Australian Adam Ashleigh Cooper (centre) is tackled by New Zealand’s Jimmy Cowan (right) and Ali Williams (left) during the Tri Nations final between the Australian Wallabies and New Zealand All Blacks at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008. The All Blacks beat the Wallabies 28-24. AAP Image/Dave Hunt
In response to the earlier article on the possible All Black team in 2009, here’s a look at how Robbie Dean’s Wallabies are shaping up with just four Super 14 rounds remaining.
Unlike their New Zealand rivals, the Australian Super 14 teams have lacked consistency throughout the competition. Despite this, they still have three teams in semi final contention, albeit fading.
Props:
Propping has been an area of concern for the Wallabies for a number of years now, but perhaps things are starting to look a little brighter with the emergence of a couple of talents.
Ben Alexander was a bolter last year but is now justifying Deans’ decision, having a strong impact at the Brumbies.
After Matt Dunning was ruled out of the Super 14 with injury, pressure has been put on young Benn Robinson to step up, and he has made a good fist of his opportunities.
Al Baxter is still the hard man he’s become known for, but at the age of 32, perhaps he doesn’t have much more to offer the Wallabies. He still might be an option.
Sekope Kepu and Guy Shepherdson may be other names on the minds of the selectors.
Hooker:
Stephen Moore, rated by Sean Fitzpatrick as the best hooker in the world, looks to be tightening his grip on the hooking role. Moore’s workrate around the ruck is second to none as he continues to impress rugby experts.
Tatafu Poloto-Nau is the enforcer that Robbie Deans may enjoy using off the bench, although the Waratahs front rower’s lineout throwing could do with some improving. Adam Frier always plays consistent footy and will be in consideration yet again.
Locks:
After having his doubters last year, Nathan Sharpe is back up and running as he leads the Western Force. Standing two metres tall, Sharpe should be there come the Test season. At the age of just 23, James Horwill looks the goods to pair up with Sharpe, despite injury hampering his Super 14 campaign.
Hugh McMeniman may be given a run in the squad, but some of his ball skills look to be letting him down. Dean Mumm from the Waratahs has had a solid Super 14 without being outstanding and is in line for a spot on the bench as he can also cover as a loose forward.
Blindside Flanker:
With the loss of Rocky Elsom to Leinster in Ireland, the race for the Wallabies number 6 jumper is wide open. The temptation of moving either Phil Waugh or David Pocock to blindside may be an option as Robbie Deans attempts to accommodate two fetchers in his side.
Waratahs blindside Ben Mowen has enjoyed a strong and untroubled Super 14 campaign thus far and may be in the reckoning for the June internationals.
In Hugh Mcmeniman, Mark Chisholm and Dean Mumm, Deans has three locks at his disposal that all have experience at 6. Whether he opts for a blindside fetcher or a traditional blindside including a lineout option is up for debate.
Openside Flanker:
Take your pick: George Smith, Phil Waugh and the ever-improving David Pocock battle it out for the most tightly contested positional battle in Australian rugby. It does appear, however, that George Smith has the wood over his opposites and Deans likes his work.
Waratah Phil Waugh never goes down without a fight and has signalled his Wallabies intentions by signing a new deal with the ARU.
20 year old monster-child David Pocock continues to impress experts with his physicality at the breakdown and also at the tackle area, which must tempt Robbie Deans to get him into Test match rugby, somehow.
In jest, The Rugby Club panellist Greg Martin even suggested moving George Smith to halfback to accommodate the others. Perhaps that is a little eccentric but the selectors may want to find some way to get at least two of these freaks into green and gold.
Number 8:
Wycliff Palu is the incumbent last man down but last year saw a healthy competition for the spot with Western Force hard man Richard Brown. They both play similar styles of football; they hit the opposition hard and are not afraid to run the ball at the opposition either.
