Candid Smith offers a reminder of the Wallabies' potential

Throw out the question “what makes the world’s best side” and a heap of answers might come back your way.

Some might start with an immovable tight-head prop, while others will point to the five-eighth position.

But consensus is likely to be found on the formula that it requires the services of about six world-class players. Truly world class – individuals who would be nailed-down guarantees to make a World XV at that time.

The Wallabies are clearly not there at the end of 2012. But can they be?

The very thought might prompt derision after a disappointing year for Australian rugby, but you don’t have to travel too far back to find a period when it was being entertained – and in surprising places.

“There was a sense of fear about that side. And how these guys actually might be better than us,” said All Blacks centre Conrad Smith in the Weight of a Nation documentary, which was shown in New Zealand on Sunday.

He was talking about the Wallabies heading into the first Bledisloe Test of 2011.

“And All Blacks don’t like admitting that there’s another side that … if we both play well they might come out on top.

“And I think we had that feeling about Australia, that they were just that slick and smart in their form that we had to be at the top of their game and they would be a real threat.”

There were, of course, changes to that mood as the year progressed. The Wallabies lost heavily in that Bledisloe opener and Graham Henry, also in the Nation documentary, revealed that when he told the All Blacks dressing room after the quarter-final against Argentina that they would be playing the Wallabies in the semi-final, the players were “delighted” and “whooping”.

By that stage Quade Cooper had unwisely poured some more of his fuel on the fire.

Still, Smith’s candid words are a reminder of the anxiety the Wallabies were causing in that period under Robbie Deans: a recognition of their potential to hurt sides.

So where are the Wallabies now? Currently, there is only one Wallaby who has the right to say he would command a spot in a World XV.

There have been grumblings about Will Genia’s form during periods of 2012, but that is the nature of the modern beast.

The little Reds No.9 is outstanding, a brilliant conductor of forward packs and option taker. He now requires company among the elite – and here we find the Wallabies heavy with contenders, but light on the real thing.

Pocock is not there, although Richie McCaw’s self-imposed exile from much of next year’s Super Rugby will offer Pocock’s supporters another chance to crown him.

Proof will only come when the Test season starts, but with Michael Hooper’s incredible rise the Wallabies are nicely stocked at No.7.

Kurtley Beale is another player whose name is justified in these discussions, although from a personal perspective he seems much more likely to make the leap from the No.15 position, where his ability to inject himself into the game creates real stress for the opposition. The Rebel does not yet seem comfortable with the conductor’s baton.

It is that No.10 jersey that holds the key to so much within the Wallabies’ structure. If it belongs to Cooper, James O’Connor must find another post. He has had some wonderful games on the wing, but is seeking a move closer to the action. He is superb in contact, bouncing off would-be tacklers, but was exposed by Pat McCabe in the No.12 defensive channel on one occasion this year.

If Cooper is not the answer at No.10 then O’Connor might get the keys. Suddenly the selection policies of Damien Hill in Melbourne at 10-12-15 have taken on national significance. Wider out Digby Ioane has not enjoyed his best year but when in form and fully fit his ability to break tackles is undeniable.

Among the big men it is tougher to find the world beaters. Scott Higginbotham and Dave Dennis have failed to convince at blindside, and Sitaleki Timani needs another season of consistent work before we could even ponder an elevation in status. The props have their Twickenhams, but they are also desperately vulnerable to a Paris.

James Horwill left a big hole this year but was probably not at the apex. In No.8 Wycliff Palu made a powerful return from injury but trails some handy competitors in the likes of Kieran Read and Louis Picamoles.

At hooker the Wallabies are lucky to have the services of two big, mobile, physical men in Tatafu Polota-Nau and Stephen Moore, although the latter probably has not gone one to dominate the position as seemed likely a few years back when Sean Fitzpatrick decreed he was the best in the world.

Still, the Brumby is now entering his peak years.

So that Wallabies potential that made the world sit up in late 2010 and throughout the 2011 Super Rugby is more elusive today. It’s better hidden, frayed at the edges, perhaps even a little scarred. But it is still there.