Finally, we have some idea as to who will make up the Wallabies backline against the Lions! Now there is no more confusion as to who will be there, just where they will play.
Although no doubt some Roarers will continue to pile on hundreds more comments on top of the several thousand that have been already proffered.
And it seems Quade Cooper will not start – much against lots of sound combination logic and even the likelihood that he would outperform his Lions counterparts.
No, Israel Folau has taken him out of the starting lineup. But Folau is not playing fly half, is he?
No, it is about who is certain to play and where to fit everyone.
Deans has a set of incumbents and returning proven stars. With no preparation Test to help the team gel, he will start with what he knows – as long as current form has a hint of reasonable.
These players will start: James O’Connor, Kurtley Beale, Adam Ashley Cooper and Digby Ioane.
Folau is also likely to start. Deans has said as much.
This group of seven has shifted the selection problems from 10 to 12, as Deans has declared JOC will play 10 or wing. Beale will be at 10 or fullback, depending if Folau has the confidence of the coach to be at the back.
McCabe looks most likely to slot into 12 if he hits even the slightest form.
So therefore, it looks like there is no place for Cooper. This is despite his combination with Genia at Super Rugby level.
How could QC get in the team? He would have to have a blinder against the Lions when playing for the Reds.
Otherwise only off-field indiscretions or injuries will change things.
As a Reds and a Cooper fan this is a disappointing prospect. But it may be for the greater good.
It is not only a lower risk decision, but there is still a lot of potential for scintillating interplay between the likes of JOC, Beale, Ioane and Folau.
Now if the forwards can stand up in set pieces I see a famous series win.
Bring it on! So this is my likely Wallabies backline.
Can Roarers get behind this setup?
Positive Rugby
Guest
Yes, I think Higgers, Smith & Palu for our run on back three. Higgers gives genuine try scoring and setting up ability.
Positive Rugby
Guest
A very good team I agree but no TPN? As much as I like Faingaa...
dahl
Guest
Mowen at 6. Lelaifano at 12. Mogg at 15. And one of the young 7s to start (flip a coin on who the future is), with George Smith off the bench. White as reserve half.
Mantis
Roar Guru
Don't like Higgers at 6, I don't think he does enough, tends to seagull on the wing a lot. Id also have Lealiifano at 12 instead of Taps. Apart from that not bad, I like MMM at lock. Phipps (I assume you don't mean Patrick Phibbs) wont be back up half, it'll be Nic White. Im also a fan of Auleua on the bench. He has to be one of, if not the, most devastating players in Australia.
Mantis
Roar Guru
I like Brown and Tessman, but I'd be very surprised if either got even a mention. Brown has to be one of the unluckiest players in terms of not getting selected as often as he should have
Mantis
Roar Guru
You would start two sevens, and neither of them is George Smith? Cant agree with that.
Mantis
Roar Guru
Horne wont be anywhere near a gold jersey.
Scotty Storm
Guest
Put months of thought into this but i know this is the exact 22 we need to beat the Lions, Would love some feed back. 1. Robinson 2. Moore 3. Alexander 4. Horwill 5. McMeniman - If not fit Timani 6. Higginbotham 7. Smith 8. Palu 9. Genia 10, O'Connor 11. Loane 12. Tapuai 13. Ashley-Copper 14. Folau 15. Beale 16. Phibbs 17. McCabe 18. polota-nau 19. Slipper 20. Timani - if Madnes is not fit Timani start and Samo On bench for lock & Auelua on bench in place of samo in backrow instead. or Simmons for Samo if not fit. 21. Samo if not fit Auelua 22. Hooper
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Who's calling that lineout?
Crazy Horse
Guest
1. Robinson 2. Moore 3. Alexander 4. McMeniman (if fit) 5. Horwill 6. Smith 7. Hooper 8. Brown 9. Genia 10. JOC 11. Ioane 12. Lealifano (kicker) 13. Adam Ashley-Cooper 14. Cummins 15. Folau 16. Palmer 17. Tessman 18. Simmons 19. Gil 20. White 21. Tapuai 22. Mogg
handles
Guest
Finally some love for Saia! I agree - he is having a monster season. This is a very solid team. I am a Reds man, but I think Taps is in the process of playing himself out of the team. I would have CL and Gill in the run on, Smith moves to the bench. Cummins on to the bench, with any injury to an inside back covered by O'Connor. What a luxury to have Beale on the bench, provided he keeps his head when he gets on with 13 minutes to play.
Crazy Horse
Guest
Nick Cummins is back and fully fit. He is the first choice for 14 but he can also play 11, 12 or 13. Folau has to be 15 if he is to play as it is the only position he has any Rugby experience.
Adsa
Guest
Not a bad team.
A Different Cat.
Guest
Robinson Moore Palmer Simmons Horwill McMenemin Smith Palu Genia Cooper Ioane Tapuai AAC Folau JOC Reserves: Faingaa, Slipper, Alexander, Timani, Higginbotham, White, Beale, Lealiifano. Is the best possible team in my opinion. No room for Mogg, TPN, Douglas, Mowen, Hooper or McCabe.
A Different Cat.
Guest
I will bet you any money you like its not the Deans backline.
rebelyells
Guest
Totally agree Bigbaz...... If I were captain of selection; GENIA, COOPER on trusted combination so far....... we need tackling centres McCABE or TAP's , AAC, with TOMANE, IOANE and MOGG for clearance kicking and turn of speed............... reserve backs JOC / Beale / White Frontrow's need to play in position: ROBINSON / Moore / KEPU with reserves Alexander / TPN / Slipper A jumper and a pusher: Horwill / Timani..............reserve Simmons Back Three: Hopper / Gill and Palu reserve G Smith
bigbaz
Guest
Brlliant ,you pick a 10 who doesn't play there,a 12 who doesn't play there and a 14 who doesn't play there.Sure your not dingoe?
Denby
Roar Rookie
Beale is too unfit, out of form and disruptive to the team to be in the Lions. I like McCabe's attitude but I would personally not pick him, he does not have enough rugby under his belt and simply does not bring enough to inside centre to justify his inclusion. Heaven for bid I became coach I would have 9. Genia 10. Leilifano 11. Ioane 12. O'Connor 13. Ashley-Cooper 14. Folau 15. Mogg There are heaps of inform players such as Tomane, Toomua, Cummins, Cooper and others who would make excellent contribution if injuries occur.
Mike
Guest
Sorry, when I wrote "I wouldn't write off Beale for 10", that was a typo. I meant Quade Cooper.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Quite agree. I don't think the backline for test 1 is a done deal yet. You have 8-10 players performing well ( Mogg, Folau, Lealiifano, Toomua, QC, Ioane, AAC, Genia and even guys like Foley), RD's protégés who are always in the mix (Mitchell, Barnes, JOC, McCabe) then a couple of guys who are coming back from injury like Cummins or Horne. And then the Beale case. Am not sure even RD knows at this stage who he will pick as he might be torn between his usual suspects and the guys who have been raising their hand at every occasion this season. I think there will be a mix.