Key NSW Waratahs back Berrick Barnes believes veteran Stirling Mortlock could force his way back into the Wallabies for this year’s rugby World Cup.
Barnes will get a close-up look at former Wallabies skipper Mortlock’s return to action when the Melbourne Rebels host the Waratahs at AAMI Park on Friday night as they make their historic Super rugby debut.
The 33-year-old Mortlock has made his World Cup ambitions clear as he rebuilds his career following back surgery which sidelined him for most of 2010.
Test coach Robbie Deans has built stacked his Wallabies backline with versatile, lightweight, lightning-fast youngsters which could suggest the burly Mortlock’s direct bash and barge style is on the outer.
But it could also just mean he didn’t have the likes of an in-form Mortlock available.
And Barnes says Mortlock should never be underestimated.
“I’ve played Stirling a number of times, with and against him, and he brings a lot to the table both on the field and also with his leadership,” Barnes said.
“If Stirling can stay on the field and prove his fitness and get that consistency back in his game there’s no doubt (he could return to the Wallabies).
“His record speaks for itself, 80 or so Tests and a number of those as captain and he led very well.
I’d never write him off that’s for sure.”
NSW coach Chris Hickey isn’t expected to name his team before Wednesday, with Barnes, who missed their last trial with a minor leg injury, and Daniel Halangahu both in the running for the five-eighth jersey.
The 24-year-old, who last week re-signed with Australia and NSW until the end of 2013, will otherwise fill the No.12 jersey, which he has worn of late with the Wallabies.
If timing was different Barnes could have been running out with the Rebels.
He was a prime recruitment target and said the Melbourne offer was “extremely enticing”, but after only just switching from the Queensland Reds to NSW, didn’t want to move again.
“The timing was wrong, I’d made a decision to come to NSW and it was more that I’d only been there for five weeks,” he said.
“NSW had been fantastic and there was no way I could really switch and that’s why I decided to stay.
“I’m really happy now where I am, NSW has a great group of blokes here.”
NSW have tried to glean as much as possible from the Rebels’ warm-up games and are expecting a tough encounter in front of a likely full house.
Barnes said it was more important that they got their own house in order more than worry about what the new boys would produce.
“We’re certainly not underestimating what we’re going into on Friday night,” he said.
Jason
Roar Guru
Mortlock isn't that player anymore.
Coxinator
Guest
One player not to write off especially with Rod MacQueen overseeing his return. More than likely he'll be a benchwarmer at best, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him do a fair bit of damage to the Tah defence on Friday. He's not a stranger to long lay-offs either, remember 2003 anyone?
Crashy
Guest
He is a mighty Gordon Highlander and tough as nails.
Campbell Watts
Guest
Don't know if I'd be putting AAC ahead of Conrad Smith for best world 13 James!
TommyM
Guest
Bam Bam
TommyM
Guest
Will be interesting to see what the Reds do with Ioane and Chanbers. It appears it will either be Chambers at 12 Ioane at 13 or Chambers at 13 and Ioane on the wing, meaning either Faiinga or Morahan to the bench. Personally, I'd go for the former. Just watched the highlights of the Reds beating the Bulls last year- Chambers is definitely an exciting player. Gave an incredible one-handed pass for the score that was very reminiscent of another large centre from across the ditch. Definitely one to watch this year.
jameswm
Guest
James (!!) AAC was the straight guy, the one who gave the backline a lot of their penetration. The others did the fancy stuff and he ran hard and straight. He is an excellent defender at 13. He reads it well and is a fearless and committed tackler - every bit as good a defender as Mortlock was at his peak. he is stronger than you might think. He is very strong in contact - attack and defence. How often does he palm them off - I remember him easily swatting away Kaino for one try. He has an awesome fend. He is very quick off the mark - miles faster than Mortlock ever was. His hands noticeably improved during 2010 - whether this was a confidence or skills thing I don't know, but he sent others away for breaks or tries just as often as Mortlock ever did. Most had him vying with Conrad Smith for the best 13 in the world, so you're in the minority I'm afraid. He should be a lock for 13, and the only question in my mind will be can JOC get it together at 12. Bring him into 12 and Mitchell joins Ioane on the wings, leave JOC at wing and Barnes steadies at 12. 6 of one and half a dozen of the other, unless someone like Rod Davies really heats up.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
I don’t think his latest hair cut requires much hair spray Temba, so you would be all good to take the hit! Dexter I don’t think using size is the be all and end all of how good someone is in defense or how good they will man up to a big running centre. Firstly Mortlock probably still has the pace to go with Nonu I believe when in a 1 on 1 front-on defensive situation. Secondly I would rate Mortlock as one of the best defensive readers and organizes in the game, along with Smith & O’Driscol. These blokes ability to organize in attack means they are very hard to get around 1 on 1 or get through their channel in a match. Digby does not have the experience of Mortlock and therefore of course his defensive reading skills are nowhere near as good. This is something you can’t be exceptional at when debuting for your country and only comes with the accumulation of caps. What Digby does have going for him is his extraordinary power. The bloke is only in the mid 90s kg range, but he plays like he is 105Kgs. He is very hard to put down and can put on massive hits. He would have no trouble at all with handling Ma Nonu and has shown he is very apadt at hitting a hole and breaking the line. However in saying this I would rather Digby on the wing in the 14 Jumper.
