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Second stringers Sean McMahon and Kurtley Beale were outstanding in the 65-3 World Cup hammering of Uruguay at Villa Park in Birmingham last night.
McMahon pipped Beale for the man of the match award as both made strong claims to be included in the top Wallabies side to meet England at Twickenham next weekend – McMahon on the bench, Beale on the wing for Rob Horne.
While McMahon and Beale held court, Quade Cooper effectively played himself out of the World Cup campaign by copping a yellow card for another head high tackle, landing just five from 11 conversion attempts, but also enjoying moments of sheer brilliance.
In short, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika can’t afford to select a mixed bag Cooper who can win or lose a vital game in the flick of a switch.
But Cheika’s biggest worry is the continued lack of Wallabies discipline.
French referee Pascal Gauzere pinged the Wallabies 12 times. Against England or Wales that could translate into 36 points from champion goal-kickers Owen Farrell (England), and Wales’ Dan Biggar.
The other worry is the 11 tries should have been 17, as the Wallabies blew six through impatience and poor passing.
The Wallabies won’t be able to afford those luxuries from here on in.
Overall, the Wallabies’ scrum was passable, the lineouts not much better, the attack deserved far better results, while the defence was excellent.
Five times Uruguay had the Wallabies pinned on their own line for long periods, but the men in gold never flinched, and Uruguay never scored a try.
So the Wallabies’ campaign is now in overdrive with frontline selections only altered by injury.
Cheika will be anxious for news on giant lock Will Skelton’s dislocated left shoulder. He left Villa Park early with his arm in a jersey sling.
Cheika will also be sweating on James Slipper recovering from severe concussion sustained in the Fiji game, just minutes after coming off the bench.
Former Wallabies skipper James Horwill is playing for Harlequins at the moment, and is on standby if Skelton is ruled out of the tournament.
But as it sits, the Wallaby squad to meet England at Twickenham next Saturday night looms as:
1. Scott Sio
2. Stephen Moore (c)
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Kane Douglas
5. Rob Simmons
6. Scott Fardy
7. Michael Hooper
8. David Pocock
9. Will Genia
10. Bernard Foley
11. Kurtley Beale/Rob Horne
12. Matt Giteau
13. Tevita Kuridrani
14. Adam Ashley-Cooper
15. Israel Folau
16. Tatafu Polota-Nau
17. James Slipper/Toby Smith
18. Greg Holmes
19. Will Skelton/James Horwill
20. Dean Mumm/Sean McMahon
21. Nick Phipps
22. Matt Toomua
23. Rob Horne/Kurtley Beale
Referee – Romain Poite (France).