Wallabies past and present have hailed the ARU’s decision to allow elite overseas-based players to remain in the Test frame a masterstroke as calls grow louder for Matt Giteau and George Smith to return for this year’s Rugby World Cup.
Despite potentially losing out on a spot in Australia’s 30-man World Cup squad to Smith, NSW Waratahs captain Dave Dennis believes the dispensation for a select few loyal servants like the 111-Test flanker is a brilliant compromise.
Smith, Giteau and fellow France-based former Wallabies star Drew Mitchell are the only three offshore players who currently meet the strict criteria of having played at least 60 Tests and seven years of professional rugby in Australia.
But there is a raft of Wallabies weighing up their future, including 53-Test playmaker Quade Cooper and 45-Test flanker David Pocock, who might opt to stick around in Australia for another year to secure the long-service gold card back into the Wallabies while enjoying life in Europe or Japan.
“They’ve obviously been pretty smart about where they’ve drawn the line in terms of Tests and years of service,” Dennis said on Thursday.
“Initially, there’s only a select few but, over time, it will allow more a bit more flexibility in terms of where they play their rugby.
“And maybe it will invite guys who are around that 40 or 50 mark who are overseas to come back to Super Rugby and try to fall into that category.
“It’s not going to be open slather but it will allow for those top-end players to come back and contribute to Australian rugby, which is really positive.”
Wallabies vice-captain Adam Ashley-Cooper is another major beneficiary of the ARU’s dramatic shift in its selection policy.
The 104-Test stalwart had been resigned to 2015, and hopefully the Rugby World Cup, being his international swan song.
But the 31-year-old is now chuffed to have the best of both worlds, finishing his career in France with his partner and near his great mates Giteau and Mitchell, while also being able to carry on wearing the Wallabies gold, if his form continues to warrant selection.
“It’s win-win,” Ashley-Cooper said on Thursday.
More immediately, Dennis said the policy change could be gold for Australia.
He joined former Wallaby captains Stirling Mortlock and Phil Waugh in backing Smith and Giteau to slot straight back into the Test side should coach Michael Cheika call on the veterans for the Rugby Championship and/or World Cup in Britain.
“Both those players are capable of playing international football. They’ve proven in the past,” Dennis said.
“I’ve heard good reports of both of them playing well over there and they’re professional players who have always performed well.”
Active Australian players with more than 60 Test caps
* George Smith (Lyon) – 111
* Adam Ashley-Cooper (NSW Waratahs bound for Bordeaux) – 104
* Matt Giteau (Toulon) – 92
* Stephen Moore (Brumbies) – 92
* Ben Alexander (Brumbies and off contract) – 72
* Benn Robinson (Waratahs) – 72
* Drew Mitchell (Toulon) – 63
* James Slipper (Queensland Reds and off contract) – 63 ***
Overseas-bound Australian players who could pass 60 Tests in 2015
* Will Genia (Reds bound for Stade Francais) – 58
* James Horwill (Reds bound for London Harlequins) – 58
* Wycliff Palu (Waratahs bound for Japan) – 54
* Quade Cooper (Reds reportedly bound for Toulon) – 53
* Sekope Kepu (Waratahs bound for Bordeaux) – 52
Australia-based players who could pass 60 Tests in 2015
* Tatafu Polota-Nau (Waratahs) – 50
* Rob Simmons (Reds and off contract) – 50
* Kurtley Beale (Waratahs and off contract) – 49
*** denotes needs to play in Australia in 2016 to meet criteria of having held a contract in Australian rugby for seven seasons after debuting for the Reds and Wallabies in 2010.
tinfoil hat
Guest
Who cares what he is or does off the rugby field, other than myopic ranters like you? Are you a beige cardigan wearing short back and sides conformist boot licker Johnno? Does it matter?
Mapu
Guest
Wannabes are flapping
super15
Guest
I remember how smith slotted back into the wallabies for the ill fated lions test.
Birdy
Guest
I call that mighty big talk for a fan (presumably) of an international side ranked 5th. I'm sure if we scour Europe we could find a couple of players that might at least make the bench for the Force.
Johnno
Guest
So what, Hooper's a hippy now.
Johnno
Guest
lol mania maybe a bit mate lol
boonzie
Guest
Gits found his mojo drinking watery wine in france :)
boonzie
Guest
Spot on. Useful if we have some injuries... But a few second rowers are what we really need...
Existentialist
Guest
Personally I reckon he makes a better cake! But hey, who am I to judge ;)
Brett McKay
Expert
It certainly works for Miss Universe!
Brett McKay
Expert
It's the same for Australia, too, and in his case, it looks like he may not have joined the Reds Academy until 2010 - although would that include the 2009/2010 pre-season?!? Now it's getting confusing..
Sammy
Guest
Drew Mitchell record prior to going overseas won't warrant him a position in a starting XV or matchday squad of 23. These three players haven't played test matches for 4 years and there are players that are superior in their respective positions. Of course "Wallabies past and present have hailed the ARU’s decision" because it gives them the best of both worlds - chase the money and still be eligible. As usual the Wallabies have became the focus and the rest of the system is left to struggle.
Brad T
Guest
The greatest need is for depth in the forwards and for players not past their prime. Great players in Europe are not necessarily up to speed with super rugby quality, or internationals. Look at Rocky Elsom. Rated best in Europe having won the Heineken cup. Was hopeless when he came back to play for Australia. The new rule will not include the players we need most of all and should be broadened.
Kane
Guest
Interesting, when did he first enter the Reds Academy? Generally across the dutch if you are in an academy you've signed some sort of contract.
Brett McKay
Expert
Kane, I'm writing a column for tomorrow currently, and have just looked Slipper up further. He actually went from the Reds Academy to SR debut to Aust Baabaas selection to Test debut by early June 2010! He was the Aust U20s Player of the Year in 2009, so his first pro contract may not have been until 2010, meaning he would still need to play next year to hit seven years..
Play the Game
Guest
Both Smith and Gitaeu will add experience, but the game has moved on.It will be hard to see ,if they get game time ,but during practice sessions they will be valuable members of the squad.Only problem will be whether they will be happy with that role.French club rugby to test level is a big jump after so many years away from it.
The OG AlBo
Roar Guru
Ha. Got me there. Universe class is a thing, yeah?
Michael Essa
Roar Guru
of the three I reckon Drew Mitchell is probably more important because he would be the only one i think could make the starting xv for the wallabies. I'd have Giteau in my squad only because he covers 3 positions. George smith does not cover 3 positions... he covers 1.
piru
Guest
Sorry, who's calling for George Smith to return? Great player but surely with Pocock and Hooper in fine form and now Hodgson back from injury the Wallabies are pretty well set for 7s?
Worlds Biggest
Guest
I wouldn't have these guys starting either but they could be great squad players if required. Both Gits and Smith can cover three positions. There overall experience would be invaluable at a World Cup.