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My Wallabies side to tame the British and Irish Lions:
1. Benn Robinson
Experienced at Test level and a consistent performer whenever he laces on the boots. He has developed great technique over the years, he gets around the park and can carry well across the gain line to boot.
2. Stephen Moore
Australia’s most capped hooker, he is plainly put the best man for the job. He is tireless at ruck time and more often than not is the one who comes up with the last ditch tackles that can swing a match or even a series.
That and he’s flat out just better than Polota-Nau.
3. Dan Palmer
At last Australian rugby has produced a genuine ‘scrummaging comes first’ prop. He has been outstanding this season and now even leads the scrum technique sessions at the Brumbies.
A sure pick to change the way Aussie scrums are looked at by northern hemisphere adversaries.
4. Hugh Pyle
A tough call, but Pyle makes up for lack of Test experience with athleticism rarely found in a big man. He has been a standout ever since pulling on a Rebel’s jersey and his lineout work combined with his quality ball carrying make him very useful indeed.
5. James Horwill (c)
Captain Courageous for the Reds and Wallabies. Whenever he has had the chance to lead he has done so from the front.
Grit, determination and the ability to fire up the rest of the team make him an easy pick for skipper. Combine the aforementioned with his set-piece skills and the fact he’s not bad around the paddock either, and there is no need to look any further.
6. Scott Higginbotham
Many thought that turning his back on the Reds was a terrible mistake, and while he has needed some time to get used to the Rebels’ set up he is thriving under the new captaincy Role and his carrying recently against the crusader was nothing short of sublime, as long as he mixes those runs up with his work at the breakdown he’s a sure start in my book.
7. Michael Hooper
Last year’s European tour was the making of Hooper at Test level.
His strength at the ruck, physicality in the tackle and sheer tenacity and pace with the ball in hand saw him beat England almost single-handed. A huge talent who deserves to start.
8. Wycliff Palu
Often out injured but when he’s good he’s exceptional; no other Aussie number eight consistently smashes over the gain line to put his side on the front foot like Palu does.
His experience at Test level and solid form against northern hemisphere opposition in the past mean that he has this jersey in the bag… if he stays fit.
9. Will Genia (vc)
Theres not much to say about Will Genia except that he’s the best halfback in world rugby and shows no sign of slowing down.
He marshalls the forwards better than Marshall himself did, he can score from anywhere and he is the key to unlocking the next player’s best form.
10. Quade Cooper
Controversial, inconsistent, unbelievable. All three words describe Quade Cooper. I think personally the last one is the one that matters the most.
He is the most talented player we have in Australian rugby right now. He can mesmerise defences and has not had many issues against northern hemisphere oppositions in the past.
He has worked incredibly hard on his defensive game and not to pick someone this gifted would be an error, especially considering no other fly half knows Will Genia’s game better.
11. Joe Tomane
Strong as an ox, fast as a greyhound. The comparison to Digby is unwarranted and frankly I think he will be better.
The ex-league player has all the attributes needed in a Test winger, and his raw finishing ability makes him a great asset on the end of a backline full of magic.
12. Matt Toomua
Probably the hardest and most controversial pick. He is so young, so inexperienced but so good.
I originally had Pat McCabe penned in here but this lad hits as hard, as consistently and is the perfect man to put Manu Tuilagi on the deck for 80 minutes.
He has a good enough pair of hands and kicking game that he can slot in to 10 to cover in attack or defence. Seeing his intercept try last round sealed it for me, he looked just a bit quicker than Tapuai.
13. Adam Ashley-Cooper
Tough choice because while the Waratahs haven’t been firing as a back line all that well. Adam Ashley-Cooper is too good to overlook.
A man who can play anywhere in the outside backs, he has often been cursed by his own diversity, being forced to play away from his favoured centre position.
It seems bizarre not to start him, Pace, power and a very good handling make him my choice at 13.
14. Israel Folau
What a breakthrough this guy has been, I could wax lyrical all day on his potential as a Test player but we have all seen the evidence.
He jumps higher than anyone else, catches better, offloads brilliantly and scythes through defences like it’s cool.
Forget inexperience, he’s not a bench player. He must start. He has to.
15. Jesse Mogg
The most in-form Australian player this year, scoring tries, making breaks, tackling himself to a standstill, it’s these attributes that prove it’s not just his face that resembles Israel Dagg, it’s his whole game.
Add in a booming clearing kick whenever needed and he’s the best option at 15 the Wallabies have.
Bench
16. James Hanson
The best supersub that we have in the front row, Hanson has proved over the past few season that he is the real deal. Last week he proved that again, coming on with 10 to go and getting a penalty at the breakdown almost immediately.
17.Benn Alexander
An experienced prop who can play on either side of the scrum, Alexander has focused less on his try count and more on his set piece this year and it is paying dividends. He also has the size to foil the larger Lions pack.
18. Hugh McMeniman
One of the lost boys of Australian rugby, ‘Madness’ is back and if he can stay injury free has all the talent and versatility required to do play a great supporting role off the bench.
19. Dave Dennis
A great physical specimen who has a real chance of cracking the starting line-up. He carries hard, and his work in the lineout, even when dealing with the Tahs’ hooker’s poor throwing, is excellent. Close call between him and Pyle for the number four jersey.
20. George Smith
110 caps and the ability to play anywhere In the backrow seems a good enough Resume at test level, add in his current form and his influence in the changing room and George Smith is the best player to seal the game that we have.
21. Nic White
Best halfback in Australia behind Genia. He would start in most Test sides and his tactical kicking is spot on. He can also goal kick which adds a very useful string to his bow!
22. Christian Lealiifano
A true talent at either 10 or 12. He can kick, pass, tackle and run with the best of them. Another guy who can win a game with the boot and could well start over Quade should the Queensland star waver.
23. James O’Connor
I do not believe the hype at fly half, however he is a world-class player who can realistically play anywhere in the backline.
Add his already vast collection of Test caps and his ability to kick goals and score from anywhere and he is an obvious choice to round out the match day squad.
Honourable Mentions
Gill, Cummins, Simmons, Slipper, Beale, Ioane, Hodgson, Crawford and Lance.
What are your thoughts on these selections?
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.