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With England winning their first Grand Slam since 2003, I must admit I am now a little nervous about the June Test series.
I’d like to suggest we keep an eye to Wallaby selection to play the old foe because they cannot be taken lightly.
Taking into consideration both the status quo and current individual form, I’ve come up with a side that rewards past experience as well youth, with an eye to the future.
1. Scott Sio
It would be easy to assume he is a lock-in for the No.1 jersey, because Sio seems to have it all, but Toby Smith’s form is right up there and could push him for a start. We will also have to wait and see how James Slipper goes when he returns from injury.
2. Stephen Moore
For the first time in a long time, Moore is back to his world-leading best. At the moment there is not a No.2 on the planet as fit and in as good form (in saying that, it helps that Dane Coles is only easing his way back from injury).
In a back-handed compliment to Moore, he needed a great off-season because he finished 2015 in average form for his standards.
3. Greg Holmes
If Sekope Kepu makes himself available, there might be a case for Holmes to start on the reserves bench, but then again it might be that Holmes is the better option to start.
It is scary to think that our next best tight-heads are probably Ben Alexander or Laurie Weeks.
4. Rory Arnold
A contentious selection, but Arnold is showing strength around the park. I wonder what it’s like to be among just a handful of players in the world an inch or two under the 7-foot mark? With Will Skelton showing a lack of influence in the first few rounds, Arnold may get the jump on him (no pun intended) – Skelton’s best role is one off the bench in any case.
Another good option would be to select Sam Carter and play two lineout specialists, but Arnold’s physical presence is what we need. That is at least until Kane Douglas is back from injury.
5. Adam Coleman
Rob Simmons has been a regular Wallaby for some time, but has not yet played a game where I thought to myself, “Wow, he is world class”. It is time for a change, and Adam Coleman looks the goods. Sam Carter would also be a wiser choice over Simmons. Dean Mumm and even Scott Fardy are other options but it is time to build toward 2019.
6. Sean McMahon
There has not been a better player in Australian rugby in the first month of Super Rugby than McMahon. I see him getting a man of the match award against England in June, and being one of the best players in the world by 2019.
As for the incumbent, Scott Fardy, I am looking for more from my blindside flanker than the strange Australian obsession of playing a third lock at No.6. No other Test nation seems obsessed with this. A No.6 needs to be a bone-cruncher, and if you don’t have one of those he needs to be another openside.
Fardy is not quite either and at his age it’s time to think in terms of 2019.
7. David Pocock
He was the best player at the Rugby World Cup, and although his early 2016 form is less dominant, it has still been pretty good. The other reason for selecting him is that you would have to have rocks in your head to not pick David Pocock.
With McMahon in world-class form, poor Michael Hooper – who has once again been one of the Waratahs’ best, if not their best – is the one to miss out. Perhaps this comes down to the fact that both Pocock and McMahon are bigger? Regardless of whoever is selected, we will have two world-class flankers and spare change.
8. Jed Holloway
Will Ben McCalman rediscover his best form before June or will Jed Holloway’s six-foot, five-inch, 116-kilogram frame – that can run around Ben Smith – be too alluring to ignore?
I am excited by the emergence of an 8 who has power, size, a bit of pace, soft hands, an off-load, and can make breaks either through strong running or great support lines.
I like the idea of Holloway because he would allow us to play a prototypical No.8 alongside two genuine flankers without losing anything at lineout time. In fact, with England’s likely backrow of Billy Vunipola, Chris Robshaw and James Haskell (none of which are noted line-out merchants) Holloway’s all-round game could be a potential ace up our sleeve.
9. Will Genia
If available he is still our best option, because of the hope that he could finally bring out the 2011-12 version of himself for a cameo. Nick Phipps would still do a good job if needed.
10. Bernard Foley
If anyone doubted Foley, they would have eaten humble pie after the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Granted, his bran-snap chip-kick against Scotland was a low-light, but he completely redeemed himself with his calmness to slot that penalty with no time to play. Overall he played some outstanding rugby at the World Cup, cementing himself as the best 10 in the land.
Christian Lealiifano is the most likely alternative if Foley does not come back into form.
11. Rob Horne
Drew Mitchell will not be called upon again due to the fact that we need to build for 2019. One might expect Joe Tomane to play on the left wing in that case, but Horne offers so much more. My selection at 12 goes hand-in-hand with Horne’s selection, and he will defend in the all-important mid-field.
12. Kurtley Beale
He has been superb so far in 2016 with ball in hand. So good in fact that he will get the nod over Matt Giteau and Matt Toomua, who just don’t have his spark in attack. As for his defensive weaknesses: see Horne.
13. Tevita Kuridrani
He looks as fit and as strong as ever, and should continue to be selected at 13. That is until Samu Kerevi starts to put pressure on this selection, which seems inevitable.
I predict a ding-dong battle for the No.13 jersey in 2016.
14. Henry Speight
He scored a nice try on the weekend and I’d like to think Speight can reproduce his form of about two years ago. Despite that thinking, and even with Adam Ashley-Cooper indicating his Wallaby days are over, Speight will only be the care-taker 14.
Watch out for the Rebels’ Fijian flyer Sefanaia Naivalu’s eligibility later this year. If not he, perhaps Taqele Naiyaravoro?
15. Israel Folau
End of discussion.
This team would not only match England physically but also play a brand of quick rugby to expose them.
I’d enjoy any constructive suggestions from Roarers on whom they might select.
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.