With Ewen McKenzie set to announce his squad in the next couple of weeks for the upcoming Tests in June, I thought I would select my match day 23.
I do believe Link will stick with players tried in the past (at least early on) in effort to get unity and a familiarity similar to what has been used by the Queensland Maroons in the State of Origin.
My team looks a little like this:
1. James Slipper (Queensland Reds)
Has been outstanding for the Reds in a losing team. His work rate around the field is probably the best in world rugby in his position, and although he isn’t the best scrummager, he is a known favourite of Link and will be there when announced.
2. Stephen Moore (ACT Brumbies)
Moore has continued his terrific form from the spring tour over to the Brumbies this year, and has been one of the most consistent Wallaby forwards. He will be one of the first picked.
3. Ben Alexander (ACT Brumbies)
This was a tough decision because of the continued development of Paddy Ryan at the Waratahs. I do believe Ewen will stick with Alexander due to his combination with Moore, however I do not believe this to be a safe position and Alexander will have to perform from the get-go
4. Rob Simmons (Queensland Reds)
Another tough decision cause I do believe Simmons’ work rate is the worst out of all forwards in the Wallabies set-up. However, his line out prowess with the Reds has been outstanding.
He really is the guru at line out time and McKenzie will want a solid set-piece to unleash his back.
5. James Horwill (Queensland Reds) (c)
Another tough choice due to the lack of success of the Reds but Horwill has been working his guts off and I’ve never seen a top flight player with more passion for the Wallabies and Reds.
I feel like Will Skelton is coming but maybe a year or two off a starting berth. I do not consider Kane Douglas or Hugh Pyle due to their decision to go overseas. Horwill will be there and he will be Skipper.
6. Scott Fardy (ACT Brumbies)
Burst onto the International scene last year and has continued good form with the Brumbies, adds another lineout jumper for the Wallabies and his pilfering ability will be very helpful. Certain choice.
7. Michael Hooper (NSW Waratahs) (vc)
I don’t think I even need to write anything about this guy. Will be one of the first picked.
8. Scott Higginbotham (Melbourne Rebels)
Unlucky to miss last year with a shoulder injury but has been great since coming back. Wallabies will need his ball running and is a fourth option in the line out.
9. Will Genia (Queensland Reds)
Another really tough choice. I think Mckenzie will give Genia first crack at the job but don’t be surprised if Nic White quickly takes over if Genia cannot gain some form fast.
10. Quade Cooper (Queensland Reds)
McKenzie’s favourite son will no doubt be at 10. Don’t be surprised if Quade hits some form. McKenzie seems to know how to get the best out of Cooper and will trust in this ability when choosing his side.
11. Nick Cummins (Western Force)
Damaging ball running, strong defensively and yeah, he’s the Honey Badger. Will definitely be picked avoiding injury.
12. Matt Toomua (ACT Brumbies)
Has been outstanding this year leading the Brumbies around. Will be a perfect foil outside Cooper with calmness and kicking accuracy key.
13. Tevita Kirundrani (ACT Brumbies)
Hard ball runner and continues improver when entrusted with duties. Will be a solid defender. We can expect big things from him this year.
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW Waratahs)
Mr Consistent. Mr Versatile. Mr Wallaby… whatever you call him, this guy is there. One of the first picked for the wallabies without a doubt
15. Israel Folau (NSW Waratahs)
The freak as I’ve started calling him. Everything he touches turns to gold. He is an Athletic freak. He is key to wallabies success this year.
Interchange
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau (NSW Waratahs)
17. Paddy Ryan (NSW Waratahs)
18. Benn Robinson (NSW Waratahs)
19. Will Skelton (NSW Waratahs)
20. Wycliff Palu (NSW Waratahs)
21. Matt Hodgson (Western Force)/Christian Le’alifiano (ACT Brumbies)
22. Nic White (ACT Brumbies)
23. Kurtley Beale (NSW Waratahs)
My bench consists of impact players, guys who are going to come on and make an impact. Ball running aggression from Palu and Ryan, powerful defence from Polota-Nau and Skelton, while the silky skills of Le’alifano who the x-factor of Kurtley Beale will be needed.
I’ve got Matt Hodgson and Christian Le’alifano going up against the French as they’re always physical and Link might want to take an extra forward.
My team is almost identical to the one that finished off last year, and I do believe that is who McKenzie will first go with. However if their Wallaby form cannot differ from club form for some of these players, do not be surprised if many are dropped.
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