The Wallabies are toying with backline options for next weekend’s first Test against England but injury is restricting Karmichael Hunt’s output.
A leading candidate for the vacant inside centre role, Hunt hasn’t played or trained fully for nearly a full month, having picked up a groin strain during Queensland’s Super Rugby loss to the Crusaders on May 6.
He is yet to join the main training group at the Wallabies’ Caloundra camp, still on restricted duties with several others including Tatafu Polota-Nau and Rob Horne.
Team officials maintain he will be fit to train fully next week in the lead-up to the series-opening clash at Suncorp Stadium on June 11, but it is a concern for the code-hopper with nine players to be trimmed from coach Michael Cheika’s initial 39-man squad.
Cheika is understood to be giving Hunt every chance to prove his fitness ahead of what would be his Test debut.
Assistant coach Stephen Larkham said the sessions on Thursday and Friday would be critical in settling who stays on with the team when operations move to Brisbane next week, and who heads home.
“They’ve all trained really well, had great Super Rugby campaigns which is why they’re here, but they’ve really trained to the level we require,” Larkham said.
“But the next two days are going to be the most important days.
“We started the week with a lot of skill development and it’s going to be really difficult today with the (inclement) weather, but we’re going to continue that just to test these guys and see exactly if they’re ready for this level.
“We’ve got a number of options and we have been trialling those. But the next two days will give us a good indication.”
Another inside centre option, Christian Lealiifano is yet to arrive at Camp Wallaby, with the Brumbies skipper still in Canberra with his wife, who is overdue to give birth to their first child.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
Really KPMG. The legendary talent of Hunt calls for an invocation of Christian Cullen. They are world's apart. As a Broncos and QLD fan I have plenty of time for Hunt. But we can't escalate him beyond reason. He is a capable player in transition late in his career. He should eventually win a gold jersey but I doubt his capacity for greatness.
Markus
Guest
All it really takes is the perceived potential to be better than other options. Humans are not rational creatures, and preconceived bias counts for a lot when it comes to selections. Hunt has not been better than any other inside centre options (unsurprising given he has not actually played there). And at fullback I would say the only Aus player he has definitively outperformed is Toua at the Brumbies.
Jibba Jabba
Guest
Wow, enough said.
Paul
Guest
"Is that all it takes to be a wallaby?" What it takes, is to be better than the other options.
Jibba Jabba
Guest
Exactly, who nose what he is capable of.... has done nothing of note since coming to rugby and am beginning to think over rated. The only think of note I have heard about him was his coke episode... Has he been a standout in any game, has he scored millions of tries, has he broken any points scoring records, what exactly has he done to earn his spot. All i can see to date is he is a reasonably efficient player - but that's it.Is that all it takes ot be a wallaby? Can someone please enlighten me.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Markus the question is: Hunt has the talent of a legend, something like Christian Cullen, but this was last seen 6 or 7 years ago in league. Who knows what he is or isn't capable of now?
Markus
Guest
How much ability does Hunt actually have to play at 12? It seems he has about as much experience playing at 12 that Lealiifano does playing at fullback.
Browny
Roar Rookie
I gather he's not in contention because of the injury. Even if has recovered for the last test I doubt they'd through him straight back in after such a significant layoff. So if KHunt, Horne and Taf aren't right for Suncorp, how does that effect us? Hanson as reserve hooker is an obvious one and in hindsight doesn't really deserve mentioning. Leali'ifano being in the mix stands out too, particularly with Harris' injury, even if his selection was unlikely (although his ability to cover 10, 12 and 15 in the same way Hunt can may have proved handy). The centre pairing will probably define the makeup of the other selections. Is CL on the bench as cover for Foley? Folau will be there somewhere, and it's hard to see TK not getting a starting spot, be it 13 or even 14. The injury woes are making Kerevi's call up more and more likely, which I'm very excited about. I think DHP would have to pretty pretty confident about getting a spot on the wing, possibly 15 depending on where Folau plays. So if it's a 6-2 split as many are predicting, and on the assumption that Horne and Hunt aren't right, does that leave us with this? (or another permutation of this): 11. ??? 12. Kerevi 13. Kuridrani 14. DHP 15. Folau ... 23. CLL After that we've got Naiyaravoro, Nabuli and recent inclusions Hodge and Godwin if my memory of the squad is correct. Who takes the 11? (of course this probably all goes out the window this time next week when Horne and KHunt are declared fit and named...)
Loup
Guest
Seems that that is getting really close given this updated information. I have a feeling Cheika will pick 13.Folau 14. Kuridrani 15. DHP. Bench will probably be 6/2 split so Frisby and Lealiifano will probably be on the bench, and Hunt will have to wait for the 2nd test. Anyone know how Tomane is travelling? His injury had a minimum recovery time of 6 weeks.
Paul
Guest
Hard to imagine Hunt and Kerevi getting a start at the same time as debutants especially if the former is not training. I expect it is looking more and more likely 10. Foley 11. Horne 12. Kerevi 13. Kuridrani 14. DHP 15 Folau Hunt possibly debut off bench
Ken Cathpole's Other Leg
Guest
Chek Selec sits in wait, prior to the launch of the latest surprise.
CUW
Guest
fit or not he will be in the 30 me thinks. if there is a new direction to the backs , then Hunt is a vital cog in that wheel. his ability to play at 12 and 15 ( plus 10 in desperation) adds value.