How the Wallabies can defeat the 2013 Lions

The Wallabies can defeat the 2013 British and Irish Lions. And this is exactly how they can do it.

The Strategy:

Tactical and overwhelming commercial imperatives dictate that the Wallabies must produce a dominant and attractive series win.

Such a win finally stops the rot and decay. It also commences the rebuilding of the code in Australia. It is that serious.

The tactics:

The objectives dictate the playing tactics and selection policy.

We must optimise what already exists. Australia currently has the second best rugby team and coach on the planet; the Brumbies and Jake White.

If the recipe is the current Brumbies coaching philosophy and manual, the ingredients are a majority of the current Brumbies player roster. Whether they are capped or uncapped is irrelevant.

They will experience Test rugby while still operating under the Brumbies coaching manual that Jake White has so successfully drilled into them.

Robbie Deans can coach well drilled, highly motivated and focused players.

This approach involves fewer variables at a time when they the Wallabies are already likely to be underprepared for the first Test in Brisbane in 12 weeks.

The Selection Process:

The selection process commences with the Brumbies starting 23, then compares the best performed player in each position from the four other Australian franchises.

I have selected 10 Brumbies in the starting 15.

Alexander v Robinson

Ben Alexander has been in excellent form for the Brumbies for several years.

As one of only four Wallabies in the Brumbies starting team, he carries a lot of responsibility and influence with the youngsters.

The scrums and lineouts have been consistent for the Brumbies in 2013. Their rolling maul against the Waratahs was outstanding and identical to that practiced so precisely in the warmup.

His closest opponent is Benn Robinson. Robinson is lacking the desire to go that extra mile for the Waratahs. Michael Cheika had to resort to benching him for the Reds game.

Moore v Tatafu Polota-Nau

Stephen Moore is an outstanding, wellrounded international hooker with a great work ethic.

His high work rate contrasts dramatically with the kamikaze and, frankly, shortsighted approach of Tatafu Polota-Nau.

No team can afford to be left without their starting hooker simply because they lack the discipline to measure their physical commitment in contact.

Moore is also a much better thrower at lineout time.

Palmer v Ryan

Palmer, as tighthead prop, is the third and most critical component of the Brumbies and Australian scrum. For at least the first Test and until another front three unit emerge that can scrummage better, Palmer gets the 3 jersey.

Paddy Ryan is the challenger. His work rate in the Cheetahs game was exemplary and justified his man of the match award.

Horwill and McMeniman v Daylight

James Horwill is an automatic selection if he has both returned to the field for the Reds and is approaching his best form. His leadership is critical because he has shown with the Reds that he can galvanise and lead youngsters into a cohesive unit.

Hugh McMeniman promised much during his days at the Reds. Only now is he fulfilling that potential.

His running game has been outstanding and shades others such as Timani or Pyle.

Kimlin v Higginbotham

Australian rugby has plenty of good blindside flankers. Kimlin and Fardy have been playing precise, passionate but clever and physical rugby for the Brumbies.

George Smith v Hooper/Gill

This is the easiest selection. George Smith is a better player now than he was when he retired from Super Rugby in 2011.

His accuracy at the breakdown and in the tackle together with his speed make him an automatic and important selection in this inexperienced team.

Auelau v Palu/Higginbotham

Fotu Auelua is what Cliff Palu used to be. Big, scary and devastating in attack and defence. Despite being 29 years old, he and his game are built for Test match rugby.

Genia v White

Will Genia is the best half back in the world. He can read the play better than anyone else. He is highly motivated and competitive and will appreciate and thrive in the Brumbies dominated team.

White is getting better every week and can kick goals but he is not Genia.

Toomua v O’Connor/Foley/Cooper

Toomua is a very good flyhalf and has a great combination with Lealiifano.

Lealiifano has not played 10 for more than a year.

The likes of Cooper, O’Connor and Beale have, by their unacceptable behaviour, all left the door open to usurpers.

Tomane v Ioane

Joe Tomane has returned to form.

Ioane is a liability in the same way as Tatafu Polota-Nau is. He will give you 10 brave runs a game and one yellow card.

It is not acceptable at Test level.

Lealiifano v Tapuai

With a dominant and attractive series win as the objective, Lealiifano is the only choice at 12. Lealiifano kicks goals also.

Adam Ashley Cooper

Adam Ashley-Cooper has been out of form and/or coasting for more than three seasons. His performance in the Waratahs game against the Force last week was a sign that he may be returning to his best form.

Tevita Kuridra is a damaging player but is still emerging.

Shipperley v Mafi

Henry Speight is not yet eligible for the Wallabies. Speight’s misfortune and the lack of good right wingers is to Shipperley’s benefit.

O’Connor should be one of the best players in the world.

He is not even close to that due putting the dollars before his career development at both the Force and the Rebels.

Mogg v O’Connor

Jessie Mogg is head and shoulders above every other candidate.

He knows the Brumbies playing style and ethos. He is in form. He is very quick, he can kick the ball miles and he is a great counterattacker.

It will only happen if everyone involved puts aside egos and personal agendas and are bold in their thinking and courageous and determined in their execution.