Ben Mowen, the in form Brumbies captain, has been left out of the Wallabies squad for the upcoming Test matches. Deans’ decision could have consequences for the Wallabies as Mowen has the potential to be the missing link for the Wallabies forward pack.
With the selected players, I believe the best forward pack would be:
1. Dan Palmer
2. Stephen Moore
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Rob Simmons
5. Kane Douglas
6. Dave Dennis
7. David Pocock
8. Scott Higginbotham
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. Ben Alexander
18. Hugh Pile
19. Michael Hooper
Although this forward pack looks ominous, I still believe the forward pack would be complete and much more well rounded with the inclusion of Ben Mowen at number eight.
I will concede that Scott Higginbotham has played tremendously well this season at number eight, however I still believe he is one of the best blindside flankers in the world. Also contributing to Higginbotham staying at eight has been the form of Dennis.
Dennis has been the shining light in a season of bleak fortune for the Waratahs, and he deserves recognition for his efforts.
But what Mowen provides is further leadership in a relatively young forward pack. Jake White, the Brumbies saviour as new coach this season has recognised Mowen’s ability and also believes that he warrants selection for the Wallabies.
Mowen also provides that stability. He is the rock at the back of the scrum and with his simple, but effective style of play, it allows Higginbotham to play his flamboyant wide running and chip kicking style of play that he is so good at.
Many experts like Greg Martin and Rod Kafer believe that Mowen is simply a Super Rugby player and will not be able to cut it in Test match rugby. I believe it is completely the opposite.
Mowen has played extremely well in Super Rugby, but I think he will be even better in Test match rugby. Super Rugby is fast paced, somewhat unstructured and much looser than Test matches, and therefore I believe Test matches actually suit Mowen much better, with the slower, more structured and set piece orientated game play.
He is a simpler player; he sticks to the basics, but does them well. His steady hand would provide solidity for the forward pack and he would be able to provide, consistently, enabling a more well rounded performance for a pack that must be able to step up if they are to compete against the Welsh in the coming weeks.
Although I can understand the majority of selections that have been made, and I am actually relatively happy with prospects for the Wallabies this season. I simply do not understand Mowen not being selected, even in the squad. Deans has been a believer of giving players a go, and seeing what they can make out of their opportunity.
To this end, I thought Ben Mowen should have been given a go to see what he can do, and if he can indeed make the cut at Test match level.
Busco
Guest
Thought I was the only one left gob smacked with Fardis non selection. The type of forward we've lacked, aggressive, in-your-face scrapper. Would of been the first forward I would of picked. Douglas/Simmons/sharpe even carter don't have the aggression needed. Wonder if the selectors were more worried about the penalties he tends to give away. Hope he's in contention when the 4 nations comes round, he's the perfect counter to NZ & SA tough locks
Dasher
Roar Guru
I've seen nothing at all to justify that either Timani or Auelua so strongly deserve a Wallaby jersey as you say.
Blue Blood
Guest
McCalman is out for at least 3 weeks with the shoulder/neck injury I said would have him not play a minute for the Wallabies. Mowan was always going to be called up and probably be a bench sitter. Deans hates using reserve squad players. Just ask Hodgson and Turner after being called up late for the world cup. If it isn't Deans' idea then it doesn't get a go. Hodgson is still unlucky to be missing the Wallabies this year. He has been a machine as always this year and has out played Pocock on multiple occasions. Good luck to Mowan. Good luck to all the new Wallabies. Get better McCalman. The Force need you as Brown (the forgotten Deans favourite) has been terrible on return from his double shoulder reconstructions.
falcore
Roar Rookie
McCalman has had a fair few bites at the apple now and hasn't done much with it. But, with that said, I used to find Higginbotham a bit of a waste too, and he's proven to be damn handy over the last 2 seasons. I guess it's possible that guys like Dennis, Mowen and McCalman make themselves worthy on the training paddock and in the gym...
PeterK
Guest
BTW your selected forward pack is wrong Palmer plays 3 not 1. Kepu CAN play 1 but is a far better THP (ie 3)
PeterK
Guest
Mowen is the same. McCalman, Dennis and Mowen are all ofa muchness, does not matter who gets picked all journeymen. Good solid super players but nothing special. No way would I pick Mowen over Palu at 8 or Mowen over Higginbotham at 6.
falcore
Roar Rookie
I don't really understand this high rating of Dave Dennis that some have? He's a solid super rugby player no doubt, but just kinda...vanilla
bluerose
Guest
breaking news: Mowen has been included into the Wallabies squad
DC of nz
Guest
I am a stupid kiwi so of course I don't get it .. Why Fardy isn't given a chance this season has me stupefied.... He.seems to have the willIingness and mongrel to get involved ... What am I missing here?
Albo
Guest
agree 110%
Shungmao
Guest
Missing link no, there instead of mcalman yes.
bluerose
Guest
agree about Fardy and Simmons
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
Agree fardy has been one of my form forwards.
Jagman
Guest
Was just thinking the it's a good sign that wallabies can afford to not pick mowen and fardi but I'm actually more disappointed that fardi didn't make it. He seems to have the kind of physicality and athleticism you can't teach. Compare that to Simmons who gets consistantly owned in test rugby.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Clever player, good at the basics... He could be the glue that holds it together. He's more a NH type player, so will never gain any recognition in Australia under Deans. Rod McQ saw the value in players like this.
Johnno
Guest
Ben Mowen the missing link in the wallabies , turn it up. -Mowen is harldy a all time great or a truly world class player. Mowen is harldy, Totaui Kefu, Dave Denton,Juan Smith,Wycliff Palu, Keiren Reid, James Heaslip, Pierre Spies. Sergio Perisse, a young radike samo, the french no 8 harinordoquy or the welsh no 8 Toby Felateu, or the great Argentian no 8 Lobbe who is right up there as the best no 8's in the world, . He is a solid super 15 player maybe an occasional test player and a journey man but hardly a world class no 8 let alone al time great . A Richard Brown or Ben Mcelman standard type of player, very disposable and replaceable. Timani Junior has far more raw power and promise and potential than Mowen, and he is not even the regular no 8 at the brumbies Fotu Auelua is. He should be pressing for test selection. I would pick Victor Vito, andJerome Kaino any day over mowen at 6 or 8 as Kaino can play both. And give me jerry collins or Rodney So'oialo an day over super 15 journeyman Ben Mowen.