The game is viewed as another Wallaby warm-up for theWorld Cup.
But the selection is more like a Deans out-of-character brain explosion that achieves nothing, other than attract another unnecessary headline, especially after refusing to give the reasons why he axed Giteau from the Cup squad in the first place.
Having bitten the bullet, what’s the point of resuming Giteau’s career, even on a minor scale, when it’s over?
To repeat Giteau’s twitter quote after Deans told him he was out of the Cup, and long before the 30-man squad was announced – “Thank you ballboys, thank you linesman. That’s it”.
And “That’s it” should be exactly that – the end of the road.
In the process, Deans has missed a golden opportunity to see what the exciting 22-year-old Queensland inside-centre Ben Tapaui can offer in good company.
He produced plenty in the Super Rugby final, keeping the two classy Crusader centres in check – Sonny Bill Williams, and Robbie Fruean – despite a big height and weight disadvantage.
A David and two Goliaths confrontation – Tapaui 180cm – 90kgs, SBW 191cms – 108kgs, and Fruean 190cm – 104kgs.
At least Tapaui will come off the bench on Friday night, to prove his credentials.
Six of the 30-man World Cup squad will be on duty against Canada – Rob Horne, Drew Mitchell, Berrick Barnes, Nathan Sharpe, James Slipper, and Tatafu Polota Nau.
Sharpe apart, the other five are all returning from a long time on the sideline, and desperately need game time – Horne (elbow), Mitchell (ankle), Barnes (concussion), Slipper (ankle), and Polota Nau (knee).
Also on duty, three who were unlucky to miss RWC selection – winger-full back Lachie Turner, lock Sitaleki Timani, and flanker Matt Hodgson – victims of an overkill three half-backs, and three hookers.
Half-back Phipps can count himself very fortunate, costing Turner his deserved chance. Hooker Saia Faingaa also lucky, tipping out Timani, or Hodgson as the only back-up for champion flanker David Pocock.
This is such an important game, especially for the returnees, you’d think the ARU and Fox would make sure it was televised. Wrong.
What has Fox scheduled for Friday night?
A replay of that dreadful recent Wallaby performance at Eden Park. Skilled Stadium would be a far better alternative, right across the board.
There are times when you wonder if the decision-makers really care, or just incompetent.
The Australian Barbarians lineup:
Lachie Turner (Waratahs), Rod Davies (Reds), Rob Horne (Waratahs), Matt Giteau (Brumbies), Drew Mitchell (Waratahs), Berrick Barnes (Waratahs), Nick Phipps (Rebels), Pat McCutcheon (Waratahs), Matt Hodgson (Force), David Dennis (Waratahs), Nathan Sharpe (Force – captain), Sitaleki Timani (Waratahs), James Slipper (Reds), Tatafu Polota Nau (Waratahs), and Ben Daley (Reds).
The bench – James Hanson (Reds), Pek Cowan (Force) Dean Mumm (Waratahs), Beau Robinson (Reds), Ben Tapaui (Reds), Luke Morahan (Reds), and Mark Gerrard (Rebels).
Jam Sandwich
Guest
Can't wait for Friday's Eden Park replay...............hopefully Cooper and Co freeze again........
Mike G
Guest
DocP, 'tis you I'm afraid who needs to watch Ma/afu more closely...He'll be the big guy in the middle of the park not doing much. Slipper is now undoubtedly our best tighthead...then (in my mind), Kepu, then Alexander and then, and only then comes Ma'afu...Don't expect to see him getting any game time in October
DocP | Cowra
Guest
Comments by I/F and M/G are ever so predictable from those who watch and recall the flamboyant and the try-scorer, but fail to note any of the detail of many other facets of the game. It is very rare for Greg Growden to compliment anyone who plays(ed) for the Brumbies. However, in full agreement with my long term observations of Salesi Ma'afu, he actually praised him in the SMH, on Aug 11, 2011, writing, "Two weeks ago, Ma'afu returned to scrummaging, impressing with his power and poise at the Wallabies' training camp on the Gold Coast. Ma'afu has always been rated among the best scrummagers of the Australian props, while his record against South Africa is exemplary, including a player's player award last year, which has prompted the push to make sure he is ready for this weekend's Test." I recommend you guys watch actually Ma'afu's game, rather than lining up with some sloppy disparaging perception because of his penchant for food. By taking careful note of his powerful scrummaging and his aggression, both in defence and at the breakdown, you should find he is indeed a feisty and formidable fella.
