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The selections made by Deans for the second Test are sensible and logical. In a previous article, I implored for a change at five eighth to Quade Cooper or Matt Toomua.
But now I believe James O’Connor is the right choice.
This is especially the case given Christian Lealiifano is cleared to play at 12 and also because Cooper and Toomua haven’t been a part of the three week training camp.
To thrust them right into the deciding Test on a weeks preparation would have backfired.
With Lealiifano cleared Australian rugby fans can finally see what the game plan leading up to the first Test really was.
O’Connor had a poor game last week because after the first minute all the pressure was on him.
Lealiifano was going to take a lot of the play-making load off O’Connor, with Barnes also sharing the work.
However the injuries to both players left O’Connor on a play-making island, having to run the back-line by himself.
This was compounded by the incorrect decision to put McCabe on as Lealiifano’s replacement. McCabe is a fantastic direct ball runner, who always gets over the advantage line, and is reliable as they come in defence.
He has the most impact off the bench in the 60 minute zone where his hard nosed style can truly make the most of a tired opposition back-line.
Putting him on in the first minute against a fresh Lions team was a bad move and he wasn’t able to be as effective as he could of been, limiting O’Connor’s ability to be creative at first receiver. Deans should of put on Kurtley Beale immediately and switched Barnes to 12 (his best position).
These points validate that the team for the second Test is a great team.
O’Connor will have Lealiifano, Beale, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Folau to compliment him, allowing us couch coaches to really make a judgement on O’Connor’s potential at five eighth.
Tomane is about as similar to Digby Ioane in playing style to any winger in Australian rugby.
He gets heavily involved for a winger, coming in field and makes metres after contact so there won’t be a true disadvantage to Australia on that wing.
Horne on the bench is also a smart choice, he is just as good in contact as McCabe, with the added bonus of being a better ball player.
His performances this year at inside centre for the Waratahs were solid, and his Wallabies experience at outside centre provides excellent flexibility in case of further injury during the second Test.
Perhaps the selection I am most excited about is Jesse Mogg. I’m not sure exactly Deans is going to use him, or if he is going to use him, but there is hardly a more deserving player out there to get a spot.
I agree the forward pack should remain the same, they performed admirably last weekend especially in the scrum.
I happily eat my words from a previous article I wrote about Ben Alexander not going to be up to scratch come scum time but our set piece was one of the highlights for me last Saturday.
Ben Mowen, Cliff Palu and Michael Hooper all validated their positions for the second Test and our second row was immense. Stephen Moore and Benn Robinson as usual played out of their skins.
This team is extremely similar to last week’s side, who came within one missed kick of a historic victory.
Wholesale changes would have been a slap in the face to many of our players who took the field and played so well against a fantastic Lions side and the horrendous challenge of multiple injuries.
If Lealiifano can stay fit during this encounter, Australia will win the second Test.
Because if last week is anything to go by, it will come down to goalkicking once again.
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.