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Is it time for the Wallabies to send a development team north? A Test match for me means putting your best team on the park and matching it with the oppositions best.
I have always appreciated that the national Austalian side that toured the north each end of season was the best available.
This year I think there is a case for something different.
Australia has not tended to experiment beyond its top squad as often as most other top nations – this year’s match against Samoa was an expception and the Wallabies paid for it.
Normally, the Wallaby touring squads are as strong as they possibly can be.
I think that this year should be different.
We have just had a very long season culminating in the World Cup. Our first match in the north is a nothing match against the Barbarians, the second is against Wales, a team we just played in the 3 v 4 play off game in the World Cup winning 21-18.
Normally I wouldn’t countenance it, but this time I think we should leave everyone who has even the hint of an injury at home.
More controversially, I think that unless there is a specific reason to send a player north, then he should be left behind as well.
So those I would NOT take on tour:
Those with an injury concern: Kepu, Horwill, Vickerman, Ioane, Polota-Nau etc, should stay at home. These players could play, they just shouldn’t if they don’t have to.
They have had a longer than normal playing season and should get a longer than normal off season.
If we know a fair bit about them as players then guys like Alexander, Ma’afu, Simmons, Elsom, Samo, Pocock, McCalman, S. Faingaa, A. Faingaa, Ashley-Cooper and Hodsgon, then give them an off-season to prepare for next year.
If they are broken and injured – Beale, Cooper, McCabe, Sharpe, Palu, Mitchell and Robinson – then they must and will be left at home.
If they are going off-shore Burgess (and Giteau, no danger of that happening I would guess!) then no tour for you either.
So now to those from the World Cup I think should go:
Players that we want to learn more about, such as Barnes as flyhalf, Slipper, as a young developing prop, O’Connor as a centre, Horne returning from injury, Higginbotham who has had minimal game time, Phipps also hasn’t played.
Players who will be neccessary to give those around them a chance, such as Moore, to lead a young forward pack, Genia to give Barnes every chance at 10 should tour.
The team I would like to see playing is below. I posted it elsewhere so apologies if you have seen it before.
1. Holmes
2. Moore (vice captain)
3. Slipper
4. Pyle
5. Timani
6. Higginbotham
7. Robinson
8. Vaea
9. Genia (captain)
10. Barnes
11. Morahan
12. O’Connor
13. Horne
14. Davies
15. Cummins
16. Whitaker
17. Palmer
18. Wykes
19. Hooper
20. Phipps
21. Tapuai
22. Vuna
It is only a two game tour, so the squad does not need to be huge. So I’d take one each of the following players/positions:
Prop – Tilse or Longbottom
Hooker – Charles, Ulugia or Hanson
Second Row – Kimlin, Douglas or Hand
Open Side – Colby Faingaa
6/8 – Dennis or Mowen (I’d nominate Saffy but I think he should be playing 7 and if he isn’t playing the position he shouldn’t tour)
Halfback – Kingi, Lucas or Stannard
Five Eight – Mike Harris
Centre – Dellit
Winger/Fullback – Hynes or Shepherd – I know these aren’t young guys but their chances have been cruelled by injury and I’d like to see how they mix it in this company. Turne I’d consider in this group as well.
Is this type of squad disrespecting the jersey? Given we have had a World Cup, is this a justified move?
Did I miss any obvious young talent or name guys who shouldn’t be getting a look in? (the obvious name for me there is Daley, but until his scrummaging improves I cannot consider him).
Ultimately, I want the Wallabies to get off the idea of a World Cup development cycle as soon as possible.
Therefore, I’m ready for this Barbarians game and single repeat Test against the Welsh to be used as a chance to look at fresh talent with a view to competing strongly next season.
What do Roarers think? Can we do this now and then build to always present our best team with competition for jerseys?
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.