- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
One of the advantages of the anonymity of this column is that it provides me with the platform to write what I think.
This is opposed to the more restricted and somewhat ‘sanitised’ version view point that is sometimes required for many who are involved in our great game, in order to ensure that one doesn’t upset those who have control over one’s future!
This includes coaches; hence the rare opportunity ‘The Insider’ provides to offer some personal selection thoughts, and pick my own team based on what I have seen from the opening half of Super Rugby.
Given it’s all a bit detailed to swallow in one sitting, I’ve broken my deliberations into three parts over the coming days. Part one starts with the outside backs:
Fullback – It’s hard to go pass Jesse Mogg at the moment.
While his dodgy shoulder is an issue, and is a hassle he has had for a while, Jesse is an x-factor player. The first couple of games at the Brumbs, where he conjured up tries out of nothing, showed that.
On such acts, tight Test matches are won, hence Jesse gets my nod. His big boot, lightning pace off the mark (which is Christian Cullen like) sound positional sense (a notable improvement in his game this year) and surety on the tackle complete the package.
If there was to be a worry, it’s his size and physicality but you can counter that by putting a few bigger blokes around him.
Israel Folau is going really well, and will only improve. He could be a squad option, given he’s a big bugger with a great skill set, but he’d only be a bench option at best I reckon, and even then only if he keeps improving as he learns.
Look out for Jono Lance too. He’s going to be the complete package I’d say and has a big future.
Berrick Barnes and Mike Harris have played too little this year to be considered.
Wings – Given I’m going Mogg at fullback, we will need experience around him.
Digby Ioane and Drew Mitchell obviously fall into that category and would both make my squad, but Joe Tomane has really impressed me.
He has the size I’m looking for, and knows how to use it. It was unfortunate when Joe got injured after last year’s Scotland Test, because he’d done well that night.
Henry Speight would come into contention if he was eligible, and I’m sure ‘The Honey Badger’ (Nick Cummins for the uninitiated) will put himself in the picture once he gets back out there. Both he and Joe give us the size we need at the back to help support Jesse.
Dom Shipperley is another one on the radar and looks to have kicked on from last year’s Test experience.
Outside centre – Adam Ashley-Cooper is best at number 13, and that’s where I’d play him.
Like a lot of the guys who played most of the Wallaby games last year, he’s taken a while to hit his best in 2013, but is starting to get there.
Fearless defensively and a hard guy to take down given that he’s not the biggest bloke; Adam is the backline rock.
Anthony Fainga’a is a great guy for the squad being one of the nicest blokes on the planet, unless he’s hammering you in the tackle.
Rob Horne would also make my squad, probably as a back-up 12 or 13. He’s quick, direct and has made a big difference to NSW since he returned from injury.
I like Mitch Inman, although I reckon the Rebels should use him closer to the ruck at inside centre as he’s a hard bloke to tackle.
Inside centre – Pat McCabe, who is probably the toughest guy in Australian rugby as he just keeps giving, is on the comeback trail, which is great.
If I was picking this team in a month, he’d probably be in it, as his direct running, alongside Adam Ashley-Cooper, is just the type of impact we will need against the Brits.
Ben Tapuai is a different sort of player, he’s a slippery guy to pull down, has great game sense and a useful left boot. ‘Taps’ really grew on last year’s tour; he was outstanding against the Poms, and you can see now he believes he belongs at Test level, he’s brought that confidence back to the Reds.
He’d be my 12, with Christian Leali’ifano vying both for that spot and flyhalf.
Christian does it all, although playing Taps outside him would provide important tactical kicking support.
The thing I like about Christian is his ability to attack the line, draw in defenders and create gaps for others. He has worked really hard on his game in the last couple of years, stepping out of his comfort zone with some time playing for Waikato in the New Zealand NPC.
That extra time has been worth it as he was ready to make the most of the chance when Matt Giteau left Canberra.
In many ways, he is the almost complete prototype of what is needed from a 10/12 in the modern game. I can see him having a long Wallaby career.
Up next will be the flyhalves, halfbacks and loose forwards.
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.