Australian rugby has suffered without a notable goal kicker. Matt Burke held down the fort for years before Elton Flatley steered the Wallabies into a World Cup final.
Sterling Mortlock kicked in the low 80% range but has struggled so far this season with the Brumbies and appears to be the twilight of his Wallabies career.
So, what about Brock James? Are the Wallabies seriously thinking on embarking on another World Cup campaign with Giteau kicking at 73%? There’s no debating the fact that Giteau is a certain starter, however, his place kicking is not on the same level as the likes of Dan Carter, Morne Steyne or Johnny Wilkinson.
Robbie Deans has been in talks with Dan Vickerman in order to have him back for his leadership and ability in set piece, but what measure is he taking to have our goal kicking in order. Giteau has plenty on his plate, the last pressure he needs is that of extra points.
Brock James has been kicking consistently for Clermont in the French Top 14. His percentage is well into the 80’s. He also holds the record for most consecutive place kicks in a season at 41. Anyone who’s watched him play lately could also comment on his superb form particularly in their most recent game against Perpignon. He should certainly be an asset for the Wallabies to consider, however, seems to be the point-scoring machine they’re not interested in.
Joh4Canberra
Roar Rookie
Yes -- but only during the approved IRB test windows and not at other times. For the spring tour that means a three week window. So if Australia were to play a four test tour (as was the case in 2009) then one of those tests (either the first or the last) would fall outside the official IRB window and a club would not be obliged to release a player for that match. And I don't think a club is obliged to release a player for non-test matches (eg a mid-week game for an Australian XV against a club side) that might take place during the official IRB window.
Paddy Kilmurray
Roar Pro
Some kickers have a natural ability, like sprinters have natural speed. I'm absolutely certain Giteau would have been training like any other international kicker, however, hasn't shown the same ability as others.
Nick P
Guest
Before anyone says anything, his French club is obligated to release him for internationals. I specifically said half the tour because there is a fine line between giving him experience and pissing off his club, the man needs to keep them happy because they keep the shirt on his back.
Nick P
Guest
I agree. Don't even bother making him come back from France, it isn't worth the $$$ for him. Pinch him for a couple of weeks this Spring tour (maybe the first half?). Give him a couple of games and see how he goes. If he goes well track him form for the next year and give him a Wallaby squad at the World Cup. The only genuine 10 we have is Cooper, Gitts and Barnes play better at 12. We need James on board.
Gary
Guest
When I saw "James" I thought you must be referring to James O'Connor who has been doing a brilliant job as kicker for the Force. with two seasons between him and the world cup he can only get better. He is the obvious candidate for the job. He is not only good but also young so will be around for a long time . I agree that Gits should play at 12 but not kick for goal. He misses too often.
Paddy Kilmurray
Roar Pro
I wouldn't dispense with Giteau at all, but rather move him to 12 and put James in at 10. His form has been outstanding for Clermont, of course Top 14 isn't super rugby standard but they way he is dominating the competition is impressive. I agree with your point about Huxley, however, his fitness and form would be a lottery. It will be interesting to see how he progresses. There's no debating Giteau is simply a better footballer, however, at what cost? The Springboks and All Blacks were able to limit his impact last year to the point where they needed something extra. The top 5 teams in the world have the talent to quell a players attacking ability but they don’t have the ability to limit a goal kicker. I’m a Ronan O’Gara fan, but wouldn’t place him in the same category of any one of our inside backs (Cooper, Barnes, Giteau). Nor do I think Ireland as a team are of the same calibre as the Wallabies, so why should they even get as close as a draw.
Bay35Pablo
Roar Guru
How about training up the existing kickers rather than taking back a player who was only ever decent when he played here?
Chris
Guest
Are you seriously thinking of dispensing with one of the Worlds best 10's for some journeyman who might kick 2 more points per game? Where would you put James? If we are looking at selecting a gun kicker for the hell of it I suggest looking no further than Julian Huxley. He could play FB (assuming he has some decent form over the next year) and Ashley-Cooper could slot into 13 (Mortlock has - can't believe I'm saying this - shown so far this season that he won't be anywhere near NZ come the RWC). Of course it's all rampant speculation at this point. Personally I'm of the opinion that if two players are about equal you select the better kicker (ie: O'Gara should probably be playing 10 for Ireland at the moment) but you don't even consider dropping a much better player for a better kicker.