Former Wallabies have been adamant Waratahs behemoth Will Skelton must bide his time before being awarded a Wallaby jumper.
Bollocks.
At 203 centimetres and 135 kilograms Skelton has the man-power to make his presence felt at international level, with Waratahs coach Michael Cheika, and Wallaby coach Ewen McKenzie more than capable of giving Skelton a crash course in how to use his massive frame.
And the prospect of teaming Skelton up with his Waratah lock partner Kane Douglas, at 202cm and 123kg, would give the Wallabies the biggest 4-5 combination in my memory.
Cometh te hour, cometh the man holds good – or in this case cometh the men.
Sure, they are both raw at this stage. Douglas has the experience edge over Skelton, but not by much.
Teaming those two is exciting, leaving the Wallaby incumbents James Horwill and Rob Simmons on the outside looking in.
McKenzie has been looking for depth, now he’s got it.
The Wallaby pack is taking shape, with the Brumbles front row of Scott Sio, Stephem Moore, and Ben Alexander all looking good, with Benn Robinson and James Slipper exerting pressure.
Lock in Skelton and Douglas, leaving the backrow of Ben Mowen (6 and captain), Michael Hooper (7), and Scott Higginbotham (8) with Scott Fardy also in the mix.
That’s as good a pack as I’ve seen over 50 years. Big and mobile.
The Wallaby backline for France has a major problem – halfback.
It’s hard to go past Will Genia, with Nic White putting his hand up as the only genuine alternative.
Quade Cooper has 10 all sewn up, Kurtley Beale likewise at 12, providing his ankle injury isn’t serious, Tevita Kuridrani would be my selection in the 13 jersey, leaving Adam Ashley-Cooper, James Kingston, Cam Crawford, and Joe Tomane to fight out the wing spots,
With the obvious – Israel Folau the first picked at 15.
The more you look at that side, the more you get the feeling that there’s enough sting in the tail to make a genuine bid for the Bledisloe.
While beating the French and winning the Rugby Championship are important targets, nothing is as important than beating the mighty All Blacks.
Since June 2008, there have been 18 clashes with the men in black, for 15 losses, two wins, and a draw.
That’s nightmare territory.
Yet I get the feeling my side can not only bridge the gap, but break the drought.
It will be the first big kill of the Ewen McKenzie watch, and it won’t be the last.
chochie
Guest
don't forget what Beale Offers @ 12....he's the perfect 12 for Link's Game plan....
Mike
Guest
Ah okay... thanks.
LT18
Guest
Firstly, there's no way Beale is playing 12 ahead of Toomua. Secondly, Nick Cummins has to be on one of the wings. That is all.
Hopperdoggy
Guest
Lordy, Lordy.... He's too green, too heavy, too unproven at Super level. Sure he's got potential, but he's nowhere near ready for test level yet. 2016 maybe....
Zulu
Guest
I agree! Imagine having Beale hiding behind Cooper in Defense :-)
bennalong
Guest
Hmmmmmm. Consistency is the key. You must be a Brumbies fan, possibly Reds.
Harry Jones
Expert
It is definitely not Simmons. I don't know if Skelton has mongrel at Test level. Only one way to find out? I think he has some; based on what I've seen. He has a temper.
Kibz
Guest
Speights not eligible till EOYT...Mccabe is an option.
Shop
Guest
Toomua didn't even get a mention?! To me by far the first pick 12 and back up 10.
