Wallabies must select overseas-based players

An interesting match is coming up tonight in South Africa as both sides have the 'Barbarians' element. The Springboks have included several players who are currently foreign based. This is not simply because of injuries, but because of a preference to balance newer players with the experienced, and in the case of Bakkies Botha and Fourie du Preez, the positively grizzled. The debate over the inclusion of foreign based players will continue, probably more so from Australia & New Zealand, both of whom would argue that South Africa has an advantage with their policy. I think that most of we antipodeans would love to have guys like Habana, Brits and big Bakkies playing week-in week-out for a Super XV side, but maybe aren't so thrilled with their inclusion as opposition for the Rugby Championship if they aren't. In 2012, only Ruan Pienaar was included in the 23 for the inaugural Rugby Championship, whilst two players who were part of the squad in the previous series against England, Wynand Olivier and Ryan Kankowski, had signed contracts to play their rugby in Japan and were not considered. The number increased last year, and has done so again this year to 8. We will wait to see what happens this year, but I don't think Springbok selection will differ between which Nation they face. I can't see why Bakkies Botha has been picked anyway. South Africa has more blokes in the country that are built like brick shithouses (ie: perfect specimens to be a lock) than Antarctica has penguins. Eben Etzebeth may be out, but surely stocks can't be that low. It is an insult to Flip van der Merwe for a start. (Or any of the locally based players for that matter, as with a quick troll around the web this morning, nearly all the photo's are of Botha or du Preez and had me wondering if we were in the right year). And how many of us would love to have the flexibility in our team to match what Willem Alberts offers? Lock is not a problem area for the Springboks, nor the backrow, yet Francois Louw has also been recruited. Yes, it's a formidable pack, big and tough and flexible, and it's going to make an opposition lineout steal virtually impossible. But somehow it's a shame to 'bring in' these players when we have truly seen some talent this season. Even with a steady stream of injuries, franchises such as the Lions & Cheetahs repeatedly field gun players in this area. Maybe Whiteley, Deon Fourie, Broussow and Nizaam Carr, just to name a few, just aren't big enough to satisfy the conditions of being a Springbok forward. But in the case of Bakkies Botha, maybe the occasion is more the reason, a bit of fun and not a super-serious test match. And the prospect of having Botha pack down once again with Victor Matfield, something we all thought would never again happen, is too tantalising to resist. But what about the 'importation' of two halfbacks? Francois Hougaard is an extremely talented player who hasn't had his best season, but number 9 stocks in South Africa are not exactly dire. Sure, the current crop of halfbacks don't use the boot as effectively as Du Preez & Pienaar, both 'traditional' Bok halves, but I will give you the tip: Kicking away ball to the World XV backline won't be a good idea. I don't really see what is wrong with playing Hougaard and Goosen; Australia, for example, is constantly forced to blood players and combinations. And, I think it makes it more interesting as each team goes through these phases rather than fall back to the tried and tested. But do the majority of fans want the 'best' of their passport holders to represent their country, regardless of their current address? Craig Burden knows he won't play for the Boks because he's not that sort of player. He's the sort of player that everyone else wants. Michael Hooper wouldn't be picked for the Boks or the All Blacks, but he is most definitely suited to traditional Wallaby play. Morne Steyn is a solid choice for South Africa, but I suspect if it came down to it, Australia would go with Hegarty over Morne. It's evolved firstly through Mark Ella, and then undisputedly through Larkham, and is apparent with the sensible pick of another highly talented although non-traditional fly half such as Foley. (non-traditional rugby fly-half rather than non-traditional Australian rugby fly-half). So I suppose we must factor instances like this in the discussion. Would the Boks be that depleted if they picked a purely domestic team? And which 8 players would get the honours of the green jersey? Could the Wallabies use some foreign-based talent? Or the