Putting aside the Wallabies’ win over the Blacks, which was simply excellent, one of the most noticeable bits of the construction puzzle has been the depth of this Australian squad.
In previous years there was the first 15 players and the rest. When injury hit the Robbie Deans’ teams it was assumed it would hurt the Wallabies chances.
I don’t ever recall selectors making eight changes to the team as occurred for the game against New Zealand. And that this game was against New Zealand bears repeating. This was not a match where a win against inferior opposition was assumed.
As a brief aside, this is not meant as a slight against Robbie Deans or, for the matter, Ewen McKenzie. Both were exceptional coaches though I suspect they would have been constrained by the powers that be from the experimentations of Michael Cheika. It’s also probably worth noting Michale Cheika’s Waratahs and Wallabies have been remarkable injury free for whatever reason.
But back to the main point. I believe no less a judge than Tim Horan was reported to have expressed doubt about the new nine and ten combination to take on the All Blacks.
It seems he was half right, as the Waratahs’ combination did not fare well. Who would have thought last week that the starters next week are likely to be Nic White and Matt Toomua. Now, that really would have been a provocative selection set for the first Test against the Blacks.
The systematic selection process for the midfield is laudable. Will Genia was first choice halfback until injured, and I for one hope he is recovering. After that, Michael Cheika has been faithful to Nick Phipps, though that faith looks about to be tested in the next game.
Three number 10’s have been given opportunities to take ownership of the jumper and it is likely the least tried so far, Matt Toomua, will be offered the next big chance.
One way or another, the 9-10 combination is likely to be settled at the end of the next test, subject to the variability of Will Genia’s recovery.
When that is done, the backs will be set, except for left wing where three good options are available in Drew Mitchell, Henry Speight and Rob Horne.
The other four backs played themselves into repeat selections next week. Matt Giteau was particularly outstanding. He gave 20 odd kilos away to one of the game’s true icons in Sonny Bill Williamd and held his own. Plenty of other good footballers in two codes have failed that test.
In the forwards, the experimentation seems to be done for the moment. Of the starting eight against the Blacks, only Sekope Kepu and Stephen Moore were locked in selections in the first game of the current series. That was only three games ago.
Who would have thought James Horwill and Dean Munn would be successfully partnered in the second row? And across the back of the scrum, the combination of Hooper, Pocock and Fardy? Unlikely at best a month ago.
Any pack which can match the Blacks is very, very good and the run on eight on Saturday all played themselves into repeat selections next week. The only visible flaw was the line out which might benefit from the addition of Rob Simmons though maybe not enough to offset the loss of the physicality of either of the other locks.
If any change is to be made in the forwards it could well be Wycliff Palu for Ben McCalman, mainly for the sake of another few kilos and some pretty aggressive running from the bench.
In a nutshell, this group is in a good place. It would seem Michael Cheika is bringing out some of the best in the squad through internal competition and his rhetoric. It would seem he will have the settled squad for the World Cup.
As a long, long time supporter, you’ve gotta love it.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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