If the selectors decide to go for Stephen Hoiles they will receive a more versatile approach from the backrow and with his ability to play anywhere in the loose forwards and as a line-out option, Deans will give the Brumbies captain some consideration.
Halfback:
The Wallaby selectors will be rather dissatisfied with what they have seen from Waratahs halfback Luke Burgess this season, which may open up a chance for a bolter scrum half.
The Queensland pair of Will Genia and Ben Lucas look the most talented halfbacks around and certainly look future Wallaby candidates. Both possess the ability to spark something into a game and Ben Lucas’ kicking game is an added bonus.
If Burgess is not the way to go, Robbie Deans may give the job to one of the older heads around, Brett Sheehan or Josh Valentine, who has made a strong comeback out West.
Five-eighth:
There was debate last year over whether Matt Giteau was better used at first receiver or second receiver but that debate is now over. Giteau has transformed himself into a world-class fly half, rivalling Dan Carter as far being the best in the business.
He possesses everything wanted from five-eighth: a strong runner, a tactical passer and an astute kicker. But most importantly, he is unpredictable. The next question mark, however, hangs over his back-up.
Quade Cooper, with his dancing feet, looks the favourite for the job as he continues to grow in confidence. With Kurtley Beale out of favour at the Waratahs, Daniel Halangahu is the only other alternative.
Inside Centre:
Berrick Barnes’ combination with Matt Giteau last season was prosperous, and with the Reds second receiver playing consistent footy, it should only take injury to remove him from the Wallabies.
Robbie Deans and his crew will like what they see from Barnes. With his rugby league background, he is touted by some as being the best defensive centre in the world.
He is no mug on attack either and will relish being outside Giteau and inside Stirling Mortlock.
In the way of a replacement, the talented James O’ Connor will certainly gain more Wallaby caps in the future and will perhaps be thrown in the deep end should Barnes be forced out.
Outside Centre:
Stirling Mortlock’s name is inked on the Wallabies 13 jumper and not much will stop the powerhouse centre from being there come crunch time.
Digby Ioane has had an electrifying Super season at centre for the Reds and will be around the Wallabies camp somewhere, perhaps on the wing. But if skipper Mortlock cannot make the field it looks as though it will be Ioane himself or Force enforcer Ryan Cross in his place.
Wings:
Peter Hynes and Lote Tuquri formed part of an indifferent back three for the Australians in 2008.
Tuquri is a class player, and although he has had limited opportunities in a flat Waratahs backline, he will again be in the mind of Wallaby backs coach Michael Foley.
Hynes, however, in a season plagued by injury, has failed to justify his Wallaby selection last year and looks unlikely to be retained.
Force winger Cameron Shepherd has been arguably the best Australian winger of the competition, and along with his mates from the west, Scott Staniforth, and perhaps Drew Mitchell, look to be fighting out the other wingers berth.
Fullback:
A problem area in Australian rugby, both Adam Ashley-Cooper and Drew Mitchell failed to take their opportunities at the back for the national side last year. Therefore, the spot is wide open.
Mitchell has probably been the better of the two in this years Super 14, but Robbie Deans will be left unsure about who to play there come June.
Lachlan Turner has been a bright light in NSW and could spring a surprise.
The Team:
1. Benn Robinson
2. Stephen Moore
3. Al Baxter
4. James Horwill
5. Nathan Sharpe
6. David Pocock
7. George Smith
8. Wycliff Palu
9. Ben Lucas
10. Matt Giteau
11. Lote Tuqiri
12. Berrick Barnes
13. Stirling Mortlock
14. Cameron Shepherd
15. Drew Mitchell16. Ben Alexander
17. Tatafu Poloto-Nau
18. Dean Mumm
19. Phil Waugh
20. Will Genia
21. Ryan Cross
22. Digby Ioane
aeisler
Roar Rookie
best winger = turner
aeisler
Roar Rookie
Ben C. Horne in a rough patch or a dry patch? His defence is superb. Playford showed us just how little it takes to get it completely wrong in a line of defence, he was aweful. When horne gets the ball he is electrifying. You do know that he has the 2nd fastest Waratah 40m sprint record of all time. 1st is Tiquri 5 years ago. So yes, he's faster than lachie. To everyone else. How can you possibly leave our best winger off the Wallaby team. Tahs would be running last without our no.1 try scorer this season.
