The season is finished and although it’s possibly a season better forgotten by Wallaby supporters, there were many positives to come from the Northern Hemisphere tour.
As an armchair critic like the rest, it’s easy for us to sit back and criticise selections, refereeing, coaching and the like. However, none of those tasks are easy, and in hindsight, changes perhaps need to be made in some areas.
I continue to be a critic of the scoring system and remain a strong advocate of a conversion being increased to 3 points whilst a penalty and field goal are reduced to 2.
This will see a significant change to the kicking game and the decision making process by a team. An increase in running rugby, I believe, will be the result.
However, I have already penned my thoughts on that subject, and in this blog, I would like to turn my attention to the Wallaby team as we build toward RWC in 2011.
Firstly, I’m assuming there are no impediments to positions.
By this, I mean there is nothing ‘contractual’ which would mean someone has to play a particular position. I mention this as I remain a little bewildered as to why Robbie Deans continues to use Giteau in the No. 10 jumper.
He does his most damage at 12 and with a playmaker such as Barnes, Cooper or even O’Connor at 10, then this frees him up to play his unpredictable game at 12.
Continuing with the backs, during the last test series, I don’t think we discovered a 13 to replace Mortlock. Whilst Digby Ioane played well, I still believe the impact Mortlock brings to this position is crucial to the attacking ‘go forward’ nature of the Wallabies.
I would much prefer to see Ioane on the wing in place of Mitchell, who I think needs to refocus and consider his contribution to the team in light of some mediocre performances of late. AAC at fullback has been sound without being spectacular but would get my nod over JOC at this point in time.
As an impact player, however, JOC seems to provide a little spark to the team when he comes on late in the game. Perhaps his skill and impact may see him promoted to a starting position with further Super 14 experience, but not at the moment.
Will Genia was the find of the tour and has cemented a place as the Wallaby half, with daylight coming second. However, Luke Burgess remains the likely bench warmer.
Within the forwards, we at last seem to have a dominating scrum. However, line-outs remain a point of contention.
We don’t seem to have much stock in the lock department. However, a fit Sharp will bring considerable stability to the lineout and we won’t lose anything in the tight or scrum. He also has considerable ‘go forward’ and this enforced rest I believe would give him the necessary edge once again.
To partner Sharp you would have to look at Horwill, as he again stood up to be counted against Wales.
The front row looks pretty set, but I think TPN brings a little more to hooker than Moore does.
However, Moore would only move to the bench and no further. The two Bens have cemented their places at this stage with Dunning and perhaps Cowan, who can play hooker, coming onto the bench.
Sekope Kepu would need to have a massive Super 14 season.
I think we have a pretty formidable back row in Elsom, Pocock and Palu, with George Smith a formidable impact player wherever and whenever needed in the back row.
So, if the RWC was next week, and considering all players are fit, my selection would be:
1. Benn Robinson
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Ben Alexander
4. James Horwill
5. Nathan Sharp
6. Rocky Elsom (C)
7. David Pocock
8. Whycliff Palu
9. Will Genia
10. Berrick Barnes
11. Peter Hines
12. Matt Giteau
13. Stirling Mortlock
14. Digby Ioane
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper
16. Stephen Moore
17. Matt Dunning
18. Dean Mumm
19. George Smith
20. Luke Burgess
21. Quade Cooper
22. James O’Connor
Waiting in the wings are the following (two forwards and two backs):
Sekope Kepu
Richard Brown
Kurtley Beale
Luke Morahan
I’m sure over the next two years the above could well change to some extent. There will be others who will have a massive Super 14 season and will come into contention, no doubt.
I put young Luke Morahan in that category.
Now go for it Roarers!
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.
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