Last Saturday night at Canberra Stadium saw the Brumbies visit another heavy defeat on big brother, the return of the great George Smith and David Pocock suffer a season-ending injury.
When I heard Pocock was injured I feared the worst, he has suffered his share over the years, however this was the most devastating.
Pocock was going to be selected as Wallabies captain and have a huge influence on the Lions series. He is one of the few Wallabies revered and feared in the northern hemisphere.
His biggest attribute is his strength, he is a beast at the breakdown and you can count on two or three pilfers and the same number of penalties for his team each game. He is now an experienced campaigner too, he will be sorely missed.
Which brings us to his replacements – Michael Hooper, Liam Gill and possibly George Smith.
The young guns are great prospects but are they ready to take on the mighty and punishing Lions pack? In my opinion they aren’t there yet, I would have one of them in the 22 but not both.
The man we must have in the back-row is George Smith – be it at number 6,7 or 8.
The back-row is looking vulnerable without Pocock, Wycliff Palu currently injured and the inability to find an adequate 6.
Smith provides much needed experience, toughness and leadership that will be required to beat the Lions – not to mention a sound game!
I realise there is the small issue of Smith being on loan from Suntory and currently, as an overseas player, is not eligible for Wallaby selection.
But as Nick Farr-Jones often says, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”
Translation: the ARU must move mountains to secure Smith for the Lions series.
Football United
Guest
im all for overseas players to get a go, i couldn't care if they were in super rugby or not. 50 caps should be enough to let them actually play for their market value
Malo
Guest
True I was a bit harsh on JOCs defence I think he should be WBs winger he does have a big go for WBs but no shoe in like the last couple of years, exciting times. I think Barnes should be 5/8 if they dont go for the brumbies boys or on the bench, I think Barnes is on the wane with injuries I agree with Barnes assessment on spring tour and last year awesome. It feels right to try Mogg at fullback and experiment a little with form S15 players. I know this sounds ludicrous but I have not written off Folau yet.
Worlds biggest
Guest
Beales defence can be flaky I agree but Mogg hasn't convinced me in defence. As for JOC, his defence generally is excellent. His cover tackle on Tommy Bowe in the RWC Pool game was one of the best you will see in a while, try saver. I could see Deans going with JOC at fullback or does he go with Barnes for goal kicking ? I thought Barnes was one of our best on the Spring Tour playing at the back.
Malo
Guest
Yeah WB like Beales and JOCs defense is water tight!!!!!
Malo
Guest
Ok KPM you cant be serious gushing sentiment please. Have a look at the Brumbie backrow, the go forward and the protection they provide their backs with good clean clear out. George is getting better each game and is doing a lot more than Gill and Hooper for their teams in terms of pilfering and results. Are you just trying to be different for the sake of it. 4 out of 4 and tonnes of tries so the Brumbies and GS are obviously performing and with GS improving and adapting all the time he will further improve. Toughness is what is required against AB and Lions not a couple of good runs. Pocock was a huge loss the loss of Gill and Hooper would not be as they play the same game. Mowen has earnt his stripes. GS turnovers has already been impressive. The season has started KPM catch up.
Malo
Guest
Hooper and Gill are not ready alone against the roar of the lions, like QC they will go to water without some tough old heads such as GS, I would just keep the brumbie back row as work well as a unit. Look at the Reds and tahs they are not exactly killing the breakdown. Can afford either or Gill or Hooper but not both.
jeznez
Roar Guru
And to loop it back to the discussion George Smith is 180cms and 103 kgs He used to be a surprise secondary option at lineout despite his relative lack of height because he's such a dynamic and athletic player. The one thing that can't be escaped though is size - he has 11kg on Ant - you need those kilos in the tight work.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Messam is massive next to these guys: Anthony Faingaa - 182cm 92kg Liam Gill - 184cm 96kg Colby Faingaa - 182cm 100kg Liam Messam - 190cm 108kg Agree there isn't a single cookie cutter you can apply but your 6 needs some size - lets look at some good ones: Best of the last few years is Jerome Kaino - 196cm 113kg Best relative new comer is England's Tom Wood - 195cm 105kg Australia's bolter after a long wait Ben Mowen - 195cm 110kg You just can't give away 12cm's and 13-20kgs. You will not contribute at the lineout, scrum or in the heavy exchanges which is where the bread and butter efforts of a 6 come.
Red Kev
Guest
"The Real World" now an internet comment thread!
Sage
Guest
He would make a better 7 I agree but we're pretty OK there as you say Jez. I take your point but they don't have to fit a cardboard cut out either. Messam is only 2 inches taller but he certainly is carrying more meat around for sure. I'd just like to see him more involved. Maybe he can start practicing some hooking. Saia would love that.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Looks good there John, what about Fullback, a lot of love for Jesse Mogg but not sure about his defence. Beale and JOC likely will be the front runners.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Sita is already going - Montpellier I think. Will Skelton a lock has taken Sam Lane's EPS slot to begin developing cover.
jeznez
Roar Guru
ps Colby is the same height as his big brother but 8 kilograms heavier.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Agree that Colby looks the goods although Smith's return will see him benched a lot. Gill is too small for 6 and is two centimetres taller and four kilo heavier than Ant Faingaa. It just isn't an option - given his pace he could potentially be a 7 but that isn't an area we are short.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
I sometimes wonder how good Smith would be if He was an All Black and McCaw was a Wallaby. Smith was often a lone ranger in the team for a long time, where as McCaw has enjoyed the best pack for the majority of the last 10 years, baring the odd season by South Africa and a couple of games here and there by the French of course. For example, just have a look at this random game I pulled from ESPN Scrum, the difference in class is scary. http://www.espnscrum.com/statsguru/rugby/match/25008.html
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Gill is far far more than just a Jackel. Anyway I don't disagree that Smith could add a lot to the Wallabies.
Markus
Guest
The Faingaa's all seem to have that aggression and defensive technique ideal for a loose forward, but I still think Anthony's best position is the centres. He may not be a worldbeating centre, but he is a very solid one. With a lack of size for tackle busting and height for lineout jumping, and a strong list of opensides available, I think that solid is all he would be as a flanker, too. You are probably better off keeping an eye on his younger brother, Colby. Former Aus U20s captain, he is primarily an openside but has plenty of experience at blindside too, especially when partnering Hooper in the backrow during the 2011 IRB U20s cup.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Says he who attacks Foley at every chance....
The Battered Slav
Guest
A Faingaa at 6? That's so for out fo left field that it would make KPM blush. Interesting thought though...
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
No. ARU have to change or amend their OWN policies, how's that difficult!? They don't need a IRB referendum or to consult others, it's their own matter. Suntory aren't stupid: if they get a financial compensation they won't oppose to Smith leaving. They wouldn't keep one of their highest paid players if he doesn't want to stay.