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Robbie Deans has again failed to grasp the selection nettle despite lots of threats in the lead up to the Wallabies squad announcement. But it is not all bad.
Elsom and Barnes are good choices as Captain and Vice captain respectively. They must be encouraged to do it their way and create their dynasty and culture in the way that Border, Taylor and Steve Waugh did.
This includes standing up to the more selfish members of the squad (i.e. Giteau) until they get the message that rugby is a team game, and driving the lazy (i.e. Mitchell, Chisholm) and motivate the tired (i.e. Smith and Mortlock) until replacements rise up, and lead the team with passion, determination and brains.
However, behind the scenes, Deans has issued a stern message to Giteau, while dodging the toys flying out of the Giteau cot: “You are too big for your boots. You are not the captain or fly half you think you are.”
But unfortunately injuries on top of thin resources at lock have dictated that Chisholm gets an undeserved reprieve.
Dean has allowed Mitchell, Smith, Giteau, Mortlock and Chisholm to survive. While each player has a different set of circumstances, you get the sense that the Wallabies are desperate and have no alternative but to keep selecting them.
There were eight dropped players: Al Baxter, Ben McCalman, Damien Fitzpatrick, Josh Valentine, Nathan Sharpe, Nick Cummins, Phil Waugh, Stephen Hoiles.
Fitzy got bumped by Cowan being able to play Hooker, but I would have taken him as a 7, Fitzy that is. But he is young and we have coverage at two. Kingi looks very quick, and may end up as a Williamsesque winger.
I am most disappointed for Fitzy and Cummins. Hoiles is obviously not seen to be the answer at 8, but who is the answer and who can be relied upon to be consistent at 8? Not Palu I hope.
My starting team for Tokyo would be:
1. Robinson
2. TPN
3. Alexander
4. Horwill
5. Mumm (Cometh the time, cometh the man)
6. Elsom
7. Pocock
8. Palu (if he is fired up)
9. Genia
10. Barnes
11. Turner
12. Giteau
13. AAC
14. Ioane
15. O’Connor
16. Moore
17. Dunning
18. Chisholm
19. Smith
20. Burgess
21. Cross
22. Beale/Cooper
Playing strategy required from all players FOR 80 MINUTES:
1. Water tight defence.
2. As a minimum: Achieve parity at the breakdown and set pieces.
3. Use every opportunity that is created.
4. Select attacking plays based on field position and defensive line position and personnel.
a. e.g. 22-50 metres: forwards live up to their names: Go forward with Palu, Elsom, TPN, Robinson, Horwill and Mumm (in that order of priority) then close inter-passing to other forwards on the burst.
b. 50+ backline runs direct, ball in hand, multi option runners and backrow support and clean out.
5. Attack through the backs with structured plays from set pieces.
6. Counter attack as first choice by backrow and other backs getting back to support.
7. Backs always run straight and hard, into gaps, and so as to isolate and force defender to make a choice!
8. Kick possession away only as the last resort.
9. Support play from all players all the time.
10. Be patient in attack and defence.
11. Use ALL bench players for at least 25 minutes.
How would you rate Deans’ squad?:
1. Got it right
2. Okay, but not as radical as I would like
3. Another missed opportunity
4. Disrespectful to the senior players
5. Disregards the benefits of youth
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.