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The Super Rugby season really starts this weekend, with the New Zealand and South African teams joining in on the action.
Much will be made of the 14 or so rounds of Super Rugby leading into what is the main event of the calendar for Australian rugby fans, the Lions tour.
The rounds will definitely provide some guidance to the selectors and Robbie Deans on the shape of the team that will front up against what is, traditionally, one of the greatest challenges in world rugby.
As a precursor to that series, over these 14 or so rounds, I would like to deconstruct the possible Wallabies rugby team, position by position, in a kind of sum of all its parts sort of effort.
Each week I will look at the possibles, probables and bolters, and maybe through the comments we can get some consensus on who we think will be in the best 15.
Speaking of 15 – the first article in the series is going to focus on the fullback.
Required attributes
A common theme in this series is trying not to be nostalgic. That is, we must pick qualities that suit the modern game (having said that, who wouldn’t love having Matt Burke leading the Wallabies from the back).
There also needs to be a focus on how the players will play with each other. For example, is it a beneficial thing to have Kurtley Beale, Quade Cooper and James O’Connor all playing together on the field, or do to many proverbial cooks spoil the broth?
In the modern game, it is clear that kick reception, territorial (in game) kicking and set-piece linebreaking are all valuable attributes.
The other important attributes to a world class 15 are positional awareness (which helps with all of the above skills), ball playing ability – the ability to play others into space.
Communication is also essential – a quiet fullback is a worthless one, communication plays an important role in marshalling the defence.
Finally, and I think most underrated-ly (if that is a word?), the fullback needs to know how to tackle.
The 15 is the last line of defence and in my honest opinion a try-saving tackle is as good as scoring a try.
With these attributes in mind, let’s assess the contenders.
Probables
Berrick Barnes performed well on the end of year tour, exhibiting reliability, communication, good reception of the highball, and solid defence.
His lack of x-factor in offence has been an ongoing problem for him – and he definitely removes an element of flair from any backline. However this is counterbalanced well when Beale, Cooper or O’Connor are in the team.
Whatever the backline, Berrick provides an experienced, communicating, solid balanced performer – a guy who is massively underrated.
While injuries forced Kurtley Beale into his native position of #10 in 2012, many Roarers would contend Beale discovered his international mojo in 2010 at #15. His kicking and passing game, when coupled with his blistering speed and footwork, make him a potent attacking weapon, especially in broken play among the fatties.
Beale is definitely let down by his woeful defence and (surprisingly) poor kick reception. If the Wallabies expect to play like Brazil, Beale is a great option – especially when paired with his other amigos.
Whether they take such an approach or prefer a more statesmanlike Berrick Barnes time will tell. KB could be the unfortunate player who gets squeezed out of the starting 15 unfortunately.
Possibles
It seems that not a rugby article that goes by without a fleeting mention of Israel Folau. And why not? A bit of excitement in our game makes a welcome change from the continued negativity that seemed to pervade the fan-base late last year.
Will he be able to cut it? Time will tell, but this is for sure, he is an athlete who has been to the top of rugby league – and that is no small achievement. I literally cannot wait for this weekend to see him play against the Reds.
Bolters
Jesse Mogg’s tactical kicking was crucial in the test-like win that the Brumbies inflicted on the Reds last week. His two tries were probably more opportunistic than really brilliant (ala Beale) but the reality is the guy was in the right place at the right time, and that takes some doing.
He impressed enough last year to make the Wallabies training camp, and looks to be improving (which is more than can be said for Beale). Along with Folau, very much one to follow closely, especially if the Brumbies can develop a good combination at the back.
A final word
The Wallabies would love to have the Beale of 2010 back, but the reality is he is nowhere near the dominant form that he was in at that stage. This is probably due to an injury ridden season last year, but he needs to move back to the 15.
Whether this happens through a directive from Robbie Deans or not, it needs to happen.
Australia needs to think long and hard about the positions it wants its best players to be playing in against the Lions, and then make sure that it gets those players in those positions right now for 14 rounds.
Until next week.
@johnphilipson
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.