- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
With the Super 14 in its final throes, much discussion abounds as to who is in possession of a genuine chance to add the Tri-Nations trophy to their cabinet.
Before a team has been named I intend to compare and contrast on the level of probable personnel and briefly suggest which units from which country have the early advantage on paper.
Let us begin with a glance at the foundation of any good side, the front row. Early indications suggest Australia to be lagging when it comes to depth in this area. Argument and discussion suggest it will be Baxter, Moore, Robinson with Polota Nau and Alexander being inserted in most speculations.
On the next level, the AB’s should line up with Afoa, Hore and Woodcock, although there are no shortage of Test quality players in the mix with Mealamu, Mackintosh and Schwalger another top quality front row in their own right, with DeMelmache showing strong potential and the ability to play right across the front row.
Depth in the front row for these two sides pales in comparison with the veritable smorgasbord of first class options the Springboks are afforded. The probable front row of Smit, B DuPlessis and Steenkamp is backed by Kruger, Kuun, J DuPlessis, The Beast, Calldo, W Du Preez and Adrian Strauss. The only problem is who to pick for the Boks selectors methinks.
With the Boks having to play the Lions before the Tri-Nations, this depth is going to come in quite handy, the AB’s look solid but Woodcock really needs to stay fit, while one or two injuries will put the Aussies in real strife.
The locking combinations only do more to place the Boks in further stead above their rivals, boasting world rugby’s premier locking combination (Matfield and Botha) with some Test quality options waiting in the wings should durability become and issue.
Matfield and Botha are a cut above the rest but doubts have arisen as to their effectiveness under the new ELV’s. With options like Bekker, Muller, Russouw and Venter in reserve, the Boks are spoiled for choice.
The All Blacks look to go with the proven pair of Ali Williams and Brad Thorn (injuries notwithstanding), however their much publicised depth problems in the second row appear to have abated with many old and new options emerging (or re-emerging) in the current super 14.
Players such as Eaton, Boric, Thrush and Triggs have proven themselves to be quality options should the selectors need to look further than the incumbents.
The Wallabies resources in the locking position seem meagre in comparison, but some new faces have been standing up to be counted in this years Super 14. A probable combination of Horwill and Sharpe gives the Australians a test-proven duo, and the less experienced names of Mumm, Caldwell and Kimlin have shown promise this year.
The Boks have an edge over the Kiwis here due to the immense experience possessed by the second choice combinations, whereas the Aussies and Kiwis have a majority of up and comers showing promise standing by as replacements, but lets not forget such up and comers could be world-class incumbents by the time the next World Cup rolls around.
The back row is where the waters get muddied, as the combinations for all three countries are only speculative at this time and with many players eligible for selection in more than one spot, we can only really off a preliminary picture.
Australia has been dealt a cruel blow recently, with the oft-injured Hugh McMeniman being ruled out for six months. McMeniman was looking close to finally fulfilling his potential and was a real chance to fill the gaping hole left by Rocky Elsom.
However Dean Mumm, Ben Mowen and Scott Higginbotham have all shown much promise in the Super 14 season, with Mumm being an obvious choice having had test experience and adding extra height the the 6 position.
George Smith has maintained his firm stranglehold on the openside spot, making a good case for being the worlds best in that position, with Phil Waugh fighting to keep his spot from promising force flanker David Pocock, a revelation for his team this season.
At number eight, figure for Palu to keep his spot based on potential and incumbency but he really needs to become more consistent, but with Brown and Hoiles nipping at his heels, he’s going to have sink or swim quickly.
The All Blacks boast a truly world class back row with McCaw, So’oialo and Messam being my bet to pack down at the back of the scrum.
Some very interesting contenders have emerged through the present competition, Lauaki, Kaino, and Adam Thompson really showing good form this season, but a suitable replacement for McCaw in the event of injury is vital.
The Boks once again are spoiled for choice, at the seven position, Juan Smith is a true world class flanker, with Deysel, Daniel and Potgeiter needing experience to be able to step out of Smith’s shadow.
Kankowski and Spies represent two super athletic, all-round talents emerging at the number 8 position.
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.