All-Blacks? And if so, who would you include and replace? Three inclusions for Australia are playing for the World XV: Giteau, Mitchell & O'Connor. Giteau is better than ever, and has matured both as a player and person. Tevita Kurindrani may be the future, but right now he is not better than Matt Giteau, and I can't see Kurindrani having even the potential to be as influential. When Drew Mitchell left our shores, he wasn't in great form, but neither are many players after suffering serious and extended injuries. I don't expect David Pocock to be back at his best or play with the same confidence until well after the World Cup. Both Schalk Burger and Heinrich Brussow are examples of previously devastating players in the back row that are only now reaching previous heights. But without Pocock, the Australian depth is much affected. I doubt there would be anyone who wouldn't enjoy hearing the words 'George Smith' again. But I digress, Drew Mitchell: straight into my side. He's back to his best and he is a decent specialist winger any day of the week. Nick Cummins may be loveable, but until it actually happened, I don't think even Mr. & Mrs. Cummins would have had him in their run-on team. Wingers like the Honey Badger and say, Jonny McNicholl, are not quite multi-skilled enough to be internationals, but they certainly deserve their spot patrolling the sidelines for their respective teams, don't get me wrong. I have no concern what James O'Connor does in his spare time. He can get sloshed and hop on a plane to a Belgian monastery for all I care, as long as he knows that if he isn't fit enough to play, that's his problem. Even at his most average, you've gotta think that the pride in the jersey would make him a much better option than the Honey Badger (sorry Mr. & Mrs Cummins). Even if the ARU changed their position, I doubt much would change, for the time being anyway. Ewen McKenzie has already shown that even thinking about going overseas greatly reduces your chances of selection. But, I doubt Mowen and Pyle would get selection next year even if there was a policy change. There are too many other Australians running around the globe who are better players, and it's well known that Australia simply just can't allow an further exodus of stock. But, if the policy were relaxed, foreign based players would still be aware they are unlikely to be picked because of just that, but when injuries reach levels as they have in periods over the past few years, at least there is an option. Nobody wants to see England break the record books and thrash Australia by 60 points because we are too stubborn to at least save National pride. For the first time in a long time, the Wallabies backline looks to be severely lacking in pace and razzle-dazzle. They have a strike weapon in Folau, but can the current side hold their own enough to protect Foley and to move forward enough to use Folau effectively, or would the skill of the Aussie expats be better suited to confuse the opposition into just expanding that hole a little bit more for Izzy to pounce? You may have noticed that I haven't talked about New Zealand. It's pretty obvious isn't it? The depth of stock is just too great that it doesn't matter if foreign based players are available or not. If the All-Blacks were playing the World XV though, I'll bet Ranger would put in a decent hit or three on Fekitoa.. As the game expands further, players are more influenced by lifestyle and financial choices, and countries relax further their citizenship requirements (ie: France), maybe someday we'll have no option but to run Tests as a 'state of origin'. When that day comes though, somebody really will have to turn off the lights at Auckland airport, and hopefully, George Smith will still be available. The 8 Springboks who could be there if the rules were otherwise and Meyer had to choose from the locals, are listed amongst the rest: Mvovo leRoux Frans Steyn De Allende JP Pietersen Goosen Hougaard Marcell Coetzee Vermuelen Burger Alberts Flip van der Merwe Mtawarira Bismarck DP Coenie Oosthuizen Jannie DP Redelinghuys Visagie/Deon Fourie Matfield Brussow Ahmm.is Vermaark available? de Jongh err..another utility? Hendricks? That's a great team, and sure, the two that are a bit suss is just tough luck. Australia has to deal with the inclusion of the Honey Badger, so things can't be that bad. The Wallabies without the restrictions: Folau Mitchell Adam AC Giteau O'Connor Foley Genia Higginbotham George Smith Hooper Jones Carter Slipper Moore Sio Robinson Cowan Polata-Nau Elsom/Skelton McCalman/Hodgson Phipps Beale McCabe

