Here we go again: injury-riddled Wycliff Palu missed yesterday’s training session “as a precaution”. When is coach Robbie Deans going to take the precaution earlier and not pick him?
But it’s easy to see why Deans keeps taking a punt on the big bloke. Palu can be devastatingly destructive on his day.
One problem: he has to be on the paddock. And there’s the perennial question.
I’d rather have Brumby Peter Kimlin at 8, knowing he’ll be there 100% of the time to give 100%. And the way Kimlin played against the Lions, as the stand-in captain and man-of-the-match, he’s the better bet over Palu anyway.
The question mark over Palu apart, the Wallabies are ready to make their presence felt at Suncorp tonight, their fortress.
The men-in-gold have won 14 of their last 16 internationals at one of the very best rugby grounds to play on, and view, in the world.
The perfect place for the W’s to start the three-Test series with a W.
This clash promises to be a cracker. Everywhere you look on both sides there’s quality.
And especially among the Wallabies, where Ben Mowen, Israel Folau, and Christian Lealiifano make their debuts.
And deservedly so, all three have been dominant in Super Rugby.
Mowen has captained the Brumbies with distinction since the start of last season, having moved away from the then negative elements of the Waratahs – with the emphasis in “the then”, not the now.
Mowen has been the driving force behind the Brumbies qualifying for their first Super Rugby finals series in a decade.
Lealiifano can take the same accolades in the Brumbies back division with his general play – and just as importantly his goal-kicking. It will be interesting to see how he slots in between James O’Connor and the very much in-form Adam Ashley-Cooper.
The success of those three will directly affect how Folau fires in his first up appearance on the wing. He made his presence felt in 15 games for the Waratahs on rugby season debut as a fullback, and now has been dramatically moved by Deans.
Hopefully it’s a Deans masterstroke. But it is a huge gamble whichever way the cards fall.
Looking at the Lions, there’s plenty to roar about with the men-in-red. That’s the inbuilt aura about this combined side that has stood the test of time since 1888.
They are big, fast, experienced, and desperate for a Test, and series, win.
Desperation can be a handy tool if used properly, and coach Warren Gatland is an old hand at calling on all the pluses he can muster.
Like Deans with favourite Palu, Gatland has chosen two favourites in skipper Sam Warburton and winger Alex Cuthbert, both out-of-form – a mighty risk in what looms as a razor-edged 80 minutes.
And for the man who will dictate the outcome, Kiwi referee Chris Pollock, this will be the game of his life and a huge honour to control the first Test in the series.
It’s the general consensus the winner tonight will win the series, so it’s vital Pollock lets it happen rather than make it happen.
In short, be 31 on the paddock, and not top dog.
So bring it on gold and red, the rugby world awaits with anticipation.
riccardo
Guest
Not quite true actually Nick. Louis Picamoles was the outstanding player of the French series before he was injured and is battle with Read for that mantle will be something to savour over the next few years.
Blind Freddy
Guest
Good article David particularly the reference to Kimlin being there 100% and giving 100%. Palu is vastly overrated. Makes the ocassional run making good use of his size, but goes missing for large parts of matches. Robinson is another forward who is not an 80 minute player. I find myself wondering if these blokes are fit enough or just lazy. give me the 100% player any day.
30mm tags
Guest
Palu and Timani have had their day. Kimlin contributes far more than both of them together. David Lord imo is correct. Palu when 100% fit may be up to it but that was some time ago. Just as Rocky was worn out so too is Palu now. The Waratahs didn't end up being so poorly placed last year by having dominating forwards.
Skip
Guest
I was at the game on Saturday. I thought Palu was outstanding in D and at the breakdown.
Wobbly
Guest
Thought he was one of the Wallabies better players tonight. Worked hard in tight, powerful hits and some excellent clean outs. But ineffective with ball in hand as usual.
colvin
Guest
Maybe not. Hope not. Let's see if he's still in the run on 15 in 90 minutes.
bennalong
Guest
Sorry David Kimlin, Mowen and Higgers do not offer what Palu goes..... Bulk. I hate the Roar when people bag a selection and haven't got an equal replacement, and now you are doing just that. This is the best pack we've fielded in two years, regardlesss if it could be better Punch it up Cliffy, pity Taf isn't revving you up GO the WALLABIES
Fair go
Guest
So you want it both ways David. Enough chips to give you bragging rights if we lose and a fair enough endorsement of elections to back the win. Reminds me of that weasel Smith in the Oz with his how i saved a try blather today. The fact is that deans has worked hard to build depth. He now has selection choices that we didnt have when he arrived. And its all getting better. Suck it in.
