Controversial fly-half Quade Cooper was overlooked by Wallaby coach Robbie Deans when he named his initial 25-man squad to meet the Lions next month in a three-Test series.
Six more names will be added by June 11, which translates to Cooper still having a second chance.
“Right now Quade is not up to Test standard. I’ve spoken to him at length, and he knows what is required … No, it’s not just his defence, it’s his overall play,” was how Deans explained Cooper’s omission.
Winger Drew Mitchell missed out as well, so too full-back Jesse Mogg, half-back Nic White, locks Kane Douglas and Hugh Pyle, along with props Dan Palmer and Paddy Ryan.
Hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau wasn’t considered with a fractured right arm, nor were flanker George Smith with medial ligament damage, and centre Pat McCabe with a knee injury, all casualties from last night’s very physical Super Rugby clash at ANZ Stadium between the Waratahs and Brumbies.
On the bright side, Israel Folau made the squad as both a full-back and winger, even though it’s the former where he’s stamped his name.
He’s one of three uncapped newcomers with Ben Mowen, and Christian Lealiifano.
The other intriguing selection was James O’Connor as first choice fly-half, because as Deans put it, he best suits our needs.
“He plays very square which allows the backline to function smoothly, his defence is good, and he takes good options.”
That’s a big call from the coach, seeing O’Connor rarely plays at 10.
We all know O’Connor is a rare utility talent, but Deans has obviously seen more in him than meets the eye.
But having picked Berrick Barnes, another multi-talented positional footballer, Deans has covered his bases very shrewdly.
He’s happy with the squad, and that’s the most vital aspect of all.
Bring on the Lions, the Wallabies are waiting.
The 25-man Wallabies squad:
Props – Benn Robinson, Ben Alexander, James Slipper, and Sekope Kepu.
Hookers – Stephen Moore and Saia Fainga’a.
Locks: James Horwill, Rob Simmons, and Sitaleki Timani,
Back-rowers – Michael Hooper, Liam Gill, Dave Dennis, Scott Higginbotham, Wycliff Palu, and Ben Mowen.
Half-back: Will Genia.
Fly-halves: James O’Connor, Christian Leiliifano, and Berrick Barnes.
Centres: Rob Horne, and Adam Ashley-Cooper.
Wings: Digby Ioane, Joe Tomane, and Nick Cummins.
Full=back: Israel Folau.
[roar_cat_gal]
Julius
Guest
Absolutely agree. Mogg and folau. Why pick Digby, when even the commentators know he can't kick, and steps inside EVERY single time he runs.
BetterRedThanDead
Guest
Agree wholeheartedly. I rate Fainga'a around the paddock when he is in form, however Hanson is a cracking player in the set pieces also. Needs to get more starts to really shine.
BetterRedThanDead
Guest
What rubbish.
Mike
Guest
"He also made clear the consensus on here " I woudn't call it the consensus. Its only a loud few that hold the "JOC will never be a 10" theory, although personally I thought it would have happened later than this. But anyway, soon we will know how JOC goes as a test 10, one way or another. That is unless it is all a smokescreen. Deans has used Barnes before against Wales at 10, for a 3-0 result, and these Lions have a lot of Welsh in them and the Welsh coach as well. And Deans has left the door clearly open to bring Cooper in if he shows what Deans wants against the Lions.
dadiggle
Guest
Howley coached that Welsh team not him. That changed tactics as the ones used during Gatlands stint.
Mike
Guest
I am sure Gatland hasn't forgotten Barnes' role in the whitewash against the Welsh last year. I don't think Deans will use Barnes at 10, in fact I am not sure he will even start him - Barnes can cover 10, 12 and 15 off the bench, and he seems to be relishing that role with the Tahs at the moment. But Deans will be happy for Gatland to think he is going to use Barnes at 10 - a very different style of player from O'Connor or Cooper, so more for Gatland to think about.
Mike
Guest
Yes, I thought he said the opposite, that he wants to watch Quade in the Lions game.
Melbourne Rebel
Guest
You have to be joking I can't believe QC is out! Rebels vs Reds round 4 in Melbourne. There's your proof. I was at that game and saw QC was a class above JOC. At least select the guy and use him as a back-up but it would be stupid to leave him out completely. This coach of ours keeps doing what no other coach would do in their right mind. I am going to crack open a bottle of champagne when Deans contract expires.
David Lord
Expert
Agree ADC, Cummins is a quality winger in all departments.
David Lord
Expert
Glad to see James Hanson on your list, one of the most under-rated hookers going around, I have him ahead of TPN, and Fainga'a.
Rob
Guest
Never seen one player generate so much discussion (QC), latest SMH poll (5,500) has 52% favouring QC exclusion. If Deans is thinking about his future and coaching record then I would have to think his motivation is to win, like all of us? He also has the better of Gatland recently. His plans would have formed quite some time ago and is looking at the pieces that will work. I think the Lions tests will be up another gear again, tight and ferocious stuff, Cooper clearly has the talent but not the temperament for this kitchen. For mine there is a clear quality throughout the squad announced, temperament (apart from the obvious skill set to play rugby) mental toughness
BBA
Guest
Your definition of world class is pretty high Chivas. Perhaps in the top 3 for the position would be fairer, as there are some people that would be hard to dislodge from other teams. However under your criteria I think the list is Genia and Ioane are the only two however JOC and AAC might be a shot if you are considering bench positions only, and even then they are competing for the same outside back position in which case I would probably go for AAC (but do not consider they would be a lock in, I mean if you ignored injuries right now and considered say JOC vs Kahui, I would go with Kahui. However JOC is a very good player and would be considered. How many Lions players do you think would meet that same WC definition. I would think A Jones and POC would be the only 2 with 1/2p going close, and not sure about BOD's current form as to whether he would still get in all teams.
Ajax
Guest
Interesting comment... QC got slammed in the press for his performance at the 2011 RWC.. yet Genia also didnt play well, and our forwards against Ireland were going backwards like they were on ice skates... Oh well, its Robbies way or the highway.. fingers crossed we are headed to the promised land of a win over the Lions...
ohtani's jacket
Guest
I think you mean ferociously correct about Robbie Deans. Someone ought to remind Moonlandings Cully that Deans has gone into Super Rugby finals and two World Cups refusing to choose players for personal reasons. I don't know why you think the All Blacks coached should fix the chinks in Rene Ranger, Robbie Fruean and Andre Taylor's games but Deans can leave your beloved x-factor players out.
kombiutedriver
Guest
No point in stating that fact ........... the QC haters just did not see it.
kombiutedriver
Guest
Got the impression that Nathan Sharpe has such an opinion of QC from the Rugby HQ show last Thursday night.
Hopperdoggy
Guest
C'mon, to be fair against the Cheetahs it was the 4th refs fault, who's not really really a ref. Just some drunken home team fan who won the weekly "who'd be a ref" raffle before the game. :-)
Justin2
Guest
Perfect.
Justin2
Guest
I'm a bit older Juts. Played at Quins and for Vic in the 90s and early 2000s
kombiutedriver
Guest
So is my Border Collie ......... and he passes more than JOC.