Sam Taulelei
Guest
I think after a week of recriminations for the Waratahs it was nice to discuss something different and positive about Australian rugby. Most of you know me as a Kiwi rugby supporter but I'm also a fan of the Wallabies and have learnt (sometimes painfully) that in spite of the difference in playing resources, current form and controversies you guys always lift whenever you play the big games, especially against us. Kiwis have been in the doldrums about our rugby as well and the memories of 1998 - 2003 still run deep. I'm not one of those one eyed supporters who believes the rugby world revolves around NZ and the Wallabies have greater room for improvement than the All Blacks - that is what worries me.
Campbell Watts
Guest
I can't imagine Tuqiri EVER getting a run in the All Blacks - on ANY form he's ever shown
True Tah
Guest
Sam I guess in terms of the AB squad its more a matter of who can be left out, ditto for the Springboks. Both are blessed with and have an abundance of good players. Sadly in Australian rugby we are not so lucky, and in some cases, its harder to get dropped from the squad than get in. At the end of the day, we seem to see the same tired old faces in the team. Can you imagine the likes of Sharpe or Tuqiri ever getting a run in the All Blacks on their recent form?
Ben C
Guest
Sam I think when confronted by the lack of depth, Aussie supporters are a bit more uncertain about how to structure the team. I maintain Mortlock should be dropped and the next 13 for the RWC11 blooded but the problem is: who do you pick? Horne is in a rough patch, Cross is of a similar vintage to Mortlock and has be shown up defensively, Tyrone Smith is playing okay, AAC seems better as a winger, Ioane is a winger, Mortlock himself is not in good form. Wehave an abundance of talent in the backrow and at inside centre but are still short in some key positions including TH prop, lock (lineout general - we have plenty of ball carriers), outside centre and fullback. For the first time in years we have good coverage at 10 with Giteau and Barnes but the rest of the team is still pretty uncertain. For the NZ, you have more depth and hence more controversy: Smith or Kahui, Masaga/Rokocoko/Sivivatu, McAllister or Donald, Read or Kaino or Thompson and so on. We have Mortlock or ? Not a lot left to discuss.
Who Needs Melon
Guest
I guess your point is that this is indicative of the number of passionate NZ rugby supporters relative to us aussies. Are some of them crying out to be heard from all the way across the ditch? Or are they all over here mooching about? Sorry - I'm not trying to insult - I'm trying to have a light-hearted dig and a laugh at the situation. I suspect what it actually shows is that maybe there's just a lot more to be debated - i.e. many more options - for the NZ squad relative to us aussies. *sigh*
Sam Taulelei
Guest
Hey what gives Wallaby fans? How is it an article about Wallaby contenders on an Australian centric site receives less postings than an article about the possible All Blacks squad? I know times are tough but fair dinkum????
Wally James
Guest
Have we learnt nothing from the Eddie Jones era? Waugh and Smith should only be on the paddock at the same time if the Brumbies are playing NSW. Hard man though Waugh clearly is, Pocock should be on the bench as openside reserve. As for Tuquiri, he is now just fast enough to scrape into the Moree 2nd XIII. And if he gets the ball again out wide and kicks it as is his wont he should be dropped from that.
