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South Africa\'s Schalk Brits, right, under siege from Rocky Elsom, left, and Luke Burgess during Rugby Test against Australia at Subiaco Oval in Perth, Australia, Saturday July 19, 2008. AP Photo
The problem for the Wallabies is leadership. Mortlock is on the way out, and his lack of a multi-dimensional game doesn’t fit the “play what’s in front of you” game that Dean espouses.
And George Smith isn’t the answer, either. He does great work, but it’s almost behind-the-scenes, and he’s had to play a one-out game for so long that he really isn’t the leadership type.
To get anywhere the team needs:
*Someone in or close to the forwards because of the dominance of the breakdown
*Someone who’ll be there in 2011
*Someone on the field for 80 minutes.
That gets us down to Robinson, Horwill, Elsom, Giteau or Barnes.
Giteau’s sin-binning against South Africa and failure to see the field goal against the All Blacks, and probably the need for him to swap roles with Barnes (when Barnes isn’t injured) rule him out. Barnes’ recurring injuries are too much of a risk.
Robinson and Horwill are solid players, but Elsom is the only true stand out.
The game is won or lost at the breakdown, and even after a three month layoff, he never gave up.
Captain Elsom!
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.