It’s been a long time since I can remember an Australia ‘A’ team being fielded. Whether a midweek game against a touring national team or during the Pacific Nations Cup in 2007 and 2008.
The last time I remember there being an ‘A’ side was under the name the Australian Barbarians, which played England midweek.
It was from such games that fringe squad members of the Wallabies were tested to see if they were likely to make the next step up. Players like Ben McCalman and James O’Connor really stood out in those matches, eventually making it to the Wallabies.
I think it would be great for such matches to come back and really test all the Wallabies squad members.
For some time now, I wanted to try and pick an Australia ‘A’ side that would likely occur if such matches were brought back.
My criteria includes that no players would likely make the Wallabies matchday squad, when a full squad is available, and that all players must be based in Australia. Injured players are also left out.
Now I want to really test the depth of postions in the Wallabies, so I might opt for non-wallaby squad members that can fill positions, even if a squad member is available. Or I might lean to players that show promise as future Wallabies over players who already have Wallabies experience.
1) Scott Sio
A bit of a toss between him and Pek Cowan. But I think Sio has a lot of potential and will gain valuable experience from such matches. Nothing new to learn from Cowan and he will most likely wear the 17 shirt.
2) James Hanson
A few years ago, in 2011, I thought this guy was the next big thing at hooker for the Wallabies, but I think he has lost a little confidence being understudy to Saia Fainga’a for a few years. This year he has really stepped up and I would like to see if he’s still on the rise. I think Nathan Charles is certain to fill the bench spot.
3) Laurie Weeks
Nothing spectacular, but has been a solid scrummager – an aspect that has been lacking in top level Australian prop for a while. A bit unlucky to be dropped from the Wallabies squad.
4) Will Skelton
Even though he did start for the Wallabies against France, I still think he needs to learn the ropes of rugby another level up from Super Rugby. France were attrocious and I don’t think starting him against the All Blacks or Boks is a good idea. I think the bench spot for the Wallabies will be taken up by the experienced hands of James Horwill.
5) Sam Wykes
Highly underrated. This guy would perfectly balance out Skelton’s physicality with high work rate and line out skills. He has been immense for the Force. Unfortunate that injuries have hampered him over the years.
6) Luke Jones
This guy can easily fill the lock position as well. However, I would like to see him more in the six shirt. He’s got high work rate, with solid carries. This is a position I think he should grow into.
7) Matt Hodgson
Was a tackle machine for the Force and made remarkable turnovers. How could this guy have been overlooked for the matchday squad during the French series? He definitely deserves a chance to show Ewen McKenzie what he’s got. Liam Gill was unlucky, but needs to work his way back from injury.
8) Scott Higginbotham
Scott has shown he has what it takes for the Wallabies. But for the Rebels this year, he’s been playing a bit loose with not so much hard carries and tackles. I think it would be good if he can go back to basics a little and do more of the tight work, then he will be a more rounded player. I’m sure this is what McKenzie expects too.
9) Luke Burgess
He’s been solid for the Rebels and has learnt a lot from his stint in France. Delivery can still be a bit slow, but it will be good to see how he will fit in with the Wallabies again.
10) Christian Lealiifano
He played so well in this position at 10 during the 2012 Super Rugby season. He was one of the best 10s in Australia, if not the best that season. I think he could be a much better back up 10 then Beale.
11) Rob Horne
Picked Horne here based on my prediction of Joe Tomane and Patrick McCabe making the match day squad. Horne’s done really well this year at this position. He’s a solid tackler, strong runner and runs good angles. I think playing on the wing allows Horne to inject himself into the game with these skills.
12) Mitch Inman
Solid defender and strong carrier. Would love to see how he goes another level up. Unfortunately, he’ not the play-making 12 McKenzie looks for. Ben Tapuai has already shown what he has to offer and did well enough as a filler in 2012, but is not the future. Too bad Kyle Godwin is injured again.