Sam Taulelei
Roar Guru
The top Wallaby XV would be competitive against all countries. What are people's opinions on the quality of your backup players if and when you suffer injuries? You have most of the backline positions covered but options for the tight five and loose forwards look thinner because if a first selection needs to be replaced, then who would also come into the squad to sit on the bench? I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned Scott Higginbotham as a possible bolter for the loose forwards as he looks a real talent and is the closest match to Rocky Elsom. I believed that Deans erred in selecting Tahu last year and it was an unfair expectation on the player to make a quick and successful transition from a handful of games for the Tahs and Australia A to play internationally. He hasn't forced his way into the Tahs this year and it would be an unnecessary gamble to select him again. However he would appeal as midfield and wing cover in an expanded training squad. It's unfortunate for players on the fringe that the ARU removed Australia A from the Pacific Rim tournament as there will be limited representative rugby following the end of the Super 14 for players to play their way into the Wallabies or to remain match fit if called upon to cover injuries. In that sense the ARU has given Deans no favours with enabling viable player options during the Tri Nations.
Working Class rugger
Guest
Then there's only the breeze, the sun, the moon and lets not forget those pesky buggers on the opposition.
True Tah
Guest
Im sure if Sharpe can avoid those nasty tackles from those blades of grass then he might be a goer!
Working Class rugger
Guest
Will he? The answer is probably a unconvincing YES Should he? IMO that's a resounding NO!!!
True Tah
Guest
WCR - you reckon Sharpe will be a Wallaby this year?
Working Class rugger
Guest
Big Steve Someone further up said that Sharpe was the form lock in Aus. Mustn't be watching too many of his games. Never gets the ball anywhere near the advantage line and throws nightmare passes. Evey other class lock now has a running game not a lumbering game.
Working Class rugger
Guest
WTBS Ioane couldn't play in the Tahs backline of late he's too dangerous with the ball. He might actually do something worth watching. There's that and the fact that even he passes the ball more than Carter and we can't have that now.
WheresTheBloodySideline
Guest
firstly, let me say that i am a huge mortlock fan. however, he is making uncharacteristic mistakes this season. poor judgment in defence, turning the ball over in the tackle, etc. Ioane looks dangerous with the ball, but he refuses to pass the ball. so, he should be on the wing. either that or in the centres for nsw [grin]
Big Steve
Guest
It would be great to see an AUS team with 2 hard locks that had a crack at the breakdown and didn't float in the back line like Sharpe. If he gets picked he should have to pay a fine to the ARU everytime he throws a rubbuish ball in the backline or gets caught behind the advantage line! Mortlock looks old and tired! 1. Robinson 2. Moore 3. Baxter 4. Horwill 5. Caldwell 6. Mumm 7. Smith 8. Brown 9. Burgess 10. Giteau 11. Hynes 12. Barnes 13. Ioane 14. Turner 15. Sheppard 16. TPN 17. Alexander 18. McMenniman 19. Pokock 20. Genia 21. OConner 22. AAC
Who Needs Melon
Guest
For the backs: 9. Luke Burgess 10. Matt Giteau 11. Peter Hynes/Lachlan Turner/Drew Mitchell/Cameron Shepherd 12. Berrick Barnes 13. Stirling Mortlock 14. Peter Hynes/Lachlan Turner/Drew Mitchell/Cameron Shepherd 15. Peter Hynes/Lachlan Turner/Drew Mitchell/Cameron Shepherd 20. Will Genia 21. James O’Connor (if 12 injured or, if 10 injured, move Barnes to 10 and O'Connor to 12) 22. Digby Ioane (if 11, 13, 14 is injured or, if 15 is injured, move Drew or Cameron to 15 and stick Ioane on the wing) I'd say you HAVE to have Ioane and O'Connor on the bench for impact later in the game and because of their coverage. So once you flip a coin over the wing spots, the losers unfortunately don't even get a bench spot. On the other hand when Mortlock succumbs to age and injury, Ioane into 13 and loser of my coin toss gets on the reserve bench.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
AAC was absolutely destroyed by the Hurricanes on Saturday and shouldn't be in the Wallabies. Cross is useless on defence and also shouldn't be in the Wallabies. Scratch those two.