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With the British and Irish Lions Tour fast approaching, every man and his dog have taken a stab at predicting what the Wallabies line-up will look like. I’m no different.
Should Folau play? Will Cooper be selected? Will KB be back? Smith, Hooper or Gill?
We’ll start getting those answers this Sunday when Robbie Deans names his initial squad of 25 and while we can – and will – argue ad nauseam about the prospective starting side, we’ve all got a fair idea of the make-up of the squad as a whole.
As always, there will be a large contingent of Waratahs in that Wallabies squad, which means some of the younger talents and fringe players at the Tahs will have a great opportunity to take on the Lions when the sides clash at Allianz Stadium on June 15.
Here is a potential non-Wallaby, Waratahs line-up for that match.
Note: I have made a judgement call on some players as to whether they will be in the Wallabies squad – Folau for instance.
For the sake of this article, I’ve also omitted players who were on the 2012 end of year tour, even if they are unlikely to figure against the Lions, like Brendan McKibbin.
Props:
Benn Robinson and Sekope Kepu will be with the Wallabies, while Paddy Ryan was on the end of year tour so Jeremy Tilse is a shoo-in. He probably hasn’t played as much as he would’ve liked for the Tahs in his eight years at the club and a Lions berth will be just rewards.
A Shute Shield player could get the other starting spot and I’d be looking at Wayne Borzak who has been playing well for Warringah or Randwick’s Richard Aho.
Hooker:
With Tatafu Polota-Nau away, John Ulugia and Luke Holmes will battle for the number two jersey. Both are experienced campaigners and Ulugia can play tighthead prop, which could make him useful off the bench. I’d start with Holmes.
Second Row:
Sitaleki Timani and Kane Douglas are both out. Mitchell Chapman has been going well for the Tahs while two metre tall lock Ollie Atkins has worked hard for a start.
Look for man mountain Will Skelton – 203cm tall and 135kg – to make a huge impact off the bench with Southern Districts tyro Jed Holloway also in the mix.
Back Row:
Dave Dennis, Michael Hooper and Wycliff Palu are all out so I’d start with Club Captain Pat McCutcheon at blindside with promising Manly Marlins flanker Kotoni Ale at openside.
Ale has been playing well for the Marlins and has previously represented Tonga at U-20s. Southern Districts beast Lopeti Timani starts at No. 8.
Halfback:
McKibbin went on tour with the Wallabies so Matt Lucas, his replacement so far this season, starts while Grayson Hart moves to the bench.
Flyhalf:
Some predict Bernard Foley will join Berrick Barnes in the Wallabies squad – there’s no doubt he has the potential – so Ben Volavola gets my nod at 10.
Inside Centre:
Rob Horne would have been on the end of year tour if not for injury, so hard running centre Tom Carter should get a well-earned start at 12. Few players are as passionate about football as Carter and he deserves to be part of the biggest rugby event in Australia in a decade.
Outside Centre:
Adam Ashley-Cooper will be a Wallaby so the versatile Michael Hodge is an option at 13 while I wouldn’t be surprised to see Northern Suburbs back Bill Meakes in the mix soon – if not for the Tahs, then another Super franchise.
Wings:
Lachie Turner is injured and Drew Mitchell ought to be a Wallaby contender, leaving Peter Betham and Tom Kingston on the flanks.
Fullback:
I’m guessing Folau will be a no-go, so Cam Crawford – a revelation on the wing so far – reverts to fullback where he’s just as proficient. A powerful runner and try-scoring machine, Crawford also has a great kick.
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.