Mike G
Guest
Couldn't have said it better myself, IF...I have no idea what anybody sees in Ma'afu
mattamkII
Guest
thats it David...well done. took time out of your day to pick some fault....good work for really getting behind your country once again. Oh remind me David, what level did you coach to again? Not that I have any issue with those who didnt coach or play a decent level being in the media, in fact I find it poor that so many players get gigs in the media. But David, do something good for once. Maybe cover something a player or coach does that is good. sick of the media right now.
International Fan
Guest
Curious to know which parallel universe you have been watching games in to reach the conclusion that More'Food (sorry Ma'afu) and the words magnificent T/H scrummager belong in the same sentence.
Ben S
Roar Guru
'the selection is more like a Deans out-of-character brain explosion' Did I read that right?
grumblebum
Guest
D for Deans. D for dumb! G for Giteau. G for great! Only time will tell - hope I'm wrong.
Bakkies
Guest
and don't forget that Deans has picked players who have been carrying serious injuries.
Mella
Roar Rookie
What a stupid post. I played rugby last weekend with a Canadian guy, have played with a few over the years. Along with Americans they're mostly naturals at the toughest aspects of the sport, tackling, taking the ball into contact and competing at the breakdown. It might be a minor sport there but so it is in most of the world, cant think of many countries where it would have more potential to grow. What is the point of your post?
jeznez
Guest
Agree. I thought we'd all been through this. It is Blindside/No 8 that he has over compensated for. You need four players here to give you three in your 22 and one in cover. Deans has selected five players here in Elsom, Higginbotham, Samo, Palu and McCalman. The cover is missing for Pocock although McCalman is being marketed as the 7 here which I find a strange selection.
Ads
Guest
on the bench for the game The bench – James Hanson (Reds), Pek Cowan (Force) Dean Mumm (Waratahs), Beau Robinson (Reds), Ben Tapaui (Reds), Luke Morahan (Reds), and Mark Gerrard (Rebels).
Betty B
Guest
just 'cos Gits spat his dummy, no need for the press to follow. He knows he's a backup and I'd bet he's wishing hard for an injury.
JohnB
Guest
Plus they're in the current RWC, have got to the qtrs in the past and have beaten the US (who are in Aust's group at the Cup) in the past month. They'll be a decent team and would have a pretty good chance of beating a scratch combination like this. I'd say it's a good run for the Australian back-ups, and a good hit-out for the Canucks. And yes, Giteau would have to be the first cover for injuries to a number of the RWC squad (Cooper, Barnes, possibly Horne or even O'Connor) so it would be cutting off your nose to spite your face to not select him here.
Big Steve
Guest
Harry did you go to the game on Saturday? I cant believe there was a line to get in. It was probably 50 or 60m when we tried to get in. Great turn out, although some of the Randwick defence was pretty average. Barnes played really well, and except for one quick pass that was poor, took really good options. Tom Kingston was really strong all day at 13, i wont be surprised if he starts for the waratahs next year.
Nathan
Roar Pro
"...showed courage, conviction and vision..." Really? He was the one that appointed Rocky Elsom in the first place and not selecting Matt Giteau is a mistake. Robbie Dean's explanation? He wanted to go with 3 specialist half backs. Desperation more like it.
ilikedahoodoogurusingha
Guest
Actually they do play cricket, including at the last World Cup
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
I was surprised that Tom Carter was not considered until i realised that he is still injured....... don't count him out tho. he is the second best at doing what McCabe does at 12.
LeftArmSpinner
Roar Guru
David, I am reading the other comments, and it seems like it is a tough crowd. I' usually in full agreement with your columns. But, this is the digital age!!!!!!!!!!
Handles O Love
Guest
Who picked Mumm?