Here it is, the last end of year Tour before the big event in New Zealand next year. For the Wallabies, aside from the Tri-Nations next year, this is the last big block of international practice that this group is going to get.
So who do we think deserves/needs a run the most? This article will focus on some of the Wallabies that simply need to play more rugby.
Generally I don’t think that it can be argued that the Wallabies unit are all short on big-game experience. There are a couple of players in particular who I feel really need to play at Millenium, Landsdowne, Murrayfield and Twickenham.
This is my end of year Tour dream team:
THE TIGHT FIVE
Pros:
At the beginning of 2010 this was heralded as a easy weakness of the Wallabies, and I think realistically this has been one of the major areas of growth for this Wallabies unit, especially as they moved from the June internationals towards the Tri-Nations. However, this improvement is not enough to warrant calling the tight five a strength at the moment.
Their work at the breakdown has improved immensely, but they still lack the “rugby nouse” that players like Thorn/Woodcock possess. A couple of solid forward hit outs for them in the north is exactly what is needed to bring the tight five forward a notch.
Cons:
Set-piece work still sloppy, especially evident when Sharpe removed from the lineout. Another solid second line-out lock is required, e.g. Dean Mumm needs to be replaced. Especially problematic considering Chisholm is injured and Horwill still in cotton-wool.
Suggested Tight Five:
1. Benn Robinson
Although I think he has looked a little off the pace recently, he needs the rugby in order to get back to where he was pre-injury. Crucial he plays as much as possible.
2. Stephen Moore
This is non-contentious.
3. James Slipper
The guy just gets better and better; ability to prop strongly on both sides is a massive plus for this unit, solid performances, it is clear that he is also highly rated by Deans. More rugby for him, Alexander still a long way off. Ma’afu, whilst good, does not have the same potential for growth that Slipper does. Interesting to see how Slipper is used.
4. Rob Simmons
Perhaps not the most favoured call, but I think realistically the Wallabies need to have to strong jumping locks, Simmon’s height and abrasiveness in the tight stuff is a good foil to Sharpe’s running/linking game.
5. Nathan Sharpe
THE BACK ROW
Very strong season. Only questions centre on the number 8, with Palu still waiting in the wings. McCalman was very impressive in his last couple of games for the Wallabies, very aggressive and with a high work-rate. Much more presence than Brown. He also has four years youth on Brown and 3cm, making him a viable jumping option at 3 or 4 interchangeably with Rocky. It is unquestionable now that Australia probably has the best no 7 in the world, now it’s about building those tacklers around him that make him great.
6. Rocky Elsom (C)
7. David Pocock
8. Ben McCalman
THE BACKS
Combinations need to be fine tuned here, and this is why the inside backs must all remain the same, with some blooding/experience capable of coming out wide.
9. Will Genia (vc)
He flourished with a leadership role at the Reds, and if anything without one at the Wallabies I find his play sometimes reserved, I think Deans would be wise to take the (VC) from Sharpe and give it to Genia. Having leadership in a linking position like no. 9 is a great bonus. Having said that I have been impressed by Luke Burgess as a bench player from 65 minutes onwards. He seems liberated from the pressure that plagued his game when he was a starter, he knows his clear role is to come on and spark play I think Robbie has the scrum-half dynamic almost perfect.
10. Quade Cooper
Needs more rugby. Still a little bit capable of buckling under significant pressure. Also, would like to see him take up the kicking role of Giteau, he is another player who thrives with responsibility. The backs are adjusting their alignment (finally) to suit Quade’s play and the holes that he is tearing through SA and NZ backlines are evidence of this.
11. Drew Mitchell
Needs to address the brain explosion moments that invariably occur each game. For every piece of brilliance there is a shocking miss tackle/out of position, etc. Was encouraged very much by his strong running back towards the centre of field (similar to Ioane), he has impressed me on the whole.
12. Matt Giteau
Still the best 12 in the country, taking the ball to the line more and more, now he doesn’t have to “light” up the back line from 10. Awesome to have a left foot kicker at 12 as well, Just wish he would do away with his “scud missile/charge down kicks”.
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
Has not been blistering, but they should stick with him as he finds his feet there, he has the physicality and down the left side anyway has all the perfect attributes for an outside centre; pace, a huge right fend, physicality and the ability to draw two and put a winger away. He also is solid in defence, he needs game time to lock into this combination with Gits and Cooper.
14. James O’Connor
This kid is amazing. He is quite something special to watch, every carry of the ball is exciting and he has some of the best feet in the game, great kicking game, passing game, instinctively knows where to be to score tries. His try scoring record to date is quite prolific. Look for him to move into 12/15 as he matures, however. He is wasted on the wing, but it is the best fit for the team.
15. Kurtley Beale
Made the position his own. He is going to get a whole lot better as well!
So that is my dream team for the Tour. I hope it manages to get run out there at least once. If they can develop this team and then sub in guys like Palu, Horwill, Vickerman, Alexander as they become appropriately fit.
Look out, World Cup 2011!
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