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Robbie Deans has shown a surprise ruthless streak in banking on generation next opening the winless Wallabies’ Tri-Nations account.
In a further glimpse into the future, Deans wielded the axe for five changes to Australia’s starting XV and two more on the bench in a bid to “chase solutions” against South Africa on Saturday night.
While the injections of rookie halfback Will Genia and the return of Berrick Barnes to the No.12 jersey were expected in the backline, all were caught off guard by the promotions of Tatafu Polota-Nau and David Pocock to the starting pack.
Winger Peter Hynes also surprisingly paid the price along with Luke Burgess, Ryan Cross, Stephen Moore and Richard Brown from the 32-25 loss to the Springboks in Perth.
Veteran tighthead prop Al Baxter was cut from the squad completely and told to work his way back from clubland while second-row stalwart Nathan Sharpe was given extra time to recover from a shoulder problem all but fixed.
Coach Deans, searching for a first Tri-Nations win in 12 months after six straight losses, defended the changes, which also included punting on Western Force loosehead Pek Cowan to fill in at tighthead if Beast Mtawarira savages Ben Alexander.
“We tend to approach it from a squad perspective,” he said on Tuesday.
“This is by no means tokenism nor is it (wielding) a stick.
“Some of these blokes getting their first start have earned their right, it’s not something out of the ordinary, they have shown already (they are capable).
“It also shows there are no guarantees for the future.”
With the 2011 World Cup still more than two years away, Deans has shown extra faith now in the youngsters who are expected to feature prominently then.
After losing to the world’s two leading rugby nations twice each in the last five weeks, he admitted the selectors were looking for new “points of difference” to bring success at Suncorp Stadium.
“Because to go harder just doesn’t cover it,” Deans said. “We’ve chased some solutions and I guess the rest remains to be seen.”
One of the biggest “points of difference” appears to be Australia’s back-row composition with Pocock selected for his first Tri-Nations start and captain George Smith shifting to No.8 to replace the dumped Brown, who also missed out on the bench to Wycliff Palu.
The Western Force openside flanker grew up in Zimbabwe supporting South Africa and idolising Springbok No.8 Bob Skinstad before his family moved to Brisbane.
Deans described Pocock more as a blend of Smith and Phil Waugh and he’ll need to bring the best of both to help prevent the world champions getting the same quick phase ball they enjoyed at Subiaco Oval.
“We’ve got two blokes who are very good in that area so George can profit from the work of Poey,” the coach said. “If he drops a player, George will be on him quickly so there could be an opportunity there for us.”
Barnes (concussion) has returned in the No.12 jersey at inside centre despite calls for Matt Giteau to be moved from five-eighth to inside centre.
Deans, though, gave chuckling hints those wanting Giteau to run wider may be pleased come Saturday night.
“You will see them in both roles in the game,” he said. “We thought we’d keep the numbers the same so it doesn’t confuse them.”
In contrast, the unbeaten Springboks made just one injury-enforced change to their XV with winger Odwa Ndungane replacing JP Pietersen.
WALLABIES:James O’Connor, Lachie Turner, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, Will Genia, George Smith (capt), David Pocock, Rocky Elsom, Mark Chisholm, James Horwill, Ben Alexander, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Res: Stephen Moore, Pek Cowan, Dean Mumm, Wycliff Palu, Luke Burgess, Quade Cooper, Peter Hynes.
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.