Rocky elsom is a leaguey. he had two seasons with the bulldogs http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-08-21/souths-deny-nrl-interest-in-elsom/4903324

Some interesting posts, My 2 cents worth, AUS Rugby is still adjusting to being a Pro Sport. Gone are the days where a WBs jumper is enough to keep all our best players in Oz. It started with that goose that had the job before Pulver. First devaluation of the WB jersey, employing a former AB as Coach, ask any Kiwi what their thoughts are about an Aussie coaching the ABs, the looks you get is as though you had asked them to have sex with their Grand mother. At the start of the 2013 season, i went through the 5 Aus Teams, counting the number of Aus players who had worn the WB jersey, nearly 60 players that run on every week, had worn the WB jersey in the past couple of years. Ben Mowen wasent one of those names. So please explain to me how a player is supposed to revere being a Wallaby, when the jersey is handed out like pop corn. There should be no topups. 30Players receiving between 200k and 800k to play for the WBs, ridiculous. Increase match payements, 20k aloss and 40k a win, get some incentive back in the Game. Im sure Ben Mowen got a lot of solace from getting smashed for 70 mins of a Test match, and then seeing players like Tarmini or Dennis run on for the last 10 mins, after all the hard work was done, knowing both players are receiving top ups. The Rugby Nursery in Aus is quite small, correct me if im wrong, but the only Schools playing Rugby are the private Schools, selected Catholic Schools and a couple of State Schools in the GPS Comp. There are plenty of little Rugby Clubs trying to survive playing Junior Rugby, but get very help from the ARU. When you consider the number of NZ and ISLANDER families living in Aus, and sending their children to State Schools, that only play Rugby League, when im sure the parents preference would be Rugby. The problem with youth sport in Oz is it is too expensive, and a lot of parents just cant afford it .The ARU needs a new direction,i think Pulver and Link are the right people for the job, they just have to make some hard decisions. Get rid of the top ups, it is an unfair system, put the WBs on an incentive plan, a win and loss system. Sure we will lose some players, i hope the door hits them on the arse on the way out, good riddence, short term pain, for long term gain. Taimini was on a 200k top up ,on top of his Tars contract, but it still wasant enough.Dont kid yourself, Falou is just another Rocky with a different hair style, he is playing Rugby because the ARU are paying the most money, he has a top managerment team behind him, continually scouting new deals, when his Rugby contract runs out. Rugby followers sadly tend to look at things through rose coloured glasses, when the so called Messiahs return from injury, nothing will change , i smile to myself, every time someone says when Higgers, Pockock and Palu return all will be alright. It will still be the same with the honest toilers still doing the work, and the unfairness of a top up sysyem. Get rid of the top up, pay players on performance, remember, if the Pigs dont win tht Scrum, and the tall trees dont win the lineout, Falou cant score tries, somewhere along we have lost sight of the fact,Rugby is a Team gams. Put the top up money into the Junior Rugby Clubs, and watch our Game grow.

Hi All and a Happy New Year Geoff B, excellent summation. I tend to agree with Biltong Bek in his earlier post. But how about restraint of trade. It is a major issue. Presently S15 is without doubt the best Rugby comp in the world. If you want to be the best, this is where you want to play.Should SANZAR make playing S15 a requisite for national selection??????? They are of course within their rights, once again restraint of trade rears its ugly head. Therefore should we ask the players, who have options, what is more important to them, playing for and against the best and proving themselves on the highest stage? Therefore making themselves available for their national teams, or making themselves and their families financially secure?? Let us take take the 4 RC nations in turn. For the Argies their situation is entirely different and they have no choices other than to play for money and a better competition. For SA they have apparently the best of both worlds, however IMO their OS players suffer due to their play in lower competition and SA suffers in two ways, first by selection the OS players on reputation and second by stifling the players that remain and continue to work hard by denigrating their effort. Now OZ and NZ both countries where players not playing S15 are not considered for national selection. IMO there is a major difference in the drive by the players in these two countries of their commitment and desire for their respective colors. As an All Black supporter, there is no question where my sympathies lie. Would that it were all that simple????

Gene Fairbanks. Radike Samo Is Gerard still kicking about somewhere?

Felix, I get the feeling that the economy is the reason why people spend so much money in December, they have behaved all year and feel a sense of entitlement to break the bank once a year. I think.

Me too Biltong but damn the economy makes even the biggest spenders take note of their actions if responsible,I'm sure naturally you have it worked out. Is there a better time to overspend,plenty of excuses,January is recovery month,Luckily I was with friends for most of it so spending was spread out amongst us 50/50 haha ;-)

Yep, had a quiet christmass, spent it with the family and tried to be more frugal with my money. Sadly, I failed miserably. ;)

Did you enjoy your festive,stayed away from road accidents I hope,my cousin survived are bump with a truck 4 others in other cars didnt make it,apparantly the truck had faulty breaks.

Fully agree with you Felix, I don't blame the players, it is all on SARU and HM.