WallabyTragic
Guest
Tane, I agree with your observations. The question for Ewen and the Wallabies is form and how to go to the next level. Australia does not have the quality across the park in all positions that NZ and SA have. The reality is we haven't for a decade. Our front row is OK but far from world class with the exception of Stephen Moore, who is the best choice for captain. Luke Jones and Hugh McMeniman (if he is ever fit) have the grit we have lacked since Vickerman moved on. Look how easily he returned to the Wallabies after playing college rugby at university! Likewise Palu is out best option at 8 if fit, although he has rarely played well against the AB's. Genia is by the far the best option at halfback, but is suffering in a poor Reds team that is poorly coached. The Reds simply have not adapted a game plan to compensate for the lack of penetration they enjoyed with Digby, Higgers and Samo. Quade does not play 10 and never has, if you watch closely he only calls for the ball on an advantage or a major overlap. What other 10 in world rugby is afforded this luxury? At best he could be a fullback coming into the line to create opportunities. Similarly Beale is not a test centre to suggest he has 12 sewn up is laughable. The form Australian 12 is Pat McCabe, who I thought was terrible in his previous outings under Deans. But I can't deny his form and effort. Australia has suffered from Rockstar syndrome for too long, humility and courage is needed. It's time for the heart of the team to rise above childish pursuits like someone's "brand". If Deans is to be blamed for anything it's not dealing with the lack of discipline quickly and decisively. If he was being influenced by the ARU to play the rockstars for marketing reasons than shame on all of them. Cummins is exactly the player we need right now, someone who will give their all and ask nothing in return. Playing for ones country is a privilege, as shown by the AB's each year. It's not about playing attractive rugby it's about not leaving anything on the pitch if you want to beat the best. It has always been this way.
Johnno
Guest
Skelton is soft though. He's a gentle giant, he's no Bakkies or Etzebeth or O'connell,Horwill,Fardy. You either born with that hard edge, or not you either got it or you don't. Skelton lacks that aggression. A guy like Steven Luatua or Messam, far more aggressive. I can't see Skelton being the pack leader, nor is Simmons.
MattyHunter
Guest
Keep trying to talk up the Wallabies but it won't help your chances. The issues you Aussies have is a cultural thing, not a size issue that you suggest can be remedied by putting some big young fella in the tight five. You're on the right track and the O'Conner issue is definitely bringing you toward to a good culture. Keep it up and you might be a chance in 2019.
Harry Jones
Expert
Will Skelton needs better conditioning, but he is the type of lock that OZ needs to change the dynamic between the Wallaby pack and the Boks, for sure, and maybe even with NZ (although he might be exploited on defense by the All Blacks). Simmons will look good at Super Rugby level, but against SA he will be bullied, and against NZ, he will be invisible. Can't Horwill and Higginbotham and Fardy be enough at lineout time; and throw Skelton in to mix it up against Etzebeth and Flip and Alberts? Any way, I hope OZ continues with Simmons, but I think Lord is right.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Doesnt Aus play France, Eng, Wales and Ire on the eoyt? Wouldnt it be better to blood him at home against a weakened France or Argentina instead of waiting until Nov on the other side of the planet where its 10 games less than if he were blooded now? Traditionally players were taken on tour and played mid week but there are no mid week games on the eoyt and all the games are potentially harder and more important on the eoyt considering the WC is just around the corner. Wernt all of Australias debutants in 2013 debuted before the end of RC with the exception of perhaps Betham who was used in desperation to cover injury and suspension? The days of waiting until the eoyt are gone imo. NZ, Aus and SA are using the early tests at home to blood players. You must be smart about it but it is the best time imo.
Birdy
Guest
Yeah; that is a bit of a problem for Lordy's analysis
Matthew Skellett
Guest
Yeah I agree about Skelton being good to go for the NH tour , too soon to blood him for the Wallabies yet , has to refine his skills -but he does generate a WOW factor with opposition teams -certainly will be a great character for rugby in the coming years
Combesy
Roar Guru
Agreed Tane, though I'd like to see them get a win under their belt then look to blood new talent in the third test if we are up by two. First international of the year needs to set the standard. But agree with your sentiment about EOYT
DMac
Guest
Not so bad considering TPN's scattergun throws....
Combesy
Roar Guru
Then we'd get demolished at line out time. The two lock positions need to be contrast not all big and bash. Needs to be contrasted by smarts, hardwork and good line out skills.
warrenexpatinnz
Roar Guru
Tane I think you have pretty well hit the mark on both your pieces, Cummins is underestimated and take away the media personality and what are we left with? A seriously good footballer.