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
DAN THE MAN
Guest
1 SLIPPER (PALMER) 2 MOORE (NAU) 3 ROBINSON 4 PYLE/TIMANI 5 HORWILL 6 MCMENIMEN (HIGGERS) 7 POCOCK (HOOPER) 8 PALU 9 GENIA 10 BEALE (COOPER) 11 O'CONNOR 12 LEAFIIANO 13 SAUTIA (HORNE) 14 IOANE (SHIPPLERY) 15 MOGG
Hightackle
Guest
Its funny you mention hooker and 7 as where Aust has a lack of depth. Imo they are the 2 spots Aust has the most depth. Hooker=TPN, Moore, Hanson, Faingaa Openside=Pocock, Hooper, Gill The biggest worry for Aust is their lineout, scrum and #10. Cooper has shown that he isnt a quality test 10 over and over again but his supporters put their blinders on and find excuses. The truth is that hes failed too many times, hes disrupted the team and he refuses to take responsibility for his own game by blaming those around him. Why would you want him near the team? If Beale can show good form at Super level he will get the nod but Foley, Barnes, Lealiifano and a couple of others are in the running too. The point is that such a critical role is up in the air. I dont see Australia winning the Lions series or even coming close. Imo they will be destroyed at set piece and out muscled in the ruck area and the Lions defence will stop the backs from causing much havoc. 3-0 Lions....but I will wait for the squads before truely predicting.
Hightackle
Guest
Funny reading all these comments about Izzy after the game last night. Imo he has a VERY long way to go before he is at super rugby level let alone test level. He sucked, to put it bluntly.
Red Kev
Guest
I'd like to see Mowen give a gig at no.6 to be honest.
Chris
Guest
Folau for fullback. He can catch a footy. That gives him a huge advantage over others who have filled the full back spot for the wallabies. Having a fb who can catch will neutralise one of the biggest wallaby weaknesses. Bc our backline has had so many creative types who have been relatively small, opponents can put the ball in the air knowing that there's a 50:50 chance that a wallaby will either knock it on or not catch it. And that's before you get to the offensive threat that Folau brings. He would also add some much needed size to the wallaby backline (which ahve given away a lot of size and power to AB backlines in recent times). My ideal backline (in terms of potential) is: 09. genia 10. Lealifano 11. F'sautia 12.Tapuai 13. O'Connor 14. Kingston 15. Folau They can all tackle (hence the omissions of Cooper and Beale) and there is a good mix of pace, power and creativity. I especially like the centre combination - tapuai has a good left foot kick and great hands and o'connor has great footwork and good acceleration (essential for outside centre). Having two relatively small centres doesn't matter when 2 of your 3 back 3 are big. I worry about the balance of the second row - having Timani and Horwill in there robs the wobs of a great line out jumper.
batman
Guest
Congratulations you wrote another article! If its as intelligent as the one calling Henriques and all rounders in general useless, it must be a gooden! :)
Hughster
Guest
Folau will be a wallaby this year, on the wing for mine unless injuries dictate otherwise.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Not really, Pyle is the best replacement. He calls the lineout but is more physical than Sharpe.
Red Kev
Guest
Yeah Australia need a big lineout no.6 now Sharpe has gone.
billb
Guest
I think McCabe should be included here as potential fullback. His breakthrough season was as a fullback/winger with strength under the high ball, great defence and a love of running the ball back hard (albeit a bit upright). He is wasted in the centres, as his distribution is dreadful.
jeznez
Roar Guru
switch Robinson and Palmer and your props will work better. Really unsure about Gill as potential at 6 - particularly against a big side like the Lions are likely to be. Am hopeful that we get some new contenders in that 6/8 space Jones may come in to contention if Higginbotham has too many games like last week. Timani will have to make his case from the Tahs bench - real shame that Vaea is out but will create opportunity for others.
BigSteve
Guest
15) Beale/Folau/Harris/Mogg 14) JOC/Rathbone 13) Tapuai/F'sautia 12) Lealiafano/McCabe 11) Ioane/Tomane 10) Cooper 9) Genia 8) Palu 7) Hooper/Pocock 6) Higginbotham/Liam Gill 5) Timani/Douglas 4) Horwill/Pyle 3) Alexander/Robinson 2) Moore/TPN 1) Slipper/Palmer
JDP
Roar Guru
Definitely could not agree more. He has all the attributes, this is why I cannot wait to see him play this weekend.
JDP
Roar Guru
Time will tell as we make our way through the series I guess. Some positions will definitely be easier than others - for sure.
Mango Jack
Guest
According to your criteria, Folau should (and I emphasis should) come into the mix. Kick reception, territorial kicking, line breaking and defence - it would be hard to find someone with a better combination of these attributes. Positional awareness and maybe ball playing ability will be his weaknesses at this point.
Hightackle
Guest
15) JOC 14) ??? 13) ??? 12) Tapuai/McCabe 11) Ioane 10) Beale 9) Genia 8) Palu 7) Hooper/Pocock 6) ??? 5) ??? 4) Horwill 3) Alexander 2) TPN/Moore 1) ???
Jutsie
Guest
I have my doubts on folau at 15, he wasn't a success at AFL as he didn't have the positional understanding or peripheral vision and IMO there is a little of that required to be a good 15 in union too. But lets hope Im wrong!
JDP
Roar Guru
I see your point, but my point was that saving a try is as good as scoring one. I think it is important that a fullback as the last line of defence has this string to their bow. I think you are bang on with Tuilagi and Farrell working together, although I wonder if Gatland is not a bit more SH savvy to take such an apprioach?
JDP
Roar Guru
Agreed - he was surprisingly good on the weekend (after I previously didnt rate him at all) will be keeping an eye on him. Jutsie in light of this do you think there is some merit in considering Folau - given his proven ability under the high ball?
Jutsie
Guest
I never rated barnes as a 10 but i thought he actually played quite well at 15 last year. IMO the number one issue are FB's have is being secure under the high ball therefore there is only 3 guys I'd pick JOC, barnes and Mogg. Mogg has only come onto my radar this week after his excellent form under the high ball on saturday, if he continues that form for the rest of the season he could be the dark horse.