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Australian rugby union backs Quade Cooper, Adam Ashley-Cooper, James O'Connor, Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell remove the tape they used to prepare themselves to take on the forwards during a practice session in Sydney on Thursday, July 23, 2009. The Wallabies next match will be against South Africa in Cape Town on August 8. AAP Image/Paul Miller
The 2009 international season has seen the coming of age for Adam Ashley-Cooper. His form has been such that he is undoubtedly the Wallabies’ best back at present.
However, throughout the season, we have seen him in a range of different positions. The number that AAC has on his back has been largely determined by the availability of other members of the squad.
So today I want to discuss where Ashley-Cooper’s best position is.
The fact that AAC has been shifted around this year is largely due to injuries. He started the year in competition for the 15 spot with James O’Connor but quickly proved he was the better choice for fullback.
Then came the injury to Stirling Mortlock in South Africa.
This meant a re-shuffle in the backline, which resulted in AAC being in the No.12 jersey inside Ryan Cross for the match in Perth. In my opinion, this game was Ashley-Cooper’s least effective of the year and seemed to show that he is not a No.12.
However, when he was again placed there for the match in Tokyo, AAC pulled out a sublime performance in a clearly beaten team.
For the latter part of the Tri-Nations AAC was wearing the No.13 jersey and he played particularly well for the Wallabies. So much so that serious questions were being asked around whether or not a fit Stirling Mortlock was good enough to regain his place.
Now to decide which is his best position.
While he had a good game in Tokyo, I believe AAC is not an inside-centre. He doesn’t quite have the kicking and distribution skills needed in such a position.
So it leaves us with centre and fullback.
I personally believe that Australia needs him at 15 rather than 13 but that’s not to say this is his better position. However, it remains to be seen whether Mortlock can recapture some form so perhaps AAC will be needed in the midfield in the near future.
For this tour, Ashley-Cooper’s place in the side is again determined by the number of injuries within the squad.
One would think that Ryan Cross has again played him self out of the side after the weekend’s performance so it leaves us searching for a centre until Mortlock returns for the Ireland match.
There is also the issue of finding a suitable replacement for Barnes at 12.
I think O’Connor has shown that he is not able to perform to his potential when played at fullback so either needs to be benched, or played in his best position at 12. This also leaves a hole at fullback and I would not be playing Turner or Mitchell there.
They, like O’Connor, are too frail as a last line of defence.
Consequently I would put AAC at fullback and leave him there for the rest of the tour. Although he is arguably our best 13, the lack of a suitable replacement at 15 means that he is our best option. Perhaps if Cameron Shephard returns from injury next year and is able to regain his form then he could be an option.
But until then, AAC is my 15.
Finding a midfield replacement is a bit more difficult. If anyone, particularly Tyrone Smith, is able to demand selection through their midweek performance then this could solve the problem.
Otherwise I would be tempted to move Ioane into centre and have O’Connor or Quade Cooper combining with Giteau as the 10/12 combination. This then leaves a wing spot open for Turner, Mitchell or possibly O’Connor if Cooper is preferred at 10/12.
Either way, it is inevitable that there will be a weak link amongst the backline due to the injuries which have hit the midfield.
Let’s just hope that the rest of the backs follow Adam Ashley-Cooper’s lead and start to find some form.
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.