Wallabies: A lionhearted prediction (Part 3 - the centres)

The glue that links the inside backs with the finishers and the steel that protects the midfield of a teams defence.

Ideally the perfect centre is a mix of physicality, skill, communication and common sense.

In reality it is very rare that all of these traits will come together in one player (Horan, Smith, O’Driscoll).

In the third part of this series, I want to look at who from the current crop of centres has the potential to step up for the impending Lion’s tour.

This time around I have decided to do this on a team by team basis (so all Roarers are happy that each team is given some evaluation).

Queensland Reds:

Possibles: Feauai-Sautia (13), A Fainga’a (12 or 13), Aussie Mike (12 or 13), Digby Ioane (13), Tapuai, Toua

The Reds have a plethora of centres including four capped Wallabies.

We can rule out Digby because he is likely to be selected as a wing, and Toua and Sautia as too inexperienced at this stage, which leaves us with the probable contenders below.

Probables: Fainga’a, Tapuai and Mike Harris.

Tapuai is the bolter in this group. While he has played less Tests than Mike Harris, it is clear that he is the preferred option in the Reds and Wallabies set ups.

He out-points Fainga’a in attack and kicking game, but gives up (only a little) bit of physicality.

Tapuai also has the institutional benefit of playing outside Quade Cooper (should Cooper’s improvement in form continue) which cements combinations.

NSW Waratahs

Possibles: Tom Carter (12), Adam Ashley-Cooper (13), Berrick Barnes (12), Rob Horne (12 and 13), Michael Hodge

There is a running joke among Roarers that every player in the Australian conference has at least one Roar advocate for selection in the Wallabies, even Tom Carter.

Unfortunately for Tom Carter I am not that advocate.

Rob Horne is ruled out from our probables due to impending injury and Hodge is relatively untested so misses out as well.

Probables: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes

Mr Utility, reliable in defence, but also slightly one-dimensional in attack, suffering from the Rob Horne curse of inability to draw and pass.

While it is awesome watching Adam Ashley-Cooper put out the go-go-gadget fend when play is moving from right to left, he lacks potency on the right hand side of the field.

However, his form is improving (now 18th in total running metres) while his experience and defence are crucial to the Wallabies back line. The potential 13.

Berrick Barnes’ stock is paling in comparison to Tapuai and Lealiifano, but he remains a good, experienced option.

ACT Brumbies

Possibles: Kuridrani (13), McCabe (12 and 13), Leailiifano (12) and Andrew Smith

Kuridrani looks devastating, in patches.

At this stage it is hard to move him into the probables category until we see some sustained devastation. He is an extremely exciting prospect however.

Andrew Smith also does not enter the probables.

Probables: McCabe and Lealiifano

McCabe is a Deans’ favourite, and it is not hard to see why.

Despite his one-dimensional play (I can’t remember him kicking or passing) he is a bruising, unassuming, physical centre ala Dan Herbert.

Sometimes, in the cauldron of Test rugby where there is no room for theatrics, this is just the ticket.

Alternatively, what Lealiifano lacks in the physical sense, he more than makes up for in game craft – his ascension into a leadership role in the team is cementing him as a controller of the game.

Very tough decisions for the Wallabies at 12.

Melbourne Rebels

Possibles: Mitch Inman, Rory Sidey, Lachlan Mitchell, James O’Connor

Realistically none of these players are in the frame for the Lions. Because James O’Connor has not been playing any sustained rugby in the 12 jersey, he is no real chance either.

Probables: None

Western Force

Possibles: Kyle Godwin, Nick Cummins (13)

Like everyone else who watches Super Rugby you can’t help but notice that Kyle Godwin looks ‘the goods’.

But he is still far too green to be given the opportunity against the Lions.

As for the Honey Badger at 13, it seems improbable to me, but let’s see how he bounces back from injury.

Summary

So where does that leave us?

Well the highly probables for the 12 jersey are: Lealiifano, McCabe, Barnes and Tapuai with Barnes being an outsider.

Depending on how McCabe returns from injury I would not be surprised to see him be introduced to counter the predicted physicality of the Lions in the centres (Roberts/Tuilagi).

However, Lealiifano and Taps are very capable tacklers as well (Taps especially) – too tough to call.

Regarding 13 – Adam Ashley-Cooper is finding the form that will mean he secures this jersey.

Timely that Adam Ashley-Cooper has recently recommitted to the Wallbies through to 2015.

I think he is looking at nailing down 13 as his longterm position.

His only real challenger here comes from Kuridrani if he can continue into irresistable form.

As always thoughts, comments welcome.

@johnphilipson