On the eve of the Rugby World Cup 2015 opener, I found my mind racing in bed. I was thinking about Michael Cheika’s Wallabies and their chances.
To be specific, I was thinking about all of the talent left behind that couldn’t be squeezed into the 31-man squad.
By the end of the tossing and turning I had selected a Wallabies third XV that I’d like to share, just for the hell of it.
Front row: Faulkner Hanson Weeks
Second row: Carter Horwill
Back row: Higginbotham Vaea GillHalves: White Leiilifano
Centres: Kerevi Hunt
Wings: O’Connor Cummins
Fullback: MoggReserves: Robinson Fainga’a Alexander Butler Arnold Jones Stirzaker Debreczini
We can debate ad nauseam – and have done so already – about the pros and cons of Cheika’s inclusions and exclusions, but I think we can all agree that this hypothetical team looks pretty decent.
With these players, many of whom look to be available for selection next season, combined with a lot of great talent currently getting around in the NRC, the depth of Australian rugby looks strong.
In the meantime, I am sure Cheika’s Wallabies will do us proud in England. No doubt both England and Fiji will improve after that scratchy first game but I am feeling confident that the Wallabies’ first XV will beat both of them in the pool matches.
The theoretical ‘thirds’ would also have given it a red hot go if they had been given the chance.
Depth has, for a long time, been pointed to as one of the main problems with Wallabies rugby. However, this side shows the degree of talent that the Australia has – and has left on Australian shores.
Unlucky omissions
Inman, English, Hodgson, Neville, Dennis, Timani, Naiyalarovo, Wykes, Cotterell, Smiler, Morahan, Haylett-Petty, Harrris
J_D_J
Guest
I knew I would forget a few players...eg. Frisby and as you say, George Smith...
Big Steve
Guest
Thats a pretty strong back row. The only bad selection there is mogg. English or morahan would have been better oconner could go ti 15 to make room.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
Good team, would give any side a run for their money. Except the AB's and Japan of course...
niwdEyaJ
Roar Guru
A lot of these players have far more talent and form than the 31 wallabies chosen by Cheika...you also forgot George Smith...
DJM
Guest
Agree , not a bad team . Would be good to see a team of this standard join Pacific Nations Comp ?? -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Scot Free
Guest
Not a bad team!