Quade Cooper. Robbie Deans. World Cup meltdown. Toxic environment. OK. Now we’ve got that out of the way, how about we do as Deans himself is so often inclined to do.
Let’s move on and “play what’s in front of us”.
The Australian selectors have shown their hand – at least the “core” of it – so let’s get on with preparing for the visiting Lions.
There’s no value in dwelling on history, and its ramifications, while time ticks away in the countdown to such a monumental Test series.
Let’s face it. Do we really believe it’s who wears 10 that’s going to ultimately decide the Wallabies’ fortunes against Warren Gatland’s British and Irish Lions?
Or, in a series that looms as a genuine battle of attrition, is it who wears the numbers 1 to 5 that will determine who will triumph?
Somehow, as much as I can understand the polarisation and passion the Cooper-Deans imbroglio has generated, I think it’s that front-five confrontation – and more specifically, the Wallabies’ ability, or otherwise, to measure up in that area – that should be the focus of speculation right now.
What do you think Roarers? Should we put the Cooper and Deans debate behind us and start getting ready for the actual rugby?
Machiavelli
Guest
Just desparation by the mouthpiece of the QLD mafia!
Harryonthe coast
Guest
Very funny! But too much fantasy to even try to get a message. Quade just could not put those replies/statements together if his interviews on TV are anything to go by. He opens his mouth and nothing of substance comes out. I often wonder how he communicates with his fellow backs. I think he does everything by instinct and has never thought out a move on the field, of if perhaps, any moves have been planned.
fredstone
Guest
QC has had how much ball in the last two weeks without being able to influence either games? The Lions will put together a pack of forwards that'll give the french, ab's and springboks a hard time, which means QC will have less ball and less opportunity to influence the match. The game gets a bit harder at 10 if your forwards are being smacked around a bit.
joeb
Guest
"...in a series that looms as a genuine battle of attrition, is it who wears the numbers 1 to 5 that will determine who will triumph?" As always our forwards 1 to 8 have to at least match theirs, but then we want to see some entertaining enterprising backline play. Have yuo read this? Quite good. Bill and Quade are seated at a desk ... enter Robbie, cue fireworks http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/opinion/bill-and-quade-are-seated-at-a-desk-enter-robbie-cue-fireworks/story-e6frg7v6-1226650203076
Ian
Guest
I think Quade Copper should be the number 10 for the wallabies, but it's not the end of the world if he doesn't. You've got guys like James O'Connor, Christian Lealiifano, Matt Toomua and Berrick Barnes (Barnes is super talented but his playing tactics are so frustrating) who can step up and play at that level.
Peter Thomson
Roar Guru
I didn't write the headline, Adam. Nor did I suggest anywhere in my story that Quade Cooper "doesn't matter". I was simply suggesting it might be time we moved on from that debate and started discussing other areas of concern now that the "core" of Deans's squad has been named. I was also alluding to the fact that, if the Wallabies can't come up with a tight five that can impose themselves on the game, the question of who plays 10 would probably be rendered irrelevant, anyway.
PR, that is simply a poor comment. DC has forgotten what Cooper still needs to learn, you want to judge DC on one game now?
Riccardo
Guest
post of the week :)
AdamS
Roar Guru
Of course he matters. He is a talented player and plays in a position were we are not blessed with a lot of talent. He matters so much that the ARU gives him half a million a year to make himself available for test selection. Speaking of the ARU, they might just want to be quietly questioning WHY they give him a half a million a year if, after a season of cracking form, the coach prefers to play a complete novice in his position?
Oakie
Guest
Long live The Toxic Avenger!
Vhavnal
Roar Rookie
Without a proper 9/10 combo, a team cannot function properly...Genia and Quade play together so is seems reasonable to pair your best scrumhalf with your best "possible" 10....Quade will in the end get selected but it makes you wonder if s Robbie actually waiting for him to get injured to avoid selection? The likes of Berrick Barnes, James O'Connor, Christian Lealifano and Matt Toomua can easily slot in at 10..Quade has to work and prove he deserves to be in the national team...
Mike
Guest
Higginbotham's turn around since leaving the Reds has been remarkable. Which is not to denigrate the Reds, its just that some players flourish in different environments. I would play him at 6 with Palu at 8 and Mowen on the bench (I suspect that Deans will go with just two backs on his bench). That is on the assumption that Palu is no longer as fragile in the past. But Higgers at 8 would work too.
Chivas
Guest
If you behave like a spoilt child and we hang out, guess what I look like by association. Look how bad it was when Deans first came in. Players making demands and putting themselves ahead if the team, jersey etc. I think everyone has grown up a bit. But Quades comment at the time were pretty out there. Neither Gitaue or Quades attitude would be tolerated in the AB's. I have seen top players dropped from rep teams for far less... Anyway that's last years story. I agree the Lions will try to suck in the Wallaby forwards and shut down Genia. Be interesting to see how the Wallabies counter that. I would also like to say I didn't mind Deans comments regarding Cooper and Taps. If that is what Deans believes, would it be better he say nothing. I think the second five is a pretty important role in setting the outsides alight. I think any discussion on any topic is interesting if it's not 90% emotion and over simplified sweeping statements.
Peter Thomson
Roar Guru
Your thoughts aside, Mike, the majority of comments to date tend to confirm that a lot of Roarers are finding it impossible to "move on". I, too, have strong views on the Quade Cooper-Robbie Deans issue, but I fail to see the point of dwelling on it now that Deans has made his call.
Riccardo
Guest
Really Mike? Look, I get the national fervour thing; lets cease the negativity and back the team et al. The fact is that the Cooper conundrum has been done to death. However, the question remains. Is the best 1st five In Australia unlikely to play? I'm sure you'll agree the 9/10 axis is critical. Perhaps a better question would be who has the better distribution and kicking game? Another question I would be considering as a Wallaby supporter is the long-standing relationship between Genia and Cooper. Having some innate knowledge of each other's games must be an advantage particularly at the next level. I'm not his biggest fan and while I still have questions regarding his intestinal fortitude I can't help but think he should be there. I therefore disagree it's not that important; it's just the whinging and territorial division on this site sometimes obscures the real questions. I do agree with you that insufficient attention has been paid to the tight-five question and Ben's excellent piece yesterday only serves to highlight that concern.
Sandy
Guest
Disagree, QC is a great distraction.
peterlala
Guest
PP, are you really implying that Dan Carter cannot play?
Sandy
Guest
Interesting TES, do you by any chance have "insider" information? Thinking cap on...
Malo
Guest
100 % agree .The 10 spot is the least of our worries. Move on QC is an unnecessary distraction.
Justin2
Guest
I'd suggest you be the role model, it's not up to a footballer to be one to anyone except his own child.