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!
Jiggles
Roar Guru
And when has north or cuthbert ever threatened Australia? And why would Australia be making reactive selections?
Mike
Guest
No, it is you who should work out what other people mean before you start commenting on their conversations. As you admit, you didn't even read the comments to which I was responding before sounding off. Engage eyeballs, then engage brain, then put fingers to keyboard.
Mike
Guest
No he's not doing anything of the kind. He has stated both publicly and privately what he expects from a test 5/8 going forward. Its not difficult to understand.
Pyes
Guest
From an outsider perspective I think your bigger problem is at 12 rather than 10. Both OConnor and Cooper will do a good job there although I would be leaning towards JOC because he is more consistent than QC. However, you guys have got to get Lealiifano in as your 12 - you need someone who can run AND look for space at 12 - McCabe, Horne and AAC have no vision - they might as well be props. You can put Barnes in that category as well because he doesnt look for space, he looks laterally and just shovels it on. CL is consistently looking for gaps in the defense and it's one reason the Brumbies have gone so well with him. Tapuai can do it too but I still think he needs time to mature. In his Crusaders days, Deans used the double play maker tactic to great effect, so I'm not sure why he has persisted with limited players like McCabe (perhaps to cover up Quade's tackling deficiencies?)
Paki Havili
Guest
I feel very sorry for Quade b'cos we are evaluating him based on his World Cup performance but prior to that he was instrumental in both wins against the All Black. During the World Cup (as we all know), Quade was unfairly treated by his country of birth and was not even supported by the media, Oz and ex-Wallaby. This guy needed at the time some kind of support but unfortunately was not. For the Lion series, he is the right person that will provide the right ingredient for the Oz's success. He is now matured and is willing to take the challenges.
SkinnyKid
Roar Rookie
Again something I agree with you on. JOC is no world class 10. Annoys me people talk about it. The other thing I am amazed that people cant see is how him and Kurtley play way too much to each other. Sure at times it comes off and looks magic but quite often you'd think none of the other backs are out there ...when JOC and KB are both out there that is.
SkinnyKid
Roar Rookie
Peter Hewitt at 15 please
Bizza
Guest
+1
Rob Doyle
Guest
Spot on Mike . Cooper has obviously told what he needs to do and is doing it . If he holds his form he should be there with Will.
Chivas
Guest
We will have to agree to disagree on that J2. I think McCabe does have the skills of a 2nd five. He runs good lines and tackles well. He makes half breaks and gets his body part way through and then fails to release. He straightens the attack and brings it back in to the forwards. Many 2nd fives do exactly that. I am not trying or hoping to convince you, but I do think you are being unfair. Maybe you are right, he has no vision or skill and just runs and tackles. After 20 odd years of rugby playing every weekend, training and practicing in between, it's a bit sad he still has no nous and skill don't you think. Anyway IMO and experience I think he does have nous and skill. Finally, how do you know nobody can consistently pass 5-7 metres both sides. I'd be quite staggered if they couldn't. I don't know how it works for others. But typically you stand about that far apart and practice for an hour both sides most days, because all you need is a ball and a mate. Anyway if that is what you think Quade has, we can also disagree on that. I think Quade deserves to be Wallaby number 10. But the definition if a long pass seems to be about as varied as opinion on him. For me being able to skip pass and pass to a person wide out is important and what a long pass is, not 5-7 metres which I don't know of any back who can't do. If 5 metres is a long pass, what is normal for you. Here's a simple example. Grant Fox wouldn't stand closer than about 10 to 15 metres to the half back and often even further he expected to be hit hard and flat. Bachop in a trial falling backwards spirals it over his shoulder and hits Fox who for whatever reason is standing deeper than usual hard and flat. Bachop would have been a rubbish first five. Fox rarely got charged down. I'm not singing Bachops praises just providing and example of hard and flat. When you played how far could you pass.
soapit
Roar Guru
so i havent understood that you reckon 5/8's rarely pass long anymore? perhaps its you who should define what you mean by long passes with a silly statement like that. ur right though, when you do make seemingly dumb comments like that i should give you the chance to clarify first before responding in detail. so how long are the long and short passes of your mind then? and to be honest i was responding to that silly comment of yours and didnt read all of dexters post so i cant be sure where he stands on that point. he may well agree with you.
soapit
Roar Guru
so deans is naive expecting a super team to change tactics to suit him or intentionally giving himself an excuse for not picking the best combination of skill and experience we have at 10
Bunyip
Guest
I,ve written about wallaby team selections, wingers, Joe Tomane etc. If you haven,t read them or acknowledged that fact your reporting is as selective as your memory on BFs performances. ps I don,t bet on Rugby.
Justin2
Guest
McCabe doesn't have all the other attributes. He has no footwork to speak of or nous with ball in hand. He just tucks and runs. Does it well but hardly a smorgasbord as a rugby player skill wise. Long passing isn't just about skipping people or hitting an isolated winger. It's about moving the points of the defence around the field. Cooper is very good at making the defence have to spread which creates space because of his ability off both wings to throw flat passes long than the others can. And I don't mean 20m but 6 and 7 meters type of passes.
A Different Cat.
Guest
He is now.
Mike
Guest
Errr no, I agreed with Dexter that O'Connor doesn't do "long passes" in the sense he meant, to the same extent as Quade. I then queried the extent to which such long passes were relevant. You haven't understood the debate to start with, and now you are trying to make comparisons which don't exist. What a yawn.
soapit
Guest
it seems to me that dexter and i agree, oconnors long passing isnt up to scratch. you are just trying to wave the issue away by pretending long passes are rarely used which is plainly wrong. and when the person at the outside centre position has to change his stride to catch a ball from the 10 off a 2nd man play thats what most people would define as an inferior long passing game.
Mike
Guest
The former of course. What does this have to do with my point?
soapit
Guest
well either he expected him to defend in the front line (which would require a change of tactics) or didnt. thats a nice simple one, so which is it?
Chivas
Guest
Typically players don't get dropped for a couple of average games. He still has time to turn that around. Be interested to know why he has dropped off and what others think.