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Australia has had no depth in the fly half position for a very long time, but in 2013 Robbie Deans finally has the selection headache he has always desired.
The Australian conference currently has five players who I think are playing exceptional rugby, and have pushed their claims for Wallabies selection at 10.
Quade Cooper
Coopers form of late – and past Wallaby experience – have thrust him into contention as an option to regain the Wallabies jersey.
It’s no surprise that Cooper’s form has picked up since the return of Will Genia, as they’ve always worked instinctively together.
Since this partnership has reunited, Cooper’s confidence has risen and as result he has found some scintillating form. Passes are sticking, kicks are finding open space, and defenders are again grasping at thin air.
We all know that when Cooper is on, he’s on – and he is undoubtedly the most dangerous five eighth in Australia.
But for everything he adds in attack, he loses in defence – and there’s that nasty little habit he has of capitulating when we need him most.
Do we want to run that risk in series that only comes around every 12 years? Personally, I wouldn’t say so.
James O’Connor
James O’Connor has unfortunately spent most of the season at 15 – but since his move to 10 at the Rebels he has definitely played himself into Wallabies contention.
With the leadership responsibility that O’Connor has gained down in Melbourne, he has matured as a footballer which has been obvious in his form.
He continues to improve with every game, with his last start against the Crusaders nothing short of outstanding.
O’Connor would undoubtedly be up to the challenge, but I think that this Lions series may see him better suited as an impact player.
His lack of game time at first receiver and his small stature perhaps give others a slight advantage.
Bernard Foley
Bernard Foley in reality probably isn’t a viable option for this Test series. But I couldn’t resist a mention with the form he has shown of late.
It’s his running game in particular that has piqued my interest. Some of the best defences in the competition – the Chiefs and the Bulls – have found themselves caught out by second-guessing the elusive Foley.
With just a half-second of hesitation he’s either got himself through a hole, or put someone else through one out wide.
In addition to his running game, he has a solid defensive record and a kicking game that is improving by the minute – just ask Folau.
It’s clear that Foley is developing into an excellent talent, but I feel that the Lions Test would be throwing him in the deep-end without anything to float on. I would, however, love to see him get a guernsey on the end-of-season tour.
Christian Lealiifano and Matt Toomua
With Toomua back fit-and-firing, Lealiifano has been shifted to 12 at the Brumbies – and what a combination they’ve formed down in Canberra.
These two have played a key role in skyrocketing the Brumbies to the top of the Australian conference – and competition – and have undoubtedly played themselves into contention as the 10-12 pairing for the Wallabies.
This pairing transferred to the Australian team – with Genia inside and Ashley-Cooper outside – is something that I would love to see. But I think having two inexperienced players at 10 and 12 in the cauldron that is a Lions series might prove too much of a hurdle.
So I’ve come to the conclusion that we pick one, for now, and if there’s only one it would have to be Lealiifano.
Toomua has been playing 10 week-in week-out, and has been delivering game after game. His defence is the best of any 10 in Australia, and his attack isn’t too far behind.
But his lack of big game experience holds him back. And while I know Lealiifano is in the same boat, I feel like he would be better prepared to handle the pressures.
If it weren’t for Lealiifano’s heartbreaking injury in 2012, he would have a year’s experience in the Australian 10 jersey, and in my opinion would have made the position his own.
But unfortunately that didn’t happen, and reality is, his inexperience could prove a problem. However, what I think separates him from Toomua is his outstanding ability to stick to a game plan. No matter how much pressure he comes under, Lealiifano always stays true – and we’ve seen that pay off for the Brumbies in past.
Lealiifano gets the nod
In my eyes Lealiifano has done enough to warrant selection, and I would be extremely excited to see him steer the Wallabies around the park.
Chuck Horne in at 12 and I would be over the moon – although I would be equally happy with Tapuai.
If Deans can get the 10-12 pairing right, I think we’ll be in for a hell of series – with the Aussies coming out on top!
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.