabies do, at the end of an era with the retirement of several important players on the horizon, the boundless energy of young Barnes is exactly what the team need in the coming weeks.
Selecting a team is as much about aligning the right talents as it is about aligning the right personalities. The famous ‘no dickheads’ policy of the Sydney Swans struck a chord with many coaches who have since emphasised the importance of team focus.
Whilst the likes of Quade Cooper, Kurtley Beale and Sam Norton-Knight all can play exceptionally well they have all matched their highs with equal measures of lows. Cooper and Beale’s disappearance in the later stages of the Super 14 and Norton-Knight’s case of stage fright at international level gives the appearance of hot and cold players who can be as much of a liability as a positive influence.
The short sprint that is the World Cup is not a place for changing moods. You either dominate right through, as New Zealand will be planning to do, or slowly build as Australia did in 1999 and 2003. Berrick Barnes’ bubbling optimism, even if only from the sidelines, is the right ingredient for a repeat performance by the Aussies.
By Garth Hamilton
stillmissit
Guest
Funny how before the start of the S14 many of uswere despairing of Australia due to a lack of #10's and now we have 2 possibly 3 starters for the position. In terms of current performance I would rate them: 1. Barnes - consistent and has stepped up. Also good performer in a poor Qld team. 2. Beale - Absolutely outstanding in ARC but yet to prove himself in S14 and Wallabies. 3. Ben Lucas - Ive been very impressed with this kid and the team looks better when he's 5/8 rather than Quade Cooper who also has a heap of talent but I reckon he will be a late developer.
Brasso
Guest
You are spot on, Hayden, and thats exactly the way it should be! One of today's articlesfeatures Larkam's thorts on the 10 jersey and his belief (relief?) that several outstanding players including Beale and Barnes are coming thru. Its great to see guys with a smile on their face and Barnes, in scoring and getting decent time on the pitch, was absolutely beaming. And so he should have been.
Hayden
Guest
Very true, and he sounds like a level headed country boy. However, Beale has been in outstanding form in the ARC. While Barnes could be the perfect back-up at the WC (lets wait until his next run before confirming it), he will not have it hihs own way next year.