Who Needs Melon
Guest
It's possible but unlikely Mortlock will be the best of whichever of our 13s is left standing come the World Cup. But there are 30 or so in the World Cup squad, aren't there? I wouldn't be surprised if his name was amongst them since, as implied in the article, he would probably add a lot even if he didn't play a single minute.
TembaVJ
Roar Guru
Stirling said they are focusing on getting back some of the bulk he has lost, once reached I am sure they will focus on speed training. He is 33 not 43. The difference is will power and anybody that says Mortlock lacks in that department has never seen or them self recovered from a big back operation. We can talk all we want about what ifs and buts, the proof is in the pudding, if he is good but not good enough then he is still a valued part of the rebels outfit. but if he shines and earns his spot for the Wallabies then he might even win the RWC for Aus. An inform, fit Stirling is way and i mean way better then anything in the centers Australia have now and possibly top 3 in the world.
CraigB
Roar Guru
Assuming form warrants he's def worth a look off the bench. Either to add starch to a defensive line or run straight at a tiring oppn
Gary Russell-Sharam
Guest
Morty is just too old, it would be different if he had not been off injured for the last year and had really good form but the fact of the matter is that his form before he was injured was just mediocre and he was slowing down even then. He looks like a draught horse among thoroughbreds. I hate to criticize him as he has been a great captain and player for Australia but the time has come as it does in everyones life where you have to have a reality check and after this season he should move on to whatever he decides to do after rugby. IMO if Chambers has a great season he will vie with AAC for the OC spot and you can toss a coin which one you start with. The inside centre spot worries me, if they stick with Giteau but surely they will pick Barnes to be there and have Giteau on the bench somewhere as he can cover the backline. I agree Ioane is for the wing with take a pick of three others on the other wing I would go with O'Connor. Beale has FB sown up. I will say it now, I would like to see Elsom dropped to the bench and the captain's job to someone else. Don't know who though????
Dexter William
Roar Guru
He is tough but small. A big tough guy always beat a tough small guy. Say, one on one with against Maa Nonu, would like prefer Digby or Mortlock on the defence?
TembaVJ
Guest
No I'd be quiet jiggles, I hate hair spry... :)
Blinky Bill of Bellingen
Guest
I'm a huge fan of Stirlo's. However, I would like to think that there are far too many better options for him to force his way into the Wallaby team (if not then why not?). If he does get back in then it will be hats off from me & I'll be cheering for him all the way.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Chambers should develop into a very credible back up at 13 for AAC this season, if not the starting 13. He was the form Australian 13 in last year’s super 14 and missed out due to injury. If he was fit for the international season AAC would have probably remained on the wing, where he played for ACT, and Mitchell would have missed out. Unfortunately I think Horne is a long way off international 13 standard, maybe 12, but not 13. He is too slight and injury prone and seems to be overwhelmed when facing complex attacking lines. It would be great but to have 3 credible 13 options, with say a fourth (digby) as a fill in player.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
I would like to see you call Digby a powder puff Temba, then try and take him down! :D
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I agree with Sage, Mortlock is one of the few Wallabies the All Blacks fear. It's a long shot him making it back however it will be interesting to see how he goes. There is no real back up to AAC at 13 so it would be great to see him back to the old form and putting some pressure on selectors, all big IF's. Frank Bunce and Tana Umaga proved they could still play at the top level at 13 into there mid 30's so it can be done. His size & physicality would be welcomed particularly at World Cup time if we play England and AB's. Both teams have some real size at that position.
TembaVJ
Roar Guru
The Aussie back line does not have a Mortlock style line destroyer... To many powder puffs in the team, too many hairstyles... Stirling is a hard head, rough neck from the old school. He is a great leader and when fit will burn any of the current lads. He has a season to prove it and if he does, he should be selected.
B-Rock
Roar Guru
Realistically, his best chance is as an impact player off the bench... I would have to be convinced that he can still go the full 80 (or at least 60). Saying that - having someone with his experience coming on fresh at the end of key RWC games could be a big plus for a young wallabies team. Unfortunately, his lack of versatility limits his appeal as a bench player - need to be able to cover at least 2-3 positions as a back line reserve