All I’ve been hearing about lately are the Wallaby prospects for the 2015 Rugby World Cup that is 655 days away. This columnist won’t be mentioning the tournament for at least 600 of them.
The more important discussion is the now – and Ben Mowen – the most pilloried Wallaby captain in my near 50 years of covering the game they play in heaven, and for many years before that.
Mowen is alleged to have survived a mutiny delegation after the losing to England that stuffed up a grand slam prospect at the first hurdle, and many are predicting he’s just an interim Wallaby captain who won’t get picked once David Pocock, Scott Higginbotham, and Wycliff Palu return from injury next year.
Let’s deal with the mutiny first, who could possibly have been involved?
Quade Cooper, appointed vice-captain of his country for the first time and still rehabbing within the side to regain their trust and respect? No.
Two former captains – James Horwill and Will Genia – both of whom were struggling to retain their place in the side let alone having aspirations to regain the captaincy? No.
Mowen’s Brumby team-mates he has led so successfully over the last two seasons – Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Scott Fardy, Nic White, Matt Toomua, Christian Lealiifano, Tevita Kuridrani, and Joe Tomane? No.
Michael Hooper, who played under Mowen last season before switching to the Waratahs? No.
Adam Ashley-Cooper, a real team man, with cage rattling not in his nature. No.
Israel Folau, or Nick Cummins? No.
That leaves nobody of real import in the so-called mutiny delegation. In a word, it’s weak-willed.
Will the return of Pocock, Higginbotham, and Palu end Mowen’s 14-Test career where it started? Let’s take a look.
Pocock’s return won’t affect Mowen one scrap – that will be Hooper’s concern who will have to switch to 6, or come off the bench.
Higginbotham has turned in many blinders for the Queensland Reds, and ever since he was appointed captain of the Melbourne Rebels has only done more. But in his 23 Tests he hasn’t shown the same dominance. He is not a number one choice as a Wallaby, except off the bench.
Palu, now there’s a blessed Wallaby. He has played 49 Tests, while the Wallabies have played over 100 since 2006.
Palu has spent more time on the operating/physio table than Shane Watson, and that takes some beating.
No argument he can be a powerhouse, but he can’t be relied on to even make the oranges without coming a cropper, and that makes him a liability not an asset. Bench at best.
The Mowen knockers will have to wait. Barring injury he is rightfully Wallaby captain, up to and including that tournament I won’t mention for at least 600 days.
Tricky Dick
Roar Rookie
He also appears to have the pace of a toddler.
Adsa
Guest
David, as a one eyed Reds supporter I can tell you the mutiny was comprised totally of grubby Tah boys, they have a level of entitlement that does not match their achievements in super rugby. Always blame Tah boys, always.
Adsa
Guest
Uncle you would have to include Finlay Coldar, he head butted Sean Fitzpatrick!
Wallabies No. 1
Guest
EM didn't mind whinging about the ref after the England game or a couple of the AB games. Seems to be SOP for a losing coach these days.
Wallabies No. 1
Guest
Hard for him to inform the others they were about to breach rules that didn't exist at the time.
Wallabies No. 1
Guest
The rose-tinted glasses facilitate the argument that the Wallabies would be so much better (say a IRB ranking of 1, for example) if the A team were playing.
Wallabies No. 1
Guest
But they don't count. There is an international referee conspiracy against the Wallabies, so counting the number of penalties is a waste of time.
Chan Wee
Guest
" Four penalties amongst 17 and a crazy arrogant ref; its nothing worth worrying about" Lol 4 /17 = 24% . there are 15 guys in the team (lets forget subs) So ur skipper gives away 24% of penalties and the rest of them account for balance !!! LOL , Against BOKS or MIB that would be a major worry :P
Crazy Horse
Guest
The Captain is not necessarily the best player in the team. This is a basic mistake that a lot of coaches make. The captian must be able to hold his place in the team as a player of course, but selection for Captain needs the following: A personality that the other players respect and follow naturally. Not because he is the "Captain" but because they believe in him. A sound understanding of the laws of the game. The personal communication skils to be able to talk to the referee and ensure that the referee is held to account when necessary.
Tah Man
Guest
Yes Peter K I did read that" An Eales type of player" is not a comparison that he is as good as Eales either as a player or Captain. What he is saying that he is extremely athletcic like Eales and is obviously a good leader but to me it is not saying he is as good as Eales just that he has some of the Eales attributes and skills.
moreton bait
Guest
Best of both worlds eh FOS? Good politics, as you mention, whilst still retaining a Queenslander as captain.
RobC
Guest
Mowen led the team to key victories and deserves recognition. But it seems next year will be a different story. I suspect the wounded will return off the bench - then we'll see.
RobC
Guest
ScrumJunkie
Guest
He was always a wrecking ball, I think there were fitness and workrate issues.
PeterK
Roar Guru
fair point
ScrumJunkie
Guest
Not at first, even the mighty Nobody took a couple of years to grow into his role as captain.
Bakkies
Guest
He also revealed that he is only just getting back his muscle strength after a debilitating injury. He could of taken surgery but he doesn't want to lose his test jersey which he worked hard to get. That's the type of bloke that the Wallabies have been crying out for.
Squirrel
Guest
Mowen is yesterdays news, maybe in the 2nd row but cant be in the backrow.
PeterK
Roar Guru
Tah Man - Then read more carefully. I was responding to Robbo (above my comment) - Mowen is an “Eales” type player, tough, committed and relentless. Robbo clearly states Mowen is an Eales type player.
PeterK
Roar Guru
agree Boxie. I am hoping L Timani makes the transition in time for the rwc.