The makeup of the backline for the Wallabies in 2014 is entirely up in the air. There are so many options to choose from, with many players in the form of their careers in Super Rugby.
The forced absence of Quade Cooper only heightens the doubt surrounding the backs. Some believe that Cooper’s injury could be a blessing in disguise, but this is yet to be seen.
There is a large consensus over Israel Folau at 15 and Nick Cummins on one wing, but the other wing is up for grabs. If Tevita Kuridrani is picked at 13, then the logical choice on the empty wing is Adam Ashley-Cooper.
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Ashley-Cooper has been playing great football for the Waratahs this year at 13, should his form be rewarded with a selection in his position of choice?
The biggest battle it seems is in the 10 and 12 jersey race, as there are credible options for both jerseys and strong cases for each. Basically, it comes down to two different styles of rugby that the Wallabies would play.
The could go with traditional fly-half play with a ball running 12 to straighten the field, complimented by a more skillful but smaller 13. Otherwise, the Wallabies could go with the model most recently seen during last year’s Spring Tour which consisted of a playmaking 10 and 12 in combination with a bigger straight running 13.
Speaking from personal experience, having a playmaking 12 in Matt Toomua improved quality of our backline play in 2013. Having almost a second fly-half that can distribute and relieve pressure with the boot takes the pressure off the 10 to create all attacking chances.
It also seems more difficult to defend at international level. I am well aware of Pat McCabe’s form this year, and his impressive progress in distribution and angle running are seeing him turn into a much more well rounded 12.
However I think his talents would be most useful coming off the bench, where he could cover a number of positions.
Seeing Bernard Foley and Toomua continue to progress as players this year, I would be very excited if they lined up alongside each other to play the French.
I know some are against using Tests to ‘experiment’ with combinations, but I don’t see us having anything to lose by selecting Foley at 10 with Toomua outside him. Toomua’s ballplaying ability, stoic defence and kicking game will allow Foley to ease himself into the Test and give audiences the chance to see if he really is up to Test level.
If he is not, then Lealeafiano or Beale are very strong candidates knocking on the door.
This three-Test series against Les Bleus would be a fantastic occasion to see Foley, Toomua, Kurtley Beale, McCabe, Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano and Ashley-Cooper be given a run in the backline in different combinations.
I don’t see it as devaluing the jersey, but instead rewarding players who’ve put all put their hands up during great seasons with their Super Rugby clubs.
I have faith that the forward pack that is selected will compete fiercely and provide clean ball for our halfback, whether it be Nic White or Will Genia.
This will allow whatever backs we pick in the first Test to show the Australian rugby community why they should be picked for the Rugby Championship later in the year.
Maybe it is the eternal rugby optimist in me speaking, but I wouldn’t want to be a French rugby fan in June.
Lord Bledisloe
Guest
I do agree in some respects. To say there is an embarrassment of riches is a bit of a laugh. If there was world class talent then the positions would pick themselves but there are all these fringe could be world class players that are competing for the one jersey. I hate to compare but look at the AB's, every position is picked as they are truly world class. Picked apart from 10, having carter, cruden and barrett now that is what i call an embarrassment of riches.
Squirrel
Guest
It's a competent and competitive backline but not a great backline. Not in the class 1991 , 1999 or 2003, should be since they are professionals and all.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Aus dont have great options and their forwards are in far better shape. Imo Aus has problems, not options. Halfback is a problem. Right wing is a problem. Flyhalf is a problem. All problems that need to be solved.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
OMG!
tk96
Guest
Wallabies .. mm yeah good talent but not being used to good use, they sorta look like England from a few years ago! Had a really good backline but never used well! and the thing and the thing is that they never seem to play out of their skins! they all play to what they only do well! and teams easily stop that! becos the palyers aint doing anything new!
Kane
Guest
Touché
Jerry
Guest
So are Genia and Cooper and they've got plenty of test caps.
Jerry
Guest
A slightly self conscious feeling of financially comfortables.
Digby
Roar Guru
Where??
Nigel Imrie
Guest
There will be no surprises in the Wallaby selections today. Link will stick as close as poss to spring tour team, no time for experimentation, too much to learn in the short time they have, but would love to see Foley and Toomua at 10&12. But Link wil play Toomua& Lealeafano at 10&12 with Kurindrani and H/badger, AAc and Folau at 15, Beale on bench, he will stick with Genia even though N White has had a better season, Genia's pass is too slow whilst White is lightning fast, with sniping runs and his kicking game is superior, he has added advantage of goal kicking with Lealeafano who has a shorter range. He will also select his dynamic duo to lock the scrum, Palu will start at 8, but would love to see Luke Jones given a chance at 8, Fardy and Hooper automatic with Slipper Moore and Alexander.
PeterK
Guest
VERY TRUE
Kane
Guest
And a fan of the somewhat unconventional bounce pass.
Markus
Guest
An awkward silence of riches? But yes, having more than option available for any given position may be something the Wallabies are unaccustomed to, but it is still a far cry from an embarrassment. Especially where the contest for a position is more due to the lack of an absolute standout than the existence of multiple world class players.
Vincent
Guest
More of a mild feeling of discomfort of riches than an embarrassment.
Selector
Guest
As I have said on other threads, I have enjoyed struggling to pick my favored 23. It almost changes everytime I select it. Things I would love to see. Beale moved to back three with Folau A genuine kicker selected in the XV Genia given the chance, despite his form, he will perform for the gold and Link. Some risk taken in forwards selection, no horwill etc
Tah Man
Guest
Not to be negative but don't know if I would call it an embarrassment of riches. It may be that we have more players to choose from but there are still very few stand out players
The Bleat
Guest
Don't waste your time with Pat Cummins, he's a compulsive forward passer.
The Bleat
Guest
As much as I love the Wallabies, I agree with some of those names and the description against them.
Patrick Effeney
Editor
Pat Cummins sports switch is not the author's fault gents. Editing team had a little barry on this one. Apologies. What was that? A distraction? Wallabies squad to be announced today?
Two Eyed Cyclop
Roar Guru
At last Link is beginning to have Hansen like nice problems with genuine choices and combinations. The bottom line still is whether the forwards get at least parity. If that happens OZ will be very dangerous. Still feel Cooper's injury will prove a positive factor, forced "sabbatical" for him and will pose/answer the questions about whether the depth is imaginary or real. Finally France are the ideal opponents, tough enough to keep the WBs honest, but on current form and missing players not as fearsome as on past occasions. A lot of questions will be answered in June.