TheSilentProgressor
Guest
Not really he is the best number 8 available at the moment. Kimlin is not really an 8, although he can play very well there. Higgers is injured. Mowen is playing 6. David stop being negative and support the players that are picked instead of whining about who you would select. There is a reason you are not a selector or a coach.
Jerry
Guest
I might be able to dig up something yellow? Nah, I'm not supporting either side in this race, I'm just up for a good series. The 01 and 09 series are some of the best 'neutral' rugby I've seen. In some ways it's good to get away from the parochial aspect and just enjoy a hard fought series. Oh, and Jasin Goldsmith would go down as one of the great 'what could have been' players.
Schuey
Guest
I agree. Palu was immense at Twickenham in particular. You have to take a risk on him. He's a better option at 8 than an inexperienced Kimlin imho as we need his bulk and experience in the scrum, which will be under big pressure. To play a rookie at the top level Kimlin out of position in the such a massive test is a bad idea. Maybe in the dead rubber 3rd test.
Nick Turnbull
Roar Guru
Mate I will correct myself - he did not play in the Scottish match and was injured for the Majority of the rugby championship bar the Brisbane All Blacks test were he did play well. Yeh I too have found myself critical of Cliff, but when he stacked up against Mowen I really think its chalk and cheese. There are a plethora of names whose bodies cut them short when you think about it; Brett Papworth, Cameron Lillicrap, Tom Murphy, Nick Love are all players who could have done so much more if the body was up to it. No there fault though as you say. Hope you enjoy beating the Frogs 3--0 and I trust you are wearing something GOLD!
Jerry
Guest
It's not really his fault, it's just an unfortunate fact that some players have terrible luck or their body just keeps breaking down. Kahui (as pointed out below) is a great example, whenever he's fit he's been great but his shoulders just keep breaking. Some guys, like James Ryan, never really get started at test level due to chronic injuries. But it's not 'the physical toll on the body', it's that for whatever reason HIS body can't quite handle it. Not his fault, but a sad fact. Though Palu does tend to get over-rated IMO. Far too often he seems to play like he weighs 20kg less than he does - slowing down, instead of accelerating, into contact. He has seemed to get better at this in the last couple of seasons though.
Jereme Lane
Roar Guru
For me nick turnbull hit it on the head with the run meters. Mowen 9, Cliffy 50. And 5 of those were the try he scored in a game dubbed as a wallabies trial. I will be very surprised if be does anything in this series. I didn't want to get like this but I'm sorry mowen is a nobody yet! Palu has been there and done more than mowen or kimlin ever will. Kimlin got bashed vs the tahs with his upright running and mowen is a pick and drive merchant and too slow to be an effective wide runner. He is only there because higgers is injured and Dennis is out of form. Further how can you blame someone for getting injured? Acl and shattered shoulder blade in two consecutive seasons!! All sports are full of stories of injury prone players who are good enough to be strapped up and sent out knowing they ll get the job done. Kahui at the World Cup is one that springs to mind and Cliffy is the same. We ll see tonight!!
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
I can agree with that Jeremy, '50min of the best cliffy'. What scares me is that we would have a very young openside at 6 for the last 30min though (Gill). If there is one match where we need 80min form Palu it's this one. I think a versatile Kimlin on the bench would have made more sense than a specialist lock in Simmons and a pure 7 in Gill.
David Lord
Expert
Mowen too small at 195cm and 114kgs Simon?
David Lord
Expert
Colvin, is the head cut "terminal"?
Nick Turnbull
Roar Guru
G'day Jerry, Correct me if I am wrong but, did Palu not play every test the Wallabies played last year and fairly sure he went the full 80 in the majority of them? It now looks like he is fit for the first test of 2013. Give the bloke a break. He is still paying the price for being selected injured during RWC 2011.
Nick Turnbull
Roar Guru
Well mate there is only one Keiran Read and its daylight after that. However I think Cliff is the best we have in Australia right now.
Jerry
Guest
"People also don’t understand the physical toll this takes on your body" And yet many other forwards in pro rugby handle without breaking down every 2nd game....