13) Samu Kerevi
He’s only played two Super Rugby matches, but has already shown how much of a threat he can be. Kerevi was a handful against the Force and the Waratahs had to keep a close eye on him on backline moves. Why he wasn’t introduced earlier in the season, I’ll never know. Kerevi looks to be in the same mold as Tevita Kuridrani, but seems to have a better running game. It’s hard to tell only after only two matches, but he deserves a go.
14) Henry Speight
I assume Australia ‘A’ matches don’t fall under the same eligibility rules that require three years of residency. These matches will be perfect for this guy to practice playing with McKenzie’s game plan before automatically thrown into the run-on squad for the Wallabies. No need to describe Speight’s ability on the field.
15) Jesse Mogg
Mogg has been working his way back to his best form as the Super rugby season comes close to an end. I don’t think he’s done yet on the international scene, with his big boot, speed and counter-attacking skills. I think he was harshly dropped from the match day squad by McKenzie in 2013, after his first starts against the All Blacks.
16) Saia Fainga’a
17) Toby Smith
18) Paul Alo-Emile
19) Adam Coleman
20) Liam Gill
21) Nick Frisby
22) Ben Volavola
23) Tom English or Cam Crawford
So what do you think Roarers? Let me know who you’d like to see in an Australia ‘A’ team, as well as any promising players who should be looked at.
Glefty
Guest
Wouldn't a UK passport allow you to play for any of England, Wales or Scotland? And an EU passport to play for any euro rugby squad? How would the IRB differentiate that? I ask because I hold 2 passports & am eligible for a third & I'm sure there are plenty of young players who could also be eligible for 2/3 nationalities via birth, parents/grandparents, residence & the like.
Ben
Guest
All good and close to the mark. I think Link will go for Carter at 5 with Skelton on bench in place of Horwill. McCalman for his toughness ahead of Higgenbotham and Phipps ahead of Burgess. Aus A team is OK but is short on X Factor until, as you say, Moore, Pocock, O'Connor, Cooper, Genia even Ioane and Kimlin are available.
Jerry
Guest
Yeah...I think there's a pretty big difference of opinion here. I reckon if it makes recruiting young NZ players less desirable to Irish clubs that's probably a good thing. And maybe it makes the likes of Ireland change their recruitment model to get rid of the 'development player'.
Magic Sponge
Guest
At least Link does not agree. Skelton will be in the 23 cause power and getting over the gainline is vital and Skelton provides this , try watching the game tomorrow and see the impact Skelton has.
Antennae
Guest
Skelton no.8 ??
Antennae
Guest
+1 Betham
44bottles
Roar Guru
I can tell you that I know EXACTLY where every single team in international rugby is going to be sending their big centres/back rowers off of set piece Also Sio can't play tighthead, you need Kepu, or Weeks or someone
44bottles
Roar Guru
I'd say when you come up against a lock pair like Whitelock-Retailick, and Etzebeth-Matfield, all very very good in the air, that it will become a big problem, especially since both teams still have their backrowers like Read who can also jump well.
44bottles
Roar Guru
A 12 played at 13, who hasn't played well except when moved back to his main position due to injury. Hooper has played centre, Radike Samo Wing, O'Connor first five, and that's just the ones off the top of my head. Would you call them players in those positions?
Bakkies
Guest
To play 7s for GB in the Olympics it is. If the NZRU had the under 20s as their second team he would have to have a British passport to be able to switch countries. It is very difficult to get a visa to be able to play pro Rugby in the UK so a passport or ancestry visa is like gold. A lot of US and Canada players haven't been able to play pro Rugby in the UK due to tight restrictions. Even though Tuilagi and Mouritz Botha have played Rugby for England it didn't guarantee them the right to live and work in the UK. They had to apply like the rest of us.
the oracle
Guest
I think you are not far off the mark marc (excuse the pun) just not convinced with skelton to go the full 80min. Also who is the THP, slipper? sorry i rate him at LHP but not THP. I think Sio is getting there but did note that the brumbies game against the saders and the brumbies scrum got owned big time. Will digby be back? A awesome runner of the ball but hands like feet and cannot kick. And the other point I would make is form. If all those players are in form!!
