It will be an interesting couple of days of analysis once Deans and Co pick their Wallabies squad. There have been some stand out performers this year and the bulk of the squad picks itself.
The bolters are always the most talked about as they provide fresh faces and a new dimension. There are a couple of players whose names I am yet to hear who definitely deserve consideration:
Will Caldwell – has had a very solid year and filled the void of the in-tight, hard working Dan Vickerman. Caldwell plays the game with that hard edged ferocity that allowed the Waratah pack to suffocate their opposition all year.
He works efficiently at the breakdown and hits hard in defence -just ask mark Chisholm. Caldwell is also ideal in the second row to balance out Sharpe who does play a bit wider from the ruck and likes the ball in hand.
James O’Connor – whether he goes to the Under 20 World Cup or not he needs to be figured into the Tri-Nations squad at some stage this season and should ideally be given the first crack at 15.
Rob Horne – The successor to Mortlock at no. 13. Like Hynes the year before Horne has spent his year in a backline waiting for the ball or being injured.
Has X factor written all over him and with hard hitting defence and blistering speed he should be figured into the squad after the U20 WC.
Mitch Chapman – ‘Preacher’ spent the first half of the season out of the 22 playing golf with his girlfriend whose handicap is apparently good enough to give Tiger a half decent run for his money.
The second he made the 22 he instantly made an impact and built on it game after game. Deans is known for rewarding players who take what is given to them and use it. Chapman didn’t waste a second of his precious game time this season and would make a solid back-up in the squad for Mumm who should start at 6.
A couple of players who should be overlooked:
Drew Mitchell – who looks great with ball in hand but is extremely selfish and often doesn’t pass in a bid to further his own standing. His defence is marginal at best and he is constantly having the ball taken from him in contact due to what many insiders say is a lazy attitude towards his strength work.
Adam Frier – ‘Butterfingers’ should never be allowed to put on a Wallaby or Waratahs jersey ever again as like Mitchell he is always playing to further his own standing in the minds of selectors. Thank goodness he is injured anyways.
Quade Cooper – too erratic and simply not up to Tri-Nations level rugby. Barnes, Giteau and O’Connor should be picked as the inside backs.
James Horwill – hasn’t had enough game time due to injury and needs to spend some time playing club rugby. Will figure into the squad later in the year and is a long term Wallaby who will eventually replace Sharpe.
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