A quick glance around The Roar and you would think our hopes against the British Lions systematically come down to the trials of the same few headline players: Will Genia, Quade Cooper, Israel Folau and James O’Connor.
They are unpredictable both on and off the field, they are interesting personalities, they are headline-grabbing superstars whose form differential is picked apart by journalists and couch experts alike and for good reason.
They may very well make or break this Wallaby team and good luck to each of them in their efforts to be selected.
However amidst the haystack of articles, comments, team lists, whys and wherefores, is a name which holds the key to our success over the Lions: Adam ‘Mr Versatility, Mr Reliability, Two Dads’ Ashley-Cooper.
I am a big fan of Adam, and at some level always have been.
In the past I have had to vehemently justify his inclusion in teams both provincially and internationally, even when I’ve not been entirely confident in his form myself. He’s been a victim of his own versatility, which has seen him play virtually every backline position on the park to the varied cries of:
“Leave him at fullback”, “Keep him on the bench to cover 12-15”, “Outside Centre is his best position”, “He’s either an average wing or nothin’”.
Finally however, for the first time in his career, he has been given what we’ve been crying out for since he came onto the scene – a consistent position that spans both Super Rugby and Wallaby seasons.
His form since speaks volumes.
He has combined with the Waratahs backline superbly and is a strong reason for their resurgence this year.
Those will remember his last Super foray at outside centre was for the Brumbies to very little effect. In my opinion it was Matt Giteau’s unnatural 10 playing style which hampered him. Gits had a tendency to run across field, leaving AAC fighting a slide defensive pattern and the sideline.
Foley runs straighter at the line leaving Adam with more time and space to get to the outside shoulder and get his famed fend into play.
He’s also finally had time to make the position his own and work out how to get the best out of himself.
There are still those who say he lacks the ability to pass. This, I believe, is short sighted. He does pass and a fair amount too – the stats speak for themselves.
To be honest I would much prefer to see him take the hit or back himself more often anyway. He doesn’t turn the ball over, he always makes it over the gain line and he doesn’t push his wingers into touch.
In short he keeps the ball alive.
Funnily enough his attacking ability is actually what excites me the least. Defensively he’s as safe as houses, tackling anything that comes towards him. This will prove vital against Manu Tuilagi and the rest of the Lions big backs.
He also cleans out on the fringes like a loose forward. He protects the outside backs in isolation and causes havoc to those on the opposition team who find themselves isolated with him around.
Finally, he chases the ball like a rabid moodle. He chases high kicks, long kicks and even, as we saw on the weekend, penalty kicks. This is the kind of commitment that we’ve been missing.
In short, it’s that commitment which is the Wallabies most valuable asset.
He doesn’t rely on flashy plays or self-promoting sound bites. He lets his hard work do the talking and as a result is reaping the benefits more than any other player in the squad.
Rob
Guest
I agree with giteau. He was an outside centre killer. AAC played his best football with Larkham at 10 or giteau at the force.
Rob
Guest
+1 Albo. He is on fire. I never thought I'd say this, but Horne is looking the goods at 12 this year too.
Malo
Guest
Great article wallabies most underrated player and always puts in. Cheika has helped him heaps. We have to pick players in position and stop moving them to accommodate the three amigos. He may play all over his Tuilagi and unleash our wingers. Our outside backs will be our key strength that will murder the Lions and AAC is the key.
Worlds biggest
Guest
Nice one Albo, alway been a big fan of two dads. He was great at 13 on the EOYT in 2010 yet Dingo in his wisdom picked him on the wing in 2011. Outside centre has always been his best position so keep him there. He is a work horse on and off the ball. Should be a great match up with BOD or Tuilagi.
Albo
Guest
Haha. Love it BBB. To be fair your probably right. These days his attack is the weakest part of his game and to his credit he's added all the other parts if his game you mentioned to his arsenal. But he still manages to find the gap every now and then. Lets hope he shows the boyos some extra trot!
Matthew Skellett
Guest
AAC has been as safe as houses this season also get has been powerfully incisive at times long may he play on :-)
Sickofthe10debate
Guest
Agreed. I reckon JOC plays 10 much the same as Gits. Will be interesting to see how the back line, and int context of this article, AAC goes against the Lions as a result of this.
Blinky Bill of Bellingen
Guest
I'm a huge fan of AAC and he's be one of my first picked. But this one made me smile " Funnily enough his attacking ability is actually what excites me the least." Just as well, because that side of his game seems to be what he does least. ;) I can't believe I just said that. :( Okay, okay, okaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! I love the guy too and he offers heaps in experience, reliability, defense, a great team man and will chase until he drops. But to be fair, he has lost a yard or two and those brilliant busts may well be a thing of the past. Sadly :( I'd love him to prove me wrong though. :) Come on AAC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy now? :)
Chris of Vic
Roar Pro
+1
AdamS
Roar Guru
in 5 years time we will be saying the same thing about JOC and 12. You could probably just resubmit this excellent article with the names changed.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Good on you albo for writing about Oz rugby forgotten child! I think he had a slump in form last year but he has been the best and most consistent back this season. I see him as wallabies safety net in defence, the kind of player who can save save the team from an almost certain try when the wing is missing in action. I think Deans is praying his God AAC doesn't get injured before the series as it would completely damage his strategy. You need AAC if you want to bring a Folau in your backline. Without him, you have to go back to security rather than audacity. He allows others, RD included, to be themselves. Hope he shines during the series and with the Tahs until the end of the season!
rl
Guest
what is going to happen to the great bromance now that The Rooster will be packing his bags? So sad...
Rick
Guest
Great article, AAC has a great work ethic, talent to burn and most of all is the ultimate team player. The younger players are fortunate to have him as a role model. Can be a bit of a joker but always keeps a balance between work and play. Despite Drews' best efforts!
bigbaz
Guest
wasn't a fan but have been converted.Obviously happy under Chieka and I will now concede that he can pass.
The OG AlBo
Roar Guru
He did have many great years for ACT. To be fair I probably should have been more specific - I was referring to his last year which for the most part was a forgettable one for the Brums. The backline failed to fire and he bore the brunt of criticism which I thought was harsh.
Brendan Bradford
Roar Pro
Spot on. Along with Horwill and Genia, AAC is one of the first names I'd be penciling in for any Wallabies side. His attack has been great - especially outside Foley. He will benefit even more once Barnes gets fit and hopefully plays 12. Like you, I think his defence has been absolutely outstanding this season, nothing gets past him.
Blind Freddy
Guest
AAC has been our best backline player for years even when not playing at 13. Allways gives 100% and is very strong. He played a of great games for the Brumbies too and I dont think Giteau held him back in any way.
Elisha Pearce
Guest
Agreed, Shop, this was a great article. Entirely correct too. AAC is one of the truly world class players we possess and is in red hot form atm.
The OG AlBo
Roar Guru
I think his Achilles heal has always been his reliability. For that reason he's always been used as the ''safe' option in a decade of looking for X Factor.
The OG AlBo
Roar Guru
True Mike. You can see why he's kept his head up with his general attitude: He is the first to congratulate team mates; he's the last to leave the field - signing autographs, meeting kids, taking photos; and he leaves nothing on the field after 80mins... all the while never getting injured somehow.