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We are about ten months out from Rugby World Cup 2011 and all teams participating will be starting to pencil in possible line-ups and squads for the biggest event on the rugby calendar. Recent results would suggest you would be silly to back against the All Blacks as they have been the superior team of late.
But as we have seen before, no matter how good your results are before the tournament, you can still fall at the last hurdle.
This brings me to the Aussies, who I believe are timing their run to perfection.
We have seen Robbie Deans blood a number of youngsters in recent times and try different combinations. In turn, we have seen some inconsistent performances, but this will happen with youth.
Over recent months we have seen these youngsters grow in confidence and show that they will not take a backward step. I believe these guys truly believe they belong at that level and seem very comfortable in their roles.
During this time we have seen the further maturity of players like Kurtley Beale, who has potential to be the player of the tournament.
He, along with the likes of Quade Cooper and James O’Connor, have really blossomed under the guidance of Robbie Deans and from an outsider looking in, he looks to give these guys the freedom to express their talents.
I think the squad he has picked for the Spring Tour has a good mix of this ‘youth’ and he’ll look for Test experience through Nathan Sharpe, Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom, in particular. You look at this squad and it is inevitable that there will be plenty of healthy competition for selection.
The frontrow is growing in stature with every Test; Sharpe is in some of the best form of his career; the recent John Eales medalist David Pocock has taken his game to another level; and the backline is as sharp as any in the world – with plenty of pace and skill.
The only careful consideration left in the backline is cover at 13 should Adam Ashley-Cooper get injured.
Along with the current squad, don’t forget the Aussies have some very important players still to come back from injury. The likes of Tatafu Polota-Nau, and Cliffy Palu who’s power and off load game have been sorely missed in recent times, and too the bulk and toughness of James Horwill.
Another ace in the pack could be Dan Vickerman who before he went to study in the UK was one of the best locks in the world. In the back line you have Digby Ioane and potentially if fit Stirling Mortlock to add directness and cover at 13.
With all these guys considered alongside our current mix of Spring tourists, the Aussies have a great blend of size, power, pace and skill and if injury free are well positioned to hold aloft the Webb Ellis trophy once again.
Bring on 2011.
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.