Bakkies
Guest
Bar France when you are cap tied it's more difficult to get a longer contract or a contract at all as you will be of no value to the national team. That was the rumoured reason why Nacewa had to leave Leinster and he had to get IRFU dispensation to be able to sign his previous contract. It was the same with Wian du Preez at Munster. Both players were very happy with where they were playing. These were 1 to 2 cap wonders who offered a lot of value to their province but couldn't continue because they weren't available for national team selection as a local player despite being there long enough to qualify. When you think about it for players at 19/20 that aren't big names and have 10 to 12 years ahead of them in the game through imposing the same restrictions that affect older players like du Preez and Nacewa. Therefore it is ridiculous to cut out their options due to cap tying them at under 20s level. This will make players think about national team selection before they hit senior Rugby and that is not good. Even if you aren't a test option in the coach's eyes you are at least able to stay where you are happy and be regarded as a local player. When those players were 21 the game and it's options were a lot different particularly for young New Zealanders. There are a lot more opportunities out there now. Players are breaking in to teams now at a younger age and lads around 25 aren't fussed about leaving in their prime to go abroad rather than two years out from retirement. Heenan is playing in a competitive position (openside) where youngsters break through at a much younger age and Savea is being carted around on AB tours as a non playing member to get a taste. What does the Savea hype say to the other prospects around the same age? Even over ten years ago McCheat, Waugh and Smith were making hay at the age of 20. Croft was young as well. Later on Pocock broke in to Super Rugby at 17. Hooper and Gill are barely 22 and they have a truck load of game time. Even Gill was looking at his options abroad despite test caps. He isn't benching now and if Pocock comes back to full fitness he may be number 3 in the ranks which is not where a 7 wants to be.
Marc Dellapia
Guest
None of those teams listed will beat the All Blacks in the world cup. This one has a chance if we get some players back next year from injury and overseas. 1. James Slipper 2. Tatafu Polota-Nau 3. Sio 4. Rob Simmons 5. Will Skelton 6. Scott Fardy 7. Pocock 8. Wycliff Palu 9. Genia 10. Cooper 11. Digby Ioane 12. Kurtly Beale 13. Tevita Kuridrani 14. Henry Speight 15. Israel Folau
Jerry
Guest
I'm aware that Ireland has a policy that encourages poaching. Look, it's not really preventing people playing in another country, it's preventing them playing FOR another country. I don't think the likes of Heenan being recruited is a good thing and I think you trying to portray a 21 year old as being on the scrap heap is a bit of a joke. There are a bunch of current All Blacks including the likes of Cory Jane, Ben Smith, Liam Messam, Wyatt Crockett, Luke Romano, Conrad Smith and Kieran Read who weren't playing Super Rugby aged 21.
atlas
Guest
There is no requirement re passport. Criteria either 3yr residency or parent/grandparent.
Jerry
Guest
I don't think having a Welsh mother qualifies him for a passport.
Bakkies
Guest
Anscombe hasn't played test Rugby for NZ and has a Welsh mother which would entitle him to a UK Passport so he meets both criterias.
Bakkies
Guest
You are aware that Ireland have a limit of 4 NIQs and 1 development player in their 40 man (plus) provincial squads, sizeable academies, an exiles branch in the UK and don't ban the players that go abroad from national squads. They are far more inclusive than the NZRU and ARU. Why don't NZ and Australia provide more opportunities for their players than they will be able to keep them for the national side? The ARU are cutting the EPS where are the incentives to develop if you haven't got a contract out of school? ffs. NZ wouldn't even offer a Super Rugby contract for their under 20s captain from a couple of years ago (Heenan). It's their own fault players are looking for opportunities from elsewhere. If they aren't wanted why restrict their options to have a Rugby career elsewhere.
warrenexpatinnz
Roar Guru
Been a long time Nek that the Wallabies have had a squad of players, then some, that offer some decent fire power regardless of change.
warrenexpatinnz
Roar Guru
On paper that looks like a very competitive side.