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.
John
Guest
Why are we talking about Genia? Do we not remember how bad the wallabies backs were with Genia in place for the Boks? Phipps was the one who changed that game (along with Toomua on for Cooper) with his directness. Sure, he had a shocker. But his work to date warrants faith. Genia's recent record doesn't. White hasn't impressed me before but he sure did on the weekend. I'd be alright with him getting the nod.
Mushu
Roar Pro
I have a sneaky suspicion that this is the case...that White-Toomua-Giteau are best combining for the last 20. However, the combo deserves a crack at a start to prove otherwise. If it falls a part at least we will have a clearer idea of how the bench should be managed. Perhaps White has matured under Cheika? maybe the Giteau element provides leadership and stability? If something has changed now ' s the time to test. winning the Bledisloe would be great. But, there is a bigger trophy on offer this year. The Wallabies owe to themselves and their fans to do everything in their power to win the Bill. Even if that means sacrificing the first realistic shot at the Bledisloe in years to fine tune a run at the Bill. In my opinion anyway.
Lindommer
Guest
Maybe the White/Toomua/Giteau axis is better off as finishing? White's had a few starts in gold, in which he hasn't shone. Maybe too much time on the paddock induces him to box-kick.
Lindommer
Guest
Simmons could play at 6, but not in the remaining matches before the RWC, he's injured. And not a chance in the RWC.
zenn
Guest
Good points Mushu...reading between the lines Phipps/Foley could be ditched with Genia/Cooper and White/ Toomua as the halves packages. Giteau has the versatility to cover9,10,12 and Beale could cover 10,12. These add much more attacking potency than White/Foley.
Mushu
Roar Pro
the last quarter of the game on Saturday showed the potential of a 9-10-12 axis made up of White-Toomua-Giteau. This axis has to start against the All Blacks in Bledisloe 2 for the following reasons: 1. To assess if White-Toomua-Giteau are the first choice combo against the best team in the world fired up and hellbent on revenge...? or is this combo just great at closing out games? 2. to give White more game time to assess if he has shaken the habit of brain fades under pressure and if he can replicate the bustle he brings in 20 minutes in a full 80 (or 60 minutes). Rewatching the game, I found that I hardly noticed Kuridrani. If there's one thing the Wallabies' backline must work on this weekend, it's figuring out why they couldn't get a hard running, tackle busting 13 more opportunity in space. As to the back up half-backs: in my mind, halfbacks should be played in their Super Rugby combinations. The experience of playing and training together all season long should allow an instinctual awareness of where the other player is when quick ball is on. This was not evidenced in the Phipps-Foley combination (probably to the detriment of their chances of starting at the RWC). This idea is also a further argument for White-Toomua. Genia-Cooper should be given an opportunity to see if they have more/something different to offer. Assuming fitness, they should get a crack in the last quarter against the ABs and game time against Fiji and Uruguay in the group stages. Possible a quarter against Wales and England too. Cheika should leave the forwards as is. Any Wallabies pack that manages that scrumming performance against the Blacks should be considered for knighthood, lineouts be damned. Fortunately, there is a week for the current 8 to work on lineout combinations. No new personnel required. Keep this group together for as long as possible imo. The only concern I have is the lack of proper number 8. Having the top two fetchers in the world tearing into every contact point is gold. Not having an extra forward at the back covering kicks like Reid or vermeulen do is potentially exploitable. If the dynamic duo (Hooper obviously gets designated as "Boy Wonder" here) are ripping into defense, there's no need for Fardy to be in the defensive line too. He should drop back and offer his back 3 rucking support should they hit contact while running it back or an extra pair of hands to field box kicks/up-and-unders. Now that the ABs have seen this team at work, it comes down to how this group will evolve for the Bledisloe decider. Here's hoping the men in gold are up for it.
Golden
Guest
It sounds like you're fixing to force square pegs into round holes Connor33. If Foley doesn't get the 10 jersey, expect to see him ousted from the 23, much like he was before, and in the same way that Cooper was last week. Toomua, Giteau, Beale and Lealiifano are all interchangeable between 10 and 12 so it does not seem realistic for Chieka to try and push either Foley or Cooper in to that mould too. I expect we'll see Fardy stick around for the next game to uphold the new found combination balance between Pocock and Hooper and himself. I wouldn't be surprised to see him rested against the USA to give him a chance to be in perfect shape for the RWC. In fact, I think we'll see several changes for the USA game. I expect Chieka to use it as a test ground for the likes of Speight, Lealiifano, Smith and Palu, who have all had little or no game time at test level recently.
Connor33
Guest
At his best, Cooper could well be the best 10 in the country. At his worst, I'd take a Shute Shield 10 before him any day of the week. Look at Dan Carter's kick off this weekend. Cooper does this on an (in)consistent basis in big games. He had a crack at a WC at 10. Time for another to have a crack. **all that said, if he embraces the finisher concept, I'm not adverse to him being on the plane and on the bench. He's pass to AAC was the best I've seen since Campese '91. But we never put Campese at 10. I've got this feeling that it will be either Beale or Cooper for the so-called x-factor position. Larkham will have a big say and probably seek CLL if the team is forward heavy.
ForTheLoveOfRed!
Guest
Ignoring the fear of a backlash from the Simmons detractors....I know he is currently injured but could he work as cover at 6? He did a few times with the Reds and without having perfect recall - i think it worked? That way you can have him on the field for his lineout nous with the two more starchy locks on also. I think it would be the only way you could finish a game with Palu at 8 and Skelton at lock. As Nathan Sharpe commented on Saturday, Pooper has worked - but it is not an option we should visit every single game. So if Fardy needs that rest, do we give Simmons a try at 6? Even if we tried it against USA?
PeterK
Roar Guru
Cheika has had a few Wallaby injuries in fact. Horne, Gits, Genia 1st test Simmons second test Winning was excellent but the standard of play was erratic error prone spliced with Brilliance.
Rugby.ftw
Guest
Wouldn't cooper have it over foley in this respect? Cooper used to actually play 12 earlier in his career, and while he wasn't great against Argentina in attack I'm pretty sure he was sound defensively, which I cant see foley replicating from 12. Cooper must deserve another crack, especially after foleys performance, probably from the bench though. Can't put all our eggs in the toomua basket, he's had less game time than both of them, and has less experience than both as well.
HarryT
Guest
Cheika has stated that he wants to develop a squad of 45 players that he will interchange so they are all Test experienced. E.g. Moore, TPN and Latu. Training has become ferocious and competition is fierce. Apparently Nic White got a start on the bench because he had been 'training the house down', whatever that means.
Connor33
Guest
I think Fardy needs a rest and McCal would be the closest like for like. Perhaps Palu on the bench, but Fardy would be fine. We'll need Mitchell's kicking and smarts in England, so happy for him to stay. Foley and Phipps will probably be given another go as much as I rate Toomua. I think Cheika should just say: Phipps-Foley 40 minutes/White-Toomua 40 minutes unless there is an injury to someone else in the first 40. To be fair to Cooper, Foley should be tests at 12 to see if he can cope with the demands of the position and it would fit with the broader full team 23 approach. Can Foley finish? I think Cooper, though, may be a spot of bother as I sense Cheika and Larkham want transferable players across the backline, especially if they go with 3 half backs.
The Electronic Swagman
Guest
Thank you. A very interesting analysis. I think Chieka's game plan passes the simplest of tests, someone like me, certainly no expert, understands it. If there is a variation that happens when Skelton and possibly Palu comes on after a fast paced game, then I understand that as well. Most importantly, it seems Cheika is able to make things clear to the combatants in the heat of the battle.