Biltong I agree with some of your points but please consider the fact that non of the bok overseas players have made any request to be selected for the boks,they are in hope of bieng selected,obviously they think they are still good enough so why not help your country of birth if they request your services. I think your biggest enemy is HM himself but you know SA and how long coaches last with even a hint of mediocrity in results,what can I say he's human and wants to keep his job.

My suggestion has always been, get to 50 test caps (or 140 Top 14 caps) and you can be selected wherever you are playing.

?????? The best rugby is played in the SH? The majority of Samoas, Tongas and Fijis players play up north and so do would be Wallaby squad members G.Smith, Giteau, Kimlin, Palmer, Ioane, Mitchell and JOC and so do Bok squad members Fourie, Steenkamp, Steyn, du Preez, Vermark, JP, Habana, Pienaar, Louw and would be ABs squad members Hayman, Afoa and Ranger. Also a combined total of about 600-700 SANZAR professional players and the entire squads of England, France, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Italy, Georgia and Argentinas first choice squads. The majority of the worlds best players play up nort now and its becoming more every year. Just because the six nations champs dont win against SANZAR (not the SH!!!!!!) does not mean that the best rugby is played here. Just like when Brazil beat England it doesnt mean that Brazil has a better domestic comp in football.

Original thought. Genius.

The best rugby is played in the south. The most money is paid in the north.

So let me understand that players who have been developed in this country which is already short on real talent should be allowed to ply their trade overseas at the cost of struggling SR franchises that will weaken their ability to compete and based on form be selected to wear the Wallaby Jersey and where needed the ARU can spend much needed cash on NRL players have I got that right? And restraint of trade has been brought up along with comparisons to other codes. Wow what a conundrum. 1. Players can choose who they want to play for, no Problem 2. National teams representatives can decide who wears their Jerseys, no Problem 3. Letting players ply their trade other then Aus is a problem in the fact that the SR comp is the best in the world but doesn't pay as much as others, where financially able factor in an increase and the fact that should you decide to remain here there is more opportunity to be selected to represent your national team restraint of trade NO every business has a set of rules that should any employee wanting to ply their trade in can make an informed decision. 4. If the so called exodus of quality players overseas occurs because of decision to still consider them for National team selection where will that leave the existing SR teams and especially those 2 already mentioned? 5. Why did the ARU allow 2 new teams into the SR knowing they did not have the resources to provide a good standard of competition. More question then answers What is a solution? Show young players a career path that is rewarding and with hard work achievable? If I was to say to a talented young rugby player mate you need to stay with the game because it can provide you with a lifestyle opportunity and he says great what does it look like, what do I show him? Anyhow just my opinion

a little more to add to your response re "average or ageing Kiwis like Greg Somerville, Ged Robinson and Jayden Hayward" Jayden Hayward - 24 when he signed for Force, so he must be the 'average' player? A good Taranaki man. 2008 Air NZ Cup (now ITM Cup) - most promising player of the year and for back of the year. 2009 - second-youngest player (next to Dagg) in Highlanders squad. 2010 ITM Cup - played every match, top try scorer, back of the year. 2011 - 7 starts + 4 as sub for Hurricanes. 2011 broke NZ first-class rugby record - scoring a try in 10 consecutive matches, and 2012 celebrated 50 consecutive ITM games without injury. Decidedly average. See how he goes this year, with the Force's eight SA signings. Force Exiles?

"Why wouldn’t the same happen to Aus if they let all their players go overseas?." If IRB had the same rules as FIFA, that would never happen. The keys to a completely free market is a global season and about ten fixture dates for the national teams (when no club rugby at a higher level is allowed and clubs can not stop players from represent a national team). I am pretty sure this will happen within ten years.

No, Im giving the reasons why professional sportsman head offshore. Rugby is different to every other sport and our sportsman are different right? There is always going to be those that leave for money alone but eventually it will be for money and playing at the biggest clubs and best comp in the world.

Interesting point Adsa. There is endless discussion about the rights and wrongs of team selections as it is, I can't imagine what it would be like if the team was being drawn from all quarters based on credentials and comparisons invisible to the supporters. I think a few poor performances and all those supporters the move is supposed to benefit would just evaporate. There would be little or no emotional connection to the players and all frustration would be directed even more at management and the team as an entity. So many people here bang on about tribalism and playing for each other - why would any of them get in and support a team scratched together from players completely uninvolved with Australian rugby?